A standardized pathology report for gastric cancer: 2nd edition

The first edition of ‘A Standardized Pathology Report for Gastric Cancer’ was initiated by the Gastrointestinal Pathology Study Group of the Korean Society of Pathologists and published 17 years ago. Since then, significant advances have been made in the pathologic diagnosis, molecular genetics, and management of gastric cancer (GC). To reflect those changes, a committee for publishing a second edition of the report was formed within the Gastrointestinal Pathology Study Group of the Korean Society of Pathologists. This second edition consists of two parts: standard data elements and conditional data elements. The standard data elements contain the basic pathologic findings and items necessary to predict the prognosis of GC patients, and they are adequate for routine surgical pathology service. Other diagnostic and prognostic factors relevant to adjuvant therapy, including molecular biomarkers, are classified as conditional data elements to allow each pathologist to selectively choose items appropriate to the environment in their institution. We trust that the standardized pathology report will be helpful for GC diagnosis and facilitate large-scale multidisciplinary collaborative studies.

A Standardized Pathology Report for Gastric Cancer: 2nd Edition

The first edition of ‘A Standardized Pathology Report for Gastric Cancer’ was initiated by the Gastrointestinal Pathology Study Group of the Korean Society of Pathologists and published 17 years ago. Since then, significant advances have been made in the pathologic diagnosis, molecular genetics, and management of gastric cancer (GC). To reflect those changes, a committee for publishing a second edition of the report was formed within the Gastrointestinal Pathology Study Group of the Korean Society of Pathologists. This second edition consists of two parts: standard data elements and conditional data elements.The standard data elements contain the basic pathologic findings and items necessary to predict the prognosis of GC patients, and they are adequate for routine surgical pathology service. Other diagnostic and prognostic factors relevant to adjuvant therapy, including molecular biomarkers, are classified as conditional data elements to allow each pathologist to selectively choose items appropriate to the environment in their institution. We trust that the standardized pathology report will be helpful for GC diagnosis and facilitate large-scale multidisciplinary collaborative studies.

Imaging Findings of Pancreatic Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasm with High-Grade Malignant Transformation: Focusing on Diffusion-Weighted Imaging and Normalized Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Values

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas is an uncommon neoplasm characterized by low-grade malignant potential and uncertain histogenesis, and usually afflicts relatively young women. The tumors typically manifest as well-marginated, mixed density lesions consisting of a solid peripheral and central cystic component in conjunction with hemorrhagic foci. SPN with apparent high-grade malignant transformation is a rare histologic variant. Herein, we report a rare case of SPN with high-grade malignant transformation diagnosed in a 75-year-old female, with emphasis on differential diagnoses and role of normalized ADC values. SPN with malignant transformation should be included in the differential diagnosis in cases of mixed solid and cystic masses with hemorrhagic components, irregular margin and lower normalized apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in an elderly female patient, as was the case discussed below.

Clinical Outcomes of Endoscopic Removal in Patients with Colorectal Polypoid Leiomyomas / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Although polypoid leiomyomas in the colon and rectum are rare, they are increasingly detected during colonoscopy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and clinical outcomes of endoscopic removal for colorectal polypoid leiomyoma. METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected from 22 patients with polypoid leiomyoma arising from the muscularis mucosae in the colon and rectum who underwent endoscopic removal at single referral gastrointestinal endoscopy unit. Colonoscopic findings, endoscopic removal, success rates, complication rates (bleeding or perforation), pathologic characteristics, and recurrence rates were investigated. RESULTS: Most polypoid leiomyomas were small asymptomatic lesions less than 1 cm. The tumors were located predominantly in the left colon. Ten leiomyomas were removed using cold biopsy forceps, and 12 were resected by conventional polypectomy or endoscopic mucosal resection. All tumors arose from or involved the muscularis mucosa. There were no complications, such as bleeding or perforation. No local remnant lesions were found in 19 patients who underwent at least one follow-up colonoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: This case series represent cases of small colorectal polypoid leiomyoma that were safely removed endoscopically. An awareness of their endoscopic and clinic-pathological characteristics may provide safe treatment strategy for colonic leiomyomatous tumors of similar size in capable hands.

