Analysis of and prognostic information from disseminated tumour cells in bone marrow in primary breast cancer: a prospective observational study.

Background: Disseminated tumour cells (DTCs) in the bone marrow of patients with breast cancer have been identified as an independent predictor of poor prognosis in patients with non-metastatic disease. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the presence and prognostic value of DTCs in the bone marrow of female patients with primary breast cancer.

Methods: Between 1999 and 2003, bone marrow aspirates were obtained from patients at the time of surgery for primary invasive breast cancer.

Fusion of the SEC31L1 and ALK genes in an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a neoplasm composed of myofibroblastic spindle cells and infiltrating inflammatory cells. Cytogenetic analyses have revealed that a subgroup of IMT, in particular among children and young adults, harbors clonal chromosomal rearrangements involving chromosome band 2p23. Further, molecular genetic studies have shown that these rearrangements target the ALK gene, serving as the 3'-partner in fusion genes with various translocation partners.

Characterization of normal breast tissue heterogeneity using time-resolved near-infrared spectroscopy.

In recent years, extensive efforts have been made in developing near-infrared optical techniques to be used in detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. Variations in optical properties of normal breast tissue set limits to the performance of such techniques and must therefore be thoroughly examined. In this paper, we present intra- and intersubject as well as contralateral variations of optical and physiological properties in breast tissue as measured by using four-wavelength time-resolved spectroscopy (at 660, 786, 916 and 974 nm).

Preoperative normal level of parathyroid hormone signifies an early and mild form of primary hyperparathyroidism.

Contemporary patients are often diagnosed with mild or intermittent hypercalcemia. In addition, most studies demonstrate patients with parathyroid (PTH) levels in the upper normal range. The aim of the present investigation was to define subgroups of patients with mild primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT), which could be of importance in the decision for or against surgical treatment.

Patients with elevated serum parathyroid hormone levels after parathyroidectomy: showing signs of decreased peripheral parathyroid hormone sensitivity.

We have previously shown that patients with elevated levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) after surgery for parathyroid adenoma have normal parathyroid and renal function but demonstrate signs of remineralization of cortical bone, decreased calcium absorption, and low levels of vitamin D. We hypothesized that decreased peripheral PTH sensitivity could also be of importance for this condition. Thirteen patients operated on for a solitary parathyroid adenoma, with a mean +/- SD preoperative serum level of calcium of 2.

Unilateral versus bilateral neck exploration for primary hyperparathyroidism: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To compare unilateral and bilateral neck exploration for primary hyperparathyroidism in a prospective randomized controlled trial.

Summary Background Data: Based on the assumption that unilateral neck exploration for a solitary parathyroid adenoma should reduce operating time and morbidity, a variety of minimally invasive procedures have challenged the idea that bilateral neck exploration is the gold standard for the surgical treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism. However, to date, no open prospective randomized trial has been published comparing unilateral and bilateral neck exploration.

Multifactorial risk profile for bone fractures in primary hyperparathyroidism.

Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is associated with an increased fracture risk, and decreased bone density thus has been considered an indication for surgery. However, many pHPT patients have a multifactorial risk profile for osteoporosis and bone fractures. The aim of the present study was to evaluate variables associated with fracture risk within the group of pHPT patients.

Low parathyroid hormone levels after thyroid surgery: a feasible predictor of hypocalcemia.

Background: Selecting patients with a low risk of hypocalcemia is mandatory if patients are to be discharged on the first day after bilateral thyroidectomy. This study investigated the predictive value of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH).

Methods: Thirty-eight patients underwent total or near-total thyroidectomy.

Measurement of intraoperative parathyroid hormone predicts long-term operative success.

Hypothesis: A decrease in the intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) level predicts long-term operative success.

Design: A case series of consecutive patients undergoing parathyroidectomy with intraoperative PTH measurement.

Setting: A university hospital.