Crisis hipercalcémica, presentación inusual de adenoma paratiroideo: reporte de 2 casos / Hypercalcemic crisis, unusual presentation of parathyroid adenoma

La crisis hipercalcémica (CH) es una emergencia endocrina inusual, definida por la presencia de calcemia > 14 mg/dl asociada a disfunción renal, alteraciones cardiovasculares, gastrointestinales y del sensorio; también podría considerarse en pacientes con síntomas graves y calcemia menor. El hiperparatiroidismo primario (HPTP) y las neoplasias malignas son las etiologías más comunes de la hipercalcemia (90% de los casos); sin embargo, rara vez el primero se presenta como CH. Debido a la alta mortalidad asociada a esta entidad, es de gran importancia establecer diagnóstico y tratamiento precoces. Presentamos dos pacientes con crisis hipercalcémica como primera manifestación del HPTP, el 1.° con bloqueo auriculoventricular (AV) completo y el 2.° con pancreatitis aguda. La anatomía patológica (AP) reveló adenoma oxifílico en ambos casos, que es una variante histológica poco frecuente y puede manifestarse clínicamente de forma grave. Conclusiones: los adenomas paratiroideos son causa poco frecuente de CH. Consideramos el tipo histológico observado (adenoma oxifílico) como probable factor condicionante. La pancreatitis y especialmente el bloqueo AV son manifestaciones poco frecuentes de la CH. Resaltamos la importancia de la determinación de los niveles de calcio dentro de la evaluación inicial de todo paciente con bloqueo AV. (AU)

Hypercalcemic crisis (HC) is an unusual endocrine emergency, defined as the presence of serum calcium > 14 mg/dl related to kidney dysfunction, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and sensory disturbances. It could also be considered in patients with severe symptoms and lower serum calcium levels. Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and malignant neoplasms are the most common hypercalcemia etiologies (90% of cases), nevertheless, the former hardly ever occurs as HC. Due to the high mortality associated with HC, it is crucial to establish early diagnosis and treatment.We report two patients with HC as the first manifestation of PHPT; the former with atrioventricular (AV) block and the latter with acute pancreatitis. Pathology revealed oxyphilic adenoma in both cases, which is an infrequent histological variant that can have a severe clinical manifestation. Conclusions: parathyroid adenomas are a rare cause of HC. We consider the histological type observed (oxyphilic adenoma) as a probable conditioning factor. Pancreatitis and especially AV block are rare manifestations of HC. We emphasize the importance of determining calcium levels in the initial evaluation of all patients with AV block. (AU)

Analysis of diagnosis and treatment of 100 patients with Hürthle cell adenoma / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To summarize and analyze the clinical data and prognosis of the patients with Hürthle cell tumor (HCT) in order to raise the clinicians' awareness of the disease.@*METHODS@#The clinical data on patients with histopathologically proven HCT, without other thyroid carcinomas, were collected retrospectively in Peking University First Hospital from January 2001 to February 2017. All the patients underwent surgery due to thyroid nodules. The follow-up information was also collected.@*RESULTS@#A total of 100 patients were enrolled in the current study. All of them were diagnosed with Hürthle cell adenoma (HCA). There were 77 females and 23 males, with the male-to-female ratio of 1 : 3.3. The average age of these patients was (52±14) years at the time of operation. Fifty-one patients were found their thyroid nodules accidentally by ultrasonography during their health check-ups. 69.4% of the 49 symptomatic patients presented with painless cervical nodules. 83.0% HCA patients were combined with multinodular goiters (MNGs). 88.4% (76/86) patients were euthyroid and 53.8% (21/39) had increasing thyroglobulin levels. The mean longest diameter of HCAs was (3.2±1.5) cm (range: 0.9-7.3 cm) on ultrasonography. There were a series of sonographic features of HCA, such as larger, solidity, hypoecho, a smooth outline, intranodular vascularization, perinodular vascularization, absence of calcification in nodules and absence of enlarged cervical lymph nodes. Compared with the histological diagnosis, the diagnostic accuracy by frozen section (FS) during operation was 97.4%. Twenty-nine patients were followed up with an average period of (49.2±22.1) months and none of them had local recurrence or cervical lymph node metastasis. Six patients accepted thyroid hormone replacement treatment and one had thyrotoxicosis due to over-dose.@*CONCLUSION@#HCA is more common in women. It is often found accidentally by ultrasonography during their health check-ups or presented with painless cervical nodules. It is combined with MNG frequently. HCA exhibits numerous sonographic features but not unique. FS during operation is a reliable method to identify HCA with high diagnostic accuracy. Patients with thyroid hormone administration should be monitored for thyroid function after thyroid surgery.

