Asymptomatic Plaques of Lower Peripheral Arteries and Their Association with Cardiovascular Disease: An Autopsy Study

Aims: Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) have a high prevalence of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality; however, majority of patients with PAD are asymptomatic. This study aimed to histologically evaluate whether asymptomatic, lower extremity artery plaques are associated with systemic atherosclerosis and the onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events using autopsy cases.

Methods: We histologically investigated the atherosclerotic plaques of the common iliac, common carotid, coronary, and renal arteries from 121 autopsy cases without symptoms of PAD (mean age: 67.6 years; 63% men; 83% non-CVD death). We evaluated the relationship between the degree of iliac artery atherosclerosis and that of other arteries, and also the presence of any CVD, myocardial infarction, stroke, and renal failure.

Results: Advanced atherosclerotic plaques (American Heart Association ≥ 4) were present in 86 (72%) common iliac arteries in these cases. These arteries also showed high frequencies of calcification (66%), intraplaque hemorrhage (42%), and plaque disruption (24%). These advanced lesions were associated with age (≥ 60 years), sex (male), hypertension, diabetes, and smoking habit (all P < 0.05). Additionally, it was significantly associated with CVD (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval; 6.2, 2.2–22), myocardial infarction (6.4, 1.2– 19), stroke (8.7, 1.7 –16), and renal failure/hemodialysis (5.8, 1.1 – 11). Cases with advanced iliac artery plaques had advanced coronary and carotid atherosclerosis.

Conclusion: These results indicate that asymptomatic advanced plaques are frequently observed in common iliac arteries, and are associated with generalized atherosclerosis and CVD events.

Higher lactate and purine metabolite levels in erythrocyte-rich fresh venous thrombus: Potential markers for early deep vein thrombosis

BACKGROUND

Thrombolytic therapy is effective in fresh deep vein thrombosis (DVT) although the benefit may fall below the risk of bleeding in non-fresh thrombosis. Markers reflecting fresh DVT have not been established. The present study aims to identify metabolites reflecting fresh venous thrombus and their role in thrombus formation.

METHODS

Metabolites of rabbit venous blood and jugular venous thrombus 4 h after thrombus induction were analysed using electrophoresis-time of flight mass spectrometry. The effects of the altered metabolites on blood coagulation and platelet aggregation were assessed by using rotation thromboelastometry and platelet aggregometer. Cellular contents and glucose transporter (Glut)-1 expression in aspirated human DVT samples were pathologically analysed.

RESULTS

Metabolome analysis identified 226 metabolites (133 cationic and 93 anionic metabolites). Largely altered 18 metabolites (thrombus/blood ratio: >5 or <0.5) included glycolytic metabolites, redox-related metabolites, purine nucleotides and tryptophan metabolites. Among the metabolites with >5-fold increase, lactic acid was most abundant and guanine modestly enhanced whole blood clotting with thromboelastometry. Lactic acid and adenosine monophosphate inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation. Human DVTs were rich in erythrocytes expressing Glut-1. The erythrocyte content and Glut-1 expression were negatively correlated with the time after onset of DVT.

CONCLUSIONS

Glycolysis-, purine-, and redox-related metabolites may reflect fresh erythrocyte-rich venous thrombus, and altered metabolites may affect venous thrombus formation. An increased level of lactate may reflect active glycolysis of thrombus cellular components, predominantly erythrocytes.

Coronary high-signal-intensity plaques on T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging reflect intraplaque hemorrhage

Coronary high-signal-intensity plaques (HIPs) detected by T₁-weighted magnetic resonance imaging are associated with future cardiovascular events. This study aimed to identify pathological findings reflecting HIPs in coronary arteries obtained from autopsy cases. Formalin-fixed hearts were imaged with noncontrast T₁-weighted imaging with a 1.5-T magnetic resonance system. We defined HIPs or non-HIPs as a coronary plaque to myocardial signal intensity ratio (PMR) of ≥1.4 or <1.4, respectively. We found HIPs in 4 of 37 (10.8%) hearts and analyzed 7 hearts in detail. The corresponding sections to HIPs (n=11) or non-HIPs (n=25) were histologically and immunohistochemically analyzed. We calculated the T₁ relaxation time of human venous blood in vitro. Plaque and necrotic core areas, and the frequency of intraplaque hemorrhage in HIPs were significantly larger/higher than those in non-HIPs. HIPs were immunopositive for CD68 (11/11), glycophorin A (10/11), and fibrin (11/11). Glycophorin-A-, matrix metalloprotease 9 (MMP9)-, and tissue factor-immunopositive areas were larger in HIPs than in non-HIPs. The PMR was positively correlated with glycophorin-A-, fibrin-, MMP9-, and tissue factor-immunopositive areas. Blood coagulation shortened the T₁ relaxation time of the blood and plasma, and the T₁ relaxation times in coagulated whole blood and erythrocyte-rich blood were significantly shorter than those in plasma. Coronary HIPs may reflect intraplaque hemorrhage and may be a novel marker for plaque instability and thrombogenic potential.

