Raf kinase inhibitor protein expression in smooth muscle tumours of the uterus: a diagnostic marker for leiomyosarcoma?

RESEARCH QUESTION

What is the expression pattern of Raf kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP) in different subtypes of leiomyoma (usual type, cellular, apoplectic or haemorrhagic leiomyoma, leiomyoma with bizarre nuclei and lipoleiomyoma) and leiomyosarcoma specimens, and what is its biological role in leiomyosarcoma cells?

DESIGN

Leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma specimens underwent immunohistochemistry staining. Leiomyosarcoma SK-LMS-1 cell line was RKIP knocked down and RKIP overexpressed, and cell viability, wound healing migration and clonogenicity assays were carried out.

RESULTS

A higher immunohistochemical expression of RKIP was observed in bizarre leiomyomas, than in usual-type leiomyomas. Decreased expression was also found in cellular leiomyoma, with generally absent staining in leiomyosarcomas. Upon RKIP expression manipulation in SK-LMS-1 cell line, no major differences were observed in cell viability and migration capacity over time. RKIP knockout, however, resulted in a significant increase in the cell's ability to form colonies (P = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

RKIP distinct expression pattern among leiomyoma histotype and leiomyosarcoma, and its effect on leiomyosarcoma cells on colony formation, encourages further studies of RKIP in uterine smooth muscle disorders.

Primary omental smooth muscle tumor in an adult male: a diagnostic dilemma for leiomyoma: a case report

BACKGROUND

The greater omentum comprises peritoneal, adipose, vascular, and lymphoid tissues. Most omental malignancies are metastatic tumors, and the incidence of primary tumors is rare. We report on a prior omental smooth muscle tumor case in an adult male patient.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 54-year-old Japanese male patient with no relevant medical history was diagnosed with an abdominal mass during a routine medical checkup. Subsequent contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a mass of approximately 3 cm in size in the greater omentum, and a laparotomy was performed. A 27 × 25 × 20 mm raised lesion was found in the omentum. Microscopically, spindle cells were observed and arranged in whorls and fascicles. Individual tumor cells had short spindle-shaped nuclei with slightly increased chromatin and were characterized by a slightly eosinophilic, spindle-shaped cytoplasm. The mitotic count was less than 1 per 50 high-power fields. The tumor cells showed positive immunoreactivity for α smooth muscle actin, HHF35, and desmin on immunohistochemical examination. The Ki-67 labeling index using the average method was 1.76% (261/14806). No immunoreactivity was observed for any of the other tested markers. We considered leiomyoma owing to a lack of malignant findings. However, primary omental leiomyoma has rarely been reported, and it can be difficult to completely rule out the malignant potential of smooth muscle tumors in soft tissues. Our patient was decisively diagnosed with a primary omental smooth muscle tumor considering leiomyoma. Consequently, the patient did not undergo additional adjuvant therapy and was followed up. The patient was satisfied with treatment and showed neither recurrence nor metastasis at the 13-month postoperative follow-up.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

We encountered a primary smooth muscle tumor of the greater omentum with no histological findings suggestive of malignancy in an adult male patient. However, omental smooth muscle tumors are extremely difficult to define as benign, requiring careful diagnosis. Further case reports with long-term follow-up and case series are required to determine whether a true omental benign smooth muscle tumor (leiomyoma) exists. In addition, proper interpretation of the Ki-67 labeling index should be established. This case study is a foundation for future research.

Nasal smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential: A case report

Smooth muscle tumors that cannot be histologically classified as leiomyomas or leiomyosarcomas are defined as smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential. The location of these tumors in the nose is very rare, and the appropriate surgical extent to manage these neoplasms has not been adequately defined. Here we describe the case of a 16-year-old female adolescent who consulted due to a vascular-like tumor in the right nasal cavity who was successfully treated with intranasal surgery. The histological diagnosis was smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential. Given that these neoplasms are rare, the uncommon location in the nose, and the lack of evidence indicating the extent of surgery, it is relevant to describe and discuss this clinical case.

