Ectopic Laryngeal Ossification after Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2

We report two cases of ectopic bone formation in the head and neck following treatment with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2). Surgical pathologic data, laryngoscopy imaging, CT imaging, and patient medical history were obtained. First, we report osseous metaplasia in the vocal fold in a 67-year-old male following mandibular dental implants with rhBMP-2; second, a case of severe bony overgrowth of the larynx and fusion to the anterior cervical spine (ACS) in a 73-year-old male following multiple anterior cervical discectomies and fusions with rhBMP-2. Ectopic bone formation following rhBMP-2 has been previously reported. Adverse events like local swelling and edema leading to dysphagia and even airway obstruction after cervical spine application of rhBMP-2 have also been widely reported. Due to the uncommon nature of abnormal bony growth in soft tissue areas of the head and neck and the previously documented adverse effects of rhBMP-2 use, especially in the cervical spine, we consider the two unusual case presentations of ectopic bony formation highly likely to be linked with rhBMP-2. We urge awareness of the adverse effects caused by rhBMP-2, and urge caution in dosing.

Intraocular osseous metaplasia presenting as a solid mass in chronic retinal detachment: a case report

Background Intraocular osseous metaplasia is a rare histological finding associated with benign cellular transformation. Its development requires inflammatory cytokines and the process takes many years. Previous case reports of intraocular ossification manifested as linear calcification or white plaques. In contrast, our case presented with a tumor-like solid mass, in which a long-standing chronic inflammatory stimulation may contribute to the stunning appearance. Case presentation This is a 48-year-old woman with past history of advanced Coat’s-like retinopathy and chronic retinal detachment in the left eye for 12 years. She underwent vitreoretinal surgery to prevent phthisis bulbi. During the operation, a 9 mm solid mass was found embedded within the proliferative tissue above the retina and was removed. Pathological findings revealed bone formation in the center of the mass surrounded by fibrous metaplasia and focal gliotic changes. Layers of cohesive cells were found lining on the external side of the mass, and further immuno-histochemical study suggested them retinal pigment epithelial cells. Postoperatively, the retina was attached with stable visual acuity and normal intraocular pressure. Conclusion To our knowledge, the appearance of a tumor-like mass representing intraocular osseous metaplasia in eyes with chronic inflammation or retinal detachment has not been reported in previous case reports. This case emphasizes the importance of considering osseous metaplasia as one of the differential diagnoses of an unknown intraocular mass, especially in eyes with great severity of chronic inflammation. Also, our immuno-histochemical study provided more evidence on the pathological role of retinal pigment epithelial cells in developing ossification.

A case of osseous metaplasia in a gastric hyperplastic polyp: An unexpected finding in a common polyp

Introduction/Objective Foveolar hyperplastic polyp is a common gastric polyp characterized by foveolar hyperplasia with erosion, acute and chronic inflammation, granulation tissue formation, and smooth muscle strands extending from the muscularis mucosae. Although foveolar hyperplastic polyps may rarely contain foci of dysplasia or invasive carcinoma, osseous metaplasia/heterotopic bone formation in foveolar hyperplastic polyps of the stomach is extremely rare with a few case reports. Methods/Case Report A 63-year-old female with a history of hypertension, sick sinus syndrome, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis was referred to our facility for evaluation of a mass in segment eight of the liver. The liver biopsy showed a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma, most consistent with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. A screening gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a 7-mm sessile polyp in the antrum. The polyp was removed with a cold snare. No other abnormalities were identified in the stomach. Sections of the polyp showed fragments of antral-type gastric mucosa with foveolar hyperplasia, erosion, acute and chronic inflammation, and focal granulation tissue formation. In addition, multiple foci of woven bone formation without bone marrow surrounding dilated gastric foveolae were identified. No Helicobacter infection, intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia or malignancy was identified histologically. Osseous metaplasia/heterotopic bone formation is a well-known finding reported in various neoplastic and non- neoplastic conditions. However, osseous metaplasia in foveolar hyperplastic polyps of the stomach is extremely rare. There have been only four previous case reports published in English language. Our current case shows clinicopathologic features similar to those of the previous case reports including the findings of small-sized polyp found incidentally in middle-aged patients with no clinical history of hypercalcemia or any other abnormalities causing heterotopic bone formation. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) N/A Conclusion Although the pathogenesis of osseous metaplasia in a gastric hyperplastic polyp remains unknown, the finding of osseous metaplasia in a gastric hyperplastic polyp is very intriguing.