Local Adjuvant Research Articles

High-intensity focused ultrasound ablation combined with systemic therapy for unresectable colorectal cancer liver metastasis: A propensity score-matched analysis.

Unresectable colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM) remains a challenging obstacle that often prevents curative treatment. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the efficacy and safety of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) as a local adjuvant therapy for systemic chemotherapy for patients with unresectable CRLM. HIFU is a noninvasive method previously demonstrated as efficacious for various solid malignancies. Propensity score matching was used for the combination therapy group (HIFU group, n = 59) and the observation group receiving systemic therapy only (No-HIFU group, n = 59). In addition, the survival benefit, adverse effects, and factors affecting prognosis following HIFU were evaluated. The disease control rate was 77.9% and 62.7%, and the objective remission rate was 18.9% and 6.8% in the HIFU and non-HIFU groups, respectively. The survival analysis showed that median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 12.0 months and 11.0 months for the HIFU and non-HIFU groups, respectively (p = 0.002). The univariate and multivariate analysis showed that pre-treatment colorectal cancer liver metastasis lesion size was significantly associated with mPFS. In addition, patients that received a combination treatment for CRLM lesions <5.0 cm had a longer mPFS when compared to those receiving systemic therapy alone (13.0 months vs. 11.0 months, p = 0.001). In the HIFU group, patients with lesions <5.0 cm had a longer mPFS than patients with lesions ≥5.0 cm (13.0 months vs. 10.0 months, p = 0.04) (Figure3B,C). Most treatment-related adverse events observed in both groups were grade 1-2. Only four cases (6.8%) of grade 1-2 skin burns were observed in patients in the HIFU group; no other statistically significant adverse events were observed. Our study showed that HIFU ablation targeting unresectable CRLM alongside systemic therapy safely and significantly improved local control rates and prolonged mPFS, especially for lesions smaller than 5.0 cm.

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) in the surgical treatment of Haglund's syndrome: the use of PRP membranes as an intra-operative local adjuvant.

Aim Haglund's syndrome may be responsible for chronic pain in the ankle and hindfoot. Although numerous therapeutic approaches have been described in the literature, to this date no consensus over a surgical treatment has been established. We report our experience in the treatment of Haglund's syndrome and pre-insertional calcifications of the Achilles tendon using an open surgical approach and platelet rich plasma (PRP) membranes as a local adjuvant. Methods The study retrospectively evaluated patients with Haglund syndrome treated with a direct posterior access, Achilles tendon split, bursectomy, resection of the heel deformity and topical administration of PRP membranes. After surgery, a standardized rehabilitation protocol was performed. The preoperative and postoperative functionalities of the foot and ankle were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. Results Twenty consecutive patients were included. The mean follow-up was 23 months. No patient had major intraoperative or postoperative complications. After the surgery, the mean AOFAS score increased from 44.1 to 92.0, resulting in a statistically significant increase in patient functionality after the treatment (p=0.001). Conclusion Our results suggest that an open surgical approach consisting of a combination of bursectomy, resection of the calcaneal deformity, and topical administration of PRP membranes may be effective for the treatment of Haglund's disease.

Gentamicin[sbnd]coated tibial nail is an effective prevention method for fracture-related infections in open tibial fractures

