Ependimoma intracraneal: apuntes clínicos, moleculares y anatomopatológicos / Intracranial ependymoma: clinical, molecular and pathological notes

RESUMEN Los ependimomas surgen de las células ependimarias que revisten los ventrículos y los pasajes en el encéfalo y el centro de la médula espinal. Las células ependimarias producen líquido cefalorraquídeo. Se decidió la realización de una revisión acerca del ependimoma intracraneal teniendo en cuenta que no existe artículo nacional que trate este tema, siendo la mayoría de los trabajos consultados referentes a la misma variante histológica pero en localización espinal, cuyo objetivo es describir la características clínicas, moleculares y anatomopatológicas del ependimoma intracraneal. Se realizó la búsqueda de artículos en revistas de las bases de datos: PubMed, Scielo y EBSCO. La búsqueda se limitó a artículos con el texto completo, publicados fundamentalmente en los últimos cinco años. El ependimoma intracraneal es un tumor frecuente en la edad pediátrica, sus manifestaciones clínicas dependen de su localización, presenta una gran diversidad molecular y anatomoptológica (AU).

SUMMARY Ependymomas arise from ependymal cells that line the ventricles and passages in the brain and center of the spinal cord. Ependymal cells produce cerebrospinal fluid. It was decided to conduct a review about intracranial ependymoma taking into account that there is no national article dealing with this issue, with most of the works consulted referring to the same histological variant but in spinal location, whose objective is to describe the clinical characteristics, Molecular and pathological pathways of intracranial ependymoma. We searched articles in journals of the databases: PubMed, Scielo and EBSCO. The search was limited to articles with the full text, published mainly in the last five years. Intracranial ependymoma is a frequent tumor in the pediatric age, its clinical manifestations depend on its location, it has a great molecular and anatomoptological diversity (AU).

Clinicopathological correlation of acquired hypopigmentary disorders.

Acquired hypopigmentary disorders comprise a significant group of disorders that affect Indians and Asians. The pigment disturbance in darker skin individuals can be very distressing to the patient and the family. These disorders cover a wide array of pathologies including infections, autoimmune processes, lymphoproliferative disorders, and sclerosing diseases. Histological diagnosis is particularly important because treatments for these diseases are varied and specific. This review will focus on histopathological diagnosis based on clinicopathological correlation for commonly encountered disorders such as leprosy, vitiligo, lichen sclerosus, pityriasis alba (PA), and pityriasis versicolor (PV). Atypical or uncommon clinical presentation of classic diseases such as hypopigmented mycosis fungoides (HMF) and hypopigmented sarcoidosis are also included.

Clinicopathological correlation of acquired hyperpigmentary disorders.

Acquired pigmentary disorders are group of heterogenous entities that share single, most significant, clinical feature, that is, dyspigmentation. Asians and Indians, in particular, are mostly affected. Although the classic morphologies and common treatment options of these conditions have been reviewed in the global dermatology literature, the value of histpathological evaluation has not been thoroughly explored. The importance of accurate diagnosis is emphasized here as the underlying diseases have varying etiologies that need to be addressed in order to effectively treat the dyspigmentation. In this review, we describe and discuss the utility of histology in the diagnostic work of hyperpigmentary disorders, and how, in many cases, it can lead to targeted and more effective therapy. We focus on the most common acquired pigmentary disorders seen in Indian patients as well as a few uncommon diseases with distinctive histological traits. Facial melanoses, including mimickers of melasma, are thoroughly explored. These diseases include lichen planus pigmentosus, discoid lupus erythematosus, drug-induced melanoses, hyperpigmentation due to exogenous substances, acanthosis nigricans, and macular amyloidosis.

Histopathological features in leprosy, post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis, and cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Leprosy, cutaneous leishmaniasis, and post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis are common infectious diseases, the latter two being seen mainly in endemic areas. With increased migration within the country, these diseases are now frequently being seen in major cities. This brief review article focused mainly on histopathology will be useful for the dermatologists and pathologists to be familiar with the basic histopathology of these lesions.

