Uterine mesenchymal tumors are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that can frequently be diagnostically challenging. Differentiation between the benign and malignant counterparts of mesenchymal tumors is significant due to differences in clinical outcome, and the role of the surgical pathologist in making this distinction (especially in the difficult cases) cannot be underestimated. Although immunohistochemical stains are supportive toward establishing a final diagnosis, the morphologic features trump all the other ancillary techniques for this group of neoplasms. This review therefore emphasizes the key morphologic features required to diagnose and distinguish uterine mesenchymal tumors from their mimics, with a brief description of the relevant immunohistochemical features.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Aims: Duodenal nodularity is an uncommon endoscopic appearance of numerous visible mucosal nodules in the proximal duodenum. In this retrospective study we aimed to determine the clinical significance and histopathologic features of duodenal nodularity in children. Materials and Methods: The medical records of the patients who were defined to have duodenal nodularity by endoscopy were reviewed. Statistical Analysis Used: The data were expressed as mean ± SD and percentages (%). Results: Seventeen patients with endoscopically defined duodenal nodularity were chosen. The mean age at diagnosis was 12.1 years (range: 6-17 years), 9 males. Abdominal pain (47%) was the most common clinical symptom and antral nodularity (41%) was the most common endoscopic finding in children with duodenal nodularity. Histopathologic evaluation of duodenal nodules revealed chronic inflammation in all patients, increased intercryptal and intraepithelial numbers of eosinophils in 70.5%, and villous atrophy in 47% of patients. Giardia infestation was demonstrated in 6 patients by histologic examination and/or Giardia lamblia-specific antigen positivity in stools. The clinical diagnoses of the patients have shown variations, such as celiac disease, giardiasis, secretory IgA deficiency, and Helicobacter pylori gastritis, and some of them were associated with the others. Conclusions: Although the endoscopic appearance is similar, clinical spectrum and pathologic features are not so similar and there are no specific histomorphologic findings for nodularity. The most demonstrative findings we observed in children were increased lymphocyte and/or eosinophil infiltration in the duodenal mucosa. We suggested that care should be taken in the evaluation of microbiological and immunologic etiologies causing this prominent inflammatory reaction.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Context: With the continuing rise in the number of immunocompromised patients, the incidence of invasive mycoses has increased. Various studies have reported the trends of fungal infections in autopsies. Because of limitations in antemortem clinical diagnosis owing to lack of sensitive diagnostic tools, information regarding frequency and pathogenesis of fungal infections is largely dependent on autopsy studies. Aim: To study the prevalence of fungal infections at autopsy spanning a period of 20 years and to document recent trends, prevalence of various fungi over decades along with underlying predisposing factors and pathological findings. Settings and Design: Retrospective study. Materials and Methods:All autopsies between 1988 and 2007 were reviewed and all cases showing fungal infections were analyzed. The clinical details and demographic data were retrieved from medical records. Representative sections from all organs were stained with hematoxylin and eosin stain and special stains including Gomori's silver methenamine (GMS) and per-iodic acid Schiff (PAS). Culture details were noted, wherever available. Results: A total of 401 autopsies were performed during the study period. Fungal infections were identified in 35 (8.7%) of these cases. Leukemia was the commonest risk factor. The commonest pathogen in the present study was Aspergillus sp. The commonest single organ involved was brain (n = 18). Culture positivity was seen in 23.8% cases. Conclusion: The study highlights various predisposing factors and organisms in autopsy series. Existing diagnostic modalities are not sensitive to ensure antemortem diagnosis of fungal infections.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Background: Conjunctivitis of the newborn is defined as hyperemia and eye discharge in the neonates and is a common infection occurring in the neonates in the first month of life. In the United States, the incidence of neonatal conjunctivitis ranges from 1-2%, in India, the prevalence is 0.5-33% and varies in the world from 0.9-21% depending on the socioeconomic status. Aim: To study the organisms causing conjunctivitis of the newborn and to correlate the etiology with the mode of delivery. Design: Single center, prospective, observational study. Materials and Methods: A total of 300 mothers and their newborns, born over a period of one year, were included in the study. Of these 200 newborns were delivered through vaginal route (Group A) and 100 (Group B) delivered by lower segment caesarean section (LSCS). At the time of labour, high vaginal swabs were taken from the mothers. Two conjunctival swabs each from both eyes of the newborn were collected at birth and transported to Microbiology department in a candle jar immediately. Results: Eight babies in Group A, developed conjunctivitis at birth. None of the babies in Group B developed conjunctivitis, this difference was statistically highly significant (P<0.000). The organisms found in the conjunctiva of the newborns in Group A were Coagulase negative Staphylococcus, α hemolytic Streptococcus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas spps. However, the commonest organism leading to conjunctivitis in the newborn in this study was Coagulase negative Staphylococcus. It was observed that the mothers of 5 out of 8 babies (60%) developing conjunctivitis gave history of midwife interference and premature rupture of membranes so the presence of risk factors contribute to the occurrence of conjunctivitis in the newborn. Conclusions: It is inferred that the mode of delivery and the presence of risk factors is responsible for conjunctivitis in the newborn.