J Cancer Res Ther 2017 Apr-Jun;13(2):262-267

Department of Radiation Oncology, Amrita School of Medicine, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amrita University, Kochi, Kerala, India.

Background: Breast cancer tissue is sensitive to hypofractionation. This is an analysis of patients treated with hypofractionated protocols since 2009, at our tertiary cancer center.

Methods: Details of breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant hypofractionated external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) from January 2009 to December 2014 were retrieved and analyzed. Read More

Leukemia 2017 Jun 23. Epub 2017 Jun 23.

Department of Genetics and Molecular Pathology, SA Pathology, Australia.

Heterozygous GATA2 mutations underlie an array of complex hematopoietic and lymphatic diseases. Analysis of the literature reporting three recurrent GATA2 germline (g) mutations (gT354M, gR396Q, gR398W) revealed different phenotype tendencies. While all three mutants differentially predispose to myeloid malignancies, there was no difference in leukemia-free survival for GATA2 patients. Read More

Semin Hematol 2017 Apr 10;54(2):81-86. Epub 2017 May 10.

Department of Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.

The GATA2 gene codes for a hematopoietic transcription factor that through its two zinc fingers (ZF) can occupy GATA-DNA motifs in a countless number of genes. It is crucial for the proliferation and maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells. During the past 5 years, germline heterozygous mutations in GATA2 were reported in several hundred patients with various phenotypes ranging from mild cytopenia to severe immunodeficiency involving B cells, natural killer cells, CD4(+) cells, monocytes and dendritic cells (MonoMAC/DCML), and myeloid neoplasia. Read More

J Skin Cancer 2017 28;2017:2041872. Epub 2017 May 28.

Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.

The goal of this study was to identify a relevant and inclusive list of quality of life issues among long-term survivors of melanoma. Individuals diagnosed with stage I-III cutaneous melanoma and had survived 1-5 years, ages 18-65 years at diagnosis, were recruited. Five focus groups were conducted with 33 participants in total. Read More

Vasc Med 2017 Jun 1:1358863X17714884. Epub 2017 Jun 1.

Department of Lymphology, Centre National de Référence des Maladies Vasculaires Rares (Lymphoedèmes Primaires), Hôpital Cognacq-Jay, Paris, France.

Lymphedema, a chronic debilitating disease, is not always easily diagnosed. A total of 254 new patients ((217 women, 37 men), median (Q1-Q3) age 61 (46-72) years) were referred for suspected limb lymphedema to an exclusively lymphedema-dedicated department for a first consultation (January - March 2015) were included; among 118 with upper limb involvement, 100 (84.7%) were diagnosed with post-breast cancer therapy and four with primary lymphedemas; among 136 with lower limb involvement, 31 (22. Read More

Am J Dermatopathol 2017 Jul;39(7):518-523

*Department of Cellular Pathology, Hospital El Bierzo, Ponferrada, Spain; and †Department of Pathology, Southern California Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles Medical Center (LAMC), Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles, CA.

Although Gottron papules are a relevant feature of dermatomyositis, they are reported in very few papers in the literature, and the largest series on the subject includes 11 cases. We intend to study the main histopathologic features of Gottron papules in a series of 12 biopsies. We evaluated hematoxylin-eosin stains on all cases. Read More

Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017 Jun 20;6:CD009758. Epub 2017 Jun 20.

Department of Dermatology, Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, 39 Jabotinski Street, Petah Tikva, Israel, 49100.

Background: Erysipelas and cellulitis (hereafter referred to as 'cellulitis') are common bacterial skin infections usually affecting the lower extremities. Despite their burden of morbidity, the evidence for different prevention strategies is unclear.

Objectives: To assess the beneficial and adverse effects of antibiotic prophylaxis or other prophylactic interventions for the prevention of recurrent episodes of cellulitis in adults aged over 16. Read More

J Reconstr Microsurg 2017 Jun 19. Epub 2017 Jun 19.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Science, Okayama, Japan.

