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Small cell lung cancer, which occurs almost exclusively in smokers, is a malignancy characterised by rapid doubling time, high growth fraction and widespread metastasis at presentation. In this presentation, we will briefly discuss the classification of pulmonary Neuro-endocrine tumours by the World Health Organisation followed by a detailed discussion of the clinical features, lab evaluation and management of SCLC, both limited and extended stage. The frontline therapy in small cell lung cancer is etoposide and cisplatin along with thoracic radiotherapy and prophylactic cranial irradiation in patients who have a good response to therapy. Hyperfractionation of radiotherapy may provide some benefit but is also associated with increase incidence of complications. Newer agents for SCLC include Vandetanib and immunotherapy molecules, such as Iplimumab and nivolumab.
Homan’s sign test also called dorsiflexon sign test is a physical examination procedure that is used to test for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). A positive Homan’s sign in the presence of other clinical signs may be a quick indicator of DVT. Clinical evaluation alone cannot be relied on for patient management, but when carefully performed, it remains useful in determining the need for additional testing (like D-dimer test, ultrasonography, multidetector helical computed axial tomography (CT), and pulmonary angiography) [1][2].
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a rare but life threatening condition characterised by activation of macrophages which result in phagocytosis of RBCs and cytokine mediated tissue damage. This presentation aims to discuss the genetic basis, clinical features, diagnostic criteria and management options in this serious condition. The management options in HLH include Etoposide, Dexamethasone, Cyclosorine, Tacrolimus, Alemtuzumab and stem cell transplant.
When the colon and rectum are removed (due to ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis), another reservoir must be created for bowel contents (stool) to exit the body. Surgically creating a “J” shaped reservoir (called a J-pouch) is an option for selected patients to store and pass stool.
Pediatric orthopedic surgeons at Columbia are using a new device with magnetic technology that avoids the need for multiple spine-lengthening surgeries to correct early-onset scoliosis, a severe curvature of the spine in young children. In April 2014, Michael Vitale, MD, the Ana Lucia Professor of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery at CUMC and 1995 graduate of P&S, performed the first procedure in the New York area, using the device to treat a 5-year-old boy. When braces and casts cannot control scoliosis in young children, surgeons turn to growing rods, which help correct the curve while allowing the spine to grow. When spinal maturity is near, the rods are removed and a spinal fusion can be performed. But during years of treatment with growing rods, patients must undergo surgery every six months to lengthen the rods to keep up with the patients’ growth. A patient may undergo eight to 10 procedures, which are costly and result in lost time for parents at work and children at school. The new device—MAGEC (MAGnetic Expansion Control) rods—contains a mechanism inside the growing rods that allows surgeons to lengthen the rods with a handheld external magnet, without surgery.