Spindle cell tumor with CD34 and S100 co-expression and distinctive stromal and perivascular hyalinization showing EML4-ALK fusion.

Recently, a novel group of CD34+ and S100+ spindle cell tumors with distinctive stromal and perivascular hyalinization showing recurrent gene fusions involving RAF1, BRAF, NTRK1/2/3, and RET has been identified. ALK rearrangements have been rarely reported in this group of tumors. We report a 24-year-old woman with a 1.5-cm pink mass of the scalp. The tumor was made of spindle cells organized in fascicles or haphazardly arranged in a patternless architecture, with areas of stromal and perivascular hyalinization. The tumor cells diffusely expressed CD34 and S100, without SOX-10 expression. The tumor showed diffuse immunopositivity for ALK. RNA sequencing using next-generation sequencing (NGS) detected an EML4-ALK fusion. This case extends the spectrum of this newly described group of CD34+/S100+ spindle cell tumors at the molecular-genetic level. Dermatopathologists should be aware of this recent entity, as it may fall in the differential diagnosis of many other spindle cell tumors with CD34 expression. NGS-based techniques should be performed when facing spindle cell tumors with similar morphology and immunophenotype. Identification of kinase fusions is essential for the precise classification and better knowledge of these tumors, and for targeted therapy in rare aggressive cases.

Medium- and Large-Sized Autologous Breast Reconstruction using a Fleur-de-lys Profunda Femoris Artery Perforator Flap Design: A Report Comparing Results with the Horizontal Profunda Femoris Artery Perforator Flap.

BACKGROUND: The volume of the profunda femoris artery perforator (PAP) flap limits its indications to small- and medium-sized breast reconstructions after modified radical mastectomy for cancer. We report a modified PAP flap design, including not only a vertical extension that increases its volume but also the skin surface, which suits larger breasts requiring immediate or delayed breast reconstructions and compare the results with our horizontal skin paddle PAP flap experience. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In our center between November 2014 and November 2016, 51 consecutive patients underwent a PAP flap breast reconstruction following breast cancer. A retrospective analysis on the collected data was performed to compare 34 patients with a bra cup smaller than C who underwent 41 horizontal PAP flap procedures, with those (n = 17) of a bra cup greater than or equal to C who underwent 21 fleur-de-lys PAP flap procedures. Demographic, anthropometric, flap and surgical characteristics, postoperative complication rates, and hospital stay were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The average flap weight was 480 g (range: 340-735 g) for the fleur-de-lys PAP flap group compared with 222 g (range: 187-325 g) for the horizontal PAP flap procedure (p < 0.001). The mean flap dimensions were 25 × 18 cm for the fleur-de-lys PAP flap group compared with 25 × 7 cm in the horizontal PAP flap group. No flap failure was observed in the fleur-de-lys PAP flap group compared with two flap failures secondary to venous thrombosis in the horizontal PAP flap group (NS). Three patients (14%) experienced delayed healing at the donor site compared with four patients (10%) in the horizontal PAP flap group (NS). CONCLUSION: The fleur-de-lys skin paddle design not only allows an increase of the horizontal PAP flap volume, but also increases the skin surface, with an acceptable donor site morbidity. For medium- or large-sized breasts, the fleur-de-lys PAP flap seems to be ideal when a DIEP flap-based reconstruction is contraindicated.

Cartilage splitting without stitches: technique and outcomes.

IMPORTANCE: Otoplasty procedures usually involve cartilage sparing, with stitches or cartilage scoring. These techniques have been widely reviewed in the literature. The technique reported in this study requires neither stitches nor rasping but rather a complete separation of the helix and antihelix, with nontransfixing incisions to break the cartilaginous springs. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the technical details, aesthetic results, and complications in a series of otoplasty procedures involving cartilage splitting without stitches. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent otoplasty procedures between January 2004 and September 2010, by the same senior surgeon. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: File data on complications, recurrences, and revision rates were collected. An aesthetic evaluation of the postoperative results was conducted by a panel of 3 plastic surgeons and 3 lay observers. RESULTS: Our series included 58 patients, with a mean age of 16 years. No recurrences were reported. Six patients (10%) experienced minor complications. No revisions were needed. No chondritis or skin necrosis was noted. The aesthetic results were very good for 36 patients (62%) by the plastic surgeons and 39 patients (68%) by lay observers. The remaining aesthetic results were judged as good. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The Jost otoplasty procedure described herein requires no nonabsorbable sutures to bend the cartilage, avoiding many complications. The technique is safe, reliable, and reproducible, with predictable and permanent outcomes. It is also useful for secondary otoplasty after failed Stenström or Mustarde otoplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.