C-Kit-Negative Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor in the Stomach

C-kit-negative gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are uncommon, and there have been few reports about the diagnosis and treatment of c-kit-negative GISTs in the stomach. We report the case of a patient who was diagnosed with a huge and atypical GIST in the stomach. The GIST was completely resected and finally diagnosed as c-kit-negative GIST based on immunohistochemical staining of tumor cells, which were negative for CD117 and CD34 and positive for Discovered on GIST-1 (DOG1). C-kit-negative GISTs could be treated by complete resection and/or imatinib, which is the same treatment for c-kit-positive GISTs.

A Case of Colitis by Giardia lamblia Infection with Atypical Presentation / 대한내과학회지

Giardia lamblia infection, giardiasis, is the leading waterborne diarrhea-causing disease. It is common in most countries of the world, including South Korea and Japan. Giardia lamblia can cause asymptomatic infection but also acute abdominal discomfort with diarrhea. In addition, it may lead to chronic diarrhea associated with villous atrophy and impaired epithelial barrier in the small intestine. In the present case, a 45-year-old woman presented with lower abdominal discomfort in the absence of diarrhea. Colonoscopy showed diffuse mucosal edema, erythema, and erosions with exudate in the cecum and ascending colon. Colonoscopic biopsy and stool examination revealed trophozoites of Giardia lamblia. Colitis resolved after metronidazole therapy. Our case suggests that giardiasis should be included in the differential diagnosis of colitis, even if the patient does not present with diarrhea.

Pancreatic Endocrine Tumors: A Report on a Patient Treated with Sorafenib

A 31-yr-old man with abdominal pain was diagnosed with a pancreatic endocrine tumor and multiple hepatic metastases. Despite optimal treatment with interferon alpha, a somatostatin analog, local therapy with high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation for multiple hepatic metastases, and multiple lines of chemotherapy with etoposide/cisplatin combination chemotherapy and gemcitabine monotherapy, the tumor progressed. As few chemotherapeutic options were available for him, sorafenib (800 mg/day, daily) was administered as a salvage regimen. Sorafenib was continued despite two episodes of grade 3 skin toxicity; it delayed tumor progression compared to the previous immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Serial computed tomography scans showed that the primary and metastatic tumors were stable. Thirteen months after beginning targeted therapy, and up to the time of this report, the patient is well without disease progression. We suggest that sorafenib is effective against pancreatic endocrine tumors.

The Effect of Rosiglitazone on the Cell Proliferation and the Expressions of p27 and Skp2 in Helicobacter pylori Infected Human Gastric Epithelial Cells / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma), a member of the ligand-activated nuclear receptor superfamily, exhibit anti-tumoral effects and are associated with de novo synthesis of proteins involved in regulating the cell cycle and cell survival/death. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is an etiologic agent for gastric adenocarcinoma, and raises the cell turnover of gastric epithelium. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PPAR gamma ligand rosiglitazone on the cell proliferation and the expressions of p27 and Skp2 protein in H. pylori infected gastric epithelial cells. METHODS: We examined the expression of PPAR gamma by Western blot in H. pylori infected AGS human gastric epithelial cells. The effect of rosiglitazone on the survival of H. pylori infected AGS cells was assessed by cell viability assay. After the treatment of rosiglitazone in H. pylori infected AGS cells, the expressions of p27 and Skp2 were assessed by Western blot. RESULTS: The expression of PPAR gamma protein was increased in H. pylori infected AGS cells. Cell growth was inhibited and decreased in dose- and time- dependent manner in H. pylori infected AGS cells treated with rosiglitazone. A decrease in Skp2 expression and a reciprocal increase in p27 expression were found in dose- and time-dependent manner in H. pylori infected AGS cells treated with rosiglitazone. CONCLUSIONS: Rosiglitazone inhibited the growth of H. pylori infected AGS cells. Rosiglitazone attenuated Skp2 expression, thereby promoting p27 accumulation in H. pylori infected human gastric epithelial cells. Further studies will be needed to find the effects of accumulation on cell turnover in H. pylori infection and the role in the H. pylori-associated gastric carcinogenesis.