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Background: Dysferlinopathy is an autosomal recessive-limb girdle muscular dystrophy (AR-LGMD) caused due to the defect in gene encoding dysferlin, a sarcolemmal protein. Awareness of the variants and their relative frequency is essential for accurate diagnosis. Aim: To study the spectrum of morphologic changes in immunohistochemically proven cases of dysferlinopathies, to correlate the findings with clinical phenotype and durations of illness and determine the frequency. Materials and Methods: Dysferlinopathies seen over a period of 2 years at a tertiary neurological center were analyzed. Results: Clinically, majority had Miyoshi phenotype (46.6%) with distal involvement and LGMD phenotype (40%) with proximal muscle involvement. In addition, a proximo-distal and tibial muscle phenotype was encountered. Morphologically, rimmed vacuoles were noted in the Miyoshi phenotype. The presence of ragged red fibers, lobulated fibers and inflammation had no preference to a particular phenotype. Significant atrophy and lobulated fibers were noted in patients with longer duration of illness. Conclusions: Dysferlinopathy was the second most common identifiable cause (21%) of LGMD next to sarcoglycanopathies (27%).

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Background: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder caused by the ingestion of wheat gluten and related proteins in genetically susceptible individuals. It is characterized by anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG) antibodies. Duodenal biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis. Correlation of clinical, serologic, and histological features is essential for a definitive diagnosis. The ratio of diagnosed versus undiagnosed cases is quite high. Aims: This study aimed to correlate the degree of mucosal damage with anti-tTG levels, mean baseline hemoglobin and endoscopic findings. Setting and Design: Two hundred twenty six adults suspected to have celiac disease were studied. Marsh grades were compared with anti-tTG levels, hemoglobin, endoscopy, and clinical presentations. Materials and Methods: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, serum levels of anti-tTG, complete hematologic work-up, and duodenal biopsy were performed in all 226 cases (including three siblings of confirmed patients) with well-defined symptom groups. Histopathological grading was done as per modified Marsh system. Correlation of all the parameters was performed with Marsh grades. Statistical Analysis : Performed on SPSS version 15.0. Tests applied include one way ANOVA, Chi-square test, repeated measure analysis, and Bonferroni's method for comparison. Results were considered significant when P<0.05. Results and Conclusions: Anti-tTG levels, mean baseline hemoglobin, and endoscopic findings were found to correlate with increasing severity of mucosal damage with P<0.001 for all. Anti-tTG levels of grades 1+2 and those of grade 3a were significantly different from levels of grades 3b and 3c+4 with P<0.001 for each. Varied clinical presentations of celiac disease were seen in the adult wheat eaters of North India.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma is a diagnostically challenging neoplasm. Most commonly they occur in the soft tissue of the extremities and are rare in the mediastinum. They can be indistinguishable from other "round cell tumors" based on the morphology alone or at times by immunohistochemical studies. Here in, we report an extremely rare case of metastatic poorly differentiated monophasic synovial sarcoma of the mediastinum without a known primary in a 30-year-old man. The imaging studies on admission showed 10 × 9.5 cm anterior mediastinal mass with multiple nodules in the lung and pleura along with multiple enlarged mediastinal and axillary lymph nodes. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical analysis supported the diagnosis of poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma, which was further confirmed by molecular genetic analysis.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Context: Hospital-acquired infections are frequently encountered by the physicians for ailments demanding prolonged hospitalization, especially in intensive care units, where patients are often mechanically ventilated. The organisms most often implicated are bacteria; viral etiology is infrequent. Aims: The study aims at reviewing lung pathology at autopsy in mechanically ventilated children admitted in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) to assess the incidence of viral ventilator-associated pneumonias (VAP). Setting and Design: Retrospective analysis. Materials and Methods: Among the 275 children who had been autopsied, 13 who had been admitted in the PICU satisfied the criteria for VAP. These cases were analyzed on the basis of clinical data and pulmonary pathology. Depending on the overall histology, the cases were classified as being viral or bacterial in etiology. