Pathological findings and differential diagnoses of lymph node diseases in slaughtered cattle in Brazil: A study of 2000 samples.

Slaughterhouse inspections play a crucial role in the sanitary control of zoonoses and foodborne diseases. This study aimed to identify and analyze the frequencies of lymph node diseases in cattle slaughtered for human consumption, using the samples sent to the anatomic pathology service of the Federal Laboratory for Agricultural Defense (Laboratório Federal de Defesa Agropecuária), Minas Gerais, Brazil, from January 2015 to September 2022. In total, 2000 lymph node samples were analyzed, and additional information was individually retrieved. Lesions were most frequently identified in thoracic lymph nodes. Bacterial isolation and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were performed using samples suspected of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis cases accounted for 89.3% of the samples. Histopathology was more sensitive than other ancillary tests for diagnosing tuberculosis. Paraffin-embedded tissues from lymphoma cases were subjected to immunophenotyping using anti-CD3 and anti-CD79a immunohistochemistry. Frozen and/or paraffin-embedded tissues from lymphoma cases were used to identify the enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) retrovirus through qPCR. Other diagnoses included primary (T- and B-cell lymphoma) and metastatic neoplasms (squamous cell carcinoma, pulmonary adenocarcinoma, undifferentiated carcinoma, undifferentiated adenocarcinoma, undifferentiated sarcoma, undifferentiated round cell tumor, mesothelioma, hepatic carcinoid, meningioma, and seminoma), actinogranulomas (pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis [actinobacillosis and actinomycosis]), idiopathic lymphadenitis (neutrophilic and/or histiocytic, granulomatous, and suppurative), and miscellaneous nonspecific lymphadenopathies (depletion/lymphoid atrophy, lymphangiectasia, erythrocyte drainage, parasitic eosinophilic lymphadenitis, follicular hyperplasia, and toxic granulomatous lymphadenitis). The combination of histopathology with complementary techniques is important for successful diagnosis, especially in complex cases of high epidemiological, economic, and zoosanitary importance, such as tuberculosis and EBL.

Tips and tricks for a proper radiological assessment of abdominal and pelvic lymph nodes.

The assessment of lymph node dimensions is a commonly used criterion in analyzing lymphatic involvement related to inflammatory or neoplastic diseases. However, it is important to understand that the interpretation of lymph nodes goes beyond simply considering their size. A pathologic lymph node can present with enlarged dimensions, a heterogeneous appearance, increased cortex thickness, irregular contours, or a lobulated shape. In this context, it is essential to consider not only the dimensions but also the morphology, attenuation, and enhancement of lymph nodes on imaging exams. This article aims to demonstrate how characteristics of lymph nodes, beyond their size, can provide crucial insights that assist in diagnostic reasoning, focusing on computed tomography. By emphasizing different enhancement patterns, attenuation, and the potential contents related to these patterns, the study seeks to show how these features can indicate possible differential diagnoses and guide more accurate clinical assessments.

Outcomes and bioethical implications of lymphadenectomy in mastectomized patients: Importance and indication of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy / Resultados e implicaciones bioéticas de la linfadenectomía en pacientes mastectomizadas: Importancia y recomendación de biopsia por aspiración con aguja fina guiada por ecografía / Resultados e implicações bioéticas da linfadenectomia em pacientes mastectomizadas: Importância e recomendação da biópsia aspirativa com agulha fina guiada por ultrassom

Introduction: Lymph node involvement is the main prognostic factor in breast cancer. Mastectomized patients usually undergo lymphadenectomy (LA) of micrometastatic sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) despite the evidence of AMAROS trial to replace this therapy with radiotherapy in select cases. Objective: Demonstrate the ability of ultrasonography to detect non-metastatic or micrometastatic SLNs. Materials and methods: 132 patients who underwent mastectomy were evaluated. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was indicated for suspicious lymph nodes. LA and SNL biopsy (SLNB) were performed in patients with positive and negative FNAB, respectively. LA was performed in FNAB positive or SLNB positive cases, except in the presence of isolated tumor cells and micrometastatic SLNs. The tumor burden after LA in patients with negative FNAB and positive SLNB was measured; the presence of two or fewer positive SLNs was considered a low burden. Results: Sensitivity of FNAB for detecting positive lymph nodes in patients with a high tumor burden was 93% and specificity was 84%. Positive (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 60% and 79%, respectively. Conclusions: LA could have been avoided in 90% of mastectomized patients with negative FNAB and a low tumor burden who met the AMAROS criteria with a high NPV (79%).

