Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the endometrium: case history, pathologic findings, and discussion.

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the endometrium (PSCCE) is an exceedingly rare tumor. Rarely are cytological criteria discussed. We report our experience in the cytological diagnosis of a case. A postmenopausal, 64-yr-old woman suffered from pyometria. An endometrial Pap smear displayed some malignant squamous cells. Curettage of the cervix and the uterine cavity only recovered some fragments of atypical squamous epithelium whose origin could not be precisely identified. A hysterectomy with bilateral adnexectomy was decided upon. Pathological study evidenced a primary squamous cell carcinoma in the uterine cavity while the cervix was tumor-free and the lymph nodes were devoid of metastases (pT1, pN0, pM0). The patient died 46 mo PO with multiple pulmonary and renal metastases. The histological feature of PSCCE is identical to that of any tumor of a similar nature, whatever the site, especially the cervix. Confirmation of the primary endometrial nature is only possible on the hysterectomy specimen.

[Digitization and image reconstruction: application to iconography of surgical pathology specimens]. / Numérisation et traitement informatique de l'image: application à l'iconographie des pièces opératoires en anatomie pathologique.

A simple method for obtaining imaging documents of surgical specimens is reported. the method uses a scanner and a personal computer with printer. It provides rapid, low-cost high-quality images on paper or transparencies. The document can be used to illustrate a pathology report or discussion between clinicians and pathologists. The computers facilities already present in most Pathology laboratories is sufficient. The scanner with software cost slightly more than a camera.

[Immunohistochemical evaluation of estrogen and progesterone receptors on paraffin sections of breast carcinomas. Practical thoughts based on the study of 368 cases]. / Evaluation immunohistochimique des récepteurs aux estrogènes et à la progestérone sur coupes en paraffine de carcinomes mammaires. Réflexions pratiques suscitées par l'étude de 368 cas.

368 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded carcinomas of the breast were studied by immunohistochemistry using antibodies to estrogen and progesterone receptors. The results, which are comparable to the results published in the literature, are discussed with particular emphasis on quality assurance parameters.

[Accessory spleen on the left ovary. Discussion on its pathogenesis]. / Rate accessoire sur l'ovaire gauche. Discussion pathogénique.

The authors report a case of an accessory spleen attached to the left ovary, discovered in a hysterectomy and bilateral adnexectomy specimen obtained for leiomyoma. This is an exceptional congenital anomaly as only seven cases have been reported in the medical literature. It may be classified as a type of spleno-gonadal fusion. It is always localized to the left side. This anomaly may be manifest as an inguinal tumefaction or by an intestinal occlusion requiring exploratory laparotomy. It is caused by fusion of the spleen to the left urogenital bud during the 5th to 8th weeks of fetal development.

[Isolation of Chlamydia trachomatis from the endometrium and endometritis. Apropos of a series of 42 patients]. / Isolement de Chlamydia trachomatis dans l'endomètre et endométrite. A propos d'une série de 42 patientes.

Most studies have been concerned with recovering Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) from the endocervix on the one hand and from the adnexae on the other hand and consider its relationship to infection of the upper genital tract. Our work is concerned with the endometrium. 42 women were examined: 22 of them had salpingitis (group I), 14 were considered possibly to have endometritis with a risk of infection with CT, or had cervicitis (group II), and 6 were in the control group (group III). Samples were taken from the endometrium that had been removed for histological examination and for searching for CT in cultures. These samples were taken routinely at the initial examination and then again 10 and/or 40 days later for women in groups I and II. These latter were all treated systemically with cyclines. A high incidence of endometrial infection with CT was found (17%). The recovery of CT from the endometrium was correlated with the presence of an intra-uterine device, with purulent discharge, with evidence of CT in the cervix, and with anti-chlamydia serology higher than or equal to 1/128. CT infection of the endometrium gave late lesions of endometritis which persisted in spite of the antibiotic therapy that had been given.

[Castleman's disease with thoracic localization. Apropos of a case with x-ray computed tomography. Review of the literature]. / Maladie de Castleman à localisation thoracique. A propos d'un cas avec examen tomodensitométrique. Revue de la littérature.

Castleman Disease is a rare benign condition of uncertain etiopathogeny. The most frequent localization is thoracic, often discovered by a routine chest radiography. The diagnosis is histological. We report one case, characterized by his very long course (25 years) and calcifications. Ct scanning showed enhancement after contrast material administration, and proved the adherence with the adjacent soft tissues, justifying surgery.

Environmental effects on the ontogeny of exploratory and escape behaviors of Mongolian gerbils.

Mongolian gerbils reared in standard laboratory cages and gerbils reared in cages containing a burrowlike shelter did not differ in their rate of development of escape responses to sudden visual stimulation. The presence of shelter in the rearing environment did, however, markedly slow the development of adult-like patterns of exploration. Reduced exposure to illumination, experienced by shelter-reared subjects, proved responsible for this retardation of development. The effect of shelter-rearing on the development of exploratory behavior is interpreted as demonstrating an environmentally induced maintenance of an adaptive juvenile pattern of behavior.