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Blood lead levels in patients with lead shot retained in the appendix.

Seven patients with one or two lead shots retained in the appendix were identified by radiography. For each case, two sex- and age-matched control patients without lead shot in the appendix were found. None of the 7 patients with lead shot in the appendix had blood lead levels (median 0.55 mumol/l) approaching the toxic levels, but they averaged almost twice the levels of the controls (median 0.29 mumol/l). Thus, lead shots may add to individual lead exposures, and blood lead analysis should be performed, at least when more than a few lead shots are present.

Appendix

[Endocrinocytes of the appendix in the human fetus].

At light and electron microscopic level endocrine cells of the human embryos (9-31-week-old) appendices have been studied. They appear in the human embryo appendix on the 11th week of development for the first time. Amount of the endocrine cells in the field of vision increases significantly on the 17th-24th and does not change on the 25th-31st weeks. Basing on certain morphological criteria, presence of EC-cells and those resembling S- or I-cells is demonstrated in the human embryo appendix. Thus, already during the embryonal period there are cells in the appendix, main function of which is to produce biogenic amines and peptide hormones, participating in local regulation of homeostasis.

Appendix

Transient gas-filled appendix developing during excretory urography.

Gas-filled appendix is well recognized in association with appendicitis, and in acute abdominal conditions associated with bowel distension. 3 patients who developed gas-filled appendix in the course of excretory urography are reported. The phenomenom is thought to result from the reported property of ionic contrast materials to produce anticholinesterase activity and histamine release, either or both of which could produce increased bowel tone and consequent displacement of cecal gas into the appendix.

Adolescent

Crohn's disease of the appendix, manifested as acute appendicitis with postoperative fistula.

Two cases are reported of Crohn's disease localized to the appendix and manifested as acute appendicitis; after appendectomy a fistula developed. In none of 18 patients with Crohn's disease reported by other authors, where the appendix was the primary site, did a fistula develop postoperatively. When the appendix is the primary site of Crohn's disease the presence of mild inflammation of adjacent organs such as the terminal ileum may be mistakenly attributed to ordinary appendicitis. If, at exploratory laparotomy performed on a tentative diagnosis of appendicitis, Crohn's disease is suspected in the adjacent intestine, it is proposed that appendectomy should be followed by at least 10 days of total parenteral nutrition to minimize the risk of a fistula developing.

Acute Disease

[Histochemical characteristics of the secretory elements of the vermiform appendix following surgical trauma, circulatory hypoxia and immunization].

Histochemical methods were applied to determination of salomycin, dermatansulfate, keratosulfate and neutral mucopolysaccharides in the goblet cells of rabbit appendix. Sialomycin and neutral mucopolysaccharides were found in the glands. Immunization with human gamma globulin was followed in the productive phase of immunogenesis by a rise of the secretory activity of the mucosa of the appendix. An increase of the mucus formation in the appendix occurred after laparatomy and during the initial period of experimental appendicitis. However, surgical trauma caused an opposite effect against the background of increased functional activity of the secretory elements of the immunized animals, and during experimental appendicitis no activation of mucus formation was seen. The influence of the abovementioned factors on the secretory activity of the mucous membrane was accompanied by qualitative changes in the synthesized mucus.

Animals

[Development of the mucosa and differentiation of the lymphocytes of the vermiform appendix of the human fetus].

One hundred and twenty-two appendices have been obtained from 12-30-week-old human fetuses and studied histologically (90) and immune-morphologically (32). Lymphoid follicles in the organ appear on the 17th week. Character of the epithelial and the reticular tissue structure in the area of the cupola including the lymphoid follicle have been studied. T- and B-lymphocytes have been stated to be present in the appendix of a 17-week-old fetus. As the fetus is further developing, the number of lymphocytes in the appendix increases: the amount of T-lymphocytes is practically constant, and that of B-lymphocytes increases. Direction of the lymphocytes migration out of the follicle is demonstrated. The lymphoid formations of the appendix are necessary for certain local protective reactions and already in the fetus they begin to participate in the general system of the organism's immunogenesis.

Appendix

The position, length and arterial supply of vermiform appendix.