Inflammatory Rhabdomyoblastic Tumor: From a Nebulous Smooth Muscle Neoplasm to a Novel Skeletal Muscle Tumor Subtype

Inflammatory rhabdomyoblastic tumor is a recently introduced name for neoplasms currently included in the World Health Organization classification of soft tissue tumors under the rubric inflammatory leiomyosarcoma. Inflammatory rhabdomyoblastic tumor is an excellent example of how surgical pathologists working in conjunction with tumor biologists can greatly improve tumor classification to the benefit of patients. Over the last 28 years, understanding of this entity has undergone a fascinating evolution. This review serves as a summary of the latest findings in inflammatory rhabdomyoblastic tumor research and a diagnostic manual for the practicing surgical pathologist.

Pulmonary Epstein-Barr virus-associated smooth muscle tumor after kidney transplantation: two case reports with review of differential diagnosis

Pulmonary nodules are a common complication in solid organ transplant recipients, and may have various underlying causes, with Epstein-Barr virus-associated smooth muscle tumor (EBV-SMT) being one of them. Given the rarity of this entity, we describe the diagnosis and therapeutic interventions for post-transplant EBV-SMT in two individuals. Both cases involved female patients who were diagnosed with multiple pulmonary nodules 60 months and 116 months, respectively, after receiving living-related kidney transplantation. Pathological examination revealed a spindle cell tumor, with immunophenotype and EBV in situ hybridization supporting the diagnosis of EBV-SMT. After diagnosis, these two patients underwent intervention by decreasing their intake of immunosuppressants. As of the latest follow-up, the patients' lesion size remained stable, and their overall condition was favorable. We also reviewed literature about the morphological and molecular pathological features of EBV-SMT and highlighted the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of pulmonary spindle cell lesions especially in the setting of immunosuppression.

POTENTIAL LIFE PROGNOSTIC MARKER FOR MESENCHYMAL TUMOR RESEMBLING UTERINE LEIOMYOSARCOMA

Benign uterine leiomyoma (U.LMA) and malignant uterine leiomyosarcoma (U.LMS), both uterine mesenchymal tumors, are distinguished by the number of cells exhibiting mitotic activity. However, uterine mesenchymal tumors contain tumor cells with various cell morphologies; therefore, making a diagnosis, including differentiating between benign and malignant tumors, is difficult. For example, cotyledonoid dissecting leiomyoma (CDL) or uterine smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMPs) are a group of uterine mesenchymal tumors for which a differential diagnosis is challenging. To date, a standardized classification system for uterine mesenchymal tumors has not yet been established. Furthermore, definitive preoperative imaging techniques or hematological examinations for the potential inclusion of CDL or STUMP in the differential diagnosis have not been defined. Several clinical studies have reported that there is no correlation between biomarker expression and mitotic rate or tumor recurrence. The immunohistochemical biomarkers reported so far cannot effectively help determine the malignant potential of CDL or STUMPs in patients who wish to become pregnant in the future. The establishment of gene expression profiles or detection of pathogenic variants by using next-generation molecular techniques can facilitate disease prediction, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. We examined the oncological properties of STUMP in adults using molecular pathological techniques on tissue excised from patients with uterine mesenchymal tumor. In a clinical study conducted by our medical team, the results of gene expression profiling indicated factors that may be associated with malignancy of uterine mesenchymal tumors. We herein describe the problems in diagnosing uterine mesenchymal tumors along with the results of the latest clinical studies. It is expected that the establishment of a diagnostic method targeting the characteristics of mesenchymal tumor cells will lead to the treatment of malignant tumors with a low risk of recurrence and metastasis.

Smooth Muscle Tumor of Uncertain Malignant Potential (STUMP): A Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Update

Background and Objectives: The uterine smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP) are tumors with pathological characteristics similar to leiomyosarcoma, but that do not satisfy histological criteria for leiomyoma. These are problematic lesions with intermediate morphologic features; thus, diagnosis and treatment are difficult. This narrative review aims to review data in the literature about STUMPs, particularly focusing on management and therapeutic options and strategies for women who desire to preserve fertility. Material and Methods: authors searched for "uterine smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential" in PubMed and Scopus databases, from 2000 to March 2023. Pertinent articles were obtained in full-text format and screened for additional references. Only articles in English language were included. Studies including full case description of patients with histopathological diagnosis of STUMP in accordance with Stanford criteria were included. Results: The median age was 43 years old. Symptoms are similar to those of leiomyomas, with a mean diameter of 8.0 cm. Total hysterectomy with or without bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is the standard care for women if fertility desire is satisfied. Myomectomy alone can be considered for young patients. Although these tumors have not a high malignant potential, several studies described recurrence and metastases. Conclusions: STUMPs are complex uterine smooth muscle tumors, with a rare but reasoned clinical-diagnostic management. Considering the high clinical and histological complexity of these tumors, high level of expertise is mandatory.