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for detection of viral antigens was also performed. Results: Of the 13 children, nine (five males and four females) had shown the histomorphologic features, suggesting viral inflammation. The mean age was 33 months. Falling oxygen saturation and increasing respiratory distress had necessitated ventilator support. Acute lymphocytic bronchiolitis, interstitial pneumonitis, diffuse alveolar damage, and necrotizing pneumonia were the histological features. The viruses identified in five patients were adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus and cytomegalovirus. Conclusion: This communication, though not representing the true incidence, emphasizes that a proportion of nosocomial infections is due to viral infections. This should alert the treating intensivists to actively pursue investigations to confirm viral etiology.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Legionella pneumophila is a cause of both community- and hospital-acquired pneumonia and might cause high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment with appropriate antibiotics is crucial. Many clinical and laboratory abnormalities can be observed in the course of Legionella pneumonia. In this study, we aimed to present simultaneously increased serum ferritin and myoglobin level in a legionella case with reference to the relevant literature.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]  [PubMed]

Background: Plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is a rare but aggressive subtype of plasma cell dyscrasia. It is known to present with highly variable morphological features and may mimic with other lymphoid neoplasms. Multicolor flow cytometry (MFC) with availability of newer markers is highly useful in the diagnosis of the plasma cell leukemia. We present an immunophenotypic profile in ten cases of PCL along with their clinical and laboratory findings. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively studied immunophenotypic profile of 10 cases of plasma cell leukemia (out of 4615 cases of hematolymphoid neoplasms) using five parameter, three color flow cytometric analysis. We also studied their clinical presentation and other laboratory findings. Results: Common clinical features at presentation were weakness, bone pain, anemia, thrombocytopenia and osteolytic lesions. Plasma cell population was identified on strong expression of CD38 and co-expression of CD38 and CD138. CD56 was expressed in 44% cases. CD19 and CD20 were negative in all cases. Surface light chain restriction was seen in 50% cases and in remaining 50% cases revealed cytoplasmic light chain restriction. CD117 was expressed in one out of two cases studied. Conclusions: MFC immunophenotyping is highly useful to differentiate Plasma cell leukemia from other chronic lymphoproliferative disorders with plasmacytoid morphology as well as from non-neoplastic reactive PC and co-expression of CD38 and CD138 is a best combination to identify the plasma cells by MFC.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Background: Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma is as yet a poorly characterized subtype of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. It is difficult to diagnose and lacks a standard treatment protocol. Materials and Methods: We report our experience with five such cases in patients with age ranging from 13 to 45 years, wherein we reviewed their clinical presentations, histopathological findings, treatment and clinical outcome. Results: Three out of the five cases are alive of which two are in complete remission. Our series stresses on the need to be aware of this uncommon entity in a dermatology clinic. Facial and upper extremity skin nodules with involvement of the lower dermis on light microscopical examination and suggestive immunohistochemical findings were frequently observed in our patients in contrast to previously described cases.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Objectives : In developing countries like India, the diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii infection is often made either by conventional staining or clinically. This study was planned to know the utility of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in diagnosing Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients, to compare the PCR results with that of staining techniques and also to correlate the results with clinical condition of patients. Materials and Methods: A prospective study included 50 HIV-infected adult in-patients with symptoms of lower respiratory tract infection. Induced sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage or tracheal aspirate were proceeded for both staining and PCR for mitochondrial large subunit rRNA gene of P. jirovecii. Results: In our study PCR results correlated with staining findings in 14% (7/50) of cases. Another 20% (10/50) cases could be diagnosed only with PCR, where staining was negative for the presence of P. jirovecii. When compared with clinical evidence of disease, PCR showed 93.7% sensitivity and 94.1% specificity. Presence of dyspnea and CD ₄ count showed statistical significance (P<0.05) in PCP-diagnosed patients. Conclusions: PCR can be used for early and accurate diagnosis of PCP in HIV-infected patients.