Takayama H

Scanning Electron Microscopy Detects Bacteria within Infection Stones

The viability and location of bacteria within infection stones were investigated. Many stones were infected with urea-splitting bacteria, such as Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Large numbers of bacterial impressions and bodies were found in the interstices surrounded by crystals of apatite and struvite from the nuclei to the peripheral layers. The presence of bacterial colonies even in the nuclear portion of the stones suggests that bacteria participate in the initial stone formation as well as in growth of infection stones. Streptococcus faecalis, a nonurea -splitting bacteria, also was found in some infection stones and probably represents a superimposed infection as a result of changes in bacterial flora owing to treatment with antibiotics.

Electron Microscopic Study of Mineral Deposits in Idiopathic Calcinosis of the Scrotum

An excised specimen from a 39-year-old man with idiopathic calcinosis of the scrotum was examined by electron microscopy. Mineral deposits were located in the dermis in which collagen fibers were numerous. These collagen fibers appeared mineralized to varying degrees. Mineral crystals frequently were present in the cytoplasm of fibroblasts near large deposits. The mineral portion was identified as a compound consisting of calcium and phosphorus, and the elementary mapping of calcium and phosphorus in the skin tissue was analyzed by an energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer. No calcification was observed in dartos muscle cells or in mast cells.

Idiopathic calcinosis of scrotum

A case of idiopathic calcinosis of the scrotum is presented. Clinical recognition is easy if one keeps in mind such a disease in differential diagnosis of scrotal lesions. The serum levels of parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, calcium ion, and 25-OH vitamin D were normal. Multiple nodules were removed successfully, and the cosmetic result was excellent.

Rhabdomyosarcoma of the Penis

We report a case of rhabdomyosarcoma of the penis, which was treated with local excision and chemotherapy.

Vaginal and Phallic Urethra with Prominent Clitoris in Female Pseudohermaphroditism

Idiopathic female pseudohermaphroditism associated with a vaginal urethra, prominent clitoris and an accessory phallic urethra is a rare syndrome, with no apparent cause to account for the masculinization of the genitalia and exhibit of similar characteristic features. We report such a case and review the pertinent literature.