Scalp Metastasis as an Initial Manifestation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung: Case Report of an Extremely Rare Entity.

Cutaneous metastasis of primary visceral neoplasm is an unusual phenomenon. However, cutaneous metastasis as an initial presentation of clinically silent visceral neoplasm is exceedingly rare. We are reporting a unique case of an elderly male patient who presented with a solitary scalp metastasis as an initial manifestation of underlying lung cancer. Further diagnostic evaluation revealed neoplastic primary lung disease. This case report emphasizes the importance of physicians being aware of these unusual clinical presentations of visceral malignancies. It is also critical to order appropriate diagnostic tests promptly to establish an accurate diagnosis and begin the proper treatment for a better prognosis. Skin lesions can be a diagnostic manifestation of lung cancer and predict a poor prognosis. We conclude that in patients with a history of smoking or lung cancer who present with cutaneous lesions, the possibility of skin metastasis of primary lung cancer should always be considered in the differential diagnosis.

A Novel Case of Compound Heterozygous Type 3 Von Willebrand Disease.

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder worldwide. Genetic mutations in the von Willebrand gene may result in either quantitative (Types 1 or 3) or qualitative defects (Type 2) of von Willebrand Factor (vWF). Type 3 is the rarest and most severe form of VWD, resulting in a virtual absence of vWF. Type 3 VWD follows autosomal recessive inheritance and is most often reported in patients who are homozygous for the same gene mutation. We report a patient with type 3 VWD who inherited two different mutations, one from each parent, resulting in compound heterozygosity.

Pan-PIM kinase inhibitors enhance Lenalidomide's anti-myeloma activity via cereblon-IKZF1/3 cascade.

Multiple myeloma remains an incurable disease, and continued efforts are required to develop novel agents and novel drug combinations with more effective anti-myeloma activity. Here, we show that the pan-PIM kinase inhibitors SGI1776 and CX6258 exhibit significant anti-myeloma activity and that combining a pan-PIM kinase inhibitor with the immunomodulatory agent lenalidomide in an in vivo myeloma xenograft mouse model resulted in synergistic myeloma cell killing without additional hematologic or hepatic toxicities. Further investigations indicated that treatment with a pan-PIM kinase inhibitor promoted increased ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of IKZF1 and IKZF3, two transcription factors crucial for survival of myeloma cells. Combining a pan-PIM kinase inhibitor with lenalidomide led to more effective degradation of IKZF1 and IKZF3 in multiple myeloma cell lines as well as xenografts of myeloma tumors. We also demonstrated that treatment with a pan-PIM kinase inhibitor resulted in increased expression of cereblon, and that knockdown of cereblon via a shRNA lentivirus abolished the effects of PIM kinase inhibition on the degradation of IKZF1 and IKZF3 and myeloma cell apoptosis, demonstrating a central role of cereblon in pan-PIM kinase inhibitor-mediated down-regulation of IKZF1 and IKZF3 and myeloma cell killing. These data elucidate the mechanism of pan-PIM kinase inhibitor mediated anti-myeloma effect and the rationale for the synergy observed with lenalidomide co-treatment, and provide justification for a clinical trial of the combination of pan-PIM kinase inhibitors and lenalidomide for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Validation of the STA-Liatest DDi assay for exclusion of proximal deep vein thrombosis according to the latest Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute/Food and Drug Administration guideline: results of a multicenter management study.

