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Biomedical subjects

B F Chen

Publications and source records attributed to B F Chen.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Mesenchymal hamartoma of the liver: a case report.

Mesenchymal hamartoma of the liver (MHL) is a rare lesion occurring mainly in infants and children. It is often misdiagnosed clinically as a malignant tumor because of its rapid increase in size within a short period of time, or as a hepatic cyst or abscess because of its cystic appearance. Although a benign lesion, MHL may cause heart failure, due to arteriovenous shunts, or death if untreated, as a result of respiratory complications. A typical case of MHL was recently encountered in a 15-month-old boy. The patient presented with progressive abdominal distension; surgery revealed a large mass arising from the right lobe of the liver. The mass was predominantly solid, but collections of fluid were also present. Loose mesenchymal tissue and branched, tortuous bile ducts were the key diagnostic features. When predominantly cystic, MHL may mimic a lymphangioma both grossly and microscopically. Prudent examination of the cystic structures can establish a correct diagnosis.

Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMed1998

Well-differentiated papillary villoglandular adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix: a case report.

In contrast to other types of cervical adenocarcinoma, well-differentiated papillary villoglandular adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix is unique for its tendency to develop in young women and its excellent prognosis. Until now, no tumor recurrence has been reported in the English literature following surgical treatment that varies from conization to radical hysterectomy. We report a case of 47-year-old female who presented with postcoital bleeding and was treated by radical hysterectomy for FIGO (International Federation of Gynecologists and Obstetricians) Stage Ib cervical carcinoma, in which the preoperative cervical biopsy diagnosis was adenocarcinoma. The patient was well at follow-up nine months after surgery. A literature review including treatment implications is presented.

Biopsy↗
PubMed1998

Metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma presenting as hemocholecyst with perforation: a case report.

In case of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the gallbladder is less frequently involved and metastasis to the gallbladder, together with its significant clinical manifestations, is rarely discussed in the literature in detail. HCC with metastasis to the gallbladder, initially presenting as gallbladder intraluminal hemorrhage and perforation, has not been previously reported. We present a case of HCC disclosed by emergency cholecystectomy for hemocholecyst with perforation. Evaluation of the possible metastatic mechanisms is also discussed.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Prenatal diagnosis of cephalothoracopagus janiceps monosymmetros.

We report a case of cephalothoracopagus janiceps monosymmetros that was diagnosed prenatally by ultrasound at 23 weeks' gestation. Obstetric ultrasound demonstrated conjoined female twins with a single fused cranial vault irregular in contour, duplicated cerebra, one face, two eyeballs, a fused thorax, two hearts, two thoracic spines, eight limbs, and polyhydramnios. The pregnancy was terminated and all the features described prenatally were observed at necropsy. The asymmetrical fused faces consisted of a ventral humanoid face with micrognathia, microphthalmia, low-set ears, a normal nose, and an opposite reduced face with partial facial features of a central narrowed fissure and paired synotic ears. The conjoined twins had fused umbilical cords, omphalocoele, and a single oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum, but duplicated pancreases, spleens, and central nervous, cardiopulmonary, hepatic, and genito-urinary systems. The common gastrointestinal tract bifurcated at the level of the jejunum. Our case documents a very uncommon variety of asymmetrical cephalothoracopagus janiceps with duplicated central nervous systems.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Clinical and perinatal sonographic features of congenital adrenal cystic neuroblastoma: a case report with review of the literature.

Cystic formation in association with adrenal neuroblastoma may be related to hemorrhage and necrosis of the tumor. We present an unusual case of congenital cystic fetal neuroblastoma of the right adrenal gland detected at 37 weeks' gestation which evolved into a complex echogenic mass 6 weeks after birth. Surgical exploration revealed a 3.5 x 3 x 3 cm right complex adrenal tumor which was resected. The infant did well 10 weeks after tumor resection. Typically adrenal hemorrhage may appear sonographically to be entirely echogenic, of mixed echogenicity, or anechoic when first imaged. Gradually, the texture of the hematoma will evolve and become more cystic and echolucent on follow-up ultrasound examinations. In contrast, our case of congenital adrenal cystic neuroblastoma became more complex after resolution of the hemorrhagic cyst. This case suggests that adrenal hemorrhagic and adrenal cystic neuroblastoma with a hemorrhagic cyst have different sonographic appearances. We suggest that additional imaging and surgical intervention should be considered whenever a cystic suprarenal mass becomes more complex after resolution and demonstrates no significant decrease in size in postnatal examinations.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗
PubMed1997

Prenatal diagnosis of de novo proximal interstitial deletion of 14q associated with cebocephaly.

