Metaplastic breast carcinoma with extensive osseous differentiation

Metaplastic breast carcinoma is a rare subtype of invasive breast carcinoma. Metaplastic carcinoma with osseous differentiation is exceptionally uncommon. Because of the heterogenous microscopy of the lesion, various clinical and radiological features are observed, leading to diagnostic difficulty. Herein, we present a case of a 43-year-old female with a recurrent breast lump, who was clinically diagnosed as a phyllodes tumor. However, histopathological examination revealed metaplastic carcinoma with extensive osseous differentiation.

Osteonevus of Nanta: a case report in a combined melanocytic nevus

Abstract Secondary osteoma cutis is a phenomenon that may occur in several conditions. When it occurs in a melanocytic nevus it is named osteonevus of Nanta, an event considered uncommon and characterized by the presence of bone formation adjacent or interposed with melanocytic cells. There are reports of its occurrence in various melanocytic lesions, being more frequently associated with intradermal nevus. We report a case of osteonevus of Nanta in combined nevus, possibly the first description of this association.

Multifocal papillary carcinoma of the thyroid with heterotopic ossification and extramedullary hematopoiesis associated with a lipomatous follicular nodule

Heterotopic ossification has been described in papillary thyroid carcinoma in association with high incidence of extrathyroidal invasion, multifocality, lymph node metastasis, and older age. Nevertheless, it has not been described as a specific subtype of papillary thyroid carcinoma, because of its rarity. We described the case of an 80-year-old female patient, with familial history of papillary thyroid carcinoma. In the annual screening examination, she was diagnosed with thyroid nodules. The patient was submitted to a thyroidectomy because the fine needle aspiration cytology was positive for malignancy according to the Bethesda classification. The surgical specimen analyses showed a multifocal papillary carcinoma with one major lesion in the left lobe measuring 0.9 cm, and two small lesions (0.4 cm and 0.2 cm) in the right lobe. Only the biggest lesion in the right lobe had the osteoid matrix with rare osteoclasts and fat metaplasia with progenitor cells. There was perineural invasion, but vascular invasion was not identified. The margins were free and there was no extrathyroidal extension. In the left lobe there was an oncocytic nodule and a lipomatous follicular nodule. In recent years there has been a significant increase in the diagnosis of thyroid cancer, mainly because of the finding of microcarcinomas as a result of many requests for cervical image exams. Future studies may define (i) whether papillary thyroid carcinoma with heterotopic ossification is a true histological variant; (ii) the causes of that alteration; and (iii) eventual follow-up implications.

Osteoma cutis: rare painful tumor in atypical location

Abstract Osteoma cutis or cutaneous ossification is a rare entity characterized by the formation of bone in the skin. We present an isolated primary osteoma cutis located on the palm, an atypical location.

Hemosiderosis pulmonar idiopática con osificación pulmonar / Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis with dendriform pulmonary ossification

La osificación pulmonar es un hallazgo poco usual, generalmente asintomático, que se reporta como incidental en biopsias de pulmón. Asimismo, la hemosiderosis pulmonar idiopática es una causa poco frecuente de infiltración pulmonar. Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 64 años con síntomas respiratorios crónicos, en quien se detectaron estas dos condiciones en el estudio histopatológico.

Pulmonary ossification is a rare and usually asymptomatic finding reported as incidental in lung biopsies. Similarly, idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis is a rare cause of pulmonary infiltrates. We report the case of a 64-year old man with chronic respiratory symptoms in whom these two histopathological findings converged

Tuberculosis osteoarticular y osificaciones heterotópicas: reporte de un caso / Heterotopic ossification and osteoarticular tuberculosis: case report