Effect of Aspirin on Cancer Chemoprevention in Japanese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: 10-Year Observational Follow-up of a Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

This study analyzed the efficacy of low-dose aspirin in cancer chemoprevention in patients with diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This study was a posttrial follow-up of the Japanese Primary Prevention of Atherosclerosis with Aspirin for Diabetes (JPAD) trial. Participants in the JPAD trial (2,536 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes and without preexisting cardiovascular disease) were randomly allocated to receive aspirin (81 or 100 mg daily) or no aspirin. After that trial ended in 2008, we followed up with the participants until 2015, with no attempt to change the previously assigned therapy. The primary end point was total cancer incidence. We investigated the effect of low-dose aspirin on cancer incidence.

RESULTS

During the median follow-up period of 10.7 years, a total of 318 cancers occurred. The cancer incidence was not significantly different between the aspirin and no-aspirin groups (log-rank, P = 0.4; hazard ratio [HR], 0.92; 95% CI, 0.73-1.14; P = 0.4). In subgroup analyses, aspirin did not affect cancer incidence in men, women, or participants aged ≥65 years. However, it decreased cancer incidence in participants aged <65 years (log-rank, P = 0.05; HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.44-0.99; P = 0.048). After adjusting for sex, hemoglobin A_1c, smoking status, and administration of metformin and statins, aspirin significantly reduced cancer incidence in participants aged <65 years (adjusted HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.43-0.99; P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Low-dose aspirin did not reduce cancer incidence in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes.

CD163 macrophage and erythrocyte contents in aspirated deep vein thrombus are associated with the time after onset: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Thrombolytic therapy is effective in selected patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Therefore, identification of a marker that reflects the age of thrombus is of particular concern. This pilot study aimed to identify a marker that reflects the time after onset in human aspirated DVT.

METHODS

We histologically and immunohistochemically analyzed 16 aspirated thrombi. The times from onset to aspiration ranged from 5 to 60 days (median of 13 days). Paraffin sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and antibodies for fibrin, glycophorin A, integrin α2bβ3, macrophage markers (CD68, CD163, and CD206), CD34, and smooth muscle actin (SMA).

RESULTS

All thrombi were immunopositive for glycophorin A, fibrin, integrin α2bβ3, CD68, CD163, and CD206, and contained granulocytes. Almost all of the thrombi had small foci of CD34- or SMA-immunopositive areas. CD68- and CD163-immunopositive cell numbers were positively correlated with the time after onset, while the glycophorin A-immunopositive area was negatively correlated with the time after onset. In double immunohistochemistry, CD163-positive cells existed predominantly among the CD68-immunopositive macrophage population. CD163-positive macrophages were closely localized with glycophorin A, CD34, or SMA-positive cell-rich areas.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that CD163 macrophage and erythrocyte contents could be markers for evaluation of the age of thrombus in DVT. Additionally, CD163 macrophages might play a role in organization of the process of venous thrombus.

The Cytokine Expression in Patients with Cardiac Complication after Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy

We herein report the cytokine expression at different stages for three patients who developed cardiac complications after immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. Case 1 with biopsy-proven myocarditis showed increased levels of interleukin (IL)-8, monocyte chemotactic and activating factor, and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) when he developed Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Case 2 with subclinical myocarditis showed predominant activation of IL-8 during the progressive clinical course. Case 3 with cytokine-releasing syndrome showed substantial activations of IL-6, IL-8, GM-CSF, and interferon-γ. Our data suggest the development of unique cytokine activation in individual patients with cardiac complications after ICI therapy.

