Malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the urinary bladder progressing to widespread metastases and death: a rare case report and literature review

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) of the urinary bladder has been rarely reported and malignant bladder SFT is even rarer. Here we present a case of an African-American male with SFT of the urinary bladder (intermediate risk) initially treated by cystoprostatectomy at the age of 59 years. Eight years later, he developed recurrence with widespread metastases to the liver, lungs, and abdominal cavity. He then received temozolomide and bevacizumab with good disease control. However, treatment was paused due to declining performance status. Follow-up at 1 year demonstrated growth of the metastatic lesions. Despite restarting therapy, the patient expired, 11 years after the original diagnosis. Autopsy was performed and revealed widespread metastases within the abdominal cavity (abdominal sarcomatosis) as well as liver, bilateral lung, and diaphragmatic involvement. The cause of death was determined to be metastatic SFT. A comprehensive literature review was performed. Although SFTs are commonly considered benign, a subset of SFTs of the urinary bladder behave aggressively. Risk assessment and proper follow-up for recurrence and metastasis is necessary. The patient was also found at autopsy to have two gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) in the stomach and near the gastroesophageal junction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a primary urinary bladder SFT resulting in death or having concurrent, multifocal GISTs, and only the second case of a bladder SFT that developed metastases after the initial diagnosis.

Death by compaction in a garbage truck

We report on two deaths by compaction in a garbage truck that recently occurred in this county. In both cases, the victim apparently climbed into a recycling dumpster to sleep, and was emptied with the contents of the receptacle into a garbage truck. Subsequent compaction of the victim with the load led to death. We also discuss several similar fatalities that have been reported to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Can ischemic colitis be differentiated from C difficile colitis in biopsy specimens?

Pseudomembranous colitis is often caused by Clostridium difficile; however, it may also be due to ischemia. To determine if any histologic features could be used to differentiate C difficile from ischemia, 49 biopsies of pseudomembranous colitis (25 from patients with C difficile colitis and 24 from patients with ischemic colitis) were coded, randomized, and evaluated for the presence of numerous variables, including the amount and distribution of mucosal necrosis, lamina propria hyalinization, and atrophic "micro-crypts." Hyalinization of the lamina propria was seen in 19 cases of ischemia but not in C difficile colitis (p < 0.0001). Atrophic-appearing micro-crypts were seen in 18 ischemic cases and 6 C difficile cases (p < 0.0006). Lamina propria hemorrhage, full-thickness mucosal necrosis, and a diffuse microscopic distribution of pseudomembranes were significantly more common in ischemia than C difficile. Endoscopic examination identified pseudomembranes significantly more often with C difficile than ischemia, while the endoscopic appearance of masses or polyps was seen exclusively in cases of ischemia. The presence of a hyalinized lamina propria appeared to be a specific and sensitive marker for ischemia in colon biopsies with pseudomembranes. The presence of atrophic micro-crypts, lamina propria hemorrhage, full-thickness mucosal necrosis, diffuse involvement of all the surface of all biopsies by pseudomembranes, and the endoscopic impression of a localized process, polyp, or mass were also markers of ischemia, while the endoscopic identification of diffuse pseudomembranes favored the diagnosis of C difficile.