This study investigated the presence of neural mechanoreceptors in the remnants of the ruptured ACL as a possible source of reinnervation of the ACL autologous graft. The remainder of the torn ACL was selected for further histological investigation from 17 patients during ACL reconstruction 3 months to 3.5 years after injury. Perioperatively two types of ACL remnant were identified. Fifteen patients had portions of ACL adapted at the PCL. In all of these patients we found mechanoreceptors (I and II). In five patients we found mushroomlike remnants which included either none or small numbers of mechanoreceptors. Free neural ends were found in both patient groups. There was a significant difference between the groups in regard to the mean number of mechanoreceptors I and II per slice. In conclusion, in patients with an ACL remnant adapted to the PCL, mechanoreceptors exist even 3 years after injury. If we accept that restoration of proprioception is the result of reinnervation of the ACL, leaving the ACL remnants as a source, if this is surgically possible without risk of Cyclop's lesion, may be of potential benefit to the patient.

No abstract

Echinococcosis is an endemic disease, most common in sheep-raising communities, usually caused by the larval or cyst stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. Isolated cardiac hydatid cyst is uncommon at any age, occurs through the coronary circulation, and accounts for less than 3% of all hydatid disease. We describe a case of an 18-year-old female, who died suddenly. The post-mortem examination revealed an isolated cyst in the left ventricle of the heart with intact wall. The cytologic examination of the cyst fluid demonstrated the presence of the characteristic scolices and hooklets and es-tablished the diagnosis of cardiac hydatid cyst. The present case is of special interest because of the rare primary localization and the onset of sudden death in a young person as the initial manifestation of the disease.

No abstract

We describe the case of a patient with prostate cancer, ascites, omental and bone metastases, an extremely rare clinical variant that warrants further investigation, and review the relevant literature.