Fracture-related infection (FRI) is a common complication following open tibia fracture (OTF), especially in patients with high-energy trauma or comorbidities. The use of gentamicin-coated nail (GCN) has been proposed as a local adjuvant to prevent FRI in high-risk patients.Hypothesis: The incidence of FRI is expected to be lower in OTF treated with a GCN, alongside with no detrimental effects on fracture healing time.Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of GCNs as a definitive fixation method and prophylaxis for FRI in OTFs. Secondary outcomes included non-union rates and time to healing.Methods: The study design was a mixed cohort, including a prospective group of patients treated with GCN (Expert Tibial Nail PROtect™, Depuy Synthes, Johnson&Johnson Company Inc, New Jersey, USA) and a retrospectively evaluated group treated with non-gentamicin-coated nail (NGCN). Patients with at least 12 months of follow-up were included. The treatment protocol consisted of timely administration of antibiotics, surgical debridement, and early soft-tissue coverage. Exclusion criteria included protocol infringement, traumatic amputation, and loss of follow-up.Statistical analysis was performed using Stata v14.0, with a significance level of p < 0.05.Results: The study included 243 patients, 104 in GCN group and 139 NGCN group. External Fixator use was higher in the NGCN group, but this did not significantly affect the FRI rate.GCN use was associated with a significantly lower incidence of FRI (2.88% GCN group vs. 15.83% NGCN group, OR 0.16, p < 0.01). Furthermore, GCN use was found to be a protective factor against tibial non-union (OR 0.41, p = 0.03). There were no adverse effects attributed to locally administered gentamycin. The NGCN cohort had a higher incidence of polytrauma, although the difference was not statistically significant. A longer time to heal as well as more FRI and Non-union according to the progression in Gustilo-Anderson classification was observed in the GCN group.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that GCN is an effective prophylactic method to reduce the risk of FRI in open tibial fractures at 12-month follow-up, as well as, probably derived from this protective effect, leading to lower fracture consolidation times when compared with cases treated without GCN.

Dexmedetomidine versus Midazolam as Local Anesthetic Adjuvants to Bupivacaine in Ultrasound-Guided Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block for Upper-Limb Vascular Surgeries: A Comparative Study

Dexmedetomidine versus Midazolam as Local Anesthetic Adjuvants to Bupivacaine in Ultrasound-Guided Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block for Upper-Limb Vascular Surgeries: A Comparative Study

Analgesic Efficacy of Dexmedetomidine as Adjuvant to Levo-Bupivacine in Ultrasound Guided Erector Spinae Plan Block for Modified Radical Mastectomy

Background&amp; aim: There are several advantages to properly managing post-masctetomy pain. With single shot interfascial plane blocks, local anesthetic adjuvants enhance analgesia duration. They improve the analgesic impact of local anesthetics. Dexamethasone, magnesium sulphate and dexmedetomidine, are examples of adjuvants with diverse modes of action. This research examined the analgesic effects of dexmedetomidine in women who had undergone a modified radical mastectomy (MRM). Methods and Patients: The research included forty women with histopathologically confirmed breast cancer. They were all scheduled for MRM and were randomly assigned to one of two groups: those who got levobupivacaine alone (group C) or those who received dexmedetomidine plus levobupivacaine (group D) during ultrasound (US)-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB). The two groups were compared in terms of their hemodynamics, demographics, time until the first request for analgesia, numeric rating scale (NRS) scores, Richmond Agitation &amp; Sedation scale (RASS) scores and total opioid use. Results: There were no statistically significant differences observed between the two groups in terms of baseline data. The set of participants referred to as group D had a statistically significant reduction in heart rate on many instances. Furthermore, it was discovered that group D had a substantial reduction in postoperative NRS ratings and a heightened degree of recovery from sedation, as shown by the RASS. Furthermore, it was noted that group D had a significantly reduced overall analgesic dose (9.12±0.46 vs. 6.24±1.37 mg; p= 0.02) and a prolonged duration until first analgesia (6.21±1.28 vs. 7.13±1.79 hours; p&lt; 0.001). Conclusion: The use of dexmedetomidine in combination with levobupivacaine ESPB has been shown to enhance postoperative analgesia compared to the use of levobupivacaine alone. This improvement in postoperative analgesia leads to enhanced comfort levels for patients. Further research is necessary to corroborate these results via future studies conducted in several places.

Regional anaesthesia for ambulatory surgery.

Regional anaesthesia (RA) has an important and ever-expanding role in ambulatory surgery. Specific practices vary depending on the preferences and resources of the anaesthesia team and hospital setting. It is used for various purposes, including as primary anaesthetic technique for surgery but also as postoperative analgesic modality. The limited duration of action of currently available local anaesthetics limits their application in postoperative pain control and enhanced recovery. The search for the holy grail of regional anaesthetics continues. Current evidence suggests that a peripheral nerve block performed with long-acting local anaesthetics in combination with intravenous or perineural dexamethasone gives the longest and most optimal sensory block. In this review, we outline some possible blocks for ambulatory surgery and additives to perform RA. Moreover, we give an update on local anaesthesia drugs and adjuvants, paediatric RA in ambulatory care and discuss the impact of RA by COVID-19.