J Int Med Res 2017 Jan 1:300060517711085. Epub 2017 Jan 1.

1 Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.

Objective To compare the clinical pharmacokinetics of rocuronium when applied according to fat-free mass versus real body weight during anesthetic induction of patients with lymphedema. Methods Sixty patients with lymphedema (age, 18-60 years; American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, I-II) undergoing elective surgery with general anesthesia were randomly divided into two groups. Rocuronium was administered based on the fat-free mass in 30 patients and real body weight in 30 patients. Read More

Nagoya J Med Sci 2017 Feb;79(2):221-227

Division of Vascular Surgery, Second Department of Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine.

Postoperative lymphedema is considered irreversible once it has developed, and significantly lowers the patient's quality of life. However, lymphatic function has recently been clarified, and it is possible that lymphedema can be cured if early treatment is started. This two-arm randomized clinical trial (UMIN000026124) will prospectively evaluate 24 patients with early-stage breast cancer-related lymphedema at the Nagoya University Hospital and Aichi Cancer Center Hospital. Read More

Eur Spine J 2017 Jun 17. Epub 2017 Jun 17.

, 11754 County Rd. 29, Roseneath, ON, K0K 2X0, Canada.

Purpose: Metal implants have been used to treat adolescent idiopathic scoliosis since the 1960s. Only recently, however, it has the issue of metal-bone breakdown secondary to metal corrosion in situ come to light, raising concerns of possible long-term complications from the resulting metallosis and inflammation of spinal tissues. We present a case of a patient with neurological deficit, pain, and disability with Harrington rod in place for over 30 years, to bring attention to the issue of bio-corrosion of metal implants and its effect on human tissue. Read More

Gynecol Oncol 2017 Jun 14. Epub 2017 Jun 14.

The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Queensland Centre of Gynaecological Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Objective: Cancer-related lymphedema is a debilitating condition that adversely influences function, health and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence, incidence, and risk factors of lower-limb lymphedema pre- through to 24months post-surgery for gynecological cancer.

Methods: A clinic-based sample of women (n=408) with gynecological cancer participated in a prospective, longitudinal study (2008-2011) using self-reported measures (swelling in one or both legs) and objectively measured lymphedema (bioimpedance spectroscopy) at baseline (pre-surgery), six weeks-three months, 6-12months, and 15-24months post-surgery. Read More

Qual Life Res 2017 Jun 16. Epub 2017 Jun 16.

Department of Public Health and Infectious Disease, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.

Background: Higher survival rates for breast cancer patients have led to concerns in dealing with short- and long-term side effects. The most common complications are impairment of shoulder functions, pain, lymphedema, and dysesthesia of the injured arm; psychological consequences concern: emotional distress, anxiety, and depression, thereby, deeply impacting/affecting daily living activity, and health-related quality of life.

Objective: To perform a systematic review for assessing the efficacy or effectiveness of interventions aiming at improving health-related quality of life, return to daily activity, and correct lifestyles among breast cancer patients. Read More

Microsurgery 2017 Jun 16. Epub 2017 Jun 16.

Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan.

Background: Although early detection is valuable for secondary lymphedema treatment, existing screening tests are not popular. This study aimed to propose a novel method of screening lymphedema patients based on the thickness of the subcutaneous fat measured with perioperative computed tomography (CT) and present the results from evaluation of patients who underwent those examinations was performed.

