Supratotal Resection of Periventricular Glioblastomas and Pathomorphological Rationale for Extensive Removal of Subventricular Zone

The aim of the research was to reveal the pathomorphological patterns of periventricular glioblastoma (PVG) dissemination and assess the rationale for extended surgical removal of subventricular zone (SVZ) as a step towards supratotal resection.A total of 54 patients (16 females and 38 males, mean age 48.9 ± 13.4 years, range 22–69) with PVG were prospectively included in the study. Standard preoperative evaluation included an MRI using 3D T1 with Gd-enhancement, T2, and T2-FLAIR series. The neuronavigation system was used to identify the SVZ and to remove of ventricular wall, additionally to image-guided total tumor resection. The pathomorphological assessment of PVG features with the description of the SVZ and changes in perifocal brain matter was performed by two pathologists.The median Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score raised from 67.8 to 81.9 in the postoperative period. The overall median survival was 13.0 ± 2.7 months. The low postoperative KPS score (p = 0.05) and basal ganglia invasion (p = 0.008) significantly decreased survival rates.Microscopically, the typical multilayer structure of SVZ was disrupted. The invasive spread of tumor cells in thesubventricular space was identified. The ependymal layer had prominent dystrophic alterations of cells and destruction of intracellular connections. The hyperplastic reaction on neoplastic process was typical for adjacent ependyma.The pathomorphological identification of periventricular glioblastoma invasion in the subependymal space supports the supratotal tumor resection with removal of adjacent SVZ as a potential source for relapse.

Cytogenomic Profile of Uterine Leiomyoma: In Vivo vs. In Vitro Comparison

We performed a comparative cytogenomic analysis of cultured and uncultured uterine leiomyoma (UL) samples. The experimental approach included karyotyping, aCGH, verification of the detected chromosomal abnormalities by metaphase and interphase FISH, MED12 mutation analysis and telomere measurement by Q-FISH. An abnormal karyotype was detected in 12 out of 32 cultured UL samples. In five karyotypically abnormal ULs, MED12 mutations were found. The chromosomal abnormalities in ULs were present mostly by complex rearrangements, including chromothripsis. In both karyotypically normal and abnormal ULs, telomeres were ~40% shorter than in the corresponding myometrium, being possibly prerequisite to chromosomal rearrangements. The uncultured samples of six karyotypically abnormal ULs were checked for the detected chromosomal abnormalities through interphase FISH with individually designed DNA probe sets. All chromosomal abnormalities detected in cultured ULs were found in corresponding uncultured samples. In all tumors, clonal spectra were present by the karyotypically abnormal cell clone/clones which coexisted with karyotypically normal ones, suggesting that chromosomal abnormalities acted as drivers, rather than triggers, of the neoplastic process. In vitro propagation did not cause any changes in the spectrum of the cell clones, but altered their ratio compared to uncultured sample. The alterations were unique for every UL. Compared to its uncultured counterpart, the frequency of chromosomally abnormal cells in the cultured sample was higher in some ULs and lower in others. To summarize, ULs are characterized by both inter- and intratumor genetic heterogeneity. Regardless of its MED12 status, a tumor may be comprised of clones with and without chromosomal abnormalities. In contrast to the clonal spectrum, which is unique and constant for each UL, the clonal frequency demonstrates up or down shifts under in vitro conditions, most probably determined by the unequal ability of cells with different genetic aberrations to exist outside the body.

Rosai–Dorfman Disease: Breast Involvement—Case Report and Literature Review

Background and objectives: Rosai–Dorfman disease (RDD) is a type of histiocytosis that usually appears in young adults or children as bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy, but extranodal involvement in not uncommon. Although the pathogenesis is not entirely elucidated, recent studies showed a possible neoplastic process. Materials and methods: Our manuscript presents a rare case of Rosai–Dorfman disease of the breast, the management of this rare case, and a literature review. There are few cases reported of RDD of the breast (around 90 globally reported cases); the data is poor, and the management not yet standardized for these cases. The case reported here shows the importance of correct breast investigation, breast imaging, and ultrasound-guided biopsy that provided an accurate diagnosis and guided further management. Results: Although RDD of the breast was rarely presented as bilateral disease in other case reports, our case showed bilateral breast disease with the suspicion of breast cancer on imaging. Pathology and immunohistochemistry were of critical importance and showed a specific pattern for histiocytosis. A multidisciplinary approach was taken into consideration for these cases in order to establish the approach. Some patients underwent surgery, but watchful waiting and close follow-up were the preferred approach. Conclusions: RDD of the breast is a rare form of histiocytosis, with fewer than 100 globally published cases. Although the management of this disease is not established yet by guidelines, a follow-up approach should be enough for these patients, and surgery might be overtreatment. Mortality from RDD is very low due to comorbidities. A multidisciplinary team decision is important, and abstinence might significantly benefit these patients.