Introducción: La afectación ganglionar es el principal factor pronóstico en cáncer de seno. Generalmente, pacientes mastectomizadas se somenten a linfadenectomia (LA) de ganglios linfáticos centinela micrometastásicos (GLCs), a pesar de la evidencia del ensayo AMAROS en ciertos casos para reemplazarla con radioterapia. Objetivo: Demostrar la importancia de la ecografía para detectar GLCs no metastásicos o micrometastásicos. Materiales y métodos: Se evaluaron132 pacientes sometidas a mastectomía. Se recomendó biopsia aspirativa con aguja fina (BAAF) por ultrasonido para ganglios linfáticos sospechosos. Se realizó Biopsia LA y biopsia de GLCs (BGLC) en pacientes con BAAF positiva y negativa, respectivamente. En casos positivos de BAAF o BGLC se ejecutó LA, excepto en presencia de células tumorales aisladas y GLCs. Se evaluó la carga tumoral posterior a LA en pacientes con BAAF negativa y BGLC positiva. La presencia de dos o menos GLC positivos se consideró carga baja. Resultados: La sensibilidad de BAAF para detectar nódulos linfáticos positivos en pacientes con alta carga tumoral fue del 93%; la especificidad fue del 79%. Valores predictivos positivo (60%) y negativo (79%). Conclusiones: Se podría haber evitado LA en 90% de pacientes mastectomizadas con BAAF negativa y baja carga tumoral que cumplían criterios AMAROS con alto VPN (79%).

Introdução: O comprometimento dos gânglios é o principal fator prognóstico no câncer de mama. Geralmente, pacientes mastectomizadas são submetidas a linfadenectomia (LA) de gânglios linfáticos sentinelas de micrometástases (GLSs), apesar da evidência do estudo AMAROS em certos casos para substituí-la por radioterapia. Objetivo: Demonstrar a importância da ultrassonografia na detecção de GLSs não metastáticos ou micrometástase. Materiais e métodos: Foram avaliadas 132 pacientes submetidas à mastectomia. A biópsia aspirativa com agulha fina (BAAF) ultrassônica foi recomendada para gânglios linfáticos suspeitos. A biópsia LA e a biópsia do GLSs (BGLS) foram realizadas em pacientes com BAAF positivo e negativo, respectivamente. Nos casos positivos de BAAF ou BGLS, a LA foi realizada, exceto na presença de células tumorais isoladas e GLSs. A carga tumoral após a LA foi avaliada em pacientes com BAAF negativa e BGLS positiva. A presença de dois ou menos GLS positivos foi considerada carga baixa. Resultados: A sensibilidade do BAAF para detectar linfonodos positivos em pacientes com alta carga tumoral foi de 93%; a especificidade foi de 79%. Valores preditivos positivos (60%) e negativos (79%). Conclusões: a LA poderia ter sido evitada em 90% das pacientes mastectomizadas com BAAF negativa e baixa carga tumoral que preencheram os critérios AMAROS com alto VPN (79%).

Síndrome da Rede Axilar após Tratamento para Câncer de Mama: Revisão Sistemática com Metanálise / Occurrence and Risk Factors with Axillary Network Syndrome after Breast Cancer Treatment: Systematic Review with Meta-analysis / Ocurrencia y Factores Asociados con el Síndrome de la Red Axilar después del Tratamiento del Cáncer de Mama: Revisión Sistemática con Metaanálisis

Introdução: O câncer de mama é o mais incidente nas mulheres e a cirurgia é o principal tratamento de escolha. A síndrome da rede axilar (SRA) é uma condição recorrente que ocorre em até 86% das pacientes após cirurgia, se apresenta como um único cordão ou múltiplos cordões nos tecidos subcutâneos da axila ipsilateral e gera dor e limitação do movimento. Objetivo: Investigar estudos sobre a ocorrência e fatores associados à SRA após tratamento do câncer de mama. Método: Revisão sistemática com metanálise, nas bases de dados PubMed, LILACS e EMBASE, com a metodologia PECOS, seguindo a diretriz PRISMA. Resultados: Cinco artigos foram selecionados, com taxa de ocorrência da SRA de 35%. Os fatores associados encontrados apresentaram um menor risco relativo (RR) de recorrência para quem realizou biópsia de linfonodo sentinela em comparação aos que se submeteram à dissecção axilar (RR 0,49; IC 95% [0,42; 0,57] I²=95%, p=0,01). Houve uma variação de 35% a 39% de desenvolvimento para a SRA em pacientes que se submeteram à quimioterapia e radioterapia, porém o tipo de cirurgia não teve resultado estatisticamente significativo para o desencadeamento da síndrome. Conclusão: Indivíduos que realizaram biópsia de linfonodo sentinela têm menos chance de desenvolver a SRA quando comparados aos que fizeram dissecção axilar. As terapias oncológicas apresentaram proporções parecidas de aparecimento da SRA e o tipo de cirurgia não interferiu na evolução da patologia.

