Persistent Prothrombotic State in a Patient With Alström Syndrome

We present the case of a patient with Alström syndrome who was found to have evidence of a prothrombotic state on autopsy after sudden cardiac death. To the best of our knowledge, this case of persistent prothrombotic milieu is the first described in a patient with Alström syndrome.

Addressing uncertainties in correlative imaging of exogenous particles with the tissue microanatomy with synchronous imaging strategies

Exposures to exogenous particles is of increasing concern to human health. Characterising the concentrations, chemical species, distribution, and involvement of the stimulus with the tissue microanatomy is essential in understanding the associated biological response. However, no single imaging technique can interrogate all these features at once which confounds and limits correlative analyses. Developments of synchronous imaging strategies, allowing multiple features to be identified simultaneously, is essential to assess spatial relationships between these key features with greater confidence. Here we present data to first highlight complications of correlative analysis between the tissue microanatomy and elemental composition associated with imaging serial tissue sections. This is achieved by assessing both the cellular and elemental distribution in 3-dimensional space using optical microscopy on serial sections and confocal X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy on bulk samples respectively. We propose a new imaging strategy using lanthanide tagged antibodies with X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Using simulations, a series of lanthanide tags were identified as candidate labels for scenarios where tissue sections are imaged. The feasibility and value of the proposed approach is shown where an exposure of Ti was identified concurrently with CD45 positive cells at sub-cellular resolutions. Significant heterogeneity in the distribution of exogenous particles and cells can be present between immediately adjacent serial sections showing clear need of synchronous imaging methods. The proposed approach enables elemental compositions to be correlated with the tissue microanatomy in a highly multiplexed and non-destructive manner at high spatial resolutions with the opportunity for subsequent guided analysis.

Consensus clinical management guidelines for Alström syndrome

Alström Syndrome (ALMS) is an ultra-rare multisystem genetic disorder caused by autosomal recessive variants in the ALMS1 gene, which is located on chromosome 2p13. ALMS is a multisystem, progressive disease characterised by visual disturbance, hearing impairment, cardiomyopathy, childhood obesity, extreme insulin resistance, accelerated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), renal dysfunction, respiratory disease, endocrine and urologic disorders. Clinical symptoms first appear in infancy with great variability in age of onset and severity. ALMS has an estimated incidence of 1 case per 1,000,000 live births and ethnically or geographically isolated populations have a higher-than-average frequency. The rarity and complexity of the syndrome and the lack of expertise can lead to delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis and inadequate care. Multidisciplinary and multiprofessional teams of experts are essential for the management of patients with ALMS, as early diagnosis and intervention can slow the progression of multi-organ dysfunctions and improve patient quality of life.These guidelines are intended to define standard of care for patients suspected or diagnosed with ALMS of any age. All information contained in this document has originated from a systematic review of the literature and the experiences of the authors in their care of patients with ALMS. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation (AGREE II) system was adopted for the development of the guidelines and for defining the related levels of evidence and strengths of recommendations.These guidelines are addressed to: a) specialist centres, other hospital-based medical teams and staffs involved with the care of ALMS patients, b) family physicians and other primary caregivers and c) patients and their families.

Implications of X-ray beam profiles on qualitative and quantitative synchrotron micro-focus X-ray fluorescence microscopy

Synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence microscopy is frequently used to investigate the spatial distribution of elements within a wide range of samples. Interrogation of heterogeneous samples that contain large concentration ranges has the potential to produce image artefacts due to the profile of the X-ray beam. The presence of these artefacts and the distribution of flux within the beam profile can significantly affect qualitative and quantitative analyses. Two distinct correction methods have been generated by referencing the beam profile itself or by employing an adaptive-thresholding procedure. Both methods significantly improve qualitative imaging by removing the artefacts without compromising the low-intensity features. The beam-profile correction method improves quantitative results but requires accurate two-dimensional characterization of the X-ray beam profile.