Proliferaciones Oncocíticas de Glándulas Salivales: Estudio Estructural e Inmunohistoquímico de 7 Casos / Oncocytic Proliferations of Salivary Glands: Structural and Immunohistochemical Study of 7 Cases

RESUMEN: Los oncocitos son células originadas probablemente por transformación metaplásica del epitelio ductal o acinar de parótida y submandibular. Su proliferación puede originar condiciones patológicas que incluyen hiperplasias oncocíticas adenomatosas multinodulares (HOAM), oncocitomas y carcinomas oncocíticos. Los tumores oncocíticos constituyen el 1 % de todos los tumores salivales y entre el 82 y 90 % se desarrollan en la parótida; el resto se divide entre la glándula submandibular y las glándulas salivales menores. Las hiperplasias oncocíticas multinodulares son extremadamente raras. En el presente trabajo se analizaron 5 casos de oncocitomas de parótida y dos casos de HOAM, uno de parótida y otro de submandibular y se describieron las características estructurales e inmunohistoquímicas de los oncocitos. Cortes seriados de las biopsias incluidas en parafina se colorearon con Hematoxilina - Eosina, Hematoxilina/ácido fosfotúngstico (PTA/H), PAS y se marcaron con AC antimitocondrial, CK 5/6, CK 20 y EMA. Los tumores mostraron un crecimiento nodular encapsulado por tejido conectivo denso. En los cortes histológicos se identificaron oncocitos eosinófilos (oscuros) y granulaciones violáceas con PTA/H. En dos casos de parótida y el caso de HOAM de submandibular presentaron además oncocitos claros PAS positivos. La inmunomarcación fue positiva en todas las células siendo la marcación para mitocondrias periférica en los oncocitos claros. Las células eosinofílicas PTA/H positivas y con fuerte marcación con AC antimitocondrial, CKs y EMA confirman el diagnóstico de patología oncocítica. En tres casos coexisten oncocitos claros y oscuros. Las células claras son oncocitos que acumulan glucógeno en su citoplasma desplazando a las mitocondrias hacia la periferia. En el diagnóstico diferencial de este tumor debemos considerar los tumores salivales con células claras, el carcinoma renal metastásico, el tumor de Whartin, la variante de células claras del carcinoma epitelial/mioepitelial y el carcinoma mucoepidermoide con metaplasia oncocítica.

ABSTRACT: Oncocytes are cells probably originated by metaplastic transformation of the ductal or acinar epithelium of parotid and submandibular. Its proliferation can cause pathological conditions that include multinodular adenomatous oncocytic hiperplasia (HOAM), oncocytomas and oncocytic carcinomas. Oncocytic tumors make up 1 % of all salivary tumors and between 82 and 90 % develop in the parotid; the rest of the tumors are divided between the submandibular gland and the minor salivary glands. Multinodular oncocytic hyperplasias are extremely rare. In the present work we analyzed five cases of parotid oncocytomas and two cases of HOAM, one of parotid and the other of submandibular; structural and immunohistochemical characteristics of the oncocytes were described. Biopsies were included in paraffin, serial cuts were stained with H&E, Hematoxylin / phosphotungstic acid (PTA / H), PAS and were marked with antimitochondrial AC, CK 5/6, CKs 20 and EMA. The tumors showed a nodular growth encapsulated by dense connective tissue. The histological cuts showed dark eosinophilic oncocytes and violaceous granulations with PTA / H. In two cases of parotid and the case of submandibular HOAM, PAS positive clear oncocytes were also present. The immunostaining was positive in all the cells, being the labeling for peripheral mitochondria in the clear oncocytes. Eosinophilic cells PTA / H positive with strongly marked with antimitochondrial AC, CKs and EMA confirm the diagnosis of oncocytic pathology. In three cases, light and dark oncocytes coexist. Clear cells are oncocytes that accumulate glycogen in their cytoplasm, displacing the mitochondria to the periphery. In the differential diagnosis we should consider salivary tumors with clear cells, metastatic renal carcinoma, Whartin's tumor, the clear cell variant of epithelial / myoepithelial carcinoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma with oncocytic metaplasia.