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Introduction and Aim of Work: Central nervous system (CNS) tumors represent a major public health problem, and their epidemiological data in Egypt have been rather incomplete except for some regional reports. There are no available frequency-based data on CNS tumors in our locality. The objective of this study was to estimate the frequency of CNS tumors in east delta region, Egypt. Materials and Methods: The data were collected during the 8-year period from January 1999 to December 2007 from Pathology Department, Mansoura University, and other referred pathology labs. Examination of HandE stained sections from retrieved paraffin blocks were done in all cases for histopathologic categorization of C.N.S. tumors. Immunohistochemical studies were applied to confirm final histopathologic diagnosis in problematic cases. Results: Intracranial tumors represented 86.7% of cases in comparison to only 13.3% for spinal tumors. Gliomas were the CNS tumors of the highest frequency (35.2%), followed by meningioma (25.6%), pituitary adenoma (11.6%) and nerve sheath tumors (6.6%). 10.25% of tumors were of children <15 years. Conclusion: This study provides the largest series of the relative frequency of CNS tumors in Delta region in Egypt till now and may help to give insight into the epidemiology of CNS tumors in our locality.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Therapy related myeloid neoplasm is directly related to previous cytotoxic chemotherapy or radiation therapy. We present a 47-year-old lady who developed therapy related myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) 2.5 years after she received four cycles of chemotherapy and local radiation therapy for carcinoma breast. She presented with bicytopenia with trilineage dyspoiesis in the peripheral blood, bone marrow aspirate and biopsy. Fluorescent in-situ hybridization studies did not reveal any of the common abnormalities associated with MDS. A diagnosis of therapy related MDS was rendered. Different studies have shown that patients treated with alkylating agents and ionizing radiation present as MDS with a latent period of 3-10 years. Our patient developed MDS within 2.5 years of starting chemotherapy and radiotherapy and did not reveal any of the conventional cytogenetic abnormalities. It highlights the importance of simple tests like a complete blood count and peripheral blood smear examination in follow-up of the patients treated with chemotherapy.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

A previously healthy, 67-year-old, man with past medical history of myocardial infarction and hypertension was rushed to the emergency room after sudden onset of fever, chills, severe rigors, hypotension, tachycardia and vomiting. The patient was diagnosed as being in septic shock, and investigations revealed intracellular gram-negative bacilli in polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the peripheral smear. A history of dog contact was elicited after this very unusual and rare finding. Cultures confirmed septicemia due to Capnocytophaga canimorsus, a normal oral and nasal flora inhabitant of cats and dogs that can cause severe and sometimes fatal septicemia in humans. We report this very interesting case because of the common prevalence of dog homeownership and the rarity of C. canimorsus inducing sepsis.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Background: The distinction between Burkitt lymphoma (BL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is not always easy, so much so that the WHO 2008 Blue Book has incorporated a provisional category of "B-cell lymphoma, unclassifiable with features intermediate between DLBCL and BL." One of the immunohistochemical (IHC) markers used at times to differentiate between the two is IHC expression of BCL2, which was initially believed to be consistently negative in BL. Later it was recognized that weak BCL2 expression is still compatible with the diagnosis of BL. To verify or otherwise this current view this study was undertaken. Materials and Methods: We retrieved 39 confirmed cases of BL, in both children and adults. All these cases had typical morphology, IHC profile, and Mib-1 index that are typical of BL. All these cases were then stained with a monoclonal antibody against BCL2 oncoprotein, using 2-step Envision system. Results: Out of 39 cases, 31 cases (79.4%) were completely negative for BCL2, whereas 5 (12.8%) were weak focal positive. However, another 4 (10.2%) cases did show strong diffuse cytoplasmic staining for BCL2. Fluorescent in-Situ hybridization (FISH) for t(14:18) was optimally done on 6 out of 9 cases. All these 4 cases were from adults with 3 out of 4 arising in the parotid region. Two out of 4 cases also showed t(8:14) on FISH. Conclusions: It was concluded that contrary to the common belief, strong BCL2 IHC expression is possible in typical BL in adults and cannot be absolutely relied upon to distinguish between BL and DLBCL.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most common mesenchymal tumor of the bowel. It most commonly arises in the stomach, followed by the small intestine, colorectum and the esophagus. It usually spreads to the liver or the peritoneum, with bone and lung metastases being infrequent. Here, we present a case report of GIST behaving in a bizarre way. The patient presented with skeletal muscle metastasis and was initially misdiagnosed as leiomyosarcoma. On follow-up, he developed adrenal metastasis, and later, cardiac metastasis. None of the above unusual sites has previously been reported in literature to our knowledge.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