Neuroradiological and pathomorphological features of epilepsy associated brain tumors

Brain tumors are the second most common etiology in pediatric patients with focal seizures undergoing surgery for drug-resistant epilepsy. These neoplasms have a number of distinctive features from those found in adult patients, one of which is a wide polymorphism of structural architectonics during neuroradiological examination. Given the tremendous biological stability of these tumors, not in all cases of pre-surgical examination it is possible to verify the presence of a neoplastic process in the structure of the epileptogenic substrate using routine neuroimaging methods. In some complex diagnostic cases, a multimodal imaging approach and in-depth complex examination are required for reliable diagnosis and success of the results of epileptic surgery.

Ossifying Fibroma; A Case report and review of literature

Introduction/Objective Ossifying fibroma (OF) is a rare, benign, true neoplasm with growth potential, with the mandible involved more often than the maxilla. There is female predilection in the third and fourth decades of life, with the most common site being the premolar and molar area of the mandible. These lesions are characterized by the replacement of endogenous bone with a highly cellular fibrous neoplasm containing varied amounts of bony trabeculae, and/or cementum-like spherules. Radiographically they present as well defined, unilocular, most are mixed lucent, opaque, some with sclerotic border and root divergence may be seen. Histologically most of the lesions are not encapsulated but are well demarcated from the adjacent bone. Thus radiographic, surgical and histological findings help distinguish OF from other benign fibro-osseous lesions such as fibrous dysplasia and cemento-osseous dysplasia. Distinguishing an accurate diagnosis between the above fibro-osseous neoplasms becomes significant as prognosis and treatment differ. Methods/Case Report Herein we report a case of a 59-year-old female who presented with a symptomatic mandibular lesion that radiographically illustrated a midline well-circumscribed expansile mass of the mandibular symphysis with a sclerotic margin and ground-glass internal matrix measuring 3.1 x 4.9 x 3.9 cm, favored to represent pagetoid changes more likely than neoplastic process. Microscopic examination revealed numerous variably sized islands of ossification within a hypercellular fibrous stroma. Based on the clinical, radiographic and histologic findings, a diagnosis of benign fibro-osseous lesion, favor ossifying fibroma was given. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion Microscopic examination, as in our case, can resemble a variety of benign fibro-osseous neoplasms. Radiographic and clinical correlation, along with microscopic evaluation, help solidify the accurate diagnosis.

Congress of neurological surgeons systematic review and evidence-based guidelines update on the role of cytoreductive surgery in the management of progressive glioblastoma in adults

Question: In patients with previously diagnosed glioblastoma who are suspected of experiencing progression, does repeat cytoreductive surgery improve progression free survival or overall survival compared to alternative interventions?Target population: These recommendations apply to adults with previously diagnosed glioblastoma who are suspected of experiencing progression of the neoplastic process and are amenable to surgical resection.Recommendation:Level II: Repeat cytoreductive surgery is recommended in progressive glioblastoma patients to improve overall survival.

