Concomitant echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4-anaplastic lymphoma kinase rearrangement and epidermal growth factor receptor mutation in non-small cell lung cancer patients from eastern India

Background: In non-small cell lung cancer common driver mutations such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) are usually mutually exclusive. This study aimed to elucidate the concurrence of EGFR mutation and ALK rearrangement in eastern India patients with primary lung adenocarcinoma and assess the response of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy after 6 months in primary lung adenocarcinoma. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 198 adenocarcinomas for EGFR and ALK mutations. EGFR and ALK tests were done by real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry (IHC) techniques, respectively. Radiological response was assessed by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (version 1.1). Results: EGFR/ALK co-alteration was found in 4 adenocarcinoma patients. All were males with advanced disease. Younger patients had exon 19 deletion whereas older ones showed exon 21 mutation. The initial option of ALK-TKI in all four patients was excluded straightaway due to the high-cost burden of ALK-TKI. Two of them showed a partial response while other two had stable disease after 6 months of EGFR TKI therapy. Conclusion: EGFR/ALK co-alterations in adenocarcinomas albeit rare do exist. The challenge of monetary hurdle in developing countries with ALK TKI therapy can be handled by giving only EGFR TKI in these cases of concomitant mutations. Future perspective in research could be finding an agent with the potential of dual inhibition of ALK and EGFR

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: A rare, potentially fatal complication in subcutaneous panniculitis like T cell lymphoma

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T cell lymphoma is a rare subtype of cutaneous lymphomas with distinct clinical, histological and immunophenotypic characteristics, as well as an indolent clinical course. Rarely, it may be complicated with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: a hyperinflammatory syndrome which, if not diagnosed early, carries a dismal outcome. In this article, we describe a case of subcutaneous panniculitis-like T cell lymphoma in a middle-aged female patient which was complicated with secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis with a favorable outcome following etoposide-based therapy. The various histological mimics of subcutaneous panniculitis-like T cell lymphoma and the management options are also briefly discussed.

Pleomorphic hyalinizing angiectatic tumor of the mesorectum: a rare case and review of literature

Pleomorphic hyalinizing angiectatic tumor (PHAT) is a rare tumor of uncertain tissue origin. Although it has been classified as a benign tumor under the WHO classification, it is locally aggressive, and multiple recurrences have been reported. PHAT commonly involves the lower extremities; however, various unusual sites of origin have been reported. We present the case of a 30-year-old female with dysmenorrhea, who presented a presacral mass on imaging. The core biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of PHAT. She underwent laparotomy and excision. Histopathology confirmed the presence of a tumor comprised of aggregates of ectatic vessels with perivascular hyalinization. An immunohistochemical study showed diffuse CD34 positivity, but S100, MDM2, and smooth muscle actin negativity. After surgical procedures, the patient is disease free as at the 12-month follow-up. Only 120 cases have been published in the English literature to date. Our study is only the third case of PHAT arising from the pelvis to be reported. Though considered to be a rare condition, the diagnosis of PHAT should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of well-defined hypervascular soft tissue mass in the pelvis. The typical histopathological findings along with immunohistochemistry should clinch the diagnosis.

Necrotizing sialometaplasia: Manifestation of a localized unclassified vasculitis.

Necrotizing sialometaplasia is a rare benign and self‑limiting disease, which commonly affects the minor salivary glands. Typically, it involves the seromucinous glands located at palate, buccal mucosa, tongue, tonsil, nasal cavity, trachea, larynx, maxillary sinus, and retromolar trigone. We report two such cases of necrotizing sialometaplasia to create awareness among the pathologists and surgeons because of its close morphological and clinical resemblance to squamous cell carcinoma. We have also documented that, the ischemic necrosis of salivary gland is the result of a vasculitic process.

Hepatic metastasis with heterologous rhabdomyoblastic differentiation in a patient with gastrointestinal stromal tumor treated with imatinib.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the intestinal tract. In patients with locally advanced and/or metastatic GIST, the introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitor, imatinib mesylate, has transformed the management of this previously untreatable neoplasm into a treatable entity. Approximately 80% of advanced metastatic GISTs respond to imatinib treatment. However, the majority of patients suffer disease progression at a median of 2 years due to drug resistance. Generally progressing GISTs retain their typical morphology. Herein, we report an extremely rare case of progressive metastatic GIST with heterologous rhabdomyoblastic differentiation after, imatinib mesylate treatment. We also review the relevant literature.

Adherent Escherichia coli in colorectal mucosal biopsies: A histological and ultrastructural evaluation.

Background: Colorectal mucosal biopsies occasionally demonstrate the presence of bacteria adherent to the epithelium. This study evaluated the histological and ultrastructural correlates of such bacterial adherence. Materials and Methods: Rectal mucosal biopsies from eight patients in whom histopathological examination of biopsies had earlier demonstrated adherent bacteria were examined by electron microscopy and by bacterial culture. Colorectal biopsies of 69 patients with adherent bacteria detected histologically were retrospectively evaluated for histological changes at sites proximal and distant to adherent bacteria. Results: Escherichia coli of different serogroups were isolated from 7 of 8 rectal biopsies demonstrating bacterial adherence. All isolates showed diffuse or focal adherence to HEp-2 cell monolayers. Ultrastructural changes noted included microvillus damage, pedestal formation, actin web condensation, and protrusions of the apical cytoplasm of epithelial cells into the lumen towards the bacteria. Histological changes noted at light microscopy included reduction in epithelial cell height, focal epithelial cell degeneration, cryptitis and neutrophil infiltration at sites of bacterial adherence whereas these were usually absent at sites distant to adherent bacteria. Bacterial adherence was noted more often in biopsies from Crohn's disease patients than in patients without this diagnosis (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Adherent Escherichia coli in colorectal biopsies were associated with focal epithelial damage and showed an association with Crohn's disease.