BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with ectopic lymphoid follicle formation. Podoplanin+ (lymphatic marker) T helper17 (Th17) cells and B cell aggregates have been implicated in the formation of tertiary lymphoid organs (TLOs) in MS and experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE). Since podoplanin expressed by Th17 cells in MS brains is also expressed by lymphatic endothelium, we investigated whether the pathophysiology of MS involves inductions of lymphatic proteins in the inflamed neurovasculature.MethodsWe assessed the protein levels of lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor and podoplanin, which are specific to the lymphatic system and prospero-homeobox protein-1, angiopoietin-2, vascular endothelial growth factor-D, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3, which are expressed by both lymphatic endothelium and neurons. Levels of these proteins were measured in postmortem brains and sera from MS patients, in the myelin proteolipid protein (PLP)-induced EAE and Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) induced demyelinating disease (TMEV-IDD) mouse models and in cell culture models of inflamed neurovasculature.Results and conclusionsIntense staining for LYVE-1 was found in neurons of a subset of MS patients using immunohistochemical approaches. The lymphatic protein, podoplanin, was highly expressed in perivascular inflammatory lesions indicating signaling cross-talks between inflamed brain vasculature and lymphatic proteins in MS. The profiles of these proteins in MS patient sera discriminated between relapsing remitting MS from secondary progressive MS and normal patients. The in vivo findings were confirmed in the in vitro cell culture models of neuroinflammation.

Extranodal marginal zone lymphoma (EMZL) is a heterogeneous non-Hodgkin lymphoma. No consensus exists regarding the standard-of-care in patients with advanced-stage disease. Current recommendations are largely adapted from follicular lymphoma for which bendamustine with rituximab (BR) is an established approach. We analyzed the safety and efficacy of frontline BR in EMZL using a large international consortium. We included 237 patients with a median age of 63 years (range 21 to 85). Most patients presented with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) 0-1 (n=228, 96.2%), stage III/IV (n=179, 75.5%), and intermediate (49.8%) or high (33.3%) Mucosa Associated Lymphoid Tissue International Prognosis Index (MALT-IPI). Patients received a median of 6 (range 1 to 8) cycles of BR, and 20.3% (n=48) received rituximab maintenance. Thirteen percent experienced infectious complications during BR therapy. Herpes-zoster (4%) was the most common. Overall response rate was 93.2% with 81% complete responses. Estimated 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 80.5% (95%CI 73.1-86%) and 89.6% (95%CI 83.1-93.6%), respectively. MALT-IPI failed to predict outcomes. In the multivariable model, the presence of B symptoms was associated with shorter PFS. Rituximab maintenance was associated with longer PFS (HR=0.16, 95%CI 0.04-0.71; P=0.016) but did not impact OS. BR is a highly effective upfront regimen in EMZL providing durable remissions and overcoming known adverse prognosis factors. This regimen is associated with occurrence of herpes-zoster and thus prophylactic treatment may be considered.

The advent of TKIs (tyrosine kinase inhibitors) and their usage in RAI refractory disease has shown improved progression-free survival. These agents are, however, associated with increased toxicity. The variable nature of disease and toxicity associated with the systemic therapy makes it important to have an individualized approach to management, especially in the elderly population who can be more susceptible to toxicities.

Cranial neuropathies are known potential complications of spinal anesthesia, with most reports describing upper cranial nerve involvement. Intrathecal hypotension resulting in traction injury of the cranial nerves is the likely mechanism of injury. Unilateral vagal neuropathy was first described recently. The patient discussed in this case presented with hoarseness and dysphagia after receiving epidural anesthesia for childbirth. Following videostroboscopy and laryngeal electromyogram, she was diagnosed with bilateral vocal fold paralysis. The patient was managed conservatively with expectant management. She exhibited complete spontaneous recovery, as has been the natural history previously described for similar injuries. The proposed mechanism for this patient, and in others described in the literature, is puncture of the dura with subsequent egress of cerebrospinal fluid, leading to intracranial hypotension and traction on cranial nerves. Unilateral vocal fold paralysis following spinal anesthesia has been reported in one case series consisting of three patients, but this represents the first case of bilateral paralysis. Spontaneous resolution has been observed in all patients. Patients presenting with idiopathic vocal fold paralysis, in summary, should be questioned about recent history of epidural or spinal anesthesia, as a positive history may point to transient intrathecal hypotension as a potential etiology of the paralysis.