We report on the prenatal diagnosis of a case of cebocephaly, alobar holoprosencephaly, and microcephaly associated with a de novo proximal interstitial deletion of the long arm of chromosome 14: del(14)(q13q21.1) or (q13q21.2). This is the third case of holoprosencephaly in association with a deletion in this region. The present report concerns the association between prenatal craniofacial development, a holoprosencephaly locus, and the chromosomal segment 14q13.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed1997

Progressive fetal axillary cystic lymphangioma with coexistent naevus flammeus.

We report the rare occurrence of a progressive fetal axillary cystic lymphangioma coexistent with an overlying naevus flammeus. The fetus at 22 weeks' gestation was found to have a 37 x 35 mm left axillary multiloculated mass without colour-flow imaging. Amniocentesis showed a normal 46,XX karyotype. Multiple fine-needle aspirations of the mass in the second and third trimesters obtained blood-stained chocolate-coloured fluid containing numerous erythrocytes and lymphocytes but proved ineffective in lessening the progressive growth of the mass. The mother underwent caesarean delivery and a healthy neonate was born with a 141 x 81 mm left axillary cystic lymphangioma and a 50 x 35 mm coexistent naevus flammeus. The neonate was well after simple excision of the lesions. Although cystic lymphangiomas arising in the axilla enlarge progressively during fetal life, our case suggests a good prognosis and except for genetic evaluation, no prenatal intervention is required.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Retroperitoneal fibrosis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

We describe a 13-year-old girl with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis who developed obstructive uropathy and renal failure. Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) was confirmed by surgery. Although the renal failure and hydronephrosis resolved after surgery, the symptoms of vascular occlusion persisted. We consider that early diagnosis and treatment are essential. In cases of autoimmune disease, RPF should be considered when there is acquired obstructive uropathy accompanied by vascular occlusion syndrome.

Acute Kidney Injury↗
PubMed1996

Giant cell fibroblastoma: a case report.

A one-year-old girl with a giant cell fibroblastoma (GCF) of the skin in the left arm is described. The tumor presented as a small, asymptomatic, subcutaneous mass that enlarged relatively slowly. GCF is a rare mesenchymal tumor occurring predominantly in young children. Its unique histopathological feature can lead to a misdiagnosis as sarcoma very easily. We review briefly the clinical and pathological information of 68 documented cases in the literature and discuss the pathogenesis of this peculiar neoplasm.

Dermatofibrosarcoma↗
PubMed1996

Correlation of toxic signs, ultrasonographic findings and pathological changes in cholecystitis.

BACKGROUND: Cholecystitis is a frequently encountered clinical problem. What parameters are reliable in helping predict its severity? METHODS: One hundred and forty-nine cholecystectomized cases of cholecystitis were analysed of which 99 (95 calculous) cases were pathologically diagnosed as chronic cholecystitis and 50 acute (43 calculous) cholecystitis. Medical records were reviewed to determine the frequency of toxic signs. Sonographic findings (performed within three days prior to operation), and final pathological changes with respect to the thickness and echotexture of the gallbladder wall were compared. RESULTS: Of 99 chronic cholecystitis patients, 13 cases showed toxic signs. Sonography detected an abnormal wall in 64, but made a correct diagnosis in only 34 cases. A great discrepancy was found in wall thickness as measured by sonography and pathology. A discrepancy > or = 2mm was noted in 19 cases. Of 50 patients with acute cholecystitis (20 cases had complications, defined as severe acute cholecystitis), 31 cases (14 of the 20 severe acute cases) showed toxic signs. Sonographic findings demonstrated an abnormal wall in 46 cases (19 of the severe acute cases) and an accurate diagnosis in 28 cases (13 of the severe acute cases). A difference in the measurement of gallbladder wall thickness > or = 2mm was noted in 26 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical toxic signs and sonographic findings could not offer sufficient information to quickly identify lifethreatening gallbladder diseases.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1995

Improved gene expression by a modified bicistronic retroviral vector.

We have previously described the construction of a bicistronic retroviral vector using the picornavirus internal ribosome entry site (IRES), which allows two genes expression simultaneously from a single transcript. This vector transcribes RNA efficiently; however, in some cases the levels of protein production are low. In this report, we further modified the bicistronic vector by abolishing the functional viral gag initiation codon that is retained in the vector at 5' to the first initiation codon of transduced gene. Five different genes, human interleukin 2 (hIL-2), human interleukin 4 (hIL-4), human granulocyte macrophage stimulating factor (hGM-CSF), herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-tk) gene, and hepatitis C virus (HCV) core gene (C190), were tested on this modified vector for gene transfer and expression. Our results demonstrated that the new bicistronic vector greatly increased the protein levels when compared with the original one. As the RNA levels and splicing patterns from these two vectors remained similar, the improvement was most likely resulted from the increased translational efficiency.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Malignant hemangioendothelioma presenting as omental masses in a child.