Carcinoma adrenocortical oncocítico virilizante / Adrenal oncocytic virilizing carcinoma

Las neoplasias oncocíticas se encuentran raramente en la glándula suprarrenal. Suelen ser benignos y no funcionales. Existen informes extremadamente limitados de neoplasias oncocíticas suprarrenales. Alrededor del 20% de las neoplasias oncocíticas adrenocorticales muestran componentes malignos y el 10-20% produce hormonas que pueden causar desbalances hormonales. Se presenta un carcinoma adrenocortical oncocítico virilizante en mujer de 35 años de edad quien acudió a consulta por presentar hipomenorrea secundaria de seis meses de duración acompañada de hirsutismo y agravamiento del acné que afectaba principalmente la cara. El examen de laboratorio revela niveles elevados de testosterona libre. La tomografía computada mostró tumor multinodular en la glándula suprarrenal derecha con necrosis central y sin evidencia de linfadenopatía o invasión de estructuras que la rodeaban. Se programó la adrenalectomía derecha lográndose resección completa del tumor. Después de la cirugía, se normalizaron los ciclos menstruales, el hirsutismo, el acné y el resto de las pruebas. El examen histopatológico del tumor fue compatible con carcinoma adrenocortical oncocítico(AU)

Oncocytic neoplasms are found more rarely in the adrenal gland. They are usually benign and nonfunctional. There are limited reports of adrenal oncocytic neoplasms. About 20% of adrenocortical oncocytic neoplasms show malignant components and 10-20% produce hormones that can cause hormonal imbalances. We present a virilizing oncocytic adrenocortical carcinoma in a 35-year-old woman who consulted for hypomenorrhea accompanied by hirsutism and face acne worsening. Laboratory test revealed high levels of free testosterone. Computed tomography showed multinodular tumor of the right adrenal gland with central necrosis and without evidence of lymphadenopathy or invasion of surrounding structures. A right adrenalectomy was performed. After surgery, menstrual cycle, hirsutism and acne, as well as hormonal tests were normal. Histopathological examination of tumor showed an oncocytic adrenocortical carcinoma(AU)

Adenoma de tiroides de células bizarras, a propósito de un caso / Thyroid adenoma of bizarre cells: with regard to a case

Introducción: El adenoma folicular de núcleos bizarros es un tipo de adenoma folicular de tiroides, con apariencia histológicamente preocupante pero de curso clínico benigno. Caso: Presentamos una paciente con antecedentes de hipertiroidismo en tratamiento con tiamazol. Debido a la presencia de un nódulo tiroideo se le practicó punción con aguja fina de la glándula. El estudio histopatológico demostró la presencia de células de Hürthle e identificó células características de adenoma folicular de núcleos bizarros. En el Ecuador no se reportó ningún caso similar. Discusión: Las células que tienen mutaciones en el gen p53 podrían considerarse como un estadio temprano de carcinoma anaplásico.

Introduction: A follicular adenoma of the thyroid gland is a kind of adenoma having bizarre nuclei with a histological worrisome appearance, though with a benign clinical evolution. Case: We present the case of a female patient with a past history of hyperthyroidism treated with tiamazol. A fine needle aspiration of the thyroid gland was performed; the cytology showed Hürthle's cells atypia, although, the specimen displayed features of follicular adenoma with bizarre nuclei. Up to now, there have not been reports of this entity in Ecuador. Discusion: Cells showing p53 mutations should be considered an early stage of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.

