Comparison of Navigated and Frame-Based Stereotactic Biopsy-A Single-Center Cohort Study.

Background and Objectives: As brain lesions present complex diagnostic challenges, accurate tissue sampling via biopsy is critical for effective treatment planning. Traditional frame-based stereotactic biopsy has been complemented by navigated biopsy techniques, leveraging advancements in imaging and navigation technology. This study aims to compare the navigated and frame-based stereotactic biopsy methods in a clinical setting, evaluating their efficacy, safety, and diagnostic outcomes to determine the optimal approach for precise brain lesion targeting. Materials and Methods: retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent brain biopsies between January 2017 and August 2023 at an academic medical center. Data on patient demographics, clinical characteristics, biopsy technique (navigated vs. frame-based), and outcomes including accuracy, complications, and hospital stay duration were analyzed. Results: The cohort comprised 112 patients, with no significant age or gender differences between groups. Symptoms leading to biopsy were predominantly diminished muscle strength (42.0%), cognitive issues (28.6%), and aphasia (24.1%). Tumors were most common in the deep hemisphere (24.1%). The median hospital stay was 5 days, with a rehospitalization rate of 27.7%. Complications occurred in 4.47% of patients, showing no significant difference between biopsy methods. However, navigated biopsies resulted in fewer samples (p < 0.001) but with comparable diagnostic accuracy as frame-based biopsies. Conclusions: Navigated and frame-based stereotactic biopsies are both effective and safe, with comparable accuracy and complication rates. The choice of technique should consider lesion specifics, surgeon preference, and technological availability. The findings highlight the importance of advanced neurosurgical techniques in enhancing patient care and outcomes.

Statistical analysis plan for the TRANSLATE (TRANSrectal biopsy versus Local Anaesthetic Transperineal biopsy Evaluation of potentially clinically significant prostate cancer) multicentre randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The TRANSLATE (TRANSrectal biopsy versus Local Anaesthetic Transperineal biopsy Evaluation) trial assesses the clinical and cost-effectiveness of two biopsy procedures in terms of detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (PCa). This article describes the statistical analysis plan (SAP) for the TRANSLATE randomised controlled trial (RCT). METHODS/DESIGN: TRANSLATE is a parallel, superiority, multicentre RCT. Biopsy-naïve men aged ≥ 18 years requiring a prostate biopsy for suspicion of possible PCa are randomised (computer-generated 1:1 allocation ratio) to one of two biopsy procedures: transrectal (TRUS) or local anaesthetic transperineal (LATP) biopsy. The primary outcome is the difference in detection rates of clinically significant PCa (defined as Gleason Grade Group ≥ 2, i.e. any Gleason pattern ≥ 4 disease) between the two biopsy procedures. Secondary outcome measures are th eProBE questionnaire (Perception Part and General Symptoms) and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF, Domain A) scores, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) values, EQ-5D-5L scores, resource use, infection rates, complications, and serious adverse events. We describe in detail the sample size calculation, statistical models used for the analysis, handling of missing data, and planned sensitivity and subgroup analyses. This SAP was pre-specified, written and submitted without prior knowledge of the trial results. DISCUSSION: Publication of the TRANSLATE trial SAP aims to increase the transparency of the data analysis and reduce the risk of outcome reporting bias. Any deviations from the current SAP will be described and justified in the final study report and results publication. TRIAL REGISTRATION: International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number ISRCTN98159689, registered on 28 January 2021 and registered on the ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05179694) trials registry.

Renal papillary tip biopsy in stone formers: a review of clinical safety and insights.