Management of a giant uterine smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential in a 32-year-old woman: case report and review of the literature

Uterine smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP) represent a group of rare uterine smooth muscle tumors not diagnosed unequivocally as benign or malignant. To data, diagnostic criteria, malignant potential, surgical management, and follow-up of these neoplasms remain controversial. Considering that STUMP and leiomyoma are not significantly different in terms of clinical presentation and preoperative sonographic characteristics, it might be difficult to distinguish between the two affections prior to pathological confirmation at surgery. All cases should be managed by multidisciplinary tumor teams and patients' follow-up should comprise consultation with a gynecologic oncologist and a close surveillance because of the possibility of recurrence or metastasis. We present the case of a 32-year-old nulliparous woman admitted to our gynecology clinic. She was asymptomatic and only complained an increase in abdominal volume started during the past 6 months. A transabdominal and transvaginal pelvic ultrasound revealed a large heterogeneous tumor mass measuring 190×163 mm, color score 2, expanded in the left iliac fossa, suspected for benign uterine myoma. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a large pelvic-abdominal tumor located near the left posterior-lateral uterine wall with areas of necrosis, suggestive of subserosal leiomyoma with cystic degeneration. The patient underwent a median longitudinal laparotomy for excision of the pelvic mass. The patient was normally discharged five days after surgery in good health conditions. The final histological examination was compatible with STUMP. At present, the patient has had no relapses or metastases and she is undergoing follow-up.

Fumarate Hydratase Deficiency Should be Considered in the Differential Diagnosis of Uterine and Extrauterine Smooth Muscle Tumors of Uncertain Malignant Potential (STUMP)

Fumarate hydratase-deficient leiomyomas (dFH leiomyomas) often display atypical pathologic features yet exhibit a benign clinical course. Recent data suggest that dFH leiomyomas may be misclassified as smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential, a category that encompasses a heterogenous subgroup of uterine neoplasms with smooth muscle differentiation and atypical features that impart ambiguity regarding their expected clinical behavior. dFH leiomyomas can be seen in the context of hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma syndrome or in the sporadic setting. In this retrospective study, we sought to examine the prevalence and clinicopathologic characteristics of dFH leiomyomas in 48 tumors previously diagnosed as smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential from 38 patients. Of these 48 tumors, 3 (6.3%) occurring in 2 patients were found to be deficient for FH by immunohistochemistry, including 1 uterine and 2 extrauterine (abdominopelvic) tumors. The 3 tumors showed histologic features typical of dFH leiomyomas, including hemangiopericytoma-like vessels, edema, macronucleoli, and atypia. Neither patient developed recurrent leiomyomas or renal cell carcinoma, and both were alive without disease at last follow-up. Our data suggest that dFH leiomyomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential, even in the context of extrauterine disease. Identification of FH deficiency in these tumors supports their classification as dFH leiomyomas despite their atypical morphologic features and/or clinical presentation. Importantly, detection of dFH in these cases may identify women at increased risk for hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma who would benefit from genetic counseling and consideration for FH germline testing.

[Practical diagnostic aspects of uterine leiomyosarcoma in the context of the 2020 WHO classification]

The 2020 WHO Classification defines the spindle cell, epithelioid, and myxoid variants as subtypes of uterine leiomyosarcomas (LMS). Presence of cellular atypia (size variation of polymorphic nuclei > 2-3:1), tumor cell necroses, and mitotic count (usually ≥ 10 MF/10 HPF) are still the key features for diagnostic separation from uterine leiomyomas. Preanalytic variables, staining quality, as well as intralesional geographic distribution may affect the mitotic count. Smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP) still exist as a not yet well-characterized diagnostic entity. Immunohistochemical stains against p16, p53, Ki-67, and WT‑1 may aid differential diagnosis in selected cases. Diagnostic molecular pathology is not yet relevant for diagnosis.

