Southern Medical Journal

Our medical research library holds 18 studies published in Southern Medical Journal (1955–2009). Each entry links to the study's record on PubMed and, where there is one, to the publisher's page and a free full text. 13 have an abstract, the authors' own summary as PubMed records it: open "Abstract" to read it.

About the journal

• Publisher: Southern Medical Association
• Published: 1908 to the present, United States
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0038-4348 (print), 1541-8243 (electronic)
• Absorbed: Gulf States Journal of Medicine and Surgery and Mobile Medical and Surgical Journal
• Its record in the NLM Catalog

2000s

• Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma presenting as intestinal obstruction. J. Griniatsos, S. Sougioultzis, N. Dimitriou, et al. 2009;102(10):1061-4. Case report PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM) represents 90% of all peritoneal forms of mesothelioma. It affects mainly patients 50-69 years old. In 50% of cases there is a history of asbestos exposure. The clinical presentation of the disease is not characteristic: nonspecific abdominal pain, weight loss, and abdominal distension are common. Ascites occurs in 90% of the patients. Bowel obstruction is a late manifestation. We present three patients with DMPM, without a history of asbestos exposure and without ascites, who presented with complete bowel obstruction. All patients underwent emergency operations, and palliative surgical procedures were performed. Each patient died within 3 to 6 months postoperatively.

• Metastatic malignant pleural mesothelioma to the breast. S.M. Sheen-Chen, Y.W. Liu, H.L. Eng, et al. 2006;99(12):1395-7. Case report PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  A 51-year-old woman suffered from dyspnea for several days before she came to an outside clinic for help. Pleura biopsy was performed and the histologic diagnosis was malignant mesothelioma. Sixteen months later, a palpable left breast lump was noted. Physical examination revealed a firm mass in the breast, measuring about 4 x 3.5 cm in size. Breast sonography showed a hypoechoic mass about 3 x 2 x 1.5 cm in size with irregular border in the middle part of the left breast. A mammogram revealed a speculated mass. Chest computed tomography was also performed, which revealed a large pleural mesothelioma and an irregular breast lesion. Incisional biopsy of the left breast lump was performed and histologic examination revealed an infiltrative growth of neoplastic polygonal cells bearing hyperchromatic and pleomorphic nuclei and a small amount of pale, pinkish cytoplasm. Further immunohistochemical study was performed and the tumor cells were positive for low and high molecular weight cytokeratin, thrombomodulin and focally positive for CEA. The final histologic diagnosis was metastatic malignant mesothelioma.

• Extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma. H.F. van der Heijden, Y.F. Heijdra. 2005;98(3):345-9. Review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  This article reviews the recent literature on extrapulmonary small cell carcinomas. Until now, only four cases have been published in the English literature, two of those in the Southern Medical Journal. Sharing the information on diagnosis and treatment of these cases is important for better understanding and treatment of these patients. The differential diagnosis of pleural masses and the relation to asbestos exposure is briefly discussed. In addition, the available literature on other extrapulmonary localizations of small cell carcinoma is reviewed. The focus is on the available larger series of patients. Small cell carcinoma of the skin is included. This form of small cell carcinoma is often excluded from the larger review series, but can be an important alternative in the diagnostic process of patient evaluation.

1990s

• Localized fibrous nodular mesothelioma of the pelvis. M.J. Schutz, R. Fink. 1998;91(3):280-2. Case report · Review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  We present a case of localized fibrous nodular mesothelioma of the pelvis. There is one previously reported case of this uncommon pelvic tumor. We review and discuss the diagnostic and pathologic findings and relevant literature.

• Mesothelioma: a study of 22 gases. J.A. King, J.A. Tucker, S.W. Wong. 1997;90(2):199-205. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Mesothelioma is a rare, asbestos-associated tumor that infrequently metastasizes. We reviewed 22 autopsies (from February 1989 through July 1994) showing mesothelioma. We determined distribution of metastases and staining characteristics of primary mesotheliomas compared to tissue involved by metastases and/or direct extension. Mean patient age was 68 years (range, 38 to 88 years); black:white patient ratio, 4:18; and male:female patient ratio, 2:1. All patients had a history of asbestos exposure. Fifteen autopsies were complete and 7 were limited to the thoracic cavity. Multiple sites were involved by direct extension. Metastases were in multiple sites, including omentum, stomach, intestine, mesentery, adrenal glands, ovary, pancreas, kidneys, liver, spleen, and vertebrae. Results of immunohistochemical staining of primary mesotheliomas and metastases were similar; both were positive for low-molecular-weight keratin and negative for carcinoembryonic antigen, Leu-M1, Ber-EP4, and periodic acid-Schiff reagent with diastase. Results of testing for high-molecular-weight keratin were variable.

• Autopsy evaluation of asbestos exposure: retrospective study of 135 cases with quantitation of ferruginous bodies in digested lung tissue. J.A. King, S.W. Wong. 1996;89(4):380-5. PubMed

  Abstract

  In recent years, there has been increased interest in documenting asbestos exposure. The pathologic sine qua non of asbestos exposure has been the presence of "asbestos bodies" in lung parenchyma. In this retrospective study of 135 autopsies done to determine asbestos exposure, ferruginous bodies in digested lung tissue were quantitated by a simplified sodium hypochlorite procedure on fresh or fixed tissue. Of the 131 digested specimens, 26 (20%) showed no ferruginous bodies, 34 (26%) had <5 ferruginous bodies per slide, 7 (5%) had 5 to 10 ferruginous bodies per slide, and 64 (49%) had >10 ferruginous bodies per slide. Ferruginous bodies were identified in hematoxylin-eosin stained sections of lung tissue in only 41 cases (30%). The digestion method described is a simple, reliable, and inexpensive method to assess ferruginous bodies.

