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Biomedical subjects

S Heegaard

Publications and source records attributed to S Heegaard.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Establishment and characterization of human uveal malignant melanoma xenografts in nude mice.

The purpose of this study was to develop a suitable animal model for the investigation of the pathogenesis and therapy of uveal malignant melanoma. Eight choroidal malignant melanomas from eight patients were transplanted into nude mice in an attempt to establish a serially transplantable tumour model. Tumour tissue blocks (2 x 2 x 2 mm) from enucleated eyes with choroidal malignant melanoma were transplanted subcutaneously into the flanks of nude mice. The growing tumours were measured and serially transplanted. The tumour samples were investigated by histology, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Only one of the eight transplanted primary tumours (13%) was established as a xenograft in nude mice. Furthermore, the take rate of the transplantable tumour was low (13%). The growth of the tumour fitted a Gompertz function, and the calculated tumour volume doubling time was 54 days. The transplanted tumour cells were epithelioid and slightly larger than the primary tumour cells and had prominent nucleoli. However, the transplanted tumour retained a morphological appearance similar to that of the primary tumour. Immunohistochemical examinations demonstrated that the cells preserved the characteristic properties of malignant melanoma. However, the transplanted cells demonstrated vimentin reactivity, whereas the primary tumour cells were negative for vimentin. It can be concluded that a new experimental model of malignant uveal melanoma with tumours that were easy to observe and access was established in nude mice.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

An unusual retinal vascular morphology in connection with a novel AIPL1 mutation in Leber's congenital amaurosis.

AIMS: To report a case of an unusual retinal vascular morphology in connection with a novel AIPL1 mutation in a patient with Leber's congenital amaurosis (LCA). METHODS: A patient with LCA and no light perception from birth had both eyes enucleated at the age of 22 years because of excruciating pain. Mutation analysis was performed on known LCA genes. The eyes were processed for casts of the vascular tree, routine histopathology, and electron microscopy. RESULTS: A novel H82Y (244C-->T) mutation and a H90D (286G-->C) polymorphism were detected in exon 2 of the AIPL1 gene. Both the cast and the histopathological examination showed dilated retinal vessels, mainly venules, primarily localised in the posterior pole. In the mid-peripheral retina the density of capillaries on the arteriolar side of the microcirculatory units was significantly decreased. The vascular system was seen to gradually attenuate towards the retinal periphery, and to stop at a zone located approximately 4 mm from the ora serrata along the whole circumference. In this zone pigmented aggregates characteristic of retinitis pigmentosa were seen to ensheath the retinal vessels. The photoreceptors were almost totally absent and retinal gliosis was present. A decreased number of ganglion cells and an increased vacuolisation of the nerve fibre layer were observed. The retinal pigment cells and Bruch's membrane appeared normal in all regions. CONCLUSION: An unusual retinal vascular morphology in an LCA patient is presented and possible pathogenic mechanisms of the findings are discussed.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗
PubMed2001

Foreign body orbital cyst.

PURPOSE: To present the clinical and histopathological characteristics of a retained orbital foreign body. METHODS: A 34-year-old male was hit in his left eye by a flower stake. At first examination there was a massive haematoma of the left orbit and eyelids, reduced movement of the left eye and a small conjunctival lesion beneath the upper lid. There were no signs of deeper orbital or ocular lesions. During the subsequent months the haematoma disappeared, but increased proptosis and impaired eye movements with diplopia were noticed. One year after the injury, ultrasound and CT-scan revealed an ovoid cystic tumour behind the globe. During surgery the content of the cyst appeared purulent and from the centre of the cyst a foreign body measuring 25 x 13 x 1 mm was removed. RESULTS: Microscopy of the foreign body showed the typical structure of a decidual leaf. The superficial cells were empty, whereas the centrally located cells contained remnants of cytoplasm. Confined to the border between the empty and the filled cells, a band of cells containing groups of gram positive cocci was noted. Staining for immunoglobulins revealed traces of IgG in the superficial empty cells only. CONCLUSION: The high degree of preservation of the leaf and the survival of the cocci may be due to a barrier function of the intact plant cell walls with their high content of cellulose.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Neoplasia versus hyperplasia of the retinal pigment epithelium. A comparison of two cases.

