Experimental murine model of disseminated Pseudallescheria infection

Pseudallescheria boydii is found in soil and has a worldwide distribution. This fungus was initially identified as a pathogen targeting a variety of tissues. There are fragmentary data in the literature on the in vitro susceptibility of P. boydii to different antifungal compounds. P. boydii is highly refractory to antifungal treatments. In this study, a murine model of disseminated Pseudallescheria infection was developed to evaluate efficacy of different treatment regimens. A clinical strain of P. boydii was studied in normal and neutropenic outbred ICR mice. Several inocula were tested over a range from 1 x 10(3) to 5 x 10(6) cfu. Groups of eight mice were injected with a intravenous dose of one inoculum. Mortality correlated with the dose of the inoculum, and with immunosuppression. Quantitative cultures of various tissues showed initial dissemination of disease in immune competent mice. This was followed by, reduction of tissue burden, except in the brain. In contrast, disseminated infection persisted in most organs in immunosuppressed animals (p < 0.0001). This model should be appropriate for in vivo evaluation of antifungal chemotherapy.

Distinct distribution of rare US genotypes of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) in South Texas: implications for KSHV epidemiology

Genotypes of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS)-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) from patients with KS in South Texas were examined. Open-reading frame (ORF)-K1 and ORF-K15 DNA segments from 16 KSHV isolates were amplified by polymerase chain reaction, and KSHV subtypes were assigned on the basis of sequence variations. K1 genotyping showed that 75% exhibited C subtype and 25% exhibited A subtype. K15 genotyping showed that 56% exhibited M form, of which 89% exhibited C3 K1 subtype and 44% exhibited P form. A unique isolate was found and was classified as C6 clade. All of the M KSHV isolates had been obtained from human immunodeficiency virus-negative classic KS patients >50 years of age, of whom 78% were Hispanic. Conversely, all KS patients with AIDS were <36 years of age and exhibited P form KSHV. These findings indicate that C3/M KSHV genotypes are more prevalent in South Texas (50%) than in other US regions (3%) and that M form KSHV likely existed in this region long before the AIDS epidemic.

Sonographic assessment of the endometrium in osteopenic postmenopausal women treated with idoxifene

Idoxifene is a novel selective estrogen receptor modulator that has shown beneficial effects on bone turnover and lipid metabolism in clinical studies. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that idoxifene has estrogen antagonist activities on the endometrium. This paper describes the results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, and dose ranging study involving 331 osteopenic postmenopausal women who were treated with either placebo or idoxifene (2.5, 5, or 10 mg/day) for 12 weeks. In these women, endometrial assessment was carried out by transvaginal sonography and endometrial biopsy on selected patients at baseline and on all women at the end of treatment. Women with an endometrial thickness greater than 10 mm were excluded from the study. Aspiration endometrial biopsy was performed on women with an endometrial thickness between 6 and 10 mm at baseline and on all women after treatment. Of the 298 biopsies performed in the subjects at the end of treatment, 99% of the women were reported to have either a benign or atrophic endometrium (85%) or insufficient tissue for diagnosis (14%). Proliferative histologic features were reported in two cases (1%) (2.5 mg idoxifene) and atypical hyperplasia in one placebo patient. Even though idoxifene use was associated with a dose related increase in endometrial thickness as evaluated by transvaginal sonography, no relationship was established between endometrial histologic features and change in endometrial thickness. On histologic analysis, the increase in endometrial thickness seen on transvaginal sonography was not associated with proliferative or hyperplastic change in the epithelial (glandular) endometrial tissue. In 48 patients (16% of total) transvaginal sonography showed endometrial thickening of 5 mm or more over the study period. The endometrial histologic features were benign in all these patients. Nineteen percent of women developed intraluminal fluid, even though endometrial thickness was normal and unchanged and histologic features were normal. Our data show that after 3 months of treatment, no significant pathologic changes of the endometrium were observed. Our data indicate that measurements of endometrial thickness by transvaginal sonography may falsely suggest the presence of endometrial pathologic changes in some postmenopausal women treated with idoxifene. Additional testing using saline infusion sonohysterography is an important part of the transvaginal sonography protocol in equivocal or abnormal cases to exclude focal lesions such as polyps. In addition, our data indicate that pathologic changes of the endometrium are extremely rare in the treated group, indicative of its short term safety. Continued investigation such as this will be needed to establish long term safety.