: Recommended strategy for venous thromboembolism (VTE) diagnosis includes the use of sensitive D-dimer (DDi) assays along with pretest probability (PTP) assessment. The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) recently issued a guideline (US FDA endorsed) on DDi in VTE exclusion. Such guideline specifies the ideal D-dimer assay characteristics and target population. Demonstrate STA-LiatestD-Di performance combined with a PTP score for proximal deep vein thrombosis (pDVT) exclusion in a CLSI compliant study. International, multicenter, prospective nonrandomized, noninterventional clinical outcome management study conducted in a standard-of-care setting. DDi was measured in DVT-suspected consecutive low/moderate PTP outpatients, without conditions possibly impacting DDi values independently of thrombosis presence (age >80, pregnancy, postoperative, cancer) using a 0.5 µg/ml (FEU) threshold for DVT exclusion. Results were used to determine test performance. One thousand two hundred and thirty-four patients (17 centers) signed informed consent. Nine hundred and eighty (mean age: 55) with valid results (494 negative DDi) completed the study (DVT prevalence: 8.7%). STA-LiatestD-Di performance exceeded CLSI/FDA requirements: sensitivity: 100% (95% CI 95.8-100%), NPV: 100% (95% CI 99.3-100%). STA-LiatestD-Di associated with PTP score showed excellent performance for pDVT exclusion, as recently demonstrated for pulmonary embolism. The assay allows safe VTE exclusion, avoiding unnecessary imaging tests.

Trends in Bone Marrow Sampling and Core Biopsy Specimen Adequacy in the United States and Canada: A Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess bone marrow (BM) sampling in academic medical centers. METHODS: Data from 6,374 BM samples obtained in 32 centers in 2001 and 2011, including core length (CL), were analyzed. RESULTS: BM included a biopsy (BMB; 93%) specimen, aspirate (BMA; 92%) specimen, or both (83%). The median (SD) CL was 12 (8.5) mm, and evaluable marrow was 9 (7.6) mm. Tissue contraction due to processing was 15%. BMB specimens were longer in adults younger than 60 years, men, and bilateral, staging, and baseline samples. Only 4% of BMB and 2% of BMB/BMA samples were deemed inadequate for diagnosis. BM for plasma cell dyscrasias, nonphysician operators, and ancillary studies usage increased, while bilateral sampling decreased over the decade. BM-related quality assurance programs are infrequent. CONCLUSIONS: CL is shorter than recommended and varies with patient age and sex, clinical circumstances, and center experience. While pathologists render diagnoses on most cases irrespective of CL, BMB yield improvement is desirable.

IgM Myeloma with Plasma Cell Leukemia: Case Report and Literature Review.

IgM multiple myeloma (MM) is a rare entity representing approximately 0.5% of all MM. It should be distinguished from malignant neoplasms of B cells with plasmacytic differentiation such as Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) and marginal zone lymphoma with plasmacytic differentiation. Plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is a rare and aggressive variant of MM characterized by the presence of circulating plasma cells. We present a case report of a patient who presented with IgM MM in primary PCL phase with high-risk cytogenetics. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of IgM MM with primarily leukemic presentation in the era of novel drugs. We demonstrate that it is important to distinguish IgM MM from WM and review the data from clinical trials that was used to devise a treatment strategy for this high-risk patient. This case adds to the understanding of the diagnosis and management of IgM MM in leukemic phase.

Cases of transfusion-transmitted babesiosis occurring in nonendemic areas: a diagnostic dilemma.

BACKGROUND: Transfusion-transmitted babesiosis (TTB) has been rapidly increasing in incidence since the beginning of the 21st century. Asymptomatic individuals with Babesia infection are able to donate blood in the United States because of the lack of specific blood donation testing. Blood products collected in Babesia-endemic areas are distributed nationally; thus, clinicians in nonendemic states may fail to include babesiosis in the differential diagnosis of a patient who had a recent transfusion history and a fever of unknown origin. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We report the details of two cases of clinical transfusion-transmitted babesiosis and one asymptomatic infection identified in red blood cell recipients in two nonendemic states (South Carolina and Maryland), which, when combined with three recent additional cases in nonendemic states, totals six recipient infections in three nonendemic states. RESULTS: Delayed diagnosis of transfusion-transmitted babesiosis places patients at risk for increased morbidity and mortality and may result in clinical mismanagement or unnecessary treatments. A peripheral blood smear should be reviewed in any patient with a recent transfusion and a fever of unknown origin. Prompt communication of the diagnosis among physicians is key to ensuring that patients with transfusion-transmitted babesiosis are treated expeditiously, and a transfusion service investigation is necessary to identify additional recipients from the same donor. CONCLUSION: TTB is appearing in traditionally nonendemic states because of blood product distribution patterns. Clinicians should include TTB on the differential diagnosis in any patient presenting who had a recent transfusion history and a fever of unknown origin, regardless of where the transfusion took place.