Malignant hemangioendothelioma is an uncommon lesion of the omentum in children. Multiple foci of malignant hemangioendothelioma is even more rare in the omentum. In the present case, a computed tomography scan of the abdomen showed multiple enhanced nodular lesions. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this tumor occurring in a child.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Long-term expression of the biologically active growth hormone in genetically modified fibroblasts after implantation into a hypophysectomized rat.

We employed the hypophysectomized rats as an animal model to explore the feasibility of using genetically engineered fibroblast cells for growth hormone gene therapy. An internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-directed bicistronic retroviral vector, PSN, which contained a porcine growth hormone (pGH) cDNA at the first cistron and a Neo(r) gene at the second cistron was used to infect primary rat embryo fibroblast (REF) cells. The infected cells (5 x 10(6) cells/rat) were injected directly into the peritoneum of syngeneic hypophysectomized rats. We demonstrate that the implanted PSN-infected REF cells could secrete biologically active pGH in vivo, leading to significant growth of the tibia at day 15 and day 57 post-implantation. We also treated the PSN-infected REF cells with collagen to form a tissue-like structure. The skin-like discs were grafted underneath the skin on the back of rats and cells were retrieved at different times. Using two criteria, semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction on the pGH RNA extracted from the explants and G418 resistance conferred from the explanted cells, we demonstrate that pGH was expressed in the implanted fibroblasts up to 70 days. Despite the fact that the total pGH RNA level was reduced in the explants of long-time post-implantation, which was probably due to the reduction of transduced cells retained in the explants, the specific efficiencies of pGH RNA expression from these explants were maintained as high as the primary PSN-infected REF prior implantation. These results suggest that fibroblast cells are capable of expressing the foreign genes persistently in vivo.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed1995

Neonatal-onset chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction syndrome.

Between January 1985 and January 1990, six cases of neonatal-onset chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction syndrome (CIPS) were identified. Failure to gain weight in six cases, abdominal distention in five, and vomiting in five were the most common presenting symptoms. The contrast studies of the gastrointestinal tract demonstrated delayed transit time in 6/6, jejunal or ileal dilatation in 1/6, megaduodenum in 1/6, dilatation of the colon with barium retention in 4/6, and microcolon in 1/6. Urinary tract involvement was noted in three patients. Laparotomy, performed in three patients, revealed no mechanical obstruction. Except for hypoganglionosis in Patient 4, no recognizable neuropathy or myopathy was noted histopathologically. Four patients expired within 2 months after discharge. We conclude that CIPS with neonatal onset should be suspected when infants have urinary retention and abdominal distention or constipation beginning at birth or soon after. The prognosis of CIPS presenting in the newborn period appears worse than that presenting in childhood or adulthood.

Abdomen↗
PubMed1995

Atypical skeletal tuberculosis mimicking tumor metastases: report of a case.

Skeletal tuberculosis (TB) generally involves the spine and large joints. Involvement of most other bones has been reported, but tuberculosis of the pubic symphysis is relatively unusual. This paper reports an unusual case of multiple bone lesions in the right symphysis, left sacroiliac joint and left elbow. The radiologic appearance simulated widespread metastatic disease or chondrosarcoma, but the diagnosis of tuberculosis was proven by biopsy and culture. Eight months after starting antituberculous treatment, the patient experienced an improvement in pain and limping gait, and felt well. Radiography of the pelvis also showed improvement. It is proposed that antituberculous therapy in such cases should be maintained for at least 1 year.

Bone Neoplasms↗
PubMed1995

Hepatic actinomycosis: a case report.

A 64-year-old man with hepatic actinomycosis presented with several months of weight loss and poor appetite. However, no fever was noted before admission. Findings on abdominal sonography and computed tomography scan were suggestive of hepatocellular carcinoma. A sono-guided percutaneous liver biopsy specimen demonstrated only chronic fibrosing inflammation. Therefore, laparotomy was performed and the diagnosis of hepatic actinomycosis was established after surgical resection. The patient was then successfully treated. The fact that hepatic actinomycosis may be very similar to hepatocellular carcinoma should be highly suspected. The hospital course of this patient concerning this condition and a brief review of the literature are presented to illustrate the diagnostic difficulties which may be encountered in such cases.

Actinomycosis↗
PubMed1995

Calcifying aponeurotic fibroma: a report of three cases.

Calcifying (juvenile) aponeurotic fibroma (CAF) is a rare disease entity characterized by a tendency to develop in the palms and soles of children and young adults. It has definite histologic features of an ill-circumscribed fibroblastic proliferation, with foci of calcification and chondroid differentiation, as well as a recurring or locally aggressive growth pattern. The commonly accepted mode of treatment is wide excision of the tumor; extensive surgery is usually not necessary even for recurrences. Three cases are reported, all of when were female with the age ranging from 8 to 27 years. All lesions were in the hand or foot, and one of them was recurrent. Immunohistochemical study was performed and the literature reviewed.

Adolescent↗