Espectro morfológico de la biopsia hepática / Morphologic spectrum of liver biopsy

La biopsia hepática constituye un excelente método diagnóstico en el espectro de la patología hepática. Para algunos autores la biopsia hepática no es considerada como el "método más indicado" debido al error de muestreo y las variaciones interobservador, sin embargo, sigue considerándose por muchos el "método de elección". Se recopilaron y analizaron en forma retrospectiva, las preparaciones histológicas y las boletas de solicitud de biopsias de todos los casos de biopsias hepáticas, provenientes de la Sección de Patología Gastrointestinal y Hepática "Dr. Pedro Grases" del Instituto Anatomopatológico "Dr. José A. O’Daly" de la Universidad Central de Venezuela, en el lapso comprendido entre enero de 1996 y diciembre de 2006. Pacientes 50,8% eran mujeres y 46,8% hombres. El grupo etario más afectado (55,4%) fue entre 31 y 60 años. Los hallazgos clínicos más frecuentes fueron ictericia (7,9%) y dolor en hipocondrio derecho (5,3%). Frecuencia de los diagnósticos histopatológicos: esteatosis (15,1%), hepatitis por virus C (12,3%), tumores metastásicos (8,9%), cirrosis (8,1%), esteatohepatitis (6,6%), patologías vasculares (5,4%), tumores primarios hepáticos (4,1%). La biopsia hepática es una excelente herramienta para el diagnóstico y tratamiento, si se realiza una buena correlación clínico patológica

Liver biopsy is an excellent diagnostic method in the spectrum of liver pathology. For some authors liver biopsy is considered the "best method" due to sampling error and interobserver variations, however is still considered by many the "method of choice". We collected and analyzed retrospectively, the histological preparations and request ballots biopsies of all cases of liver biopsies, from the Section of Gastrointestinal and Liver Pathology "Dr. Pedro Grases "Institute of Pathology" Dr. José A. O’Daly "Central University of Venezuela, in the period between January 1996 and December 2006. 50.8% patients were female and 46.8% male. The most affected age group (55.4%) was between 31 and 60 years. The most frequent clinical findings were jaundice (7.9%) and right upper quadrant pain (5.3 %). Frequency of histopathological diagnoses: steatosis (15.1%), hepatitis C virus (12.3%), metastatic tumors (8.9%), cirrhosis (8.1%), steatohepatitis (6.7%), vascular diseases (5.4%), primary liver tumors (4.1%). Liver biopsy is an excellent tool for diagnosis and treatment, if you do a good clinicopathologic correlation

Lesões impalpáveis da mama marcadas com suspensão de carvão: avaliação de aspectos anatomopatológicos, viabilidade de interpretação e resposta inflamatória / Non-palpable breast lesions marked with coal suspension: evaluation of anatomopathological aspects, viability of interpretation and inflammatory response

