Resveratrol (3,4',5 trihydroxystilbene), a naturally-occurring molecule known as a phytoalexin, is synthesized by plants in response to attacks by fungi, bacteria, or other injurious substances; it is also known to possess an array of cardioprotective effects. Recently, studies have shown resveratrol to protect against the metabolic changes associated with hypercaloric diets in mice with induced insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia. Despite impressive gains in diagnosis and treatment, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a serious clinical problem and threat to public health. The metabolic syndrome, which identifies persons at higher risk for diabetes mellitus and CVD, is approaching a prevalence of nearly 25% of the western world. If the metabolic syndrome can be considered a polar opposite to caloric restriction, then agents that mimic caloric restriction may offer a new therapeutic approach to preventing CVD. The authors discuss the cardioprotective effects of resveratrol and highlight its role in glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism in mice. Armed with the ability to prevent the deleterious effects of excess caloric intake and prevent detrimental cardiovascular events, resveratrol merits proper clinical investigations for its efficacy in treating metabolic diseases and CVD.

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Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH) in male patients is a rare condition that represents a hormonally-induced proliferation of mesenchymal tissue of the breast. This benign pathology is often undiagnosed due to many reasons. When PASH presents as a breast mass, it appears innocent, developing as a smooth and well-circumscribed tumor. Furthermore, it does not elicit suspicious findings on imaging. These points often halt further investigation of many breast abnormalities. Breast masses are statistically most likely to be gynecomastia when they arise in men. However, they are important to investigate because, although rare, breast cancer can occur in men. Furthermore, the benign conditions of the breast that commonly affect women can also impact male patients. It is oftentimes overlooked that men too can experience hormonal stimulation of the breast tissue. The following case describes this rare but important instance of a male patient diagnosed with PASH following a previous diagnosis of infiltrative ductal carcinoma in situ of the contralateral breast.

The rare occurrence of T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma as a primary tumor in the cavernous sinus is described. The patient, a 17-year-old girl, presented with right-sided ophthalmic and maxillary neuropathy and diplopia due to neuropathies of cranial nerves III and VI. An enhancing mass in the cavernous sinus was identified on MR imaging. Dexamethasone was prescribed but did not provide symptomatic relief. Rapid progression of symptoms led to open biopsy, and a diagnosis of T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma was made. The patient promptly underwent aggressive chemotherapy in which a modified hyper–cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and dexamethasone without doxorubicin regimen with concurrent radiotherapy was used. The patient achieved complete remission and is currently completing the 2-year maintenance phase of chemotherapy.

Despite the rarity, breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy implies multiple therapeutic dilemmas. The initial diagnostic process can be complicated by the physiological changes that occur in the breast during pregnancy, which can further lead to a delayed diagnosis. Moreover, treatment methods, as well as treatment onset and time of pregnancy termination, remain controversial. This case report highlights some of the inherent difficulties associated with breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in a pregnant patient. It also discusses how to optimize a multidisciplinary approach to improve health outcomes for both the mother and the infant.