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common in women and surgery is the main treatment of choice. Axillary Web Syndrome (AWS) is a recurrent condition that occurs in up to 86% after surgery, presenting as a single cord or multiple cords in the subcutaneous tissues of the ipsilateral axilla, causing pain and limitation of movement. Objective: To investigate studies about the occurrence and factors associated with AWS post breast cancer treatment. Method: Systematic review with meta-analysis based in the PECOS methodology according to PRISMA guidelines at the databases PubMed, LILACS and EMBASE. Results: Five articles were selected with rate of occurrence of 35% of AWS. The associated factors found showed a minor relative risk (RR) of recurrence in those who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy compared to those who were submitted to axillary dissection (RR 0.49; 95%CI [0.42;0.57] I²=95%, p=0.01). The appearance of AWS ranged from 35% to 39% in patients who submitted to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but the type of surgery did not have a statistically significant result for triggering the syndrome. Conclusion: Individuals who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy are less likely to develop the syndrome when compared to those who submitted to axillary dissection. Oncological therapies had similar percentages for the appearance of AWS and the type of surgery did not interfere in the evolution of the pathology.

Introducción: El cáncer de mama es el más común en las mujeres e la cirugía es considerada el tratamiento de elección. El síndrome de la red axilar (SRA) es una condición recurrente que ocurre hasta en un 86% de las pacientes después de la cirugía, se presenta como un cordón único o múltiples cordones en los tejidos subcutáneos de la axila isolateral, y causa dolor y limitación del movimiento. Objetivo: Investigar estudios sobre la ocurrencia y factores asociados al SRA después del tratamiento del cáncer de mama. Método: Revisión sistemática con metaanálisis, en las bases de datos PubMed, LILACS y EMBASE, con la metodología PECOS, siguiendo la guía PRISMA. Resultados: Se seleccionaron cinco artículos, con la tasa de ocurrencia del SRA del 35%. Los factores asociados encontrados mostraron un menor riesgo relativo (RR) de recurrencia para quien realizó biopsia de ganglio centinela en comparación con las que se sometieron a la disección axilar (RR 0,49; IC 95% [0,42;0,57] I²=95%, p=0,01). Hubo una variación del 35% al 39% de desarrollo del SRA en pacientes que se sometieron a la quimioterapia y radioterapia, aunque el tipo de cirugía no tuvo un resultado estadísticamente significativo para desencadenar el síndrome. Conclusión: Las personas que se sometieron a una biopsia de ganglio centinela tienen menos probabilidades de desarrollar el SRA en comparación con aquellas que se sometieron a disección axilar. Las terapias oncológicas presentaron proporciones parecidas de aparición del SRA y el tipo de cirugía no interfirió en la evolución de la patología.

Cervical lymph nodes in rheumatology: A diagnostic dilemma

The case is presented on a 52-year-old male patient, who was seen in the Rheumatology department. He had painless lymph nodes in the cervical, axillary, supraclavicular, and neck region. He also had a fever, and parotid and submaxillary gland enlargement. Complementary studies were performed, showing normocytic-normochromic anemia, thrombocytopenia and eosinophilia, impaired renal function with hypoalbuminaemia and hematuria, ANA 1/5120, Sm+, ACL+. Biopsies were also performed on the compromised tissues, reaching the diagnosis of Rosai-Dorfman Disease and IgG4-related Disease. Differential diagnoses of cervical, axillary and inguinal lymph nodes, with fever, renal and hematological compromise are discussed.

Se describe el caso de un paciente varón de 52 años que consulta al servicio de reumatología por presentar adenopatías indoloras en las regiones cervical, axilar, supraclaviculares y en la nuca, así como fiebre, aumento de tamaño de parótidas y submaxilares. Se realizan estudios complementarios que arrojan como resultado anemia normocítica-normocrómica, trombocitopenia y eosinofilia, alteración de la función renal con hipoalbuminemia y hematuria, FAN 1/5.120, Sm+, ACL+ y biopsia de los tejidos comprometidos, por lo que se arriba al diagnóstico de enfermedad de Rosai-Dorfman y enfermedad relacionada con IgG4. Se discuten diagnósticos diferenciales de adenopatías cervicales, axilares e inguinales, fiebre, compromiso renal y hematológico.

Bone sarcoidosis: an unusual manifestation / Sarcoidosis ósea: una manifestación inusual

ABSTRACT Sarcoidosis is a multi-system disease that involves the lung in 90% of cases. Skeletomuscular involvement of sarcoidosis may involve joints, muscles and/or bones, the latter affecting 313% of patients. Its clinical presentation is asymptomatic in half of the cases, in the other half there is pain, soft tissue edema, and decreased limb function. Radiographically it is accompanied by osteolysis, osteosclerosis, cystic lesions and pathological fractures in advanced stages. A final diagnosis is made by tissue biopsy, finding non-caseating granulomatous process accompanied by Langhans giant cells. The main indication of medical management is the control of symptoms, associated with an improvement in the functioning of the affected limb and quality of life of the patient. The case is presented of a patient with digital sarcoidosis with classic radiographic pattern with no other extra-skeletal involvement.

