Splenic autotransplantation: determination of the optimum amount required for maximum survival.

Splenic salvage in cases of traumatic or iatrogenic injuries may require autotransplantation of splenic fragments when splenorrhaphy or partial splenectomy is not possible. There are no studies which address the issue concerning the optimal amount of spleen to be transplanted in order to yield maximal survival in a model of pneumococcal sepsis. This study uses a Sprague-Dawley rat model to attempt to clarify this issue.

Comparison of omental splenic autotransplant to partial splenectomy. Protective effect against septic death.

The possible benefit of either partial splenectomy or splenic autotransplantation as protection against post-splenectomy sepsis was investigated. Sprague-Dawley rats were challenged with intravenous Streptococcus pneumoniae and the incidence of bacteremia and mortality were recorded. Animals were divided into four groups based upon the amount of splenic tissue conserved: total splenectomy (0%), partial splenectomy (62%), splenic autotransplantation (27%), or sham celiotomy (100%).

Carotid body tumor and hyperparathyroidism. A case report and review of the literature.

Carotid body tumor is an uncommon tumor of the head and neck. The coexistence of this entity with primary hyperparathyroidism is even more unusual, with only four cases having been previously recorded. This report describes a patient with a left inferior parathyroid adenoma and a right carotid body tumor.

Sclerosing mesocolitis.

A case report of sclerosing mesocolitis is presented. This is an unusual and poorly understood entity. A 49-year-old woman presented with episodic abdominal pain and a palpable abdominal mass.