Identification of Leukocyte-Specific Protein 1-Positive Cells: A Clue to the Cell of Origin and a Marker for the Diagnosis of Dermatofibroma

BACKGROUND: Dermatofibroma (DF) comprises a heterogeneous group of mesenchymal tumors, with fibroblastic and histiocytic elements present in varying proportions. The cell of origin of DF has been investigated, but remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: The present study attempted to investigate the expression of leukocyte-specific protein 1 (LSP1), a marker of fibrocytes, in DF. Additionally, we evaluated the effectiveness of LSP1 in the differential diagnosis of DF from dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP). METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining was performed on 20 cases of DF using antibodies against LSP1, CD68, and factor XIIIa (FXIIIa). In addition, the expression of LSP1 and FXIIIa was evaluated in 20 cases of DFSP. RESULTS: Eighteen of 20 cases (90%) of DF stained positive for LSP1, with variation in the intensity of expression. CD68 was positive in 10 cases (50%), and FXIIIa was expressed in all cases of DF. There were differences between the regional expression patterns of the three markers in individual tumors. In contrast, only 2 of 20 cases of DFSP expressed LSP1, and none of DFSP cases stained positive for FXIIIa. CONCLUSION: The LSP1-positive cells in DF could potentially be fibrocyte-like cells. FXIIIa and CD68 expression suggests that dermal dendritic cells and histiocytes are constituent cells of DF. It is known that fibrocytes, dermal dendritic cells and histiocytes are all derived from CD14+ monocytes. Therefore, we suggest that DF may originate from CD14+ monocytes. Additionally, the LSP1 immunohistochemical stain could be useful in distinguishing between DF and DFSP.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Esophageal Candidiasis in Healthy Individuals: A Single Center Experience in Korea

PURPOSE: Esophageal candidiasis (EC) is the most frequent opportunistic fungal infection in immunocompromised host. However, we have found EC in healthy individuals through esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for EC in healthy individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 281 patients who had been incidentally diagnosed with EC. We also conducted age and sex matched case control study to identify the risk factor for EC. RESULTS: The prevalence of EC was 0.32% (281/88125). The most common coexisting EGD finding was reflux esophagitis (49/281, 17.4%). An antifungal agent was prescribed in about half of EC, 139 cases (49.5%). Follow-up EGD was undertaken in 83 cases (29.5%) and 20 cases of candidiasis was persistently found. Case control study revealed EC were more often found in user of antibiotics (p=0.015), corticosteroids (p=0.002) and herb medication (p=0.006) as well as heavy drinking (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of EC was 0.32% (281/88125) in Korea. Use of antibiotics, corticosteroids and herb as well as heavy drinking were significant risk factors for EC in healthy individuals.

Extraskeletal Chondroma of Finger in a Young Woman: A Case Report / 대한골관절종양학회지

Extraskeletal chondroma is a benign soft tissue tumor which is composed of hyaline cartilage but arises from the fibrous stroma rather than from mature cartilaginous or osseous tissue. Extraskeletal chondroma is relatively rare and occurs most frequently in the soft tissue around the joints of hands and feet. We present one case of extraskeletal chondroma in a finger of a young woman.

Primary Mucosa-associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma of the Esophagus, Manifesting as a Submucosal Tumor / 대한소화기학회지

We report a case of primary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma in the esophagus that manifested as a large submucosal tumor (SMT). Primary esophageal lymphoma is very rare, occurring in less than 1% of all patients with gastrointestinal lymphoma. Only a few cases of MALT lymphoma in the esophagus have been reported in the English literature. A 53-year-old man was referred to Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital (Goyang, Korea) in July 2012 for further evaluation and treatment of an esophageal SMT. Endoscopy showed a cylindrically elongated submucosal mass with normal overlying mucosa in the mid esophagus, 25-30 cm from the incisor teeth. He underwent surgery to confirm the diagnosis. Pathologic findings showed diffuse small atypical lymphoid cells which were stained with Bcl-2, CD20, but not with CD3, CD5, CD23, Bcl-6, or cyclin D1. These cells showed a positive monoclonal band for immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangement. Based on the pathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular biological features, the esophageal mass was diagnosed as extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of the MALT type.