RESUMEN La sarcoidosis es una enfermedad multisistémica que involucra en el 90% de los casos el pulmón. El compromiso osteomuscular de la sarcoidosis puede incluir articulaciones, músculos o huesos; este último caso afecta al 3-13% de los pacientes. Su presentación clínica es asintomática en la mitad de los casos, el restante se presenta con dolor, edema de tejidos blandos y disminución en la funcionalidad de la extremidad. Radiográficamente se acompaña de osteólisis, osteoesclerosis, lesiones quísticas y fracturas patológicas en estadios avanzados. Su diagnóstico definitivo se realiza por medio de una biopsia tisular, en la que se encuentra un proceso granulomatoso no caseificante acompañado de células gigantes de Langhans. La principal indicación del manejo médico es el control de los síntomas, lo que se asocia con una mejoría en el funcionamiento de la extremidad afectada y en la calidad de vida del paciente. Se presenta el caso de un paciente con sarcoidosis digital con patrón radiográfico clásico, sin otro compromiso extraesquelético.

Malformaciones linfáticas abdominales en una población pediátrica: experiencia en un centro de referencia de Medellín, Colombia / Abdominal lymphatic malformations in a pediatric population: Experience in a referral center in Medellín, Colombia

Introducción. Los linfangiomas son anormalidades benignas del sistema linfático, que corresponden a dilataciones quísticas de estos vasos y se localizan especialmente en el cuello. Solo el 10 % de todas estas malformaciones se encuentran en el abdomen y presentan síntomas variables de acuerdo al tamaño y su ubicación especifica, siendo el dolor abdominal el principal síntoma. Métodos. Se presentan cinco pacientes pediátricos con malformaciones linfáticas abdominales. Se describen su cuadro clínico, localización, tratamiento y la experiencia en el manejo de dicha patología en un hospital de referencia. Resultados. Los métodos más apropiados para hacer una aproximación diagnóstica son la ecografía, la tomografía computarizada y la resonancia nuclear magnética. Dentro de las opciones descritas para el tratamiento están la farmacológica, la escleroterapia y la resección quirúrgica, tanto por vía abierta como por laparoscopia. Conclusión. Existe una variedad de métodos para realizar la resección de los linfangiomas abdominales, pero la cirugía sigue siendo la más efectiva, especialmente cuando se cuenta con la laparoscopia como una herramienta terapéutica.

Introduction. Lymphangiomas are benign abnormalities of the lymphatic system, which correspond to cystic dilations of these vessels and are located especially in the neck. Only 10% of all these malformations are found in the abdomen and present variable symptoms according to size and their specific location, with abdominal pain being the main symptom. Methods. Five pediatric patients with abdominal lymphatic malformations are presented. Their clinical presentation, location, treatment and experience in the management of this pathology in a referral hospital are described. Results. The most appropriate methods to make a diagnostic approach are ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Among the options described for treatment are pharmacological, sclerotherapy and surgical resection, both open and laparoscopic. Conclusion. There are a variety of methods for resecting abdominal lymphangiomas, but surgery remains the most effective, especially when laparoscopy is used as a therapeutic tool.

Chronic Care for Neglected Infectious Diseases: Leprosy/Hansen’s Disease, Lymphatic Filariasis, Trachoma, and Chagas Disease

In 2016, PAHO's Directing Council, through Resolution CD55.R9, approved the “Plan of Action for Elimination of Neglected Infectious Diseases (NID) and Post-Elimination Actions, 2016-2022.” This Resolution urges Member States to implement a set of interventions to reduce the burden of disease by NID in the Americas by 2022, including “…support promotion of treatment, rehabilitation, and related support services through an approach focused on integrated morbidity management and disability prevention for individuals and families afflicted by those neglected infectious diseases that cause disability and generate stigma.” NIDs can have devastating chronic sequelae for patients, such as disability, visible change or loss in body structure, loss of tissue, and impairment of proper tissue and organ function, among others. All of these can in turn lead to unjustified discrimination, stigmatization, mental health problems, and partial or total incapacity to work, perpetuating the vicious cycle of neglected diseases as both a consequence and a cause of poverty. Patients with chronic conditions caused by NIDs require proper health care in order to prevent further damage and improve their living and social conditions. This should be provided at the primary health care level, as patients suffering from NIDs are often unable to travel to or afford to pay for specialized care services. Care for patients suffering from chronic morbidity caused by NID should be integrated into care for other chronic conditions caused by non-communicable diseases. This manual provides a framework for morbidity management and disability prevention of patients affected by NIDs and gives specific guidance for the proper care of patients suffering from chronic conditions caused by lymphatic filariasis, leprosy, trachoma, and Chagas disease. It is intended to be used mainly by health care workers at the primary health care level, but health workers at more complex and specialized levels may also find it useful.

