Reversal of pale-to-dark nasopharyngeal follicle ratio on narrow-band imaging

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2010;16:307-9 | Number 4, August 2010
CASE REPORT
Reversal of pale-to-dark nasopharyngeal follicle ratio on narrow-band imaging
Alexander C Vlantis, Amy BW Chan, HS Chan, John KS Woo, Michael CF Tong, C Andrew van Hasselt
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong
 
 
Normal nasopharyngeal mucosa contains varying amounts of lymphoid tissue, which in adults may be minimal or absent. Nasopharyngeal mucosa with minimal lymphoid tissue has a regular follicular pattern on narrow-band imaging; pale follicles have thin, dark borders and the ratio of the pale follicle to the dark border (pale-to-dark ratio) is roughly 90%. In some patients undergoing routine nasopharyngeal endoscopy, the pale-to-dark ratio is reversed on narrow-band imaging, with dark centres surrounded by pale borders and a pale-to-dark ratio of roughly 50%. These dark follicles may represent abnormal capillary loops, as they have the same appearance as microvascular changes seen on narrow-band imaging of the oesophageal mucosa which indicate dysplasia or malignancy. While this observed change in the follicular pattern may be an early event in the evolution of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, the significance of this finding remains to be confirmed by a larger-scale study.
 
Key words: Biopsy; Carcinoma; Diagnostic imaging; Endoscopy; Nasopharynx
 
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Torsion of a nongravid myomatous uterus: radiological features and literature review

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2010;16:304-6 | Number 4, August 2010
CASE REPORT
Torsion of a nongravid myomatous uterus: radiological features and literature review
Shiobhon Y Luk, John LY Leung, ML Cheung, S So, SH Fung, Sunny CS Cheng
Department of Radiology, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Chai Wan, Hong Kong
 
 
Torsion of the nongravid uterus is a rare but potentially fatal acute abdominal condition. The non-specific clinical presentation of this condition makes preoperative diagnosis difficult. We describe a patient with uterine torsion in whom the diagnosis was made using contrast-enhanced computed tomography with multiplanar reconstruction. Features of uterine torsion and its complications can be demonstrated by computed tomography, which is an important means of making a preoperative diagnosis.
 
Key words: Myoma; Tomography, X-ray computed; Torsion abnormality; Uterine neoplasms
 
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Oesophageal haemangioma: imaging characteristics of this rare condition

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2010;16:230-1 | Number 3, June 2010
CASE REPORT
Oesophageal haemangioma: imaging characteristics of this rare condition
Darshana D Rasalkar, Philip WY Chiu, Anthony YB Teoh, Winnie CW Chu
Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Organ Imaging, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong
 
 
Oesophageal haemangiomas are rare, benign, vascular tumours that have characteristic features on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. This enables radiologists to suggest the correct diagnosis without the need for invasive biopsy. Diagnostic characteristics include phleboliths seen on computed tomography, and intense homogeneous enhancement of the lesion on magnetic resonance imaging. These tumours have life-threatening haemorrhagic potential and therefore require surgical resection.
 
Key words: Esophageal neoplasms; Hemangioma, cavernous; Magnetic resonance imaging; Tomography, X-ray computed
 
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A community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus liver abscess

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2010;16:227-9 | Number 3, June 2010
CASE REPORT
A community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus liver abscess
Vivien WY Wong, YS Cheung, John Wong, KF Lee, Paul BS Lai
Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong
 
 
Liver abscesses caused by community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus are rarely reported. We report such a case in a 25-year-old man who presented with an intermittent fever. He had a history of prolonged antibiotic use for acne and skin abscesses. The liver abscess was successfully treated with percutaneous drainage and a prolonged course of linezolid. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus liver abscess in Hong Kong, demonstrating the increasing threat posed by this multidrug-resistant organism. This case also suggests that a different epidemiology and route of infection may apply to community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus liver abscesses in contrast to the more common pyogenic liver abscesses.
 
Key words: Community-acquired infections; Liver abscess; Methicillin resistance; Staphylococcus aureus; Vancomycin
 
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Bacille Calmette-Guerin osteomyelitis of the proximal femur

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2010;16:223-6 | Number 3, June 2010
CASE REPORT
Bacille Calmette-Guerin osteomyelitis of the proximal femur
PK Chan, Bobby KW Ng, CY Wong
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong
 
 
All newborns in Hong Kong are given bacille Calmette-Guerin vaccinations. Reported complications include formation of regional and extra-regional localised abscesses, osteomyelitis, and lymphadenitis. Several cases of bacille Calmette-Guerin osteomyelitis have been reported in Europe, but there are few reports of this in Asia. To the author's knowledge, this is the first case report of bacille Calmette-Guerin osteomyelitis in Hong Kong. Bacille Calmette-Guerin osteomyelitis, although rare, should be kept in mind as a potential complication of bacille Calmette-Guerin vaccination. Clinical suspicion, early diagnosis using an image-guided tissue biopsy and polymerase chain reaction study, and early commencement of chemotherapy are key to the effective management of this problem.
 