Gross anatomy of the pancreatic lobes and ducts in six breeds of domestic ducks and six species of wild ducks in China

A previously unreported pancreatic duct was found by Liu (1989) in Pekin ducks. This duct has now been consistently found in six breeds of domestic ducks and six species of wild ducks in China. For purposes of Nomina Anatomica Avium it is hereby called the 'first pancreatic duct' (Ductus pancreaticus primus) since it enters the duodenum at or near the flexure where the descending duodenum becomes the ascending duodenum. All other pancreatic ducts enter the duodenum later, closer to where it joins the jejunum. This first pancreatic duct drains the caudal extremity of the dorsal lobe of the pancreas and can be easily exteriorized for experimental purposes. Within the parenchyma of the dorsal lobe of the pancreas this duct communicates with the dorsal pancreatic duct. In the present study of the gross anatomy of the pancreatic lobes of domestic and wild Chinese ducks we describe and illustrate variations in position and number of all biliary and pancreatic ducts.

Intracellular glutamine level determines vascular smooth muscle cell-derived thrombogenicity

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The everolimus-eluting stent (EES), one of the effective stents for in-stent restenosis (ISR), has a lower incidence of stent thrombosis; however, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. This study aimed to identify the effects of everolimus on vascular metabolism and thrombogenicity and examine their mechanistic link.

METHODS

EESs and bare-metal stents were implanted in rabbit iliac arteries with smooth muscle cell (SMC)-rich neointima induced by endothelial denudation. Four weeks after stent implantation, the stented arteries were examined for histological analysis and metabolomics. Additionally, everolimus effects in coronary artery SMCs metabolism, tissue factor (TF) expression, and procoagulant activity were assessed in vitro.

RESULTS

EES-implanted arteries showed decreased neointima formation, less SMCs infiltration, and reduced TF expression. Concomitantly, they were metabolically characterized by increased levels of metabolites in amino acids, such as glutamine. Similarly, everolimus increased intracellular glutamine levels, decreased TF expression, and reduced procoagulant activity in SMCs in vitro. On the contrary, exogenous glutamine administration also increased intracellular glutamine level, decreased TF expression, and reduced procoagulant activity despite enhanced mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Intracellular glutamine level is likely to determine vascular SMC-related thrombogenicity regardless of mTOR pathway activity. Therefore, increased intracellular glutamine level might contribute partially to the beneficial effect of EES use on stent thrombosis.

Tissue factor expression and tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes in ovarian carcinomas and their association with venous thromboembolism

Ovarian cancer is a known risk factor of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Thrombogenic factor expression and lymphocytic infiltrate have been reported in endometriosis and ovarian cancers. We reviewed 30 cases of ovarian carcinomas (high grade serous carcinoma, 10; endometrioid carcinoma, 10; clear cell carcinoma (CCC), 10) and 16 endometriotic lesions. We immunohistochemically investigated the expressions of tissue factor (TF), podoplanin, P-selectin, and number of CD4 and CD8 positive lymphocytes in cancer tissue and endometriotic lesions, along with their relationship with VTE. The expression of TF was higher in CCC. The TF expression and the number of CD8 positive cells were higher in cancer tissues with VTE than in those without VTE. The podoplanin or P-selectin expression did not differ among histological types or between cases with and without VTE. Our results demonstrated a high TF expression and intraepithelial CD8 cells in CCC, which were associated with VTE. The results suggest that infiltrating lymphocytes may affect TF expression that, in turn, influences VTE.

Microvascular proliferation of brain metastases mimics glioblastomas in squash cytology

OBJECTIVE

Although microvascular proliferation is a key feature in the diagnosis of high-grade glioma, the characteristics of metastatic tumour vessels in smear preparations have not been documented. In this study, the vascular changes in metastatic brain tumours, using squash cytology to examine the vascular patterns in brain metastases, were reviewed.

METHODS

One hundred and forty-three squash smears of brain tissue, including 25 normal or reactive tissue, 23 malignant lymphomas, 8 grade I glioma (pilocytic astrocytoma), 23 grade II glioma (diffuse astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma), 42 grade IV glioma (glioblastoma), and 22 metastasis, were assessed. Two vascular patterns were assessed: thick and branching, and glomeruloid. The vessel density, nuclear layer and the number of vessel branches were compared. Furthermore, tumour vessels of brain metastases were analysed by histology and for immunohistochemical expression of CD34, α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) and high-molecular-weight caldesmon (h-CD).

RESULTS

Among 22 metastatic tumours, thick and branching vessels were found in 17 (77%) and glomeruloid vessels in 13 (59%). These incidences of microvascular proliferation patterns were similar to those of glioblastomas or pilocytic astrocytomas. Vessel density, nuclear layer and vessel wall branches were significantly higher in metastatic tumours than malignant lymphomas, grade II gliomas or normal brain tissues. Glomeruloid vessels consisted of CD34-positive cells and α-SMA-positive cells, and α-SMA-positive cells had a low h-CD expression. These immunohistochemical patterns were similar to those of high-grade gliomas.