Un caso de carcinoma de tiroides de células de Hürthle. Abordando la incertidumbre del papel del Yodo I-131 / A case of Hürthle Cell Thyroid Carcinoma. Dealing with the Uncertainty of the Role of Iodinel-131 / Um caso de carcinoma de tireoides de células de Hürthle. Abordando a incerteza do papel do Iodo I-131

Objetivo: el fin de este artículo es dar a conocer la experiencia del manejo multidisciplinario de un caso documentado de carcinoma de células de Hürthle en el que se encontró captación con I-131 y por lo tanto opción terapéutica con el mismo. Presentación de caso: se trata de una paciente en la sexta década de la vida, diagnosticada inicialmente con bocio difuso quien fue manejada con terapia de sustitución hormonal con análogos de tiroxina sin respuesta satisfactoria, por lo que se realizó biopsia tiroidea, cuyo resultado reportó neoplasia de células de Hürthle de comportamiento inespecífico. Se realizó tiroidectomía oncológica y linfadenectomía. Se realizó revisión de placas de patología y se llegó a un diagnóstico definitivo de carcinoma de Hürthle. Se llevó el caso a junta multidisciplinaria y se decide terapia con I-131 pero este proceso llevó a que la terapia se realizara de forma tardía; aun así se evidencia en el rastreo postratamiento, captación en adenopatía cervical. Finalmente, presentó recaída pulmonar 12 meses después. Este tipo de tumor es un desafío para los médicos tratantes por la incertidumbre en su historia natural, en su tratamiento y en la utilidad del I-131, esta última es muy debatida debido a su alta tendencia a la desdiferenciación y al bajo porcentaje de los mismos que presentan captación del radiofármaco. Es incierto si la paciente de este caso se hubiese podido beneficiar de una terapia ablativa con I-131 más temprana disminuyendo el riesgo de recaída luego de haberse documentado avidez tumoral por el mismo

Objetive: The objective is to present a case with successful I-131 uptake in a patient with Hürthle cell carcinoma. Case presentation: A 60 years old female patient with diagnosed goiter, that was treated with thyroid hormone analogues that didn't decreased the growth of the mass; due to that, it was biopsied. The report of the pathology reported a Hürthle cell neoplasm with indeterminate behavior, lately oncologic thyroidectomy and lymphadenectomy were performed, from which the pathology plates were revised showing a definitive diagnosis of Hurthle cell carcinoma. The case was reviewed in a medical board where I-131 therapy was suggested. In the postheraphy scan performed, there was evidence of I-131 uptake in the neck and in an adenopathy. Twelve months later, there was evidence of pulmonary relapse. Is an uncertainty to know if the patient in this case would have been able to benefit from an early ablative therapy with I-131 decreasing the risk of relapse after having documented tumor avidity for it. The Hürthle thyroid carcinoma is rare, and its natural history is still controversial because it's challenging diagnosis, treatment and monitoring. Because there is no definitive agree about his integral approach despite it has been considered differentiated thyroid cancer even therapy with I-131 is still debated

Objetivo: O fim deste artigo é dar a conhecer a experiência do manejo multidisciplinar de um caso documentado de carcinoma de células de Hürthle no qual encontrou-se captação com I-131 e pelo tanto opção terapêutica com o mesmo. Presentación de caso: Trata-se de uma paciente na sexta década da vida, diagnosticada inicialmente com bócio difuso que foi tratada com terapia de substituição hormonal com análogos de tiroxina sem resposta satisfatória, pelo que se realizou biopsia tireóidea, cujo resultado reportou neoplasia de células de Hürthle de comportamento inespecífico. Realizou-se tireoidectomia oncológica e linfadenectomia. Realizou-se revisão de placas de patologia e chegou-se a um diagnóstico definitivo de carcinoma de Hürthle. Levouse o caso à junta multidisciplinar e decide-se terapia com I-131 mas este processo levou a que a terapia se realizara de forma tardia; ainda assim evidencia-se no rastreamento pós-tratamento captação em adenopatia cervical. Finalmente, apresentou recaída pulmonar 12 meses depois. Este tipo de tumor pe um desafio para os médicos tratantes pela incerteza na sua história natural, no seu tratamento e na utilidade do I-131, esta útlima é muito debatida devido à sua alta tendência à desdiferenciação e à baixa percentagem dos mesmos que apesentam captação do radiofármaco. É incerto se a paciente deste caso se tivesse conseguido beneficiar de uma terapia ablativa com I-131 mais temporã diminuindo o risco de recaída após ter-se documentado avidez tumoral pelo mesmo