Biphasic malignant tumours of the abdominal cavity

Carcinosarcomas (CS) are uncommon, highly aggressive, biphasic tumours consisting of both sarcomatous and carcinomatous elements. They appear to originate from a common cell of origin, either via transformation from a single premature precursor or conversion of a mature epithelial cell through an epithelial-mesenchymal transition. CS should be considered a unique cancer subtype with cells typically displaying diffuse mitotic activity and widespread atypical mitoses predisposing to early metastasis and a tendency to local recurrence following resection. This review addresses the pathophysiology of CS and discusses its presentation, natural history and management at a variety of sites within the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneum.

Bilateral inferior turbinate osteoma

Osteomas are the most common benign osteoclastic tumours of the paranasal sinuses. However, nasal cavity and turbinate osteomas are extremely rare. Only nine middle turbinate, three inferior turbinate and one inferior turbinate osteoma cases have been reported to date. The present case report describes the management and follow-up of symptomatic bilateral inferior turbinate osteoma.A 60-year-old female presented with symptoms of bilateral nasal obstruction and right-sided epiphora. Radiological investigation found hypertrophic bony changes involving both inferior turbinates. The patient was managed successfully by endoscopic inferior turbinectomies in order to achieve a patent airway, with no further recurrence of tumour after 3 months postoperatively.To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of bilateral inferior turbinate osteoma. We describe a safe and minimally invasive method of tumour resection, which has a better cosmetic outcome compared with other approaches.

Diffuse left ventricular interstitial fibrosis is associated with sub-clinical myocardial dysfunction in Alström Syndrome: an observational study

Background

Alström syndrome is a rare inherited ciliopathy with progressive multisystem involvement. Dilated cardiomyopathy is common in infancy and recurs or presents de novo in adults with high rates of premature cardiovascular death. Although Alström syndrome is characterised by fibrosis in solid organs such as the liver, the pathogenesis of related cardiomyopathy are not clear. To date it is not known whether diffuse interstitial myocardial fibrosis is present before the onset of heart failure symptoms or changes in conventional parameters of left ventricular function.

Methods

In this observational study, 26 patients with Alström syndrome (mean age 27 ± 9 years, 65 % male, 24 h ABPM 130 ± 14 / 77 ± 9 mmHg) without symptomatic cardiovascular disease were recruited from a single centre and compared to matched healthy controls. All subjects underwent cardiac MRI (1.5 T) to assess ventricular function, diffuse interstitial myocardial fibrosis by measurement of extracellular volume on T1-mapping (MOLLI) and coarse replacement fibrosis using standard late gadolinium enhancement imaging.

Results

Global extracellular volume was increased in Alström syndrome with wider variation compared to controls (0.30 ± 0.05 vs. 0.25 ± 0.01, p < 0.05). Left ventricular long axis function and global longitudinal strain were impaired in Alström syndrome without change in ejection fraction, ventricular size or atrial stress (NT-proBNP) (p < 0.05). Global extracellular volume was associated with reduced peak systolic longitudinal strain (r = −0.73, p < 0.01) and strain rate (r = −0.57, p < 0.01), increased QTc interval (r = 0.49, p < 0.05) and serum triglycerides (r = 0.66, p < 0.01). Nine (35 %) patients had diffuse mid-wall late gadolinium enhancement in a non-coronary artery distribution.

Conclusion

Diffuse interstitial myocardial fibrosis is common in Alström syndrome and is associated with impaired left ventricular systolic function. Serial studies are required to determine whether global extracellular volume may be an independent imaging biomarker of vulnerability to dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure.

Tumour heterogeneity: a problem in biopsy assessment of the proliferation index of oesophageal adenocarcinomas

Tumour heterogeneity may pose a problem when biopsy specimens are taken to measure proliferation (for example, in assessing response to therapy). Two "biopsy specimens" were taken from the centre and two from the edge of the luminal surface of 20 resected oesophageal adenocarcinomas. The proliferation index for each "biopsy specimen" was measured by counting Ki67 labelled nuclei in histological sections. The proliferation index was not associated with tumour differentiation or stage. There was site specific heterogeneity with a significant difference in proliferation index between the central (mean (SD) 36.4 (9.7)) and edge "biopsy specimens" (39.3 (9.9)). There was, however, a wide range of differences between pairs of "biopsy specimens" from both sites. In conclusion, if a tumour is to be sampled for measurement of the proliferation index before and after treatment, then the sequential biopsy specimens (preferably duplicated on each occasion) should be taken consistently from a leading edge of the lesion.