Loss of heterozygosity and mutational analysis of the PTEN/MMAC1 gene in synchronous endometrial and ovarian carcinomas

Mutations of the human putative protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTEN/MMAC1) gene at chromosome 10q23 have been found frequently in type I endometrial carcinomas. Endometrioid adenocarcinoma is the most frequent histology seen in patients with clinically determined synchronous endometrial and ovarian carcinomas. We report a high incidence of PTEN/MMAC1 mutations and 10q23 loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in patients with synchronous endometrial and ovarian carcinomas. Paraffin-embedded precision microdissected tumors were analyzed for 10 matched synchronous endometrial and ovarian cancers and 11 matched control metastatic endometrial cancers. Single-stranded conformation polymorphism analysis was used to screen for mutations in all tumors and corresponding normal lymphocyte DNA. LOH was determined using a panel of four microsatellite markers within the PTEN/MMAC1 locus. PTEN/MMAC1 mutations were found in 43% (9 of 21) of the endometrial cancers studied, similarly represented in the clinically synchronous group (5 of 10 or 50%) and the advanced metastatic group (4 of 11; 36%; P = 0.53). In two of the five cases of clinically synchronous cancers, identical or progressive PTEN mutations were found in both the endometrial and ovarian cancers, suggesting that the ovarian tumor is a metastasis from the endometrial primary. PTEN/MMAC1 mutations in the advanced endometrial cancers were similar in the corresponding metastases. In one case, the mutation was seen in only one of two metastatic lymph nodes. The LOH analysis demonstrated 55% LOH in at least one PTEN/MMAC1 marker. These findings suggest that the putative tumor suppressor gene PTEN/MMAC1 may be a viable molecular marker to differentiate synchronous versus metastatic disease in a subset of clinically synchronous endometrial and ovarian carcinomas.

Metastatic breast carcinoma presenting as cholecystitis

We report two cases of metastatic breast cancer presenting as cholecystitis. Each patient had undergone a mastectomy years earlier. Biopsy of the gallbladder removed during cholecystectomy revealed metastatic infiltrating ductal carcinoma in one patient and infiltrating lobular carcinoma in the other.

Mammographically detected, clinically occult ductal carcinoma in situ treated with breast-conserving surgery and definitive breast irradiation

PURPOSE

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is increasingly detected as a nonpalpable lesion on mammographic screening performed for the early detection of breast cancer. Because of the growing incidence of mammographically detected DCIS, the present study was undertaken to determine the outcome of treatment of nonpalpable, mammographically detected intraductal carcinoma of the breast using breast-conserving surgery and definitive breast irradiation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An analysis was performed of 110 women who presented with unilateral, nonpalpable, mammographically detected intraductal carcinoma of the breast and who were treated with breast-conserving surgery and definitive breast irradiation at 10 institutions in Europe and the United States. In all patients, complete gross excision of the primary tumor was performed, and breast irradiation was delivered with definitive intent. When performed, pathologic axillary lymph node staging was node negative (n=29). The median follow-up time was 9.3 years.

RESULTS

The 10-year actuarial overall survival rate was 93%, and the 10-year actuarial cause-specific survival rate was 96%. The 10-year actuarial rate of freedom from distant metastases was 96%. There were 15 local recurrences in the treated breast. The actuarial rate of local failure was 7% at 5 years and 14% at 10 years. The histology of the local recurrence was intraductal carcinoma in 9 cases and invasive ductal carcinoma (with or without associated intraductal carcinoma) in 6 cases. The median time to local recurrence was 5.0 years (mean, 5.4; range, 2.1-15.2). With a median follow-up time of 4.4 years after salvage treatment, 14 of the 15 patients with local recurrence were alive without evidence of disease at the time of last follow-up examination. The crude incidence of local recurrence was 7% (3/42) when the final pathology margin of tumor excision was negative, 29% (5/17) when the margin was close or positive, and 14% (7/51) when the margin was unknown. There was no difference in the rate of local recurrence based on pathologic characteristics of the primary tumor.

DISCUSSION

Results from the present study demonstrate high rates of overall survival, cause-specific survival, and freedom from distant metastases at 10 years following the treatment of nonpalpable, mammographically detected DCIS of the breast using breast-conserving surgery and definitive breast irradiation. Local recurrences within the treated breast were detected early and were treated with salvage for cure. These results support the initial treatment of nonpalpable, mammographically detected DCIS of the breast using breast-conserving surgery and definitive breast irradiation. Improvements in patient selection have the potential to reduce the risk of local recurrence.