Method: The medical records of 96 gynecological cancer patients and 189 breast cancer patients, whose lymphatic function was assessed with indocyanine green lymphography, were reviewed. Read More

Adv Skin Wound Care 2017 Jul;30(7):305-318

Caroline E. Fife, MD, FACCWS, is Adjunct Professor, Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Medical Director, CHI St Luke's-Wound Care Clinic, The Woodlands, Texas; Chief Medical Officer, Intellicure, Inc, The Woodlands, Texas; and Executive Director, US Wound Registry, The Woodlands, Texas. Wade Farrow, MD, FACCWS, CWSP, is US Medical Director and Vice President of Wound Care, BSN Medical, Charlotte, North Carolina; and Board Member, National Lymphedema Network. Adelaide A. Hebert, MD, FACCWS, is Professor, Departments of Dermatology and Pediatrics, UTHealth McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas. Nathan C. Armer, MEd, is Research Specialist, Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri. Bob R. Stewart, EdD, is Professor Emeritus, College of Education, Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri. Janice N. Cormier, MD, MPH, FACS, is Professor, Surgical Oncology and Biostatistics, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. Jane M. Armer, PhD, RN, FAAN, CLT, is Professor, Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.

Background: Lymphedema is a condition of localized protein-rich swelling from damaged or malfunctioning lymphatics. Because the immune system is compromised, there is a high risk of infection. Infection in patients with lymphedema may present in a variety of ways. Read More

Lymphat Res Biol 2017 Jun;15(2):172-176

Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery and Clinical Science, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine , Ube, Japan .

Background: Both subcutaneous echo-free space (SEFS) observed by ultrasonography and the ratio of intracellular fluid resistance to extracellular fluid resistance (Ri/Re) calculated from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) represent extracellular edema status in the extremities. We tried to correlate these parameters.

Methods And Results: In 70 legs with venous edema (VE) and 68 legs with lymphedema (LE), subcutaneous tissue ultrasonography to determine SEFS severity (range, 0-2) and BIA to calculate Ri/Re were performed. Read More

Drugs 2017 Jun 14. Epub 2017 Jun 14.

Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

In the last decade, the systemic treatment approach for patients with early breast cancer has partly shifted from adjuvant treatment to neoadjuvant treatment. Systemic treatment administration started as a 'one size fits all' approach but is currently customized according to each breast cancer subtype. Systemic treatment in a neoadjuvant setting is at least as effective as in an adjuvant setting and has several additional advantages. Read More

SAGE Open Med Case Rep 2017 2;5:2050313X17711631. Epub 2017 Jun 2.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Nadogaya Hospital, Chiba, Japan.

Objective: In this report, we placed focus on the immunological function of lymph nodes and performed lymph node transfer via a free flap to a site of refractory infection.

Case And Results: Case 1 describes a 34-year-old male suffering from compound fractures with severe crush injuries and burns in the right ankle joint. A 20 × 15 cm skin defect was observed around the right malleolus medialis, along with denuded tendons with bacterial infection. Read More

Trop Med Health 2017 9;45:17. Epub 2017 Jun 9.

School of Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Queensland Australia.

Background: There is very limited data available on the prevalence of Bancroftian filariasis in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). Considerable attempts to eliminate the disease had occurred in the Pacific region by the year 2003, and the prevalence in FSM was thought to be sufficiently low that the region was considered non-endemic. However, a survey conducted in 2003 on an isolated atoll of FSM, Satawal Island, challenged that assumption. Read More

J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2017 Jun 14. Epub 2017 Jun 14.

Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Münster, Münster, Germany.

Plast Reconstr Surg 2017 Jun 12. Epub 2017 Jun 12.

1 Department of Plastic Surgery, Tokyo Metropolitan Bokutoh Hospital, Tokyo, Japan 2 Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.

Background: Lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) is a useful treatment option for compression-refractory lower extremity lymphedema (LEL), but its efficacy largely depends on severity of lymphosclerosis. To maximize LVA efficacy, it is important to elucidate factors associated with severe lymphosclerosis (SLS).

Methods: Medical charts of 134 LEL patients who underwent preoperative indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography and LVA were reviewed to obtain data of clinical demographics, ICG lymphography findings, and intraoperative findings. Read More

Breast Cancer Res Treat 2017 Jun 12. Epub 2017 Jun 12.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

Introduction: Lymphedema can be a debilitating condition, causing a great decrease in a person's quality of life (QoL). Treatment with lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA), in which an anastomosis is created between the lymphatic and venous system, may attenuate lymphedema symptoms and reduce swelling. In this study, we share the results using LVA to treat breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) at our institution. Read More

Otolaryngol Clin North Am 2017 Jun 9. Epub 2017 Jun 9.