The arterial blood supply, position and length of appendix were studied in 100 Indian (Uttar Pradesh region) cadavers. In 39% more than one appendicular artery was demonstrated. The retrocaecal and retrocolic positions of the appendix were by far the commonest (58%). Incidence of postilial position was also fairly common (10%). The average length of the appendix was found to be 9.5 cm in the male and 8.7 cm in the female. The prevalence of the retrocaecal and retrocolic positions may partly explain the incidences of appendicitis.

Adolescent

Endoscopic removal of an intussuscepted appendix mimicking a polyp--an endoscopic hazard.

A 55-yr-old white woman with a polypoid filling defect in the caput cecum, on barium enema examination, had endoscopic removal of this mass. This was immediately recognized macroscopically to be an intussuscepted appendix. This case is only the second naturally inverting appendix to be removed endoscopically, and it was complicated 18 h later by local peritonitis which was heralded by acute right lower quadrant pain. Laparotomy revealed a cleanly transected base of appendix and cecal adhesions representing previous chronic inflammatory disease. Endoscopists should consider this diagnosis in all cases of mass lesions of the caput cecum. It is imperative to retrieve such lesions if polypectomy is performed, as the macroscopic diagnosis is then evident. Once the diagnosis is established, immediate surgery is advised rather than watchful waiting.

Appendix

Participation of follicle associated epithelium (fae), macrophages, and plasma cells in the function of appendix.

Rabbit appendix was studied by correlated scanning and transmission electron microscopy and light microscopy, taking advantage of luminal bacteria as naturally occurring markers for following antigen uptake. The three-dimensional relationship of lymphoid follicles to other structures was revealed clearly. The smooth luminal surface of the appendix is interrupted by stomata each leading to a recessed interval between the dome epithelium covering the apical pole of each follicle and the goblet cell-rich epithelium forming a cupola on the opposing surface. Bacteria abound in this recess. They are taken up by follicle associated epithelial (FAE) cells which comprise part of the dome epithelium. Intraepithelial macrophages phagocytize the bacteria. Bacteria-laden macrophages are numerous in the dome area of the follicle and in the germinal center. Large lymphatic sinuses surrounding the follicles are well visualized following stimulation of fluid movement. Plasma cells are located within the dome epithelial layer and immediately beneath it. Plasma cells may be concentrated along the base of epithelial cells, with the absence of a basal lamina indicating an absence of the molecular selection which it would normally provide. The appendix, like Peyer's patches, takes up antigens, processes them, and gives evidence of reaction to them locally, with the secretions from plasma cells possibly modulating antigen entry.

Animals

Lectin-binding sites in the epithelium of normal human appendix vermiformis and in acute appendicitis.

By using histochemical methods, the binding pattern of various lectins in the epithelium of normal human appendix vermiformis was assessed. In addition to plant and invertebrate sugar receptors with nominal monosaccharide specificity for alpha-L-Fuc (UEA-I), alpha-D-Man and alpha-D-Gluc (Con A), alpha-D-GalNAc (DBA), D-GalNAc (SBA, HPA) beta-D-Gal (RCA-I) and D-Gal (VAA), a mammalian beta-galactoside-specific lectin (MW, 14 kDa) was included in the applied panel. The apical surface of enterocytes presented binding sites for RCA-I on all cells, binding sites of UEA-I, DBA, SBA, HPA and VAA heterogeneously and no binding sites of Con A and 14 kDa. Binding sites of DBA, SBA, HPA, VAA and RCA-I within enterocytes were located primarily focally in a supranuclear position, whereas Con A and 14 kDa bound to the cytoplasm both in apical and basal cell parts. In the follicle-associated epithelium more enterocytes expressed SBA- and VAA-binding sites than in the crypt epithelium. No differences between the lectin-binding pattern of M-cells and enterocytes were found in the follicle-associated epithelium. Intraepithelial macrophages were heterogeneously positive for the full panel of applied lectins. In contrast, intraepithelial lymphatic cells expressed binding sites only for RCA-I and less prominently for Con A, VAA and 14 kDa. Goblet cell mucus contained lectin-binding sites in a heterogeneous manner: binding sites for Con A were not detected in goblet cells for DBA, SBA, VAA and 14 kDa in less than 20%, for UEA-I in 20-40%, for HPA in 40-60% and for RCA-I in 60-100% of the goblet cells. Secreted mucus differed in its lectin-binding capacity from intracellular goblet cell mucus selectively by an increase of UEA-I, SBA- and RCA-I-binding sites and a lack of 14 kDa-binding sites. Comparative study of lectin binding to goblet cell mucin in another region of the large intestine, namely the rectosigmoid, demonstrated that DBA, SBA and 14 kDa bound mainly to the distal colon, while UEA-I and VAA labelling was selectively found in appendiceal goblet cell mucin. Comparing the lectin-binding pattern in normal appendix epithelium and in appendicitis, the percentage of goblet cells expressing DBA- and SBA-binding sites in mucus globules was found to be about 4 times higher in appendicitis than in normal appendix.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Acute Disease