A 19-year-old male patient presented with progressive myoclonic seizures and speech disorder. The patient had photosensitivity, a few episodes of sudden transient blindness, and infrequent complex visual auras, dysarthria and mild ataxia, frequent myoclonic jerks prominently in the legs and severe dementia. Microscopic examination of the axillary skin biopsy revealed periodic acid-Schiff positive inclusion bodies in abluminal side of the apocrine sweat gland acini. Molecular screening showed a homozygous R241X mutation in EPM2A. Genotyping helps in the correct diagnosis of the Lafora disease (LD), which may be difficult to diagnose based on the available histopathological testing only. Our study is an effort to determine the distribution of mutations in LD patients in our region.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Background: In a developing, tropical country like India, discontinuous power supply, high temperatures during summer, and lack of consistent cold chain and funds provide a challenging atmosphere for anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) testing and reporting. However, a simple in-house test and testing algorithm are described here, which have been developed and tested over time. Materials and Methods: An analysis of a decade of testing and reporting of ANCA in the Department of Immunopathology in a tertiary referral health care center was performed to highlight the importance of testing for ANCA in proposed 1999 guideline recommended indications. Results: A total of 4195 ANCA tests were conducted from 2000 to 2009. Overall, 2060 (49%) requests had indications which met the 1999 guidelines, while the remaining 2135 (51%) fell outside the guidelines. A total of 350 samples (8.3%) were positive for ANCA on indirect immunofluorescence (IIF), out of which 212 were guideline recommended and 138 (3.2%) were non-guideline recommended ANCA requests; thus, 3.2% of non-small vessel ANCA associated vasculitis (non-SVAAV) conditions showed false positive results when the population was otherwise unselected. Maximum requests (1432) were for rapidly progressive renal failure/acute renal failure. Conclusions: The audit shows that compliance with guidelines for ANCA testing would decrease the number of false positive results. In-house screening for ANCA by IIF is cost-effective and must be performed at least twice on two different samples from the same patient or on two different sets of ANCA preparations in all the cases who requested ANCA testing with a proposed 1999 guideline recommended indication.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a potentially life-threatening liver infection which may progress to liver failure and cirrhosis. Intrahepatic expression patterns of viral antigens detected by immunohistochemistry may have prognostic implications in disease process. Aim: In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the HBV core antigen (HBcAg) expression and histological activity index (HAI), fibrosis, serum hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) status and HBV DNA levels in patients with chronic HBV infection. Materials and Methods: A total of 114 liver biopsies from patients with chronic HBV infection were included in the study. Immunohistochemical expression of HBcAg and its relation with HAI, fibrosis, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, HBeAg status and HBV DNA levels were assessed. Results: The presence of nuclear expression of HBcAg did not show any correlations with ALT levels, HAI and fibrosis score. When the groups were categorized according to the HBeAg status, nuclear HBcAg expression was found to be high in HBeAg positive patients. However, HBcAg nuclear expression showed significant correlations with HBV DNA levels and fibrosis scores in HBeAg negative but not HBeAg positive patients. HBV DNA levels were also significantly associated with HAI and fibrosis scores in HBeAg negative patients. Conclusions: Significant differences found between HBeAg positive and negative patients suggest that HBeAg negative disease is different from HBeAg positive disease, and also point outs that in HBeAg negative disease, patients with nuclear HBcAg expression and increased levels of HBV DNA levels are at a higher risk of developing progressive liver disease.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Background: Tissue hypoxia is a characteristic patho-physiologic property of colorectal cancer. This process may also add to a therapeutic problem of solid tumor resistance to chemo- and radiation therapy. Erythropoietin (Epo) expression is induced by tissue hypoxia. Acting via its receptor (EpoR), Epo inhibits apoptosis of erythroid cells and has been shown to rescue neurons from hypoxic damage. Increased Epo and EpoR expression has been recently described in human breast, renal and cervical carcinoma. Given the characteristic tumor diathesis present in majority of colorectal cancers, we examined whether Epo signaling may play a role in colonic neoplastic progression. Materials and Methods: Expression of Epo and EpoR was examined using immunohistochemistry in 24 cases of primary colorectal and metastatic adenocarcinomas versus adenomas and normal colonic mucosa. Immunohistochemical stains were evaluated semiquantitatively based on a four-tiered scale. Based on the combination of extent and intensity of immunoreactivity, an immunostaining score (0-300) was determined for each sample. Expression of Epo and EpoR protein and mRNA was examined using Western blot and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively, in both normal colonic tissue and carcinoma specimens in five cases. Results: Epo expression was sequentially increased in normal colonic mucosa (8.3 ± 5.6, mean ± SEM), adenoma (26.4 ± 9.1), primary carcinoma (96.1 ± 12.8) and metastatic carcinoma (122 ± 51.3). EpoR expression was also sequentially increased in normal colonic mucosa (22.3 ± 11.8), adenoma (108.7 ± 24.2), primary carcinoma (178.7 ± 16.6) and metastatic carcinoma (220 ± 58.3) (P< 0.05 for all results). Epo and EpoR showed enhanced expression in the areas adjacent to ischemia/necrosis. Western blot and RT-PCR analysis revealed increased EpoR protein and mRNA levels in carcinoma compared to normal mucosal colon specimens. Focal stromal Epo and EpoR immunoreactivity was present in 10 and 12 cases, respectively. Conclusions: The uniform increase in the expression of Epo and EpoR along the colonic neoplastic sequence and further increase in ischemic/necrotic areas indicates that the Epo signaling pathway is an important component in colon carcinogenesis including possible epithelial-stromal interactions.