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Biomedical subjects

E T Fernandes

Publications and source records attributed to E T Fernandes.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Ratio of cathepsin B to stefin A identifies heterogeneity within Gleason histologic scores for human prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cathepsin B (CB), a lysosomal cysteine protease, is involved in degradation of extracellular matrix proteins and progression of tumor cells from one biological compartment to another in many solid organ cancers, including prostate cancer. Our objective was to identify patterns of distribution of CB and its endogenous cellular inhibitor stefin A in cryostat sections of frozen BPH and prostate cancer tissue samples and to define these patterns in relation to Gleason histologic scores, clinical stages, and serum total PSA levels. METHODS: We localized CB and stefin A in the same sections using polyclonal and monoclonal antibody immunoglobulin G (IgGs) against CB and stefin A using immunofluorescence and confocal microscopic techniques. Only cryostat sections of frozen prostates were used in localizations of CB and stefin A. RESULTS: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) showed similar localization patterns for CB and stefin A and a ratio of 1 was indicated by CB = stefin A. Confocal studies indicated that most CB and stefin A sites in BPH glandular cells overlapped as shown by the yellow fluorescence of their co-localization. We found considerable variability in individual localization of CB and stefin A within and between Gleason histologic scores for prostate cancers. This variability was also found in Gleason score 6 tumors that are otherwise considered similar histologically and morphologically. Negative control sections did not show localization of CB by FITC, stefin A by Cy3 or yellow fluorescence for co-localization. Our analysis of the ratio of CB to stefin A showed three patterns, namely CB = stefin A, CB > stefin A, and CB < stefin A, within each Gleason score evaluated by us. Confocal microscopy showed more sites of yellow fluorescence when the ratio was CB = stefin A than those found in CB > stefin A or CB < stefin A. Statistical analyses showed prostate cancer cases with ratios of CB > stefin A (P < 0.05) and CB < stefin A (P < 0.05) significantly different from normal prostate and BPH which had ratios of CB = stefin A. Regression analysis did not show any specific relationship between the ratio of CB to stefin A and Gleason scores, clinical stages, and serum total prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels in prostate cancers. Analysis of our data indicates that the homeostatic balance between the enzyme and inhibitor was altered even in Gleason histologic score 6 tumors that are usually considered histologically similar by glandular differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: We have shown that prostate cancer is a heterogeneous tumor within each Gleason histological score regardless of the progression indicated by lower to higher Gleason score tumors. The ratio of CB > stefin A would indicate a preponderance of enzyme that would favor degradation of extracellular matrix proteins and progression of tumor cells in biological compartments. These tumors are expected to be aggressive prostate cancers. In contrast, prostate tumors showing ratios of CB < stefin A and CB = stefin A are expected to be less aggressive prostate cancers. This is the first report to define heterogeneity within any Gleason score for prostate cancers by the ratios of CB to stefin A.

Aged↗

Biopsy Gleason score: how does it correlate with the final pathological diagnosis in prostate cancer?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of the Gleason score of needle biopsies of the prostate in predicting the final pathological staging of patients with carcinoma of the prostate treated by radical prostatectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The records of 466 patients with carcinoma of the prostate treated by radical prostatectomy were reviewed, comparing the Gleason scores of the core-needle biopsies with the Gleason score and final pathological staging of the surgical specimens. RESULTS: The biopsy grade was the same as that of the prostatectomy specimen in 54% of the patients. The most common discordance was the upgrading of well-differentiated tumours in 75% of the patients. When the biopsy grade was compared with the surgical pathological stage, 49% of low- and 82% of high-grade lesions in the biopsy had capsular penetration by tumour or locally advanced disease (Stage C and D1). CONCLUSION: Well-differentiated tumours on the biopsy core are not predictive of organ-confined disease, but a poorly differentiated lesion is a good indicator of extracapsular extension of the cancer.

Biopsy, Needle↗

Hematuria in a newborn infant caused by bladder hemangioma.

A newborn boy had gross hematuria caused by hemangiomas of the bladder. The sonographic examination and the voiding cystourethrogram showed an irregular and thick bladder wall with a lesion extending into the vesical lumen. Cystoscopic examination and biopsy of the lesions were diagnostic of hemangioma. Immediately after lesion fulguration, the hematuria disappeared, and 3 weeks later the follow-up ultrasound examination showed resolution of the lesion. At 1 year, the patient's urinalysis and ultrasound scan were normal. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of hematuria in a newborn caused by a bleeding hemangioma of the bladder.

