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Biomedical subjects

C B Wilson

Publications and source records attributed to C B Wilson.

At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources

Late manifestations of esthesioneuroblastomas in the central nervous system: report of two cases.

Two patients with esthesioneuroblastomas that disseminated in the central nervous system (CNS) and elsewhere are reported. The latest recurrences in the CNS were 19 years after the diagnosis in patient and 9 years after the diagnosis in the other. Because the treatment of patients with such late recurrences is complicated by previous surgical procedures and radiation therapy, we review therapeutic options for these patients. The literature has not previously stressed the occurrence of late metastases, including those to the CNS, after prolonged disease-free intervals.

Adolescent↗

Radiologic characteristics and results of surgical management of Rathke's cysts in 43 patients.

Although Rathke's cysts are a relatively common autopsy finding, rarely have they been reported as a clinical entity. Because of recent improvements in neuroradiological imaging, cystic intrasellar and suprasellar lesions are discovered often, leading to questions about proper management. Against this background, we reviewed the data from 43 patients with Rathke's cysts treated by one neurosurgeon over a 13-year period, and present the results here. The 43 patients had a mean age of 34 years, and 77% were female. Headache was the most common symptom, followed by galactorrhea, visual field loss, and hypopituitarism. Computed tomographic (CT) scans were reviewed in 20 cases, magnetic resonance (MR) images were reviewed in 15, and both CT and MR studies were reviewed in 5 cases. Although all Rathke's cysts were discrete and well-defined by both CT and MR imaging, the diversity of locations, CT attenuations, and MR signal intensity make it difficult to establish the diagnosis by radiological criteria. Forty patients underwent transsphenoidal surgery and three underwent craniotomy. There was one recurrence at 25 months requiring a second operation, and the mean follow-up period was 62 months. Seven patients had persistent headaches. For symptomatic lesions suspected to be Rathke's cysts, the recommended treatment is simple drainage of the cyst with biopsy of the wall, when this can be done safely. Follow-up imaging should be minimal for asymptomatic patients, and radiation therapy is not indicated.

Adolescent↗

Meningiomas: clinical implications of a high proliferative potential determined by bromodeoxyuridine labeling.

The clinical behavior of meningiomas with a high proliferative potential was analyzed to determine if the bromodeoxyuridine (BUdR) labeling index (LI) could be used to predict recurrence and the time to reoperation. Each patient received an intraoperative infusion of BUdR to label cells in DNA synthesis; the percentage of S-phase cells, or BUdR LI, of each tumor was determined immunohistochemically. Of 178 meningiomas studied, 53 had BUdR LIs greater than or equal to 1%. Of these 53 tumors, 21 were diagnosed histopathologically as malignant meningioma. Twenty-two percent of nonmalignant tumors and 81% of malignant tumors were recurrent or recurred after the BUdR study; repeat studies were performed in four patients. The mean BUdR LI of recurrent tumors was significantly higher than that of the nonrecurrent tumors [3.9 +/- 2.6 versus 1.9 +/- 1.0% (SD), P less than 0.005]. The recurrence rate was 100% for tumors with LIs greater than or equal to 5%, 55.6% for those with LIs of 3 to 5%, and 30.6% for those with LIs of 1 to 3%; the percentages of malignant meningiomas in these groups were 88%, 78%, and 19%, respectively. Logarithmic regression analysis showed that the time to reoperation (in months) can be predicted from the BUdR LI as: 70.0 x LI (%)-1.2 (R = 0.76). This formula can be used to estimate the doubling time of individual tumors and to predict the period of greatest risk of recurrence of meningiomas with a high proliferative potential.

Adolescent↗

Magnetic resonance imaging of tuberculum sellae meningiomas: preventing preoperative misdiagnosis as pituitary macroadenoma.