CK20 Negative and CK7 Positive Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the Conjunctiva: Brief Case Report

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon but potentially aggressive neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. It typically develops on sun-exposed areas of the head and neck, particularly the eyelid, periorbital region, and extremities. We report a case of unusually located MCC, presenting as a conjunctival mass, which has only been reported once in the English literature. An 83-year-old male presented with a 0.8 x 0.7 cm sized mass protruding from the lower fornix of the right conjunctiva. The mass was excised. The tumor was located in the submucosa without connection to the overlying mucosa. Light microscopic findings showed a carcinoma with undifferentiated small round cells and the presence of cytokeratin (CK AE1/3, CK7) and neuroendocrine markers. We established a diagnosis of MCC. As reported in the literature, the majority of MCCs are positive for CK20 but negative for CK7. But, this case showed an uncommon cytokeratin immunohistochemical profile of positive for CK7 and negative for CK20, suggesting a new immunophenotypic MCC variant.

Primary nasal type NK/T cell lymphoma of the endometrium : A case report / 대한산부인과학회지

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can involve the female genital tract usually as a manifestation of systemic disease, the vast majority of cases being B cell lineage. We report here one case of nasal type NK/T cell lymphoma arising in the uterus, of a 45-year-old Korean woman. The endometrium and myometrium showed diffuse infiltrative mass with hemorrhage and necrosis. Microscopic examination of the tumor revealed medium-sized atypical lymphoid cells. The tumor cells were positive for cytoplasmic CD3 and CD56, and were negative for vimentin, CD10, smooth muscle actin and desmin. Furthermore, In situ hybridization analysis for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) RNA was positive. The histopathologic and immunohistochemical findings were consistent with extranodal nasal type NK/T cell lymphoma. We report this case to illustrate that NK/T cell lymphomas can involve, and rarely arise in, the gynecologic tract.

Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia Accompanied with Fat Embolism: A Case Report

Pneumocystis jirovecii is an atypical fungus that causes severe pneumonia in immune compromised patients. While Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is more commonly diagnosed in individuals who have HIV infection, it can occur in individuals with other forms of immunosuppression. Fat embolism most commonly develops after orthopedic injuries, but it has also been reported after other forms of trauma such as severe burns, closed-chest cardiac massage, and liposuction. Overlap in the clinical presentation of these diseases has not yet been reported. We report here on a case of PCP with fat embolism in 52-year-old female patient who had no obvious risk factors for HIV infection. Even if risk factors for HIV or other forms of immunosuppression are not present, PCP can also be seen in patients who present with fat embolism, and the clinical presentation of both conditions can overlap.

Clinical Findings of Appendiceal Mucocele

PURPOSE: A mucocele of the appendix is an uncommon pathology, representing 0.2% to 0.3% of all appendix specimens. It is often diagnosed clinically as a result of its ability to cause signs and symptoms similar to those of acute appendicitis. If it is asymptomatic, it is often detected as an incidental finding during ultrasonography, computed tomography, radiographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract, or laparotomy. The purpose of this study was to identify the clinical features of mucocele of the appendix. METHODS: We describe 35 cases of mucocele of the appendix diagnosed at Uijeongbu St. Mary's hospital between January 1993 and December 2006. We analyzed demographic, clinical, and pathologic data of all the cases. RESULTS: A total of 12 males and 13 females with mean age of 54.7+/-14.9 years are described. The peak incidence occurred in the seventh decade (34.3%). Sixteen patients presented with symptoms and signs similar to those found in acute appendicitis. Ten patients complained of a palpable mass, 2 patients complained of non-specific abdominal pain, and 7 patients were asymptomatic. Fourteen cases were diagnosed preoperatively, and 3 cases were discovered incidentally. Pathologic examination revealed mucosal hyperplasia in 20% of the cases, cystadenoma in 71%, and cystadenocarcinoma in 9%. The mean age of cystadenocarcinoma patients was older than the mean age of mucosal hyperplasia patients, and the diameter of the appendix was larger in cystadenoma patients than in mucosal hyperplasia patients. CONCLUSION: The preoperative diagnosis of appendiceal mucocele is very important to make in order to facilitate treatment planning and avoid inadvertent rupture of the mucocele during operation. We recommend more diagnostic studies in cases of suspected mucocele. Mucocele of the appendix must be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with pain in the right iliac fossa, patients older than 40 years of age, patients suffering from long-term symptoms, and patient with a palpable mass in the right iliac fossa.

Primary Retroperitoneal Mucinous Cystadenoma

Primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenomas are rare tumors that are almost always found in women. They are similar to ovarian originated mucinous cystadenoma, but there is no any other evidence of an ovarian origin for primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenomas. A 33-year-old woman with complaints of RLQ pain was found to have a cystic mass in the right retroperitoneal space on her abdominal CT scan. The histological diagnosis was confirmed as primary mucinous cystadenoma. We report here on a case of retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenoma, and we also talk about this tumor, including its histogenesis, through a review of the available literature.