OBJETIVO: Analisar a eficácia da suspensão de carvão inerte na marcação de lesões impalpáveis mamárias e as alterações morfológicas associadas ao seu uso, além de determinar se há ou não prejuízo na interpretação destas lesões pelo patologista. MÉTODOS: Foram atendidos 135 casos de lesões impalpáveis mamárias, previamente marcadas com suspensão de carvão. As lâminas coradas pelo método de HE contendo pigmentos de carvão foram analisadas ao microscópio óptico, onde se realizou avaliação quantitativa e qualitativa da resposta inflamatória e determinação da presença ou não de prejuízo ao diagnóstico anatomopatológico. Os índices avaliados quantitativamente quanto à resposta inflamatória foram as contagens de linfócitos, células gigantes e neutrófilos, todos observados e quantificados em campos de grande aumento. Foi, ainda, avaliada a quantidade e distribuição de carvão presente nas lesões. RESULTADOS: Na avaliação quantitativa e qualitativa da resposta inflamatória observou-se, independente da quantidade de carvão, granulomas a "corpo estranho" em todas as amostras. Em relação à resposta inflamatória linfocitária 5,19% das amostras não apresentaram infiltração linfocítica, sendo que em 82,22% ela era de discreta intensidade e em 12,59% de moderada intensidade. Quanto à resposta inflamatória aguda, observou-se ausência total de exsudação neutrofílica em 42,96% dos espécimes, exsudação neutrofílica discreta em 42,22%, moderada em 11,11% e acentuada, sob forma de microabscessos, em 3,7% dos casos. Nesta série foram observados cinco nódulos de carvão, posicionados paralesionalmente, e que não geraram interferência na análise morfológica. CONCLUSÃO: Este método é marcador eficaz de lesões impalpáveis, de baixo custo, alta efetividade, sem prejuízo à análise histológica, além de ser de fácil execução; é confortável para a paciente e de grande auxílio ao cirurgião e patologista na localização destas lesões.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the efficiency of labeling impalpable breast lesions with inert charcoal suspension; to evaluate the morphological alterations associated with its use and to determine whether the use of charcoal labeling hampers the diagnostic interpretation of the pathologist. METHODS: Was evaluated a total of 135 cases of impalpable breast lesions previously labeled with charcoal suspension. Histological H&E stained slides containing charcoal pigments were analyzed using optical microscopy, by which both quantitative and qualitative evaluations with regards to inflammatory response and interference in diagnosis were performed. Lymphocyte, giant cells and neutrophils were evaluated and quantified. Moreover, the distribution of the charcoal suspension present in the lesions was evaluated. RESULTS: As to the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the inflammatory response caused by the use of charcoal labeling, granulomas were present in all samples regardless of the quantity of injected charcoal. Lymphocytic inflammatory response was absent in only 5.19% of the samples, 82.22% exhibited discrete intensity and 12.59% were moderate. With regards to acute inflammatory response, 42.96% showed total absence of neutrophilic exudate, whereas 42.22% contained discrete and 11.11% moderate neutrophilic exudate, and only 3.7% of cases had intense neutrophilic exudate. CONCLUSION: This study corroborates the utility and easiness of the charcoal method as a mean of efficient labeling of impalpable breast lesions; this technique is easy to use, has a low cost, high efficiency and does not interfere with the histological analysis. Moreover, it is comfortable for the patient and is of great help in finding and localizing the lesions for both the surgeon and pathologist.

Role of deeper sections in diagnostic oral histopathology: A retrospective study.

Background: Histopathology is a gold standard diagnostic tool for many lesions. Interpretation of tissue sections is a pivotal step in giving the diagnosis. Usually, initial tissue sections may not show complete features of the lesion, so deeper sections of the specimen may play a significant role at times for final diagnosis. In small biopsy specimens, deeper sectioning is routinely used in many laboratories to enhance the sensitivity and accuracy of the diagnosis. Aim: To analyze the percentage of deeper sections taken and its significance in the final diagnosis of oral lesions. Materials and Methods: A total of 500 cases from the files of Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh were analyzed, and cases of deeper sections were selected. The present retrospective study involves comparison of initial histological findings with those seen in deeper tissue levels of same specimen. Results: 40 cases (8%) were selected for our analysis. Out of these, 19 cases (47.5%) required deeper sections as the initial sections were superficial and undiagnostic. 21 (52.5%) cases were advised for additional sections to confirm, rule out or clarify certain diagnoses, out of which 15 (37.5%) disclosed additional pathological findings, whereas 6 cases (15%) showed the same histological features. Conclusions: Diagnostic laboratories must balance the utility of deeper levels with the additional time required and expense incurred and the impact on patient care. Deeper sections are inevitable in certain situations and periodical auditing of laboratory work will reduce the need for additional sections and delay in the dispatch of biopsy report.

Aspectos toxicológico, clínico-patológico e ultraestrutural das intoxicações iatrogênica e experimental por vitamina D em coelhos / Toxicological, clinic-pathological and ultrastructural aspects of iatrogenic and experimental poisoning by vitamin D in rabbits

São descritos aspectos toxicológicos, clínico-patológicos e ultraestruturais de coelhos intoxicados iatrogênica e experimentalmente por vitamina D por via subcutânea. Clinicamente, os animais evidenciaram sinais de insuficiência cardiovascular como ascite e edema pulmonar, hiporexia, anorexia, diarréia mucosa, emagrecimento e apatia. As clássicas alterações de mineralização e, por vezes, osseificação, do sistema cardiovascular, bem como as alterações de rins, pulmões, estômago, entre outros órgãos, foram reproduzidas com administrações subcutâneas de solução oleosa de colecalciferol (vitamina D3 não-ativada).

