Argyrophil-negative G-cell duodenal carcinoid

A case of mono-hormonal-producing and functionally active G-cell carcinoid tumor of the duodenum is described. The tumor, found to be argyrophil negative, was investigated immunohistochemically and ultrastructurally. We report our results, then discuss the possible histochemical causes that can lead to the failure of argyrophilia, and direct attention to the possible misdiagnosis that can result from that failure.

A histologic and flow cytometric study of Kaposi's sarcoma

One hundred forty-three biopsies of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) from 96 patients were assessed histopathologically, and mitoses were counted. Ninety-seven samples from 66 patients were analyzed by flow cytometry. Six of 97 (5.8%) KS lesions were DNA aneuploid with a clustering around a DNA index of 1.5 (range, 1.4 to 1.6). The median percentage of S-phase plus G2-phase cells (%S + G2) was 16.7%. Increasing mitotic counts and %S + G2 were seen with progression of the phase and pattern of disease. Nodular KS and spindle cell predominant KS had the highest mitotic counts and %S + G2, with nodular KS larger than 4 mm having a higher mitotic count than those smaller than 4 mm. These findings suggest a low level of DNA aneuploidy in KS and important changes in the level of cell proliferation with the phase and pattern of the disease. However, flow cytometry does not solve the dilemma of whether KS is a hyperplastic or neoplastic process.

Calcification of the ligamentum arteriosum in children: a normal finding on CT

Calcification of the ligamentum arteriosum is a rare finding on plain radiographs. We commonly have seen the calcification on unenhanced CT scans of the chest, a finding not previously reported. A retrospective review of unenhanced CT scans of the chest was undertaken to determine the frequency of the described finding. Seven (13%) of 53 patients had a well-demarcated focus of calcification in the region of the ligamentum arteriosum. None of these patients had evidence of a patent ductus arteriosum. Calcification within the ligamentum arteriosum was seen in 13% of routine CT examinations of the chest in children and should not be confused with a pathologic process producing mediastinal calcifications.

The pump maneuver: an atraumatic adjunct to enhance US needle tip localization

Real-time ultrasound (US)-guided biopsies and drainage procedures require constant visualization of the needle tip. Ensuring optimum needle tip visualization is paramount to the success of these procedures. The authors have found that pumping the stylet in and out of a stationary needle shaft increases the echo-genicity of the needle shaft and tip, thereby facilitating needle localization. This technique, which we have termed "the pump maneuver," is a quick, useful, and atraumatic adjunct to be considered during US-guided percutaneous needle biopsy and drainage procedures.

Cutaneous presentation of acute myeloid leukemia in a "classical" Kaposi's sarcoma patient

A case of early cutaneous involvement by an acute myeloid leukemia in a Caucasian man, previously affected by a "classical" Kaposi's sarcoma is reported. The diagnoses were based upon histologic examinations and appropriate hematologic investigations. After reviewing extensively the literature about the association of lymphoreticular system malignancies and Kaposi's sarcoma, possible implications and hypothetical etiopathogenetic mechanisms are discussed.

[Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome. 8 case reports]

Following a brief review of the various names in routine use to indicate solitary ulcer of the rectum syndrome, stress is laid on its variable anatomoclinical expressions, presenting personally observed cases and discussing the pathogenetic mechanisms and the diagnostic and therapeutic implications.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the larynx

Two cases of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) of the larynx are reported. The peculiarities of both cases are emphasized, in particular the site of involvement and the young age of the former and the histological subtype ("clear cell" variant) of the latter. The microscopic differential diagnosis of MEC and its biological behavior according to the grade of differentiation is discussed. The available literature is reviewed.

[Menetrier disease. Clinico-pathologic study of a case]

A classic case of Ménétrier's disease in an adult male, diagnosed by histological examination of operative biopsy is reported. Stress is laid on the clinical aspects of the disease and on the histological aspects of that particular type of hyperplastic gastropathy that underlies it. Brief mention is also made of the states of pseudohyperplastic gastropathy that may represent a source of diagnostic confusion, particularly from the radiological viewpoint.

Granular cell tumor of the esophagus

Granular cell tumor (GCT) of the esophagus is a rarely-met-with neoplasm. It is almost invariably benign in character and is of still-disputed histogenesis. Small lesions are asymptomatic. Those over 1 cm in diameter may be accompanied by painful swallowing or retrosternal discomfort. Local resection is the treatment of choice for lesions that are accompanied by symptoms, or that are larger than 1 cm. A tumor incidentally encountered in an asymptomatic patient may be safely followed endoscopically. A successful endoscopic removal of such a lesion is described.

Primary Kaposi's sarcoma of the lymph node in children

A case of primary Kaposi's sarcoma of the lymph node (single node involvement) is reported on here. It occurred in a white, Italian boy 10 years of age. An extensive review of the literature showed that this was only the second childhood case of the disease among non-acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related people of the Western world.

Metaplastic breast carcinoma with epithelial phenotype of pseudosarcomatous components

A case of metaplastic breast carcinoma was subjected to an immunohistochemical study to characterize its apparent fibrosarcomatous and chondrosarcomatous elements. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies against epithelial cell components such as keratin proteins, epithelial membrane antigen, membrane and cytoplasmic antigens of human mammary carcinoma cells, and carcinoembryonic antigen were used, as well as antibodies against the mesenchymal antigens, desmin, and vimentin. The cells with a mesenchymal appearance had an epithelial derivation, as shown by the presence of epithelial cell markers and absence of mesenchymal cell markers.

Pathologic features in two siblings with the Pena-Shokeir I syndrome

Two siblings whose clinical and pathologic features were consistent with the "Syndrome of camptodactyly, multiple ankyloses and pulmonary hypoplasia" originally described by Pena and Shokeir were examined at autopsy. Additional features were intrauterine growth retardation, immaturity of the central nervous system (CNS) and atrophy of skeletal muscles. Our data suggest that CNS damage may cause the complicated phenotypic abnormalities of the syndrome.