Cavernous Hemangioma in the Renal Pelvis / 대한비뇨기과학회지

Hemangioma in the urinary tract is a very rare benign tumor that usually causes painless or painful gross hematuria. Its preoperative diagnosis is extremely difficult or even impossible. A female 47-year old patient presented with painless gross hematuria that she'd experience for 4 days. The patient underwent abdominal ultrasound, intravenous pyelography (IVP), cystoscopy, urine cytology, retrograde pyelography (RGP), kidney dynamic computed tomography (CT) and surgical excision. She was finally diagnosed with cavernous hemangioma in the renal pelvis.

Cavernous Hemangioma in the Renal Pelvis / 대한비뇨기과학회지

Hemangioma in the urinary tract is a very rare benign tumor that usually causes painless or painful gross hematuria. Its preoperative diagnosis is extremely difficult or even impossible. A female 47-year old patient presented with painless gross hematuria that she'd experience for 4 days. The patient underwent abdominal ultrasound, intravenous pyelography (IVP), cystoscopy, urine cytology, retrograde pyelography (RGP), kidney dynamic computed tomography (CT) and surgical excision. She was finally diagnosed with cavernous hemangioma in the renal pelvis.

Congenital Prepubic Sinus: A Variant of Urethral Duplication / 대한비뇨기과학회지

Congenital prepubic sinus(CPS) is an extremely rare congenital anomaly of the external genitalia of uncertain etiology. Herein, a case of CPS, where immunohistochemical staining was performed to elucidate the etiology of the sinus, is reported. The results of the immunohistochemical study demonstrated the lining epithelium was transitional proximally and squamous distally. These findings suggest that CPS is a variant form of dorsal urethral duplication.

Expression of Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor (PPAR)gamma in Helicobacter pylori-infected Gastric Epithelium / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorgamma (PPARgamma), a nuclear transcription factor, plays a critical role in the regulation of gene expression associated with inflammation and cancer. PPARgamma is expressed in human gastric cancer as well as in colon cancer. Activation of PPARgamma by ligand produces pro-apoptotic effect and ameliorate growing of cancer cells. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a main etiologic agent for gastric inflammation, and raises cell turnover in gastric epithelium. Longstanding infection with this organism is related with the development of non-cardiac gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of H. pylori on the expression of PPARgamma protein and mRNA in chronic gastritis. METHODS: Gastric biopsy samples were taken from H. pylori infected (n=18) and non-infected (n=21) patients during endoscopic examination. PPARgamma expressions were assessed by real time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: PPARgamma was localized to the nuclei of the foveolar epithelial cells in both infected and non-infected mucosa. PPARgamma protein expression was higher in H. pylori infected patients than in non-infected patients (3.8+/-0.4 vs. 2.6+/-1.0, H. pylori infected and non-infected, respectively; p<0.05). However, PPARgamma mRNA levels were not significantly different between the two groups (24+/-18 vs. 29+/-25, H. pylori infected and noninfected, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: PPARgamma expression is increased in the gastric mucosa of H. pylori infected chronic gastritis, which suggests a certain role of PPARgamma in the mucosal inflammatory reaction to H. pylori infection.

Ruptured Epidermal Inclusion Cysts in the Subareolar Area: Sonographic Findings in Two Cases

Epidermal inclusion cyst of the breast is an uncommon benign lesion and it is usually located in the skin layer. We report here on two cases of ruptured epidermal inclusion cysts in the subareolar area, which is a very unusual location for these cysts and these lesions can be mistaken for breast malignancies.

Traumatic Pseudoaneurysm of the Superficial Temporal Artery diagnosed with 3-Dimensional Computed Tomography Angiography: Two Cases Report