Case of vesico-appendiceal fistula secondary to mucinous adenocarcinoma of the appendix.

We present a rare case of vesico-appendiceal fistula secondary to mucinous adenocarcinoma of the appendix. Transurethral biopsy of the bladder revealed a mucinous adenocarcinoma of probable colonic origin. Adenocarcinoma of the appendix that directly invaded the bladder was diagnosed preoperatively by air-contrast barium enema, colonoscopy and magnetic resonance imaging. When one encounters a case of adenocarcinoma of the bladder suspected to be of colonic origin, one should examine the colon and rectum as well as the appendix and cecum.

Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous

[Idiopathic granulomatous appendicitis or Crohn's disease confined to the appendix?].

Crohn's disease limited to the appendix is uncommon. When Crohn's disease affects the appendix it typically has a longer clinical course than most cases of acute appendicitis. The diagnosis is histological. Appendiceal Crohn's disease has a benign course after surgery, and that's why some authors believe that it could be a different entity which should be better addressed to as "Idiopathic Granulomatosus Appendicitis". We present three new cases of Crohn's disease limited to the appendix.

Adolescent

[Diverticular disease of the appendix].

The incidence of appendiceal diverticulosis in pathologic specimens is 0.004-2.1%. Diverticular disease of the appendix is classified as congenital (true) or acquired (false). The clinical presentation differs from that of acute appendicitis. The average age is older, the pain is often intermittent, and while localized in the right lower abdominal quadrant, is of longer duration. No further treatment besides appendectomy is needed. Since a high rate of perforations, peritonitis and lower gastrointestinal bleeding have been reported as complications, it is recommended that in those with an incidental finding of diverticula of the appendix during surgery, that appendectomy be performed. It is not recommended to perform prophylactic appendectomy when diverticula of the appendix are found on barium enema.

Appendectomy

[Ureteral replacement with appendix].

OBJECTIVE: The scant references in the literature on the use of the appendix in ureteral substitution prompted us to describe the present case in whom this technique was utilized. METHODS: The surgical technique of appendiceal interposition to repair a defect approximately 10 cm long in the right ureter is described. Following excision of a mass arising from the adnexa that entrapped the ureter at the level of the pelvis, the defect was repaired with the appendix. RESULTS: At two years follow-up, the patient is well and right excretory system function is normal. CONCLUSION: Ureteral repair with the appendix is simple and easy to perform. However, the indications for appendiceal interposition are more limited than those of the classical surgical techniques.

Appendix

Complement receptor lymphocytes in the rabbit I. an SIg-negative subpopulation in the appendix.