Fifteen-year results of breast-conserving surgery and definitive breast irradiation for the treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast

PURPOSE

To determine the 15-year outcome for women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS, intraductal carcinoma) of the breast treated with breast-conserving surgery followed by definitive breast irradiation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

An analysis was performed of 270 intraductal breast carcinomas in 268 women from 10 institutions in Europe and the United States. In all patients, breast-conserving surgery included complete gross excision of the primary tumor followed by definitive breast irradiation. When performed, pathologic axillary lymph node staging was node-negative (n=86). The median follow-up time was 10.3 years (range, 0.9 to 26.8).

RESULTS

The 15-year actuarial overall survival rate was 87%, and the 15-year actuarial cause-specific survival rate was 96%. The 15-year actuarial rate of freedom from distant metastases was 96%. There were 45 local recurrences in the treated breast, and the 15-year actuarial rate of local failure was 19%. The median time to local failure was 5.2 years (range, 1.4 to 16.8). A number of clinical and pathologic parameters were evaluated for correlation with local failure, and none were predictive for local failure (all P > or = .15).

CONCLUSION

The results from the present study demonstrate high rates of overall survival, cause-specific survival, and freedom from distant metastases following the treatment of DCIS of the breast using breast-conserving surgery and definitive breast irradiation. These results support the use of breast-conserving surgery and definitive breast irradiation for the treatment of DCIS of the breast.

An analysis of prognostic features in infiltrating lobular carcinoma of the breast

To establish prognostically useful pathologic features for infiltrating lobular carcinoma, histologic pattern, nuclear Grade 1 or 2, lymphatic invasion, the presence and extent of lobular carcinoma in situ, estrogen and progesterone receptor status, axillary lymph node status, tumor size, and pathologic stage were assessed as prognostic variables in 92 cases of infiltrating lobular carcinoma. Clinical follow-up was obtained (mean duration, 5.2 yr), and patients were classified as alive with no evidence of disease, alive with disease, or dead of disease. Recurrence (alive with disease and dead of disease) was associated with axillary lymph node metastases (P = 0.04), tumors measuring > 1.0 cm (P = 0.008), and pathologic Stage III/IV disease (P = 0.033). Survival (no evidence of disease and alive with disease) was associated with Stage I/II disease (P = 0.003). Statistically insignificant associations with disease recurrence or survival follow: infiltrative pattern (classical, alveolar, solid, mixed), nuclear grade, lymphatic vessel invasion, presence of lobular carcinoma in situ, extent of lobular carcinoma in situ (< 25% or > or = 25%), and hormone receptor status. Many of the prognostic features used in ductal carcinoma do not appear to be applicable to infiltrating lobular carcinoma. However, tumor size, axillary node status, and pathologic stage are prognostically useful in infiltrating lobular carcinoma.

The significance of signet ring cells in infiltrating lobular carcinoma of the breast

To determine the prognostic significance of signet ring cells in infiltrating lobular carcinomas, the percentage of signet ring cells in 99 infiltrating lobular carcinomas was correlated with the patients' clinical outcomes (mean follow-up interval of 4.8 years). When the carcinomas were divided into those with 0%, 1-9%, and 10% or more signet ring cells, 57% (26/46) of patients with 10% or more signet ring cells had experienced recurrences or metastases compared with 40% (2/5) and 31% (15/48) with 0% and 1-9%, respectively. A similar analysis performed with breakpoints at 20% or 30% failed to yield any statistically significant associations. When patients were stratified by pathologic stage, patients with stage I disease and 10% or more signet ring cells were more likely to have recurrences or metastases than those patients with stage I tumors and fewer than 10% signet ring cells. There was no relationship between signet ring cells and disease progression in stages II, III, and IV. These results indicate that the presence of 10% or more signet ring cells represents a poor individual prognostic factor in stage I infiltrating lobular carcinomas.

Calcium oxalate is associated with benign breast tissue. Can we avoid biopsy?

Breast biopsies are commonly performed for abnormal, usually clustered, calcifications detected by mammography. Calcium phosphate is the predominant form of calcium seen in breast tissue and is frequently associated with malignancy. Calcium oxalate, which can also be present in breast tissue, has been exclusively associated with benign lesions. Thus, if mammography could distinguish calcium phosphate from calcium oxalate, biopsy could be avoided in some patients. Pathologic findings and corresponding mammograms of 55 patients who underwent biopsy for abnormal calcifications were reviewed. The authors evaluated such pathologic features as type of calcification, anatomic location, and association with fibrocystic changes or carcinoma. Mammographically, calcifications were categorized by size, distribution, and morphology, and each was assigned a density rating of low, medium, or high. Of the 55 cases, 41 contained calcium phosphate only, 8 contained calcium oxalate only, and 6 contained both. If only calcium oxalate was present, the calcium was always associated with benign epithelium. Of 47 cases, calcium phosphate was associated with benign breast disease in 28 and with carcinoma in 19. Five of six cases with both calcium phosphate and calcium oxalate contained carcinoma; calcium phosphate was seen in the carcinoma area in all five. Radiologically, calcium phosphate was typically medium to high density, whereas calcium oxalate was characterized as amorphous, low to medium density. Other low-density calcifications were almost always benign, unless pleomorphic in shape. Although further work is necessary to confirm these findings, it appears that, radiologically, low-density, amorphous, calcifications, even if clustered, are associated with benign breast disease, and may represent calcium oxalate. Patients with such calcifications may be managed conservatively.

