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At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

PubMed2002

Routine histopathologic evaluation of the lacrimal sac during dacryocystorhinostomy: how useful is it?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the usefulness of "routine" lacrimal sac biopsy to evaluate unsuspected neoplasm or systemic disease in patients with acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. DESIGN: Noncomparative, interventional case series with histopathologic correlation. PARTICIPANTS: Review of charts revealed histopathologic reports on 302 specimens from 258 patients who had undergone routine dacryocystorhinostomy for clinical acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. INTERVENTION: Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with histopathologic evaluation of lacrimal sac. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The following variables were extracted from the medical records: age, gender, presenting symptoms, history of predisposing conditions, lacrimal system abnormalities noted before surgery, dye disappearance test, dacryocystogram or dacryoscintillogram, appearance of the lacrimal sac during surgery, and histopathologic report of the lacrimal sac specimen. RESULTS: Findings of histopathologic evaluation of 302 lacrimal sac specimens from 170 females and 88 males who had undergone routine DCR were reviewed. Evidence of systemic disease or neoplasia involving the lacrimal sac was present in 10 specimens. All 10 positive specimens had a grossly abnormal appearing sac at the time of surgery (n = 8), a known preexisting history of systemic diseases (n = 6), or both. The remaining 292 specimens showed chronic inflammation, fibrosis, or normal mucosa. CONCLUSIONS: Only patients with known preexisting systemic disease or a grossly abnormal lacrimal sac had "positive" histopathologic findings. We recommend that lacrimal sac biopsy in patients undergoing DCR should be performed only in those with a positive history for systemic disease or an abnormal-appearing lacrimal sac during surgery.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Aortic side branch perfusion alone does not account for high intra-sac pressure after endovascular repair (EVAR) in the absence of graft-related endoleak.

OBJECTIVE: to examine the effect of stent-graft deployment on pressure within an aneurysm sac and to investigate the potential sources of intra-sac pressure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: intra-sac pressure was monitored during and immediately after endovascular repair via an indwelling catheter. Intra-sac pressure was also monitored during conventional open repair and was compared with the pressure measured within patent lumbar and inferior mesenteric side-branches, both before and after restoration of iliac arterial blood flow. Intra-sac and side-branch pressures were recorded and expressed as ratios of simultaneously measured radial artery pressure. RESULTS: in the absence of a graft-related endoleak (23/25 patients), endovascular repair resulted in a significant reduction in intra-sac pulse pressure (median ratio 0.31 IQR 0.10-0.46). There was no corresponding reduction in mean intra-sac pressure (median ratio 0.91; IQR 0.83-1.00). Application of clamps at conventional open repair resulted in a fall in both intra-sac pressure (median ratio 0.39, IQR 0.32-0.64) and pressure within side-branches (median ratio 0.45, IQR 0.33-0.64). Restoration of iliac blood flow resulted in a modest recovery of the side-branch pressure (median ratio 0.63, IQR 0.57-0.81), which nonetheless remained significantly less than the intra-sac pressure recorded after EVAR (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: reperfusion of the aneurysm sac through patent side-branches seems insufficient to account for persistent pressurisation of the aneurysm after endovascular repair. This finding supports the hypothesis that pressure may be transmitted directly through stent-graft fabric.

Aortic Aneurysm↗

PubMed2000

Intranasal anatomy of the nasolacrimal sac in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy.

