Bilateral multiple renal arteries with an extra-aortic origin and quadruple testicular veins / 대한해부학회지

Incidentally found cystic lymphangioma of the adrenal gland in an elderly male cadaver / 영남의대학술지

Adrenal cystic lymphangiomas are extremely rare entities that are often identified incidentally, with less than 60 cases reported to date. We found a protruding ovoid mass consisting of a multiloculated cystic lesion within right adrenal gland in the cadaver of a 75-year-old Korean man. The epithelial cells lining the adrenal cyst were diffusely positive for cluster of differentiation 31 and podoplanin, and negative for pan-cytokeratin. The histopathological diagnosis confirmed a cystic lymphangioma arising from the adrenal gland. Post-mortem findings of the present case are discussed based on the clinicopathological features of adrenal cystic lymphangiomas.

Bone Involvement of Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) Showing Unusual Manifestations Mimicking Chronic Osteomyelitis in a 58-Year-Old Man: Case Report and Clinical Application of Diffusion Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging

This study presents a case of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in a 58-year-old man showing unusual manifestations mimicking chronic osteomyelitis. In this case review, we describe the imaging findings of DLBCL which mimics chronic osteomyelitis and review existing reports regarding the differential diagnosis of bone involvement of lymphoma and osteomyelitis through imaging and laboratory findings and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) such as the advanced MRI sequence.

Incidentally found cystic lymphangioma of the adrenal gland in an elderly male cadaver / 영남의대학술지

Adrenal cystic lymphangiomas are extremely rare entities that are often identified incidentally, with less than 60 cases reported to date. We found a protruding ovoid mass consisting of a multiloculated cystic lesion within right adrenal gland in the cadaver of a 75-year-old Korean man. The epithelial cells lining the adrenal cyst were diffusely positive for cluster of differentiation 31 and podoplanin, and negative for pan-cytokeratin. The histopathological diagnosis confirmed a cystic lymphangioma arising from the adrenal gland. Post-mortem findings of the present case are discussed based on the clinicopathological features of adrenal cystic lymphangiomas.

Killian-Jamieson diverticulum lined with two epithelia in a Korean cadaver / 대한해부학회지

Killian-Jamieson diverticulum is a permanent protrusion of anterolateral proximal esophagus through anatomically weak muscular gap, known as Killian-Jamieson area, into adjacent area. During a routine educational dissection, we found a well-defined lateral diverticulum just inferior to the transverse fibers of the cricopharyngeus muscle in a Korean male cadaver. It had a dimension of 1.8×1.4×1.0 cm with two types of epithelial cells, stratified squamous and simple cuboidal to low-columnar epithelium, and attenuated and haphazardly arranged muscle fibers. No epithelial dysplasia or malignant transformation was identified except ulcerative changes. Although Killian-Jamieson diverticulum is a very rare disease, clinicopathological aspects should be considered.

Occipital Lobe Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Presenting as Homonymous Hemianopia

PURPOSE: To report brain metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma presenting as homonymous hemianopia. CASE SUMMARY: A 51-year-old female with a history of hepatectomy and diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) 19 months earlier was referred to our neuro-ophthalmology clinic for evaluation due to headache and decreased visual acuity over the past several months. Best visual acuity was 20/20, and the results of all other aspects of our examination were normal except Humphrey automatic perimetry, which showed complete left homonymous hemianopia. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a large mass in the right occipital lobe. Craniotomy and removal of tumor were performed. HCC was confirmed by histopathologic examination. CONCLUSIONS: Metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma to the occipital lobe is extremely rare but can present as homonymous hemianopia. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of this when examining a patient with a history of HCC.

A Rare Case of Nodular Mucinosis of the Breast

No abstract available.

Aurora Kinase A Is a Prognostic Marker in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND: Aurora kinase A (AURKA), or STK15/BTAK, is a member of the serine/threonine kinase family and plays important roles in mitosis and chromosome stability. This study investigated the clinical significance of AURKA expression in colorectal cancer patients in Korea. METHODS: AURKA protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 151 patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma using tissue microarray blocks. We analyzed the relationship between clinicopathological characteristics and AURKA expression. In addition, the prognostic significance of various clinicopathological data for progression-free survival (PFS) was assessed. Also we evaluated copy number variations by array comparative genomic hybridization and AURKA gene amplification using fluorescence in situ hybridization in colorectal carcinoma tissues. RESULTS: AURKA gene amplification was found more frequently in the 20q13.2–13.33 gain-positive group than the group with no significant gain on the AURKA-containing locus. AURKA protein expression was detected in 45% of the cases (68/151). Positive staining for AURKA was observed more often in male patients (p = .035) and distally located tumors (p = .021). PFS was shorter in patients with AURKA expression compared to those with low-level AURKA expression (p < .001). Univariate analysis revealed that AURKA expression (p = .001), age (p = .034), lymphatic invasion (p = .001), perineural invasion (p = .002), and TNM stage (p = .013) significantly affected PFS. In a multivariate analysis of PFS, a Cox proportional hazard model confirmed that AURKA expression was an independent and significant prognostic factor in colorectal adenocarcinoma (hazard ratio, 3.944; p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: AURKA could serve as an independent factor to predict a poor prognosis in Korean colorectal adenocarcinoma patients.