Characterization of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), a recently recognized nonneoplastic mast cell disease driving chronic multisystem inflammation and allergy, appears prevalent and thus important. We report the first systematic characterization of a large MCAS population. METHOD: Demographics, comorbidities, symptoms, family histories, physical examination and laboratory findings were reviewed in 298 retrospective and 115 prospective patients with MCAS. Blood samples from prospective subjects were examined by flow cytometry for clonal mast cell disease and tested for cytokines potentially driving the monocytosis frequent in MCAS. RESULTS: Demographically, white females dominated. Median ages at symptom onset and diagnosis were 9 and 49 years, respectively (range: 0-88 and 16-92, respectively) and median time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 30 years (range: 1-85). Median numbers of comorbidities, symptoms, and family medical issues were 11, 20, and 4, respectively (range: 1-66, 2-84, and 0-33, respectively). Gastroesophageal reflux, fatigue and dermatographism were the most common comorbidity, symptom and examination finding. Abnormalities in routine laboratories were common and diverse but typically modest. The most useful diagnostic markers were heparin, prostaglandin D2, histamine and chromogranin A. Flow cytometric and cytokine assessments were unhelpful. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights MCAS׳s morbidity burden and challenging heterogeneity. Recognition is important given good survival and treatment prospects.

Assessment of Bleeding and Thrombosis Based on Aspirin Responsiveness after Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Placement.

Pump thrombosis (PT) is a severe complication of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support. This study evaluated PT and bleeding after LVAD placement in patients responsive to a standard aspirin dose of 81 mg using platelet inhibition monitoring compared with initial nonresponders who were then titrated upward to achieve therapeutic response. Patients ≥ 18 years of age with initial placement of HeartMate II LVAD at our institution and at least one VerifyNow Aspirin test performed during initial hospitalization were included. The primary endpoints were bleeding and PT compared between initial aspirin responders and nonresponders. Of 85 patients, 19 (22%) were nonresponsive to initial aspirin therapy. Responders and nonresponders showed similar survival (p = 0.082), freedom from suspected/confirmed PT (p = 0.941), confirmed PT (p = 0.273), bleeding (p = 0.401), and incidence rates in PT and bleeding. Among the initial responders (<500 vs. 500-549 aspirin reaction units), there were no significant differences in survival (p = 0.177), freedom from suspected/confirmed PT (p = 0.542), confirmed PT (p = 0.159), bleeding (p = 0.879), and incidence of PT and bleeding. Platelet function testing may detect resistance to standard aspirin regimens used in LVAD patients. Dose escalation in initially nonresponsive patients to achieve responsiveness may confer a similar PT risk to patients initially responsive to standard aspirin dosing without increased bleeding risk.

D-Dimer Use and Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis in Emergency Units: Why Is There Such a Difference in Pulmonary Embolism Prevalence between the United States of America and Countries Outside USA?

OBJECTIVE: Although diagnostic guidelines are similar, there is a huge difference in pulmonary embolism (PE) prevalence between the United States of America (US) and countries outside the USA (OUS) in the emergency care setting. In this study, we prospectively analyze patients' characteristics and differences in clinical care that may influence PE prevalence in different countries. METHODS: An international multicenter prospective diagnostic study was conducted in a standard-of-care setting. Consecutive outpatients presenting to the emergency unit and suspected for PE were managed using the Wells score, STA-Liatest® D-Dimers and imaging. RESULTS: The prevalence of PE in the study was 7.9% in low and moderate risk patients. Among the 1060 patients with low or moderate pre-test probability (PTP), PE prevalence was four times higher in OUS (10.7%) than in the US (2.5%) (P < 0.0001). The mean number of imaging procedures performed for one new PE diagnosis was 3.3 in OUS vs 17 in the US (P < 0.001). Stopping investigation in the case of negative D-dimers (DD combined) with low/moderate PTP was more frequent in OUS (92.7%) than in the US (75.7%) (P < 0.01). Moreover, the use of imaging was much higher in the US (44.4% vs 19.2% in OUS) in the case of moderate PTP combined with negative DD. CONCLUSION: Differences between US and OUS PE prevalence in emergency setting might be explained by differences in patients' characteristics and mostly in care patterns. US physicians performed computed tomographic pulmonary angiography more often than in Europe in cases of low/moderate PTP combined with negative DD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01221805.