Intranasal surface anatomy is fundamental to the technique of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. In the current literature the lacrimal sac is described as being situated anterior to the anterior end of the middle turbinate with between 0% and 20% of the sac above the insertion of the middle turbinate on the lateral nasal wall (the axilla of the middle turbinate). The aim of this study was to use CT dacryocystograms (DCGs) and CT scans to establish the relationship of the lacrimal sac to the lateral nasal wall. Forty-seven individual lacrimal sacs were measured in relation to the common canaliculus, and 76 were measured in relation to the insertion of the middle turbinate. Measurements taken from the long axis of the sac showed the mean height of the sac above the middle turbinate insertion was 8.8 mm (SD = 0.2, 95% CI = 1.3) and below it was 4.1 mm (SD = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.1). The average measurement of the sac above the com-mon canaliculus on CT DCGs was 5.3 mm (SD = 1.7, 95% CI = 0.56), whereas the average measurement below the common canaliculus was 7.7 mm (SD = 2, 95% CI = 1.3) (n = 47 CT DCGs). The findings in this study show that a major portion of the sac is locat-ed above the insertion of the anterior end of the middle turbinate and, in addition, that a significant part of the sac lies above the entry point of the common canaliculus. Knowledge of these findings can ensure that the sac is adequately exposed during dacryocystorhinostomy by removal of sufficient bone and mucosa above the anterior insertion of the middle turbinate.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Long-term fate of the aneurysmal sac after endoluminal exclusion of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

PURPOSE: Shrinkage of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is the hallmark of successful endoluminal treatment. Our goal was to prospectively assess the midterm to long-term shrinkage of the AAA sac after endovascular repair. METHODS: A total of 123 patients with AAA underwent endoluminal treatment with the Ancure device at our institution between February 1996 and February 2000. At least a 1-year follow-up was available for 70 of the 123 patients. AAA sac size, presence of endoleaks, calcifications, and outcome data were collected on these patients at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after repair and compared with the preoperative AAA size and characteristics. All endoleaks found at the 6-month follow-up visit were treated aggressively with embolotherapy. An AAA sac regression of 0.5 cm or more was considered the minimum measurable decrease. Regression of the sac diameter to 3.5 cm or less was considered a complete collapse of the sac. RESULTS: Successful endoluminal repair was accomplished in 119 of 123 patients. The mortality rate was 0.8% (1/123). There was a steady decrease in AAA sac size from baseline (5.56 +/- 0.1 cm), to 6 months (5.0 +/- 0.14 cm, P =.0006), to 12 months (4.65 +/- 0.13 cm, P =.04), and to 24 months (4.26 +/- 0.16 cm, P =.03). At 24 months, 74% (29/39) had a decrease in sac size of 0.5 cm or more, with 28% (11/39) complete collapse. Patients with initial endoleaks had the same likelihood of regression of sac size (> or = 0.5 cm) when compared with the group of patients with no endoleaks at the 24-month evaluation (64% vs 76%, P =.09). CONCLUSION: Endoluminal AAA repair resulted in a significant reduction in sac size that continues up to 2 years. Significant shrinkage occurs as early as 6 months after placement. The initial presence of endoleaks does not predict the lack of sac regression.

Aged↗

PubMed1996

[Laparoscopy in (apparently) benign ovarian tumors between benefit and catastrophy and the deceptive safety of laparoscopic lap sacs].