Association between the Position of Colorectal Polyps and Clinical Outcomes of Polypectomy: Focused on Procedure Time, Complication and Histopatholgic Result

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Colonoscopic polypectomy should be performed on the five to seven hour of clock (standard position). However, outcomes of polypectomy at non-standard positions have not yet been investigated. This study was to compare the clinical outcomes of colonoscopic polypectomy including procedure time, status of resection margin and complications between standard and non-standard position. METHODS: Patients who underwent screening colonoscopy were prospectively recruited from Oct 2011 to Feb 2012 at Dongguk University Ilsan Hosptial, Goyang, Korea. Standard position was defined as polyps which were located from 5 to 7 hour of clock on colonoscopic view. RESULTS: A total of 168 adenomatous polyps of 114 patients were investigated. Mean size of polyp was 7.1+/-3.2 mm. The most common shape of polyps was sessile in 77 cases (45.8%). Mean overall procedure time per patient was 25.5+/-12.3 min. 130 adenomatous polyps were resected in standard position (77.4%) and 38 polyps were in non-standard position (22.6%). Overall complete resection rate was 63.7% and immediate bleeding rate was 9.8%. There was no significant difference in overall polypectomy time per polyp (2.9+/-1.3 min vs. 3.0+/-1.8 min, P=0.32). Complete resection rates and complication were not statistically different. CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference according to procedure time, status of resection margin and complications between standard position and non-standard position. Colonoscopic polypectomy is thus safe and feasible on any position.

Thin Split-Thickness Toe Nail-Bed Grafts for Nail Bed Defects in Subungal Exostosis: Two Cases Report / 대한골관절종양학회지

We reviewed the clinical features of 2 patients who underwent surgery for subungal exostosis, focusing on postoperative deformity of the nail. The lesion destroyed the nail bed and was excised with a direct approach. then thin split-thickness sterile matrix graft was done after excision of the tumor because the defect of the nail bed was large. Good postoperative appearance of the nail was obtained by thin split-thickness sterile matrix graft. The use of thin split-thickness sterile matrix graft for the replacement of a nail bed defect can regain a smooth, adherent, and normal-looking nail and avoid donor-site morbidity. Thin split-thickness toe-nail bed graft is a good choice for the prevention of postoperative deformity.

Bilateral Frontal Polymicrogyria: An Autopsy Case Report

Bilateral frontal polymicrogyria is a recently recognized syndrome characterized by symmetric polymicrogyria of both frontal lobes that presents with delayed motor and language development, spastic quadriparesis, and variable mental retardation. However, the postmortem findings of this syndrome are not fully elaborated. Here we describe an autopsy case of bilateral frontal polymicrogyria in a male fetus delivered at 22 weeks gestation due to extensive chorioamnionitis. The microscopic findings included a thinned cortical plate with fair neuronal maturation. There were no signs of neuronal damage and the white matter was unremarkable.

A Case of Monoclonal Gammopathy in Extranodal Marginal Zone B-cell Lymphoma of the Small Intestine / 대한진단검사의학회지

Monoclonal gammopathy occurs in one-third of the patients with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (MALT lymphoma). However, monoclonal gammopathy has been rarely reported in Korea. Paraprotenemia accompanying MALT lymphoma is strongly correlated with involvement of the bone marrow, and this involvement leads to the progression of the disease. Here, we present a case of a 66-yr-old man diagnosed with IgM monoclonal gammopathy and stage IV extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of the small intestine, with the involvement of the bone marrow.