Epithelioid Leiomyosarcoma of the Uterus: Modern Outcome-based Appraisal of Diagnostic Criteria in a Large Institutional Series

Epithelioid leiomyosarcoma of the uterus is rare and poorly understood. Herein, we characterize a large institutional series of epithelioid leiomyosarcomas aiming to define outcome-determinant diagnostic pathologic features. We also retrieved epithelioid smooth muscle tumors of unknown malignant potential and evaluated a consecutive cohort of leiomyomas for epithelioid subtypes. Of a total of 1177 uterine leiomyosarcomas, 81 (7%) were categorized as epithelioid after review. Epithelioid leiomyosarcoma was strictly defined as having round to polygonal cells with visible pink cytoplasm and round to ovoid nuclei in ≥50% of the tumor volume. Average age was 55 years (range: 26 to 81 y). Median tumor size was 11 cm; tumor was >5 cm in 93% of subjects; 47% were stage 1 at presentation. An infiltrative tumor border was observed, grossly and/or microscopically, in 89% of cases; necrosis was noted in 80%, and vascular invasion in 47%. Mitotic count in 2.4 mm2 (totalling 10 high-power fields, each field 0.55 mm in diameter) ranged from 3 to 100 (median: 26). All cases had moderate, severe or highly pleomorphic atypia. All cases had 2 or 3 of the following: necrosis, at least moderate atypia and ≥4 mitoses in 2.4 mm2. Immunohistochemistry revealed frequent expression of smooth muscle markers including SMA (96%), desmin (95%), and caldesmon (81%). HMB45 and Melan-A were negative in 92% and 100% of cases, respectively. Estrogen and progesterone receptors were expressed by 65% and 54% of tumors, respectively. Follow-up information was available in 68 subjects (median: 23 mo, range: 1 to 254); cancer-related death occurred in 63%, and an additional 15% had recurrent or metastatic disease at last follow-up. Disease-specific survival was shorter in epithelioid leiomyosarcoma patients (median: 44  mo; 35% at 5-y) than in a matched cohort of nonepithelioid leiomyosarcoma (median: 55 mo; 46% at 5-y) (P=0.03). Three epithelioid smooth muscle tumors of unknown malignant potential were evaluated, all <5 cm in size and with atypia and/or irregular borders but mitotic count below the threshold for malignancy. Two of these had follow-up available, which was uneventful. Of 142 consecutive leiomyomas assessed, none had epithelioid morphology as defined. Epithelioid leiomyosarcoma is an aggressive neoplasm, sometimes with a remarkably low mitotic count. In the setting of an epithelioid smooth muscle tumor of the uterus, we postulate that the diagnosis of malignancy is made in the presence of ≥2 of the following: moderate or severe atypia, ≥4 mitoses/2.4 mm2 and tumor cell necrosis. In their absence, the finding of tumor size ≥5 cm, vascular invasion, infiltrative edges or atypical mitoses should be treated with caution, and designation as of at least uncertain malignant potential is warranted.

Intraoperative Frozen Section Biopsy of Uterine Smooth Muscle Tumors: A Clinicopathologic Analysis of 112 Cases With Emphasis on Potential Diagnostic Pitfalls

Frozen sections of uterine smooth muscle tumors are infrequently required, and related diagnostic difficulties are seldom discussed. We analyzed the clinicopathologic features of 112 frozen sections of uterine smooth muscle tumors and determined the accuracy, reasons for deferrals, and causes of interpretational errors. Most patients (median age, 45 y) presented with pelvic mass symptoms (53%). The main reasons for a frozen section examination were an abnormal gross appearance including loss of the usual whorled pattern of leiomyoma (36 cases, 32.1%), and intraoperative discovery of an abnormal growth pattern and extrauterine extension of a uterine tumor (28 cases, 25%). There were 9 leiomyosarcomas and 103 leiomyomas, including 18 benign histologic variants. An accurate diagnosis of malignancy was achieved in all leiomyosarcomas, with the exception of a myxoid leiomyosarcoma. In 99 cases (88%), the frozen section diagnosis concurred with the permanent section diagnosis (false positives, 0.9%; false negatives, 0%). Misinterpretation of stromal hyalinization as tumor cell necrosis in a leiomyoma with amianthoid-like fibers was a major discrepancy. Two minor discrepancies did not lead to a change in management. The diagnosis was deferred in 10 cases (8.9%) because of stromal alterations, unusual cellular morphology, uncertain type of necrosis, and abnormal growth patterns. Thus, although various stromal and cellular alterations can cause diagnostic uncertainty, leading to deferrals, frozen section diagnosis of uterine smooth muscle tumors has a high accuracy rate. While a definitive frozen section diagnosis of malignancy may be made when there is unequivocal atypia, indisputable mitotic figures, and tumor cell necrosis, it is important to remember that nonmyogenic mesenchymal tumors may also mimic uterine smooth muscle tumors. In a frozen section setting, it would be sufficient to issue a diagnosis of "malignant mesenchymal tumor." For tumors that do not meet the criteria for malignancy, issuing a frozen section diagnosis of "atypical mesenchymal tumor and defer the histologic subtyping to the permanent sections" is appropriate.