Toxicological, clinic-pathological and ultrastructural aspects of iatrogenic and experimental subcutaneous poisoning in rabbits by vitamin D are described. Clinically the animals showed signs of cardiovascular insufficiency, as ascite and lung edema, hyporexia, anorexia, mucous diarrhoea, loss of weight and apathy. The classical alterations of minera-lization and, occasionally, ossification of the cardiovascular system, as well the lesions of kidneys, lungs, stomach, among other organs, were reproduced by the subcutaneous administration of an oily solution of cholecalciferol (non-activated vitamin D3).

Como o clipping pode auxiliar o dermatologista / How the Nail clipping helps the dermatologist

Alterações ungueais são queixas muito frequentes nos consultórios dermatológicos. Onicomicoses representam cerca de 50% das onicopatias, daí a importância de se estabelecer o diagnóstico correto antes de se iniciar o tratamento. Neste artigo, relataremos a utilidade de um exame que é de fácil execução pelo clínico, de baixo custo e sensível: esse exame consiste na análise histopatológica da queratina ungueal distal, atualmente já consagrado com o termo clipping.

Onycodystrophies are common problems in dermatologic practice. About 50% of dystrophic nails have a fungal cause, so it is very important to establish a correct diagnosis before treatment. In this article we relate the usefulness of an easydoing exam, free from pain, cheap and sensible. This exam is the histopathology of the nail keratin or nail clipping.

Utility of fibronectin in immuocytochemial differentiation of reactive mesothelial cells from metastatic malignant cells in serous effusions.

Cytological evaluation of serous effusions often poses difficulties to the pathologists. This study was designed to assess the utility of fibronectin as a mesothelial cell marker and evaluate its use along with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) as a short panel to aid in the differentiation of reactive mesothelial cells from metastatic adenocarcinoma cells in serous effusions. Forty serous effusion cases from clinically benign cases and forty from clinically malignant cases with a known primary were included in the study. After routine cytological evaluation, the cases were categorized as benign, suspicious and malignant. All the cases were studied for fibronectin and CEA immunostaining using APAAP technique. In the present study, fibronectin emerged as a 100% specific and 93.4% sensitive marker for mesothelial cells. CEA immunostaining was seen in 80% cases of metastatic adenocarcinoma in serous effusions. Mesothelial cells did not show any CEA positivity. Short panel of CEA and fibronectin aided in reaching a correct diagnosis in three out of five cytologically suspicious cases.

Microwave histoprocessing versus conventional histoprocessing.

The aim of the study is to compare the histologic quality of the microwave histoprocessing with that of conventional method and to determine its positive impact on turnaround times and reduction of costs of tissue processing. One hundred and eighty-five paired tissue sections from different organs were taken. Each tissue sections were of size of 15 mm x 10 mm x 3 mm and divided into two; one set as experimental group and the other as control group. The tissues in the experimental group were further divided into six groups and processed by vacuum-microwave method according to six protocols from I to VI. Other tissues in the control group were processed by the conventional method and compared. Overall, the quality of microscopic tissue from both the methods was identical. Microwave processing shortened the time of processing without compromising the overall quality of the histologic section and was cost-effective.

Capacitação dos laboratórios para a pesquisa adequada da colonização pelo estreptococo B-hemolítico-grupo B em Jundiaí e região / Laboratory ability for the research of group B streptococcus in Jundiaí - Brazil and surrounding areas