Atypical Fibroxanthoma Masquerading as Xanthogranuloma / 대한피부과학회지

Atypical fibroxanthoma is an uncommon spindle cell tumor that has a clinically benign course despite the presence of bizarre xanthoma cells. A 90-year-old female presented with a 2-month history of an ulcerative plaque on the right cheek. The initial punch biopsy revealed a benign histological appearance with prominent xanthomatous cells, but the specimen excised afterwards showed malignant features with a spindle and epithelioid cell proliferation with pleomorphism and atypia. The tumor cells stained positively for vimentin and CD68, they were partially positive for CD99 and CD10 and they were negative for CD34, S100, p63, desmin and actin. We report here on a case of atypical fibroxanthoma masquerading as xanthogranuloma.

In-vivo Studies on Effect of Lipo-PGE1 on Neoangiogenesis of Composite Graft in a Rabbit Model

PURPOSE: The survival of composite graft is dependent on three steps, (1) plasmatic imbibitions, (2) inosculation, and (3) neovascularization. Among the many trials to increase the survival rate of composite graft, prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) has beneficial effects on the microcirculatory level with vasodilating, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory and neoangiogenic properties. Lipo-PGE1 which is lipid microspheres containing PGE1 had developed to compensate the systemic and local side effects of PGE1. This study was proposed to determine whether Lipo-PGE1 administration enhanced the survival of composite graft through neovascularization quantitatively in a rabbit ear model. METHODS: Fourteen New Zealand White Rabbits each weighing 3~4 kg were divided in two groups: (1) intravenous Lipo-PGE1 injection group and (2) control group. A 2 x 1 cm sized, full-thickness rectangular composite graft was harvested in each auricle. Then, the graft was reaaproximated in situ using a 5-0 nylon suture. For the experimental group, 3 microgram/kg/day of Lipo-PGE1 (5 microgram/mL) was administered intravenously through the marginal vein of the ear for 14 days. The control group was received no pharmacologic treatment. On the 14th postoperative day, composite graft of the ear was harvested and immunochemistry staining used Monoclonal mouse anti-CD 31 antibody was performed. Neoangiogenesis was quantified by counting the vessels that showed luminal structures surrounded by the brown color-stained epithelium and counted from 10 random high-power fields (400x) by independent blinded observer. Statistical analysis (Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test for nonparametric data) was performed using SPSS v12.0, with values of p<0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: The mean number of the microvessels was 15.48 +/- 8.65 in the experimental group and 9.82 +/- 7.25 in the control group (p=0.028). CONCLUSION: The use of Lipo-PGE1 facilitated the neoangiogenesis, resulted in the improvement of the survival rate of graft. On the basis of this results, we could support wider application of Lipo-PGE1 for more effective therapeutic angiogenesis and successful survival in various cases of composite graft in the human.

Clinical Characteristics of Large Brunner's Gland Tumors in Korea / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Brunner's gland tumor is a common benign tumor noted in duodenum and might be designated as Brunner's gland hamartoma, adenoma or hyperplasia. But, a large duodenal polyp (over 1 cm in diameter) pathologically proven as a tumor of Brunner's gland origin is rare. METHODS: We analyzed a total of 39 cases including our direct experience of two cases and reports of 37 cases to clarify the clinical features of large Brunner's gland tumors. RESULTS: This tumor tends to present predominantly after the fourth decade: Median age is 52.6 years. Neither gender showed predominance. The size of the tumor ranged from 1 to 8 cm and the mean diameter was 2.9 cm. The most common location was the bulb. A pedunculated polyp was the common appearance. Epigastric pain was the most common symptom. Brunner's gland tumor can cause gastrointestinal hemorrhage or obstruction. Most of the polyps had non-diagnostic pathologic yield at pinch biopsy and only one case was diagnosed as focal adenocarcinoma. Endoscopic or surgical removal was undertaken for treatment. Most cases had no recurrence after removal. Snare polypectomy or submucosal dissection very safe and useful treatment modalities. CONCLUSIONS: Large Brunner's gland tumors are mostly found during a check up or epigastric pain. Anemia, melena and obstruction often develop. Endoscopic polypectomy is recommended as a first line treatment.