Alexander Randall first published renal papillary tip findings from stone formers in 1937, paving the way for endoscopic assessment to study stone pathogenesis. We performed a literature search to evaluate the safety of papillary tip biopsy and clinical insights gained from modern renal papillary investigations. A search on the topic of renal papillary biopsy provided an overview of Randall's plaques (RP), classification systems for renal papillary grading, and a summary of procedure type, complications, and outcomes. Within 26 identified manuscripts, 660 individuals underwent papillary tip biopsy percutaneously (n = 562), endoscopically (n = 37), or unspecified (n = 23). Post-operative hemoglobin changes were similar to controls. One individual (0.2%) reported fever > 38°, and long-term mean serum creatinine post-biopsy (n = 32) was unchanged. Biopsies during ureteroscopy or PCNL added ~20-30 min of procedure time. Compared to controls, papillary plaque-containing tissue had upregulation in pro-inflammatory genes, immune cells, and cellular apoptosis. Urinary calcium and papillary plaque coverage were found to differ between RP and non-RP stone formers, suggesting differing underlying pathophysiology for these groups. Two renal papillary scoring systems have been externally validated and are used to classify stone formers. Overall, this review shows that renal papillary biopsies have a low complication profile with high potential for further research. Systematic adaption of a papillary grading scale, newer tissue analysis techniques, and the development of animal models of Randall's plaque may allow further exploration of plaque pathogenesis and identify targets for prevention therapies in patients with nephrolithiasis.

Diagnostic yields and safety of thoracoscopic cryobiopsies in Japan: A single-center retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Thoracoscopy is useful for diagnosing unexplained pleural effusions. A sufficient specimen volume is often difficult to obtain using forceps biopsies (FBs) but can be obtained with pleural cryobiopsies (CBs). This study aimed to assess the utility and safety of CB during thoracoscopy in the Japanese population. METHODS: Patients who underwent thoracoscopic CBs at the Japanese Red Cross Medical Center between January 2017 and August 2023 were included in the study. Data were retrospectively analyzed, including clinical data, thoracoscopic findings, specimen size, diagnostic yield, and complications. The number of collected specimens and the freezing time were left to the discretion of the attending physician. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients underwent thoracoscopic CB. Specimens obtained by CB were larger than those obtained by FB. Primary lung cancer was the most common cause of pleural effusion, followed by malignant pleural mesothelioma. CB contributed to the diagnosis in 24 of 26 cases (92.3%) and FB contributed to the diagnosis in 11 of 18 cases (61.1%). Severe fibrosis could be diagnosed in all 3 cases by CB, but not by FB. The common complications of CB included bleeding at the biopsy site and atelectasis, but no severe complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The utility and safety of thoracoscopic CB for diagnosing pleural effusions in Japan were verified. The diagnostic yield, specimen size, and safety profile of CB support the diagnostic utility of this method.

Comparison of Complications between Total Intravenous Anaesthesia and Combined Intravenous and Inhalation Anaesthesia after Renal Biopsy in Children.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the influence of total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) compared to combined intravenous and inhalation anaesthesia (CIIA) in paediatric patients undergoing renal biopsy. METHODS: A total of 86 children with nephrotic syndrome, acute glomerulonephritis, chronic glomerulonephritis, IgG nephropathy, systemic lupus erythematosus and purpura nephritis were selected from January 2018 to January 2023 in our hospital. All children were divided into the total intravenous anaesthesia group and intravenous inhalational anaesthesia group according to the anaesthesia method. The experimental group comprised 46 children with renal diseases who underwent static aspiration compound anaesthesia during renal biopsy at our hospital from January 2018 to January 2023. Conversely, the control group included 40 children with renal diseases who underwent total intravenous anaesthesia during renal biopsy at the hospital within the same period. Hemodynamic parameters, such as mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and oxygen saturation (SPO2), were assessed at four different time points: Before anesthesia induction (T0), during anesthesia induction (T1), after anesthesia induction (T2), and at the conclusion of the surgery (T3). Puncture success rate, time to renal puncture, time to get out of bed, postoperative recovery from anaesthesia (including time to postoperative awakening and time to return to spontaneous respiration) and incidence of adverse anaesthetic reactions were also included. RESULTS: We observed notable variations in HR and MAP at T2 and T3, as well as SPO2 levels, duration of awakening from anaesthesia and time taken to resume spontaneous respiration between the two groups at T2 (p < 0.05). No statistically significant variances were detected between the two groups concerning adverse reactions to anaesthesia, puncture success rate, duration to renal puncture and time to mobilisation from bed (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, compared with the total intravenous anaesthesia, the implementation of the sedation-aspiration-combined anaesthesia in renal biopsy in children with renal disease features less haemodynamic fluctuation, better postoperative anaesthesia recovery and does not increase the incidence of adverse reactions.