Validation of STA-Liatest D-Di assay for exclusion of pulmonary embolism according to the latest Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute/Food and Drug Administration guideline. Results of a multicenter management study.

: Combined clinical pretest probability (PTP) and D-dimer testing have great diagnostic value for pulmonary embolism exclusion. To harmonize performance levels of D-dimer assays available on the market, the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) has published a guideline, endorsed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Such guideline specifies the ideal D-dimer assay characteristic and target population. This study was conducted following the CLSI guideline to upgrade the assay-intended use and obtain FDA clearance of STA-Liatest D-Di assay for pulmonary embolism exclusion in patient with low/moderate PTP. This was an international, multicenter, prospective nonrandomized, noninterventional clinical outcome management study conducted in a standard of care setting. D-dimer assay was performed in consecutive, ambulatory outpatients suspected of pulmonary embolism, with low/moderate PTP, and without medical conditions or in clinical settings known to alter default D-dimer values regardless of the presence of thrombosis using a threshold of 0.5 µg/ml (fibrinogen equivalent units) for venous thromboembolism exclusion. Results were used to determine test performance. Of 1141 patients who underwent D-dimer testing, 1060 had valid results and completed study as planned. STA-Liatest D-Di assay performance has exceeded the CLSI/FDA guidance requirements, with a sensitivity of 97.6% (95% confidence interval: 91.7-99.7%) and a negative predictive value of 99.7% (95% confidence interval: 99.0-100%). STA-Liatest D-Di assay has an excellent performance when used in combination with a PTP score in relevant patients and has the potential to minimize the economic healthcare burden avoiding unnecessary and expensive imaging tests.

Diagnosing Spindle Cell Variant of Primary Cutaneous B-Cell Lymphoma: Potential Pitfalls and Solutions.

Spindle cell variant of cutaneous B-cell lymphoma is a rare entity which poses a diagnostic difficulty. The differential diagnosis of cutaneous spindle cell lesions is broad, and often includes sarcoma, carcinoma, and melanoma. Lymphoma with spindle cell morphology is frequently only considered after exclusion of more common etiologies. Among these rare cases of lymphoma with spindle cell morphology, a majority prove to be of B-cell origin. Following the diagnosis of cutaneous lymphoma, a thorough clinical evaluation must be conducted to determine if the lesion represents primary cutaneous lymphoma or secondary cutaneous involvement by a systemic process, as these have distinct classifications, prognoses, and treatments.

Recombinant Human Antithrombin in Pregnant Patients with Hereditary Antithrombin Deficiency: Integrated Analysis of Clinical Data.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate the use of recombinant human antithrombin (rhAT) in preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) in pregnant patients with hereditary AT deficiency (HATD). STUDY DESIGN: Data from two clinical trials were pooled. Dosing of rhAT was based on body weight and baseline AT activity, started up to 24 hours before scheduled induction or cesarean delivery, or at the onset of labor. RESULTS: A total of 21 pregnant HATD patients were enrolled. Mean rhAT therapy duration was 4.3 days and dose was 245.1 IU/kg/day. All patients achieved target mean AT activity (80-120% of normal) during rhAT therapy. There were no confirmed VTEs during rhAT treatment or within 7 ( ± 1) days after dosing. Two VTE events (one deep vein thrombosis and one pulmonary embolism) occurred 11 and 14 days after discontinuation of rhAT, in patients managed with prophylactic doses of heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin following delivery. CONCLUSION: rhAT was safe and effective in pregnant HATD patients when administered during the peripartum period, the period of highest VTE risk and a time when anticoagulation therapy is normally withheld. Pregnant HATD patients may benefit from therapeutic, rather than prophylactic, doses of anticoagulation after delivery to protect against postpartum VTE.