La osificación heterotópica es una condición patológica que conduce al desarrollo de hueso en el tejido blando. En la piel se denomina osteoma cutis. Estas lesiones se clasifican en primarias o secundarias. Las causas secundarias constituyen el 85% y son consecuencia de enfermedades inflamatorias, infecciones, tumores, traumatismos, lesiones de médula espinal y cirugías. Si bien la osificación heterotópica es benigna e infrecuente, puede ser una enfermedad debilitante que, asociada a dolor y rigidez, provoque mayor comorbilidad en relación con la enfermedad que la desencadenó. Comunicamos el caso de un paciente que padeció osteoma cutis asociado a tuberculosis osteoarticular

Heterotopic ossification is a patologic condition that leads bone formation in soft tissue. In particular, osteoma curtis, which can be primary or secundary, occurs when ossification if found in the skin. Secondary lessions account 85% of the cases described and they are by inflammatory diseases, infections, tumors, traumas, spinal cord lesions and surgeries. Whereas heterotopic ossification is benign and rare, it may result in wasting sickness that in combination with pain and stiffness, adding comorbidity to the disease that triggers. We report here a patient suffering osteomas cutis and osteoarticular tuberculosis. (AU)

Osteoma cutis, a propósito de un caso / Osteoma cutis, about a case

El osteoma cutis (OC) es una lesión compuesta de tejido óseo en dermis y/o hipodermis. Se clasifican en primarios, cuando se desarrollan en piel sana, y secundarios, cuando aparecen sobre lesiones preexistentes. Mujer de 61 años con antecedente de linfoma de Hodgkin en remisión, presentó una lesión de larga data, desarrollada en piel sana, en primer dedo de la mano izquierda, que cursaba con brotes recurrentes y autolimitados de dolor y aumento de temperatura local. La exploración física mostró un nódulo pétreo, con úlcera de fondo calcáreo. El estudio histopatológico de la biopsia escisional reveló tejido óseo, sin otras lesiones cutáneas asociadas. El estudio complementario, incluyendo hemograma, función renal y hepática, calcio y fósforo séricos, PTH, TSH, vitamina D y calciuria fue normal. Descartándose alteraciones en el metabolismo calcio-fosforo y otras lesiones cutáneas preexistentes, se realizó el diagnostico de OC primario en forma de placa. El OC es una lesión benigna, pudiendo ser primario o secundario. Los secundarios representan cerca del 85% y se originan por la osificación de lesiones preexistentes tumorales o inflamatorias. Los OC primarios se presentan aislados o formando parte de síndromes como la fibrodisplasia osificante progresiva, la osteodistrofia hereditaria de Albright y la heteroplasia osificante progresiva. A pesar de la asociación a mutaciones en GNAS de OC y estos síndromes, el diagnóstico de ambos es fundamentalmente clínico. Los OC primarios sin síndrome asociado, se dividen en osteomas miliares de la cara y osteomas en forma de placa (plate-like OC), como este caso. Ante un OC primario, debemos descartar síndromes asociados a osificaciones heterotópicas.

Osteoma cutis (OC) is a lesion composed of bone tissue located in the dermis and/or hypodermis. It is classified as primary when it develops over healthy skin; and secondary when it develops over preexisting lesions. A 61-year-old woman with history of Hodgkin lymphoma in remission, presents a longstanding lesion located on the first finger of her left hand which developed over healthy skin, associated with recurrent and self-limited episodes of pain and increased local temperature. Physical examination reveals a stone-hard nodule, with a calcareous-bottomed ulcer. The histopathological evaluation of the excisional biopsy revealed bone tissue. Complementary studies included: complete blood count, renal and hepatic function, plasma calcium and phosphorus, PTH, TSH, vitamin D, and urinary calcium, all of them in normal ranges. Once systemic disease was ruled out, platelike OC was diagnosed. OC is a benign lesion which can be primary or secondary. Secondary OC represent nearly 85% of cases, and it corresponds to an ossification of preexisting tumoral or inflammatory lesions. Primary OC is less frequent, it appears isolated or as part of syndromes like fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, Albright hereditary osteodystrophy, and progressive osseous heteroplasia. GNAS mutations have been described in primary OC as in these syndromes, but the final diagnosis relies on the clinical picture. Isolated primary OC is classified in milliary osteomas of the face and plate-like OC, like our case. When facing primary OC, syndromes that present with heterotopic ossification must be ruled out.