CONCLUSIONS

The vascular features of metastatic brain tumours are similar to those of glioblastomas, suggesting that these microvascular proliferations contribute to the progression of metastatic tumours.

High Signal Intensity on Diffusion-Weighted Images Reflects Acute Phase of Deep Vein Thrombus

The effects of antithrombotic therapy on deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can be affected by thrombus age, which cannot be reliably determined by noninvasive imaging modalities. We investigated whether magnetic resonance (MR) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) can localize and determine the age of venous thrombus in patients with DVT, animal models, and human blood in vitro. Signal intensity (SI) on DWI and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of thrombi were assessed in eight patients with DVT using a 1.5-T MR imaging (MRI) system. We assessed the organizing processes as venous thrombus developed in the rabbit jugular vein using a 3.0-T MRI system over time. We also assessed MRI signals of human blood in vitro using the 1.5-T MRI system. Venous thrombi were detected by DWI as areas of high or mixed high and iso SI in all patients. The ADCs were lower in the proximal, than in the distal portion of the thrombi. The thrombi of rabbit jugular veins histologically organized in a time-dependent manner, with high SI on DWI at 4 hours, mixed high and iso SI at 1 and 2 weeks, and iso SI at 3 weeks. The ADC correlated negatively with erythrocyte content, and positively with smooth muscle cells, macrophages, hemosiderin, and collagen content. MRI signals of human blood in vitro showed that ADCs were affected by erythrocyte content, but not by blood clotting. MR-DWI can detect venous thrombus, and high SI on DWI accompanied by a low ADC might reflect erythrocyte-rich, acute-phase thrombi.

Longitudinal Evaluation of Mitral Valve Leaflet Remodeling After Acute Myocardial Infarction: Serial Quantitation of Valve Geometry Using Real-Time 3-Dimensional Echocardiography

BACKGROUND

Recent animal studies have suggested that mitral valve (MV) leaflet remodeling can occur even without significant tethering force and that the postinfarct biological reaction would contribute to the histopathologic changes of the leaflet. We serially evaluated the MV remodeling in patients with anterior and inferior acute myocardial infarction (MI), by using 2- and 3-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography. Additional histopathologic examinations were performed to assess the leaflet pathology.

METHODS

Sixty consecutive first-onset acute MI (anterior MI, n=30; inferior MI, n=30) patients who underwent successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention were examined (1) before primary percutaneous coronary intervention, (2) at 6-month follow-up, and (3) at follow-up 1 year or later after onset. MV complex geometry including MV leaflet area and thickness was analyzed using dedicated software. Additional histopathologic study compared 18 valves harvested during surgery for ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR).

RESULTS

MV area and thickness incrementally increased during the follow-up period. MV leaflet area significantly increased (anterior MI: 5.59 [5.28-5.98] to 6.54 [6.20-7.26] cm²/m², P<0.001; inferior MI: 5.60 [4.76-6.08] to 6.32 [5.90-6.90] cm²/m², P<0.001), and leaflet thickness also increased (anterior MI: 1.09 [0.92-1.24] to 1.45 [1.28-1.60] mm/m², P<0.001; inferior MI: 1.15 [1.03-1.25] to 1.44 [1.27-1.59] mm/m², P<0.001); data represent onset versus ≥1 year. Larger annuls, larger tenting, and a reduced leaflet area/annular ratio with smaller coaptation index were observed in patients with persistent ischemic MR compared with those without significant ischemic MR. Histopathologic examinations revealed that MV thickness was significantly greater in chronic ischemic MR compared with acute ischemic MR (1432.6±490.5 versus 628.7±278.7 μm; P=0.001), with increased smooth muscle cells and fibrotic materials.

CONCLUSIONS

MV leaflet remodeling progressed both in area and thickness after MI. This is the first clinical study to record the longitudinal course of MV leaflet remodeling by serial echocardiography.

Massive platelet-rich thrombus formation in small pulmonary vessels in amniotic fluid embolism: An autopsy study

OBJECTIVE

To identify pulmonary/uterine thrombus formation in amniotic fluid embolism (AFE).

DESIGN

Retrospective, observational.

SETTING

Nationwide.

POPULATION

Eleven autopsy cases of AFE and control cases.