Oncocytic Renal Cell Carcinoma with Tubulopapillary Growth Having a Fat Component

We report a rare case of oncocytic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with tubulopapillary growth in the background of tuberculous end-stage kidney disease. Histology of the renal mass consisted of oncocytic cells forming solid, thin tubules and rare papillae. The tumor had abundant eosinophilic oncocytic cells containing occasional cytoplasmic Mallory body-like hyaline globules and a tiny focus of clear cells with intervening mature fat. Both the oncocytic cells and clear cells were immunoreactive for a-methylacyl-CoA racemase, vimentin, pancytokeratin, and CD10, and negative for transcription factor E3, CD15, human melanoma black 45, and c-kit. Mallory body-like hyaline globules were positive for CAM 5.2 and periodic acid-Schiff with or without diastase. Ultrastructurally, the tumor cells had abundant cytoplasmic mitochondria. The present case is a rare case of oncocytic RCC with tubulopapillary growth pattern. The case is unique in that the tumor was mixed with fat component, which is not common in RCC and thus can lead to misdiagnosis.

Oncocytic Lipoadenoma: A Rare Case of Parotid Gland Tumor and Review of the Literature

Oncocytic lipoadenoma is a rare tumor, with only 18 cases having been reported since the first in 1998. We encountered a case of oncocytic lipoadenoma presenting as a slowly growing parotid mass in a 71-year-old man. This tumor is characteristically comprised of a mixture of oncocytes and adipocytes. The present case is one of five reported cases of oncocytic lipoadenoma showing sebaceous differentiation. The results of immunohistochemical study with DOG1 antibody supported the origination of this tumor in the striated duct.

Case of Incidental Oncocytic Adrenocortical Neoplasm / 대한내과학회지

Adrenal oncocytomas are very rare. Because most of them are benign and nonfunctioning, they are detected incidentally. Here, we report a case of nonfunctioning benign adrenocortical oncocytoma located in the left adrenal gland in a 54-year-old man who presented with no symptoms. The tumor was 4.5 x 3 x 3 cm in size and was predominantly composed of oncocytes, which exhibited abundant eosinophilic granular cytoplasm and were arranged with a nested or diffuse architecture without capsular or vascular invasion. Nuclear atypia and mitotic figures were not observed. A discussion of this case and a review of recent updates in the literature are presented. In patients with adrenocortical oncocytomas, treatment is similar to that for adrenocortical neoplasia. However, due to the risk of over-diagnosis of malignancy, and the better clinical outcomes associated with adrenocortical oncocytoma, more attention should be paid to the diagnosis of adrenocortical oncocytoma.

Oncocytic and clear cell areas in a solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas: a case report

Solid pseudopapillary tumor [SPT] of pancreas is a rare, distinct, low-grade malignant neoplasm. Variable areas like clear cell foci can exist in this tumor, which can easily mislead the pathologist. Diagnosis of the same is important to distinguish from other clear cell lesions in the pancreas. Oncocytoid differentiation is rarer still and can raise doubts about the diagnosis, especially on trucut biopsies. Herein, we discuss a case of SPT of the pancreas exhibiting variable cellular morphology, of which very few cases have been reported in world literature

Melanotic Oncocytic Metaplasia of the Nasopharynx: A Report of Three Cases and Review of the Literature