Despite recent advances in neurodiagnostic imaging, it may be difficult to differentiate tuberculum sellae meningiomas from pituitary macroadenomas preoperatively. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has supplanted computed tomography as the imaging modality of choice for sellar and parasellar lesions, but unenhanced MR imaging does not reliably distinguish between all tuberculum sellae meningiomas and pituitary macroadenomas. Accurate differentiation between these alternative diagnoses of a suprasellar mass is important because a tuberculum sellae meningioma always requires a craniotomy, whereas a transsphenoidal route is preferred for removing most pituitary macroadenomas. The gadolinium-enhanced MR images of seven patients with tuberculum sellae meningioma and seven with pituitary macroadenoma were reviewed retrospectively. Although no specific radiological feature was pathognomonic, a combination of several features allowed the correct diagnosis in all cases. Three characteristics of tuberculum sellae meningiomas distinguish them from pituitary macroadenomas: 1) bright homogeneous enhancement with gadolinium, as opposed to heterogeneous, relatively poor enhancement; 2) a suprasellar rather than a sellar epicenter of tumor; and 3) tapered extension of an intracranial dural base. Each of these findings can be subtle, but careful examination of gadolinium-enhanced, high-quality, thin section coronal and sagittal MR images of the parasellar region for this constellation of findings will allow the correct preoperative diagnosis in patients with either of these tumors.

Adenoma↗

Heparin decreases mesangial matrix accumulation after selective antibody-induced mesangial cell injury.

Anti-rat thymocyte antibody-induced injury of glomerular mesangial cells is characterized initially by lysis (1 h) and is followed by proliferation (beginning at 3 to 4 days), with resolution that can include a focal increase in mesangial matrix (by 28 days). Chronic administration (every 12 h) of heparin (anticoagulant or nonanticoagulant) resulted in a decrease in antibody-induced mesangial cell proliferation, which, in turn, was associated with a decrease in the size and number of areas of focal mesangial matrix increase. The effect could not be attributed to the effect of heparin on complement, to alterations in the small numbers of la-positive cells that characterize the lesion, or to binding of antibody to glomeruli. The beneficial effects of heparin in reducing mesangial cell proliferation, with a subsequent reduction in matrix increase, suggest that mesangial cell responses are a major element in the development of at least some forms of glomerulosclerosis. The possible mechanisms by which these effects of heparin may be achieved are discussed.

Animals↗

Histopathological follow-up study of 66 cerebral arteriovenous malformations after therapeutic embolization with polyvinyl alcohol.

Embolization with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is an accepted method of rendering complex arteriovenous malformations (AVM's) more amenable to surgery, but its effects on human vascular tissues have not been adequately documented. The authors reviewed the histopathology of 66 intracranial AVM's resected 1 to 76 days after embolization with PVA. The mean age of the patients was 36 years, and their AVM's were located in the cerebral hemispheres (92%), the cerebellum (6%), or the corpus callosum (2%). In 79% of cases, at least one vessel contained PVA particles; in most cases, the vessel was filled with sharp, angular PVA particles in a serpiginous pattern. Polyvinyl alcohol particles indented the endothelium in 69% of cases but were rarely found subendothelially. Clotted blood and fibroblasts were present among the particles, and abundant intraluminal mononuclear and polymorphonuclear inflammatory cells were found in all vessels containing PVA particles. Foreign-body giant cells appeared 2 to 14 days after embolization in the majority of cases. Patchy mural angionecrosis and necrotizing vasculitis were found in 39% of the cases. Recanalized lumina were seen in 18% of PVA-embolized vessels. Foreign materials resembling cotton fibers and other particulate substances, which were probably contaminants of the contrast solution or the embolic material, were found in 65% of the cases. These findings suggest a specific chain of events in the interaction between PVA and vessel wall components and may explain some important sequelae of embolization therapy.

Adolescent↗

Endocrine-inactive pituitary adenomas.

I have described some of the currently known characteristics of a group of pituitary adenomas that produce no syndrome of hormone secretion. These tumors, termed endocrine-inactive, are engaged in low levels of endocrine activity and under certain circumstances can secrete hormones, primarily glycoprotein hormones and their subunits. I have advocated a more vigorous attempt to achieve total removal of these usually large tumors because of my conviction that many, although certainly not all, can be removed completely with preservation of anterior pituitary function and, possibly, recovery of lost anterior pituitary function. Transsphenoidal removal of endocrine-inactive tumors is safe as well as effective and, in the foreseeable future, will continue to be the treatment of first choice.