METHODS

We assessed pulmonary and uterine thrombus formation and thrombus area in AFE and pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) as a control. The area of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa, fibrin, neutrophil elastase, citrullinated histone H3 (a neutrophil extracellular trap marker) and mast cell chymase immunopositivity was measured in 90 pulmonary emboli, 15 uterine thrombi and 14 PTE.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Pathological evidence of thrombus formation and its components in AFE.

RESULTS

Amniotic fluid embolism lung showed massive thrombus formation, with or without amniotic emboli in small pulmonary arteries and capillaries. The median pulmonary thrombus size in AFE (median, 0.012 mm2 ; P < 0.0001) was significantly smaller than that of uterine thrombus in AFE (0.61 mm2 ) or PTE (29 mm2 ). The median area of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa immunopositivity in pulmonary thrombi in AFE (39%; P < 0.01) was significantly larger than that of uterine thrombi in AFE (23%) and PTE (15%). The median area of fibrin (0%; P < 0.001) and citrullinated histone H3 (0%; P < 0.01) immunopositivity in pulmonary thrombi in AFE was significantly smaller than in uterine thrombi (fibrin: 26%; citrullinated histone H3: 1.1%) and PTE (fibrin: 42%; citrullinated histone H3: 0.4%). No mast cells were identified in pulmonary thrombi.

CONCLUSIONS

Amniotic fluid may induce distinct thrombus formation in the uterus and lung. Pulmonary and uterine thrombi formation may contribute to cardiorespiratory collapse and/or consumptive coagulopathy in AFE.

Congenital Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in a Four Year Old Girl

Introduction

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in neonates, infants, and children is uncommon, usually occurring as a result of infections, connective tissue disorders, vasculitis, or iatrogenic trauma. A case of idiopathic congenital AAA, an extremely rare disease of unknown origin, is described.

Report

In March 2018, a 40 mm hypoechoic mass adjacent to the left kidney was detected incidentally by abdominal ultrasound for investigation of hypercalciuria in a four year old girl. Contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed an infrarenal fusiform AAA measuring 39 mm in maximum diameter, a 15 mm left renal artery aneurysm, a 14 mm right hypogastric artery aneurysm, and a 12 mm left hypogastric artery aneurysm. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple intracranial aneurysms between 8 and 15 mm in diameter. Considering the size of the AAA and risk of rupture, surgical repair was planned. In May 2018, the congenital AAA was successfully repaired with a 10 mm Dacron aorto-aortic tube graft. Increases in the size of the left renal artery aneurysm and a left middle meningeal artery aneurysm were detected 12 and 14 months post-operatively, respectively. Coil embolisations were performed. An intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula (AVF) was discovered incidentally by cerebral angiography for treatment of the left middle meningeal artery aneurysm. Transarterial embolisation for AVF was also performed. At the 21 month post-operative follow up, the patient is doing well, and the untreated aneurysms have not grown.

Conclusion

Long term outcomes after surgical repair for congenital AAA are unclear. Moreover, growth of residual aneurysms was detected post-operatively, so follow up with frequent multimodality imaging for multiple aneurysms is necessary.

Metachronous Esophageal Ulcers after Immune-mediated Colitis Due to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy: A Case Report and Literature Review

Although cases of gastrointestinal toxicity of pembrolizumab have been reported, cases of acute immune-mediated colitis accompanied with metachronous esophageal disorders (esophagitis and ulcer) are rare. We herein report a case of acute colitis and metachronous esophageal ulcers due to an immune-related adverse event following concomitant pembrolizumab chemotherapy for lung adenocarcinoma. To our knowledge, there have so far been no reports of cases in which both acute immune-mediated colitis and metachronous esophageal ulcers developed. We therefore report the details of this case along with a review of the pertinent literature.

Pathological Features of Ruptured Coronary Plaque and Thrombus Interfaces: Fibrin and von Willebrand Factor as Platelet Scaffolds on Rupture Sites

