Retained myoma after laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy with morcellation

Leiomyoblastomas account for a small percentage of smooth muscle tumors of the stomach. Intraperitoneal bleeding is an unusual and unexpected presenting sign. We herein present a 43-year-old woman who was urgently operated on due to signs of collapse. A large hemorrhagic mass measuring 25 x 18 x 15 cm was found arising from the greater curvature of the stomach. A histologic examination demonstrated rounded and spindle cells, and rare mitoses were also seen. Although the number of mitoses was small, the lesion was nevertheless felt to be consistent with malignant leiomyoblastoma because of its large size. Three years later the patient is doing well with no evidence of tumor recurrence. We conclude that intraperitoneal bleeding due to leiomyoblastoma of the gastrointestinal tract is an extremely rare phenomenon and has been described only in a few reports, and only one other previous case presented with signs of collapse.     

Intraoperative discovery of neuroblastoma in an infant with pulmonary atresia

There have been 28 previously reported cases of neuroblastoma associated with congenital heart disease. Because many of these have been defects of the conotruncal region, it has been proposed that abnormal neural crest cell migration or maturation may be a factor that links these normally disparate pathologic conditions. Most neuroblastomas in these cases have been detected at autopsy or by radiologic studies conducted in the evaluation of the cardiac anomalies. Recently, we discovered an occult posterior mediastinal neuroblastoma in a patient undergoing a unifocalization procedure for tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia and major aortopulmonary collaterals. The tumor was resected, and the patient has demonstrated no evidence of residual or metastatic neuroblastoma.     

Dystrophia myotonica

The authors present two cases of myotonic dystrophy (Steinert's disease) with cardiac involvement in young adults. They point out the rareness of this disease, the multisystemic involvement and also the diagnostic problems in the absence of the classic clinical picture.     

A technique of positive-pressure single-lung ventilation via a silicone T-Y stent

Airway control and protection, in any operation, is the first priority. The presence of a T-Y stent in the proximal airway can complicate this fundamental principle. Here we describe an effective and safe technique for positive-pressure single-lung ventilation via a T-Y stent for a lung lobectomy.     

Differential diagnosis and therapy in Adie's syndrome

In general, Adie's syndrome does not represent a serious diagnostic problem. In cases of cerebrospinal syphilis the Argyll-Robertson phenomenon or even absolute pupillary rigidity will be observed. Positive syphilis reactions will clarify these cases. The erroneous diagnosis of brain tumour may arise because of anisocoria. However, if pupillotonia can be ascertained by means of conjunctival instillation of drugs no further invasive diagnostics will be necessary. In some cases of Adie's syndrome concomitant emotional instability may be present. This dysautonomic reaction type of personality will hardly ever be confounded with the psychological disturbances encountered in brain tumours. Therapy is restricted to symptomatic measures. Pupillotonia can be influenced by strychnine and thymoxamine. Headache and facial neuralgia respond to the usual therapeutic schemes. Sweating disorder cannot be influenced. Neuropharmacological treatment may become necessary in periods of acute emotional disturbance.     

Estimation of body fat in rats by whole-body counting

A method for determining body fat in vivo in rats by whole-body counting of 40K is described. The technique utilizes a Nuclear Chicago Corporation TOBOR system with 5-in thallium-activated sodium iodide crystals. To test the method a regression equation was developed using the 40K counts and body weight of young adult rats weighing 333-788 g; the results were compared with those obtained from the gravimetric determination of fat in the carcass. The correlation coefficient between the two methods was 0.945.     

Treatment of antral and duodenal bleeding ulcers by Guevara's catheter

The catheter is based on the principle of compression and tamponage, assuring and guaranteeing hemostasis at the base of the ulcer. This method is suitable for permanently controlling an acute hemorrhage in the event medical treatment fails and surgery is contraindicated. Emergency surgery is changed to elective surgery with all its advantages.