Clinical Significance of Newborn Gastric Inflammatory Mediators

PURPOSE: We performed this study to determine (1) whether the levels of inflammatory mediators, including matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and intercellular adhesion molecule-3 (ICAM-3), in gastric fluid (GF) in premature newborns are associated with those in amniotic fluid (AF) in their mothers and (2) whether the levels of the inflammatory mediators in newborn GF are associated with the presence of intrauterine inflammation (IUI). METHODS: Sixty-two pairs of pregnant women and their premature newborns born at <35 weeks' gestation by cesarean delivery were enrolled in this study. AF and newborn GFs were obtained during cesarean section procedures. Levels of MMP-9, ICAM-3, interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were measured and compared between the AF and newborn GFs in each dyad, according to the presence or absence of chorioamnionitis (CA), preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM), and preterm labor (PTL). RESULTS: The levels of MMP-9, ICAM-3, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha in newborn GF were significantly correlated with those in AF in each dyad. The premature newborns and their mothers with CA had significantly higher GF MMP-9, IL-8, and TNF-alpha levels than those without CA. Those with PPROM or PTL showed similar findings in terms of GF MMP-9, IL-8, and TNF-alpha levels. CONCLUSION: The newborn GF immediately after birth can be a useful alternative source of information on whether a premature infant has been exposed to IUI at the time of delivery.

A Case of Posterior Mediastinal Plasmacytoma Confounded by Community-Acquired Pneumonia / 결핵및호흡기질환

Plasmacytomas are extramedullary accumulations of plasma cells originating from soft tissue. Mediastinal plasmacytoma is a rare presentation. A 67-year-old man recovered after antibiotic treatment for community-acquired pneumonia. However, on convalescent chest radiography after 3 months, mass like lesion at the right lower lung field was newly detected. Follow-up chest computed tomography (CT) revealed an increase in the extent of the right posterior mediastinal mass that we had considered to be pneumonic consolidations on previous CT scans. Through percutaneous needle biopsy, we diagnosed IgG kappa type extramedullary plasmacytoma of the posterior mediastinum.

Umbilical Cord Blood Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Levels are associated with Funisitis / 대한주산의학회잡지

PURPOSE: Intrauterine inflammation (IUI) is a leading cause of preterm delivery. Although matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) are known to be related with IUI, it has not been fully elucidated whether MMP-9 or ICAM-3 is associated with IUI. We performed this study to determine whether the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), MMP-9 and ICAM-3 in umbilical cord blood of preterm infants are associated with chorioamnionitis, funisitis or bronchopulmonary dysplasia. METHODS: Eighty-two pairs of pregnant women and their preterm newborns <35 weeks gestation were enrolled. Levels of TNF-alpha, MMP-9 and ICAM-3 in umbilical cord blood were measured using immunoassays and compared with results of histological examination of placenta and clinical data of the study participants. RESULTS: The level of MMP-9 in umbilical cord blood was significantly associated with the presence of funisitis (P =0.007). The level of TNF-alpha in umbilical cord blood was significantly associated with the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (P =0.030). However, presence of chorioamnionitis or funisitis was not associated with development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. With the establishment of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the best cut-off value for umbilical blood MMP-9 was 99.42 pg/mL in identification of funisitis. The area under a constructed ROC curve for prediction of funisitis was 0.847 (standard error, 0.112; 95% confidence interval, 0.750-0.917). CONCLUSION: Measurement of MMP-9 concentration in umbilical cord blood may be an alternative way to predict whether a preterm infant has been exposed to IUI. Further study with larger numbers of subjects will be necessary to elucidate the association between the presence of IUI and neonatal adverse outcome.