Cessation of Epilepsy in an 8-Year-Old Girl Following Removal of Carotid Body Paraganglioma

We present a case of an 8-year-old girl with established focal epilepsy, whose fits resolved permanently after excision of a carotid body paraganglioma.

Heterotopic gastric mucosa in the cervical oesophagus (inlet patch) and globus pharyngeus--an under-recognised association

Globus pharyngeus is a symptom commonly encountered in ENT practice. The usual complaint is that of the sensation of a ball or lump in the throat generally unaccompanied by dysphagia. This sensation is often more pronounced when taking an 'empty swallow'. The precise mechanism of this remains enigmatic in many cases. Irritant factors such as gastroesophageal reflux, postnasal drip and excessive throat clearing may be contributory factors as may be stress and psychological influences. Although gastric type mucosa occupying the cervical oesophagus has been long recognised, mainly in the specialised gastrointestinal literature, there appears to be more limited awareness of the condition in ENT practice and the clinical significance of such heterotopia is not well established. We present five recent cases of globus pharyngeus encountered in our ENT practice in which rigid pharyngoesophagoscopy and biopsy revealed heterotopic gastric mucosa within the postcricoid and cervical oesophagus constituting a so-called gastric 'inlet patch'. One case re-presented with invasive adenocarcinoma within a short time. Herein we compare and contrast inlet patch with columnar lined oesophagus, discuss the potential clinical significance of inlet patch and comment upon further management of the condition.

Management of laryngeal amyloidosis

Amyloidosis of the upper aerodigestive tract is rare. However, the larynx is the commonest site within the upper airways to be affected.

Three cases of uncomplicated primary amyloidosis of the larynx and one case of laryngeal amyloidosis with more generalized dissemination throughout the head and neck are presented.

In this article the different presentations of laryngeal amyloidosis and principles of management of this condition at that site are highlighted.

Air bag injury as a cause of inflammatory myofibroblastic pseudotumour of the subglottic larynx progressing to myositis ossificans

Inflammatory myofibroblastic pseudotumour (IMFPT) is a rare condition. The clinical presentation can be indistinguishable from that of a malignant neoplasm. The most frequently affected organ is the lung; a much less common site is the larynx and subglottic involvement is particularly rare. Trauma is purportedly one potential aetiological factor, although there have been no previous reports of IMFPT occurring in the larynx secondary to external laryngeal trauma. We present a case of IMFPT of the subglottis which occurred subsequent to external trauma of the neck sustained during air bag inflation in a road traffic accident. This mechanism has not been previously reported. Furthermore, the lesion progressed uniquely to show myositis ossificans-like maturation over time. The patient was ultimately treated by means of complete local excision.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumour of the pharynx

This documents the case of a 55-year-old female presenting with a solitary polypoidal tumour of the pharynx. Histological examination revealed features consistent with a gastrointestinal stromal tumour. Although well described elsewhere in the gastrointestinal tract, from our literature search, this is the first reported case of such a tumour occurring in the pharynx

Role of repeat fine needle aspiration cytology in head and neck lesions: preliminary study

In this preliminary prospective study the value of repeating fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in patients with head and neck lesions was investigated. Few reports exist on the significance of repeating the procedure in head and neck patients. Fifty-seven patients have been sampled twice for the first and second (repeat) FNAC. The second aspirate was performed in the operating theatre under general anaesthesia prior to a surgical procedure. The cytological results were compared with the histology of the 57 resected lesions. It was found that the overall diagnostic results improved after repeating the FNAC. It can be concluded that repeating FNAC is useful and should be considered under some circumstances, especially in the case of non-diagnostic cervical lymph node aspirates.

Occult bronchogenic carcinoma presenting as metastasis to the site of a bone anchored hearing aid

The first report of a patient with metastatic bronchogenic carcinoma of the skin surrounding the abutment of a bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA) is presented. Complications of bone anchored hearing implantation have been well documented to date. We present a 68-year-old lady who presented with an unusual skin lesion surrounding the abutment of her BAHA. This was the first presentation of her bronchogenic tumour. We also review the literature regarding cutaneous metastasis and complications of BAHA.