Comparison of ciprofloxacin versus fosfomycin versus fosfomycin plus trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole for preventing infections after transrectal prostate biopsy.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate antibiotic prophylaxis in transrectal prostate biopsies due to the recommendation of the European Medicines Agency (EMA): We describe our single center experience switching from ciprofloxacin to fosfomycin trometamol (FMT) alone and to an augmented prophylaxis combining fosfomycin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX). METHODS: Between 01/2019 and 12/2020 we compared three different regimes. The primary endpoint was the clinical diagnosis of an infection within 4 weeks after biopsy. We enrolled 822 men, 398 (48%) of whom received ciprofloxacin (group-C), 136 (16.5%) received FMT (group-F) and 288 (35%) received the combination of TMP/SMX and FMT (group-BF). RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. In total 37/398 (5%) postinterventional infections were detected, of which 13/398 (3%) vs 18/136 (13.2%) vs 6/288 (2.1%) were detected in group-C, group-F and group-BF respectively. The relative risk of infectious complication was 1.3 (CI 0.7-2.6) for group-C vs. group-BF and 2.8 (CI 1.4-5.7) for group-F vs. group-BF respectively. CONCLUSION: The replacement of ciprofloxacin by fosfomycin alone resulted in a significant increase of postinterventional infections, while the combination of FMT and TMP/SMX had a comparable infection rate to FQ without apparent adverse events. Therefore, this combined regimen of FMT and TMP/SMX is recommended.

Assessment of a randomized controlled trial on the safety of pre-placing bronchial balloons in transbronchial lung cryobiopsy for diagnosing interstitial lung disease.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Bleeding is a major complication of transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC), and pre-placing a bronchial balloon is one of the clinical practices used to prevent it, but with very weak evidence, which should be confirmed. This study aimed to conduct whether pre-placing a bronchial balloon in TBLC for diagnosing interstitial lung disease (ILD) is more safety. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective, single-center, randomized controlled trial, patients with suspected ILD were enrolled and randomly assigned to pre-placed balloon and none-pre-placed balloon groups. The primary outcome was incidence of moderate bleeding in each group. The secondary endpoints were the incidence of severe bleeding, pneumothorax, and other procedural complications. RESULTS: Exactly 250 patients were enrolled between August 2019 and March 2022, with 125 in each group. There were no significant differences in severe bleeding between the none-pre-placed balloon group and pre-placed balloon group (1.6% vs. 0.8%; adjusted p = 0.520), while more moderate bleeding occurred in the none-pre-placed balloon group (26.4% vs. 6.4%, adjusted p = 0.001), as well as more use of hemostatic drug (28.0% vs. 6.4%, adjusted p = 0.001). Three patients in the none-pre-placed balloon group used the bronchial balloon. More samples could be acquired in the pre-placed balloon group than in the none-pre-placed balloon group (3.8 ± 0.9 vs. 3.1 ± 0.9, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in multidisciplinary discussion (MDD) between the two groups (89.6% vs. 91.2%, adjusted p = 0.182). CONCLUSION: A pre-placed bronchial balloon can reduce the incidence of moderate bleeding and increase the confidence of the bronchoscopists. However, it had no effect on increasing the diagnostic rate of MDD and reducing severe bleeding. REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04047667 ( www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov identifier).