PURPOSE: To present the clinical and histopathological characteristics of two different tumor-like lesions of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). METHODS: Two cases of tumor-like lesions of the RPE were identified in the files of the Eye Pathology Institute. The clinical characteristics and the light- and electron microscopical morphology of the lesions were compared and the diagnoses were re-evaluated applying modern immunostainings. RESULTS: Clinically, both adenoma and tumor-like hyperplasia of the RPE may present with prominent retinal feeder arterioles. The lesions are hypofluorescent in the filling phases and have multiple hyperfluorescent zones in the late phase in fluorescein angiography. They show high internal reflectivity by A-scan and appear as solid tumors by B-scan ultrasonography. Histologically, the two presented lesions of the RPE are different. The first is an adenoma of the vacuolated subtype. The other lesion is a hyperplasia of the RPE disclosing a tubular morphology. The pathologically active cells in both cases were positive for the reaction with antibodies against: cytokeratin, NSE, vimentin, S-100, HMB-45, desmin and SMA. However, only the adenoma was sporadic melan-A positive. CONCLUSION: Adenomas and tumor-like hyperplastic lesions of the RPE are very rare lesions. They share many morphological and immunohistological characteristics. Of the presented cases only the RPE adenoma is sporadic melan-A positive.

Adenoma↗
PubMed2001

Reflexology and bronchial asthma.

Many asthma patients seek alternative or adjunctive therapies. One such modality is reflexology, whereby finger pressure is applied to certain parts of the body. The aim of the study was to examine the popular claim that reflexology treatment benefits bronchial asthma. Ten weeks of active or simulated (placebo) reflexology given by an experienced reflexologist, were compared in an otherwise blind, controlled trial of 20+20 outpatients with asthma. Objective lung function tests (peak flow morning and evening, and weekly spirometry at the clinic) did not change. Subjective scores (describing symptoms, beta2-inhalations and quality of life) and also bronchial sensitivity to histamine improved on both regimens, but no differences were found between groups receiving active or placebo reflexology. However, a trend in favour of reflexology became significant when a supplementary analysis of symptom diaries was carried out. It was accompanied by a significant pattern compatible with subconscious unblinding, in that patients tended to guess which treatment they had been receiving. No evidence was found that reflexology has a specific effect on asthma beyond placebo influence.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Human papillomavirus in conjunctival papilloma.

AIM: To examine conjunctival papillomas for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) and koilocytosis. METHODS: Archival paraffin embedded tissue from 55 conjunctival papillomas was analysed for the presence of HPV by polymerase chain reaction and subsequent filter hybridisation. Histological sections of the 55 papillomas were evaluated for the presence of koilocytosis. RESULTS: HPV was present in 48 of 52 (92%) beta globin positive papillomas. HPV type 6/11 were found in 40 of 47 investigated papillomas and a double infection with HPV 6/11 and 16 was identified in a single papilloma. In six papillomas the HPV type could not be identified. Koilocytosis was present in 22 of 55 papillomas (40%). CONCLUSION: There is a strong association between HPV and conjunctival papillomas. HPV type 6/11 is the most common HPV type in conjunctival papilloma. The sensitivity of koilocytosis as an indicator of HPV in conjunctival papilloma is low.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the orbit in a 5-year-old girl with microphthalmia.

PURPOSE: To report an orbital, intraconal, primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) in a 5-year-old child with microphthalmia since birth. METHODS: Orbitotomy was performed and a large, polycystic, retroscleral, intraconal tumor was removed and subsequent histological, immunohistochemical and electron-microscopic analyses of the excised mass were performed. RESULTS: The tumor showed characteristic features of peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor including pseudorosettes, positive immunohistochemical reactions for the MIC2 gene and synaptophysin and ultrastructural finding of neurosecretory granules. CONCLUSION: This case is the first reported intraconal PNET of the orbit, and the first orbital case that expresses the MIC2 gene. In spite of the aggressive malignant features of peripheral PNET, the orbital variety seems to be the least aggressive since most of the reported patients are still alive.

Biopsy↗
PubMed2000

Malignant changes in a giant orbital keratoacanthoma developing over 25 years.

PURPOSE: To report a patient with a history over 25 years of a slowly growing, large, invasive crateriform tumour filling the anterior part of the orbit. METHODS: A 61-year-old male presented with a large tumour of the left orbit. Exenteration was performed with subsequent histological analysis of the excised mass. RESULTS: The main tumour showed the characteristic features of a keratoacanthoma. However, the posterior aspect of the tumour disclosed the morphology of a squamous cell carcinoma. Six months later, the patient presented with metastases to lymph nodes, lung and mediastinal tissue. A leukemoid reaction was diagnosed by fine needle biopsy. CONCLUSION: The giant variety of keratoacanthoma may fail to regress and can transform into a squamous cell carcinoma. In our patient, the development of a chronic lymphoid leukemia raises the possibility that it may be the underlying cause for the transformation of the posterior part of the keratoacanthoma into a frank squamous cell carcinoma.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
PubMed2000

Palpebral myiasis in a Danish traveler caused by the human bot-fly (Dermatobia hominis).