The role of mastectomy in patients with stage I-II breast cancer presenting with gross multifocal or multicentric disease or diffuse microcalcifications

PURPOSE

Women with Stage I-II invasive breast cancer who present with gross multicentric disease or diffuse microcalcifications have a significant risk of breast recurrence when treated with conservative surgery and radiation. The purpose of this report is to present the results of mastectomy in this group of patients.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Between 1982 and 1989, 88 patients with clinical Stage I-II breast cancer who presented with clinical and mammographic evidence of gross multicentric disease or diffuse microcalcifications underwent modified radical mastectomy. Median followup was 4 years for the 57 patients with gross multicentric disease and 5.6 years for 31 patients with diffuse microcalcifications. At the time of mastectomy, 42% of patients were found to have positive axillary nodes. Following mastectomy, 15 patients received post mastectomy radiation and 35 patients received adjuvant systemic chemotherapy.

RESULTS

When compared to a group of 1295 patients with unifocal, Stage I-II breast cancer, treated with conservative surgery and radiation during the same time period, patients with gross multicentric disease and diffuse microcalcifications had a significantly higher incidence of > or = 4 positive nodes, patients with gross multicentric disease had a lower incidence of positive resection margins following mastectomy and patients with diffuse microcalcifications were younger. The 5-year actuarial risk of an isolated local-regional recurrence was 8% for patients with gross multicentric disease or diffuse microcalcifications and 7% for patients with unifocal disease. Patients with gross multicentric disease or diffuse microcalcifications and > or = 4 positive axillary nodes who did not receive post mastectomy radiation had an increased risk for local regional recurrence. There were no significant differences in the 5-year actuarial overall or relapse-free survival (88% and 73% gross multicentric disease, 97% and 86% diffuse microcalcifications and 90% and 79% unifocal disease), freedom from distant metastasis (76% gross multicentric disease, 90% diffuse microcalcifications, 86% unifocal disease) or incidence of contralateral breast cancer (10% gross multicentric disease, 13% diffuse microcalcifications, 8% unifocal disease) among the three groups.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates no increased risk of local-regional recurrence in patients with gross multicentric disease or diffuse microcalcifications undergoing mastectomy in contrast to the increased risk of breast recurrence in patients with gross multicentric disease undergoing conservative surgery and radiation. Indications for post mastectomy radiation include > or = 4 positive nodes or close or positive surgical margins. Despite a significantly higher incidence of > or = 4 positive nodes, patients with gross multicentric disease and diffuse microcalcifications have a 5-year actuarial overall and relapse-free survival comparable to a group of patients with unifocal disease treated with conservative surgery and radiation.

Regional differences in function within noninfarcted myocardium during left ventricular remodeling

BACKGROUND

The mechanisms of ventricular enlargement and dysfunction during postinfarct remodeling remain largely unknown. Although global left ventricular architectural changes after myocardial infarction are well documented, differences in function between adjacent and remote noninfarcted myocardium during left ventricular remodeling have not been investigated. These functional differences may relate to regional differences in wall stress during contraction and may contribute to chamber enlargement and global dysfunction after infarction.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Anteroapical infarcts were produced in seven sheep by ligation of the mid left anterior descending coronary artery and second diagonal branch at thoracotomy. Magnetic resonance short-axis and long-axis images tagged by spatial modulation of magnetization were obtained before and 1 week, 8 weeks, and 6 months after infarction. Left ventricular volumes, mass, ejection fraction, and lengths of infarcted and noninfarcted segments were measured. Circumferential and longitudinal shortening in the subendocardium and subepicardium, wall thickness, and histopathology were assessed in infarcted segments and regions adjacent to and remote from the infarct border. We found that a difference in circumferential and longitudinal segmental shortening between adjacent and remote noninfarcted myocardium present at 1 week persisted up to 6 months after myocardial infarction. However, partial improvement of function in adjacent regions occurred during infarct healing between 1 and 8 weeks after infarction. Left ventricular volume increased up to 6 months after infarction, out of proportion to the concomitant eccentric hypertrophy, whereas the ejection fraction fell. Left ventricular dilatation late in the remodeling process was secondary to lengthening of noninfarcted segments, which were free of significant fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Left ventricular dilatation and eccentric hypertrophy during remodeling are associated with persistent differences in segmental function between adjacent and remote noninfarcted regions. These functional differences may reflect increased wall stress in adjacent noninfarcted regions and contribute to the global dilatation and dysfunction characteristic of left ventricular remodeling after infarction.