Plasma Cell Granuloma: An Entity within the Spectrum of IgG4-Related Disease.

Plasma cell granuloma (PCG) is a relatively rare, mass-forming lesion comprised of polyclonal plasma cells set in a background of storiform fibrosis and spindle cell proliferation. While uncommon, this lesion may occur within any site and should be included in the list of differential diagnoses for plasma cell neoplasms. As this entity can be mistaken for a plasma cell neoplasm, surgical pathologists should consider ancillary studies to assess clonality of plasma cell proliferations, especially during intraoperative consultation.Although the etiology of these lesions is unclear, recent literature and immunohistochemical stains performed on our own cases suggest that PCG falls within the spectrum of IgG4 related diseases, which would have significant clinical significance impacting treatment and the potential for associated disease at distant body sites. We present two cases of head and neck PCG encountered at a tertiary academic medical center with immunohistochemical staining demonstrating increased IgG4-secreting plasma cells.

Senile transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis in patients with plasma cell dyscrasias: importance of cardiac biopsy for making the correct diagnosis.

Amyloidosis refers to a group of widely diverse conditions characterized by the deposition of insoluble protein within the extracellular space, leading to disruption of normal organ function. AL primary amyloidosis is associated with plasma cell dyscrasias and is caused by the deposition of insoluble kappa or lambda light chains. Cardiac involvement by AL primary amyloidosis has a very poor prognosis, and patients are treated with systemic chemotherapy. Clinically, the presence of cardiac amyloidosis in patients with plasma cell disorders is usually presumed to represent AL primary amyloidosis, and they are often managed as such. We reported four cases of elderly patients with plasma cell disorders who were found to have biopsy-proven cardiac senile transthyretin amyloidosis. Our cases demonstrated that cardiac amyloidosis in patients with plasma cell disorders does not necessarily represent AL primary amyloidosis. Cardiac biopsy is important in making the correct diagnosis. Accurate subtyping of the amyloid has significant implications in the management of patients and discussion of prognosis.

Pancytopenia after allogeneic bone marrow transplant due to copper deficiency.

Pancytopenia occurring 1 year or later after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation typically prompts a primary consideration for relapse. We present the case of a 15-year old-girl who underwent transplantation for therapy-related myelodysplasia secondary to Ewing sarcoma treatment who developed pancytopenia with myelodysplasia 1 year after transplant due to copper deficiency. Copper deficiency is an important consideration in the evaluation of pancytopenia and myelodysplasia in pediatric patients.

Evaluation of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) laboratory testing and the 4Ts scoring system in the intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Over-diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) results in costly and unnecessary laboratory screening and treatment with direct thrombin inhibitors. Our aim was to evaluate the utility of the 4Ts scoring system to predict HIT in multiple ICU settings and to characterize our treatment of these cases. METHODS: Eighty-two patients from multiple ICU settings who underwent laboratory testing for HIT were classified as low-, intermediate-, or high-risk patients based on retrospectively adjudicated 4Ts scores. These results were compared with platelet-factor 4 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (PF4 ELISAs), optical density (OD) values, and serotonin-release assays (SRAs) to assess the utility of the 4Ts score to rule out ICU-related HIT and reduce laboratory and drug expenditures. RESULTS: Of the 82 patients reviewed, only 12 (11.4%) were PF4-positive and only 1 (1.2%) was SRA-positive for HIT. Heparin was discontinued in only 63.4% of patients suspected to have HIT. There were no significant differences in mean day of platelet fall, mean platelet nadir, and mean percent fall in platelet count between PF4-positive and negative patients (all p > 0.2). There was, however, a significantly higher proportion of patients with an intermediate to high 4Ts score in the PF4-positive group than in the PF4-negative group (66% vs. 30%, respectively; p = 0.02). The mean PF4 OD value in patients with intermediate to high 4Ts scores was significantly higher than in patients with low 4Ts scores (0.658 vs. 0.258, respectively; p < 0.001). The negative predictive values of the 4Ts score relative to the PF4 and SRA were 92% and 100%, respectively. The estimated laboratory and pharmacologic cost avoidance potential of the scoring system in this cohort was $21,450. CONCLUSION: Our modified 4Ts scoring system appears to be an effective tool for predicting HIT in the ICU and could avoid significant drug and laboratory expenditures if implemented prospectively. The clinical management of patients suspected of HIT is highly variable at our institution. Clinical protocols and education encouraging the proper identification and treatment of suspected HIT need to be established.