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Prostate adenocarcinoma is the most common urologic malignant neoplasm in men. Metastasis to skin is rarely reported and usually occurs late. The incidence and appearance of cutaneous metastasis are not well established in patients with prostate adenocarcinoma and their recognition remains poor among practicing urologists. Their clinical appearance may mimic other common dermatologic disorders. Definitive diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion. Immunohistochemical staining helps in establishing the diagnosis. We report a case of prostate adenocarcinoma presenting with widespread metastasis, including those to dermis and subcutaneous tissue of neck and upper chest.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

A 40-year-old woman presented with a 1 year history of a painless, subcutaneous lump on the right buttock. Clinical examination showed an approximately 6 cm large subcutaneous mass covered by apparently normal-looking skin. No inguinal lymphadenopathy was found. The mass was excised with the clinical diagnosis of fibroma. Histologically, the lesion was consistent with mammary-type myofibroblastoma of soft tissue, a very rare, benign mesenchymal neoplasm with myofibroblastic differentiation. After surgical excision she was free of recurrence over a period of 8 months. This article also challenges the theory that suggests the origin of this tumor to be from the embryonic mammary tissue, adding another case of a site other than the milk lines.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Aims: To study the migration and developmental pattern of ganglion cells in fetuses aged 9-21 weeks, and to document whether the migration was occurring circumferentially equally in the entire axis or if there were discrepancies in different portions at the same level. Settings and Design: The hypothesis regarding the pathogenesis of Hirschsprung's disease mainly revolves around two schools. One is the single gradient migration of ganglia and the other is a dual gradient migration theory. Understanding the embryological development of enteric ganglia is necessary to study the pathogenesis of intestinal innervation disorders. Materials and Methods: We studied the development of intestinal ganglia in fetuses aged 9-21 weeks. Serial longitudinal sections from the colon were studied, the first one including the squamo-columnar junction, for the presence and the nature of ganglion cells with Hematoxylin and Eosin, and neurone-specific enolase immunostaining. Transverse sections from proximal gut were studied in a similar fashion. Thus, we evaluated the migration pattern as well as the nature of ganglia in the fetuses. We also measured the length of distal aganglionic segment in these growing fetuses. Results: We noted that ganglion cells appear first in the myenteric plexus followed by deep and superficial submucous plexus. We also found evidences in favor of dual migration theory, and the distal aganglionic segment varies around the circumference of the rectal wall. Conclusions: We got evidences in support of a dual migration pattern of intestinal ganglion cells. The level of distal aganglionic segments when measured from squamo-columnar junction varied with the age of gestation and the length was incongruous. The description of distal aganglionic segment may help surgeons while taking biopsies or during operative procedures.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Background: Endometrial carcinoma is a common neoplasm associated with the female genital tract with considerable morbidity.Eendometrial hyperplasias have been widely regarded as precursor lesions. It is of importance to the pathologist to identify the subset of hyperplasias or the associated factor which could be a possible forerunner of malignancy. Phospho tensin gene (PTEN) has gained importance as one of the factors responsible. Aim: To determine the variability in PTEN expression patterns in different types of endometrial hyperplasias. Settings and Design: The study was undertaken on samples received at the Department of Pathology from 2005 to 2007. Materials and Methods: One hundred samples with 76 showing hyperplasias of different types formed the core "study group" with simple hyperplasia without atypia predominating. The rest belonged to the control groups. PTEN intensity and percentage positivity, variability in patterns of glandular and stromal expression, the number and type of PTEN null glands in different types of hyperplasia were evaluated. Statistical analyses used were Fisher's exact test based on Monte Carlo test and chi-square test. Results: Complex hyperplasia was associated with a reduction in number of strongly PTEN positive glands, with an increase in null glands, seen in clusters. Co-existing atypia was associated with the weakest staining and in fewer glands. Conclusions: PTEN expression in endometrial hyperplasias can be used as an early warning of heightened cancer risk and a potential target for preventive treatment. However, extensive research is needed along this line to conclusively establish its effectiveness.