A Case of Clear Cell Syringoma in an Adult Male / 대한피부과학회지

Clear cell syringoma has two distinct features from typical syringomas: histological predominance of clear cells and a correlation with diabetes mellitus. Otherwise it is similar to ordinary syringomas in age, sex, site, and clinical manifestations. We here report a 49-year-old male with clear cell syringoma accompanied with diabetes mellitus. Histological examination revealed numerous, variable-sized, well-defined tumor nests composed largely of clear cells that stained positive with PAS (Periodic Acid Schiff) before diastase digestion and negative after diastase digestion.

A case of clear cell carcinoma of uterine cervix not related to intrauterine dietylstilbesterol exposure / 대한산부인과학회지

Clear cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix is rare cancer that accounts for 4 to 9% of the adenocarcinoma of uterine cervix. Although intrauterine exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) during early pregnancy is one of the established risk factors, DES exposure may not be confirmed in all patients. We experienced a case of clear cell carcinoma in the uterine cervix of 67-year-old woman who was not exposed to DES. She was initially diagnosed as endometrial clear cell carcinoma because of the normal colposcopic finding and histologically proven clear cell carcinoma from endometrial aspiration biopsy and endocervical curettage. We performed a total laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and lymphadnectomy including both pelvic and para-aortic regions. On the final pathologic diagnosis of clear cell carcinoma confined to endocervix, the patient was received adjuvant concurrent chemoradiation with weekly cisplatin. We present the case with a brief review of related literature.

A Case of Acute Kidney Injury due to Retroperitoneal Sarcoma / 대한신장학회지

Retroperitoneal sarcoma is a rare tumor accounting for 1-2% of all solid malignancies. These tumors are usually large when diagnosed because of their typically silent nature and should be distinguished from other retroperitoneal masses for adequate management. In spite of an apparent complete resection which is the only potential curative treatment, the high rate of local recurrence is the major problem of retroperitoneal sarcoma; therefore, patients with high-grade tumors should undergo regular and continuous follow-ups. Postrenal acute kidney injury (AKI) results from a urinary outflow tract compression due to the mass effect of retroperitoneal sarcoma, which is one of less common causes of postrenal AKI and has not been reported in Korea. We report a case that an 81-year-old-woman with undifferentiated retroperitoneal sarcoma presented with postrenal AKI and improved after complete resection.

Intramural Hematoma of the Esophagus after Endoscopic Pinch Biopsy and Endoscopic Band Ligation / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Esophageal intramural hematoma (EIH) is an uncommon clinical entity among the acute esophageal injuries, and EIH predominantly occurs in middle-aged women. The pathogenesis of EIH has not been clarified, yet this. Seems to occur within the submucosal layer of the esophagus after dissection of the mucosa. EIH may occur spontaneously or secondary to trauma. Patients usually complain of a sudden onset of severe retrosternal chest pain, hematemesis, back pain or dysphagia. Most EIHs show improvement through conservative management, including fasting and intravenous hydration, and this usually completely recovers within a period of 2~3 weeks. We report here on a case that EIH occurred after endoscopic pinch biopsy and endoscopic band ligation and this EIH was exacerbated in a patient who was taking long-term aspirin medication.

A Case of Argyria Following Colloidal Silver Ingestion

Argyria is a rare cutaneous discoloration caused by the intake of silver or various compounds containing silver. We report a case of argyria in a 73-year-old male following ingestion of colloidal silver as an alternative medicine over 5 years. He had a diffuse, slate gray discoloration of his face and hands. A biopsy specimen from the face revealed brown-black extracellular granules in the upper dermis and between collagen bundles. We also found silver particles in the mucous of the colon. The ingestion of colloidal silver appears to be increasing among patients using alternative health practices. We report this case to bring people's attention to the problems associated with the ingestion of colloidal silver.