Melanotic oncocytic metaplasia of the nasopharynx is a rare condition which is characterized by the presence of usually a small, brown to black colored pigmented lesion around the Eustachian tube opening. Although it is a benign lesion, it may be clinically misdiagnosed as malignant melanoma. Microscopically, melanotic oncocytic metaplasia is a combination of oncocytic metaplasia of the epithelium of the gland and melanin pigmentation in its cytoplasm. In our present study, we report three cases of melanotic oncocytic metaplasia of the nasopharynx. All the three cases occurred in men and were presented as multiple black pigmented lesions around the torus tubarius. Microscopically, mucous glands with diffuse oncocytic metaplasia and numerous black pigments were observed. No cellular atypia was observed. Immunohistochemically, the scattering of S-100 protein-positive, and human melanoma black 45-negative dendritic melanocytes was evident. This is the first report of cases of melanotic oncocytic metaplasia of the nasopharynx in Korea.

Connection of magnetic antisense probe with SK-Br-3 oncocyte mRNA nucleotide detected by high resolution atomic force microscope / 生物医学工程学杂志

The present paper is aimed to detect superparamagnetic iron oxide labeled c-erbB2 oncogene antisense oligonucleotide probe (magnetic antisense probe) connected with SK-Br-3 oncocyte mRNA nucleotide by high resolution atomic force microscope (AFM). We transfected SK-Br-3 oncocyte with magnetic antisense probe, then observed the cells by AFM with high resolution and detected protein expression and magnetic resonance imagine (MRI). The high resolution AFM clearly showed the connection of the oligonucleotide remote end of magnetic antisense probe with the mRNA nucleotide of oncocyte. The expression of e-erbB2 protein in SK-Br3 cells were highly inhibited by using magnetic antisense probe. We then obtained the lowest signal to noise ratio (SNR) of SK-Br-3 oncocyte transfected with magnetic antisense probe by MRI (P<0.05). These experiments demonstrated that the high resolution AFM could be used to show the binding of magnetic antisense probe and SK-Br-3 mRNA of tumor cell nuclear.

Large Oncocytic Adrenocortical Tumor with Uncertain Malignant Potential

Oncocytoma is a neoplasm consisting of oncocytes that is found in the salivary gland, kidney, and thyroid. Adrenocortical oncocytoma is particularly uncommon, and most cases reported are benign and nonfunctioning. Here, we report a 20 cm adrenal mass associated with necrosis that was identified as an oncocytic adrenocortical tumor with uncertain malignant potential through histopathological evaluation after its resection.

Oncocytoma and Oncocytic Carcinoma of the Salivary Glands, Single Institute Experience

BACKGROUND: Oncocytic neoplasms of the salivary glands are rare and the differential diagnosis between oncocytic carcinomas (OCs) and oncocytomas is difficult. We present 5 cases of oncocytoma and 3 cases of OC of the salivary glands with clinicopathological and immunohistochemical comparisons. METHODS: Eight cases of oncocytic neoplasms diagnosed at Asan Medical Center between 1998 and 2009 were reviewed for clinical data and histological features. Immunohistochemical staining for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her-2), c-kit, p53, and Ki-67 was done. RESULTS: Cytological differences between oncocytomas and OCs were not obvious, but unequivocal infiltrative growths were identified in 3 cases, rendering the diagnosis of oncocytic carcinoma. When the remaining cases were classified as oncocytomas, there was no difference in age, size, and clinical symptoms between oncocytomas and OCs. Two of 3 OCs showed strong membranous expression of c-kit, but all oncocytomas were negative. The proportion of p53-positive cells was larger in OCs than oncocytomas. Her-2 or EGFR expression was absent, and Ki-67 labeling indices were less than 1% in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: An infiltrative growth pattern, strong membranous expression of c-kit, and an increased proportion of p53-positive cells are features that can differentiate OCs from oncocytomas of the salivary glands.

