PubMed HealthSearch

Biomedical subjects

I Fujisawa

Publications and source records attributed to I Fujisawa.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Radiation therapy for juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma of the pituitary stalk. Case report.

A case of juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma of the pituitary stalk is reported. The patient presented with diabetes insipidus and growth retardation. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was useful in diagnosing the lesion. Although the tumor could not be completely removed by surgery, radiotherapy was effective and the residual tumor disappeared 6 months after irradiation. The patient's condition has remained stable and no recurrence has been observed by MR imaging in the 4 years since radiation therapy.

Astrocytoma

Magnetic resonance imaging of neurohypophyseal germinomas.

The authors reviewed magnetic resonance (MR) images in seven cases of germinoma in the hypothalamoneurohypophyseal axis (HNA). The intrasellar portions were clearly identified in six germinomas. Two small germinomas of these six were located only in the neurohypophysis. The major parts of the four large germinomas were located below the optic chiasm, and the large intrasellar portions were demonstrated. The remaining one small germinoma was localized from the pituitary stalk to the third ventricular floor. These findings strongly suggest that the primary site of germinomas in the HNA is the neurohypophysis. In the four large germinomas, the tumor shape was similar to that of pituitary adenoma. The authors believe that age (limited to first three decades), symptoms (diabetes insipidus), MR findings (absence of normal hyperintense signal of the posterior pituitary on T1-weighted (T1WI) images, and homogeneous hypointensity to the pons on T1WI images/isointensity on T2-weighted images are important in differential diagnosis.

Adolescent

Neurohypophyseal function of an ectopic posterior lobe in patients with growth hormone deficiency.

We studied the neurohypophyseal function of 20 patients with complete GH deficiency owing to pituitary stalk transection by means of the water deprivation and the hypertonic saline infusion test. In T1-weighted magnetic resonance images, high-signal intensity of the posterior lobe of the hypophysis was missing in all the patients. An ectopic posterior lobe was observed at the proximal stump of the transected stalk in 17 patients, whereas the 3 patients without ectopic posterior lobe had overt diabetes insipidus or intractable nocturnal enuresis. After water deprivation, 3 patients with large ectopic posterior lobes (length along the pituitary stalk axis exceeding 5 mm) showed urinary osmolality and plasma AVP levels as high as those of 13 patients with partial GH deficiency in whom magnetic resonance images revealed no abnormalities. On the other hand, 14 patients with small ectopic posterior lobes (length less than 5 mm) showed significantly lower urinary osmolality and plasma AVP levels than the patients with large ectopic posterior lobes (p less than 0.01 and p less than 0.01, respectively) and the patients with partial GH deficiency (p less than 0.01 and p less than 0.01, respectively). Urinary osmolality in the patients with small ectopic posterior lobes, however, was higher than that in 3 patients without ectopic posterior lobes (p less than 0.01). During the hypertonic saline infusion test, peak plasma AVP levels in the patients with small ectopic posterior lobes were significantly lower than those in the patients with partial GH deficiency (p less than 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent

Post-transcriptional allelic exclusion of two functionally rearranged T cell receptor alpha genes.

We cloned and sequenced T cell receptor (TCR) alpha and beta chain cDNA from a lambda gt10 library obtained from a murine I-Ak autoreactive helper T cell clone MS202. Two types of cDNA clones for the alpha chain and one for the beta chain were obtained. The two alpha chain transcripts used two different V alpha genes: V alpha 4, joined to J alpha 11.2; and V alpha 5, J alpha TA13. The four V alpha 4 cDNA clones obtained did not have a complete sequences, lacking the leader portion. The V alpha 4 genomic gene segment of MS202 was revealed to contain two exons corresponding to the V alpha 4.MD13 cDNA sequence, and the potential RNA splicing signals between the two exons were intact. Both of the alpha chain cDNA clones showed in-frame rearrangements. Immunoprecipitation of 125I-surface-labeled lysate of MS202 with anti-TCR antiserum and subsequent electrophonetic analyses indicated that only one of the alpha chain polypeptides was expressed on the cell surface. Thus, allelic exclusion of the alpha chain in MS202 is achieved by post-transcriptional regulation rather than rearrangements.

Alleles

Primary intrasellar microgerminoma detected by magnetic resonance imaging: case report.

A case of primary intrasellar germinoma in a 24-year-old woman is presented. Her initial symptoms were diabetes insipidus and headaches. The neurological examination found no abnormalities, but the endocrinological examination disclosed a deficiency in growth hormone secretion. Her skull x-ray revealed a normal sella turcica, and a computed tomographic scan revealed no abnormal mass in the pituitary fossa, but a slightly enlarged stalk. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a small tumor in the posterior lobe. Transsphenoidal exploration revealed a germinoma in the posterior pituitary lobe. Six cases of primary intrasellar germinoma, including our case, were reviewed. Our case is considered to be the smallest intrasellar germinoma yet reported.

Adult

Modulation of immune response against tumor cells by the in vivo administration of an autoreactive Th clone.