Key words: Abscess; BCG vaccine; Femur; Mycobacterium bovis; Osteomyelitis
 
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A novel duplication at the putative DNA polymerase alpha arrest site and a founder mutation in Chinese in the IVD gene underlie isovaleric acidaemia

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2010;16:219-22 | Number 3, June 2010
CASE REPORT
A novel duplication at the putative DNA polymerase alpha arrest site and a founder mutation in Chinese in the IVD gene underlie isovaleric acidaemia
Hencher HC Lee, Robert SY Lee, CK Lai, YP Yuen, TS Siu, Albert YW Chan, CW Lam
Department of Pathology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Laichikok, Hong Kong
 
 
Isovaleric acidaemia is a rare inherited organic acidaemia associated with a characteristic odour in affected patients. Fewer than 40 causative mutations have been reported to date. We report a case in a Hong Kong Chinese neonate who presented with respiratory distress and acute encephalopathy requiring aggressive resuscitation and treatment. Residual gross motor developmental delay was still observed at the age of 16 months. The child was subsequently found to harbour a known missense mutation (c.A1199G [p.Y371C]) and a novel 4-bp duplication (c.1148_1151dupGCTA [p.Y355X]) in the IVD gene. We suggest that the former is a founder mutation in the Chinese population and propose an explanation for the duplication event. Strategies that may achieve early diagnosis and prompt treatment include raising awareness of this condition, implementation of a tandem mass spectrometry neonatal screening programme, and local acquisition of appropriate medications for these metabolic diseases.
 
Key words: Founder effect; Gene duplication; Hong Kong; Isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase
 
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The first report of a single-port laparoscopic nephrectomy in a child

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2010;16:153-4 | Number 2, April 2010
CASE REPORT
The first report of a single-port laparoscopic nephrectomy in a child
Kenneth KY Wong, Patrick HY Chung, Lawrence CL Lan, Ivy HY Chan, Paul KH Tam
Division of Paediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
 
 
There has been an exponential rise in the use of minimally invasive procedures in surgery, with obvious benefits to patients. Recently, transumbilical single-port laparoscopic surgery has been championed as the next major technical advance. In this article, we report the first case where single-port laparoscopic surgery has been used to manage a paediatric problem in the region.
 
Key words: Child; Laparoscopy; Nephrectomy; Treatment outcome
 
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Immunoglobulin G4–associated sclerosing cholangitis mimicking cholangiocarcinoma

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2010;16:149-52 | Number 2, April 2010
CASE REPORT
Immunoglobulin G4–associated sclerosing cholangitis mimicking cholangiocarcinoma
Daniel TM Chung, CN Tang, Eric CH Lai, George PC Yang, Michael KW Li
Department of Surgery, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Chai Wan, Hong Kong
 
 
Immunoglobulin G4–related lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing disease is an emerging disease. Recently, it has been shown to be responsible for autoimmune pancreatitis-induced strictures of the bile duct mimicking cholangiocarcinoma. Making a diagnosis of immunoglobulin G4–associated sclerosing cholangitis requires a high index of suspicion. The differential diagnoses include primary sclerosing cholangitis, cholangiocarcinoma, and pancreatic cancer. The preoperative diagnosis is likely to be missed due to the lack of specific symptoms; a clinical presentation that may mimic other disorders, especially malignant biliary strictures; and the lack of specific imaging features. This article reports on a 51-year-old man with immunoglobulin G4–associated sclerosing cholangitis without autoimmune pancreatitis. He underwent resection of his extrahepatic bile duct with a hepaticojejunostomy. The diagnosis was confirmed after a histopathological examination. This case highlights the obstacles to making a preoperative diagnosis of immunoglobulin G4–associated sclerosing cholangitis.
 
Key words: Autoimmune diseases; Cholangiocarcinoma; Cholangitis, sclerosing; Immunoglobulin G; Pancreatitis
 
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Osteonecrosis of the jaw after oral bisphosphonate for osteoporosis

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2010;16:145-8 | Number 2, April 2010
CASE REPORT
Osteonecrosis of the jaw after oral bisphosphonate for osteoporosis
CK Tong, ST Ho, SL Wong
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Caritas Medical Centre, Shamshuipo, Kowloon, Hong Kong
 
 
Bisphosphonates are a common treatment for osteoporosis. Osteonecrosis of the jaw has been associated with the use of bisphosphonates, usually when they have been used parenterally to treat malignancies. Cases associated with oral bisphosphonate as a treatment for osteoporosis are less frequent. We describe two patients exhibiting the clinical manifestations of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw. A brief review of the literature on the incidence, possible risk factors, and practice guidelines is also presented.
 
Key words: Diphosphonates; Jaw diseases; Osteonecrosis; Osteoporosis
 
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Mammary angiosarcoma in two patients at either end of the age spectrum

ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2010;16:141-4 | Number 2, April 2010
CASE REPORT
Mammary angiosarcoma in two patients at either end of the age spectrum
Miranda HY Lai, CY Lui
Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Organ Imaging, United Christian Hospital, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong
 
 
Angiosarcoma of the breast is rare and has a poor prognosis due to its aggressive nature. This is a report of two patients with mammary angiosarcomas, each with different clinical presentations, and at either end of the age spectrum. One is an 18-year-old woman who presented with a rapidly enlarging breast mass, and the other a 72-year-old woman whose breast mass was found during screening mammography. The radiological features of mammary angiosarcoma are summarised in this report.
 
Key words: Breast neoplasms; Hemangiosarcoma; Neoplasm metastasis
 
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