Endoscopic ovarian surgery is currently spreading tremendously, but also rather uncritically. The technical possibilities both of organ preserving and ablative endoscopic surgery are controversial, so that structuring of the indication for an endoscopic procedure as well as optimization of the endoscopic removal of ovarian tumor or adnexae is of utmost relevance. Therefore, a study was performed at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Heidelberg University with the following aims: Risk evaluation of operating into an ovarian malignancy at endoscopy for "presumably" benign cystic ovarian tumors in n = 100 cases in Heidelberg and literature survey Analysis of problems and complications during clinical application of laparoscopic lap sacs for removal of cystic adnexal tumors or adnexae (n = 50) Experimental examination of the risk of an endoscopic lap sacs to rupture during a procedure The risk of endoscopically operating into an ovarian cancer lies between 0.4 and 3% according to literature data. Despite maximal preoperative selection, mainly by ultrasound examination, in our group of 100 patients, in three women without preoperative signs of malignancy but with discreet intracystic structures in the ultrasound, an endoscopic adnexectomy with complete removal in a lap sac was performed, and though immediate section for microscopic examination was negative, final histology revealed one ovarian cancer la and 2 borderline tumors, same stage. In the time period analyzed, three further patients were referred to our center for secondary, delayed (median 3 months) staging after endoscopic procedures for presumed benign lesions. Clinical application of lap sacs proved the necessity of an intensive training. In 3 patients an intraperitoneal rupture of the sac occurred. Typical problems were volume discrepancies between sac respectively abdominal incision and tissue to be removed (28% of cases). The risk of rupture of the various lap sacs examined differed significantly (p < 0.05). Due to the complex pathological nature of cystic adnexal tumors, a 100% selection for the endoscopic approach is not feasible. Therefore, an endoscopic procedure should only be performed after optimal preoperative diagnosis and, in case of the slightest doubt, only if intraoperative microscopic examination is available, and the possibility to perform an immediate staging laparotomy. Sufficient information of the patient is relevant. Laparoscopic removal of tumor or adnexae should be performed in a lap sac. However, there is no absolute certainty of preventing spillage even with the lap sac, since not all endoscopic sacs available are of a sufficient quality.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Number of yolk sacs does not predict amnionicity in early first-trimester monochorionic multiple gestations.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between amnionicity and number of yolk sacs before 11 weeks of gestation. METHODS: Twenty-two cases of monochorionic multiple pregnancy were scanned before 11 weeks of gestation. There were 21 sets of twins and one of triplets. Amnionicity was determined by visualization of a dividing amniotic membrane between the gestational sacs. The number of yolk sacs was recorded and compared with the presence or absence of a dividing membrane for all fetuses. RESULTS: In 17/20 (85%) cases of monochorionic diamniotic twins, two yolk sacs were seen. In 3/20 (15%) cases of monochorionic diamniotic twins, a single yolk sac was seen. In the one case of monochorionic diamniotic triplets, two yolk sacs were visualized. In one case of monoamniotic twins, a single yolk sac was observed. CONCLUSIONS: In monochorionic pregnancies, the presence of two yolk sacs predicts diamnionicity. However, the use of the number of yolk sacs as a predictor of amnionicity may not be accurate in a small proportion of patients. The diagnosis of monoamnionicity can be made only following a careful search for a dividing amniotic membrane.

Amnion↗

PubMed1994

Transvaginal ultrasound in threatened abortions with empty gestational sacs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether transvaginal ultrasound criteria alone can distinguish viable from non-viable gestational sacs at a single examination. METHOD: A prospective descriptive study was undertaken and analysis performed on 211 pregnancies complicated by threatened abortion and empty gestation sacs diagnosed by transvaginal ultrasound. The main outcome measure was the final diagnosis of viable or non-viable gestation on subsequent transvaginal sonography. RESULTS: The study shows that a single transvaginal ultrasound examination is useful in differentiating viable from non-viable gestation sacs. The mean sac diameter (MSD) was found to be the most useful criterion for determining non-viability. An MSD of > or = 17 mm that lacked an embryo and an MSD of > or = 13 mm without visible yolk sac were reliable predictors of non-viable gestation sacs at a single examination with 100% specificity and 100% positive predictive value. An MSD > or = 13 mm without visible yolk sac was the most sensitive criterion. Using MSD criteria, 73% of non-viable gestations could be reliably identified without any false-positive diagnoses. Deformed shape, low position and thin decidual reaction are strong indicators of non-viable gestations but are not 100% accurate. There is still a significant proportion of empty sacs, where no accurate distinction between viable and non-viable can be made according to one criterion at a single examination and in these cases serial examinations should be carried out before any active management is advocated. CONCLUSION: In most cases, transvaginal sonographic criteria alone can distinguish viable from non-viable empty gestational sacs at a single examination.

Abortion, Threatened↗

PubMed1986

Evidence that suramin and aurothiomalate are teratogenic in rat by disturbing yolk sac-mediated embryonic protein nutrition.