[Epstein-Barr virus-associated smooth muscle tumor in a girl]

A girl, aged 7 years, was admitted due to pain in both lower limbs for more than one year. Lumbar MRI showed soft tissue masses in the paravertebral region. Cerebral MRI showed nodular masses in the cavernous sinus at both sides. Chest CT showed high-density nodules in the outer basal segment of the right inferior lobe and the anterior segment of the left upper lobe of the lung. Biopsy of lumbar lesions showed Epstein-Barr (EB) virus-related smooth muscle tumor. Genetic testing showed a de novo mutation, c.725_730delAGAGTA (p.K242_S243del), in the ITK gene. The masses in the lumbar vertebra were removed by surgery, and then the pain in both lower limbs disappeared. This article reports a case of EB virus-related smooth muscle tumor with a deletion mutation in the ITK gene, which provides experience for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

PHENOTYPIC CHARACTERISTICS OF RELAPSED LEIOMYOMA AND SMOOTH MUSCLE TUMORS OF UNCERTAIN MALIGNANCY POTENTIAL IN REPRODUCTIVE WOMEN

Uterine leiomyoma represents the most common pelvic tumor in females, including numerous histological subtypes, from which smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignancy potential (STUMP) represents the diagnostic challenge. On the other hand, the study of the relapse risk markers after laparoscopic myomectomy is of high interest. We investigated the molecular phenotype of different types of leiomyoma after hysterectomy or laparoscopic surgery in reproductive and menopausal women. Standard immunohistochemistry was used to detect proliferation markers Ki67 and cyclin D1, apoptotic markers Bcl2 and Cas3, and ER and PR. The results of our study indicated that ER expression is significantly higher in relapsed leiomyoma, compared to control group. In addition, relapsed leiomyomas are characterised with high proliferation and apoptotic index. With regard to STUMP despite histological homogeneity, this entity is characterised with the presence of three distinct molecular subtypes, based on proliferation and apoptotic marker expression, which should be used as diagnostic aid in these tumors.

Epstein-Barr virus associated hepatic smooth muscle tumor in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) associated smooth muscle tumors (SMTs) usually present under the condition of immunosuppression, including congenital immunodeficiency syndrome-SMT, post-transplantation-SMT and HIV-SMT. HIV-SMTs are most likely to invade the central nervous system, followed by the liver, lungs, and other locations. Many laboratory techniques, including serological techniques, polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry (IHC), are employed to determine the aetiologies of these tumours. With respect to therapy, surgical resection is the main treatment. In patients with immunodeficiency, improving immune status is significant for defending against other viruses. We describe a case of the primary focus of SMT in the liver of HIV-positive patient without any metastasis.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A young male HIV-positive patient complained of fever and abdominal pain for 2 months.

DIAGNOSIS

IHC of liver tissue confirmed the finding: EBV-related smooth muscle tumor.

INTERVENTIONS

Given the patient's general condition, he was not a suitable candidate for surgical resection. He was given antibiotics, antifungal agents and EBV-directed agents to control infection as well as highly active antiretroviral therapy to enhance the immunity.

OUTCOMES

The patient's symptoms improved. He was discharged.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, EBV-related HIV-SMTs is a rare neoplasm found in the liver among immunodeficient patients. This case highlights that a variety of examinations such as IHC for smooth muscle markers (smooth muscle actin and desmin) and EBER, as well as polymerase chain reaction for EBV DNA should be done when diagnoses are ambiguous.