The immunization of C3H mice with irradiated syngeneic MM48 tumor cells induced specific tumor-neutralizing cells (TNC). The TNC activity was mediated by the L3T4+, Ly-2- T cell population, and the generation of TNC coincided with the appearance of delayed-type hypersensitivity response against MM48 antigen. The administration of an auto-I-Ak reactive T helper cell clone MS202 to normal C3H mice resulted in the facilitation of growth of MM48 tumor due to the induction of T suppressor (Ts) cells. Splenic T cells from animals given this T cell clone inhibited the TNC activity of immunized mice resulting in the escape of MM48 from the TNC effect. The surface phenotype of the Ts cells was L3T4+, Ly-2-. The Ts cells induced by the clone MS202 were totally antigen-nonspecific, and were able to suppress both the effector and inductive processes of TNC. The results suggest the presence of a physiological MHC-restricted T cell circuit that regulates immune responses against the growing tumors.

Animals

Ectopic posterior lobe of the pituitary gland and intractable nocturnal enuresis in a case with pituitary dwarfism.

An 11 5/12-year-old girl with pituitary dwarfism had intractable nocturnal enuresis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed pituitary stalk transection and the formation of an ectopic posterior lobe. The results of responses to dehydration, infusion of hyperosmolar NaCl solution, and 1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin showed that the nocturnal enuresis in the present case was due to a partial vasopressin deficiency. We suggest that the ectopic posterior lobe is one cause of nocturnal enuresis.

Child

Carcinoma of the cervix: staging with MR imaging.

Demonstration and staging of carcinoma of the cervix with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was evaluated prospectively in 67 patients with histologically proven lesions. Findings were correlated with surgical/pathologic results obtained within 2 weeks. MR imaging had an accuracy of 95% in demonstrating invasive disease (stage IB or higher). It was capable of depicting the location and extent of tumor invasion of cervical stroma and helped detect tumor beneath relatively normal epithelium or within the endocervical canal that had not been detected by means of colposcopic biopsy. The overall accuracy of MR imaging in staging carcinoma of the cervix was 76%, and in demonstrating parametrial status, the overall accuracy was 89%. In 39 patients with proven invasive disease, the accuracy in demonstrating parametrial status was 82%. In 13 of these 39 patients the low-signal-intensity stromal ring of the cervix on MR images was completely preserved and there were no false-positive results. MR imaging is a highly promising method for directly demonstrating and staging carcinoma of the cervix and seems to be capable of providing answers to crucial questions regarding mode of therapy.

Adult

Enlarged uterus: differentiation between adenomyosis and leiomyoma with MR imaging.

The potential of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in differentiation of adenomyosis from leiomyoma was evaluated in 93 patients who had a palpable enlarged uterus that was suspect for leiomyoma or adenomyosis. In all cases, MR images were correlated with surgical/pathologic findings. Pathologic findings showed that 71 enlarged uteri were due to leiomyoma, including one leiomyosarcoma, and 16 were due to adenomyosis. The other six patients were shown to have an enlarged uterus attributable to simultaneous involvement of both lesions. On T2-weighted images, adenomyosis appeared as an ill-defined, relatively homogeneous low-signal-intensity area embedded with sparse high-intensity spots. In contrast, leiomyomas were well-circumscribed masses with a spectrum of signal intensity. The cause of uterine enlargement was correctly diagnosed with MR images in 92 of the 93 cases. It is concluded that MR imaging is highly accurate in helping to distinguish between adenomyosis and leiomyoma in cases of enlarged uterus.

Adult

Gamna-Gandy bodies of the spleen: evaluation with MR imaging.

The authors retrospectively evaluated magnetic resonance (MR) images obtained in 64 patients with portal hypertension. Multiple low-intensity nodules were noted within the spleen in eight patients. In all eight cases, these nodules were most apparent on images obtained with the GRASS (gradient-recalled acquisition in the steady state) technique, which is known to be more sensitive to heterogeneity of the magnetic susceptibility, usually caused by hemosiderin deposition. In one of these cases, ultrasonography demonstrated diffuse hyperechoic spots that had been reported to represent Gamna-Gandy bodies of the spleen (ie, organized hemorrhage caused by portal hypertension). Although there was no pathologic proof in their series, the authors believe these low-intensity nodules seen on MR images may represent the hemosiderin deposits of Gamna-Gandy bodies.

Adult

[Magnetic resonance imaging of the thorax].

We examined thirty-five patients with various chest diseases with cardiac gated Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at 1.5 tesla. Major advantages of MRI of the thorax are its abilities to display sagittal and coronal planes and to disclose vessels clearly without contrast media. We conclude MRI is useful in evaluating, 1) masses at the lung apex or base, 2) chest wall invasion, 3) hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy, 4) aortic aneurysm, and 5) bronchogenic cyst.

Adult

Analysis of two distinct B cell activation pathways mediated by a monoclonal T helper cell. II. T helper cell secretion of interleukin 4 selectively inhibits antigen-specific B cell activation by cognate, but not noncognate, interactions with T cells.

