Browsing by Author "Stimec, B. (7003411337)"

It has been well established that chronic pancreatitis, initially localized to small ducts, evolves later to the main duct and the whole gland. The aim of this study was to give a morphologically based insight on borderline cases of incipient pancreatitis. A total of 95 human autopsy specimens were suspected for chronic pancreatitis on basis of positive history and macroscopic appearance. They were studied by standard anatomical methodology: H and E staining, postmortem pancreatography, corrosion casting, Spalteholz diaphanoscopy, macro- and microdissection. Various stages of chronic pancreatitis were verified in 87 specimens (91.6%). The initial (incipient, or 'equivocal') pancreatitis, based on Marseilles and Cambridge criteria, were detected in 16 cases (18.4%). The ductal abnormalities were found in only one (11 specimens) or in two (5 specimens) main pancreatic duct primary tributaries, without any involvement of the surrounding ducts and parenchyma. The pathological ducts were most frequently situated in the head, and to a lesser extent, in the body and tail of pancreas (10, 4 and 2 cases, respectively). These ducts were significantly both dilated and elongated (mean calibre 1.21 mm, mean length 15.7 mm). In conclusion, a precise diagnosis of the initial chronic pancreatitis has to be based on a full visualization and adequate morphometry of all the main pancreatic duet's tributaries, with clear-cut values of their normal dimension range.

Immature teratomas of the ovary represent less than 1% of all ovarian teratomas. They contain several tissues that derive from the three embryologic layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. We report the case of a 17-year-old girl who presented with an immature teratoma of the left ovary that recurred 3 months later as an inoperable malignant neuroepithelial peritoneal tumor resembling a glioblastoma. She died 3 weeks after the second explorative operation. The very aggressive course and fast lethal outcome could be explained by the patient's refusal to receive chemotherapy after the initial operation. © 2005 IGCS.

The possible influence of both beta-endorphin and insulin secretion on diabetes development in pregnant women was studied by means of radioimmunoassay technique (RIA-Nichols Institute). The study was carried out by determination of beta endorphins in peripheral blood samples of 28 pregnant women with gestational diabetes. They consisted of two subgroups: 14 women with insulin independence, and 14 with insulin-dependent disease. Beta endorphin increase was found in both groups, according to the progression of gestation, and the rise was significantly higher in the insulin-dependent group. At the same time, insulin application caused a marked growth of beta-endorphins in insulin-dependent group. Beta-endorphins, inhibiting insulin secretion, can influence gestional diabetes development.

[No abstract available]

This paper deals with beta-endorphin determination in 20 autopsy specimens of human fetal and neonatal pancreas, as well as in the placental tissue specimens of the same fetoplacental units, by means of radioimmunoassay (RIA - Nichols Institute). Peripheral blood samples of 10 healthy non-gravids were taken as controls. Our results present a marked increase of beta-endorphin levels with the progression of gestation, reaching a peak of 3960 pg/g at term. The data obtained indicate that beta-endorphin plays an important role in pregnancy and delivery regulation.

Aims: The study aim was to provide data on pattern and length of crossing of the ileocolic artery (ICA) and right colic artery (RCA) with the superior mesenteric vein (SMV). Methods: Specimens from 30 fresh human cadavers underwent corrosion casting. Methylacrylate was injected into the SMV and superior mesenteric artery (SMA). Length of crossing was measured with a scaleable ruler and copper wire. Values are mean (SD; range). Results: ICA was present in all specimens and crossed posterior to the SMV in 19 (63.33%) of 30 specimens. Length of crossing was 17.01 (7.84; 7.09-42.89) mm. RCA was present in 19 (63.33%) of 30 specimens. RCA crossed anterior to SMV in 16 (84.21%) of 19 specimens. Length of crossing was 20.63 (8.09; 6.3-35.7) mm. Conclusions: ICA was always present, crossed posterior to SMV in 60% of specimens with a crossing length of 17 mm. RCA was present in 63% of specimens, crossed anterior to the SMV in 84% of specimens with a crossing length of 20 mm. Clinical implications include arterial length left behind with main nodes, arterial bleeding and safety of laparoscopic access. © 2007 Springer-Verlag.

Background: The gastrocolic trunk of Henle has not been described in detail in context with right hemicolectomy. The aim of this study was to define the caliber, length and three-dimensional position of the gastrocolic trunk of Henle (GTH). Methods: We studied 10 fresh (<24 h) cadavers. A corrosion cast method was employed. Cold polymerized methylacrylate was injected into the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) and artery. GTH diameter, length and point of confluence with the SMV were assessed. Results: The GTH was present in all specimens originating from the confluence of the right gastroepiploic and superior-anterior pancreaticoduodenal veins. The GTH joined the SMV at an average distance of 2.2 cm (range, 1.6-3.2 cm) from the inferior pancreatic border and it coursed towards the right side in a ventral-cranial direction. The mean caliber and length of the GTH were 5.2 mm (range, 4.8-5.8 mm) and 16.1 mm (range, 10.1-20.7 mm), respectively. Conclusions: The GTH is a short, medium-sized vessel of potential clinical significance with a consistent ventral-cranial direction.

An analysis of 119 autopsy specimens of human pancreas revealed two cases of specific embryonic anomaly, which we named ventral pancreas pseudoagenesis. Both glands underwent ductography and ductal morphometry, with subsequent histological assessment. They were of usual shape, contours and topographic regions. In both cases global gland drainage was via the minor papilla, while the major papilla was the outlet of common bile duct only. The morphological analysis revealed ductal indices to be similar to those found in dorsal pancreas divisum. One of the specimens had mild and the other marked chronic pancreatitis, which was probably due to the difference in age. In conclusion, ventral pancreas pseudoagenesis is another variant of pancreatic malformation which has to be taken into account in interpreting ERCPs of patients with chronic pancreatitis of unknown origin.