Granular cell variant of atypical fibroxanthoma. A case report

We report a case of an 84-year old female with granular cell atypical fibroxanthoma. The patient had an exophytic cutaneous tumor without ulceration localized on the left thigh. Histologically, the tumor consisted of a large epitheloid and spindle cells with a moderate to abundant amount of eosinophilic granular cytoplasm. The nuclei were irregular with coarse chromatin and some exhibited prominent nucleoli. Some of the tumor cells displayed atypical bizarre pleomorphic nuclei. Mitotic figures were sparse. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells showed diffuse positivity for vimentin, CD10, NKi/C3 and CD68 (KP1). CD68 (PGM1) was positive only focally. Other markers examined, which included Melan A, HMB45, S-100 protein, cytokeratin AE1/AE3, desmin, h-caldesmon, α-smooth muscle actin, NSE, CD1a, CD34, and CD31 were negative. A granular cell variant of atypical fibroxanthoma is rare, and only a few cases have been reported in the literature to date.

KEYWORDS

dermal tumor - atypical fibroxanthoma - granular cells - cytoplasmatic granules - granular cell tumors.

Perineural xanthoma associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia

It is well known that patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) may demonstrate skin manifestations, or dermadromes, due to disease-related metabolic, vascular, neurologic, and/or immunologic disturbances; however, the pathogenesis of some of these manifestations remains unknown. Xanthomas often are associated with increased levels of serum cholesterol and/or triglycerides and therefore can present as a dermadrome in patients with a history of uncontrolled DM and hyperlipidemia. The presence of tender lesions in this patient population can indicate a diagnosis of perineural xanthoma. We report a case of perineural xanthoma arising in a patient with type 2 DM and hyperlipidemia.

Multiple tendon xanthomas in patient with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia: sonographic and MRI findings

Tendon xanthomas are a component of familial hypercholesterolaemia, which is a hereditary disease and characterised by elevated low-density lipo protein cholesterol plasma levels and premature coronary artery disease. Tendon xanthomas are diagnostic for heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HFH) and they mostly occur in Achilles tendon. Sonography and MRI are superior to clinical assessment and are useful in detecting tendon xanthomas. In this report, we present ultrasonographic and MRI findings of multiple tendon xanthomas in a case of HFH.

[A case of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis diagnosed by EUS-FNA in which changes were observed on FDG-PET]

An elderly man in his 70s presented with pain in the right hypochondrium. Computed tomography revealed thickening of the gall bladder wall and liver invasion. In addition, fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) revealed an abnormal accumulation in the gall bladder, leading to a suspicion of gall bladder carcinoma. To confirm the diagnosis, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration was performed, which revealed a diagnosis of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC). FDG-PET revealed decreased wall thickness and standardized uptake value a month later. Cholecystectomy was performed on the basis of a histological and clinical diagnosis of XGC. Histological examination revealed inflammatory and foamy cells and exuberant granulation of the gall bladder wall, confirming XGC.

Hypertriglyceridemia associated with eruptive xanthomas and lipemia retinalis in newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus

Severe hypertriglyceridemia can cause the deposit of lipids in the dermis (eruptive xanthomas) and in the retina (lipemia retinalis). Lipemia retinalis and eruptive xanthoma are occasionally seen in patients with diabetes mellitus and are thought to be due to abnormalities in the serum lipid fractions. Here a 15 year's old girl presented with typical symptoms of diabetes with skin lesions over hands and feet. On examination skin lesions were non-tender yellow papules with creamy-colored centers on extensor surfaces of the arms, hands and feet. Ophthalmoscopic examination showed creamy white retinal vessels with a faded pinkish white retinal back ground both in the periphery and posterior pole of the retina. Laboratory findings showed a grossly lipemic serum with markedly elevated serum levels of triglycerides 8869mg/dl cholesterol 498mg/dl. Her fasting blood glucose was 20.8mmol/l, 2 hours after breakfast was 50.5mmol/l and HbA1c was 14.6%. Eruptive xanthomas and lipaemia retinalis can occur in primary and secondary hyperlipoproteinemias, therefore a careful personal and family history as well as laboratory investigations is recommended in order to detect an underlying cause.