Influence of transcutaneous electrical stimulation on heterotopic ossification: an experimental study in Wistar rats

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a metaplastic biological process in which there is newly formed bone in soft tissues, resulting in joint mobility deficit and pain. Different treatment modalities have been tried to prevent HO development, but there is no consensus on a therapeutic approach. Since electrical stimulation is a widely used resource in physiotherapy practice to stimulate joint mobility, with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, its usefulness for HO treatment was investigated. We aimed to identify the influence of electrical stimulation on induced HO in Wistar rats. Thirty-six male rats (350-390 g) were used, and all animals were anesthetized for blood sampling before HO induction, to quantify the serum alkaline phosphatase. HO induction was performed by bone marrow implantation in both quadriceps of the animals, which were then divided into 3 groups: control (CG), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) group (TG), and functional electrical stimulation (FES) group (FG) with 12 rats each. All animals were anesthetized and electrically stimulated twice per week, for 35 days from induction day. After this period, another blood sample was collected and quadriceps muscles were bilaterally removed for histological and calcium analysis and the rats were killed. Calcium levels in muscles showed significantly lower results when comparing TG and FG (P<0.001) and between TG and CG (P<0.001). Qualitative histological analyses confirmed 100% HO in FG and CG, while in TG the HO was detected in 54.5% of the animals. The effects of the muscle contractions caused by FES increased HO, while anti-inflammatory effects of TENS reduced HO.

Fetuin-A is related to syndesmophytes in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a case control study

OBJECTIVES: New bone formation is one of the hallmark characteristics of ankylosing spondylitis, which is thereby associated with syndesmophytes. Fetuin-A is a molecule that is abundantly found in calcified tissues and it shows high affinity for calcium phosphate minerals and related compounds. Considering the role of fetuin-A in the regulation of calcified matrix metabolism, we compared the fetuin-A levels in ankylosing spondylitis patients with syndesmophytes with those in patients without syndesmophytes and in healthy controls. We also studied other biomarkers that are thought to be related to syndesmophytes. METHODS: Ninety-four patients (49 patients without syndesmophytes, 67.3% male, 40.7±8.7 years; 45 patients with syndesmophytes, 71.1% M, 43.9±9.9 years) and 68 healthy controls (44.2±10.6 years and 70.6% male) were included in this study. Syndesmophytes were assessed on the lateral radiographs of the cervical and lumbar spine. The serum levels of fetuin-A, dickkopf-1, sclerostin, IL-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and bone morphogenetic protein-7 were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Patients with syndesmophytes had significantly higher levels of fetuin-A compared with patients without syndesmophytes and controls (1.16±0.13, 1.05±0.09 and 1.08±0.13 mg/ml, respectively). However, fetuin-A was not different between the patients without syndesmophytes and controls. Bone morphogenetic protein-7 was significantly lower; dickkopf-1 was significantly higher in patients with ankylosing spondylitis compared with controls. The sclerostin concentrations were not different between the groups. In regression analysis, fetuin-A was an independent, significant predictor of syndesmophytes. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that fetuin-A may a role in the pathogenesis of bony proliferation in ankylosing spondylitis. .