Arterial thrombus formation is thought to be initiated by platelet adhesion to the subendothelial matrix, but ruptured atherosclerotic plaques are characterized by substantial reduction of matrix proteins compared with stable plaques. Intraplaque erythrocytes and/or fibrin have been reported in high-risk coronary plaques. The aims of the current study were to identify factors that provide scaffolds for platelets at the sites of ruptured coronary plaques and investigate depositions of iron and bilirubin as hemoglobin catabolites in the ruptured plaques. Histological characteristics of plaque components and the thrombus interface were examined in 73 acute coronary aspirated thrombi. Necrotic debris (95%), macrophages (95%), and cholesterin clefts (81%) were observed frequently at the ruptured plaque and thrombus interface. A fibrous matrix (47%), calcification (32%), and extracellular deoxyribonucleic acid (15%) were identified as small foci. Tissue factor was localized in the necrotic core and macrophages. Fibrin and von Willebrand factor were consistently deposited within the plaques and beneath platelet aggregations. The citrullinated histone H3-immunopositive area accounted for only 0.5% of the plaque area. Bilirubin and iron depositions were detected in approximately 20% of the plaques in addition to biliverdin reductase and ferritin expression in macrophages. Fibrin and von Willebrand factor rather than matrix proteins and neutrophil extracellular traps may be major adhesive molecules at the sites of ruptured plaques. Iron and bilirubin deposits may be markers for rupture-prone plaques.

Glioblastoma mimicking metastatic small cell carcinoma: A case report with ultrastructural findings

It is often straightforward to distinguish glioblastoma (GBM) from metastatic carcinoma by cytology; however, small cell variants of GBM or GBM with primitive neuronal component (GBMPNC) can mimic metastatic small cell carcinoma (SCC). Herein, we report a case of GBMPNC mimicking metastatic SCC and present cytological and ultrastructural findings. A 65-year-old man with memory disturbance was hospitalized. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the presence of a 6 cm sized tumor in the right anterior temporal lobe. Intraoperative cytology slides indicated that the tumor consisted of small-sized cells with scant cytoplasm showing high cellularity. The initial intraoperative diagnosis was metastatic SCC; however, any primary visceral tumor was not detected clinically. Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies of postoperative histological sections revealed that the lesion was GBMPNC. This case shows that some GBMs may have the potential to closely mimic metastatic SCC, which expands the differential diagnosis and emphasizes the importance of clinical correlation.

Pericardial effusion in the course of Fabry disease cardiomyopathy: a case report

Background

Fabry disease (FD) is an X-chromosome-linked inherited disorder of glycosphingolipid metabolism due to deficient or absent lysosomal α-galactosidase A activity.

Case summary

A 51-year-old Japanese woman with a previous diagnosis of FD presented with pericardial effusion. The exudative pericardial fluid contained globotriaosylsphingosine. Left ventricular hypertrophy progressed despite regular administration of agalsidase alfa every 2 weeks over a 7-year period, with increases in plasma levels of globotriaosylsphingosine and interleukin (IL)-18. In addition, the IL-6 level in the pericardial fluid was markedly higher than that in plasma.

Discussion

This case suggests that elevated IL-6 and IL-18 levels in pericardial fluid and plasma indicate the severity of FD cardiomyopathy.

[A Case of Malignant Transformation of Epidermoid Cyst with Cerebrospinal Fluid Dissemination]

An epidermoid cyst is a benign tumor, accounting for 0.2-1.8% of all brain tumors. Histologically, an epidermoid cyst has a wall consisting of squamous epithelium with keratinization and without skin components. An epidermoid cyst tends to develop in the cerebellopontine angle(CPA), middle cranial fossa, pituitary fossa, spinal cord, and other locations. We describe a rare case of malignant transformation of an epidermoid cyst with cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)dissemination. A 54-year-old man was referred to our hospital with chief complaints of dysesthesia of the right leg, persisting for 6 months, and dizziness and dysarthria for 2 months. Magnetic resonance(MR)imaging showed multiple neoplastic lesions with lobulated margins in the left frontal and temporal lobes, left cerebellum, right brainstem, and right CPA. Diffusion-weighted imaging showed a hyperintense cord-like lesion in the right CPA. Blood examination revealed squamous cell carcinoma(SCC)antigen positivity;however, systemic examination revealed no neoplastic lesion, except for the head lesion. Intracranial lesions were considered unlikely to be metastatic brain tumors. We performed surgical removal of the tumor in the left CPA via a left lateral suboccipital craniotomy. The histopathological diagnosis was SCC. MR imaging for the headache was taken at another hospital 2 years before the surgery, revealed an epidermoid cyst in the right CPA. The current MR imaging showed enhancement in part of the epidermoid cyst in the right CPA, strongly suggesting that the epidermoid cyst in the right CPA had disseminated to the left frontal and temporal lobes, left cerebellum, and right brainstem via the CSF.