Transbronchial cryobiopsy followed by as-needed surgical lung biopsy versus immediate surgical lung biopsy for diagnosing interstitial lung disease (the COLD study): a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: An adequate diagnosis for interstitial lung disease (ILD) is important for clinical decision making and prognosis. In most patients with ILD, an accurate diagnosis can be made by clinical and radiological data assessment, but in a considerable proportion of patients, a lung biopsy is required. Surgical lung biopsy (SLB) is the most common method to obtain tissue, but it is associated with high morbidity and even mortality. More recently, transbronchial cryobiopsy has been introduced, with fewer adverse events but a lower diagnostic yield than SLB. The aim of this study is to compare two diagnostic strategies: a step-up strategy (transbronchial cryobiopsy, followed by SLB if the cryobiopsy is insufficiently informative) versus immediate SLB. METHODS: The COLD study was a multicentre, randomised controlled trial in six hospitals across the Netherlands. We included patients with ILD with an indication for lung biopsy as assessed by a multidisciplinary team discussion. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the step-up or immediate SLB strategy, with follow-up for 12 weeks from the initial procedure. Patients, clinicians, and pathologists were not masked to the study treatment. The primary endpoint was unexpected chest tube drainage, defined as requiring any chest tube after transbronchial cryobiopsy, or prolonged (>24 h) chest tube drainage after SLB. Secondary endpoints were diagnostic yield, in-hospital stay, pain, and serious adverse events. A modified intention-to-treat analysis was performed. This trial is registered with the Dutch Trial Register, NL7634, and is now closed. FINDINGS: Between April 8, 2019, and Oct 24, 2021, 122 patients with ILD were assessed for study participation; and 55 patients were randomly assigned to the step-up strategy (n=28) or immediate SLB (n=27); three patients from the immediate SLB group were excluded. Unexpected chest tube drainage occurred in three of 28 patients (11%; 95% CI 4-27%) in the step-up group, and the number of patients for whom the chest tube could not be removed within 24 h was 11 of 24 patients (46%; 95% CI 2-65%) in the SLB group, with an absolute risk reduction of 35% (11-56%; p=0·0058). In the step-up strategy, the multidisciplinary team diagnostic yield after transbronchial cryobiopsy alone was 82% (64-92%), which increased to 89% (73-96%) when subsequent SLB was performed after inconclusive transbronchial cryobiopsy. In the immediate surgery strategy, the multidisciplinary team diagnostic yield was 88% (69-97%). Total in-hospital stay was 1 day (IQR 1-1) in the step-up group versus 5 days (IQR 4-6) in the SLB group. One (4%) serious adverse event occurred in step-up strategy versus 12 (50%) in the immediate SLB strategy. INTERPRETATION: In ILD diagnosis, if lung tissue assessment is required, a diagnostic strategy starting with transbronchial cryobiopsy, followed by SLB when transbronchial cryobiopsy is inconclusive, appears to result in a significant reduction of patient burden and in-hospital stay with a similar diagnostic yield versus immediate SLB. FUNDING: Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMW) and Amsterdam University Medical Centers.

Gastric perforation biopsy: is it obsolete?

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to test the established hypothesis that biopsies of spontaneous gastric perforations should be taken to rule out cancer. METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed. Consecutive patients with spontaneous gastric perforation were included. Biopsies of the edges of the perforation were submitted for histological evaluation. The epithelial type as well as the nature of the pathology were evaluated. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients were included. Eight (12%) biopsies revealed duodenal origin. Sixty (88%) biopsies revealed gastric mucosa of which 33 (48%) could be specifically typed. All biopsies revealed benign ulceration. No malignancies were detected in these biopsies or on subsequent gastroscopic follow up. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that routine intraoperative biopsy of gastric perforation may be questioned. Biopsy is probably better performed endoscopically after recovery.

Cotrimoxazole and targeted antibiotic prophylaxis for transrectal prostate biopsy: a single-center study.