Osificación del ligamento estilohioideo en 3028 radiografías panorámicas digitales / Ossification of the stylohyoid ligament in 3028 digital panoramic radiographs

La mayoría de los diagnósticos de procesos estiloides elongados y osificaciones de ligamentos estilohioideos corresponden a hallazgos en el análisis de radiografías panorámicas. En la presente investigación se evaluaron 3028 Radiografías Panorámicas digitales, tomadas entre Junio de 2009 y Junio de 2011. Se registraron las osificaciones de ligamento estilohiodeo de acuerdo a sexo, edad y bilateralidad. El análisis de datos se desarrolló con el Test estadistico Chi cuadrado, con un nivel de significancia estadística a< 0,05. En las imágenes evaluadas se encontró una prevalencia de osificaciones de un 8,42%, siendo más frecuentes en individuos de sexo femenino, osificaciones bilaterales y con patrón discontinuo. En cuanto a la edad se evaluó de acuerdo a grupos de edad menor o igual a 40 años y mayores de 40 años, encontrándose relación con la variable patrón de osificación. También se encontró relación entre las variables lateralidad y patrón de osificación. El presente estudio entrega información relevante para la odontología y la otorrinolaringología.

Most diagnoses of elongated styloid processes and ossification of stylohyoideus ligaments correspond to findings in the analysis of panoramic radiographs. In the present study we evaluated 3028 digital panoramic radiographs, taken between June 2009 and June 2011. Stylohyoideus ligament ossifications were recorded according to sex, age and bilaterality. Data analysis was carried out with the chi square test, with a statistical significance level a <0.05. In the images assessed we found a prevalence of 8.42% of ossifications, which was more frequent in female subjects, and bilateral ossification discontinuous pattern. In terms of age we evaluated according to age group less than or equal to 40 and older than 40 years, as related to the variable pattern of ossification. We also found relation between laterality variables and patterns of ossification. This study provides information relevant to dentistry and otolaryngology.

Osificación hetertópica neurogénica bilateral de cadera / Bilateral neurogenic heterotopic ossification of hip

La osificación heterotópica es una verdadera actividad osteoblástica con formación anormal de hueso lamelar maduro en tejidos blandos extraesqueléticos donde el hueso no existe normalmente. Se presenta un paciente con afección de ambas caderas, pretendiendo realizar una breve revisión sobre diagnóstico, seguimiento y tratamiento de esta patología.

Anterior and medial angulations of the styloid process in subjects with TMD: clinical and radiographic findings

This study investigated the existence of association between the angulation of the styloid process on the anterior and medial directions with the intensity of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) symptoms. Fifty patients (8 men and 42 women) aged 25 to 70 years, with relevant TMD symptoms were evaluated. Clinical examinations were performed to determine the severity of TMD symptoms (orofacial pain, headache, tinnitus and dizziness) based on the RDC/TMD criteria and the visual analogue scale (VAS), and digital radiographic images of the styloid process were obtained: lateral cephalometric skull radiograph (analysis of anterior angulation) and posteroanterior skull radiograph (reverse Towne's projection) (analysis of medial angulation). The anterior angulation average of the styloid process was 20.89° while the medial angulation average was 19.1° in the right side and 19.04° in the left side. There was no statistically significant difference among the patient groups (severe, moderate and mild symptoms) associating the TMD symptoms and the anterior or medial angulation of the styloid process (p>0.05). There was no correlation between the intensity of the TMD symptoms and the measurements of anterior and medial angulation of the styloid process using either lateral cephalometric or posteroanterior radiographs (reverse Towne's projection).

Este estudo investigou a existência de associação entre a angulação do processo estiloide nas direções anterior e medial e a intensidade dos sintomas de disfunção temporomandibular. Cinquenta pacientes (8 homens e 42 mulheres) com idade entre 25 a 70 anos, com sintomas relevantes de DTM foram avaliados. Os exames clínicos foram realizados para determinar a severidade dos sintomas da DTM (dor orofacial, cefaleia, zumbido e tontura) com base nos critérios do RDC / DTM e na escala visual analógica (EVA), e imagens de radiografias digitais do processo estiloide foram obtidas: cefalométrica lateral com incidência reversa (análise de angulação anterior), e póstero-anterior do crânio (projeção reversa de Towne) (análise de angulação medial). A média de angulação anterior do processo estilóide foi 20,89°, enquanto a média da angulação medial foi 19,1° no lado direito e 19,04° no lado esquerdo. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos de pacientes (sintomas severos, moderados ou leves) em associação com os sintomas de DTM e as angulações anterior ou medial do processo estiloide (p>0,05). Não houve correlação entre a intensidade dos sintomas de DTM e as medidas das angulações anterior e medial do processo estiloide utilizando a radiografia cefalométrica lateral ou a póstero-anterior (projeção reversa de Towne).