Endometrial metaplasia of the uterine endocervix

We report a case of endometrial metaplasia of the endocervix, which was associated with tubal and squamous metaplasias. The similarity to normal endometrial glands and its benign nature should be recognized, and over-diagnosis of endocervical glandular dysplasia should be avoided.

Ductal carcinoma in situ (intraductal carcinoma) of the breast treated with breast-conserving surgery and definitive irradiation. Correlation of pathologic parameters with outcome of treatment

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the pathologic characteristics of the primary tumor relative to local control, survival, and freedom from distant metastases, an analysis was performed of 172 patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (intraductal carcinoma) of the breast treated with breast-conserving surgery and definitive breast irradiation.

METHODS

The clinical records and pathology slides were reviewed from 172 women with ductal carcinoma in situ treated with breast-conserving surgery and definitive breast irradiation at multiple institutions in Europe and the United States. Central pathology review was performed by one pathologist without knowledge of the clinical outcome. The clinical outcome was measured in terms of local control, overall survival, cause-specific survival, and freedom from distant metastases. The median follow-up time was 84 months (range, 17-177 months).

RESULTS

The pathologic parameters evaluated were histologic subtype, nuclear grade, amount of necrosis, and final pathology margin. The only pathologic parameter that correlated with the rate of local recurrence was the presence versus the absence of the combination of the histologic subtype of comedo carcinoma plus nuclear grade 3 (8-year actuarial rate of local recurrence of 20% versus 5%, respectively; P = 0.009 on univariate analysis; P = 0.017 on multivariate analysis). None of the pathologic parameters evaluated correlated with overall survival (all P > or = 0.16), cause-specific survival (all P > or = 0.13), or freedom from distant metastases (all P > or = 0.13).

CONCLUSIONS

These results have demonstrated that there are important differences in the rate of local recurrence based on the pathologic characteristics of the primary tumor for women with ductal carcinoma in situ treated with breast-conserving surgery and definitive irradiation. However, the differences in local recurrence have not been associated with differences in survival or freedom from distant metastases. Careful follow-up for patients at increased risk for local recurrence is warranted because of the potential ability to salvage patients with local recurrence.

Radial scar with microcalcifications: radiologic-pathologic correlation

Since it is widely recognized that a radial scar of the breast can mimic scirrhous carcinoma at mammography, criteria to differentiate the two lesions continue to be suggested. Mammographic features that have been described as occurring with radial scars include a radiolucent central core; elongated, radiating spicules; and absence of calcifications. Recent studies have documented the unreliability of the first two parameters; calcifications, however, have been reported to be unusual in mammograms of radial scar lesions. From recent case material, the authors present four cases of biopsy-proved radial scars associated with mammographically visible microcalcifications. The mammographic findings, with pathologic correlation, are reported to emphasize the occurrence of microcalcifications within radial scars. When a stellate lesion is seen at mammography in the absence of a surgical scar, biopsy should be performed promptly, since no reliable mammographic features exist to distinguish radial scars from scirrhous carcinomas.

Bizarre epithelioid lipoleiomyoma of the uterus

Lipoleiomyomas of the uterus are extremely rate. All previous examples have been composed of two mature elements: bland spindled smooth muscle cells and bland adipose tissue. We report a unique case of a uterine tumor containing four morphologic cell types: mature spindled smooth muscle cells with and without nuclear atypia, epithelioid smooth muscle cells with and without nuclear atypia, mature adipose tissue, and immature fat cells and lipoblasts with marked nuclear atypia. No mitotic features were noted despite an extensive search. Description of this extremely unusual variant, believed to be the first reported of its kind, should enable pathologists to avoid a diagnosis of malignancy. Further, histologic evidence of a direct metaplasic origin of the adipose differentiation could be found and was supported by immunohistochemical findings.