Hemangioma↗

Cyclophosphamide associated bladder cancer--a highly aggressive disease: analysis of 12 cases.

PURPOSE: We gained knowledge of the etiology, treatment and prevention of cyclophosphamide associated urothelial cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 6 men and 6 women (mean age 55 years) with cyclophosphamide associated bladder cancer were reviewed. RESULTS: All tumors were grade 3 or 4 transitional cell carcinoma. Of the 5 patients initially treated with endoscopic resection alone only 1 is alive without disease. Of the 6 patients who underwent early cystectomy 4 were alive at 24 to 111 months. The remaining patient with extensive cancer underwent partial cystectomy for palliation and died 3 months later. CONCLUSIONS: Cyclophosphamide associated bladder tumor is an aggressive disease. However, long-term survival is possible when radical cystectomy is performed for bladder tumors with any sign of invasion and for recurrent high grade disease, even when noninvasive.

Adult↗

Lasers in urology.

Laser therapy has many applications in the treatment of urologic diseases. The advantages of laser treatment over conventional techniques are less bleeding and pain and a reduced need for anesthesia. The development of new fibers and right-angle delivery systems allows new applications for laser therapy. We review the current indications, advantages, and disadvantages of using lasers for the management of the various urogenital lesions.

Adult↗

Testicular microlithiasis. A case report.

A 63-year-old man presented with bilateral testicular microlithiasis and right-sided epididymitis, the latter of which responded to antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drugs. Microlithiasis has been associated with nondescent, infection, neoplasia, and other pathologic conditions of the testicles, but there is no evidence that it is a premalignant condition. It is likely to be seen more often with the increasing use of scrotal ultrasonography.

Abscess↗

Urethral prolapse in children.

We report our experience with 23 girls with urethral prolapse. Vaginal bleeding was the most common complaint, and predisposing factors (cough, trauma, and constipation) were found in 10 children. Although reported almost exclusively in black girls, 14 of the 23 patients were white. Three basic techniques were used for therapy: conservative management, ligation over a Foley catheter, and total excision of the prolapse. Ligation over a Foley catheter had a high incidence of complications (partial recurrence, infection, postoperative pain) and is no longer used. The best results were obtained by complete excision of the urethral prolapse. We propose that treatment should be based on the etiopathogenesis of the prolapse and the clinical condition of the child; patients with a single and acute episode of increased abdominal pressure, such as trauma, and those at high risk for general anesthesia are managed by conservative therapy. All others, and patients who fail medical treatment, undergo surgical excision.

Child, Preschool↗

Conservative management of splenic abscesses in children.

Splenic abscesses are rare in children. The recommended treatment for this entity has been a combination of total splenectomy and appropriate antibiotic therapy. We report on the successful conservative management of two children with splenic abscesses. The patients were a girl with a single splenic abscess and a boy with multiple splenic lesions. Both were managed by parenteral antibiotic therapy followed by oral chemotherapy. Regression of the lesions was documented by repeated abdominal ultrasonographic examinations. Considering the good outcome of these patients and the importance of splenic preservation in children, we propose that management of children with single or multiple splenic abscesses should begin by a course of vigorous antibiotic therapy, reserving more aggressive surgical procedures for those who do not respond to conservative treatment or have clinical deterioration.

Abscess↗

Neurenteric cyst: surgery and diagnostic imaging.

Neurenteric cysts are rare, with fewer than 30 cases noted in the literature. We report the case of a newborn infant with respiratory distress caused by a large neurenteric cyst that was identified by prenatal ultrasound. Treatment consisted of excision of the mass through a right posterolateral thoracotomy. The cyst adhered to the spine at the level of the first thoracic vertebra and communicated with the jejunum through a posterior diaphragmatic defect. Postoperative studies with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) disclosed an anterior meningocele and tethering of the spinal column. This is the second reported case of a neurenteric cyst demonstrated by prenatal ultrasound. The presence of an intrathoracic cyst associated with spinal abnormalities is characteristic of this anomaly. With imaging techniques such as MRI and CT, we may detect residual intraspinal disease associated with neurenteric cysts.

Female↗

The effect of tube gastrostomy on gastroesophageal reflux in patients with esophageal atresia.