Calcified cavitating mesenteric lymph node syndrome: a rare complication of celiac disease.

A 47-year-old female presented with a lengthy history of dyspeptic symptoms, weight loss, and occasional diarrhea. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed several mesenteric nodular lesions, with peripheral calcifications, inversion of the fold pattern of the small intestine loops and an atrophic spleen.

Experiencia en el manejo de malformaciones linfáticas macroquísticas con alcohol y microquísticas con bleomicina / Experience In the Management of Macrocystic Lymphatic Malformations with Alcohol and Microcystic Malformations with Bleomycin

Las malformaciones linfáticas son anomalías raras de flujo lento y bajo que se presentan en 1 de 6.000 a 1 en 16.000 recién nacidos vivos. Las malformaciones quísticas se clasifican según su tamaño en macroquísticas, microquísticas o mixtas. Esta clasificación tiene impacto sobre el tratamiento y el pronóstico. Las malformaciones linfáticas macroquísticas tienen mejor respuesta al tratamiento, mientras que las microquísticas son difíciles de tratar y con frecuencia recidivan. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir los resultados obtenidos en pacientes con malformaciones linfáticas macro y microquísticas intervenidos con escleroterapia utilizando alcohol y bleomicina, respectivamente. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de pacientes con malformaciones linfáticas tratadas en el Servicio de Radiología. Se incluyeron 38 pacientes, de los cuales 24 tenían lesiones macroquísticas, 10, microquísticas y 4, mixtas. El 68 % fueron tratados con alcohol y el 32 % con bleomicina. El tratamiento mostró una resolución excelente en 5 pacientes, 25 tuvieron reducción del tamaño de la lesión entre 50 y 90 %, 13 % mostró una respuesta pobre, y solo en un 7 % hubo crecimiento, a pesar del tratamiento esclerosante. De lo anterior se concluye que el tratamiento percutáneo es seguro, reduce el tamaño de las lesiones y hay pocas complicaciones informadas. Se podría utilizar como tratamiento inicial, antes de considerar una cirugía.

Lymphatic malformations are rare slow and low flow abnormalities that occur in 1 of 6,000 to 1 in 16,000 live newborns. Cystic malformations are classified according to their size as macrocystic, microcystic, or mixed. This classification has an impact on treatment and prognosis. Macrocystic lymphatic malformations have a better response to treatment, while microcystic malformations are difficult to treat and frequently recur. The objective of this study is to describe the results obtained in patients with macro and microcystic lymphatic malformations who underwent sclerotherapy using alcohol and Bleomycin, respectively. A descriptive study of patients with lymphatic malformations treated in the Radiology Service of the National Institute of Pediatrics was carried out during the period from 2014 to 2016. Thirty-eight patients were included, 24 with macrocystic, 10 microcystic and 4 mixed lesions. 68% were treated with alcohol and 32% of the patients were treated with Bleomycin. The treatment showed excellent resolution in 5 patients, 25 patients had a lesion size reduction between 50 and 90%, 13% had a poor response, and only 7% had growth despite sclerosing treatment. From the above we conclude that percutaneous treatment is safe, reduces the size of the lesions and there are few reported complications. It could be used as initial treatment before considering surgery.

A medical epopee: recurrent fungal endocarditis, heart transplantation and chylopericardium.

BACKGROUND: Candida prosthetic endocarditis is associated with high mortality rates and valve replacement surgery, together with antifungal treatment, play a major role in eradicating the fungal infection. Valve reoperations in these scenarios may be relatively common due to the high infection relapse rates and, in some cases, heart transplantation may be an imposing therapy for infection resolution and for the heart failure related to the myocardial reoperation injury. Among the many postoperative complications related to heart transplantation, chylopericardium is a rare but challenging example. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 55-year-old man who was admitted to our hospital with a 1-month history of progressive dyspnea and fatigue. His past medical history included four open-heart surgeries for aortic and mitral valve replacement due to recurrent Candida parapsilosis infective endocarditis. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed a markedly reduced left ventricular systolic function and normofunctioning bioprosthetic valves. An inotropic dependency condition led to heart transplantation surgery. In the early postoperative period, a persistent chylous fluid started to drain from the pericardial tube, compatible with the diagnosis of chylopericardium. The lack of clinical response to total parenteral nutrition and intravenous infusion of octreotide imposed the need of interventional radiology with diagnostic lymphography through cisterna chyli puncture and thoracic duct catheterization, confirming the presence of a lymphatic fistula. A successful treatment outcome was achieved with percutaneous thoracic duct embolization using coils and n-butyl-cyanoacrilate glue, possibiliting hospital discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Fungal endocarditis requires combined treatment (surgical and antimicrobial) for eradication. Valve replacement, while necessary, may lead to severe ventricular deterioration and heart transplantation may be the only viable therapeutic solution. Among the several postoperative complications of heart transplantation, chylopericardium is an uncommon and defiant example. Advances in interventional radiology like the percutaneous embolization allow a less invasive and highly efficient approach for this complication.

