ABSTRACT
In cases of sudden death, myocarditis is not an unusual finding especially when communicable diseases of viral origin are on the rise. Detection of myocarditis poises a diagnostic challenge to clinicians due to the absence of specific symptoms and there is a possibility of this being masqueraded as myocardial infarction. Examination of autopsy specimens are of utmost importance to detect the underlying etiology. For diagnosis of myocarditis histopathological examination of cardiac tissue is the gold standard. This is carried out based on Dallas criteria.Aim- This study was done to assess the, gross and histopathology findings in myocarditis in post mortem specimens in a tertiary care hospital in Kerala over a span of 4 years.METHODSThis is a descriptive observational study. All cases of Myocarditis diagnosed in the Department of Pathology, Medical College, Kottayam during the period of 4 years from January 2012 to December 2015 were included. Age distribution, gross and histopathologic findings were studied using the registers, post mortem specimens and histopathology slides in the department. Immunohistochemical studies were done in paraffin blocks of all newly diagnosed cases of myocarditis and some previously diagnosed cases the data was analyzed using SPSS.RESULTSWe received a total of 82 cases of myocarditis. The age distribution ranged from 75 days to 83 years. There was greater predilection for males accounting for 62% of cases. Inflammation was found in all cases and the predominant inflammatory cells were lymphocytes seen in 73% of cases. Myocyte necrosis was found in majority of the cases (98%).CONCLUSIONSMyocarditis was found to be an important cause of sudden death accounting for 0.15%.The age group affected was more in the 3rd and 4thdecade,which was comparable with other similar studies. Viral myocarditis constituted the majority of cases and mononuclear inflammation was seen in myocardium. Myocarditis was seen as part of systemic inflammation in 70% of cases. Application of Dallas criteria was helpful in diagnosis but correlation with clinical details and meticulous examination of coronaries are also needed to exclude conditions which may mimic myocarditis.
ABSTRACT
Background: Cystic lesions of pancreas consist of a broad spectrum of reactive, benign and malignant conditions. The most common among cystic pancreatic lesions is pseudocyst of pancreas. Cystic tumours of pancreas are less common than solid one抯 accounting for less than 1% according to some studies. Literature review showed only a few extensive studies on cystic lesions of pancreas, especially from South India.Methods: Our research is a descriptive histopathological analysis of 38 cases of cystic lesions of pancreas, done in the department of pathology of our institution, over a period of 5 years.Results: We received a total of 38 cases of cystic lesions of pancreas. The age distribution ranged from 17 to 77 years. Male to female ratio was 24: 14. There were neoplastic and non neoplastic entities. Pseudocyst of pancreas was the most common cystic lesion (12 cases). Benign neoplasms included serous cystadenomas, mucinous cystadenomas and lymphangiomas. Ductal adenocarcinomas with cystic degeneration and adenocarcinomas with mucinous component were some of the malignant cystic lesions.Conclusions: Cystic pancreatic lesions accounted for 24% of all the pancreatic lesions received in our institution during the period of this study. 24 cases (63%) were benign lesions and 14 cases (37 %) were malignant. Though cystic lesions of pancreas especially neoplasms are less frequent than solid neoplasms, it is important to study their diagnostic features since the management differs. Imaging studies may be similar in some cystic lesions. A proper clinicoradiological correlation and detailed investigational work up will aid in the correct diagnosis.