Immunoexpression of progesterone receptor, epithelial growth factor receptor and galectin-3 in uterine smooth muscle tumors

Uterine smooth muscle tumors constitute a spectrum of neoplasms. Diagnosis of leiomyomas (LMs) is usually straight forwards; however, atypical leiomyomas (ALMs) and smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMPs) have overlapping features and need to be distinguished from leiomyosarcoma. To evaluate progesterone receptor (PR), epithelial growth factor receptor (EGF-R), and galectin-3 expression in LMs, ALMs, STUMPs, and leiomyosarcomas and to assess their possible role in differentiating those tumors. Immunoexpression of EGF-R, PR, and galectin-3 were studied in 44 cases of uterine smooth muscle tumors through retrospective study. Studied cases included 20 LM, 9 ALM, 5 STUMP, and 10 leiomyosarcomas. A semiquantitative score was used to evaluate immunohistochemical staining. EGF-R overexpression was detected in leiomyosarcomas while a lack of or reduced EGF-R expression was observed in the nonsarcomatous group (LMs, ALMs, and STUMPs) with a highly significant difference. On the contrary, there was weak or negative PR staining in leiomyosarcomas compared to intense PR expression in the nonsarcomatous group with a highly significant difference. Meanwhile, galectin-3 was downregulated in leiomyosarcomas compared to the nonsarcomatous group with a significant difference. Correlation analysis revealed negative correlation between EGF-R and PR expression with significant statistical results while correlation of galectin-3 with EGF-R and PR showed insignificant statistical results. Immunoexpression of EGF-R, PR, and galectin-3 could help differentiate challenging cases of uterine smooth muscle tumors. Further studies are recommended to investigate interactions between EGF-R, PR, and galectin-3 and to plan new therapeutic strategies.

Ovarian leiomyoma with myxoid stroma

Ovarian smooth muscle tumours are rare. Notable myxoid change in smooth muscle tumours is uncommon, and raises diagnostic issues that need to be considered on evaluating a spindle cell lesion with notable myxoid change. There is only one case of myxoid leiomyoma of the ovary previously reported. We here report a case of ovarian leiomyoma with areas of myxoid stroma and discuss the relevant differential diagnosis and histological features to be assessed in such a lesion.

Concomitant Epstein-Barr Virus-associated smooth muscle tumor and granulomatous inflammation of the liver

Epstein-Barr Virus-associated smooth muscle tumor (EBV-SMT) is a rare mesenchymal tumor typically seen in immunocompromised patients. Here, we report a case of EBV-SMT and associated granulomatous inflammation in the liver of a 32-year-old man with history of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). To our knowledge, an association of these two lesions has not been previously reported. We review the literature and discuss pathogenesis, differential diagnosis and immunohistochemical (IHC) stains helpful for the diagnosis of this rare entity. Finally, we consider possible explanations for the concomitant presence of these lesions.

Resolution of Multifocal Epstein-Barr Virus-Related Smooth Muscle Tumor in a Patient with GATA2 Deficiency Following Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

We performed allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a patient with GATA2 deficiency and an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related spindle cell tumor involving the liver and possibly bone. He received a matched-related donor transplant with donor peripheral blood stem cells following a myeloablative conditioning regimen. He achieved rapid and high levels of donor engraftment and had complete reversal of the clinical and immunologic phenotype of MonoMAC/GATA2 deficiency and eradication of the EBV tumors after 3 years of follow-up. Thus, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant results in reconstitution of immunologic function and cure of EBV-associated malignancy in MonoMAC/GATA2 deficiency.

Uterine smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential: analysis of diagnoses and therapies illustrated by two case reports

Uterine smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential, or STUMP, form a rare group of tumors that fall neither into the benign nor malignant categories. Two cases are reported, describing diagnosis, known prognostic factors, and therapy. In contrast to leiomyomas and leiomyosarcomas, many uncertainties still exist concerning prognosis and postoperative management of STUMP, because of their rarity. Diagnosis is usually not made preoperatively, but by postoperative anatomo-pathological examination. There are histological and immunohistochemical factors that could be associated with a worse prognosis, but scientific evidence is insufficient. Most cases show a low risk of recurrence, although individual risk is unpredictable. Recurrences mostly occur after a long disease-free interval. A conservative approach with strict long-term clinical follow-up is therefore indicated. Further research must be conducted to identify surgical procedures that have a higher risk for recurrence. After a laparoscopy, where the specimen was morcellated, the possibility of peritoneal spread and the difficulty in examining section margins, need to be taken into account. Further treatment therefore needs to be individualized.

