Single Nodular Opacity of Granulomatous Pneumocystis Jirovecii Pneumonia in an Asymptomatic Lymphoma Patient

The radiologic findings of a single nodule from Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) have been rarely reported. We described a case of granulomatous PJP manifesting as a solitary pulmonary nodule with a halo sign in a 69-year-old woman with diffuse large B cell lymphoma during chemotherapy. The radiologic appearance of the patient suggested an infectious lesion such as angioinvasive pulmonary aspergillosis or lymphoma involvement of the lung; however, clinical manifestations were not compatible with the diseases. The nodule was confirmed as granulomatous PJP by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery biopsy.

Plaque Rupture is a Determinant of Vascular Events in Carotid Artery Atherosclerotic Disease: Involvement of Matrix Metalloproteinases 2 and 9

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Unstable carotid atherosclerotic plaques are characterized by cap rupture, leading to thromboembolism and stroke. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated in the progression of atherosclerosis and plaque rupture. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and carotid plaque instability. METHODS: Eighty atherosclerotic plaques were collected from 74 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. Clinical information was obtained from each patient, and plaque morphology was examined at the macroscopic and microscopic levels. The immunohistochemical expressions of MMPs were graded using semiquantitative scales. RESULTS: Macroscopic ulceration (84.6% versus 63.4%, p=0.042) and microscopic cap rupture (79.5% versus 51.2%, p=0.010) were more common in symptomatic than in asymptomatic patients. Immunoreactivities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were increased in 40 and 36 atheromatous plaques, respectively. Macroscopic ulceration was strongly correlated with the expressions of MMP-2 (p<0.001) and MMP-9 (p=0.001). There were significant correlations between increased MMP-2 expression and cap rupture (p=0.002), intraplaque hemorrhage (p=0.039), and a thin fibrous cap (p=0.002), and between increased MMP-9 expression and cap rupture (p=0.010) and a large lipid core (p=0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Plaque rupture was significantly associated with the development of vascular events in carotid atherosclerotic disease. MMP-2 and MMP-9 are strongly correlated with plaque instability.

Changes of Alpha1-Antitrypsin Levels in Allergen-induced Nasal Inflammation

OBJECTIVES: Alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) is the main inhibitor of human neutrophil elastase, and plays a role in counteracting the tissue damage caused by elastase in local inflammatory conditions. The study evaluated the involvement of AAT in nasal allergic inflammation. METHODS: Forty subjects with mono-sensitization to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dpt) were enrolled. Twenty allergic rhinitis patients frequently complained of nasal symptoms such as rhinorrhea, stuffiness, sneezing, and showed positive responses to the nasal provocation test (NPT) with Dpt (Group I). The other 20 asymptomatic patients showed sensitization to Dpt but negative NPT (Group II). The levels of AAT, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and Dpt-specific IgA antibodies were measured in the nasal lavage fluids (NLFs), collected at baseline, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 3 hours, and 6 hours after the NPT. Nasal mucosa AAT expression was evaluated with immunohistochemical staining from Group I and Group II. RESULTS: At baseline, only the Dpt-specific IgA level was significantly increased in the NLFs of Group I compared with Group II, while ECP and AAT levels were not significantly different between two groups. After Dpt provocation, AAT, ECP, and Dpt-specific IgA levels were significantly increased in the NLFs of Group I during the early and late responses. The protein expression level of AAT was mostly found in the infiltrating inflammatory cells of the nasal mucosa, which was significantly increased in Group I compared to Group II. CONCLUSION: The increment of AAT showed a close relationship with the activation of eosinophils induced by allergen-specific IgA in the NLFs of patients with allergic rhinitis after allergen stimulation. These findings implicate AAT in allergen-induced nasal inflammation.