PURPOSE: The recent restriction on the use of fluoroquinolones for prophylaxis by the European Commission has left a gap in clear recommendations for practical antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP) for transrectal prostate biopsy (TRPB). This analysis investigated the viability of cotrimoxazole for PAP in TRPB. METHODS: This analysis included n = 697 patients who underwent TRPB for suspected prostate cancer (PCa). All patients received either empiric PAP with four doses of cotrimoxazole 960 mg or targeted antibiotic prophylaxis in case of a positive rectal or urine screening for multiresistant gram-negatives. Infectious complications after TRPB, microbiological findings, and clinical characteristics were evaluated. A multivariable logistic regression model was calculated to identify variables associated with infectious complications. RESULTS: Of the cohort, 86% (600/697) received PAP with cotrimoxazole, 1% (8/697) received cotrimoxazole plus an additional antibiotic, 4% (28/697) received amoxicillin + clavulanic acid, 4% (28/697) received fluoroquinolones, and 5% (33/697) received a single shot intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis with meropenem or piperacillin + tazobactam due to multiresistant microbiological findings in either pre-interventional urine culture or rectal swab. Infectious complications occurred in 2.6% (18/697) of patients. Fever was noted in 89% (16/18) of cases. Inpatient treatment was given to 67% (12/18) of affected patients, with 38% (7/18) having positive blood cultures, identifying cotrimoxazole-resistant E. coli strains in six out of seven cases. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed no clinically significant variables, including PAP with cotrimoxazole, as independent risk factors for an infectious complication. CONCLUSIONS: Using cotrimoxazole as PAP for TRPB in cases without multiresistant gram-negatives in pre-interventional urine cultures or rectal swabs seems feasible and practical.

Development and validation of a novel nomogram model for predicting delayed graft function in deceased donor kidney transplantation based on pre-transplant biopsies.

BACKGROUND: Delayed graft function (DGF) is an important complication after kidney transplantation surgery. The present study aimed to develop and validate a nomogram for preoperative prediction of DGF on the basis of clinical and histological risk factors. METHODS: The prediction model was constructed in a development cohort comprising 492 kidney transplant recipients from May 2018 to December 2019. Data regarding donor and recipient characteristics, pre-transplantation biopsy results, and machine perfusion parameters were collected, and univariate analysis was performed. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model was used for variable selection. The prediction model was developed by multivariate logistic regression analysis and presented as a nomogram. An external validation cohort comprising 105 transplantation cases from January 2020 to April 2020 was included in the analysis. RESULTS: 266 donors were included in the development cohort, 458 kidneys (93.1%) were preserved by hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP), 96 (19.51%) of 492 recipients developed DGF. Twenty-eight variables measured before transplantation surgery were included in the LASSO regression model. The nomogram consisted of 12 variables from donor characteristics, pre-transplantation biopsy results and machine perfusion parameters. Internal and external validation showed good discrimination and calibration of the nomogram, with Area Under Curve (AUC) 0.83 (95%CI, 0.78-0.88) and 0.87 (95%CI, 0.80-0.94). Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the nomogram was clinically useful. CONCLUSION: A DGF predicting nomogram was developed that incorporated donor characteristics, pre-transplantation biopsy results, and machine perfusion parameters. This nomogram can be conveniently used for preoperative individualized prediction of DGF in kidney transplant recipients.