A Case of a Cutaneous Metastasis from an Endocrine Pancreatic Carcinoma / 대한피부과학회지

Pancreatic endocrine tumors (PET) are rare neoplasms of the pancreas and account for less than 5% of all primary pancreatic malignancies. Included in this group are insulinomas, gastrinomas, glucagonomas and somatostatinomas. Collectively, these neoplasms are classified as functional PETs. When a PET is not associated with a clinical syndrome due to hormone oversecretion, it is referred to as a non-functional PET. Non-functionalPETs are pancreatic tumors with endocrine differentiation but lack a clinical syndrome of hormone hypersecretion. Although a pancreatic carcinoma shows aggressive biological behavior, a cutaneous metastasis from a pancreas carcinoma is rare. We report a case of a case of a cutaneous metastasis from an endocrine pancreatic carcinoma in a 50-year-old female that clinically manifested as a painful firm nodule on the back.

Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma Diagnosed by Biopsy of Skin and Sural Nerve

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare tumor that accounts for less than 2% of all cerebral neoplasms. A 72-year-old man had been suffering from recurrent cranial nerve palsies for several years. His condition improved with steroid treatment, but then eventually worsened; he developed encephalopathic symptoms, quadriparesis, axonal neuropathy, and skin lesions. He was eventually diagnosed with PCNSL following an examination of skin and sural nerve biopsy samples. Biopsy of skin lesions or nerves should be considered for the accurate and early diagnosis of PCNSL.

In Vivo MR Imaging of Magnetically Labeled Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Rat Model of Renal Ischemia

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate in vivo MR imaging for the depiction of intraarterially injected superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-labeled mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in an experimental rat model of renal ischemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Left renal ischemia was induced in 12 male Sprague-Dawley rats by use of the catheter lodging method. In vivo MR signal intensity variations depicted on T2*-weighted sequences were evaluated in both the left and right kidneys prior to injection (n = 2), two hours (n = 4), 15 hours (n = 2), 30 hours (n = 2) and 72 hours (n = 2) after injection of SPIO-labeled MSCs in both kidneys. Signal intensity variations were correlated with the number of Prussian blue stain-positive cells as visualized in histological specimens. RESULTS: In an in vivo study, it was determined that there was a significant difference in signal intensity variation for both the left and right cortex (40.8 +/- 4.12 and 26.4 +/- 7.92, respectively) and for both the left and right medulla (23.2 +/- 3.32 and 15.2 +/- 3.31, respectively) until two hours after injection (p < 0.05). In addition, signal intensity variation in the left renal cortex was well correlated with the number of Prussian blue stain-positive cells per high power field (r = 0.98, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Intraarterial injected SPIO-labeled MSCs in an experimental rat model of renal ischemia can be detected with the use of in vivo MR imaging immediately after injection.

Clinical Associations between the Supplementary Examinations of the Terminal Ileal Mucosal Lesion and the Lesion of the Ileocecal Valve

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The diagnostic value of terminal ileum (TI) biopsies during colonoscopy remains controversial. This study assessed the clinical characteristics of terminal ileal lesions during colonoscopy to find the affecting factors for the specific investigations in addition to TI biopsies. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients (male to female ratio of 1.6, mean age 42.2+/-12.2 years, range 20-68 years) who had undergone colonoscopy with biopsies of TI at Dongguk University International Hospital from September 2005 to December 2007 were retrospectively studied. We analyzed the characteristics of patients, endoscopic and histopathologic findings, followed by multivariate analysis of those significant variables. RESULTS: Ulcerative lesions were most frequently found in 17 cases (45.9%) and multiple lesions were observed in eight cases (21.6%). Aphthoid shape was evident in 19 cases (51.4%). Eight cases (21.6%) were combined with ileocecal valve (ICV) lesion. On histopathologic examination, nonspecific inflammation was evident in 19 cases (51.4%). The diagnostic yield of TI biopsies was 5.4%. Presence of ICV lesion (p=0.004) and multiple lesions (p=0.027) were associated with clinically significant TI lesion. By multivariate analysis, only ICV lesion was statistically significant (Odds ratio 8.3: 95% confidence interval 1.3-54.1, p=0.026). CONCLUSIONS: Not all patients who undergo colonoscopy require intubation of TI. However, a careful examination of ICV could be useful to determine whether intubation of TI would be necessary or not.