Changes of Alpha1-Antitrypsin Levels in Allergen-induced Nasal Inflammation

OBJECTIVES: Alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) is the main inhibitor of human neutrophil elastase, and plays a role in counteracting the tissue damage caused by elastase in local inflammatory conditions. The study evaluated the involvement of AAT in nasal allergic inflammation. METHODS: Forty subjects with mono-sensitization to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dpt) were enrolled. Twenty allergic rhinitis patients frequently complained of nasal symptoms such as rhinorrhea, stuffiness, sneezing, and showed positive responses to the nasal provocation test (NPT) with Dpt (Group I). The other 20 asymptomatic patients showed sensitization to Dpt but negative NPT (Group II). The levels of AAT, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and Dpt-specific IgA antibodies were measured in the nasal lavage fluids (NLFs), collected at baseline, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 3 hours, and 6 hours after the NPT. Nasal mucosa AAT expression was evaluated with immunohistochemical staining from Group I and Group II. RESULTS: At baseline, only the Dpt-specific IgA level was significantly increased in the NLFs of Group I compared with Group II, while ECP and AAT levels were not significantly different between two groups. After Dpt provocation, AAT, ECP, and Dpt-specific IgA levels were significantly increased in the NLFs of Group I during the early and late responses. The protein expression level of AAT was mostly found in the infiltrating inflammatory cells of the nasal mucosa, which was significantly increased in Group I compared to Group II. CONCLUSION: The increment of AAT showed a close relationship with the activation of eosinophils induced by allergen-specific IgA in the NLFs of patients with allergic rhinitis after allergen stimulation. These findings implicate AAT in allergen-induced nasal inflammation.

A Case of Ovarian Malignant Melanoma showing Peritoneal Dissemination with Unknown Primary Origin / 대한산부인과학회지

Malignant melanoma is a neoplasm of the skin and mucous membrane which very rarely occurs in the ovary. Malignant melanomas occurring in the ovary must be differentiated from primary and metastatic malignant melanoma. Primary malignant melanoma of the ovary is extremely rare and is thought to originate from a cystic teratoma. Malignant melanoma of ovary without evidence of residual teratoma must be considered metastatic even in the absence of a previously cutaneous or mucocutaneous lesion. Opinions about its histogenesis, diagnostic criteria and elective treatment are controversial because of rare manifestations, and the prognosis remains poor in spite of the variety of therapeutic measures. After thoroughly surveying the specific literature, we report case of malignant melanoma with multiple metastases located in the stomach, the omentum and both ovaries with unknown site of primary origin.

A Case of Malignant Insulinoma Metastasized to Liver after Partial Pancreatectomy due to Insulinoma 10 Years before / 대한내분비학회지

Malignant insulinomas are very rare endocrine tumours with a variable clinical course. Here, a case of a malignant insulinoma, resected from the tail of the pancreas 10 years previously, which was found to have hepatic metastasis, is reported. A pancreatic mass, without evidence of metastasis, has been found using an abdominal CT scan and intra-operative ultrasonography 10 years previously. Recently, the patient has suffered from dizziness, sweating and an altered mentality. Hyperinsulinemia was diagnosed from the biochemical laboratory finding. An abdominal CT scan and intra-operative abdominal sonography showed multiple hepatic metastasis, without local recurrence in pancreas. Therefore, a partial hepatic segmentectomy was performed. Immunohistochemical staining of the postoperative specimen was strongly positive for insulin. The postoperative biochemical response was normalized, and the patient experienced no further hypoglycemic symptom.

First Report of Cryptococcus Albidus-Induced Disseminated Cryptococcosis in a Renal Transplant Recipient

Cryptococcus albidus, a non-neoformans species of the genus Cryptococcus, is generally regarded as a rare cause of disease. There have been only 14 previously reported cases in which this organism has been isolated as a pathogen, none of which occurred in a renal transplant recipient. A 23-year-old renal transplant recipient taking medication consisting of cyclosporine and prednisolone was admitted with a 10-day history of dry cough, fever and progressive dyspnea. The next day, his respiratory status deteriorated dramatically, and he developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and fulminant septic shock. On the eighth hospital day, tender macules on both his shins coalesced to form erythematous patches. Cryptococcus albidus was isolated by skin biopsy and tissue culture. We report here the first case of disseminated cryptococcosis caused by C. albidus in a renal transplant recipient who had been successfully treated with fluconazole monotherapy.

Two Dermoid Cysts Developing in An Accessory Ovary and An Eutopic Ovary

Accessory ovary is a rare gynecologic condition, and tumors arising in accessory ovaries are extremely rare. Accessory ovary may result from separation of migrating ovaries during embryogenesis and injuries such as inflammation and operation on normal ovary. Congenital malformations, most frequently malformations of the genitourinary organ, are seen in connection with the accessory ovary. We experienced the first case of two dermoid cysts developing in an accessory ovary located in the left infundibulopelvic ligament and another in the eutopic ovary at the same side concurrently. Here, we present this extremely rare case with a review of the literature.