Determinants of non-diabetic kidney diseases in type 2 diabetic patients: Twenty years of single center experience.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most common complications associated with diabetes. However, non-diabetic kidney disease has been reported in patients with type 2 diabetes at varying incidence rates. The objective of our study is to investigate the occurrence, clinicopathological characteristics, and inflammatory markers linked to diabetic and non-diabetic nephropathy (NDN) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Additionally, we aimed to explore the possibility of identifying non-diabetic pathology using different biopsy indications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 159 patients with type 2 DM who underwent renal biopsy at a tertiary care nephrology clinic between January 2000 and January 2022 were enrolled in the study. We collected comprehensive data, including patient demographics, co-morbidities, diabetes duration, renal biopsy indications and results, serological markers, renal function, diabetic retinopathy (DRP), full blood count, blood biochemistry, urinalysis, and inflammatory markers. Patients were categorized based on their biopsy indications, and their biopsy results were classified into three groups: isolated NDN, isolated diabetic nephropathy (DN), and mixed nephropathy with concurrent NDN. We evaluated the relationship between biopsy indications and accompanying pathologies and statistically assessed the likelihood of each biopsy indication detecting non-diabetic renal pathology. Additionally, differences in other data, including demographic and laboratory results and medical histories, among the three groups were investigated. RESULTS: The most frequent indication of renal biopsy was atypical presentations of nephrotic syndrome or nephrotic range proteinuria (ANS/ANP) in 25.1% of patients. Other indications included unexplained renal failure (URF) in 22.6%, atypical presentations of non-nephrotic range proteinuria (ANNP) in 18.2%, acute kidney injury or rapidly progressive kidney dysfunction (AKI/RPKD) in 16.9%, microscopic hematuria in 15.7%, URF with ANNP in 11.3%, and severe nephrotic range proteinuria (SNP) in 9.4%. Renal biopsy revealed isolated NDN in 64.8%, DN in 25.1%, and mixed nephropathy in 10.1% of patients. Primary glomerular diseases were the main non-diabetic renal pathology, predominantly focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) (36.4%) followed by MN (10.6%) and IgA nephropathy (7.5%). In comparison with the isolated DN and mixed nephropathy groups, patients in the isolated NDN group had significantly shorter diabetes duration, fewer DRP, as well as lower serum creatinine and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that presence of hematuria (OR 4.40; 95% CI 1.34 - 14.46, p = 0.014), acute nephrotic range proteinuria (OR 11.93; 95% CI 1.56 - 90.77, p = 0.017), and AKI/APKD (OR 41.08; 95% CI 3.40 - 495.39, p = 0.003) were strong predictors of NDN. Lower NLR (OR 0.77; 95% CI 0.60 - 0.98, p = 0.035), shorter duration of diabetes (OR 0.90; 95% CI 0.84 - 0.97, p = 0.010), and absence of DRP (OR 0.35; 95% CI 0.12 - 0.98, p = 0.046) were also found to be independent indicators of NDN. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis revealed a cut-off value of ≤ 3.01 for NLR (sensitivity of 63.1%, specificity of 63.5%) with regards to predicting non-diabetic renal pathology (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Renal biopsy findings in patients with type 2 DM highlight that the prevalence of NDN may be higher than assumed, as presented mainly in the form of primary glomerular disease. The presence of AKI/RPKD, hematuria, and ANS/ANP serves as a reliable indicator of non-diabetic renal pathology. In more ambiguous situations, factors such as a shorter duration of diabetes, absence of DRP, and a lower NLR value may assist clinicians in biopsy decision.

Early Pneumatocele Identification Post-Robotic Assisted Bronchoscopy Cryobiopsy: A Case Series Experience.

INTRODUCTION: The use of cryobiopsy in conjunction with robotic assisted bronchoscopy is on the rise due to the safety and increased diagnostic yield of cryobiopsy. The incorporation of 3D fluoroscopy in the procedure improves the workflow and helps confirm the accuracy of sampling of peripheral pulmonary nodules. METHODS: We describe an observational series of 12 patients comprising 14 nodules where cryobiopsy was performed during shape-sensing robot-assisted bronchoscopy cryobiopsy under general anesthesia. 3D fluoroscopy was used to confirm accurate placement of the cryoprobe. All these patients underwent a second spin with the 3D fluoroscopy either to sample a second lesion intraoperatively or to investigate suspected pneumothorax. RESULTS: The development of a pneumatocele was noted after cryobiopsy in each of the cases. The majority of these were in the upper lobe with the median size of a sampled nodule being 14 mm. The majority of patients were asymptomatic with 1 patient developing mild hemoptysis and 4 patients developing chest tightness or dyspnea. None of the patients required an intervention for the pneumatocele. CONCLUSION: The development of pneumatoceles appears to be a fairly frequent and benign occurrence following cryobiopsy, likely due to increased tissue destruction. The increased use of intraoperative 3D fluoroscopy is likely to highlight changes to the pulmonary parenchyma that were previously not known. The occurrence of pneumatoceles does not appear to adversely impact the safety or tolerability profile of cryobiopsy.

