Lobular Carcinoma of the Breast: A Comprehensive Review with Translational Insights.

The second most common breast carcinoma, invasive lobular carcinoma, accounts for approximately 15% of tumors of breast origin. Its incidence has increased in recent times due in part to hormone replacement therapy and improvement in diagnostic modalities. Although believed to arise from the same cell type as their ductal counterpart, invasive lobular carcinomas (ILCs) are a distinct entity with different regulating genetic pathways, characteristic histologies, and different biology. The features most unique to lobular carcinomas include loss of E-Cadherin leading to discohesion and formation of a characteristic single file pattern on histology. Because most of these tumors exhibit estrogen receptor positivity and Her2 neu negativity, endocrine therapy has predominated to treat these tumors. However novel treatments like CDK4/6 inhibitors have shown importance and antibody drug conjugates may be instrumental considering newer categories of Her 2 Low breast tumors. In this narrative review, we explore multiple pathological aspects and translational features of this unique entity. In addition, due to advancement in technologies like spatial transcriptomics and other hi-plex technologies, we have tried to enlist upon the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment and the latest associated findings to better understand the new prospective therapeutic options in the current era of personalized treatment.

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia associated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole use.

PURPOSE: A case report of drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia (DIIHA) triggered by exposure to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is presented along with a brief review of the pathophysiology of DIIHA and diagnostic considerations. SUMMARY: A 58-year-old woman recently initiated on trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for treatment of a urinary tract infection presented to the emergency department with generalized weakness and fatigue. Initial laboratory studies were significant for the following values: hemoglobin concentration, 5.6 g/dL (reference range, 12-15 g/dL); mean corpuscular volume, 116.9 µm3 (reference range, 80-100 µm3); and reticulocyte count, 16% (reference range, 0.5-1.5%). An elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase concentration (646 U/L [reference range, 50-150 U/L]) and a low haptoglobin concentration (<10 mg/dL [reference range, 30-200 mg/dL]) indicated a hemolytic process. A peripheral blood smear revealed spherocytosis. Serologic testing showed antibodies to both immunoglobulin G (IgG) and complement component C3b. An antibody identification panel was nonspecifically positive for a warm-reacting autoantibody (IgG). The combination of clinically evident hemolytic anemia, recent exposure to a newly initiated drug, and serologic evidence strongly suggested DIIHA. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was promptly discontinued, a total of 6 units of packed red blood cells were transfused, and the patient was treated with methylprednisolone sodium succinate. Clinical and hematologic improvements were observed within a few days. Results of follow-up antibody screening and direct antiglobulin testing 4 weeks after discharge were negative. CONCLUSION: A 58-year-old woman developed warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia after receiving trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for 5 days.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura presenting as acute coronary syndrome.

In patients presenting with thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, prompt initiation of plasma exchange takes precedence over other invasive diagnostic procedures for coronary artery disease. Such procedures should be delayed until clinical condition and laboratory parameters have been stabilized.