Haemangiopericytoma of the submental region

Haemangiopericytoma refers to an uncommon vascular/perivascular neoplasm of which a minority of cases arise in the head and neck. It comprises a group of lesions with marked clinical and pathological heterogeneity and a lack of positive criteria by which to make a definitive diagnosis. We describe an unusual case of such a tumour in the submental region, review its pathological features and discuss issues in management and prognosis.

Solitary fibrous tumour of the thyroid gland

Solitary fibrous tumours of the thyroid gland are rare; only five cases have been reported in the literature. Clinically, they present as a long-standing firm mass in the thyroid. Histologically, they show a range of appearances including so-called 'patternless growth pattern', spindle-cell morphology, alternating hypo- and hyper-cellular areas, keloid-like hyalinization and a prominent haemangiopericytoma - like architecture. The behaviour of extrathoracic solitary fibrous tumours is unpredictable and requires careful, long-term follow-up.

Invasive candidiasis of the tonsil

A patient with unilateral tonsillar enlargement secondary to locally invasive candidal infection is presented. This was not associated with any history of immunosuppression or prolonged use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Invasive candidal infection of the tonsil has not previously been reported.

Isolated testicular vasculitis mimicking a testicular neoplasm

A 19 year old man presented with unilateral testicular swelling and pain. An initial diagnosis of epididymo-orchitis was modified to a presumed testicular neoplasm following ultrasonography. The final diagnosis of isolated testicular vasculitis was established following histological examination of the orchidectomy specimen. Staining for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies was negative. Despite immunosuppressive treatment, the patient developed further symptoms affecting the remaining testis one year later. He responded well to an increase in immunosuppressive therapy and has remained asymptomatic 18 months from diagnosis. Symptomatic vasculitis confined to the testis is extremely rare, but must be considered in the differential diagnosis of testicular swelling and may be the presenting feature of a systemic vasculitis such as polyarteritis nodosa. The risk of progression to systemic disease in such cases is unknown. Immunosuppressive therapy must be considered carefully and long term follow up is important.

Simultaneous bilateral pleomorphic adenomas of the parotid glands with unilateral tyrosine rich crystalloids

A case of simultaneous, bilateral pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid glands following irradiation to the head and neck for childhood Hodgkin's disease is presented. The tumour on the side given the highest radiation exposure contained so-called tyrosine rich crystalloids (TRCs). Simultaneous salivary gland neoplasms are rare; TRCs are also an unusual finding. Simultaneous pleomorphic adenomas with TRCs confined to one tumour have never been described, and any association between TRCs and irradiation has never been commented on. The precise nature of the TRCs remains obscure. Their unilateral distribution in this case supports the hypothesis that local factors are more important in their formation than systemic factors. In conjunction with other published work, this provides circumstantial evidence that irradiation may predispose to TRC deposition.

Primary malignant melanoma of the pharynx

A case of primary malignant melanoma of the pharynx is presented. Mucosal melanomas of the upper respiratory tract are rare. They tend to present late and therefore the prognosis is generally poor. The initial mainstay of treatment is adequate surgical resection. Prognostic factors are less well documented than in cutaneous melanoma.

Undifferentiated columnar cells in colorectal adenomas and familial adenomatous polyposis

We have observed and defined morphometrically and histochemically groups of undifferentiated columnar cells within the surface epithelium in colorectal mucosa. They were present within both non-polypoid and polypoid mucosa in familial adenomatous polyposis, and within non-hereditary adenomatous polyps of the colon and rectum. The cells show some evidence of proliferative activity and appear similar to cells previously described in the stomach which were proposed as precursors to type 3 sulphomucin-secreting intestinal metaplasia in atrophic gastritis. To our knowledge, these observations have not been previously described. It is possible that the cells represent the cellular basis of the shift in the proliferative zone from the normal site at the crypt base to the colorectal mucosal surface, which is known to precede adenomatous polyp formation. The cells may therefore be involved in the early stages of colorectal adenoma formation.