Prevalence of palatine tonsilloliths in Dominican patients of varying social classes treated in university clinics.

The relevance of tonsils lies not only in local but also in systemic immunity. One of the most common ailments afflicting the tonsils are palatine tonsilloliths (PT), dystrophic calcifications found in the tonsillar crypts. PT prevalence reports have been conducted for Caucasian and Asian patients, but not for black patients. The aim of this cross-sectional study is to gauge the prevalence of PT in patients who sought treatment at two university clinics in the Dominican Republic, and to analyze any links with the race of patients. Two hundred and nine consecutive patients attending the dental services of two clinics located in different cities in the Dominican Republic, from March 1 to April 30, 2019, were selected. Computed tomography scans of patients were evaluated for a PT diagnosis. Determined prevalence of PT in this population sample was 5.85%. A non-significant relationship between occurrence of PT and race or kind of health service utilized was found. Nonetheless, more white patients used private health clinics while more black patients used the public health system. Previous tonsillitis was the only factor showing a significant correlation with the occurrence of PT. Also, PT prevalence was significantly higher in patients under 40 years of age. General prevalence of PT was significantly lower than reported in previous studies involving other countries/races. Considering the limitations of this study, when comparing it to a previous similar study and taking into account the Asian- and Caucasian-centric results obtained, a race influence on prevalence of calcifications may be suggested. Despite our results showing no racial differences within the Dominican Republic, black patients appear to present a lower prevalence of PT than Caucasian and Asian patients.

Diferenciación entre linfadenopatía cervical benigna y maligna mediante ecografía en niños / Differentiation of benign from malignant cervical lymphadenopathy by ultrasonography in children

Introducción. Las causas más frecuentes de la linfadenopatía cervical son las afecciones inflamatorias y reactivas; solo unos pocos casos representan una patología seria. El objetivo fue evaluar la relación entre los hallazgos ecográficos y el diagnóstico histopatológico. Población y métodos. Este estudio retrospectivo abarcó la linfadenopatía cervical en los menores de 20 años seguidos en nuestro centro, entre enero de 2007 y diciembre de 2016. Según los informes anatomopatológicos, se dividió a los pacientes en dos grupos: benigno y maligno. Se compararon los resultados anatomopatológicos y los hallazgos ecográficos. Resultados. Después del análisis de los resultados histopatológicos y los hallazgos ecográficos, se incluyó a 107 pacientes con linfadenopatía cervical persistente (44 casos malignos; 63, benignos). La media de edad de los grupos maligno y benigno fue de 14 ± 6,1 años y de 11,9 ± 4,8 años, respectivamente. La presencia de vascularidad hiliar fue estadísticamente significativa (p < 0,0001) en la linfadenopatía benigna, mientras que el flujo periférico y la vascularidad mixta lo fueron (p < 0,05) en la linfadenopatía maligna. No se observó una diferencia significativa en el diámetro máximo (27,3 ± 11,1 mm y 29,8 ± 12,3 mm, respectivamente), pero sí en el diámetro mínimo entre los grupos benigno y maligno (13,7 ± 7,3 mm y 18,7 ± 8,8 mm, respectivamente). Conclusiones. Este estudio sugiere que existe una relación entre los hallazgos ecográficos y de la biopsia para la diferenciación entre la linfadenopatía benigna y maligna, en especial, en el patrón vascular intraganglionar y el hilio ganglionar.

