Kálmán Patai

Characterization of calcified deposits on contraceptive intrauterine devices

The formation of calcified deposits on > 200 contraceptive intrauterine devices (IUD) was quantitated as a function of time in healthy women, pregnant women, and women with a pathologic lesion. The incrustment formation was significantly enhanced when inflammation occurred, but change could not be observed in cases of pregnancy. The incrustments were analyzed by x-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, x-ray microprobe, and ultramicrochemical stone analysis techniques. Major components and their average w/w percent quantities in the incrustments are as follows: calcium carbonate 75%, apatite 5%, and organic matrix 20%. Earlier hypotheses on the chemical processes of deposit formation are discussed, and a new, ionic mechanism of calcification on IUD surfaces is suggested.

Local tissue effects of copper-containing intrauterine devices.

Our findings indicate that during the increase of the local copper ion flux the copper ions form a complex with the reagent dithizone and penetrate the region around the cells or the cells themselves. According to our hypothesis not only the presence of an IUD but also copper ions damage the endometrium. A trace amount of copper ions that enter locally or through the circulation may influence metabolism of other trace elements. Impairments can be triggered in the organism on the basis of the domino effect. (excerpt)

Pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma of the uterus in a postmenopausal patient

Pure rhabdomyosarcomas occurring in the adult uterus are very rare, with poor prognosis. We present a case of a 67-year-old woman with postmenopausal vaginal bleeding caused by pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma of the uterus, treated with hysterectomy, bilateral salpingooophorectomy, pelvic/paraaortic lymphadenectomy and partial sigmoidectomy. Postoperative chemotherapy (Doxorubicin) was given according to protocol. Followup examinations one year after surgery revealed no abnormalities or tumor recurrence. The rarity of this histological entity makes the presented case worthy of publication.(Pathology Oncology Research Vol 12, No 2, 102–104)

Tracking of the micro-structural changes of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy

The morphology and the micro-structural changes of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems (IUSs) were studied in relation to the duration of their application. The morphology of the removed IUSs was examined without pre-treatment by scanning electron microscopy. The micro-structural changes of the different layers of IUSs were tracked by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy. Besides the previously found incrustation formation, the free volume of the hormone containing reservoir was remarkably increased after 3 years of application, thus increasing the real volume of the core of the systems. Although the free volume of the membrane encasing the core was not significantly changed in the course of the application, as a result of the core expansion, microcracks could be formed on the membrane surface. Along these cracks, deposits of different compositions can be formed, causing inflammatory complications and influencing the drug release of IUSs. Stability tests in combination with micro-structural screening of such IUSs could be required during their development phase to avoid the undesired side effects.

Phosphor/sulphur ratio : An indicator of malignant uterus change

The purpose of the present study was to establish a correlation between gynaecological diseases (myoma, adenocarcinoma) and phosphor/sulphur (P/S) ratios of different regions of the uterus. Routine histological specimens were reexamined with the intention to select representative regions of the uteruses for element analysis. Conventional hematoxylin-eosin-stained sections were used to identify histological alterations by light microscopy. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopic (EDS) investigations were carried out to analyze the morphology and the related element composition of the samples. The results of the nonparametric statistical test (Wilcoxon rank-sum test) indicate that the P/S ratios were significantly higher in adenocarcinoma (0.8891 +/- 0.0757) than in myoma (0.4713 +/- 0.0306). P/S ratios of different pathologic regions of uteruses seem worth examining in a larger study population. Combination of routine histological examinations with element analysis of specimens may have useful applications in patients who have undergone radiation therapy and may identify a pattern for local recurrence at certain sites.

Four pregnancies and two deliveries after unilateral orchidectomy and chemotherapy for testicular embryonal carcinoma

This case report describes a 33-year-old patient diagnosed with left-sided testicular embryonic carcinoma with vascular invasion. Unilateral orchiectomy was performed and the patient subsequently underwent chemotherapy. He retained fertility and later fathered healthy children.