Primary malignant giant cell tumor of the sternum

Primary malignant giant cell tumor (PMGCT) is a diagnosis based on the presence of a high-grade sarcomatous component along with a typical benign giant cell tumor (GCT). We report the first case of PMGCT of the sternum in a 28-year-old male with painless swelling over the manubrium sterni. The differential diagnoses of PMGCT and giant cell-rich osteosarcoma were considered. Surgical resection was performed, and the reconstruction was done with a neosternum using polymethyl methacrylate and prolene mesh. At 30 months follow-up, the patient is disease-free.

Lupus anticoagulant in immune thrombocytopenic purpura.

OBJECTIVE: Antibodies against phospholipid antigens (APA) have been demonstrated in adult idiopathic(immune) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), but their clinical and pathogenetic significance has remained elusive. Also there are no such studies available in pediatric ITP cases. In this study, the prevalence and clinical significance of APAs were investigated in pediatric patients with ITP. METHODS: Forty newly diagnosed ITP patients (age 2-13 years) were prospectively studied. They were evaluated for the presence of lupus anticoagulant (LA). RESULTS: Eleven patients (27.5%) were LA positive at the time of diagnosis. No statistically significant differences were found between the LA-positive and LA-negative groups regarding gender, initial platelet counts, or response to methyl prednisolone therapy. After 6 months of follow up, 5 of the 11 LA-positive cases were still positive for LA. The frequency of LA positivity found in this pediatric age group was similar to that reported in adult patients. CONCLUSION: In view of the fact that in adult patients with ITP, the persistent presence of APAs is an important risk factor for the development of antiphospholipid syndrome, the same may also hold true for pediatric ITP patients, and thus 'demands long term follow up for these patients.

Bone marrow metastasis in solid tumors.

Bone marrow examination has been increasingly useful in documenting metastatic involvement of tumors. A retrospective analysis of 73 cases of bone marrow metastasis of solid tumors revealed 27 cases in the pediatric age group and 46 cases in the adult age group. All 27 pediatric cases were that of neuroblastoma. In the adult bone marrow metastasis from carcinoma prostate were present in 22 cases followed by carcinoma breast in 13 cases. Rest were 5 cases of carcinoma lung, 4 cases of carcinoma colon, 1 case each of carcinoma thyroid and renal cell carcinoma. A number of associated features were observed which may help to suggest bone marrow metastasis, in the absence of tumor cells in the bone marrow.

Metanephric adenoma of the kidney--a case report.

Metanephric adenoma is a relatively novel renal epithelial neoplasm. Herein we report a case of metanephric adenoma in a 38 year male patient.