Adenoma↗

Differential regulation of lymphotoxin and tumor necrosis factor genes in human T lymphocytes.

Lymphotoxin (LT) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are related cytokines that share many biological effects. The genes for LT and TNF are adjacent to each other on chromosome 6 in man, but previous data indicate that the kinetics of their production differ markedly. To explain the mechanisms for this difference, we compared the regulation of these two genes in human T lymphocytes, isolated from peripheral blood, after stimulation with the mitogens concanavalin A and phorbol myristate acetate. Differences in the kinetics of protein secretion were paralleled by differences in cognate mRNA accumulation. TNF mRNA accumulated rapidly after stimulation, peaked by 6 h, and returned to unstimulated (base-line) levels by 24 h. In contrast, LT mRNA accumulated slowly after stimulation, usually peaked at approximately 18 h, and remained increased above base-line levels at 48-72 h. By nuclear transcription run-on assays, increased transcription of TNF mRNA and LT mRNA was demonstrated after stimulation. However, TNF transcription peaked earlier and appeared to be 4-10 times greater than that of the LT gene. In contrast, the half-life of LT mRNA was 8-10-fold longer than that of TNF mRNA as demonstrated by actinomycin D pulse-chase experiments. Cycloheximide did not block LT or TNF mRNA accumulation, indicating that new protein synthesis was not required for induction of either gene. These results suggest strongly that the LT and TNF genes are regulated differently in human T lymphocytes after mitogen stimulation. TNF mRNA accumulates rapidly primarily because of increased transcription and decreases rapidly related to its brief half-life. In contrast, LT mRNA accumulates more slowly but persists much longer; the accumulation of this mRNA appears to be controlled largely by post-transcriptional mechanisms.

Adult↗

Quantitative measurement of monoclonal antibody distribution and blood flow using positron emission tomography and 124iodine in patients with breast cancer.

The uptake and in vivo quantitation of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) has been measured non-invasively using positron emission tomography (PET) and 124iodine in 9 patients with breast ductal carcinoma. Blood-flow measurements were also made using 15oxygen-labelled water and PET to evaluate antibody delivery; 7 patients were studied with HMFGI antibody and 2 patients with a non-specific antibody. Tumour uptake ranged from 2-7.7 x 10(-3)% of injected dose per gram of tissue. Values for normal tissues including liver, lung and bone were also obtained. In 2 out of 7 patients studied with the specific antibody, uptake was greater than that seen with the non-specific antibody. There was no correlation between antibody uptake and blood flow. This report exemplifies the potential of PET for the non-invasive and accurate quantitative assessment of targeted antibody which is a prerequisite to therapy.

Adult↗

Lymphocytic adenohypophysitis: a pituitary mass lesion occurring in pregnancy. Proposal for medical treatment.

Lymphocytic adenohypophysitis is a nonneoplastic, autoimmune cause of pituitary enlargement and insufficiency. Forty-eight of the 50 reported cases have occurred in women, nearly all in association with pregnancy. Left undiagnosed and untreated, it can progress to pituitary insufficiency and death. Histologic studies show characteristic changes of autoimmune disease with lymphocytic infiltration and destruction of anterior pituitary tissue with fibrotic replacement. Lymphocytic adenohypophysitis is currently diagnosed after other pituitary mass lesions are excluded and has been treated with a combination of neurosurgery and end-organ hormone replacement. However, with improved knowledge of the pathophysiologic characteristics and natural history of the disease and with the ability to make a prospective diagnosis, we believe glucocorticoids may suppress the inflammatory response and protect remaining pituitary tissue. Two previously unreported pregnancy-associated cases are described, including one prospectively diagnosed and treated without neurosurgery during pregnancy. Obstetrician-gynecologists must place lymphocytic adenohypophysitis in the differential diagnosis of pituitary enlargement associated with pregnancy, since treatment is available and the sequelae may be life-threatening.

