Gangliocytic paraganglioma of the spine

Paragangliomas are rare, encapsulated, benign neuroendocrine tumors that can arise from the adrenal medulla or extra-adrenal paraganglia. Extra-adrenal paragangliomas may develop a gangliocytic component with ganglion cells (Gangliocytic paragangliomas). Nearly 25%of cauda equina paragangliomas are gangliocytic paragangliomas. Here, we describe the case of a 35-year-old male who presented with weakness of both lower limbs over the last two months. Radiological findings were suggestive of myxopapillary ependymoma. However, the histopathological examination revealed a tumor with cells arranged in sheets, papillae, lobules, and around vessels forming pseudo rosettes. Ganglion cells were seen in small groups and, also singly. Tumor cells were immunopositive for chromogranin, synaptophysin, and S-100. Ganglion cells were immunopositive for synaptophysin, NSE, and NFP. A final histological diagnosis of Gangliocytic paraganglioma (WHO grade I) was made. To date, only nine gangliocytic paraganglioma cases have been previously reported, and to the best of our knowledge, this is the largest gangliocytic paraganglioma.

Intramedullary meningioma of spinal cord: Case report of a rare tumor highlighting the differential diagnosis of spinal intramedullary neoplasms.

A 15-year-old male presented with progressive weakness of both lower limbs with urinary incontinence. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a spinal intramedullary mass at D7-D8 level. The child was operated with a preliminary diagnosis of an intramedullary tumor. Atypical ependymoma and astrocytoma were considered in the differential diagnosis. Per- and post-operative histopathological examination reported the case as transitional meningioma (WHO Grade I). Spinal intramedullary meningiomas being a rare entity may be confused with other common intramedullary tumors. Though, rare still the possibility of an intramedullary spinal mass of being a meningioma does exist and therefore should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intramedullary tumors.

Methylthioadenosine phosphorylase expression in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

The methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) gene is a tumour suppressor gene, located on chromosome 9p21, 100 kb telomeric of the p15 and p16 genes, which are often deleted in tumor cells. The role of MTAP protein expression in the genesis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is currently not known. In a previous study we have shown the frequent occurrence of allelic imbalance/loss of heterozygosity (AI/LOH) in cutaneous SCCs using AI/LOH markers flanking the p15, p16, and MTAP genes and demonstrated reduction in p15 and p16 protein expression in comparison to normal human skin. The present study is a continuation to our previous studies, aimed at determining possible roles played by MTAP protein expression in the genesis of cutaneous SCC. The expression of MTAP protein was detected using immunohistochemical approach in 109 micro array cutaneous SCC and 20 normal human skin tissue samples. The expression of MTAP was not significantly different in the cutaneous SCC cases as compared with normal human skin. This may indicate that MTAP protein expression does not contribute to the genesis of cutaneous SCC.

Splenic infarct as a diagnostic pitfall in radiology.

Follow-up of colorectal carcinoma after therapy is based on symptoms, tumor markers, and imaging studies. Clinicians sometimes face diagnostic dilemmas because of unusual presentations on the imaging modalities coupled with rising serum markers. We report a case of colorectal carcinoma that presented with gastrointestinal symptoms 14 months after completion of treatment. Investigations showed rise in carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Suspecting disease recurrence, complete radioimaging workup was performed; the only abnormality detected was a smooth, hypodense area in the posterior third of the spleen on contrast-enhanced computed tomography abdomen. In view of the previous diagnosis of carcinoma colon, the symptoms reported by the patient, the elevated CEA, and the atypical CECT appearance, a diagnosis of splenic metastasis was made. The patient was subjected to splenectomy as a curative treatment. However, the histopathological report revealed it to be a splenic infarct. The present case reemphasizes the limitations of radiological studies in the follow-up of carcinoma colon.

Application of domestic microwave for urgent histopathology reporting: an evaluation.

Rapid diagnosis of histopathological material is becoming increasingly desirable. In neuropathology, crush smear preparation and frozen section diagnosis of tissues removed during operative procedures, have remained as essential tools for rapid diagnosis. Microwave technology has been introduced into the field of tissue processing and staining in past decade. Now-a-days even automated microwave assisted rapid tissue processors are available. In our study we have analysed the use of a domestic microwave (cost approximately Rs.5000) for urgent histoprocessing (30 minutes). This could be useful in small laboratories or the ones which are in the phase of establishing the department as the procedure is much more economical than obtaining a frozen section (which requires a cryostat worth 3-6 lakhs) and the interpretation of the section obtained does not require any extra experience as these resemble the routinely processed tissue sections. The advantages and limitations of the procedure have been discussed.

Blood collection procedures in hematology: knowledge and practice among laboratory personnel.

Blood collection is an important preanalytical component of haematological testing. This questionnaire based study was conducted on laboratory personnel to elicit their knowledge and practice regarding blood collection procedures for haematological testing. Questionnaire comprised of 37 multiple choice questions, of which 10 questions each were related to essential and desirable knowledge, 10 to practice and 7 to educational and job profile. Ninety four laboratory personnel participated in the study. Analysis was done on SPSS software. Percentages of unsatisfactory scores were 42.6%, 4.3%, 17% and 6% in the essential knowledge, desirable knowledge, practice and total scoring respectively. 91.5%, however, had a satisfactory total score. Importance needs to be given to blood collection procedures both, individually and collectively. The study highlights the deficient areas which need to addressed by all laboratorians. Such studies should also be conducted among nursing and resident staff- the other groups concerned with blood collection.