Actinomyces in explanted transvaginal mesh: commensal or pathogen?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: There is a paucity of information in the literature regarding the clinical impact and treatment of histologically positive actinomycosis explanted vaginal mesh. We aimed to report the prevalence and independent predicators of Actinomyces presence in explanted meshes on histology and to compare the clinical course in those with and without Actinomyces. Our hypothesis is that Actinomyces may act as a commensal rather than a pathogen when identified in extracted transvaginal meshes. METHODS: A single-center retrospective review of explanted vaginal mesh removed between 2013 and 2018 was undertaken and compared Actinomyces-positive and -negative cohorts on histology. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analysis evaluated possible risk factors for positive Actinomyces including patient demographics, smoking, diabetes, hormone replacement therapy (vaginal/systemic), hysterectomy in primary surgery, rate and indication for prior mesh removal. The rate of symptom resolution or need for subsequent mesh excisions is compared between the two cohorts. RESULTS: Actinomycosis was identified in 11% (31/278) of explanted mesh. After multivariant analysis, only voiding dysfunction as an indication for mesh removal was statistically significantly associated with Actinomyces-negative histology (14 vs 0%, p < 0.001). At median review of 17 months, symptom resolution (87% vs 83% p = 0.68) and need for subsequent mesh removal (13% vs 19%, p = 0.37) following index mesh excision were similar between the groups. CONCLUSION: Actinomyces in explanted transvaginal mesh frequently acts as a commensal in those who are infection free. In this cohort, individualized care including conservative surveillance without antibiotics or full explantation is reasonable.

Pulmonary extranodal marginal zone lymphoma with massive crystal storing histiocytosis.

We present an incidentally discovered, unusual case of pulmonary bronchial mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma associated with massive crystal storing histiocytosis in a 69-year-old woman. The neoplastic process was masked by large numbers of epithelioid and spindled histiocytes containing crystalline material. Histochemical stains showed intracytoplasmic crystals and immunoperoxidase staining confirmed the histiocytic nature of the swollen cells. Electron microscopy demonstrated the characteristic appearance of immunoglobulin crystals. Lymphoepithelial lesions were identified on immunohistochemical staining, compounding suspicions of an underlying lymphoid neoplasm. Molecular studies later revealed a monoclonal B-cell population. The patient had no systemic evidence of a paraproteinemia. Crystal storing histiocytosis is a rare phenomenon in which macrophages accumulate light chain or immunoglobulin crystalline inclusions. The disease may be systemic, or localized as in this case. It is usually associated with the excess production of a monoclonal immunoglobulin, although there have been many case reports without this feature. An overview of crystal storing histiocytosis is given.

Significance of stromal reaction patterns in invasive urothelial carcinoma.

We evaluated the types, frequency, and significance of stromal reaction patterns in urothelial carcinoma (UC) of the bladder in 60 transurethrally resected pT1 specimens (low-grade UC, 12; high-grade UC, 48). We observed 5 reaction patterns with 1 pattern in 37 cases (62%) and 2 or more patterns in the remainder. Dominant and secondary patterns, respectively, were as follows: stromal retraction, 30 (50%) and 4 (7%); edema, 18 (30%) and 1 (2%); inflammation, 8 (13%) and 14 (23%); fibroblastic proliferation, 3 (5%) and 5 (8%); fibrosis, 1 (2%) and 4 (7%). Progression occurred in 21 cases, including 9 (30%) of 30 with stromal retraction, 8 (45%) of 18 with edema, 2 (25%) of 8 with inflammation, 1 (33%) of 3 with fibroblastic proliferation, and 1 (100%) of 1 with fibrosis. Differences in progression rates and mean progression-free survival times were not statistically significant. We found that the most common stromal reaction in UC of the bladder is stromal retraction. Stromal reaction patterns seem to have some prognostic usefulness. Cases with stromal edema might benefit from closer follow-up. Awareness of the different types of stromal reactions also is useful for diagnosing invasion.

Rare complication of Q fever vaccination.

A 32-year-old woman with a past history of malignant melanoma presented with a lump in the upper left arm that was excised. Histological examination revealed a granulomatous dermatitis and panniculitis that proved to be a rare reaction to Q fever vaccination.