Department of Head & Neck Surgery, University of California, 200 UCLA Plaza, Suite 550, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.

With increases in survivorship for patients with head and neck cancer, attention is turning to quality-of-life issues for survivors. Care for these patients is multifaceted. Dysphagia and issues of voice/speech, airway obstruction, neck and shoulder dysfunction, lymphedema, and pain control are important to address. Read More

Mayo Clin Proc 2017 Jun 7. Epub 2017 Jun 7.

Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ.

Objective: To identify patients evaluated in an outpatient setting at our institution with a presentation of recurrent orofacial swelling and to review the spectrum of causes to outline a diagnostic approach.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective study of 104 patients with more than 1 episode of orofacial swelling lasting for more than 5 days identified through a keyword search of the electronic health record from January 2, 2000, through July 5, 2011.

Results: Patients were categorized according to final cause of orofacial swelling: idiopathic orofacial granulomatosis, solid facial edema due to rosacea and acne vulgaris, Crohn disease, contact dermatitis, sarcoidosis, exfoliative cheilitis, lichen planus, actinic cheilitis, cheilitis glandularis, lymphedema, miscellaneous, and multifactorial. Read More

J Surg Res 2017 Jun 6;213:251-260. Epub 2017 Mar 6.

Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.

Background: Over 72% of Americans use online health information to assist in health care decision-making. Previous studies of lymphedema literature have focused only on reading level of patient-oriented materials online. Findings indicate they are too advanced for most patients to comprehend. Read More

Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2017 Jun;56(3):281-285

Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Women's and Children's Health, "Agostino Gemelli" Foundation University Hospital, Rome, Italy.

Objective: This prospective pilot study aims to validate feasibility, efficacy and safeness of the innovative technique of video endoscopy inguinal lymphadenectomy (VEIL) and compare it to open inguinal lymphadenectomy (OIL) in the staging and treatment of vulvar cancer (VC).

Material And Methods: All patients affected by VC suitable for bilateral inguinal-femoral lymphadenectomy were prospectively enrolled and submitted to VEIL on one side and OIL contralaterally, sparing the saphenous vein. The surgical and post-surgical data were collected. Read More

Ann Surg 2017 Jun 7. Epub 2017 Jun 7.

*Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, University of Heidelberg, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, Heidelberg, Germany †Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Linkou, Tauyuan, Taiwan ‡Center for Tissue Engineering, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Tauyuan, Taiwan.

Objective: This study investigated the outcome of lymphedema microsurgery with or without microsurgical breast reconstruction for breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL).

Background: Complete decongestive therapy, lymphovenous anastomosis, and vascularized lymph node flap transfer are the 3 major treatment modalities for BCRL. Releasing axillary contracture and transferring a free flap may potentially improve the BCRL. Read More