Effect of Local Adjuvants Following Curettage of Benign and Intermediate Tumours of Bone: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Local adjuvants are used upon intralesional resection of benign/intermediate bone tumours, aiming at reducing the local recurrence (LR) rate. However, it is under debate whether, when and which local adjuvants should be used. This PRISMA-guideline based systematic review aimed to analyse studies reporting on the role of adjuvants in benign/intermediate bone tumours. All original articles published between January 1995 and April 2020 were potentially eligible. Of 344 studies identified, 58 met the final inclusion criteria and were further analysed. Articles were screened for adjuvant and tumour type, follow-up period, surgical treatment, and development of LR. Differences in LR rates were analysed using chi-squared tests. Altogether, 3316 cases (10 different tumour entities) were analysed. Overall, 32 different therapeutic approaches were identified. The most common were curettage combined with high-speed burr (n = 774; 23.3%) and high-speed burr only (n = 620; 18.7%). The LR rate for studies with a minimum follow-up of 24 months (n = 30; 51.7%) was 12.5% (185/1483), with the highest rate found in GCT (16.7%; 144/861). In comparison to a combination of curettage, any adjuvant and PMMA, the sole application of curettage and high-speed burr (p = 0.015) reduced the LR rate in GCT. The overall complication rate was 9.6% (263/2732), which was most commonly attributable to postoperative fracture (n = 68) and osteoarthritis of an adjacent joint during follow-up (n = 62). A variety of adjuvants treatment options are reported in the literature. However, the most important step remains to be thorough curettage, ideally combined with high-speed burring.

Efficacy of epidural analgesia for intractable cancer pain: Asystematic review.

Epidural analgesia is a common technique for managing perioperative and obstetric pain. Patients with cancer who cannot tolerate opioids or not responding to conventional treatment may benefit from epidural analgesia. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to analyze the efficacy and safety of epidural analgesia in patients with intractable cancer pain. We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify studies on patients with cancer who received epidural analgesia. We assessed the quality of all included studies using the risk-of-bias tool or Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The primary outcome was pain relief after epidural analgesia, and the secondary outcome was quality of life, analgesic consumption, and adverse events. The studies were grouped based on the medications used for epidural analgesia. A descriptive synthesis was performed following the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis reporting guideline. Our systematic review included nine randomized controlled trials (n = 340) and 15 observational studies (n = 926). Two randomized controlled trials suggested that epidural opioids were not superior to systemic opioids in relieving pain. Epidural opioids combined with local anesthetics or adjuvants, including calcitonin, clonidine, ketamine, neostigmine, methadone, and dexamethasone, offered better analgesic effects. No significant difference in pain relief between an intermittent bolus and a continuous infusion of epidural morphine was observed. Epidural opioids had more analgesic effects on nociceptive pain than neuropathic pain. The methods used to evaluate the quality of life and the corresponding results were heterogeneous among studies. Six observational studies demonstrated that some patients could have decreased opioid consumption after epidural analgesia. Adverse events, including complications and drug-related side effects, were reported in 23 studies. Five serious complications, such as epidural abscess and hematoma, required surgical management. The heterogeneity and methodological limitations of the studies hindered meta-analysis and evidence-level determination. Coadministration of epidural opioids, local anesthetics, and adjuvants may provide better pain relief for intractable cancer pain. However, we must assess the patients to ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks before epidural analgesia. Therefore, further high-quality studies are required.

A study to evaluate the efficacy of instillation of ropivacaine with fentanyl, dexmedetomidine, or morphine through surgical drain for post-operative analgesia in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy

Background: Local anesthetics have become vital part of multimodal analgesia approach. Instillation of local anesthetics through surgical drain is easier and safer method than conventional nerve blocks. Various local anesthetic drugs and adjuvants have been used for post-operative pain management through surgical drains. Aims and Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of instillation of ropivacaine with fentanyl, dexmedetomidine or morphine through surgical drain for post-operative analgesia and patient satisfaction in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy. Materials and Methods: A prospective, randomized, and double-blind study was conducted dividing 75 female patients aged 30–70 years who underwent modified radical mastectomy into three groups: Group (RM) received 40 ml 0.25% ropivacaine with 4.5 mg morphine, group (RD) 40 ml 0.25% ropivacaine with 1 mg/kg dexmedetomidine and group (RF) 40 ml 0.25% ropivacaine with 50 microgram fentanyl, instilled through surgical drains. Results: Visual analog score for pain at rest and movement was significantly lower in group RM as compared to group RD and RF with no significant difference among group RD and RF at different time intervals postoperatively. Patient satisfaction at 24-h postoperatively was significantly better in group RM as compared to group RD and RF (P=0.01) with no significant difference among group RD and group RF. Conclusion: Instillation of ropivacaine with morphine provides good pain relief, prolonged duration of analgesia, and good patient satisfaction in the post-operative period as compared to ropivacaine with dexmedetomidine or fentanyl.

Treatment of buccal mucosal carcinomas: A survey amongst head and neck surgeons in the Netherlands.

Currently, there is no up-to-date guideline for the treatment of buccal mucosal squamous cell carcinoma (BMSCC) in the Netherlands. A questionnaire was used to investigate the opinions of Dutch head and neck surgeons on BMSCC of the cheek treatment. A questionnaire was sent to all 91 head and neck surgeons in the Netherlands. Their opinions on surgical tumor-free margins, through-and-through defects, and indications for local adjuvant therapy were questioned. The response rate was 51%. To prevent a through-and-through defect, 67% of the surgeons would accept a deep clinical (macroscopic) margin of ≤5 mm. The less adverse histological characteristics a tumor has, the less consensus there is amongst the surgeons for local adjuvant treatment in case of close margins. There is no consensus amongst Dutch head and neck surgeons about the optimal treatment for BMSCC of the cheek. There are different opinions on acceptable resection margins, indications for a through-and-through defect, and indications for adjuvant treatment. BMSCC of the cheek treatment should be more uniform and less surgeon dependent. N/A.

Comparison of dexmedetomidine and opioids as local anesthetic adjuvants in patient controlled epidural analgesia: a meta-analysis.

Data on the efficacy and incidence of adverse effects associated with dexmedetomidine (DEX) as a local anesthetic adjuvant for patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) are inconclusive. This meta-analysis assessed the efficacy and risks of DEX for PCEA using opioids as a reference. Two researchers independently searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and China Biology Medicine for randomized controlled trials comparing DEX and opioids as local anesthetic adjuvants in PCEA. In total, 636 patients from seven studies were included in this meta-analysis. Postoperative patients who received DEX had lower visual analog scale (VAS) scores than those who received opioids at 4-8 h (mean difference [MD]: 0.61, 95% CI [0.45, 0.76], P < 0.001, I2 = 0%), 12 h (MD: 0.85, 95% CI [0.61, 1.09], P < 0.001, I2 = 0%), 24 h (MD: 0.59, 95% CI [0.06, 1.12], P = 0.030, I2 = 82%), and 48 h (MD: 0.54, 95% CI [0.05, 1.02], P = 0.030, I2 = 91%). Additionally, patients who received DEX had a lower incidence of itching (odds ratio [OR]: 2.86, 95% CI [1.18, 6.95], P = 0.020, I2 = 0%) and nausea and vomiting (OR: 6.83, 95% CI [3.63, 12.84], P < 0.001, I2 = 24%). In labor analgesia, no significant differences in neonatal (pH and PaO2 of cord blood, fetal heart rate) or maternal outcomes (duration of labor stage, mode of delivery) were found between the DEX and opioid groups. Compared with opioids, using DEX as a local anesthetic adjuvant in PCEA improved postoperative analgesia and reduced the incidence of itching and nausea and vomiting without increasing the incidence of adverse events.