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) occurs frequently in infants with esophageal atresia (EA). The definitive management is primary repair and often includes tube gastrostomy. The recent finding of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure changes with tube gastrostomy suggests that GER might be related to gastrostomy rather than EA per se. To evaluate this thesis, two populations of patients from different children's hospitals were reviewed: EA with and without routine gastrostomy. The two populations were similar with respect to number of infants, associated anomalies, distribution in the Waterston classification, morbidity, and mortality. One hundred sixteen patients were studied. Of the 66 survivors who underwent gastrostomy and repair of EA, 30 were found to have GER (45.5%) and 12 required fundoplication (18.2%). Of 31 surviving patients who underwent repair of EA without gastrostomy, 11 had GER (35.5%) and four required fundoplication (12.9%). These data suggest that tube gastrostomy does not significantly contribute to the GER associated with EA.

Esophageal Atresia↗

Preduodenal portal vein: surgery and radiographic appearance.

Preduodenal portal vein is rare, with 63 cases reported in the literature. In general, this anomaly occurs in children with associated small bowel obstruction. We report a newborn infant who presented with duodenal stenosis, mongolism, and preduodenal portal vein. Treatment consisted of a duodenoduodenal anastomosis without mobilizing the portal vein. The correlation between imaging techniques and the operative findings is discussed. Because identification of preduodenal portal vein at surgery is important, preoperative sonography may be useful in selected cases to define the position of the vein.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Late urologic complication of an abdominal gunshot wound.

An unusual late complication of an abdominal gunshot wound is presented. It consisted of an acute hydronephrosis of the left kidney by a BB-type bullet that migrated into the ureter of a 11-year-old boy 1 month after he was injured in the left flank, causing its complete obstruction. A percutaneous nephrostomy was performed and, with the help of a basket-type catheter, the bullet was removed. To our knowledge this is the first case reported of this rare complication treated by this technique.

Abdominal Injuries↗

Persistent müllerian duct syndrome.

Persistent müllerian syndrome is rare. A case of phenotypically normal male with persistent müllerian structures that consisted of a bicornuate uterus, fallopian tubes, and upper third of the vagina is reported. These unusual structures were found in association with bilateral cryptorchidism and a right inguinal hernia, and were diagnosed while repairing the hernia in the neonatal period. The uterus and fallopian tubes were removed via laparotomy when the child was eighteen months old; at the same time a bilateral orchiopexy was performed. To avoid damage to the vas deferens, which lay in closely to the müllerian structures and could not be separated from the vaginal wall, a small segment of the upper third of the vagina was retained. The testicles, although normal on pathologic examination, have shown poor response to hormonal stimulation with human chorionic gonadotropin. Long-term follow-up for these patients is necessary because they have an increased risk of testicular tumors developing.

Cryptorchidism↗

Single-stage feminization genitoplasty.

We present a modified technique for feminization genitoplasty, which combines the main features of the Hendren and Crawford pull-through operation and the Kogan reduction clitoroplasty. The unique features of the operation are the use of a flap of preputial skin to construct the vestibule and the anterior vaginal wall, and the universal use of the urogenital sinus to form the distal urethra, which avoids creation of female hypospadias. The new introitus is ample and, because there is no cut-back of the urogenital sinus, we avoid accidental incision of the urethral sphincter and the potential for urinary incontinence. There is no pull-through of the vagina because the introitus is created by mobilization of anterior and posterior skin flaps. The clitoris and the neourethra are exteriorized through the folded preputial skin, which simulates the normal female anatomy. The cosmetic and functional results in 9 children who have undergone this procedure have been excellent.

Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital↗

Mediastinal mass and radiolucent esophageal foreign body.

The diagnosis of radiolucent esophageal foreign bodies can be difficult, particularly in patients with predominant respiratory symptoms. The consequences of the impaction of a foreign body in the esophagus are serious, and esophageal stenosis, perforation, acquired tracheoesophageal fistulas are among the complications already reported. An unusual complication of a nondiagnosed radiolucent plastic coin that remained impacted for 11 months on the posterior esophageal wall of a 20-month-old child, who presented only with respiratory symptoms, is reported. The foreign body eroded through the esophageal wall, causing an intramural abscess that was initially interpreted as a mediastinal mass, and the patient was operated on with the diagnosis of a foregut duplication. Literature on this situation was reviewed, and the problems associated with the diagnosis and treatment of children with radiolucent esophageal foreign bodies are discussed.

Abscess↗