Objetivo: avaliar a capacitação dos laboratórios da região de Jundiaí para diagnosticar o estreptococo beta-hemolítico do grupo B (EGB) no pré-natal. Metadologia: foram contatados, a partir da lista telefônica e do contato telefônico com as Secretarias de Saúde dos municípios de Jundiaí e da microrregião, todos os laboratórios de análises clínicas existentes, os quais normalmente prestam serviços de diagnóstico microbiológico por cultura, e perguntados pela técnica utilizada, técnica de coleta do material e custo do exame. Resultados: foram encontrados 21 laboratórios de análises clínicas. Apenas três (14,3 porcento) referiram utilizar um meio seletivo para o diagnóstico de EGB. Apenas um (4,8 porcento)laboratório realiza a coleta do material de forma recomendada. O custo do procedimento variou de R$4,70 a R$122,00, com média de R$53,00 (IC 95 porcento - 29,4 a 76,6). Conclusão: os laboratórios de análises clínicas na microrregião de Jundiaí, de modo geral, não estão capacitados para a coleta de material e diagnóstico microbiológico do estreptococo do grupo B. A mera solicitação do exame pelo obstetra ou profissional que assiste o pré-natal não garante que o exame solicitado seja realizado da forma mais adequada.

O arranjo em matriz de amostras teciduais (tissue microarray): larga escala e baixo custo ao alcance do patologista / Tissue microarrays: high throughput and low cost avaiable for pathologists

O arranjo em matriz de amostras teciduais, ou tissue microarray (TMA), é uma técnica descrita em 1998 por Kononen et al. com ampla aceitação pela literatura mundial. Com um conceito extremamente simples, trata-se de agrupar um grande número de amostras teciduais em um único bloco de parafina, permitindo o estudo de expressão de marcadores moleculares em larga escala com grande aproveitamento do material arquivado, do tempo e dos custos. Discutimos as vantagens e limitações do método, as estratégias e técnica de construção, as aplicações e dificuldades encontradas para a patologia investigativa nos últimos cinco anos de uso no Hospital do Câncer A. C. Camargo.

Tissue microarrays (TMA) is a worldwide well accepted technique described in 1998 by Kononen et al. It uses an extremely simple concept of ordering hundreds of samples in just one paraffin block to evaluate protein expression in large cohorts with great advantages on costs, time and sample saving. We discuss the technique, its advantages and limitations, strategies to construct the receptor block, its usefulness and difficulties experienced in the last five years at Hospital do Cancer A.C. Camargo.

Correlación anatomoclínica de los pacientes que fallecieron en el Hospital Central de San Cristóbal durante el año 2004 / Anatomo-clinical pathology correlation of patients who died in the Hospital Central of San Cristóbal during in the year 2004

La evaluación de la correlación clinicopatológica es una de las vías más utilizadas en diferentes países para medir la calidad de todo el proceso de atención médica que precede al fallecimiento del paciente; de manera preocupante se observa en los últimos años un descenso en la solicitud de las mismas, apareciendo en nuestro medio con porcentajes bajos si se hace la comparación con otros países como Estados Unidos. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo para conocer en proporción la correlación anatomoclínica de los pacientes que fallecieron durante el año 2004 en los servicios del Hospital Central de San Cristóbal, con la limitante de que los diagnósticos clínicos fueron tomados de las solicitudes de autopsias y no de las historias clínicas y los diagnósticos post mortem si tuvieron la posibilidad de conocerse por medio de los protocolos de autopsias. Solo un 6,52 por ciento de los fallecimientos fueron sometidos a autopsias clínicas, con un predominio de solicitudes en el Departamento de gineco obstetricia (55,55 por ciento) seguido por el Departamento de Medicina Interna con un 15,2 por ciento. En pediatría un 10,66 por ciento de solicitudes, pero con un elevado porcentaje de correlación de 67,57 por ciento; en Medicina interna un 57,7 por ciento de los pacientes autopsiados no tienen concordancia anatomoclínica. En conclusión, la autopsia clínica sigue siendo a pesar de los avances tecnológicos un instrumento importante no solo de evaluación del sistema de salud, sino de retroalimentación para los médicos en formación.