Low-dose aspirin therapy improves decidual arteriopathy in pregnant women with a history of preeclampsia

Preeclampsia, a multisystem pregnancy-specific hypertensive disorder, results in significant maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. This condition is associated with placental histopathological abnormalities and particularly affects the decidual spiral arteries. Reportedly, aspirin prevents preeclampsia, specifically early-onset preeclampsia, although findings in decidual arteries in women treated with aspirin therapy remain unclear. We compared the clinical and histopathological placental findings between women with a history of preeclampsia, who did and did not receive low-dose aspirin therapy (LDA and non-LDA groups, respectively). We identified 26 women with a history of preeclampsia; 9 women received LDA (aspirin ≤ 100 mg/day, initiated at < 16 weeks, LDA group), and 17 women did not receive LDA (non-LDA group). The mean gestational age was higher (36.7 weeks vs. 32.3 weeks, P = 0.0221) and the incidence of preeclampsia was lower (11% vs. 59%, P = 0.0362) in the LDA than in the non-LDA group. Histopathologically, the incidence of decidual arteriopathy, particularly that of fibrinoid necrosis and thrombosis, was lower in the LDA than in the non-LDA group (44% vs. 88%, P = 0.0283). Immunohistologically, endothelial marker (CD31 and CD39) expression was stronger in the LDA than in the non-LDA group. Notably, we observed no significant intergroup differences in inflammatory changes (chronic perivasculitis, protease-activated receptor 1 expression, and CD3-positive cells). This study highlights that LDA inhibits hypertension-induced endothelial injury and thrombosis, and thereby protects maternal placental perfusion and prevents preeclampsia.

Myeloid cell thrombus and fetal vascular malperfusion in placentas with transient abnormal myelopoiesis

Transient abnormal myelopoiesis (TAM), also known as transient myeloproliferative disorder or transient leukemia, is a self-regressing neoplasia that afflicts infants with trisomy 21. A recent review article documented "myeloid cell thrombus (MCT)" and "fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM)" in placentas with TAM, although the characteristic TAM placental findings have not been clarified. Here, we compared the clinical and pathological placental findings between trisomy 21 patients with or without TAM. In 13 cases of trisomy 21, we identified six placentas with TAM and seven placentas without TAM. The six placentas with TAM included two stillborn cases. Microscopically, MCT was noted in all the cases, and a high incidence of FVM (50%) was observed in TAM cases. Immunohistochemically, MCT was found to be a platelet-rich thrombus. The placentas were grouped according to the presence or absence of TAM and subsequently compared. Clinically, the incidences of abnormal fetal heart rate pattern and fetal or neonatal death were significantly higher in TAM cases. Pathologically, placenta in TAM cases weighted more than those in cases without TAM, and the incidence of MCT was significantly higher in placentas with TAM. Moreover, the incidence of FVM was higher in placentas with TAM, but this difference was not statistically significant. We propose that MCT is a diagnostic feature of placentas with TAM and may be associated with poor fetal outcomes.

Transition From Distinct Types of KRAS Mutation-Harboring Multifocal Lung Adenocarcinoma to Rhabdoid Tumor: A Longitudinal Follow-Up

BACKGROUND Rhabdoid tumor (RT) of the lung is a rare and aggressive malignancy. The origin of and the mutation responsible for RT are entirely unknown. The distinction between RT associated with subtypes of lung cancer and SMARCA4-deficient thoracic sarcomas is also unknown. CASE REPORT Three pulmonary subsolid nodules in the right S6, left S6, and left S8 were identified in a 78-year-old Japanese woman. At 3 and 9 months later, a chest CT showed unchanged sizes, but at 15 months the development of a 37-mm mass in the right S6 was observed. The patient's systemic condition deteriorated rapidly, and she died 1 month later. An autopsy revealed that the mass consisted of 90% RT and 10% lung adenocarcinoma. There were another 2 adenocarcinoma lesions in the left lung. KRAS mutation analyses revealed the same KRAS mutation (G12D) in the adenocarcinoma and RT components in the identical mass and metastatic RT, indicating that all of these components had the same clonality. A different KRAS mutation in each of the 3 adenocarcinoma lesions was detected (right S6: G12D, left S6: A59G, left S8: G12C), indicating that the multiple adenocarcinoma lesions were truly multifocal lung adenocarcinoma. The adenocarcinoma and RT components retained SMARCA4 expression. CONCLUSIONS This is the first evidence of RT originating from multifocal lung adenocarcinoma. KRAS mutation is thought to be responsible for the RT's emergence via the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Patients with multiple subsolid nodules should be followed closely; aggressive surgical intervention should be considered given concerns about the evolution of this aggressive malignancy.

