Endotracheal myoepithelioma.

Myoepitheliomas have been described most commonly in salivary glands and have been reported elsewhere but are rare in the lung, with only six previously reported cases. To our knowledge, this represents the first endotracheal myoepithelioma. These tumors have characteristic features that distinguish them from other tumors, and the diagnosis is a pathologic one, based on the morphology and supported by immunohistochemistry. Myoepitheliomas should be considered in the diagnosis of any pulmonary nodule.

World Trade Center dyspnea: bronchiolitis obliterans with functional improvement: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Bronchiolitis obliterans is a severe, often progressive, lung disease characterized by cough, exertional dyspnea, and airflow obstruction. It has been ascribed to specific causes such as lung or bone marrow transplant, medications for rheumatoid disease, and most recently in association with exposure to environmental agents. METHOD: A 42-year-old, previously healthy New York City Highway Patrol officer who arrived at the World Trade Center (WTC), "ground zero," early on September 11, 2001 was evaluated. He has been followed for over 2 years with serial chest radiographs, CT scans, and pulmonary function studies. He eventually underwent an open lung biopsy. RESULTS: His dyspnea started on September 12, 2001 and progressed despite aggressive therapy with inhaled bronchodilator as well as oral and inhaled corticosteroids. At no time did he have any radiographic evidence of pulmonary disease. His forced vital capacity (FVC) decreased from 5.32 L in October 2001 to 2.86 L in January 2003. He underwent an open lung biopsy because of the persistent exertional dyspnea coupled with the loss of over 2 L of lung volume. The pathological findings were chronic bronchiolitis with focal obliterative bronchiolitis and rare non-necrotizing granuloma. Symptoms and pulmonary function improved after therapy with Azithromycin was added to his treatment. DISCUSSION: This process is believed to be secondary to his massive exposure to the cloud of dust that followed the collapse of the WTC. It is our conviction that many of those present at the WTC on September 11 who have persistent dyspnea and deterioration of pulmonary function may have a similar pathologic process despite absence of abnormalities on CT of the chest. CONCLUSION: In view of the many signs and symptoms seen in first responders we feel that these findings provide important information about the pathophysiology and treatment of progressive disease resulting from this exposure.

Sebaceous carcinoma of the lung: histologic and immunohistochemical characterization of an unusual pulmonary neoplasm: report of a case and review of the literature.

Sebaceous neoplasms, including carcinomas, are tumors most often seen around the eye and eyelid. Cases of extraorbital sebaceous tumors associated with skin adnexa are less common. The parotid gland may also be a source for sebaceous neoplasms, and cases associated with minor salivary gland tissue have also been reported. Once beyond the oropharynx, individual cases of pharyngeal and laryngeal sebaceous tumors are reported. The case of a patient with primary sebaceous carcinoma of the bronchus is presented. Our case is that of an endobronchial mass that has histopathologic features of a sebaceous carcinoma, with predominance of areas with morphologically classic sebaceous differentiation, confirmed by oil red O stain for lipid, analyzed by immunohistochemistry and evaluated ultrastructurally. This unique tumor extends the spectrum of extraocular, extracutaneous neoplasms with sebaceous differentiation from existing single reports in the hypopharyx and larynx to now include bronchus.