Introduction. The most common causes of cervical lymphadenopathy (LAP) are inflammatory and reactive conditions; only a small proportion have serious pathology, such as malignancy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between USG findings and histopathological diagnosis of the cervical LAP. Population and Methods. This retrospective study comprised the cases of cervical LAP in patients aged under 20 years old followed in our center between January 2007 to December 2016. Based on pathology reports, we divided the patients into two groups: benign and malignant. Pathology results and USG findings were compared. Results. After the analyze of the histopathological results and USG findings, 107 patients with persistent cervical LAP (44 malignant; 63 benign) were included in the study. Mean age of malignant and benign group were 14 ± 6.1; 11.9 ± 4.8 years, respectively. Hilar vascularity for benign LAP was highly statistically significant (P < 0.0001) and peripheral flow and mixed vascularity for malignant LAP were also statistically significant (p < 0.05). There was not a significant difference in the maximum diameter (27.3 ± 11.1 mm and 29.8 ± 12.3 mm, respectively), however, there was a significant difference in the minimum diameter between benign and malignant groups (13.7 ± 7.3 mm and 18.7 ± 8.8 mm, respectively).Conclusions. The present study suggests that there is a relationship between US and biopsy findings for the differentiation of benign from malignant LAP, especially in terms of nodal hilus and intranodal vascular pattern.

Neorickettsia helminthoeca associated lymphoid, enteric, and pulmonary lesions in dogs from Southern Brazil: An immunohistochemical study.

Neorickettsia helminthoeca (NH), the agent of salmon poisoning disease or canine neorickettiosis (CN), is a bacterial endosymbiont of the nematode Nanophyetus salmincola, and infections are spreading among specific fish-eating mammalians. This article describes the pathologic and immunohistochemical findings associated with spontaneous NH-induced infections in dogs from Southern Brazil. The principal pathologic findings were hypertrophy of Peyer patches and lymphadenopathy with lymphocytic proliferation, chronic interstitial pneumonia, and chronic enteritis associated with positive intralesional immunoreactivity to antigens of NH within macrophages and histiocytes. Positive immunoreactivity against canine parvovirus-2 (CPV-2) or/and canine distemper virus was not detected in the evaluated intestinal segments or in the samples from the cerebellum and lungs, respectively, from the dogs evaluated. These findings demonstrated that NH was involved in the enteric, pulmonary, and lymphoid lesions herein described, and provide additional information to confirm the occurrence of this bacterial endosymbiont within this geographical location. It is proposed that chronic pneumonia should be considered as a pathologic manifestation of NH-induced infections. Additionally, our results show that the occurrences of CN seem to be underdiagnosed in Southern Brazil due to the confusion with the incidence of CPV-2.

Enfermedades del timo por exceso y por defecto / Thymus diseases by excess and default

El timo es un órgano cervicotorácico, impar y mediano, situado en la base del cuello y parte superior del mediastino. Junto a la médula ósea es uno de los dos órganos primarios del sistema inmune y ejerce su función en los neonatos y en los niños, fundamentalmente. Entra en regresión a partir de la pubertad, aunque algunos autores plantean que la involución puede comenzar un poco antes, cuando los principales tejidos linfoides están plenamente desarrollados. Interviene sinérgicamente con otras glándulas de secreción interna: tiroides, suprarrenal, hipófisis, para elaborar substancias necesarias para el desarrollo general del organismo. Es un órgano muy sensible a todo influjo. Como todos los órganos de la economía el timo presenta enfermedades producidas tanto por crecimiento exagerado, como por hipoplasias o atrofias. Dentro de las primeras las más comunes son la hiperplasia tímica y el timoma y, entre las últimas el síndrome de DiGeorge ha sido bien caracterizado en la literatura internacional desde la segunda mitad del siglo pasado. Sin embrago, en los últimos tiempos los inmunólogos hablan de la hipoplasia tímica como entidad que puede asociarse o no a estados de inmunodeficiencia. Se describen brevemente estas afecciones(AU)

The thymus is a cervicothoracic organ, odd and medium, located at the base of the neck and upper part of the mediastinum. Next to the bone marrow is one of the two primary organs of the immune system and exerts its function in neonates and children, fundamentally. It regresses after puberty, although some authors suggest that the involution can begin a little earlier, when the main lymphoid tissues are fully developed. It intervenes synergistically with other glands of internal secretion: thyroid, adrenal, pituitary gland, to develop substances necessary for the general development of the organism. It is a very sensitive organ to all influence. Like all the organs of the economy, the thymus presents diseases caused both by exaggerated growth, as by hypoplasias or atrophies. Among the former, the most common are thymic hyperplasia and thymoma and, among the latter, DiGeorge syndrome has been well characterized in international literature since the second half of the last century. However, in recent times immunologists speak of thymic hypoplasia as an entity that may or may not be associated with immunodeficiency states. These conditions are briefly described(AU)

Linfangioma mesentérico en la edad pediátrica / Mesenteric Lynphangioma in the pediatric ages