Mass-forming xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis masquerading as gallbladder cancer

BACKGROUND

Mass-forming xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC), an uncommon inflammatory pathology of gallbladder (GB), masquerades as gallbladder cancer (GBC) and diagnosis is often a histological surprise.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected database of patients with GB mass operated between August 2009 and September 2012 was conducted to determine clinical, radiological, and intraoperative findings that might aid in the preoperative diagnosis of mass-forming XGC and ascertain their optimal management strategy.

RESULTS

Of the 566 patients with GB mass and suspected GBC, 239 were found to be inoperable on preoperative workup and 129 patients had unresectable disease on staging laparoscopy/laparotomy. Of the 198 with resectable disease, 31 were reported as XGC on final histopathology (Group A), while 167 were GBC (Group B). Of these 31 patients, six with an intraoperative suspicion of benign pathology underwent cholecystectomy with segments IVb and V resection, and frozen section histopathology. Twenty-five underwent radical cholecystectomy, with (n = 10) or without (n = 15) adjacent organ resection. In comparison, anorexia and weight loss were significantly more in Group B (p = 0.001 and <0.001). Intraoperatively, empyema and associated gallstones were more common in Group A (p = 0.011 and <0.001). On computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen, continuous mucosal line enhancement and intramural hypodense bands were significantly more in Group A (p < 0.001 and 0.025). While CT abdomen revealed one or more features suggestive of XGC in 64.5 % (20/31) of patients in Group A, 11(35.5 %) did not have any findings suggestive of XGC on imaging.

CONCLUSION

Mass-forming XGC mimics GBC, making preoperative and intraoperative distinction difficult. While imaging findings can help in suspecting XGC, definitive diagnosis require histopathological examination. Presence of typical radiological findings, however, can help in avoiding extended radical resection in selected cases.

Gastric xanthoma with hyperplastic polyp: a case report

Gastric xanthoma is uncommon lesion with a variably reported frequency. Hyperplastic polyps are commonest epithelial polyps in stomach. A rare case of simultaneous presence of xanthoma with hyperplastic polyp is reported. A 70-year-old female presented with dyspepsia and heartburn. Upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy showed multiple sessile small whitish polyps in stomach. Histopathological examination of the polyps-showed features of xanthoma with hyperplastic polyp in the mucosa with areas of intestinal metaplasia and occasional H pylori. There was no evidence of malignancy in the present case.

Verruciform xanthoma of the earlobe in an immunosuppressed patient

Verruciform xanthoma (VX) is an uncommon mucocutaneous lesion of uncertain etiology. Originally thought to be limited to the oral mucosa, its occurrence in other mucosal and nonmucosal sites also has been documented. Histologically, VX is characterized by subepithelial foamy histiocytes associated with papillomatosis, parakeratosis, and dyskeratosis. Subepithelial foamy cells are lipid-containing, non-Langerhans cell histiocytes. A variety of etiologies have been proposed without much consensus, including infectious (bacterial, viral, and fungal), degenerative, reactive/ reparative, inflammatory, metabolic, reactive/ multifactorial, and immunosuppressive factors. Verruciform xanthoma of the external ear is exceedingly rare. Herein, we report a rare case of VX occurring on the earlobe at a piercing site in an immunosuppressed patient and provide a discussion of the possible pathogenetic mechanism(s).

Xanthogranuloma of bone: a challenging imitator of malignancy

Xanthogranulomatous disease of bone is exceptionally uncommon. Clinically, radiologically and pathologically, it is a great imitator of malignancy. While there are few reports on the surgical pathology of this rare entity, there is no published report on its cytopathologic characteristics. We report herein the case of a 44-year-old male who was evaluated at The Johns Hopkins Hospital for a 2.3-cm painful soft tissue mass present within the medullary canal of the distal tibia with destruction of the overlying cortex. A computed tomography-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy revealed abundant histiocytes and occasional giant cells in an inflammatory background. This was interpreted as a 'histiocyte-rich lesion,' and an excisional biopsy was recommended. Subsequent curettage was performed, and the histological material was diagnosed as 'xanthogranuloma of bone.' The rarity of xanthogranuloma of bone and its resemblance to the more common reactive and malignant bone neoplasms may present diagnostic challenges.

[Diagnosis and treatment of xanthogranulomatous prostatitis: a case report and review of the literature]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the diagnosis and treatment of xanthogranulomatous prostatitis.