N Engl J Med 2017 06;376(23):2211-2222

From the John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica (M.B.F., D.S.B.H.), and the Departments of Pathology (A.J.C.), Biomathematics (H.-J.W., D.A.E., R.M.E.), and Medicine (D.A.E.), University of California, Los Angeles - both in California; Melanoma Institute Australia and the University of Sydney, Sydney (J.F.T., O.E.N.), Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC (M.H.), Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD (B.M.S.), and Newcastle Melanoma Unit, Waratah, NSW (P.H.) - all in Australia; Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City (R.H.A., R.D.N.), and Intermountain Healthcare Cancer Services-Intermountain Medical Center, Murray (T.L.B.) - both in Utah; Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori Napoli, Naples (N.M.), Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, Milan (A.T.), and Istituto Oncologico Veneto-University of Padua, Padua (C.R.R.) - all in Italy; H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL (J.S.Z.); Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki (T.J.); Dallas Surgical Group, Dallas (P.D.B.); Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen, Groningen (H.J.H.), and Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam (M.W.J.M.W.) - both in the Netherlands; Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich (M. Moncrieff), and Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London (A.M.-R.) - both in the United Kingdom; Swedish Melanoma Study Group-University Hospital Lund, Lund, Sweden (C.I.); University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (M.S.S.); Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem (E.A.L.), and Duke University, Durham (R.S.) - both in North Carolina; Ohio State University, Columbus (D.A.); University of Zurich, Zurich (R.D.), and Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne (M. Matter) - both in Switzerland; Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Hershey (R.I.N.), Thomas Jefferson University (A.C.B.) and Fox Chase Cancer Center (J.M.F.), Philadelphia, and St. Luke's University Health Network, Bethlehem (D.C.D.) - all in Pennsylvania; Greenville Health System Cancer Center, Greenville, SC (S.D.T.); Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto (F.W.), and Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, AB (G.M.) - both in Canada; University of Washington, Seattle (D.R.B.); Saint Louis University, St. Louis (E.H.); Vanderbilt University (D.B.J., M.C.K.), Nashville, and University of Tennessee, Knoxville (J.M.L.) - both in Tennessee; University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein-Campus Lübeck, Lübeck (P.T.), University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg (A.G.), and City Hospital of Nürnberg, Nuremberg (E.S.) - all in Germany; SUNY at Stony Brook Hospital Medical Center, Stony Brook (T.L.H.), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York (C.E.A.), and Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo (J.M.K.) - all in New York; Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (J.D.W.) and Rush University Medical Center (S.D.B.), Chicago; University of Wisconsin, Madison (H.B.N.); Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel (S.S.); M.D. Anderson Medical Center, Houston (J.E.G.); Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore (L.J.); University of Louisville, Louisville, KY (K.M.M.); Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH (R.J.B.); Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Barcelona (S.V.-S.); and Sentara CarePlex Hospital, Hampton, VA (R.A.H.).

Background: Sentinel-lymph-node biopsy is associated with increased melanoma-specific survival (i.e., survival until death from melanoma) among patients with node-positive intermediate-thickness melanomas (1. Read More

Curr Urol Rep 2017 Jul;18(7):51

Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, MN, USA.

Extent of pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) during radical prostatectomy (RP) remains a subject of debate. Here, we review the literature covering the value of extended PLND (ePLND) during RP for high-risk prostate cancer (PCa) over a standard PLND, with a focus on potential therapeutic advantage. PLND may provide valuable prognostic information to high-risk PCa patients, and incorporating the common iliac and presacral nodes to ePLND templates further improves pathologic nodal staging accuracy. Read More

Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2017 Jul 3;54(1):78. Epub 2017 Jun 3.

Cambridge Vascular Unit, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK; Imperial College, London, UK. Electronic address:

Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2017 Jul 3;54(1):126. Epub 2017 Jun 3.

Managerial Epidemiology Research Centre, Department of Public Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Electronic address:

Ceska Gynekol 2017 ;82(2):92-99

Introduction: Octreotide is a synthetic analogue of natural somatostatin. Octreotide effect on lymphorrhea reduction in gynecological malignancies has only been assessed in case studies.

Design: Original work. Read More

Niger J Surg 2017 Jan-Jun;23(1):20-25

Department of Surgery, Government Medical College and Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, Punjab, India.

Context: Oncosurgery is an emerging branch with the set goals of prolonging the life and ensuring the best possible quality of life to the surviving patient. The use of harmonic scalpel has proved to be beneficial in a variety of surgeries but its role in breast surgery is still controversial.

Aims: We conducted this study to compare the intraoperative and postoperative outcomes in modified radical mastectomy using harmonic scalpel versus electrocautery. Read More

J Reconstr Microsurg 2017 Jun 5. Epub 2017 Jun 5.

Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan.

Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech 2017 Jun;27(3):e40-e43

Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN.