Comparison of intravenous and perineural dexmedetomidine in prolongation of analgesia for peripheral nerve block: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

We conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review to compare the efficacy of perineural vs. intravenous dexmedetomidine as local anesthetic adjuvant. Two researchers searched MEDLINE, OVID, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central, Web of Science and Wanfang data for randomized controlled trials comparing the effect of intravenous vs. perineural injection of dexmedetomidine as a local anesthetic adjuvant in prolongation of analgesia for peripheral nerve block, without any language restrictions. We identified 14 randomized controlled trials. The results revealed that the duration of analgesia [Standard mean difference (SMD): -0.55, 95% CI, (-1.05, -0.05) p=0.032, I2=85.4%] and the duration of sensory block [SMD: -2.68, 95% CI, (-4.53, -0.83) p=0.004, I2=97.3%], were significantly longer, the onset time of motor block [SMD: 0.65, 95% CI, (0.02, 1.27) p=0.043, I2=85.0%] was shorter in the perineural dexmedetomidine group, when compared with the systematic dexmedetomidine group. There was no significant difference in the duration of motor block [SMD: -0.32, 95% CI, (-1.11, -0.46) p=0.416, I2=89.8%] and the onset time of sensory block [SMD: 0.09, 95% CI, (-0.33, 0.52) p=0.668, I2=59.9%] between the two groups. Meanwhile, perineural dexmedetomidine reduced analgesic consumption in 24 hours [SMD: 0.43, 95% CI, (0.06, 0.80) p=0.022, I2=58.7%] compared with the intravenous dexmedetomidine group. Our meta-analysis currently generates the evidence that perineural dexmedetomidine administration offers advantages not only in prolonging the duration of analgesia and sensory block, but also in shortening the onset time of motor block, when compared with the intravenous administration.

Application Progress of Local Anesthetic Adjuvant in Peripheral Nerve Block

Application Progress of Local Anesthetic Adjuvant in Peripheral Nerve Block

Multiple local recurrences of primary sternal chondrosarcoma: tumor manipulation or self-seeding

BackgroundPrimary sternal chondrosarcoma, although rare, is the most common malignant tumor of the sternum. The gold standard treatment is complete surgical excision, which frequently causes the instability of the thorax necessitating future reconstruction. Local recurrence is common increasing the risk of distant metastasis.Case presentationA 60-year-old male patient was diagnosed with primary sternum chondrosarcoma and underwent surgical excision with negative resection margins. Later, he was found to have two local recurrences at 11 months and 37 months post initial excision. The two recurrences were surgically removed followed by local adjuvant radiation.ConclusionThe seeding theories have been reported more frequently with relation to diagnostic biopsy procedures, tumor manipulation and self-seeding tumors. The patient developed two local recurrences despite total resection with negative margins, without concerns regarding seeding in distant metastasis.

Sarcoma Botryoides: Optimal Therapeutic Management and Prognosis of an Unfavorable Malignant Neoplasm of Female Children

Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) is a rare malignancy and occurs primarily in the first two decades of life. Botryoid rhabdomyosarcoma is an aggressive subtype of ERMS that often manifests in the genital tract of female infants and children. Due to its rarity, the optimal treatment approach has been a matter of debate. We conducted a search in the PubMed database and supplemented it with a manual search to retrieve additional papers eligible for inclusion. We retrieved 13 case reports and case series, from which we summarized that the current trend is to approach each patient with a personalized treatment plan. This consists of a combination of local debulking surgery and adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). Effort is made in every approach to avoid radiation for the sake of preserving fertility. Radical surgeries and radiation still have a role to play in extensive disease and in cases of relapse. Despite the rarity and aggressiveness of this tumor, disease-free survival and overall prognosis is excellent, especially when it is diagnosed early, compared with other subtypes of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). We conclude that the practice of a multidisciplinary approach is appropriate, with favorable outcomes; however, larger-scale studies need to be organized to have a definite consensus on optimal management.

Preliminary experience on systemic effects of perineural dexamethasone sodium phosphate and methylprednisolone acetate through adductor canal block in total knee arthroplasty: A single center retrospective study.