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Nevoid cell carcinoma syndrome or Gorlin-Goltz syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by multiple basal cell carcinoma, multiple keratocyst tumors, and skeletal anomalies. The Gorlin-Goltz syndrome has been associated with numerous benign and malignant neoplasms. The authors describe a case of Gorlin-Goltz syndrome in association with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second case described in the English literature.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Background: A novel swine origin influenza virus (H1N1) is spreading worldwide and threatens to become pandemic.H1N1 critical illness mostly affects young patients and is often fatal. Aim: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the clinical characteristic of H1N1 infection in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: A total of 92 nasal and pharyngeal swabs from suspected cases of swine flu were processed by real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR). Result: Twenty(21.73%) were positive of which two were treating physicians and five (25%) patients expired. Conclusions: The age group of positive cases of H1N1 was between 21 and 30 years and age group of patients who died ranged from 40 to 45 year. This overview indicates that although the majority of hospitalized persons infected with novel influenza A (H1N1) recovered without complications, certain patients had severe and prolonged disease. It was also noted that 2009 influenza A (H1N1) infection - related clinical illness predominantly affects young patients. All hospitalized patients with novel influenza A (H1N1) infection should be monitored carefully and treated with antiviral therapy. Mandatory vaccination of health-care workers is especially important in emerging pandemic.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Renal hemosiderosis is a rare cause of renal failure and, as a result, may not be diagnosed unless a detailed history, careful interpretation of blood parameters and renal biopsy with special staining is done. Here, we present a rare case of renal hemosiderosis presenting with renal failure.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Background: Human mammaglobin (hMAG) is a secreted protein which has been detected in breast epithelial cells of mammary glands and has been used as a specific marker for breast cancer. Objectives: This study aims at studying the hMAG expression and identifying the significant predictors of hMAG expression in breast cancer tissues. Materials and Methods: The tissue samples were obtained from two major teaching hospitals in the country. They were examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and the hMAG expression was evaluated using an established scoring system. Results: Out of 84 breast cancer tissue samples, hMAG was expressed in 50 samples (59.6%). The expression of hMAG was found to be increased with cancer grade. The output of logistic regression model showed that hMAG was overexpressed in breast cancer samples from the first hospital (P = 0.014), but not with those from the second hospital. Conclusions: It can be concluded that hMAG may serve in the diagnosis and the assessment of progression with the increased cancer grade. The dominance in hMAG expression in samples from HUSM may correlate with ethnic, environmental or genetic factors.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Background: The most common second primary cancer in women who survive breast cancer is colorectal cancer. Population cohort studies suggest that the risk of colorectal cancer is also high in female relatives of women with breast cancer compared to the general population. The histological distinction between a large hyperplastic polyp and a serrated adenoma is not straightforward and there is probably no sharp division between hyperplastic polyposis and 'serrated adenomatous polyposis'. Aim: The aim of the study was to define the distribution of Ki-67 and Bcl-2 protein in hyperplastic colorectal polyps of women with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, controlled study was conducted in 40 women with and without breast cancer who had hyperplastic colorectal polyps. The patients were divided into two groups: Group A (a control group of women without breast cancer, n = 20) and Group B (a study group of women with breast cancer, n = 20). The expression of Ki-67 and Bcl-2 protein was assessed on the basis of quantity of immunostaining, by counting antigen positive cells, in comparison with normal mucosa. Student's t-test and the chi-square test were used to analyse Ki-67 and Bcl-2 expression, respectively. Results: Statistical significance was established at P < 0.05. The mean percentage of Ki-67 stained nuclei in Groups A and B was 25.11 ± 2.07 and 41.51 ± 1.86, respectively (P < 0.003), whereas the percentage of cases with cells expressing Bcl-2 in Groups A and B was 15% and 85%, respectively (P < 0.002). Conclusions: In the present study, greater proliferative activity and greater expression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 was found in the hyperplastic colorectal polyps of women with breast cancer.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Subcutaneous panniculitic-like T-cell lymphoma constitutes a distinctive clinicopathologic entity derived from cytotoxic T lymphocytes. A 25-year-old female presented with fever and skin lesions over the upper limb, lower limb and trunk since 2 years. On examination, there were multiple subcutaneous, tender, erythematous, poorly circumscribed indurated plaques and nodules on the upper limbs and lower limbs. Histopathological examination revealed subcutaneous fat displaying a predominantly lobular infiltration of atypical lymphoid cells. Characteristically, there was rimming of individual fat cells by the surrounding neoplastic lymphocytes. Immunohistochemical evaluation of the neoplastic lymphocytes showed CD3 and CD5 immunoreactivity and CD30 and CD20 negativity. A diagnosis of subcutaneous panniculitic T-cell lymphoma was made. SPTCL is a rare cytotoxic lymphoma that can be misdiagnosed as benign panniculitis due to similarities in clinical and histological features between the two entities and thus cause a diagnostic hindrance.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]  [PubMed]