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of the Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Tumor of the Pancreas: A Case Report / 대한세포병리학회지

Intraductal papillary mucinous tumor of the pancreas is characterized by intraductal papillary proliferation of mucin-producing epithelial cells with or without excessive mucin secretion. According to the degree of epithelial dysplasia, intraductal papillary mucinous tumor is classified into adenoma, borderline tumor, and carcinoma. We recently experienced a case of fine needle aspiration cytology of the intraductal papillary mucinous adenoma in a 69-year-old male. The fine needle aspiration cytology yielded flat sheets of columnar, mucin containing epithelial cells in the background of dense mucin containing degenerated cellular material and histiocytes.

A Case Of Huge Epidermal Inclusion Cyst At Rectovaginal Area / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Epidermal inclusion cyst is the one of the common benign tumors of vulvar area. It can result from vulvar skin trauma such as vaginal wall sling operation and female mutilation etc. causing an invagination of squamous epithelium, which then desquamates into a closed space to form a cystic mass. We have experienced one case of huge epidermal inclusion cyst at rectovaginal and posterior coccygeal area considered of huge retroperitoneal mass, which is presented with a brief review of the literatures.

A Case of Turcot's Syndrome Combined with Colon Cancer in a 15-year-old Girl

Turcot's syndrome is a rare hereditary disease marked by the association of central nervous system neuroepithelial tumor with colonic polyposis. Authors report herein a case of a 15-year-old girl diagnosed as having Turcot's syndrome, otherwise known as brain tumor-polyposis syndrome, combined with sigmoid colon cancer. The patient was carried out craniostomy and brain tumor removal. The tumor was confirmed histologically to be oligodendroglioma. The patient visited the department of internal medicine for bloody diarrhea during 6 months. Colonoscopy and biopsy was done. The patient was diagnosed as having Turcot's syndrome combined with sigmoid colon cancer, and was then transferred to the department of surgery for treatment of sigmoid colon cancer. Total proctocolectomy and IPAA (ileal pouch-anal anastomosis) was carried out. Multiple polyps were found in the colon, two large masses were confirmed histologically to be adenocarcinoma. The remaining polyps were adenomas. This case report describes the characteristic features of Turcot's syndrome presented by this patient.

A Case Of Mullerian Cyst Of Vulva / 대한산부인과학회잡지

The pathogenesis and origin of vulvar cyst lined by a ciliated columnar epithelium is unknown. But it is suggested that origins of the epithelium of cyst are Mullerian or Wolffian duct or urogenital sinus, while heterotopia (sequestration and migration of tissue) or dysontogenesis (defective embryonic development) or prosoplasia (abnormal development resulting in a "higher state" of organization) or metaplasia have also been suggested. We experienced one case of Mullerian cyst of vulva. So we report above the case with a brief review of literature.

A Case Of Mullerian Cyst Of Vulva / 대한산부인과학회잡지

The pathogenesis and origin of vulvar cyst lined by a ciliated columnar epithelium is unknown. But it is suggested that origins of the epithelium of cyst are Mullerian or Wolffian duct or urogenital sinus, while heterotopia (sequestration and migration of tissue) or dysontogenesis (defective embryonic development) or prosoplasia (abnormal development resulting in a "higher state" of organization) or metaplasia have also been suggested. We experienced one case of Mullerian cyst of vulva. So we report above the case with a brief review of literature.

A Giant Cystic Mediastinal Tuberculosis Communicating with Pericardium / 결핵

We report a very rare case of mediastinal tuberculosis in a 57-year old woman who presented with a large mediastinal cyst on chest radiography. She had a 10-year history of exertional dyspnea, but felt comfortable at a rest. A subsequent chest CT suggested a mediastinal cyst with mediastinal lymphadenopathy and communicating pericardial sac. She underwent a thoracotomy and excision of the mass, which was histologically revealed to be of tuberculous origin. Although rare, the apparent increase in the incidence of tuberculosis may result mediastinal cysts being diagnosed mediastinal tuberculosis. We also briefly review mediastinal lymphadenopathy due to tuberculosis.

Chronological effects of atherogenic diets on the aorta, liver and spleen of rabbits

To investigate the temporal progression of atherogenesis on the aorta and involvement of the monocyte-macrophage system in the liver and spleen, we fed 74 rabbits with high fat (14 or 7 gm+ACU-) and cholesterol (2 and 1+ACU-) diets for 4 to over 24 weeks. Using both light and electron microscopies, we found that the bro-fatty areas on the luminal surface of aortas was spread over along the eding time dependently. The fat deposits also in the liver and spleen worsened pending on the time of feeding the atherogenic diets. Not only nocyte-derived foam cells, but also parenchymatous cells in the liver and leen involved become fat-laden cells. According to these results, we propose at there are three stages: 1) the primary seeding, 2) the intermediate turing and 3) the advanced periods. These periods may play very important les in designing the management and treatment of atherosclerotic patients.