Microinvasive ductal carcinoma of the breast treated with breast-conserving surgery and definitive irradiation

An analysis was performed of 39 consecutive women with microinvasive ductal carcinoma of the breast treated with breast-conserving surgery and definitive irradiation during the period 1977 to 1988. Microinvasive ductal carcinoma was defined as predominantly intraductal carcinoma with microscopic or early invasion. Surgical treatment of the primary tumor included excisional biopsy or wide resection. Axillary lymph node staging showed that 37 patients were pathologically node negative and two patients were pathologically node positive, each with only one positive lymph node. The median follow-up was 55 months (mean = 65 months; range = 25-135 months). The 5-year actuarial rate of overall and cause-specific survival were both 97%. The 5-year actuarial rate of freedom from distant metastases was 93%. Nine patients developed a recurrence in the breast; eight of the nine patients had isolated local only first failures, and one of the nine patients had a local recurrence simultaneously with distant metastases. The median time to local failure was 42 months (mean = 53 months; range = 20-116 months). Of the eight patients with local only first failure, seven patients have been salvaged with further treatment and remain free of disease at the time of last follow-up, and one patient has died of subsequent distant metastatic disease. Median follow-up after salvage treatment was 29 months (mean = 27 months; range = 0-54 months). Comparison of the patients with microinvasive ductal carcinoma with two control groups of intraductal carcinoma and invasive ductal carcinoma was performed. Although the rate of local failure was significantly higher for patients with microinvasive ductal carcinoma as compared to the two control groups, the rates of survival and freedom from distant metastases for patients with microinvasive ductal carcinoma were intermediate to the two control groups. Because of the high rates of survival and freedom from distant metastases and because of the ability to salvage patients with local recurrence, breast-conserving surgery and definitive irradiation should continue to be considered as an alternative to mastectomy for appropriately selected and staged patients with microinvasive ductal carcinoma of the breast.

Outcome of conservative therapy for invasive breast cancer by histologic subtype

Between 1977 and 1986, 879 patients with Stage I and II breast cancer underwent excisional biopsy, axillary dissection, and radiation. Median follow-up was 61 months (range 2-159 months). The patients were divided into seven groups based on histologic subtype: (a) 368 patients with both infiltrating and intraductal ductal carcinoma, (b) 389 infiltrating ductal carcinoma, (c) 41 infiltrating lobular carcinoma, (d) 23 combined infiltrating ductal and lobular carcinoma, (e) 28 medullary carcinoma, (f) 12 colloid carcinomas, and (g) 18 tubular carcinomas. Significant differences in clinical T status, pathologic nodal involvement, administration of chemotherapy, estrogen receptor positivity, progesterone receptor positivity, and age were observed between some histologic subgroups. Tubular and colloid carcinomas were more likely to present with T1 lesions, hormone receptor positivity, and node negative status than the other histologic subtypes. Most medullary carcinomas were hormone receptor negative and were younger than 50 years old. Infiltrating lobular carcinoma patients were more frequently lymph node negative, older, node negative, and estrogen receptor positive compared to the other groups (except for tubular and colloid patients). Differences in the administration of chemotherapy primarily reflected differences in lymph node involvement. Location of the tumor in the breast and menopausal status did not correlate with histologic subtype. There were no significant differences in 5-year actuarial overall survival, cause-specific survival, or relapse-free survival between the histologic categories. In addition, patterns of first failure were not significantly different among the histologic groups in terms of local-only first failure, any local component of first failure, regional-only first failure, or any regional component of first failure. There was, however, a difference among the seven groups in distant metastasis-only at first failure with invasive ductal carcinomas having the highest rate. Despite this difference, histologic subtype had no impact on survival. The site of in-breast failure relative to the location of the original tumor was not significantly different between groups. The histologic subtype of invasive breast cancer is not an independent risk factor in predicting survival or pattern of failure. Conservative surgery and radiation therapy is effective treatment of ductal, lobular, medullary, colloid, and tubular invasive breast cancer.

High-signal-intensity rim surrounding uterine leiomyomas on MR images: pathologic correlation

A high-intensity rim surrounding uterine leiomyomas was identified on T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images in five of 13 patients with histopathologically confirmed leiomyomas. These peripheral high-intensity rims were not associated with subject age or with size, location, or degeneration of the leiomyomas. Histologic examination revealed markedly dilated lymphatic vessels, dilated veins, edema, or a combination of these features to correspond to the location of the high-intensity rims. These benign causes of high intensity in the myometrium should not be confused with clinically important processes such as adenomyosis or invasion by endometrial carcinoma.