Vascularized lymph node transfers have multiple donor sites with risk of iatrogenic lymphedema. We sought to describe in detail a surgical technique that is safe, reproducible, and efficient in harvesting gastroepiploic vascularized lymph nodes using real-time indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent imaging. Photographs and video were acquired from a case to depict a step-by-step approach. Read More

Br J Dermatol 2017 Jun 2. Epub 2017 Jun 2.

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, Tennessee (Ridner); Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee.

Background: Patients with lymphedema suffer lifelong swelling and recurrent cellulitis despite use of complete decongestive therapy. Pneumatic compression devices (PCDs), including non-programmable and programmable devices that meet individual patient needs, support long term self-care in the home. Yet, to date, no direct comparison of their relative benefits has been available. Read More

BMJ 2017 Jun 1;357:j2330. Epub 2017 Jun 1.

University of Alberta and Cross Cancer Institute, Department of Physical Therapy, Edmonton, Canada.

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017 Jun 1;11(6):e0005567. Epub 2017 Jun 1.

CBM International and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.

Background: Lymphatic filariasis is a chronic, disabling and often disfiguring condition that principally impacts the world's poorest people. In addition to the well-recognised physical disability associated with lymphedema and hydrocele, affected people often experience rejection, stigma and discrimination. The resulting emotional consequences are known to impact on the quality of life and the functioning of the affected individuals. Read More

Ann Plast Surg 2017 May 31. Epub 2017 May 31.

From the *Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, National Cancer Center; and †Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.

Introduction: The anatomical variations in accessory lymphatic pathways around the axillary region may work as a drainage route for excess lymphatic fluid accumulation in secondary upper extremity lymphedema. In this report, accessory lymphatic pathways extending to the shoulder, neck, and breast regions in secondary upper extremity lymphedema patients are shown using indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography.

Patients And Methods: Between January 2012 and May 2015, 30 limbs of 29 patients with upper extremity lymphedema after malignant tumor resection were evaluated. Read More

Ann Plast Surg 2017 May 31. Epub 2017 May 31.

From the *Department of Surgery (DISC), Unit of Lymphatic Surgery, IRCCS University Hospital San Martino-IST National Institute for Cancer Research, University of Genoa, Italy; †Department of Vascular Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Pius Branzeu Center for Laparoscopic Surgery and Microsurgery, Timisoara, Romania; ‡Salus Hospital, GVM Care & Research, Reggio Emilia, Italy; §Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Hand Surgery, Evangelic University Hospital, Oldenburg, Germany; and ∥Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland.

Background: Advanced microsurgical techniques have emerged as a promising approach for the treatment of lymphedema, but achieving international standards is limited by a scarcity of adequate training models. The purpose of this report is to describe our in vivo porcine training model for microsurgery.

Study Design: Five female common-breed pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) weighing 20 to 28 kg were placed under general anesthesia, and blue patent violet dye was injected to highlight lymphatic structures and prepare the pigs for anatomical exploration and microsurgery. Read More

Ann Plast Surg 2017 May 31. Epub 2017 May 31.

From the *Department of Plastic Surgery, Tokyo Metropolitan Bokutoh Hospital; and †Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.

Background: Volume measurement is a common evaluation for upper extremity lymphedema. However, volume comparison between different patients with different body types may be inappropriate, and it is difficult to evaluate localized limb volume change using arm volume.

Methods: Localized arm volumes (Vk, k = 1-5) and localized arm volume indices (LAVIk) at 5 points (1, upper arm; 2, elbow; 3, forearm; 4, wrist; 5, hand) of 106 arms of 53 examinees with no arm edema were calculated based on physical measurements (arm circumferences and lengths and body mass index [BMI]). Read More

Br J Community Nurs 2017 Jun;22(6):272-275

Dermatology Staff Nurse, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Mhealth 2017 15;3. Epub 2017 Mar 15.