Single Cavernous Hemangioma of the Small Bowel Diagnosed by Using Capsule Endoscopy in a Child with Chronic Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Cavernous hemangiomas of the gastrointestinal tract are extremely rare. In particular, the diagnosis of small bowel hemangiomas is very difficult in children. A 13-year-old boy presented at the outpatient clinic with dizziness and fatigue. The patient was previously diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia at 3 years of age and had been treated with iron supplements continuously and pure red cell transfusion intermittently. Laboratory tests indicated that the patient currently had iron-deficiency anemia. There was no evidence of gross bleeding, such as hematemesis or bloody stool. Laboratory findings indicated no bleeding tendency. Gastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy results were negative. To obtain a definitive diagnosis, the patient underwent capsule endoscopy. A purplish stalked mass was found in the jejunum, and the mass was excised successfully. We report of a 13-year-old boy who presented with severe and recurrent iron-deficiency anemia caused by a cavernous hemangioma in the small bowel without symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Preoperative N Staging of Gastric Cancer by Stomach Protocol Computed Tomography

PURPOSE: Clinical stage of gastric cancer is currently assessed by computed tomography. Accurate clinical staging is important for the tailoring of therapy. This study evaluated the accuracy of clinical N staging using stomach protocol computed tomography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2004 and November 2012, 171 patients with gastric cancer underwent preoperative stomach protocol computed tomography (Jeju National University Hospital; Jeju, Korea). Their demographic and clinical characteristics were reviewed retrospectively. Two radiologists evaluated cN staging using axial and coronal computed tomography images, and cN stage was matched with pathologic results. The diagnostic accuracy of stomach protocol computed tomography for clinical N staging and clinical characteristics associated with diagnostic accuracy were evaluated. RESULTS: The overall accuracy of stomach protocol computed tomography for cN staging was 63.2%. Computed tomography images of slice thickness 3.0 mm had a sensitivity of 60.0%; a specificity of 89.6%; an accuracy of 78.4%; and a positive predictive value of 78.0% in detecting lymph node metastases. Underestimation of cN stage was associated with larger tumor size (P<0.001), undifferentiated type (P=0.003), diffuse type (P=0.020), more advanced pathologic stage (P<0.001), and larger numbers of harvested and metastatic lymph nodes (P<0.001 each). Tumor differentiation was an independent factor affecting underestimation by computed tomography (P=0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Computed tomography with a size criterion of 8 mm is highly specific but relatively insensitive in detecting nodal metastases. Physicians should keep in mind that computed tomography may not be an appropriate tool to detect nodal metastases for choosing appropriate treatment.

Early Colorectal Epithelial Neoplasm in Korea: A Multicenter Survey of Pathologic Diagnosis

BACKGROUND: The incidence of early colorectal epithelial neoplasm (ECEN) is increasing, and its pathologic diagnosis is important for patient care. We investigated the incidence of ECEN and the current status of its pathologic diagnosis. METHODS: We collected datasheets from 25 institutes in Korea for the incidence of colorectal adenoma with high grade dysplasia (HGD) and low grade dysplasia in years 2005, 2007, and 2009; and early colorectal carcinoma in the year 2009. We also surveyed the diagnostic terminology of ECEN currently used by the participating pathologists. RESULTS: The average percentage of diagnoses of adenoma HGD was 7.0%, 5.0%, and 3.4% in years 2005, 2007, and 2009, respectively. The range of incidence rates of adenoma HGD across the participating institutes has gradually narrowed over the years 2005 to 2009. The incidence rate of early colorectal carcinoma in the year 2009 was 21.2%. The participants did not share a single criterion or terminology for the diagnosis of adenoma HGD. The majority accepted the diagnostic terms that distinguished noninvasive, mucosal confined, and submucosal invasive carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Further research requirements suggested are a diagnostic consensus for the histopathologic diagnosis of ECEN; and standardization of diagnostic terminology critical for determining the disease code.

Diagnostic Value of Clinical T Staging Assessed by Endoscopy and Stomach Protocol Computed Tomography in Gastric Cancer: The Experience of a Low-Volume Institute

PURPOSE: Clinical staging of gastric cancer appears to be important more and more for tailored therapy. This study aimed to verify the accuracy of clinical T staging in a low-volume institute. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data of gastric cancer patients who underwent resection. A total of 268 patients of gastric cancer were enrolled from March 2004 to June 2012. These demographics, tumor characteristics, and clinical stages were analyzed for identification of diagnostic value of clinical T staging. RESULTS: The predictive values for pT1 of endoscopy and computed tomography were 90.0% and 89.4%, respectively. In detail, the predictive values of endoscopy for pT1a, pT1b, and pT2 or more were 87%, 58.5%, and 90.6%, respectively. The predictive values of computed tomography for pT1a, pT1b, and pT2 or more were 68.8%, 73.9%, and 84.4%, respectively. The factors leading to underestimation of pT2 or more lesions by gastroscopy were the middle third location, the size greater than 2 cm, and younger age. Those for overestimation of pT1 lesion by computed tomography were male, age more than 70 years, elevated type, and size greater than 3 cm. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic accuracy of early gastric cancer was 90%, which is comparable to those of high volume center. In patients with early gastric cancer, limited gastrectomy or minimal invasive surgery can be safely introduced at a low volume center also. However, the surgeon of low-volume institute should consider the accuracy of clinical staging before extending the indication of limited treatment.