Conservative management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia during pregnancy

Conservative treatment of a pregnant woman with moderate dysplasia that progressed to microinvasive carcinoma within 6 months is presented along with a review of the relevant literature to date. Pregnancy does not necessarily create special difficulties for the detection and diagnosis of cervical lesions as long as the patient is followed carefully. In this case, close observation using cytology and colposcopy along with colposcopically directed excisional biopsy postponed the need for more aggressive intervention, while minimizing possible disruption of the pregnancy and danger to the mother and infant. A simple hysterectomy performed 6 weeks postpartum proved successful and the cancer has not recurred.

Endocervical carcinoma

The past two decades have seen an increase in the incidence of endocervical carcinoma. Numerous studies have increased understanding of these tumors; hormonal therapy, human papilloma virus, and other cofactors have been implicated in the etiology of endocervical carcinoma. Early diagnosis is difficult: precursor lesions to adenocarcinoma in situ are still poorly defined and understood, and there may be a rapid transit time from in situ to invasive carcinoma. The definition of microinvasive adenocarcinoma is not uniformly agreed upon, and at this time the recommendation is not to use the term. Histologic typing and grading of adenocarcinoma may be useful in the prediction of prognosis for patients. Therapy is based upon stage of disease, the most beneficial results being obtained from either radical surgery or combination surgery and radiation therapy.

Residual trophoblastic tissue as a source of highly atypical cells in the postpartum cervicovaginal smear

A cervicovaginal smear containing atypical cells, which were interpreted as dysplastic cells, was obtained from a women one-year postpartum. These cells were seen singly, in small groups and in clusters embedded in an amorphous pink matrix. They had amphophilic cytoplasm and increased nuclear/cytoplasmic ratios, as well as hyperchromatic nuclei with variably prominent nucleoli, features that are characteristic of trophoblastic cells. No evidence of dysplasia was seen on subsequent colposcopic examination or cervical biopsy. Endocervical curettage yielded fragments of exfoliated endometrium and residual trophoblastic tissue associated with a placental implantation site. Although involution of the placental site is generally complete by six to seven weeks postpartum, maternal-fetal tissue may in fact continue to be exfoliated for several months or longer after delivery. If seen on a cervicovaginal smear, these cells can be highly atypical and may be mistaken as dysplastic or malignant. The cytologic features that characterize trophoblasts and their persistence in postpartum cervicovaginal smears are discussed.

Definitive irradiation for intraductal carcinoma of the breast

During the period from 1978 to 1985, 51 women with intraductal carcinoma of the breast were treated with definitive irradiation following breast-conserving surgery. Surgical treatment of the primary tumor in all patients consisted of excisional biopsy or wide resection. In general, definitive irradiation consisted of conventional breast tangents to 4500-5000 cGy followed by a breast boost to a total dose of 6000-6600 cGy (median = 6000 cGy; range = 4200-6600 cGy). No patient was treated with radiation to a supraclavicular or axillary field. For the 51 patients, the median follow-up was 68 months (range = 25-126 months). The 5-year actuarial rate of local failure was 6%. A total of five patients failed in the breast at 19, 35, 40, 79, and 119 months following definitive irradiation. Salvage treatment in these five patients consisted of mastectomy in all five patients plus adjuvant tamoxifen in one patient. All five of the patients with breast failures are alive and NED (no evidence of disease), although with limited follow-up (median = 12 months; range = 6-68 months). These results suggest that definitive irradiation is an acceptable alternative to conventional mastectomy for appropriately selected and staged patients with intraductal carcinoma of the breast. In view of the long natural history of this disease, prolonged and careful follow-up of these patients is required.

Intermediate trophoblast: further immunocytochemical characterization

Intermediate trophoblast has been recently described as a distinctive subpopulation of trophoblast. Previous immunocytochemical studies demonstrated that these cells react with antibodies against human placental lactogen (hPL) but fail to react with antibodies against beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG). To further characterize the immunocytochemical features of intermediate trophoblast and to possibly identify a more sensitive marker, we studied 88 placentas and implantation sites ranging from 4 to 40 wk gestation with a panel of antibodies that included keratin, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), alpha-hCG, and prolactin. Keratin was found in all intermediate trophoblast cells throughout gestation, and EMA was present in intermediate trophoblast in the second and third trimesters but was less consistently expressed than keratin. Comparison with the distribution of hPL revealed that keratin and EMA were present in intermediate trophoblast cells that were hPL-positive as well as many that were hPL-negative. alpha-hCG showed reactivity in intermediate trophoblast in the first and second trimester. PLAP and prolactin showed little or no reactivity in intermediate trophoblast. Decidual cells, which may be difficult to distinguish from intermediate trophoblast at the implantation site, failed to react with any of the antibodies tested. Cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast were positive for keratin throughout gestation, but EMA was negative in cytotrophoblast and inconsistently expressed in syncytiotrophoblast. Thus, antibodies against keratin and EMA are more sensitive than those directed against hPL in identifying intermediate trophoblast and are therefore useful in distinguishing intermediate trophoblast from decidua.