A two-phase study model for the standardization of HER2 immunohistochemical assay on invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and verify a standardized protocol for HER2 immunohistochemical assays on invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast in Thailand. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A two-phase study approach was employed. In the Phase One, after verifying the proposed protocol that adopted the HercepTest procedure using readily available primary antibodies, CB11 and A0485, Lab 1 performed the HER2 immunohistochemical staining for 137 cases of invasive ductal carcinoma twice with two types of the antibody. Nine pathologists from 8 centers independently examined and scored all the 2 x 137 stained slides that were blinded for antibody type. Interobserver reliability was calculated using pair-wise kappa. Following discussion of the results, the Phase Two study was planned. Lab 2 and Lab 3 independently performed the HER2 staining according to the protocol for 60 invasive breast carcinoma cases. The same group of pathologists scored 2 x 60 stained slides that were masked for laboratories. Interobserver reliability and interlaboratory agreement from each pathologist were calculated using kappa statistics. Three interpreted categories--namely negative, equivocal and positive tests were used in the analyses. RESULTS: Phase One study showed interobserver agreement between pairs varied from kappa 0.75 (95%CI, 0.68-0.82) to 0.06 (95%CI, 0-0.14) while Phase Two study obtained pair-wise kappa scores ranged from 0.84 (95%CI, 0. 80-0.89) to 0. 65 (95%CI, 0.59-0.71). Interlaboratory kappa for each pathologist was 0.67 (95%CI, 0.61-0.73). CONCLUSION: The standardization of HER2 immunohistochemical assay was achieved through this two-phase study model. It had added benefits of improving pathologists' expertise and verifying the HER2 testing protocol to be used in Thailand.

Search and identification of spermatozoa and spermatids in the ejaculate of non-obstructive azoospermic patients

OBJECTIVE: To search and to identify spermatozoa and spermatids, present in the ejaculate of non-obstructive azoospermic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 27 patients, aged between 18 and 48 years, with initial diagnosis compatible with non-obstructive azoospermia, underwent up to 3 seminal samples, with assessment of macroscopic and microscopic parameters differentiated for each sample. In the first sample, 5 æL of semen were analyzed in a Horwell chamber in order to assess the presence or absence of spermatozoa. The procedure was repeated with 2 other aliquots. In the absence of spermatozoa, the entire sample was transferred to a conic tube and following centrifugation the sediment was freshly analyzed. The second seminal sample was collected only when no spermatozoa were found in the first sample and the research was performed in the same way. In cases where spermatozoa were not seen, the sample was centrifuged and the obtained sediment was stained by the panoptic method and observed under common light microscopy (1250X). The third seminal sample was collected only in cases when patients had not shown spermatozoa in the first and second seminal samples. RESULTS: 4/27 (14.8 percent) patients presented spermatozoa in the first seminal sample and 6/23 (26.1 percent), in the second seminal sample. No spermatozoa were seen in the third sample, however, 11/17 (64.7 percent) presented spermatids. CONCLUSION: In clinical situations where the initial diagnosis is non-obstructive azoospermia, one single routine seminal analysis is not enough to confirm this diagnosis and the analysis of the centrifuged sediment can have relevant clinical consequences. Among patients considered non-obstructive azoospermic, when duly assessed, 37 percent presented spermatozoa and 64.7 percent, spermatids.

Facts about artefacts in diagnostic pathology.

Literal meaning of artefact given by 'Oxford Advanced Learner Dictionary' is 'a thing made by people'. In medical science 'the fact' is not true; but we observe routinely is called artefact. We face various types of artefacts in daily reporting of pathology specimen. Many times artefacts hinder the actual diagnosis. The artefacts i. e. fixation artefact, processing artefact, staining artefact, mounting artefact, air bubbles etc. can cause difficulty in diagnosis and a pathologist should be trained to identify those artefacts.

Melanoma cutâneo: a importância do laudo histopatológico na correlaçäo anatomiclínica / Cutaneous melanoma: histopathological information importante in anatomo-clinical correlation

As informações diagnósticas e de prognóstico de melanoma cutâneo têm sido motivo de preocupação entre anatomopatologistas e cirurgiões. O presente trabalho avalia laudos anatomopatológicos e a respectiva revisão de suas lâminas, a fim de identificar possíveis erros de interpretação e omissões de dados que possam comprometer o tratamento e o prognóstico, informações como margens de ressecção livres em biópsias excisionais, ausência da localização e distância mais próxima da lesão em relação à borda do fragmento, denominação do termo "maligno" e a não-descrição de itens necessários para a compreensão dos aspectos clínicos e histológicos são as principais causas de interpretações falsas que podem levar a um tratamento insuficiente ou exagerado do paciente portador da lesão primária de melanoma cutâneo