PURPOSE: To demonstrate a case of palpebral myiasis caused by Dermatobia hominis in a Dane traveling in the Brazilian rain forest. METHODS: Surgical removal and histological examination. RESULTS: Within three weeks after returning from the Brazilian rain forest, the patient developed a localized swelling of the left upper eyelid and follicular conjunctivitis. A funnel containing a larva was found between the cilia. The larva was excised together with surrounding inflammatory tissue. The clinical findings as well as zoological and pathological examinations indicated a case of palpebral myiasis caused by Dermatobia hominis. The larva was removed in its third stage four weeks from symptom debut. CONCLUSIONS: Infestation with Dermatobia hominis should be suspected when itching and red swelling of the lid are present in patients who have been to Central and South America.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

The anterior lens capsule used as support material in RPE cell-transplantation.

PURPOSE: To investigate the use of an ocular basement membrane as support material for transplanted porcine RPE cells. METHODS: Porcine RPE cells were grown on bovine corneal extracellular matrix (ECM), isolated bovine- and porcine lens capsules, and tissue culture plastic. Cell density, and cell morphology were studied by phase contrast microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: RPE cells grown on porcine anterior lens capsule and on ECM obtained better morphology and higher final cell density than cells grown on plastic and on bovine anterior lens capsule. It was possible to transplant the porcine anterior lens capsule to the subretinal space in pigs. Within two weeks of observation, the lens capsule was well tolerated in the subretinal space. CONCLUSION: The anterior lens capsule seems to be promising as support material for use in RPE cell-transplantation.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Orbital space-occupying lesions in Denmark 1974-1997.

PURPOSE: To determine the frequency, distribution according to diagnosis and the recurrence frequency of orbital space-occupying lesions in Denmark, to determine sex and age of the patients and to establish a national orbital data register. METHODS: All biopsied/surgically removed orbital lesions collected by Danish pathological departments during the period 1974-1997 were identified by SNOMED codes. In addition, in each case gender and age of the patients and number of recurrences were registered. RESULTS: 965 orbital lesions from 841 patients were identified during the 24-year period. The incidence of orbital lesions increased significantly over the study period and at present about 80 cases/year are registered. The ratio benign/malignant lesion per year remained constant during the observation period. Lesions in children constituted a total of 152 (16%), the percentage of lesions in children being constant during the period. Malignant tumors comprised a total of 364 (45%) in adults and 34 (22%) in children. Malignant tumors were in adults distributed with 43% primary, 48% secondary invading and 9% metastatic tumors, and in children with 65% primary, 29% secondary invading and 6% metastatic tumors. Normal tissue was only found in 6% of the cases recorded. CONCLUSION: A registration of all histologically evaluated orbital space-occupying lesions in Denmark during a period of 24 years was performed and a national orbital database established. Orbital lesions are rare and primarily benign.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Ocular changes in a case of Kyrle's disease. 20-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: To re-evaluate a case of Kyrle's disease with conjunctival and corneal changes in a 52-year-old patient with onset at the age of 5 years. METHODS: Repeated biopsies from the skin, conjunctiva and oral mucosa along with a corneal button obtained from a right eye keratoplasty were examined histopathologically. RESULTS: The skin, oral, conjunctival and corneal histopathology showed parakeratosis, dyskeratotic cells and single cell keratinization. The clinical picture and the histopathological findings are consistent with the diagnosis of Kyrle's disease. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first reported case of Kyrle's disease with conjunctival changes. We suggest that Kyrle's disease, although predominantly affecting young adults, may also be seen in childhood. The disease may be a genodermatosis. It is not confined only to the skin, but can be seen in mucous membranes like the conjunctiva and buccal mucosa, and in tissues having the same embryological origin as the skin, i.e. the cornea.

Age of Onset↗
PubMed2000

Conjunctival papilloma. A histopathologically based retrospective study.

PURPOSE: To determine morphological and clinical characteristics of conjunctival papilloma. METHODS: Specimens of conjunctival papilloma registered during the period 1983-1997 were collected. For each case the patient's sex and age, number of papillomas/patient, seasonal debut, duration, number of recurrences, localisation and presence of dysplasia andlor inflammation in the papilloma were registered. RESULTS: A total of 245 papillomas in 219 patients were found. 132 (60.3%) of the patients were males. The age distribution showed skewness to the left with a peak in the age groups 20-29 years and 30-39 years. No variation of seasonal debut was found. 14 patients (6%) had more than one papilloma concurrently. 24 (11%) of the patients had recurrence. Most of the papillomas were located medially and inferiorly. 98 (40%) of the papillomas were inflamed. 14 (6%) of the papillomas were dysplastic. CONCLUSION: The conjunctival papilloma is a common tumour. More males than females develop conjunctival papillomas and the incidence is highest among patients aged 20-39 years. The conjunctival papilloma is primarily located medially and inferiorly.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Immunohistochemical diagnosis of malignant melanoma of the conjunctiva and uvea: comparison of the novel antibody against melan-A with S100 protein and HMB-45.

