A case of twisted ovarian tumor with intravascular gas is presented, and the mechanism of the gas formation is discussed. On the basis of the probable mechanism of gas formation observed in dead fetuses, the gas seen in the present case is considered to have been oxygen released from trapped oxyhemoglobin within the tumor vessels. "Intravascular gas" within an ovarian tumor, although extremely rare, is diagnostic of ovarian torsion.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Usefulness of p53 protein, Bcl-2 protein and Ki-67 as predictors of chemosensitivity of malignant tumors.

In various types of human malignant tumors, the presence or absence of expression of apoptosis-associated gene products (p53 protein and Bcl-2 protein) and the tumor proliferation activity-related factor (Ki-67) was assessed by immunohistochemical staining and the correlation between this expression and chemosensitivity to anticancer drugs was investigated. Study subjects comprised 55 preoperative patients with untreated malignant tumors (9 with esophageal cancer, 11 with stomach cancer, 11 with colon cancer, 13 with hepatic cancer and 11 with breast cancer). A chemosensitivity test was carried out with the histoculture drug response assay (HDRA) method using 4 drugs, mitomycin C (MMC), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), doxorubicin hydrochloride (ADM), and cisplatin (CDDP). Immunohistochemical staining was used to assess expression of p53 protein, Bcl-2 protein and Ki-67. The tumor growth inhibition index (I.I.) of the 4 drugs was significantly lower in a group of the patients with p53 protein overexpression-type (mutant p53 protein positive expression-type) tumors than in a group with p53 protein negative expression-type tumors (p<0.05). No significant correlation was found between the expression of the Bcl-2 protein by and the I.I. of any drug studied in any type of cancer. A negative correlation was found between the labeling index (L.I.) for Ki-67 in all cases and I.I. for MMC and ADM and thus, chemosensitivity of the tumors with high growth activity was lower. Furthermore, a positive correlation existed between the L.I. for Ki-67 and that for p53 protein. The patients with p53 protein overexpression-type (mutant p53 protein positive) tumors showed low chemosensitivity. In addition, overexpression of p53 protein is suggested to be one of the factors involved in the lowered chemosensitivity of the tumors with high growth activity. Summarizing these findings, the p53 protein can play an important role in cancer therapy.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Pancreatic pseudoaneurysm converted from pseudocyst: transcatheter embolization and serial CT assessment.

We present a case of pancreatic pseudoaneurysm converted from a pseudocyst. Contrast-enhanced CT disclosed a round enhancing lesion at the previously identified pseudocyst, and angiography confirmed the diagnosis of a pseudoaneurysm. The pseudoaneurysm was successfully treated by arterial embolization. We believe arterial embolization to be the treatment of choice for pseudoaneurysm as a complication of pancreatitis.

Aneurysm, False↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Primary choriocarcinoma of the stomach presenting as gastrointestinal hemorrhage: report of a case.

A case of primary choriocarcinoma of the stomach presenting as gastrointestinal hemorrhage in a 58-year-old postmenopausal woman is presented. Arteriographic features included a large hypervascular gastric mass and multiple liver masses with vascular poolings, mimicking those of cavernous hemangioma. Postcontrast CT including delayed scan showed a large central nonenhanced area with marginal peripheral contrast enhancement. Close observation of the angiographic findings revealed peripheral vascular poolings and central avascularity, which are characteristic of uterine choriocarcinoma. Human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) titer was significantly elevated, and extragenital choriocarcinoma of the stomach was confirmed by autopsy.

Angiography↗