Suramin (250 mg/kg) and sodium aurothiomalate (100 mg/kg) both induced congenital malformations in the offspring following treatment of pregnant rats at either 8.5 or 9.5 days of gestation. Conceptuses from 9.5-day pregnant rats were cultured for 48 h in homologous serum to which either suramin or sodium aurothiomalate was added for the final 6 h. The presence of suramin up to 5 mg/ml had no effect on the protein content of yolk sacs at harvesting, but at 10 mg/ml caused a significant decrease. In contrast sodium aurothiomalate increased the protein content of yolk sacs at harvesting, in a concentration-dependent manner up to 100 micrograms/ml. Neither suramin nor sodium aurothiomalate significantly affected embryo protein content. When 125I-labelled polyvinylpyrrolidone was added to the culture serum for the final 6 h of culture, radioactivity was found in the yolk sac at harvesting, but not in the embryo. When suramin (2-10 mg/ml) was present for the final 6 h of culture, the quantity of radioactivity measured in the yolk sac at harvesting was significantly decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. No radioactivity was detected in the embryos. Sodium aurothiomalate had no effect on the uptake of 125I-labelled polyvinylpyrrolidone. When rat serum whose proteins were labelled with [3H]leucine was used as culture medium, radioactivity was found in the conceptus (both yolk sac and embryo) at harvesting. Suramin (5 mg/ml), present for the final or penultimate 6 h, significantly decreased the uptake of radioactivity into conceptuses and caused a significant increase in the proportion of the captured radiolabel that was associated with the yolk sac. Sodium aurothiomalate (25 or 500 micrograms/ml) had no effect on the total uptake of radio-label but caused a significant increase in the proportion of total radioactivity captured that was associated with the yolk sac. These data indicate that suramin, by interfering with both the uptake and intralysosomal digestion of protein, and sodium aurothiomalate, by inhibiting digestion of captured protein, disturb the normal pathway of yolk sac-mediated protein utilization with a consequent diminution of the supply of amino acids to the conceptus. The effects of suramin are seen only at high concentration, those of sodium aurothiomalate at much lower concentrations. It is likely that the two drugs exert their teratogenic action by their effects on the yolk sac nutritional pathway with resultant amino acid deprivation of the conceptus at a critical stage of development.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗

PubMed1998

Yolk sacs in twin pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the yolk sacs separated or not separated by septum and chorionicity twin pregnancies scanned early in the first trimester, and the relation between size and morphologic features of the yolk sac and the outcome of twin pregnancies. RESULTS: In all 38 sets of twins two yolk sacs were identified. During the first trimester of a dichorionic twin pregnancy, the yolk sacs were always separated by a septum and not separated ("Eight" sign) in monochorionic twin pregnancy. In five cases, one of yolk sac was abnormally large (> 8 mm) and had thin wall. Four of the five mothers spontaneously aborted during the next 2-3 weeks. In one case of monochorionic twin ectopic pregnancy two yolk sacs were seen normally. CONCLUSION: The sonographic identification of yolk sacs in multiple pregnancies allows an early and efficient recognition of presence and chorionicity of twin pregnancy, both in intra- and extrauterine. Identification of abnormal yolk sac or yolk sacs suggests death of one or all embryos.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗

PubMed2005

Endolymphatic sac decompression as a treatment for Meniere's disease.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Endolymphatic sac decompression is a surgical treatment option for patients with medically intractable Meniere's disease. However, effectiveness is debated because published data show great variability. Outcome-based research studies are useful in incorporating the patient's perspective on the success of treatment. To further assess effectiveness of endolymphatic sac decompression, we performed a prospective study to examine both symptom-specific and general health outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, observational outcome study. METHODS: Nineteen patients with endolymphatic sac decompression responded to symptom-specific questionnaires and the Medical Outcomes Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) before and after surgery. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 58 months with a mean duration of 50 months. RESULTS: Overall measures of physical health were significantly improved following endolymphatic sac decompression (P = .04), whereas overall measures of mental health were unchanged (P = .74). Role Physical and Social Functioning scores were significantly improved following endolymphatic sac decompression (P = .04 and P = .03, respectively). Study patients scored significantly lower (P < .05) than SF-36 normative data in 6 of 10 categories before endolymphatic sac decompression but patient scores were not significantly different from normal scores in all but one category (General Health) following endolymphatic sac decompression. The mean number of vertigo episodes was significantly reduced from an average of 8.3 times per month to an average of 2.6 times per month following endolymphatic sac decompression (P = .006). Ninety-five percent of patients (18 of 19 patients) reported improvement in symptoms (frequency, duration, or intensity) of vertigo and 37% (7 of 19 patients) reported complete resolution of vertigo. CONCLUSION: Endolymphatic sac decompression significantly improved perception of physical health, as well as symptom-specific outcomes, in patients with medically intractable Meniere's disease.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Disease conditions of canine anal sacs.

The literature about the anal sacs of healthy dogs and the pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapy of anal sac impaction and sacculitis are reviewed. Knowledge about the physiological role of the anal sacs is still confusing. The colour and consistency of the anal sac contents are variable in healthy dogs and there are no pathognomonic signs of anal sac impaction or sacculitis. The wide variation in macroscopic detail of anal sac secretions may give rise to misinterpretation and thus overdiagnosis of sacculitis. Other diseases such as vaginitis, flea allergy, atopy, proctitis, parasites and perianal fistulae can lead to similar signs and must be eliminated from the differential diagnosis before the anal sacs are incited as the cause of the signs. Further research is necessary on the morphological, physical and biochemical aspects of the anal sacs and their secretions to define more precise criteria for the diagnosis of impaction and sacculitis. It is imperative that controlled therapeutic trials should be performed, and such studies are indispensable for the rational therapy of anal sac disease.

Anal Sacs↗

PubMed2005

Anal sac tumours of the dog and their response to cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy.

A retrospective study of anal sac tumours without pulmonary metastases, from the author's clinical records for the period July 1989 to July 2002, was conducted to establish the response to treatment with surgery and melphalan chemotherapy. Of 21 dogs with tumours of the anal sacs 19 had apocrine gland adenocarcinomas of anal sac origin, one had a benign papillary cystadenoma and another had a malignant melanoma. Two of the 19 dogs had bilateral anal sac adenocarcinomas. Ten of the 19 dogs with apocrine gland adenocarcinomas of anal sac origin had sublumbar lymphadenopathy. Five dogs were excluded by their owners from recommended treatment. Fourteen dogs with apocrine gland adenocarcinomas of anal sac origin were treated by surgical cytoreduction and chemotherapy with melphalan. Seven of the 14 dogs had regional lymph node metastases. Cytoreduction was by local excision of the anal sac in all 14 dogs and concurrent removal of the sublumbar retroperitoneal lymph nodes in the seven dogs with regional lymph node metastases. The median survival time of dogs with sublumbar nodal metastasis was 20 months and for dogs with tumour localised to the anal sac the median survival time was 29.3 months. There was no difference in median survival of those dogs with sublumbar metastases compared to those without. This study suggests there is a role for melphalan in the treatment of dogs with anal sac adenocarcinoma when combined with cytoreductive surgery, with treatment survival times and the local recurrence rate of the primary tumour comparing favourably with previously published treatment regimes.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed2002

Hedgehog is required for murine yolk sac angiogenesis.