RTI International, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Background: A number of methods have been used to estimate lymphatic filariasis (LF) morbidity, including: routine programmatic data, cluster random surveys and the "town crier" method. Currently, few accurate data exist on the global LF morbidity burden in Tanzania. We aimed to estimate prevalence of lymphedema and hydrocele in Mtwara Municipal Council using mobile phone based survey. Read More

Tohoku J Exp Med 2017 ;242(2):83-91

Department of Hematology and Rheumatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine.

The development of mature blood cell from hematopoietic stem cells is regulated by transcription factors that coordinate the expression of lineage-specific genes. GATA transcription factors are zinc finger DNA-binding proteins that play crucial roles in various biological processes, including hematopoiesis. Among GATA family proteins, GATA-1, GATA-2, and GATA-3 are essential for hematopoiesis. Read More

Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2017 May 9. Epub 2017 May 9.

Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Cirurgia, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Faculdade de Medicina, Grupo de Tumores de Laringe e Hipofaringe do Serviço de Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

Introduction: Internal lymphedema is one of the sequelae of head and neck cancer treatment that can lead to varying degrees of swallowing, speech, and respiration alterations. The Radiotherapy Edema Rating Scale, developed by Patterson et al., is a tool used to evaluate pharyngeal and laryngeal edema. Read More

AIDS Res Ther 2017 May 30;14(1):30. Epub 2017 May 30.

Infectious Diseases Department, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Av. San Fernando No. 22, Col. Sección XVI, Deleg. Tlalpan, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico.

Objective: To investigate the predictive factors for the development of Kaposi sarcoma-related immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (KS-IRIS) and long-term prognosis in patients starting combined antiretroviral therapy (cART).

Methods: We studied a retrospective-cohort of consecutive antiretroviral-naïve patients with KS initiating cART from January 2005 to December 2011 and followed through June 2013. KS-IRIS was defined as ≥2 of the following: abrupt increase in number of KS lesions, appearance or exacerbation of lung-opacities or lymphedema, concomitantly with an increase in CD4+ cell-count ≥50 cells/mm(3) and a decrease of >1 log in viral-load once started cART. Read More

J Cutan Pathol 2017 May 27. Epub 2017 May 27.

Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.

Cutaneous angiosarcoma can be challenging to diagnose particularly when they are poorly vasoformative and on biopsies. We report a case of a cutaneous angiosarcoma with strong positivity for tyrosinase, the first to our knowledge, initially misdiagnosed as melanoma. We subsequently evaluated the reactivity of panmelanocytic cocktail (tyrosinase, HMB-45 and melan-A), SOX10, tyrosinase and MITF in a large tissue microarray (TMA) of angiosarcoma. Read More

Harefuah 2017 Feb;156(2):96-99

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel.

Introduction: During the last decade sentinel lymph nodes biopsy has become an essential part of primary surgical treatment in a number of malignancies including breast cancer, melanoma and head-and-neck malignancies. Dye or radioactive substances are injected at the primary tumor site, followed by pre-operative and intra-operative mapping. During surgery only positive lymph nodes are being dissected instead of a complete dissection of the lymphatic basin. Read More

Phlebology 2017 Jan 1:268355516689631. Epub 2017 Jan 1.

10 Centre de Recherche Universitaire de La Léchère, Equipe THEMAS, Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble, France.

Objective Medical compression stockings are a standard, non-invasive treatment option for all venous and lymphatic diseases. The aim of this consensus document is to provide up-to-date recommendations and evidence grading on the indications for treatment, based on evidence accumulated during the past decade, under the auspices of the International Compression Club. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted and, using PRISMA guidelines, 51 relevant publications were selected for an evidence-based analysis of an initial 2407 unrefined results. Read More

Am J Med Genet A 2017 May 23. Epub 2017 May 23.

Department of Clinical Genetics, University Hospitals Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, United Kingdom.

Lymphedema distichiasis syndrome (LDS) is a rare, autosomal dominant genetic condition, characterized by lower limb lymphedema and distichiasis. Other associated features that have been reported include varicose veins, cleft palate, congenital heart defects, and ptosis. We update a previously reported family with a pathogenic variant in FOXC2 (c. Read More