Persistent bleeding following biopsy of an epidermoid cyst within the parotid gland.

Epidermoid cysts are benign lesions most commonly found in the skin but which can arise in many other locations including, very rarely the salivary glands. This rarity often leaves them off standard differential lists and can create a diagnostic dilemma. A patient with an incidentally detected parotid mass on MRI underwent core biopsy, which was unfortunately complicated by formation of a pseudoaneurysm and persistent arterial bleeding requiring coil embolisation. The histology showed only keratinous material and, in retrospect, the signal characteristics of the mass were entirely typical of an epidermoid cyst. Recognition of this common, benign entity in a very rare location can obviate the need for invasive tests and potential complications and direct management to more appropriate imaging follow-up.

Pyoderma gangrenosum complicated with hematological malignancies: Two case reports.

INTRODUCTION: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare noninfectious neutrophilic skin disease. The diagnosis of PG is mainly based on clinical manifestations. Therefore, the clinical features of PG are important for confirming the diagnosis of this disease. Herein, the clinical data of 2 young males with PG complicated with hematological malignancies were reported, and the literature were reviewed. CASE PRESENTATION: The first case was a 22-year-old male who was admitted due to a systemic rash, headache, and fever. Physical examination showed black scabs on the skins of the extremities, trunk, scalp, and face. Biopsy of the skin lesion showed epidermal edema, spongy formation, neutrophil infiltration, acute and chronic inflammatory cell infiltration in the dermis, showing purulent inflammation with epidermal erosion. The bone marrow biopsy showed obviously active proliferation of nucleated cells, granulocytes at various stages, abnormal morphological neutrophils, and occasionally observed young red blood cells. The diagnosis of PG and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML-0) was made. The second case was a 28-year-old male who presented a swollen, painful right calf following injury and then developed ulcers on skin and soft tissues. Bone marrow biopsy showed obviously active nucleated cell proliferation, suggesting a myeloid tumor. He was also diagnosed with PG and hematological malignancies. They both received hormone and antiinfection therapy. After treatment, their body temperature, infection, and skin lesions were improved. However, both of them were readmitted and had a poor prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: PG may be associated with hematological malignancies. For patients with typical skin lesions and obvious abnormal blood routines, it is necessary to investigate the possibility of PG with hematological malignancies.

Spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome (STLS) during biopsy for burkitt lymphoma: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a hematologic oncological emergency characterized by metabolic and electrolyte imbalances. On breakdown of tumor cells, enormous amounts of potassium, phosphate, and nucleic acids are released into systemic circulation. TLS mainly occurs during chemotherapy. However, there are rare incidences of spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome (STLS) prior to commencement of therapy. CASE PRESENTATION: In the case being reported, the child had just undergone a biopsy. As the incision was being closed, there was a sudden onset of high fever, arrhythmia, severe hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia, and acidosis. Following timely symptomatic treatment and continuous renal replacement therapy(CRRT), the child's laboratory results improved, and organ function was restored to normal. The final pathological diagnosis confirmed Burkitt lymphoma. The boy is currently on maintenance chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: TLS is a potentially life-threatening complication in hematologic oncology. Several important conclusions can be drawn from this case, reminding clinicians to: (1) be fully aware of the risk factors of TLS and evaluate the level of risk; (2) pay attention to the possibility of STLS during operation, if surgical procedures are necessary and operate with minimal trauma and in the shortest time possibly; (3) take preoperative prophylaxis actively for high-risk TLS patients, including aggressive fluid management and rational use of diuretics and uric-acid-lowering drugs. In addition, this case confirms the effectiveness of CRRT for severe STLS.