Background: Columnar cell lesions (CCLs) with or without atypia frequently coexist with invasive or in situ breast carcinomas. In this study, 39 mastectomy specimens containing CCLs coexisting with invasive carcinomas were retrospectively analyzed for cellular characteristics and structural pattern of CCL neighboring the tumor. Materials and Methods: The expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and p53 antibodies in CCL and coexisting invasive tumors, type of invasive tumor, histopathologic grade, and presence of atypia in CCL have been studied. Results: Sixteen (41%) of all CCLs were with atypia, whereas 23 (59%) of them were without atypia. No correlations were found between the presence of CCLs with atypia and either the morphologic type of carcinoma or histopathologic grade of the tumors. Presence of atypia in the CCL was not correlated with the expression of p53 in the invasive tumors. CCLs without atypia dominated in Grade III tumors. The percentages of CCLs without atypia were also higher in both ER (−) and PR (−) tumors. Conclusions: CCL with atypia is generally considered to be a precursor of invasive carcinoma; however, in our study, CCLs without atypia more frequently coexisted with breast carcinoma.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]  [PubMed]

Background: Single dose of Nevirapine to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV is the commonest preventive regimen in resource-limited countries. Objectives: The objective of this study was to detect drug-resistant virus after single dose of Nevirapine (sdNVP) provided to delivering HIV seropositive (HIV+ve) women and to evaluate the time taken for its decay. Results: Of the 36 consenting HIV+ve pregnant women enrolled into the study, the mean hemoglobin and total lymphocyte counts were 10.8 g/dl and 1843 cells/mm ³ , respectively. Mean CD4 counts in 64% of women was 363 cells/mm ³ and mean viral load for 16/36 women was 28,143 copies/ml of plasma. Nevirapine-resistance mutations were detected in 28% of women at delivery; using OLA (Oligonucleotide Ligation Assay). K103N mutations were seen in 19.4% of women while the Y181C mutation was seen in 5%. Both the mutations were detected in 2.7% of women. Sequential blood samples collected at delivery, 7-10 days, 6 weeks, 4 months, 6 months and one year postpartum showed that 81% of K103N mutations and 66.7% of Y181C mutations were detected at 6 weeks postpartum . Wild-type virus had replaced the mutants by one year postpartum in all women except one. Conclusion : These observations are relevant for future treatment with antiretroviral therapy in these women for their HIV disease.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Adenomyoma can be misdiagnosed as an adenocarcinoma, leading to needless and extensive surgical resections. A 45-year-old woman presented with right hypochondrial pain. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a choledochal cyst. Excision of choledochal cyst with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy was performed. A segment of dilated common bile duct and an attached nodule was received. Sections from the choledochal cyst showed a cyst wall composed of dense fibrous tissue lined by partially ulcerated columnar epithelium. Sections from the nodule showed interlacing whorls of smooth muscle bundles with entrapped glands. The glands were lined by cuboidal to columnar cells without nuclear atypia. This was recognized as an adenomyoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case in which an adenomyoma was found associated with a type 1 choledochal cyst. A review of the existing literature and discussion of theories of genesis and the diagnostic pitfalls are presented.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

Background: Lymphoid malignancies are a heterogeneous group of disorders which may be difficult to differentiate from reactive proliferations even after immunohistochemistry. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is believed to be a good adjunct tool for diagnosis. Materials and Methods: We examined 24 cases of neoplastic and non-neoplastic lymphoproliferative lesions in this study and evaluated the PCR as an additional tool in the confirmation of the diagnosis. Two different PCR methodologies were evaluated. Results: In the evaluation of the T-cell PCR, it was seen that the correlation using both the commercial kits and the custom-synthesized primers was highly significant at a P value of <0.05. In the evaluation of the B-cell PCR, it was seen that the correlation using both the commercial kits and the custom-synthesized primers was not significant using either method (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Both the methods showed an excellent concordance for T-cell γ gene rearrangements, However, the same was not seen in the B-cell receptor rearrangements. This may be because of the small sample size or the inability of consensus V primers to recognize complementary DNA sequences in all of the V segments.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]  [PubMed]