A single monoclonal T helper (Th) clone can activate B cells in two distinct pathways; a cognate pathway requiring a major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted T-B cell interaction, and a noncognate pathway not requiring an MHC-restricted T-B cell interaction. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether Th cells mediating a given immune response provide further regulatory function to B cells other than helper function. It was demonstrated that conditions of high antigen concentration which activate a noncognate B cell activation pathway simultaneously inhibit IgG responses. The inhibition is shown to be mediated by the T cell factor interleukin 4, produced by activated cloned Th cells. The inhibitory effect of this factor is directed to B cells and is MHC-unrestricted, antigen-nonspecific, and IgG class-specific. In addition to being susceptible to the effects of augmenting cells and suppressor cells, cloned Th cell populations can therefore themselves function as regulatory cells to inhibit IgG responses when stimulated with high dose of specific antigen. These results indicate that Th cells function to regulate B cells both positively and negatively, depending upon the activation conditions.

Animals

Epitopes associated with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) restriction site of T cells. IV. I-J epitopes on MHC-restricted cloned T cells.

We studied the expression of an I-Jk epitope on class II-restricted cloned L3T4+ T cells established from H-2k, H-2b, F1 and semiallogeneic radiation bone marrow chimeras by the inhibition of antigen-induced T cell proliferation and in vitro secondary antibody response, and by the direct immunofluorescence with a monoclonal anti-I-Jk. Both I-Ak- and I-Ek-restricted T cells were shown to carry the identical I-Jk epitope regardless of their genotypic origins, antigen specificity, and helper or suppressor function. None of the I-Ab-restricted clones derived from similar animals showed the I-Jk epitope. This isomorphism, regardless of the restriction specificity for I-Ak or I-Ek, contradicts the idea that I-J is an idiotypic determinant on class II-restricted T cell antigen receptor (TcR). In fact, the I-Jk epitope was not comodulated with TcR/T3 complex when incubated with an anti-T3 antibody, indicating that I-J is a new isomorphic receptor for self different from TcR alpha/beta heterodimers.

Animals

Adenomyosis: diagnosis with MR imaging.

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging characteristics of adenomyosis were studied in eight women (aged 37-49 years) who underwent hysterectomy, and detailed radiologic/pathologic correlation was conducted in all cases. Adenomyosis produced diffuse and smooth uterine enlargement. The extent of the lesion was clearly identified on images obtained with long repetition time and long echo time; a diffuse, low-intensity area accompanied by tiny high-intensity spots was seen subjacent to the endometrium. The area appeared as a localized or diffuse thickening of the junctional zone because it was often isointense with this zone. Pathologic examination confirmed that the extent of adenomyosis correlated well with the low-intensity region on MR images and that both hemorrhagic areas and nonbleeding endometrial tissue corresponded to the high-intensity spots. The lesion consisted of distorted and compacted smooth muscle cells, but microscopic studies failed to explain the definitive difference in intensity between areas of adenomyosis and myometrium.

Adult

Hemochromatosis of the pituitary gland: MR imaging.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary gland in a patient with secondary hemochromatosis is described. On T1-weighted images, the anterior lobe had almost no signal intensity, and only the high-signal posterior lobe was seen. These findings are compatible with the distribution of iron deposition and clinical symptoms in hemochromatosis.

Adult

Thyroid masses: MR imaging and pathologic correlation.

The authors explored the capability of high-field-strength surface coil magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in disclosing the gross pathologic characteristics of thyroid masses (especially pseudocapsular and hemorrhagic degeneration). Twenty-four patients were examined, including 12 with papillary carcinoma, eight with adenoma, and four with adenomatous goiter. All patients underwent surgery within 2 days after MR imaging. Specimens were cut and correlated directly with MR images. The appearance of the pseudocapsule was classified into four types: A, intact and even thickness around the tumor; B, only partially present or even absent; C, intact but with uneven thickness; D, partially destroyed by tumor. MR imaging findings corresponded precisely with those of gross pathologic examination in all cases but four of adenoma. Type A pseudocapsules were found only in adenoma and type D only in papillary carcinoma. Although the number of cases in the series was limited, the authors conclude that MR images reflect gross pathologic findings well and that some characteristic findings are suggestive of benign or malignant disease.

Adenoma

Spinal arteriovenous malformation: MR imaging.

Ten patients with spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) were examined with high-field-strength (1.5-T) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and a surface coil (eight patients) or head coil (two patients). Four AVMs were intramedullary, and six were extramedullary. There was one case of Foix-Alajouanine disease (subacute necrotizing myelitis; thrombosed AVM). Three important pathologic findings--myelomalacia, total thrombosis, and wall thickening of the draining vein--were clearly demonstrated at MR imaging and confirmed at autopsy. A flow-sensitive sequence was valuable in the depiction of one intramedullary AVM as hyperintense, the postoperative evaluation of AVM, and the differentiation of nidus from old intramedullary hematoma. In other AVMs, cord edema, periradicular hematoma, and reversible changes of cord scalloping after surgery were demonstrated. MR imaging demonstrated various pathologic changes of the spinal cord that could not be detected with any other imaging method.

Adult