Blood islands, the precursors of yolk sac blood vessels, contain primitive erythrocytes surrounded by a layer of endothelial cells. These structures differentiate from extra-embryonic mesodermal cells that underlie the visceral endoderm. Our previous studies have shown that Indian hedgehog (Ihh) is expressed in the visceral endoderm both in the visceral yolk sac in vivo and in embryonic stem (ES) cell-derived embryoid bodies. Differentiating embryoid bodies form blood islands, providing an in vitro model for studying vasculogenesis and hematopoiesis. A role for Ihh in yolk sac function is suggested by the observation that roughly 50% of Ihh(-/-) mice die at mid-gestation, potentially owing to vascular defects in the yolk sac. To address the nature of the possible vascular defects, we have examined the ability of ES cells deficient for Ihh or smoothened (Smo), which encodes a receptor component essential for all hedgehog signaling, to form blood islands in vitro. Embryoid bodies derived from these cell lines are unable to form blood islands, and express reduced levels of both PECAM1, an endothelial cell marker, and alpha-SMA, a vascular smooth muscle marker. RT-PCR analysis in the Ihh(-/-) lines shows a substantial decrease in the expression of Flk1 and Tal1, markers for the hemangioblast, the precursor of both blood and endothelial cells, as well as Flt1, an angiogenesis marker. To extend these observations, we have examined the phenotypes of embryo yolk sacs deficient for Ihh or SMO: Whereas Ihh(-/-) yolk sacs can form blood vessels, the vessels are fewer in number and smaller, perhaps owing to their inability to undergo vascular remodeling. Smo(-/-) yolk sacs arrest at an earlier stage: the endothelial tubes are packed with hematopoietic cells, and fail to undergo even the limited vascular remodeling observed in the Ihh(-/-) yolk sacs. Our study supports a role for hedgehog signaling in yolk sac angiogenesis.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

[Yolk sacs in twin pregnancy].

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the yolk sacs separated or not separated by septum and chorionicity twin pregnancies scanned early in the first trimester. Moreover, to determine the relation between size and morphologic features of the yolk sac and outcome twin pregnancy. Twenty four of 38 spontaneous twin pregnancies were dichorionic, eight--monochorionic diamniotic, five monochorionic twin gestations with discordant sizes and views of yolk sacs, and one a twin ectopic pregnancy (underwent salpingectomy). In all 38 sets of twin two yolk sacs were identified. During the first trimester of dichorionic twin pregnancy, the yolk sacs were always separated by a septum and not separated ("Eight" sign) in monochorionic twin pregnancy. In five cases, one of yolk sacs was abnormally large (> 8 mm) and had thinner wall. Three (all MC) of the five mothers spontaneously aborted during the next 2-3 weeks. In one case of monochorionic twin ectopic pregnancy two yolk sacs were seen normally. The sonographic identification of yolk sacs allows a reliable and simple determination chorionicity twin pregnancy. Moreover, visualization of large size (> 8 mm) of yolk sac can be used as a predictor of abnormal outcome pregnancy.

Female↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Characteristics of ceruloplasmin synthesis in mammalian embryogenesis. 2. The yolk sac as the site of the primary expression of the ceruloplasmin gene in rats].

It was shown that the omphaloid placenta and, first of all, visceral wall of yolk sac is the site of primary synthesis of ceruloplasmin (CP), whereas the activation of CP synthesis in the liver cells is secondary and is revealed from the 12th day of embryo-genesis. The CP synthesis in the yolk sac cells proved by selective CP localization in the cells of the yolk sac visceral wall and, first of all, in the cells of visceral endoderm on sections stained by the method of indirect immunofluorescence and using the reaction of soluble peroxidase-antiperoxidase complex. A specific CP-mRNA has been revealed in the yolk sac cells which is actively translated in the polyribosomes isolated from the yolk sac and in the cell-free translation system from the rabbit reticulocytes. on the 14th day of embryogenesis CP amounts to ca. 4% of all polypeptides secreted by the yolk sac cells. As the embryogenesis proceeds, the relative rate of CP synthesis progressively decreases in the yolk sac and increases in the liver cells. CP synthesized by the yolk sac cells has a molecular mass of ca. 122 kD. Possible causes of differences between the "embryonic" and "adult" rat CPs are discussed. A suggestion has been put forward that the time of activation of CP synthesis coincides with the yolk sac formation (8-9th days of embryogenesis) and the cells of visceral endoderm are the site of primary expression of the CP gene.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Prostaglandin metabolism in the yolk sacs of normal and diabetic pregnancies.