Glucocorticoids are commonly utilised as adjuvants to enhance nerve block quality and prolong the analgesic duration. Its systemic effects, after a single-injection adductor canal block (ACB) followed by a continuous infusion, are unclear. The aim of the study was to assess the systemic effects of a single dose of dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DEX), or a combination of DEX and methylprednisolone acetate (MPA), on fasting blood glucose (FBG) and white blood cell count (WBC) when administered perineurally via ACB. A single-center retrospective study on total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was performed and a total of 95 patients were included in the final analysis. Patients were divided into three groups based on adjuvants received in ACB: Control group (N = 41) and two treatment groups, DEX group (N = 33) and DEX/MPA group (N = 21). Our primary outcomes were the change of FBG from its preoperative baseline value on postoperative day (POD) 2. The secondary outcomes included change of FBG on POD 0 and POD 1, and change of WBC on POD 0, POD 1, and POD 2. The FBG change from baseline in the DEX group was significantly higher than that in the control group (difference = 14.04, 95% CI: 1.3 to 26.77), P = 0.031) on POD 0. The WBC change from baseline in the DEX/MPA group was statistically significant higher than control on POD 0 (2.62 (1.52 to 3.37), P < 0.0001). No significant differences between DEX and DEX/MPA group were found on any given postoperative days for FBG and WBC. This study provided preliminary safety data on the use of a combination of glucocorticoids with hydrophilic (DEX) and lipophilic (MPA) properties as local anesthetic adjuvants in ACB, which induced similar levels of changes on FBG and WBC as those from both control and DEX alone group.

The potential value of exosomes as adjuvants for novel biologic local anesthetics.

The side effects of anesthetic drugs are a key preoperative concern for anesthesiologists. Anesthetic drugs used for general anesthesia and regional blocks are associated with a potential risk of systemic toxicity. This prompted the use of anesthetic adjuvants to ameliorate these side effects and improve clinical outcomes. However, the adverse effects of anesthetic adjuvants, such as neurotoxicity and gastrointestinal reactions, have raised concerns about their clinical use. Therefore, the development of relatively safe anesthetic adjuvants with fewer side effects is an important area for future anesthetic drug research. Exosomes, which contain multiple vesicles with genetic information, can be released by living cells with regenerative and specific effects. Exosomes released by specific cell types have been found to have similar effects as many local anesthetic adjuvants. Due to their biological activity, carrier efficacy, and ability to repair damaged tissues, exosomes may have a better efficacy and safety profile than the currently used anesthetic adjuvants. In this article, we summarize the contemporary literature about local anesthetic adjuvants and highlight their potential side effects, while discussing the potential of exosomes as novel local anesthetic adjuvant drugs.

China guideline for diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of colorectal liver metastases (version 2023)

The liver is the main target organ for hematogenous metastases of colorectal cancer, and colorectal liver metastasis is one of the most difficult and challenging situations in the treatment of colorectal cancer. In order to improve the diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of colorectal liver metastasis in China, the guidelines have been edited and revised for several times since 2008, including the overall evaluation, personalized treatment goals and comprehensive treatments, to prevent the occurrence of liver metastases, increase the local damage rate of liver metastases, prolong long-term survival, and improve quality of life. The revised guideline version 2023 includes the diagnosis and follow-up, prevention, multidisciplinary team (MDT), surgery and local ablative treatment, neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy, and comprehensive treatment, with state-of-the-art experience and findings, detailed content, and strong operability.

CORTICAL WINDOW RECONSTRUCTION WITH CEMENT AUGMENTED SCREW FIXATION AFTER INTRALESIONAL CURETTAGE OF LOW-GRADE CHONDROSARCOMAS: A SIMPLE METHOD WITH CLINICAL RESULTS

Purpose:&#x0D; &#x0D; Intralesional curettage with a local adjuvant is a reliable surgical method in the treatment of low-grade chondrosarcomas (LGC). In order to maintain stability, some authors recommend osteosynthesis following intralesional treatment. However, larger osteosynthesis materials may increase complications as well as disturbing postoperative MRI evaluation. In this study, we describe a simple method of cortical window reconstruction with cement-augmented screw fixation.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methods:&#x0D; &#x0D; 22 patients with LGC were enrolled in this retrospective study who underwent surgical intervention between 2011-2021. All patients were treated in the same manner by intralesional curettage, cement augmentation and fixation with titanium screws embedded in the cement. The clinical outcome was assessed, using the MSTS Score.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results:&#x0D; &#x0D; The mean age at diagnosis was 44,5 and the mean follow up duration was 56,2 months. The mean long dimension of the cortical window was 4,8 cm for reconstructions with one screw and 6,2 cm for reconstructions with two screws. All of the patients showed excellent clinical outcomes with a mean MSTS score percentage of 91,3. We did not encounter any major complications postoperatively. On MRI evaluations, the image distortion due to thin titanium screw was minimal and cement bone interface was clearly visible without any disturbance.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion:&#x0D; &#x0D; The convenient use of cement-augmented screw fixation may be a good tool for the reconstruction of cortical window in the treatment of intramedullary tumours of long bones and give a potential chance of obtaining better MRI images without any disturbances postoperatively.

