Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

K J Ho

Publications and source records attributed to K J Ho.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Diffuse thymic hyperplasia following chemotherapy for nodular sclerosing Hodgkin's disease. An immunologic rebound phenomenon?

Diffuse thymic hyperplasia following chemotherapy for nodular sclerosing Hodgkin's disease is reported in an 18-year-old woman. The patient's course was complicated by drug-induced pulmonary fibrosis and disseminated herpes zoster. Subsequently she developed genuine diffuse thymic hyperplasia with disappearance of herpes zoster and apparently complete remission of Hodgkin's disease. We stress that restoration of the host immune system, particularly the cell-mediated immunity, is essential for successful control of Hodgkin's disease and the thymic hyperplasia is most likely a favorable sign for it, which should not be confused with recurrence of Hodgkin's disease.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Hormone-producing capabilities of renal cell carcinomas. Correlation with ultrastructural findings.

A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate ultrastructural aspects of hormone production by renal cell carcinomas. Fifteen renal cell carcinomas examined ultrastructurally were retrieved from the files. Six cases revealing abundant and diffusely distributed secretory granules in the neoplastic cells were found and correlated with clinical manifestations and laboratory findings. Five of these patients were hypercalcemic; the sixth patient was asymptomatic, and no abnormalities were detected in routine laboratory workup. Two additional cases showed focal aggregates of electron dense neurosecretory granules. These last 2 patients had no biochemical abnormalities and were entirely asymptomatic. The size and ultrastructural morphology of the cytoplasmic granules identified in the renal neoplasms were compared with the usual granular morphology associated with the specific hormones involved. Immunohistochemistry was used to confirm the parathormone hormone content of the granules in 7 of the 8 cases presented. The other case revealed granules with ultrastructural characteristics of prostaglandin granules.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Computed tomographic characteristics of pleural empyema.

The computed tomographic characteristics of the pleural empyema were illustrated in three patients. A typical empyema is characterized by lower thorax location, oblong and round contour in cross-section, homogeneous content with or without air spaces or air-fluid levels, regularly thin wall opposing the chest wall (a rim sign), irregularly thick wall opposing the lung parenchyma, and smooth inner and outer margins. By application of such computed tomographic criteria, a pleural empyema can be readily distinguished from a peripheral lung abscess.

Adolescent↗

Broncholithiasis: its detection by computed tomography in patients with recurrent hemoptysis of unknown etiology.

Broncholithiasis is often not diagnosed by conventional roentgenography and fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Demonstrated here and three such cases of "recurrent hemoptysis of unknown etiology,". The broncholith in each case was clearly demonstrated only by the thoracic computed tomography (CT). We stress that CT is an extremely useful modality in the diagnosis of broncholithiasis and that the true incidence of broncholithiasis could be greater than was previously believed.

Adult↗

Mesodermal cyst of the spleen: computed tomographic characteristics and pathogenetic considerations.

A large nonparasitic, non-neoplastic, benign cyst of the spleen in a 24-year-old woman was diagnosed by conventional radiography, radionuclide scintigraphy, and computed tomography. Round contour, sharp margins, and homogenous content of low attenuation value are characteristic computed tomographic features. The histologic study of the cyst and information obtained from the literature provide evidence to support the hypothesis that the cyst develops from an embryonal rest of the primitive coelomic mesothelial cells in the spleen. Mesodermal cyst is therefore a more appropriate designation for such a cyst.

Adult↗

CT diagnosis of false aneurysm of the pulmonary artery not demonstrated by angiography.

A 17-year-old patient with tricuspid atresia, palliatively corrected by a right Glenn and a left Potts anastomosis during his early childhood and a banding of the left pulmonary artery 6 years ago, developed a false aneurysm of the left pulmonary artery secondary to the erosion of the band fabric through the vascular wall with subsequent thrombosis, infection, and leakage. The diagnosis was confused by both chest roentgenography and angiography but was accurately made by postcontrast computed tomography (CT). We stress the importance and usefulness of CT in the diagnosis of a false aneurysm, not demonstrated by angiography.

Adolescent↗

Computed tomography of primary mediastinal seminomas.

Two cases of primary mediastinal seminoma presented as (a) aortic aneurysm with symptoms suggestive of coarctation of the aorta and (b) nonspecific tumor mass with left diaphragmatic paralysis. By computed tomographic (CT) scans both tumors were massive with sharply demarcated borders, loss of fat planes between the tumor and surrounding organs, and homogeneous density (30 to 40 Hounsfield units) only slightly enhanced by contrast medium infusion. Such CT findings should suggest the possibility of a primary mediastinal seminoma.

Adult↗

Whipple's disease: pathogenetic considerations.

A typical case of Whipple's disease was manifested by malabsorption and nondeforming peripheral arthritis for five years. A definite diagnosis was made by duodenal mucosal biopsy which revealed the characteristic histologic features by light microscopy, intracellular and extracellular Whipple's bacilli by electron microscopy, and a typical immune cross-reactivity pattern by immunofluorescence technique. Whipple's bacilli apparently elicit no effective humoral and cellular immune response; macrophages thus play the key role in its pathogenesis. Antibiotic treatment resulted in a dramatic relief of symptoms and rapid restoration of body weight. We stress that in patients with nondeforming peripheral arthritis associated with malabsorption syndrome, Whipple's disease, despite its rarity, should be included in the differential diagnosis.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Application of computed tomography in differential diagnosis of radiographic opacities in the lower thorax and upper abdomen.

The differential diagnosis of radiographic homogeneous opacities in the lower thorax and upper abdomen is very often a dilemma for radiologists. Recently we have encountered the following 8 cases in which the correct radiologic diagnoses (confirmed pathologically) were made only by computed tomography: pyogenic liver abscesses (2 cases), subphrenic hematoma, pancreatitis with pseudocyst, adrenal cortical carcinoma, ovarian carcinoma with liver metastasis, lower lobe pulmonary infarction, and metastatic breast cancer in the peri-esophageal region. The CT findings displayed not only the anatomic location and extent of these lesions but also the unique characteristics of many of the pathologic processes that produce these otherwise nonspecific radiographic opacities. It is our purpose here to demonstrate the CT findings in such patients and to advocate CT study as a very effective diagnostic modality in those patients who present with radiographic homogeneous opacities in the lower thorax and upper abdomen.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

Tension hydrothorax: roentgenographic characteristics and pathogenetic consideration.

We have described a 24-year-old diabetic woman with rapidly developing left-sided tension hydrothorax. The pleural effusion was characterized by high contents of protein and glucose. The chest roentgenogram exhibited massive pleural effusion, prominent air bronchograms, mediastinal shift, and diaphragmatic inversion. Prompt thoracocentesis proved to be life-saving.

Adult↗