Can we accurately diagnose endometriosis without a diagnostic laparoscopy?

Endometriosis is a progressive, estrogen-dependent, chronic inflammatory disease that affects approximately 6-10% of reproductive age women. Patients usually presents with symptoms, such as non-menstrual pelvic and abdominal pain, ovulatory pain, dyspareunia, dysmenorrhea, dyschezia, and/or changes to bowel or bladder function, which can be exacerbated during ovulation or menses. Endometriosis is a leading cause of unexplained infertility, accounting for up to 50-80% of cases.

Coexistence of BRAF V600E and TERT Promoter Mutations in Low-grade Serous Carcinoma of Ovary Recurring as Carcinosarcoma in a Lymph Node: Report of a Case.

Low-grade serous carcinomas only rarely coexist with or progress to high-grade tumors. We present a case of low-grade serous carcinoma with transformation to carcinosarcoma on recurrence in the lymph node. Identical BRAF V600E and telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter mutations were identified in both the original and recurrent tumor.

Useful Parameters for Distinguishing Subcutaneous Panniculitis-like T-Cell Lymphoma From Lupus Erythematosus Panniculitis.

Some cases of subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) and lupus erythematosus panniculitis (LEP) demonstrate clinical and histopathologic overlap, raising the possibility that they represent opposite ends of a disease spectrum. SPTCL, however, is typically associated with greater morbidity and risk for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH); therefore, diagnostic distinction is clinically important. We present the histopathologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular findings with long-term clinical follow-up of 13 patients with SPTCL (median, 64 mo follow-up) and 7 with LEP (median, 50 mo follow-up) in our multidisciplinary cutaneous oncology clinic.

Cutaneous Lymphoma International Consortium Study of Outcome in Advanced Stages of Mycosis Fungoides and Sézary Syndrome: Effect of Specific Prognostic Markers on Survival and Development of a Prognostic Model.

Purpose: Advanced-stage mycosis fungoides (MF; stage IIB to IV) and Sézary syndrome (SS) are aggressive lymphomas with a median survival of 1 to 5 years. Clinical management is stage based; however, there is wide range of outcome within stages. Published prognostic studies in MF/SS have been single-center trials.

Genomic analysis of mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome identifies recurrent alterations in TNFR2.

Mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome comprise the majority of cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCLs), disorders notable for their clinical heterogeneity that can present in skin or peripheral blood. Effective treatment options for CTCL are limited, and the genetic basis of these T cell lymphomas remains incompletely characterized. Here we report recurrent point mutations and genomic gains of TNFRSF1B, encoding the tumor necrosis factor receptor TNFR2, in 18% of patients with mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome.

Phase II Investigator-Initiated Study of Brentuximab Vedotin in Mycosis Fungoides and Sézary Syndrome With Variable CD30 Expression Level: A Multi-Institution Collaborative Project.

Purpose: In contrast to Hodgkin lymphoma and systemic anaplastic large-cell lymphoma, CD30 expression of malignant lymphocytes in mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) is quite variable. Clinical activity and safety of brentuximab vedotin, a CD30 targeting antibody-drug conjugate, was evaluated in MF and SS. Tissue and blood biomarkers of clinical response were explored.

Lymph node involvement by mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome mimicking angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma.

Clinical management of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) differs markedly. Diagnostic distinction is critical. Herein, we describe a series of 4 patients with clinically, molecularly, and histopathologically annotated mycosis fungoides or Sézary syndrome whose nodal disease mimicked AITL.

Low-dose total skin electron beam therapy as an effective modality to reduce disease burden in patients with mycosis fungoides: results of a pooled analysis from 3 phase-II clinical trials.

Background: Standard-dose (36-Gy) total skin electron beam therapy (TSEBT) is a highly effective treatment in mycosis fungoides. However, the regimen is time-intensive and may be associated with significant toxicity.

Objective: We sought to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability associated with low-dose (12-Gy) TSEBT.

Identification of Candida species associated with vulvovaginal candidiasis by multiplex PCR.

Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a common infection. The aim of this study was to identify the species of vaginal Candida isolates by using multiplex PCR technique.

Methods: 191 isolates from patients admitted to Mahdieh hospital were identified.

The prevalence of menstrual pain and associated risk factors among Iranian women.

Aim: To estimate the prevalence of dysmenorrhea in Iranian women and investigate associated risk factors.

Material & Methods: In a cross-sectional study in Tehran, Iran in 2007, 381 women (81% response rate, age 16-56 years) were selected through a stratified random sample of 22 different districts and completed a questionnaire about dysmenorrhea. Descriptive statistics, spearman rank correlation statistic, and ordinal logistic regression models were used.

Drug-use patterns in an intensive care unit of a hospital in Iran: an observational prospective study.

Objectives: the aim of this study was to evaluate drug-use patterns, investigate the factors influencing patient outcome, and determine the cost of drugs utilized in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods: in an observational prospective study, drug prescriptions for 113 patients admitted to the ICU of a hospital in Iran were recorded. The cost of drugs in ICU and the entire hospital was also calculated.

The Iranian population is graying: are we ready?

Background: Iran has gone through sharp demographic changes in the past three decades. Presently, in Iran, there is a lack of health promotional activities targeting the elderly which can lead to a decrease in their quality of life and an increase in their disability rates. Those most vulnerable amongst the elderly are females, who have low education and low socioeconomic status.

Fixed drug eruption resulting from fluconazole use: a case report.

Introduction: Fluconazole is a widely used antifungal agent with a possible side effect of fixed drug eruption. However, this adverse drug effect is absent from the reported list of possible side effects of fluconazole. We are presenting a rare case in our report.