Nodulo-Ulcerative Plaque Over the Vertex of Scalp.

A 45-year-old man presented with a 12-year-old swelling in the vertex region of his scalp that had gradually grown in size for the last few years. Pus discharge and minor pain had been present for the previous 10 days. Patient had received treatment with oral and topical antibiotics. There was no history of preceding trauma, nevoid lesions, or associated comorbidities. Cutaneous examination revealed a hard non-tender fixed plaque of 3 cm × 2 cm size over vertex area of scalp with central ulceration and yellowish white discharge. It was separated from surrounding skin with a sharp demarcation [Figure 1]. There was no regional lymphadenopathy.Figure 1: Single hard, non-tender fixed plaque of 3 cm × 2 cm size over vertex area of scalpSkin biopsy from the lesion revealed an epithelial neoplasm in the dermis reaching up to the base and both lateral margins without any connection with the epidermis [Figure 2]. Upper dermis and mid-dermis showed numerous dilated keratin cysts and orthokeratotic corneocytes [Figure 2]. Mid- and lower dermis showed numerous small rounded and elongated tumor islands made up of basaloid cells without too much atypia with ductal structures or differentiation at their center and surrounded by dense fibroblastic stroma. Some of these ducts were elongated and dilated but were lined by cuboidal basaloid cells without any signs of apocrine differentiation [Figure 3].Figure 2: An epithelial neoplasm in the dermis reaching up to the base and both lateral margins but showing no connection with surface epidermis (H & E 40x)Figure 3: In the mid-dermis and lower dermis, the neoplasm shows numerous keratin cysts, many of which are dilated and show orthokeratotic corneocytes, majority of the tumor islands are small and rounded, while others are small irregular and surrounded by dense fibroblastic stroma, numerous rounded and elongated tumor islands made up of basaloid cells without too much atypia (H&E 100x)What is the diagnosis? Answer Microcystic adnexal carcinoma. Discussion Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC) is a rare, slow-growing but locally aggressive malignant neoplasm with low mortality rate and it rarely metastasizes.[1] It arises from pluripotent keratinocytes and shows characteristic pilar and eccrine differentiation.[1] It was first described in 1982 by Goldstein et al. as a distinct clinicopathologic entity.[2] It is reported mainly in adults between 55 and 60 years of age with a slight female preponderance. Clinically, it presents as a solitary asymptomatic plaque or nodule most commonly on the head and neck areas. Occasionally, patients may present with pain, itching, burning sensation, numbness, and tingling as a result of perineural invasion by the tumor.[2] Immunosuppression, UV radiation exposure, and radiotherapy are the predisposing factors.[2] MAC is commonly misdiagnosed as desmoplastic trichoepithelioma (DT), syringoma, morpheaform basal cell carcinoma (mbcc), and desmoplastic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) on histopathology.[3] It is often difficult to clinically distinguish MAC from other skin-colored growths on the head and neck including BCC. Histopathologically, the presence of ductal structures helps to differentiate MAC from DT, whereas the presence of calcification, prominent horn cysts, and single-file strand formation differentiates MAC from syringoma. Among all these tumors, perineural and subcutaneous involvement is characteristic feature of MAC on histopathology. MAC is also characterized by presence of normal tissue between epidermis and dermis.[4] Immunohistochemical markers that help to distinguish MAC from morpheaform BCC and SCC include cytokeratin 15 (CK15), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and BerEP4 [Table 1].[5]Table 1: Immunohistochemical markers to distinguish MAC from morpheaform BCC and SCCThe most definitive treatment for MAC is complete surgical excision. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is the preferred option as it is associated with low recurrence rate.[6] MAC has a high recurrence rate that ranges from 15% to 60% depending on the treatment option used. Recurrence may occur many years following the excision; hence, long-term follow-up is mandatory. Other treatment options include wide local excision, adjuvant or definitive radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.[7] Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.