Diagnostic Value of Clinical T Staging Assessed by Endoscopy and Stomach Protocol Computed Tomography in Gastric Cancer: The Experience of a Low-Volume Institute

PURPOSE: Clinical staging of gastric cancer appears to be important more and more for tailored therapy. This study aimed to verify the accuracy of clinical T staging in a low-volume institute. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data of gastric cancer patients who underwent resection. A total of 268 patients of gastric cancer were enrolled from March 2004 to June 2012. These demographics, tumor characteristics, and clinical stages were analyzed for identification of diagnostic value of clinical T staging. RESULTS: The predictive values for pT1 of endoscopy and computed tomography were 90.0% and 89.4%, respectively. In detail, the predictive values of endoscopy for pT1a, pT1b, and pT2 or more were 87%, 58.5%, and 90.6%, respectively. The predictive values of computed tomography for pT1a, pT1b, and pT2 or more were 68.8%, 73.9%, and 84.4%, respectively. The factors leading to underestimation of pT2 or more lesions by gastroscopy were the middle third location, the size greater than 2 cm, and younger age. Those for overestimation of pT1 lesion by computed tomography were male, age more than 70 years, elevated type, and size greater than 3 cm. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic accuracy of early gastric cancer was 90%, which is comparable to those of high volume center. In patients with early gastric cancer, limited gastrectomy or minimal invasive surgery can be safely introduced at a low volume center also. However, the surgeon of low-volume institute should consider the accuracy of clinical staging before extending the indication of limited treatment.

Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 and -13 and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-4 in Varicose Veins

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the degree of expression of matrix metalloproteinases or tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases and venous reflux remains to be investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Primary varicose vein tissues were obtained from 23 patients, 18 females and 5 males, aged from 19 to 73. Cephalic or basilic veins were obtained for the control group from 10 patients who underwent vascular access for maintenance hemodialysis. Two operative techniques (high ligation with stripping or endovenous laser coagulation) were used. The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and 13 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-4 in the varicose vein group and control group was assessed semi-quantitatively by immunohistochemical slides stained with primary antibodies. RESULTS: Twenty (87%) of the varicose vein group patients had greater or lesser saphenous vein diseases with reflux. The focal weak (+) stain for matrix metalloproteinases-2, and 13, and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-4 was dominant in the varicose vein group; the focal or diffuse strong stain (++ or +++) was prevalent in the control group. The differences were statistically significant (p<0.01). The degree of reflux and the duration of symptoms were not significantly related to the expression of MMP-13 (p=0.317 and p=0.654, respectively). CONCLUSION: Further study should be performed to investigate the relationship between the clinical characteristics related to venous hypertension or reflux and expression of MMPs and TIMP in varicose veins.

Calcifying Fibrous Pseudotumor of the Anterior Mediastinum

Calcifying fibrous pseudotumors are rare soft-tissue lesions pathologically characterized by hyalinized collagen, psammomatous or dystrophic calcification, and lympho-plasmacyte infiltration. They are clinically benign with an extremely low rate of recurrence and complete surgical resection is known to be the treatment of choice. We performed the resection of a calcifying fibrous pseudotumors in the anterior mediastinum without complications.

Calcifying Fibrous Pseudotumor of the Anterior Mediastinum

Calcifying fibrous pseudotumors are rare soft-tissue lesions pathologically characterized by hyalinized collagen, psammomatous or dystrophic calcification, and lympho-plasmacyte infiltration. They are clinically benign with an extremely low rate of recurrence and complete surgical resection is known to be the treatment of choice. We performed the resection of a calcifying fibrous pseudotumors in the anterior mediastinum without complications.

Penile Squamous Cell Carcinoma Diagnosed following Treatment of Urethrocutaneous Fistula after CO2 Laser Therapy for Misdiagnosed Penile Lesion: Report of a Case / 대한남성과학회지

The complications of the treatment of penile lesion are wide ranging, urethrocutaneous fistula being one of the less common. This complication affects the ventral aspect of the penis. We present a rare case of urethrocutaneous fistula after vaporization of penile lesion by CO2 Laser. One fistula was at ventral aspect of the penis. A 43-year-old male presented with passage of urine from one opening. He had undergone a vaporization by CO2 laser, 2 times. Urethrocutaneous fistula repairs was performed with biopsy of the edge of fistula site. Squamous cell carcinoma was confirmed. He subsequently underwent a partial penectomy. It is very important that biopsy was performed before vaporization of even small size skin lesion. This case is reported along with a brief review of the literature.