Calcified left atrial myxoma with osseous metaplasia.

An intracardiac myxoma is the most common tumour of the heart with an estimated incidence of 0.5 per million population per year. Extensive calcification is rare in these tumours.1 We describe a rare case of a large left atrial myxoma, visible on the chest radiograph, with extensive calcification and osseous metaplasia.

Experimental model of heterotopic ossification in Wistar rats

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a metaplastic biological process in which there is newly formed bone in soft tissues adjacent to large joints, resulting in joint mobility deficit. In order to determine which treatment techniques are more appropriate for such condition, experimental models of induced heterotopic bone formation have been proposed using heterologous demineralized bone matrix implants and bone morphogenetic protein and other tissues. The objective of the present experimental study was to identify a reliable protocol to induce HO in Wistar rats, based on autologous bone marrow (BM) implantation, comparing 3 different BM volumes and based on literature evidence of this HO induction model in larger laboratory animals. Twelve male Wistar albino rats weighing 350/390 g were used. The animals were anesthetized for blood sampling before HO induction in order to quantify serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP). HO was induced by BM implantation in both quadriceps muscles of these animals, experimental group (EG). Thirty-five days after the induction, another blood sample was collected for ALP determination. The results showed a weight gain in the EG and no significant difference in ALP levels when comparing the periods before and after induction. Qualitative histological analysis confirmed the occurrence of heterotopic ossification in all 12 EG rats. In conclusion, the HO induction model was effective when 0.35 mL autologous BM was applied to the quadriceps of Wistar rats.

Facial miliary osteoma in HIV patient / Osteoma miliar da face em paciente portadora do HIV

Facial miliary osteoma is characterized by the presence of multiple normochromic papules, affecting mainly middle-aged women, with a previous history of acne. A 39-year-old HIV positive female patient presented hardened papules which had appeared 3 years before, located on the malar region, glabella and mentum. Optical microscopy showed spherical bone formations in the dermis. Computerized tomography of the face revealed small calcifications on the surface consistent with bone formation. Multiple facial osteomas are rare as well as its association with HIV virus infection.

Os osteomas miliares da face são caracterizados por múltiplas pápulas normocrômicas na face, afetando, geralmente, mulheres de meia idade, com história pregressa de acne. Uma paciente de 39 anos, portadora do HIV, apresentou pápulas endurecidas, com 3 anos de evolução, localizadas na região malar, glabela e mento. A microscopia óptica demonstrou formações ósseas esféricas na derme. A tomografia computadorizada da face observou pequenas calcificações na superfície, compatíveis com formação óssea. Os osteomas múltiplos da face são raros assim como sua associação com a infecção pelo HIV.

Mineralized components and their interpretation in the histogenesis of peripheral ossifying fibroma.

Background: Peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) is a lesion of gingival tissue that predominantly affects women and is usually located in maxilla, anterior to molars. The definitive diagnosis is established by histopathological examination, which reveals the presence of cellular connective tissue with focal calcifications. Objective: This study hypothesizes the histogenesis of POF by analyzing the diverse spectrum of mineralized components with a polarizing microscope. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was undertaken which involved a detailed review of clinical, radiographic and histopathological features of 22 cases of POF, retrieved from departmental archives. These cases were subsequently stained with a histochemical stain (van Gieson) and observed under a polarizing microscope. Results: The study revealed that the most common age of occurrence was in second and third decades with a strong female predilection (73%), Interdental papilla of the maxillary anterior region was the most commonly afflicted site. About 90% cases showed no radiographic features.Histopathological examination showed that 73% cases consisted of a fibrocellular connective tissue stroma surrounding the mineralized masses. 50% mineralized masses comprised of woven bone, 18% showed combination of lamellar bone and cellular cementum, 18% showed only cementum (cellular and acellular), and remaining 13.6% exhibited a mixture of woven and lamellar bone under polarizing microscope. Conclusion: The study supports the theory that POF develops from cells of periodontal ligament (PDL)/periosteum as undifferentiated mesenchymal cells having an inherent proliferative potential to form bone or cementum, whose nature can be confirmed by polarizing microscope.