Tuberculosis, AIDS, and i.v. drug abuse

The number of tuberculosis cases reported has begun to rise. This rise in the number of cases may be due to HIV infection, particularly among intravenous drug abusers.

Vacuolated cytotrophoblast: a subpopulation of trophoblast in the chorion laeve

In summary, immunocytochemical analysis of the placenta and fetal membranes discloses two subpopulations of trophoblastic cells in the chorion laeve with distinct morphologic and immunocytochemical features. Both subpopulations are composed of mononucleate cells but one contains clear vacuolated cytoplasm whereas the other contains non-vacuolated eosinophilic cytoplasm. The vacuolated cells are placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) positive and human placental lactogen (hPL) negative, whereas the eosinophilic cells are PLAP negative and hPL positive. Both cell types contained immunoreactive keratin and epithelial membrane antigen, but are negative for human chorionic gonadotropin(beta), pregnancy specific beta I-glycoprotein, and prolactin. Electron microscopic studies of the vacuolated cells show that these cells contain numerous lucent non-membrane bound lipid droplets and pinocytotic vesicles. In addition they contain numerous intracellular filaments and desmosomes corresponding to the immuno-cytochemical localization of keratin. Their precise function is not clear, but the abundance of PLAP, an enzyme associated with absorption, suggests that these cells may be involved with maternal fetal transport. The vacuolated cells appear to be limited to the chorion. Their characteristic morphologic and immunocytochemical features and unique anatomic distribution suggests that they represent a distinctive subpopulation of trophoblastic cells for which we propose the term 'vacuolated cytotrophoblast'.

Evaluation of dialyzers used in shortened dialysis

The clearance of urea and beta 2-microglobulin are important considerations along with biocompatibility in selecting membranes for use in shortened dialysis. During 3 hr of dialysis we have measured the in vivo urea clearances, pre- and post-beta 2-M levels, plasma clearance and simultaneous dialysance of beta 2-M. Leucopenia was compared after 15 min of dialysis on a cellulose acetate (CA) dialyzer and a polyacrylonitrile dialyzer (PAN). Clearance of urea was similar in both dialyzers. In contrast to CA, PAN removed beta 2-M and exhibited minimal leucopenia. The dialysance of beta 2-M was significantly less than the simultaneous blood side clearance. The disparity between blood clearance and dialysance by PAN membranes suggests removal of beta 2-M by adsorption and diffusion. We conclude that in comparison with CA dialyzers, PAN membranes remove beta 2-M, have equivalent urea clearances, and are more biocompatible.

Lactational and clear cell changes of the breast in nonlactating, nonpregnant women

Secretory changes that occurred in the breasts of 32 women who were not pregnant or lactating were reviewed. These changes took two forms, with partial or complete involvement of one or more lobules. The more frequently occurring focal lactating effect was observed in 23 patients. The second form, a marked clearing of the cytoplasm within acinar cells, occurred in nine patients. Both patterns were present simultaneously in 2 of the 32 patients. Hormonal, anti-psychotic, and anti-hypertensive medications appear to correlate with the lactational change.

Ultrastructure of cystosarcoma phyllodes and fibroadenoma. A comparative study

Electron microscopic studies were conducted on 11 cases of cystosarcoma phyllodes (6 benign, 3 malignant, 2 recurrent), 1 stromal sarcoma, and 15 cases of fibroadenomas. Particular emphasis was placed on examination of the epithelial-stromal junction. The epithelial cells were basically similar in all cases. The basal lamina of fibroadenomas tended to be reduplicated, whereas in cystosarcoma phyllodes the basal lamina was less reduplicated and even focally absent. A continuous layer of delimiting fibroblasts was not present in either type of tumor. Stromal cells were generally fibroblasts, with 2 of 15 being fibroadenomas and 2 of 11 cystosarcoma phyllodes showing myofibroblastic differentiation. The stromal sarcoma also showed smooth muscle differentiation. The authors conclude that the epithelial-stromal junction is abnormal in both fibroadenomas and cystosarcomas, but the abnormality is different in these two tumors. Increasing prominence of stromal cell junctions and of lysosomes also correlated with the diagnosis of cystosarcoma, particularly the malignant variant.