The malformations commonly found in fetuses of diabetic mothers occur before the 7th week of pregnancy, when fetal nutritional needs are met largely by the yolk sac. The diabetic milieu has been hypothesized to cause a disruption in the metabolism of arachidonic acid and phosphatidylinositol turnover, leading to a reduction in prostaglandin levels. In this study we evaluated how the diabetic milieu affects yolk-sac prostaglandin levels. We used ultrasound to characterize and guide aspiration of the yolk sacs of eight diabetic and 12 healthy women prior to elective abortion. In addition, we studied the yolk sacs of two healthy women in whom pregnancy termination was carried out by hysterectomy. All fetuses were between 8 and 10 weeks gestational age at the time of pregnancy termination. The yolk-sac prostaglandin E2 levels were measured using radioimmunoassay. We found that the yolk-sac diameters of diabetic women were 1.2 mm larger than those of normal women. Furthermore, the mean prostaglandin E2 level in healthy women was 3605 pg/ml, whereas prostaglandin was undetected in all the yolk sacs of diabetic women (p < 0.001). While this study suggests that defective yolk-sac metabolism of prostaglandins is one of the mechanisms responsible for diabetic embryopathy, further research is necessary to place yolk-sac enlargement and the role of prostaglandins in perspective.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Surgical observations on the endolymphatic sac in Meniere's disease.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to clarify the pathoanatomic characteristics of the endolymphatic sac in Meniere's disease by surgical observations. STUDY DESIGN: The study design was a retrospective case study conducted in the setting of University Hospital at Shiga University of Medical Science. PATIENTS: Studied were 101 patients with Meniere's disease who underwent endolymphatic sac drainage surgery at the university hospital by the same surgical team between 1984 and 1995. Control group consisted of 23 patients with non-Meniere's disease. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Photographs were taken of the sac in 101 patients with Meniere's disease during endolymphatic sac drainage surgery, and the pathoanatomic findings of the sacs were classified into three grades regarding position (types I, II, III), size (large, intermediate, small), color (red, intermediate, white), and vascularity (fair, intermediate, poor). Statistical difference was studied between Meniere's group and non-Meniere's group by chi-square test. RESULTS: The patients with Meniere's disease were found to have endolymphatic sacs located inferiorly to the posterior semicircular canal, very close to the jugular bulb (type III) (p < 0.001). The sacs also were smaller in size (p = 0.068), whiter in surface color (p = 0.0036, 0.01), and of less vascularity (p = 0.051) than those of the patients with non-Meniere's disease. The comparisons showed significant differences only in position and color. CONCLUSION: The patients with Meniere's disease were found to have endolymphatic sacs located inferiorly to the posterior semicircular canal, very close to the jugular bulb. The sacs also were whiter in surface color.

Endolymphatic Sac↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Endoscopic gross anatomy findings of the thoracic air sac of the turkey.

The gross anatomy of the cranial thoracic air sacs was studied in the live turkey with a fiber-optic endoscope fitted with a video system. Thirty-five out of 39 (89.7%) of the turkeys had paired single thoracic air sacs with two ostia. The other 10.3% of the turkeys had paired cranial and caudal thoracic air sacs, each with a single ostium. The air flow pattern through the common thoracic air sac with two ostia is unknown. Furthermore, 42.3% of the turkeys with a single thoracic air sac had an invagination arising from the floor of the air sac that partially divided the single thoracic air sac creating a blind-ended sac. The blind sac formed by the invagination may trap small inhaled particulate matter.

Air Sacs↗