• Two biochemical markers effectively used to separate smokeless tobacco users from smokers and nonusers. D.B. Holiday, J.W. McLarty, R.H. Yanagihara, et al. 1995;88(11):1107-13. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Data from asbestos workers were used to devise a cutpoint classifier to identify subjects as Nonuser (non-tobacco user), Smokeless (exclusive smokeless tobacco user), and Smoker (ignited tobacco user). In some clinical trials and smoking cessation programs, Smokeless should be separated from Smoker. One therefore needs a marker for smoke exposure, such as thiocyanate, since nicotine levels, as measured by cotinine, could be similar in both groups. Levels of cotinine (ng/mL) and thiocyanate (mumol/L) levels (mean +/- SD) were, respectively: 320.9 +/- 201.1 and 145.9 +/- 63.7 for the Smoker group; 339.1 +/- 327.5 and 32.0 +/- 16.9 for the Smokeless group; and 0.6 +/- 2.6 and 58.2 +/- 33.2 for the Nonuser group. For Nonuser, Smokeless, and Smoker, respectively, the self-reported status was 45.1%, 10.8%, and 44.1%, which was adjusted to 42.2%, 11.6%, and 46.2%; the classifier yielded sensitivities of 100%, 76.1%, and 92.2%; specificities of 96.1%, 97.6%, and 96.4%; and predictive values of 94.9%, 80.6%, and 95.6%. The classifier successfully identified Nonusers, separated Smokeless from Smoker, and determined the prevalence of false reports in our cohort.

• Asbestos-related lung disease. B.T. Westerfield. 1992;85(6):616-20. Review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Asbestos is a versatile fibrous mineral that can cause lung disease and death. Asbestosis, benign pleural disease, lung cancer, and mesothelioma can all result from inhaling asbestos. The history of disease and exposure risks are discussed. The difficult assessment of risk and the long latency period for development of disease demand evaluation and regular surveillance of asbestos-exposed workers.

1980s

• Benign papillary mesothelioma of the peritoneum: a consideration in the differential diagnosis of peritoneal implants. G. Tzanakakis, K.S. McCully, M.P. Vezeridis. 1989;82(12):1579-80. Case report PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  We have reported a case of benign papillary mesothelioma of the peritoneum found incidentally during surgical exploration in a patient with rectal carcinoma. Clinicians and pathologists alike may find it difficult to differentiate this uncommon lesion from metastatic tumors.

• Diseases related to asbestos exposure: historical perspective. H.P. Pendergrass, J.D. Snell, F.E. Carroll. 1987;80(12):1546-52. Historical article PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Our goal in this brief and limited historical summary of asbestos-related diseases has been to bring the clinician up to date with the current status of this important medical and public health issue. The references will provide an information source for those who require more comprehensive knowledge.

• Mesothelioma of the male genital tract in a patient with Maffucci's syndrome. M.L. Slaysman, R.E. McDonald, W.T. Gormley. 1982;75(8):1007-10. Case report PubMed · Publisher

• Surgical and pathologic aspects of asbestosis. W.F. Sasser, W.A. Bari. 1981;74(10):1178-9, 1185. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  We studied 12 patients with occupational exposure to asbestos to evaluate the pulmonary diseases that result from protracted exposure to this fibrogenic and oncogenic fiber. The spectrum of diseases includes diffuse interstitial fibrosis, bronchogenic carcinoma, and malignant mesothelioma. Cigarette smoking is found to be a cocarcinogen with asbestos. Because of the impairment of pulmonary function in these patients, surgery plays a limited role in their management.

1970s

• Ferruginous (asbestos) bodies in the lungs of rural dwellers, urban dwellers, and patients with pulmonary neoplasms. P.H. Breedin, D.H. Buss. 1976;69(4):401-4. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  The lungs of 100 consecutive patients at autopsy and of 24 patients with various pulmonary neoplasms were analyzed for the presence of ferruginous (asbestos) bodies. The population comprised both rural dwellers and urban dwellers, in contrast to previous similar studies involving only urban dwellers. More than 90% of both population groups had ferruginous bodies in their lungs. There was no apparent difference in the incidence or quantity of ferruginous bodies between the group with pulmonary neoplasms and the randomly selected group. These findings raise the possibility of more widespread asbestos dust contamination of environmental air than has been previously thought and indicate that rural as well as urban populations are exposed. The failure to demonstrate more ferruginous bodies in the lungs of patients with pulmonary neoplasms is in accordance with the view that asbestos acts as a cocarcinogen in this regard.

• Peritoneal mesothelioma presenting as an adnexal mass. R.A. Komorowski, D.H. Bobert. 1975;68(1):83-5. Case report PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  A case of primary peritoneal mesothelioma which presented clinically as an adnexal mass is reviewed. Difficulties in diagnosis and factors affecting prognosis are discussed. Operation to remove as much of the tumor as possible, followed by irradiation therapy, is suggested as a worthwhile approach to improving chances for cure or palliation.

• Cancer of the larynx and lung in three urban counties in South Carolina. J.C. Caston, J.F. Finklea, S.H. Sandifer. 1972;65(6):753-6. PubMed · Publisher

1960s

• Localized mesothelioma of the pericardium. C.M. Linthicum. 1969;62(2):207-8. Case report PubMed · Publisher
• Diffuse malignant mesothelioma of the peritoneum. T.D. Giles, J.C. Henderson, G.H. Dominguez. 1967;60(1):63-6. PubMed · Publisher

1950s

• Carcinoma of the lung in asbestosis: report of two additional cases. K.M. Lynch, H.R. Pratt-Thomas. 1955;48(6):565-9. PubMed · Publisher

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