A case of carcinoma rete testis: histomorphological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural findings and review of literature.

A 72-year-old man presenting with a secondary hydrocoel underwent orchidectomy. Gross examination revealed a tumor arising in the region of the rete testis, which on histopathology proved to be a papillary adenocarcinoma. The patient did not have evidence of any other neoplasia elsewhere in the body. The lesion fulfilled the anatomic criteria elucidated by Nochomovitz et al to be labelled as adenocarcinoma of Rete testis. Electron microscopy revealed characteristic nuclear infoldings and microtubules with two different arrangements. The tubules were either seen to form concentric circles or were in irregular groups with filaments interspersed. The lesion on immunohistochemistry was negative for germ cell markers AFP and HCG, and was positive for cytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen. A review of literature is also presented.

Herpes simplex encephalitis: a diagnostic and therapeutic reapprisal.

Herpes Simplex Encephalitis (HSE) appears to be underdiagnosed in India, though viral encephalitides constitutes an important entity with significant morbidity. With an upsurge in AIDS, HSE may perhaps emerge as an important opportunistic infection in future. We discuss the clinical features and laboratory evaluation of nine cases of HSE seen in the last 12 years at our center. Diagnosis was established by brain biopsy in one, virological studies in six and at autopsy in three. Immunocytochemically viral antigens could be localized in 4 biopsied/autopsied brain tissue and in CSF cells on a cytospin preparation in one. This has facilitated rapid diagnosis in our cases. Virus isolation was successful in two. Three subjects were treated with acyclovir and all survived with variable morbidity. Four patients expired and none of them had received any specific antiviral drugs. Rapid diagnosis and early treatment with acyclovir has been highlighted.