A Case of Adrenocortical Oncocytoma Misrecognized for Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Adrenocortical oncocytoma is a very rare disease which has been reported in 40 cases. A 27-years-old female patient was admitted for a suspicious hepatocellular mass on ultrasonogram. On CT scan, sono-guided needle biopsy and 18F-FDG PET scan, all results were unsatisfactory. During laparotomy, the mass was originated from Rt. adrenal gland and liver was pushed sideward by the mass. On pathology report, an adrenocortical oncocytoma was diagnosed. Adrenocortical oncocytoma has pathological characteristics comprised of oncocytes with granular, eosinophilic cytoplasm, and sufficient mitochondria in their cytoplasm. There were no established criteria for differential diagnose between benign and malignant adrenocortical oncocytoma. There are no sufficient data for the long-term outcome of adrenocortical oncocytoma in the medical literature. Thus we report a case of adrenocortical oncocytoma with review of the related literature.

Analysis of the mitochondrial D-loop sequence in a patient with thyroid Hurthle cell carcinoma and sacral bone metastasis / 대한내과학회지

Hurthle cell carcinoma, an oncocytic variant of follicular thyroid carcinoma, has a higher malignancy potential than well differentiated thyroid carcinomas. It has a tendency to metastasize easily to the lungs and bones, although isolated sacral bone metastasis has been rarely reported. Hurthle cell carcinoma has been characterized by increased mitotic activity and abundant abnormal mitochondria, which have profound mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alterations. In general, a well-known hypothesis is that genomic alteration, especially microsatellite instability of the mtDNA D-loop, might result in whole mtDNA instability as seen in Hurthle cell carcinoma. Recently, we experienced a case of Hurthle cell carcinoma that presented with extensive sacral bone metastasis. To investigate the relationship between mtDNA genomic instability and metastatic potential in this case, we performed direct sequencing of the mtDNA D-loop in samples extracted from normal thyroid tissue, thyroid carcinoma tissue, and sacral bone metastasis tissue. Here, we describe the results of mtDNA D-loop sequencing and present a literature review.

Application of superparamagnetic iron oxide labeled antisense oligodeoxynucleotide probe in cellular magnetic resonance imaging / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To prepare the superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-labeled antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ASODN) probe and evaluate the application of this probe in cellular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We prepared the SPIO-labeled ASODN probe using chemical cross linking method to conjugate SPIO to ASODN, detected its configuration by atomic force microscopy, determined the conjugating rate and biology activation by high performance liquid chromatography, and detected the stability by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. After that, we transfected the SK-Br3 oncocytes which had over-expression of the c-erbB2 oncogene by this probes, observed the intracellular iron distribution by optical microscope, measured iron content by atomic absorption spectroscopy, and observed the signal change by MRI.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Atomic force microscope showed that the SPIO-labeled ASODN probe was mostly spherical and well-distributed, with a diameter of 25-40 nm and a conjugating rate of 100%. This probe had inhered biological activity and stability. In addition, light microscopy revealed an intracellular uptake of iron oxides in the transfected SK-Br3 oncocyte, and the iron content of the group of transfected SK-Br3 oncocytes was significantly higher than those of other contrast groups (all P < 0.01). MRI showed that transfected SK-Br3 oncocyte had the lowest signal among all other cells (all P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>We prepared the SPIO-labeled ASODN probe successfully. It can effectively transfect SK-Br3 oncocyte and enter SK-Br3 oncocyte, and thus reduce the signal intension in MRI.</p>

Adrenocortical Oncocytoma: A Case Report

Adrenocortical oncocytomas have rarely been reported on in the medical literature, and most of them have been nonfunctional and benign. We report here on a case of a 43-year-old man with a left abdominal mass. The patient showed no signs of hypertension or hormonal imbalance. The abdominal CT scans showed a huge mass that measured 11 cm in diameter, and it was located at the left adrenal area. Grossly, the tumor was well encapsulated and homogenous with central necrosis. Microscopically, the tumor was composed of oncocytes with abundant granular cytoplasm. Immunohistochemically, these cells were diffusely positive for cytokeratin and focally positive for synaptophysin and NSE. The ultrastructural studies showed numerous mitochondria in the cytoplasm. We will discuss the criteria that indicates malignancy as presented by Weiss et al. and we summarize the difference between conventional and oncocytic adrenocortical neoplasm. This case showed some features of malignancy based on the criteria presented by Weiss et al.