Adult↗

Unilateral hydrocephalus in adults.

The authors report 14 cases of unilateral hydrocephalus in adults. Headache was the most common presenting symptom. Unilateral hydrocephalus was documented in each patient with computed tomography scans; magnetic resonance imaging was also used in seven patients in the latter part of the series. Unilateral hydrocephalus was caused by tumor (seven patients), venous angioma (one patient), ependymal cyst (one patient), postinflammatory gliosis (one patient), and was idiopathic in four patients. The primary surgical treatment was craniotomy with fenestration of the septum pellucidum, which relieved symptoms in eight of nine patients for whom long-term follow-up data were available.

Adolescent↗

Low-dose craniospinal radiation therapy for medulloblastoma.

At the University of California, San Francisco, 65 children with medulloblastoma of the posterior fossa were treated postoperatively with craniospinal irradiation; the dose to the posterior fossa was 54 Gy. The 26 children initially treated had only radiation therapy, receiving 30 to 40 Gy to the spine and 40 to 50 Gy to the brain. Subsequently, 39 children were treated with low-dose craniospinal irradiation and chemotherapy; 24 to 30 Gy was directed to the whole brain and 24 to 26 Gy to the spinal axis. Chemotherapy generally consisted of procarbazine just before, and hydroxyurea during, radiation therapy. Poor-risk and good-risk patients (defined by tumor resection less than 75% or greater than 75%, positive or negative myelogram, positive or negative cerebrospinal fluid analysis, age less than or greater than 2 years, respectively) were evenly distributed between the low-dose and high-dose craniospinal radiation therapy groups. Median follow-up was 51 months (range, 24 to 228 months). Kaplan-Meier actuarial survival for all patients was 73% at 5 years, 70% at 10 years. Freedom from disease progression was 68% at 5 years, 65% at 10 years. Whereas poor-risk patients treated with low-dose craniospinal irradiation and chemotherapy had a 5-year survival of 58% and a 5-year freedom from disease progression of 39%, those figures in the comparable good-risk patients were 83% and 77%, respectively. For both good-risk and poor-risk patients, the posterior fossa was the primary site of recurrence. Tumors recurred in the frontal region, probably under blocks, in three patients receiving low-dose irradiation and in two receiving the higher dose. Reducing the dose of whole-brain and spinal irradiation and giving chemotherapy did not result in a higher rate of recurrence in the brain or spinal cord. Intellectual and social function appeared better in patients receiving the lower dose. We did not study whether chemotherapy benefitted good-risk patients. Craniospinal axis irradiation at a lower dose than conventionally used does not compromise local control or survival in patients with medulloblastoma, and may reduce toxicity.

Adolescent↗

Evaluation of bromodeoxyuridine in glioblastoma multiforme: a Northern California Cancer Center Phase II study.

In a study activated in 1983 and closed in 1987, the Brain Tumor Research Center of the University of California and the Northern California Cancer Center evaluated the effect of bromodeoxyuridine in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme. A total of 160 patients were evaluable of 173 entered. Patients were to receive a bromodeoxyuridine infusion of 0.8 g/m2 daily over 24 hours for 4 days of each of 6 weeks of radiotherapy directed to the tumor plus a margin delivering a total of 60 Gy. Eligibility requirements included Karnofsky performance status greater than or equal to 70, biopsy or resection and central pathology review by one of the authors. Following radiotherapy patients were to receive chemotherapy with procarbazine, CCNU, and vincristine for 1 year. Median survival was 55.7 weeks and time to failure, 34.5 weeks for the evaluable group of 160 patients. In a univariate analysis the variables that influence survival and time to failure were: age, Karnofsky performance status, bromodeoxyuridine dose and the delivery of at least one procarbazine, CCNU, and vincristine cycle following radiotherapy. In multivariate analysis, age, Karnofsky performance status, and bromodeoxyuridine dose remain significant for time to failure; age and Karnofsky performance status remain significant for survival.

Adult↗