Complement receptor lymphocytes (CRL) were detected in various rabbit lymphoid tissues by the ability of these CRL to form rosettes with sheep red blood cells coated sequentially with rabbit antiserum directed against sheep red blood cell stroma and horse serum as a nonhemolytic source of complement (EAC). The rosette assay was shown to be specific for complement receptor (CR) activity and the EAC capable of detecting both C3b and C3d specific receptors. With lymphocyte preparations containing less than 5% phagocytic cells, the average per cent CRL in the various tissues studied was as follows: thymus 1%, popliteal lymph node 18%, spleen 30%, appendix 35%, and peripheral blood 45%. Double assays in which the lymphocytes were prestained with an FITC-labeled Fab fragment of a goat anti-rabbit Fab antibody before rosetting indicated that CRL were a subpopulation of surface immunoglobulin (SIg)-bearing lymphocytes in popliteal lymph node, spleen, and peripheral blood. In the appendix, however, in addition to finding SIg+ CR+ and SIg+ CR- populations, an SIg- CR+ population was consistently found. Double assays employing FITC-labeled goat antibodies specific for mu, alpha, and gamma determinants were also performed to determine if there was any relationship between the class of Ig displayed and presence of CR. It appeared that an approximately equivalent percentage of both IgM- and IgG-bearing cells also displayed CR. Experiments in which appendix cells were treated with Pronase to remove SIg and CR and the cells cultured in vitro to allow regeneration of surface markers confirmed the existence of SIg+CR+, SIg+CR-, and SIg-CR+ lymphocyte subpopulations. Whether the SIg-CR+, population represents a developing B cell population which will eventually also express SIg or whether it belongs to the T or "null" cell populations is unclear at present.

Animals

Asymptomatic primary mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the appendix with a large abdominal mass: report of a case.

A case of cystadenocarcinoma of the appendix with a large cystic lesion is reported. A 49-year-old man undergoing a routine ultrasonic scan was incidentally found to have an abdominal mass measuring some 30 cm in size. The clinical presentation was asymptomatic, and the patient underwent a laparotomy without ascertaining a diagnosis preoperatively. The lesion, which derived from the appendix, was removed and was found to be cystic and contained huge amounts of mucin. The histological findings revealed a well-differentiated cystadenocarcinoma of the appendix, and immunohistochemical staining of the epithelium and mucinous implants in the mass demonstrated a positive reaction for carcinogenic antigens, including carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen.

Abdominal Neoplasms

Management and prognosis of adenocarcinoma of the appendix.

PURPOSE: Adenocarcinoma of the appendix is a rare neoplasm, and controversies persist regarding management. The purpose of this study was to identify prognostic factors and define management strategies for patients with adenocarcinoma of the appendix. METHODS: A retrospective case series was conducted at three medical school teaching hospitals over a 20-year period from 1972 to 1992. Overall survival was determined by the actuarial life table method. Comparisons of prognostic factors were made using exact nonparametric log-rank tests. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were diagnosed during the study period. Median age was 62 years. There were five males and eight females. The disease was not suspected in any patient preoperatively. Seventy-seven percent of patients had metastatic disease at presentation. Second primary malignancies were found in 15 percent of patients. Thirty-eight percent of female patients had synchronous ovarian lesions. Median survival was 22 months, with an estimated five-year survival of 43 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 22-84 percent). Patients with colonic histology had significantly worse survival than patients with mucinous histology (P = 0.0093). Patients with carcinomatosis had a significantly worse survival than noncarcinomatosis patients (P = 0.0078). Patients who underwent right hemicolectomy had a better prognosis for survival than appendectomy patients, but the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Carcinoma of the appendix is very difficult to diagnose preoperatively, and most patients are not identified until disease is advanced. Good prognostic factors include mucinous histology and the absence of carcinomatosis. Right hemicolectomy appears to be a reasonable option, although its superiority to appendectomy alone has not been definitively proven. High frequency of ovarian metastases in women suggests a role for bilateral oophorectomy. In addition, a complete work-up of the patient for a synchronous malignancy, especially in the gastrointestinal tract, should be considered.

Adenocarcinoma

Granular cell tumour of the appendix in a patient irradiated for a rectal carcinoma.

We report on a 47-year-old man with a granular cell tumour of the appendix, discovered incidentally during surgery for a rectal adenocarcinoma that had been irradiated preoperatively. A detailed immunocytochemical analysis revealed positivity for S-100 and neuron-specific enolase (NSE). Electron microscopically, the cytoplasm of the tumour cells contained numerous pleomorphic lysosomes. In the appendix tissue adjacent to the tumour a neuroma and the histological features of radiation injury were present. Our findings suggest that this granular cell tumour may have originated from a pre-existing appendix neuroma which underwent granular degeneration, possibly as a result of radiation.

Appendiceal Neoplasms