Proteomic analysis of murine bone marrow niche microenvironment identifies thioredoxin as a novel agent for radioprotection and for enhancing donor cell reconstitution.

Hematopoiesis is regulated by the bone marrow (BM) niche microenvironment. We recently found that posttransplant administration of AMD3100 (a specific and reversible CXCR4 antagonist) enhanced donor cell engraftment and promoted recovery of all donor cell lineages in a congeneic mouse transplant model. We hypothesized that AMD3100 enhances donor cell reconstitution in part by modulating the levels and constitution of soluble factors in the niche microenvironment. In the current study, the effects of the BM extracellular fluid (supernatant) from AMD3100-treated transplant recipient mice on colony-forming units (CFUs) were examined. A semiquantitative, mass spectrometry-based proteomics approach was used to screen for differentially expressed proteins between the BM supernatants of PBS-treated transplant mice and AMD3100-treated transplant mice. A total of 178 proteins were identified in the BM supernatants. Thioredoxin was among the 32 proteins that displayed greater than a twofold increase in spectral counts in the BM supernatant of AMD3100-treated transplant mice. We found that thioredoxin increased CFUs in a dose-dependent manner. Thioredoxin improved hematopoiesis in irradiated mice and protected mice from radiation-related death. Furthermore, ex vivo exposure to thioredoxin for 24 hours enhanced the long-term repopulation of hematopoietic stem cells. Additionally, combined posttransplant administration of thioredoxin and AMD3100 improved hematologic recovery in primary and secondary transplant recipient mice. Our studies demonstrated that factors in the BM niche microenvironment play a critical role in hematopoiesis. Identifying these factors provides clues on potential novel targets that can be used to enhance hematologic recovery in hematopoietic stem cell transplan`tation.

Evaluation of the role of secretory sphingomyelinase and bioactive sphingolipids as biomarkers in hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare systemic inflammatory syndrome that results from unrestrained immune cell activation. Despite significant advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of HLH, interventions remain limited for this often-fatal condition. Secretory sphingomyelinase (S-SMase) is a pro-inflammatory lipid hydrolase that is upregulated in several inflammatory conditions, including HLH. S-SMase promotes the formation of ceramide, a bioactive lipid implicated in several human disease states. However, the role of the S-SMase/ceramide pathway in HLH remains unexplored. To further evaluate the role of S-SMase upregulation in HLH, we tested the serum of patients with HLH (n = 16; primary = 3, secondary = 13) and healthy control patients (n = 25) for serum S-SMase activity with tandem sphingolipid metabolomic profiling. Patients with HLH exhibited elevated levels of serum S-SMase activity, with concomitant elevations in several ceramide species and sphingosine, while levels of sphingosine-1-phosphate were significantly decreased. Importantly, the ratio of C16 -ceramide:sphingosine was uniquely elevated in HLH patients that died despite appropriate treatment, but remained low in HLH patients that survived, suggesting that this ratio may be of prognostic significance. Together, these results demonstrate upregulation of the S-SMase/ceramide pathway in HLH, and suggest that the balance of ceramide and sphingosine determine clinical outcomes in HLH. .