METHODS

A 75-year-old man presented with a 3-month history of difficult urination and frequent micturition, which was exacerbated for 2 days. Digital rectal examination indicated an enlarged prostate size of II degrees with hard texture but no tenderness. Serum total PSA was 172.5 microg/L. TRUS revealed 200 ml of post-micturition residual urine, thickened bladder wall, prostate size of 4.3 cm x 3.8 cm x 5.0 cm and no isochrones. MRI showed an enlarged prostate gland, with marked enlargement of the central zones and low-signal intensity of the peripheral gland, part of the prostate gland protruding to the bladder with no clear dividing line. It was diagnosed as prostate cancer initially, and confirmed by needle biopsy.

RESULTS

Histopathological examination revealed large numbers of "foamy macrophages" in the lesion, with a few multinucleated giant cells, leukocytes, mononuclear, plasmocytes and fibroplasia. Immunohistochemistry showed CD68 (+) and PSA (-). The patient was treated with oral Tamsulosin and glucocorticoid and by temporary catheterization, and followed up for 20 months. Urination symptoms began to alleviate and serum PSA to decrease at 4 months. The PSA level was 9.2 microg/L at 13 months and 3.6 microg/L at 17 months.

CONCLUSION

Xanthogranulomatous prostatitis is a rare clinically, which can be confirmed by histopathological examination. It is treated mainly by supportive therapy and, for the cases with severe lower urinary tract obstruction, TURP can be employed. Follow-up must be performed by possible examination of PSA and necessary needle biopsy of the prostate.

Differential diagnosis and treatment options for xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis

OBJECTIVE

To describe the differential diagnosis and treatment options for xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC), the presentations and management of 68 patients were described.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Demographical and clinical data from 68 cases of XGC treated between January 2004 and January 2010 were analyzed. Clinical characteristics, radiological and surgical findings, histopathological features and postoperative recoveries were recorded. Clinical features of laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus open surgery and XGC versus gallbladder (GB) cancer were compared.

RESULTS

The CA19-9 levels of XGC and coexisting GB cancer were significantly different (p = 0.0034). In radiological findings, focal thickening of the GB wall was more frequent in coexisting GB cancer, early enhancement of the GB was observed more often in coexisting GB cancer, and lymph node enlargement was seen more often in coexisting GB cancer (p < 0.05). There were also significant differences between laparoscopic and open surgery for CA19-9, intramural hypoattenuated nodule, pericholecystic invasion, lymph node enlargement and maximum thickness, focal thickening, heterogeneous enhancement and early enhancement of the GB wall (p < 0.05). These findings were confirmed by multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound, computed tomography scan and intraoperative frozen section were the helpful modalities for XGC diagnosis. CA19-9 (>37 kU/l), pericholecystic invasion, lymph node enlargement (>10 mm), and focal thickening and early enhancement of the GB wall were the criteria for open surgery. In some selected cases, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was preferable.

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis--a diagnostic challenge

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis is a benign, uncommon variant of chronic cholecystitis characterised by focal or diffuse destructive inflammation of the gall bladder. The present study was undertaken to analyse the clinical presentation, pre-operative imaging, intra-operative findings and histological features of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis and the results compared with those in the literature. Thirteen histologically confirmed cases of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis were identified from the retrospective analysis of the patient records of 217 cholecystectomies performed during the period January 2011 to March 2012 at the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Centenary Hospital, New Delhi. The clinical, radiological and operative details of these patients have been analysed. The incidence of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis was 6% and age range was between 25 and 62 years with a mean age of 40.3 years. A female: male ratio was 1.6:1. Chronic right upper quadrant pain was the most common clinical presentation. In 2 patients, a gall bladder carcinoma was suspected radiologically as well as clinically, but was later disproved on histology. Abdominal ultrasound scan showed marked thickening of the gall bladder wall in 11 cases (84.6%). Laproscopic procedure required conversion to an open procedure in 8 patients (61.5% conversion rate). Histologically focal or diffuse inflammation with foamy histiocytes, inflammatory cells, giant cells and fibroblasts in varying proportion were seen. Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis is an unusual destructive inflammatory process, characterised by severe fibrosis and gall bladder wall thickening presenting as a gall bladder mass that mimics gall bladder carcinoma. The pre- and intra-operative differential diagnosis of the disease still remains a challenge to the practising surgeon and histological assessment of all gall bladders excised for xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis is critical, considering the occasional coexistence with gall bladder carcinoma.