Osteogénesis imperfecta tipo II: estudio de dos casos / Osteogenesis imperfecta type II: report of two cases

Se presentan dos casos clínicos de fetos con osteogénesis imperfecta tipo II, productos de partos vaginales de pretérmino, de sexo femenino, ambos sin signos vitales y con malformaciones congénitas evidentes desde el punto de vista esquelético. En ambos fetos se evidencia al estudio macroscópico cráneo blando y aplastado, colapso de la región tóracoabdominal, acortamiento de las extremidades y genitales externos femeninos. En la disección se aprecia hipoplasia pulmonar y malrotación intestinal. El estudio radiológico evidencia ausencia total de osificación para el primer feto y solo puntos rudimentarios para la base del cráneo, omóplato, húmero, un hueso del antebrazo, el ilíaco, el fémur y un hueso de la pierna, para el segundo feto. El tratamiento actual del que se dispone está muy lejos de ser exitoso y se restringe a terapia ortopédica y administración de bifosfonatos. El trasplante de células mesenquimáticas y su transformación a células osteogénicas, abre nuevas perspectivas en el manejo de la enfermedad

We present two clinical cases of fetuses with osteogenesis imperfecta type II, products of preterm vaginal deliveries, both females, without vital signs and congenital malformations evident in the skeletal system. Macroscopical study shows in both fetuses soft and crushed skull, collapse of the thoracoabdominal region, shortening of the limbs and external female genitalia. Pulmonary hypoplasia and intestinal malrotation are evident at the dissection. Radiological screening shows total absence of ossification for the first fetus and only rudimentary points for the base of the skull, scapula, humerus, a forearm bone, the ilium, femur and leg bon for the second fetus. Current treatment available is far from being successful and is limited to orthopedic therapy and administration of bisphosphonates. Transplantation of mesenchymal cells and their transformation into osteogenic cells, opens new perspectives on the management of the disease

Heterotopic intraabdominal ossification: report of a case and review of the literature / Ossificação mesentérica heterotópica: relato de caso e revisão da literatura

There are 28 unequivocal reports of heterotopic mesenteric ossification (HMO) in the medical literature. Most cases are poorly defined lesions in intra-abdominal structures that cause intestinal obstruction. A small well-delineated solid mass was reported in only one patient with no previous history of trauma. We report herein the case of a 67 year-old female patient with calcified mass in the left adnexal region. The awareness of HMO may avoid an erroneous diagnosis of extraskeletal osteosarcoma. This case differs from most cases of HMO as it is the third one reported in females and does not present a diffuse involvement, which leads to obstructive symptoms.

A literatura médica apresenta 28 relatos inequívocos de ossificação mesentérica heterotópica (OMH). A maioria apresenta-se como lesões mal definidas em estruturas intra-abdominais causando obstrução intestinal. Em apenas um caso a lesão apresentava-se como uma pequena massa bem delimitada, num paciente sem histórico de trauma. Apresentamos o caso de uma paciente de 67 anos com massa calcificada em topografia anexial esquerda. O conhecimento da entidade OMH previne eventual diagnóstico errôneo de osteossarcoma extraesquelético. Esse caso difere da maioria dos casos de OMH visto que é apenas o terceiro relatado no sexo feminino, e não apresentava envolvimento difuso levando aos sintomas obstrutivos.