PURPOSE: Superficial temporal artery(STA) aneurysms are very rare and mostly occur as pseudoaneurysms secondary to trauma. Clinical diagnosis of STA pseudoaneurysm is based on a history of trauma or surgery to frontotemporal region, which presents with pulsatile mass. To confirm diagnosis, many imaging strategies can be used such as digital subtraction angiography, sonography, CT and MRI. But, these imaging modalities are invasive or inaccurate or expensive. Thus, we used 3D CT angiography to confirm STA aneurysm and to get accurate information. METHODS: We have experienced two cases of pulsatile mass on the temporal area, suspected as STA pseudoaneurysms. On the basis of clinical information, we performed 3D CT angiography to get more accurate information about this pulsatile mass and to confirm diagnosis. On the basis of information from 3D CT angiography, we performed operation. RESULTS: The lesions were diagnosed as pseudoaneurysm of superficial temporal artery by 3D CT angiography, and surgically resected safely without any complication on the basis of information from 3D CT angiography. 3D CT angiography was excellent diagnostic method for detecting STA pseudoaneurysms, and effectively showed many information about pseudoanerysms such as relationship between the aneurysms and surrounding structures, and its size. CONCLUSION: We could effectively diagnose and treat on the basis of information from 3D CT angiography. We present our cases with a brief review of the literature related to STA traumatic pseudoaneurysms.

The Prognostic Significance of Tumor Budding, Tumor Nodules, and Lymph Node Extracapsular Extension in Stage III Colorectal Cancer Patients

PURPOSE: The prognosis of advanced colorectal cancer patients may be different even for the same TNM staging. The characteristic features of tumors, such as tumor budding, tumor nodules, and extracapsular extension (ECE) of lymph nodes, can influence the disease progression and the outcome for patients. Tumor budding occurs what at the invasion front of colorectal adenocarcinomas, tumor cells, singly or in small aggregates, become detached from the neoplastic glands, and it can be divided it into two groups, low grade (0~16 foci in a field) and high grade (17 or more foci in a field). A tumor nodule is histologically identified within the fatty tissue or the detached fatty tissue around the dissected lymph nodes, or is a place picked up as lymph nodes from resected specimens which contain no lymph node components. ECE is defined as a tumor extension beyond the node capsule. The aims of this study were to evaluate the clinical significance of tumor budding, tumor nodules, and ECE of lymph nodes as prognostic factors in Stage III colorectal cancer patients. METHODS: We analyzed the disease-free and overall 5-year survival rates and recurrence rates in 94 Stage-III colorectal cancer patients according to tumor the budding intensity, the tumor nodules, and the lymph node ECE status. RESULTS: Of the entire group, the 5-year disease-free and overall survival rates were 49%, and 50%, respectively. The 5-year disease-free and overall survival rates were higher in the low-grade tumor budding group than in the high-grade group (58% vs 33%, P=0.045, 61% vs 39%, P=0.003). The 5-year disease-free and overall survival rates in patients with tumor nodules were lower than those in patients without one (44% vs 69%, P=0.086, 47% vs 77%, P=0.018). The recurrence rate was also higher in the group with tumor nodules than without one (80% vs 52%, P=0.045). The 5-year disease-free and overall survival rates were higher in the ECE negative group than in the positive one (68% vs 37%, P=0.018, 75% vs 42%, P=0.001). The recurrence rate was also higher in the ECE positive group than in the negative group (78% vs 46%, P=0.008). The existence of ECE and tumor nodule were strongly related to systemic recurrence (P=0.006, P=0.033), but not to the local recurrence (P=0.777, P=0.611). Considering the analysis of the recurrence pattern by N stage classification, there is no statistical difference in the N2 patient group, but there was in the existence of ECE and tumor nodule were strongly related to the systemic recurrence in N1 group (P=0.019, P=0.028). These three factors were scored according to the existence, and the score range was divided into two prognostic groups, high risk group (> or =2) and low risk group (<2). The high risk group was significantly associated with systemic recurrence (P= 0.004) rather than recurrence (P=0.865), and these score value were only significant in the N1 patient group (P=0.007) rather than in the N2 group (P=0.927). The high risk group also showed poor overall survival rate compared with the low risk one in only the N1 group (P=0.002), but nof in the N2 group (P=0.193). On multivariate analysis, UICC stage and ECE were two significant factors for tumor recurrence and the 5-year disease-free survival rate. CONCLUSIONS: These data showed that even if similar lymph node metastasis existed in advanced colorectal cancer patients, there was a different 5-year disease-free survival rate and overall survival rate according to the tumor budding, tumor nodule, and ECE status. On multivariate analysis, UICC stage and ECE were two significant factors for the tumor recurrence and the 5-year disease-free survival rate. Our results suggest that tumor budding, tumor nodule, and ECE of lymph node are excellent parameters to provide a confident prediction of clinical outcome.