A novel antibody A103, which recognizes melan-A/MART-1, has been found to be more sensitive than the antibody HMB-45, which recognizes gp100, in melanocytic lesions of the skin and might therefore also be useful in the diagnosis of uveal and conjunctival melanocytic lesions. In this study we compared the staining characteristics of anti-melan-A, anti-S100 protein and HMB-45 in 13 conjunctival, 11 iris and 37 ciliary and choroidal malignant melanomas. The ciliary and choroidal melanomas comprised 13 spindle cell (10 spindle B and three spindle A), 14 mixed cell and 10 epithelioid cell tumours. In the conjunctival melanomas the diagnostic sensitivity was 100% for anti-S100 and anti-melan-A and 85% for HMB-45. In the iris melanomas the sensitivity was 100% for anti-S100 and anti-melan-A and 55% for HMB-45. A high staining intensity of anti-melan-A was particularly noticed in iris melanomas. In the choroidal malignant melanomas, the spindle cell and mixed cell types showed a sensitivity of only 69-79% with all three antibodies. In the epithelioid cell type the sensitivity was 80% for anti-S100 and 100% for HMB-45 and anti-melan-A. In conclusion, anti-melan-A was found to be a useful addition to antibody panels for ocular melanocytic lesions. Anti-melan-A has a higher sensitivity than HMB-45 in conjunctival and iris melanomas, but the sensitivity is similar to HMB-45 in choroidal melanomas. Anti-melan-A stains in a very similar pattern to anti-S100, but the staining intensity of anti-melan-A is higher than that of anti-S100 in iris melanoma.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1999

[The hospital autopsy. An important factor in hospital quality assurance].

The frequency of hospital autopsies declined after a new autopsy law was introduced in 1990. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the frequency of autopsy over a six month period in Copenhagen county. We compared the causes of death recorded on death certificates with autopsy findings. One thousand seven hundred and four hospital deaths were followed by 534 (31%) autopsies. Neither age of the decreased nor length of the admission seemed to influence the autopsy frequency. In 20% of the autopsies we found valuable new informations compared to the causes of death recorded on the death certificates.

Autopsy↗
PubMed1999

Review of 1028 bulbar eviscerations and enucleations. Changes in aetiology and frequency over a 20-year period.

PURPOSE: To evaluate possible changes in aetiology and frequency of bulbar eviscerations and enucleations. METHODS: A total of 1028 cases from three two-year periods: 1975-76, 1985-86 and 1995-96 collected by the Eye Pathology Institute were reviewed. RESULTS: A significant decrease (p<0.001) in number of enucleations was observed from 358 in 1975-76 to 214 in 1995-96, corresponding to an almost equivalent increase in number of eviscerations from 5 in 1975-76 to 83 in 1995-96. The total number of eye removals decreased significantly (p<0.01) over the last two periods from 368 in 1985-86 to 296 in 1995-96. This was primarily caused by a decrease in the number of glaucoma-related enucleations from 32.7% in 1975-76 to 15.0% in 1995-96. The reduction in number was not fully balanced by the increase in glaucoma-related eviscerations. CONCLUSION: Over the last 20 years there has been a change in choice of operation from enucleation to evisceration.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Leiomyoma of the ciliary body. Report of 2 cases.

PURPOSE AND METHODS: The files of the Eye Pathology Institute contain only two cases of leiomyoma of the ciliary body. The diagnoses were re-evaluated, applying modern immunostainings. RESULTS: The tumors were composed of interlacing fascicles of spindle-shaped cells with bright eosinophilic cytoplasm and cigar-shaped nuclei. Both tumors were well-vascularized, mostly by thin, branching capillaries. Larger vessels were also seen. In one case the tumor perforated the sclera. The tumor cells reacted with the reticulum stain and the Masson trichrome and were positive for antibodies against: smooth muscle actin (SMA), muscle specific actin (MSA), laminin and vimentin (one case). CONCLUSION: Leiomyoma of the ciliary body is a rare smooth muscle cell tumor that may arise from either pericytes, ciliary - or intrascleral heterotopic muscle.

Actins↗