Introducción: Dentro del espectro de las malformaciones congénitas con las cuales debe lidiar un cirujano pediatra, los tumores y malformaciones vasculares representan un grupo especial de entidades que continúan actualmente en estudio. Objetivo: Determinar las características clínicoquirúrgicas de una serie de dos casos con malformaciones de origen linfático. Presentacion de casos: Dos pacientes con edades pediátricas, 12 y 4 años, respectivamente, ingresaron en servicio de urgencia con signos de oclusión intestinal y lesiones tumorales quísticas abdominales que requirieron tratamiento quirúrgico con modalidades de técnicas quirúrgicas diferentes. La evolución final fue satisfactoria. Conclusión: Los linfagiomas intestinales forman parte de la gama de presentaciones clínicas de las malformaciones de origen linfático, con una incidencia baja pero que, dada su localización y síntomas, pueden requerir tratamiento quirúrgico de urgencia. Su evolución y resolución es satisfactoria, debido al bajo índice de recidiva tras la exéresis completa(AU)

Introduction: Within the range of congenital malfomations that surgeons have to deal with, vascular tumors and malformations represent an special group of entities that are still under study. Objective: To determine the clinical-surgical characteristics of a series of two cases with congenital malformations of lymphatic origin. Cases presentation: Two patients of 12 and 4 years old respectively that were admitted in the Emergencies services in the Clinical-Surgical Hospital of Guayaquil, Ecuador, with manifestations of intestinal obstruction and abdominal cystic tumoral lesions that required surgical treatments with different techniques. Final evolution was satisfactory. Conclusion: Intestinal lymphoangiomas are part of the kinds of clinical presentations of lymphatic origin´s malformations. These have a low incidence but due to their localization and symptoms can require emergency surgical treatment. Their evolution and resolution is satisfactory due to the low index of recidive after complete exeresis(AU)

Linfangioma mesentérico en la edad pediátrica / Mesenteric Lynphangioma in the pediatric ages

Resumen Introducción: Dentro del espectro de las malformaciones congénitas con las cuales debe lidiar un cirujano pediatra, los tumores y malformaciones vasculares representan un grupo especial de entidades que continúan actualmente en estudio. Objetivo: Determinar las características clínicoquirúrgicas de una serie de dos casos con malformaciones de origen linfático. Presentacion de casos: Dos pacientes con edades pediátricas, 12 y 4 años, respectivamente, ingresaron en servicio de urgencia con signos de oclusión intestinal y lesiones tumorales quísticas abdominales que requirieron tratamiento quirúrgico con modalidades de técnicas quirúrgicas diferentes. La evolución final fue satisfactoria. Conclusión: Los linfagiomas intestinales forman parte de la gama de presentaciones clínicas de las malformaciones de origen linfático, con una incidencia baja pero que, dada su localización y síntomas, pueden requerir tratamiento quirúrgico de urgencia. Su evolución y resolución es satisfactoria, debido al bajo índice de recidiva tras la exéresis completa(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Within the range of congenital malfomations that surgeons have to deal with, vascular tumors and malformations represent an special group of entities that are still under study. Objective: To determine the clinical-surgical characteristics of a series of two cases with congenital malformations of lymphatic origin. Cases presentation: Two patients of 12 and 4 years old respectively that were admitted in the Emergencies services in the Clinical-Surgical Hospital of Guayaquil, Ecuador, with manifestations of intestinal obstruction and abdominal cystic tumoral lesions that required surgical treatments with different techniques. Final evolution was satisfactory. Conclusion: Intestinal lymphoangiomas are part of the kinds of clinical presentations of lymphatic origin´s malformations. These have a low incidence but due to their localization and symptoms can require emergency surgical treatment. Their evolution and resolution is satisfactory due to the low index of recidive after complete exeresis(AU)

Oral lymphoid lesions: a 47-year clinicopathological study in a Brazilian population.

We performed an epidemiological, clinical and histopathological analysis of oral lymphoid lesions (OLLs) during a 47-year period. Data regarding patient age, sex, duration, location, symptomatology, type of growth, implantation, staining, presence of ulceration and bleeding of all cases were compiled from the clinical data. For the histopathological analyses, all slides stained by H/E were reassessed. During the analyzed period, 14,565 patients with oral and maxillofacial lesions were diagnosed, with 45 cases diagnosed as OLLs. The most prevalent location was the tongue. Females were more affected, and the mean age was 40.8 years. OLLs presented a heterogeneous frequency, with the prevalence of reactive lesions (42.3%) followed by developmental lesions (35.6%). Among the reactive lesions, foreign body granulomas were the most common. Regarding diagnosed neoplasms, malignant represented 13.2% of the cases. The average time of evolution of OLLs in general was of 22.2 months. Regarding the histopathological characteristics, the presence of primary lymphoid follicles was observed in 37.8% of the cases, while inflammatory infiltrates were diffuse in 66.7% and epimyoepithelial islands were observed in 13.3%. Our study concludes that OLLs involves a broad spectrum of lesions that share the presence of the lymphoid component, which can range from indolent to more aggressive behavior.