Xanthogranulomatous oophoritis: pathologic findings with clinical correlation

Xanthogranulomatous inflammation is an uncommon form of chronic inflammation that destroys the affected organs. It is characterised by the presence of lipid laden macrophages, lymphocytes, plasma cells, neutrophils, multinucleate giant cells and foci of necrosis. Only a few cases of xanthogranulomatous Inflammation exclusively involving the ovary have been reported till date. The case presented here was associated with fever, abdominal mass and Escherichia coli infection. A knowledge of this entity is essential to avoid a misdiagnosis of malignancy and extensive surgery.

Simultaneous xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis and gallbladder cancer in a patient with a large abdominal aortic aneurysm

There have been reports of the coexistence of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with intra-abdominal malignancy including gastric, colonic, pancreatic, and renal. We herein report a case of a previously undiagnosed AAA and a presenting complaint consistent with acute cholecystitis. Following cholecystectomy, this was noted to be a rare form of chronic cholecystitis: xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis. There is a known possible association of this uncommon condition with gallbladder cancer. The management of concomitant pathologies can present a real challenge to the multidisciplinary team, especially with large aneurysms.

Macrophage-related diseases of the gut: a pathologist's perspective

The resident macrophages of the gastrointestinal tract represent the largest population of macrophages in the human body and are usually located in the subepithelial lamina propria. This strategic location guarantees a first-line defense to the huge numbers of potentially harmful bacteria and antigenic stimuli that are present in the intestinal lumen. In non-inflamed mucosa, macrophages phagocytose and kill microbes in the absence of an inflammatory response. However, in the event of an epithelial breach and/or microbial invasion, new circulating monocytes and lymphocytes will be recruited to the damaged area of the gut, which will result in the secretion of proinflammatory mediators and engage a protective inflammatory response. Although macrophages are usually not conspicuous in normal mucosal samples of the gut, they can easily be detected when they accumulate exogenous particulate material or endogenous substances or when they become very numerous. These events will mostly occur in pathologic conditions, and this review presents an overview of the diseases which are either mediated by or affecting the resident macrophages of the gut.

Verruciform xanthoma: report of two cases

Verruciform xanthoma (VX) is an uncommon benign condition of unknown etiology, which frequently affects the oral mucosa in adults. Other less common locations include the anogenital region and the skin. VX typically presents as an asymptomatic plaque showing a verrucous appearance. Histological examination is essential for the diagnosis and shows verrucous hyperplasia of the epidermis and xanthoma cells limited to the dermal papillae. We present herein two cases of VX and discuss the histopathological findings and possible correlation with a postulated etio-pathogenesis.

[Eyelids with yellow granulomas and cough - periocular xanthogranuloma associated with adult-onset asthma. A case study and an overview of clinical forms of juvenile xanthogranuloma and its therapy]

Histiocytic diseases caused by proliferation and accumulation of phagocytosing macrophages (foamy macrophages) have many clinical forms. These are classified under "juvenile xanthogranuloma" within the WHO classification of blood disorders. Localized forms with benign course include normolipaemic xanthomatosis, xanthogranuloma and necrobiotic xanthogranuloma. Disseminated forms in children take a form of so called "disseminated juvenile xanthogranuloma" or Erdheim-Chester disease in adults. We describe a case of a patient who, at 53 years of age, first noticed yellow granulomas on her eyelids. The disease progressed gradually and, at 59, affects the eyelids as well as their closest surroundings. According to MR and PET-CT, the disease gradually infiltrated the inside of the orbit, orbital fat as well as extraocular muscles and started to cause exoftalmus of one of the eyes. Propagation of the xanthogranuloma into the orbit and infiltration of extraocular muscles might impair eye function. Over the last year, the patient complained of cough. Pulmonary function evaluation confirmed recent asthma bronchiale. These findings correspond to periocular xanthogranuloma associated with adult-onset asthma. No other abnormities have been shown in this patient. Exoftalmus was observed in 2011 after 6 years of monitoring with very slow progression of eyelid and extraocular infiltration. Therefore, prednisone was initiated in 2011, leading to cessation of exoftalmus. It is not known at present whether this is a permanent improvement with a suppression of histiocytary proliferation or whether this was a temporary improvement due to suppression of inflammatory changes in the xanthogranuloma with no effect on histiocytary proliferation. Progression during therapy with corticosteroids would warrant cytostatic treatment. The discussion section provides an overview of diseases caused by foamy histiocytes with illustrations and an overview of experiences with their treatment.