Histological differences among thrombi in thrombotic diseases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review aims to summarize the histological differences among thrombi in acute myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, venous thromboembolism, and amniotic fluid embolism, a newly identified thrombosis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Acute coronary thrombi have a small size, are enriched in platelets and fibrin, and show the presence of fibrin and von Willebrand factor, but not collagen, at plaque rupture sites. Symptomatic deep vein thrombi are large and exhibit various phases of time-dependent histological changes. Cancer-associated venous thromboemboli contain invasive cancer cells that penetrate the vascular walls, and small cancer cell aggregates are observed within the thrombi. The thrombus composition in atherosclerotic and cardioembolic ischemic strokes varies from case to case, while the thrombi in cancer-associated ischemic stroke are rich in platelets and fibrin. A pathological study on amniotic fluid embolism identified uterine vein thrombi and massive platelet-rich microthrombi in the lungs.

SUMMARY

Atherothrombus formation is induced by plaque disruption and may occlude a narrow lumen within a short time. Venous thrombi may grow to a large size in a multistage or chronic manner. Cancer cells can directly contribute to venous thrombus formation. The thrombus formation in amniotic fluid embolism may explain the occurrence of consumptive coagulopathy and cardiopulmonary collapse.

Factor XI localization in human deep venous thrombus and function of activated factor XI on venous thrombus formation and hemostasis

Background

Novel anticoagulants targeting coagulation factor (F)XI/activated FXI (FXIa) are currently under development. However, whether FXI is present in human deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and whether FXIa and activated FX (FXa) play different roles in venous thrombus formation and hemostasis remain unclear.

Objectives

To determine the presence of FXI in DVT and the effects of direct oral FXIa and FXa inhibitors on venous thrombus formation and hemostasis in rabbits and on in vitro thrombus formation.

Methods

We immunohistochemically assessed FXI localization in human-aspirated DVT (n = 15). Additionally, we compared thrombus formation induced by endothelial denudation and stenosis or stasis in the jugular vein and skin bleeding time and volume between rabbits treated with direct FXIa inhibitors (ONO-1600586) and FXa inhibitors (rivaroxaban). Ex vivo rabbit and human blood were perfused in a flow chamber under low-shear rates (70/s).

Results

FXI was localized in all DVT, predominantly in fibrin-rich areas. The FXI immunopositive area in the nonorganizing area was greater than that in the organizing area. Although FXIa and FXa inhibitors comparably inhibited venous thrombus formation, FXIa inhibitors did not affect bleeding time or volume in rabbits. FXIa or FXa inhibitors mildly or strongly inhibited fibrin formation at low-shear rates, respectively. Furthermore, the FXIa inhibitor suppressed human FXIa activity, thrombin generation, and fibrin formation during perfusion.

Conclusion

The pathologic findings of human DVT suggest FXI's role in human DVT. FXIa inhibitors may inhibit less fibrin formation than FXa inhibitors and may explain the minor role of FXIa in hemostasis.

Abstract 511: High Signal Intensity on Diffusion Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging Reflects Acuity of Deep Vein Thrombus

Objective: Acuity of deep vein thrombus/ thrombosis (DVT) may affect effectiveness of anti-thrombotic therapy. However, the acuity of DVT is not reliably detected by current noninvasive imaging techniques. This study investigated whether diffusion weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can detect DVT and define the acuity of thrombus in patients with DVT and a rabbit model of venous thrombus.

Methods: Diffusion weighted MR imaging was performed with a 1.5-T MR system in 8 patients with DVT. Venous thrombus was induced in rabbit jugular vein by endothelial denudation and 10 minutes blood stasis with a balloon catheter. The thrombus was imaged with a 3.0-T MR system at 4 hours and at 1, 2 and 3 weeks, and the jugular veins were histologically assessed.

Results: All patients were detected DVT with diffusion weighted MR imaging, and the DVT showed high or mixed high and iso signal intensity on the diffusion sequence. The rabbit venous thrombi were rich in erythrocyte and fibrin at 4 hours, and showed focal organizing reaction at 1 and 2 weeks, and was replaced by fibrous tissue at 3 weeks. The rabbit thrombi showed high signal intensity on diffusion weighted MR imaging at 4 hours, mixed high and iso signal intensity at 1 and 2 weeks, or mixed iso and low signal intensity at 3 weeks. The signal intensity was positively correlated with erythrocyte and fibrin contents, and negatively correlated with macrophage and collagen contents.

Conclusions: Diffusion weighted MR imaging can detect DVT and high signal intensity on the sequence may reflect acuity of DVT.