[Uterine smooth muscle tumors--direction of differentiation and morphological features]

Uterine smooth muscle tumors /USMT/ are the most common tumors of the female reproductive system. The main aim of the clinical histological classification and the grading of MGMT is to predict their progression. The diagnosis of USMT has of the following stages: the determination of the direction of differentiation of the tumor and the defining the morphological features (the mitotic index, the tumor necrosis and the cellular atypia). In each of them there are specific problems. This indicates, that the USMT are therapeutic and clinical challenge.

Mixed stromal and smooth muscle tumours of the uterus: a report of two cases

Mixed stromal and smooth muscle uterine tumours, defined as those containing at least 30% of each component as seen by routine light microscopy, are rare. This report describes the morphological features of two such tumours diagnosed in 44-year-old and 50-year-old females complaining from recurrent uterine bleeding that was unresponsive to medical treatment. Morphological and immunohistochemical evaluations were performed, and a final diagnosis of mixed endometrial stromal nodule and smooth muscle tumour of the uterus was rendered in both cases.

Immunohistochemical analysis in the diagnosis of uterine myometrial smooth muscle tumors

Uterine myometrial smooth muscle tumors sometimes raise concerns related to their histopathological typing, and that especially for benign entities with areas of atypia. In this study, we analyzed a group of myometrial smooth muscle tumors in what it regards their differential diagnosis utilizing a panel of antibodies consisting of α-SMA, Ki-67, p16, p53, PR and bcl-2. The study included a total of 16 cases of cellular leiomyomas, five cases of atypical leiomyomas and six of leiomyosarcomas, which were all analyzed for age, risk factors, mitotic activity, cellular atypia and tumor staging. In cases of cellular leiomyomas, the immunophenotype was characterized by high expression of PR and bcl-2 and low expression of p53 and Ki-67. For atypical leiomyomas, PR, bcl-2 and p53 expression levels were highly compared with low levels of p16 and Ki-67. Leiomyosarcomas immunophenotype was characterized by high expression values of Ki-67, p16 and p53, and decreased levels of PR and bcl-2. The study indicated specific immunophenotypes among the uterine myometrial smooth muscle tumors analyzed. The antibody panel used here might be a useful for the complementary histopathological analysis of myometrial leiomyomas and leiomyosarcomas.

[Uterine smooth muscle tumors--determination of clinical behavior and classification]

The establishment of the clinical behavior of uterine smooth muscle tumors /USMT/ is an essential stage of modern diagnostics. There are significant differences in the criteria determining the malignant potential of smooth muscle gynecological tumors. Generally USMT generating diagnostic problems are classified into: clinically benign tumors; clinically malignant tumors with benign morphological features; smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential (SMTUMP) and lesions whose smooth muscle differentiation is not obvious. The knowledge in this area is essential for an adequate therapeutic approach.

CD147 expression in uterine smooth muscle tumors, and its potential role as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in patients with leiomyosarcoma

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of CD147 expression in uterine smooth muscle neoplasms, as a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker in patients with leiomyosarcoma (LMS).

STUDY DESIGN

We investigated CD147 protein expression in uterine smooth muscle tumor samples from patients diagnosed with leiomyoma (n = 22), atypical leiomyoma (BLM) (n = 5), smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP) (n = 14), and LMS (n = 22). The intensity and extensity of immunohistochemical staining were compared to determine its potential role in differential diagnosis. Spearman's rank correlation tests were performed to determine the relationship between CD147 expression and prognostic clinical and pathological criteria in the patients with LMS.

RESULTS

CD147 was strongly expressed in 81.8% (n = 18) of the LMS tissue samples. In fact expression of CD147 in LMS tissues was significantly higher than that of the three other uterine smooth muscle tumor types (p = 0.000). However, high CD147 expression was found in only one BLM sample and one STUMP sample. Furthermore, CD147 percent expression positively correlated with Ki67 percent expression (r = 0.466, p<0.05) and mitotic index (r = 0.554, p<0.05), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that immunohistochemistry may be a helpful tool in determining whether CD147 is a useful marker in the differential diagnosis of certain uterine smooth muscle tumors. CD147 may also have prognostic value for patients with LMS. Yet, in order to determine the extent of this potential marker's utility as a diagnostic and prognostic indicator, a larger randomized multicenter study must be performed.