Properties of Uncommon Indirect Immunofluorescence Staining Patterns Determined during Antinuclear Antibody Detection on HEp-2 Cells

In this study, we aimed to assess the prevalence of uncommon staining patterns found during testing for the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and to determine their association with certain antibodies and clinical diagnoses. Presence of ANA and the staining pattern was determined in 10955 samples using indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) on HEp-2 cells. ANA-positive samples were assessed for presence of 14 specific antibody types using a microbead based system. Demographic data (age, sex) and clinical diagnoses were collected from the referral documentation. Particular staining patterns were then compared with a representative comparison group comprised of samples with common staining patterns using these criteria. There were 22 patterns present in less than 3% of samples each and these were jointly present in 42.43% of ANA-positive samples. Specific antibodies were found in proportions similar to the comparison group (46.06%) and varied significantly between patterns. Likewise, there were significant differences in antibody distribution in particular patterns. Some patterns were associated with presence of rheumatic diseases or inflammatory arthropathies, while in others there was a concurrent diagnosis of liver disease, or a neoplastic process. Many of the uncommon IIF patterns have distinctive characteristics that warrant further investigation in order to determine their role in diagnosing various diseases, not limited only to the illnesses of the rheumatic spectrum. IIF on HEp-2 cells remains an irreplaceable method because of the diversity of ANA, only a number of which can be detected using other standardised methods.

Particularities of the evolution of the patients with tuberculosis associated with the pulmonary neoplastic process

Risk factors for pulmonary tuberculosis and pulmonary neoplastic process are interdependent. Antineoplastic treatment is a contributing factor in the reactivation of latent tuberculosis infection and the recurrence of pulmonary tuberculosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the particularities of the evolution of patients with tuberculosis associated with pulmonary neoplastic process to identify recommendations for early detection of the neoplastic process. A retrospective, selective study was performed which included 105 patients distributed in the study group that included 50 cases with diagnosed pulmonary neoplatic process and the comparison group which consisted from 65 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis without current or previous neoplasia. Th e peculiarities of patients with associated neoplastic process was age over 55 years, urban residence, incomplete level of education, disadvantaged socio-economic peculiarities, immunosuppressive treatment (in one third of cases). Th e diagnosis of tuberculosis was established by the specialist, having a low rate of positive microbiological status and a wide range of clinical manifestations. Standardized antituberculosis treatment resulted in a low rate of therapeutic success. Conclusion: the standardized management of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis associated with the pulmonary neoplastic process led to the late detection of the neoplastic process and the completion of antituberculosis treatment with therapeutic success only in every second patient.

Neutrophil extracellular traps in cancer: not only catching microbes

Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cells circulating throughout the bloodstream and are often considered the frontline defenders in innate immunity. However, neutrophils are increasingly being recognized as having an important role in tumorigenesis and carcinogenesis due to their aberrant activation by molecules released into the tumor microenvironment. One defensive response of neutrophils that is aberrantly triggered during the neoplastic process is called NETosis, where activated neutrophils expel their DNA and intracellular contents in a web-like structure known as a neutrophil extracellular trap (NET). In cancer, NETosis has been linked to increased disease progression, metastasis, and complications such as venous thromboembolism. NET structures released by neutrophils can also serve as a scaffold for clot formation, shining new light on the role of neutrophils and NETosis in coagulation-mediated diseases.Here, we review current available knowledge regarding NET and the related NETosis process in cancer patients, with an emphasis on pre-clinical and clinical data fostering the identification and validation of biomarkers of NET with a predictive/prognostic role in cancer patients treated with immunotherapy agents. NETosis biomarkers, e.g., citH3, may integrate correlates of immunogenicity currently available (e.g., PD-L1 expression, TMB, TILs) and help select the subsets of patients who may most benefit from the use of the therapeutic weapons under discussion.

Brown tumour mimicking skeletal metastasis

Brown tumours of bone are highly vascular osteolytic lesions that depict a reparative cellular process instead of a neoplastic process in hyperparathyroidism (HPT) patients. These tumours have the potential to be aggressive and destructive. We report a case of a 30-year-old woman who presented with left thigh and lower back pain. The radiological evaluation showed multiple bony lesions in the pelvis and the spine, which mimicked multiple metastatic tumours. However, on biochemistry evaluation, serum calcium, alkaline phosphatase, and parathyroid hormone were all high, while serum phosphate was low, indicating primary HPT (PHPT), which was confirmed by parathyroid scintigraphy showing left parathyroid adenoma. Hence, the bony lesions were diagnosed as brown tumours secondary to PHPT. The patient underwent parathyroidectomy and developed severe hungry bone syndrome requiring parenteral calcium infusion along with oral calcium and active vitamin D supplementation. The clinical symptoms of bone pain improved after surgery.