Chronological effects of atherogenic diets on the aorta, liver and spleen of rabbits

To investigate the temporal progression of atherogenesis on the aorta and involvement of the monocyte-macrophage system in the liver and spleen, we fed 74 rabbits with high fat (14 or 7 gm+ACU-) and cholesterol (2 and 1+ACU-) diets for 4 to over 24 weeks. Using both light and electron microscopies, we found that the bro-fatty areas on the luminal surface of aortas was spread over along the eding time dependently. The fat deposits also in the liver and spleen worsened pending on the time of feeding the atherogenic diets. Not only nocyte-derived foam cells, but also parenchymatous cells in the liver and leen involved become fat-laden cells. According to these results, we propose at there are three stages: 1) the primary seeding, 2) the intermediate turing and 3) the advanced periods. These periods may play very important les in designing the management and treatment of atherosclerotic patients.

A case of primary omental leiomyosarcoma / 대한내과학회지

Omental leiomyosarcomas are rare intra-abdominal tumors. This report describes a case of primary leiomyosarcoma of the greater omentum. A 76-year-old female complained of palpable abdominal mass which was revealed to be a primary omental tumor by means of UGI, small bowel series, abdominal ultrasonography, and computed tomography. Upon laparotomy, no metastatic focus was found and a part of tumor was found adhered to gastric serosa. Total omentectomy including the mass was performed. Histological examinations of the tumor confirmed a diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma. At 36 months postoperatively, there is no sign of tumor recurrence or metastasis.

Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of the Mesentery: A case report

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor or inflammatory pseudotumor is characterized by spindle cell proliferation with inflammatory cell infiltration, predominantly plasma cells and lymphocytes. We have experienced a case of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the mesentery in a 57-year-old male patient with intermittent abdominal pain. On computer tomography, a well demarcated mass was seen in the mesenteric side of the ascending colon. Right hemicolectomy was performed under the impression of the metastatic tumor of lymph nodes. Grossly, a rather well-circumscribed gray white mass was noted in the mesentery of the ascending colon. Microscopically, the lesion consisted of plump spindle cells and accompanying inflammatory cellular infiltrates. The spindle cells were positive for vimentin.

A Case of Lymphangiomas(So-called Combined Venous Lymphatic Malformation) Resulting in Orbital Abscess

Orbital lymphangiomas are benign vascular hamartomas that may be found in the conjunctiva, the eyelids, the orbit, or elsewhere in the head and neck region. Deep lymphangiomatous lesions are classically characterized by acute onset of a fulminant proptosis resulting from spontaneous hemorrhage within the orbit. Complete surgical excision is often difficult because of the infiltrative nature of the tumor.We report one case of lymphangiomas considered to be associated with cavernous hemangioma which could not be removed completely by several surgical excisions and was exenterated because of orbital abscess of unknown origin and septic condition.

TGF-beta1 inhibition of apoptosis through the transcriptional up-regulation of Bcl-X(L) in human monocytic leukemia U937 cells

To characterize the TGF-beta1 response of monocytic leukemia cells, we analyzed the effects of TGF-beta1 on cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of human monoblastic U937 cells. Treatment of cells with TGF-beta1 in the absence of growth factors significantly enhanced cell viability. Flow cytometric analysis of DNA content and CD14 expression revealed that TGF-beta1 does not affect cell proliferation and differentiation. Consistent with these results was the finding that no transcriptional induction of Cdk inhibitors such as p21Waf1, p15Ink4b, and p27Kip1 was detected following TGF-beta1 treatment. Interestingly, however, pretreatment of TGF-beta1 significantly inhibited Fas-, DNA damage-, and growth factor deprivation-induced apoptosis. This antiapoptotic effect was totally abrogated by anti-TGF-beta1 antibody. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis demonstrated a dose- and time-dependent transcriptional up-regulation of Bcl-X(L), suggesting its implication in the TGF-1-mediated antiapoptotic pathway. We also observed elevated expression of c-Fos and PTEN/MMAC1. But, no detectable change was recognized in expression of c-Jun, Fas, Fadd, Fap-1, Bcl-2, and Bax. Taken together, our study shows that TGF-beta1 enhancement of cellular viability is associated with its antiapoptotic effect, which may result from the transcriptional up-regulation of Bcl-X(L).