The spleen is the graveyard of CD4+ cells in patients with immunological failure of visceral leishmaniasis and AIDS.

BACKGROUND: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), or kala-azar, is a common comorbidity in patients with AIDS in endemic areas. Many patients continue to experiences relapses of VL despite virological control, but with immunological failure. These patients remain chronically symptomatic with hypersplenism, for example with anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia, and are at risk of severe co-infection due to low CD4+ count. Therefore, in this study, splenectomized patients with VL and HIV infection were investigated to understand why the CD4+ count fails to recover in these patients, evaluating the importance of spleen mass for hypersplenism and immunological failure. METHODS: From a retrospective open cohort of 13 patients who had previously undergone splenectomy as salvage therapy for relapsing VL, 11 patients with HIV infection were investigated. This study compared the patients' complete blood cell count (CBC) and CD4+ and CD8+ cell counts before and after splenectomy with respect to spleen weight. RESULTS: CBC was substantially improved after splenectomy, indicating hypersplenism. However, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to show that spleen mass is strongly and negatively correlated with CD4+ cell count (ρ = -0.71, P = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: This finding was unexpected, as the spleen is the most extensive lymphoid tissue and T-lymphocyte source. After reviewing the literature and reasoning, we hypothesized that the immunological failure was secondary to CD4+ loss initially by apoptosis in the spleen induced by productive HIV infection and, subsequently, by pyroptosis sustained by parasitic infection in spleen macrophages.

Cutaneous metastasis of occult breast cancer: a case report.

Occult breast cancer (OBC) is characterized by metastatic presentation of undetectable breast tumor on imaging exams. OBC is a rare disease (accounting for 0.3% to 1.0% of all breast cancers) that represents a major diagnostic challenge. The aim of this study was to report a case of OBC with primary presentation of multiple cutaneous metastases with subsequent emergence of bone metastasis. A 70-year female patient had multiple cutaneous metastatic lesions in the left cervical region, left breast, left axillary region, left subscapular region, in three chirodactylus of the right hand and three chirodactylus of the left hand. Imaging tests (mammogram, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging of the breast) did not show alterations. Biopsy, histology sections and immunohistochemistry of the left cervical cutaneous lesion were compatible with OBC. After two years of anastrozole treatment (1mg/day), there was regression of all cutaneous lesions and stabilization of bone metastasis. OBC has a better prognosis. It may exhibit spontaneous regression or respond to less aggressive treatment strategies, as described in this case.

Recurrent kala-azar: report of two cured cases after total splenectomy.

In Latin America, the causative agent of kala-azar is the intracellular protozoan Leishmania infantum. Most cases in South America are reported in Brazil. Worldwide, it mainly affects Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, South Sudan and Sudan. Despite the high morbidity and lethality of kala-azar, most infections are asymptomatic. However, a small portion of patients evolves with recurrence of kala-azar becoming symptomatic even after all available drug treatments. Kala-azar is not a formal indication for splenectomy in adults. Splenectomy is recommended as a saving measure, when kala-azar is associated with symptomatic hypersplenism and for drug-resistant cases. In the study, we report two cases of kala-azar with splenomegaly that presented several hospitalizations due to the recurrence of the kala-azar, in addition to hospitalizations for normalizing the blood count. After splenectomy, kala-azar cases and the effects of hypersplenism are cured. Thus, splenectomy should be seen as a surgical treatment option with a curative purpose in patients with recurrent kala-azar, in whom the possibilities of drug therapy have been exhausted and even so they progressed with hypersplenism and clinical repercussions.

Cutaneous parasitism in patients with American visceral leishmaniasis in an endemic area.

INTRODUCTION: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) represents a public health concern in several areas of the world. In the American continent, VL transmission is typically zoonotic, but humans with active VL caused by Leishmania infantum are able to infect sandflies. Thus, individuals with cutaneous parasitic infections may act as reservoirs and allow interhuman transmission. Additionally, the skin may be responsible for reactivation of the disease after therapy. This study's objective was to evaluate cutaneous parasitism in humans with VL in an American endemic area. METHODS: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted in northeast Brazil from October 2016 to April 2017. Biopsies of healthy skin for histopathology and immunohistochemistry were performed prior to treatment in all study patients. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients between the ages of five months to 78 years were included in the study. Seven patients (31.8%) tested positive for HIV. Only one patient had cutaneous parasitism, as confirmed by immunohistochemistry prior to treatment. Parasitism was not detected after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Cutaneous parasitism in the healthy skin of humans with visceral leishmaniasis, although unusual, may be a source of infection for phlebotomine sandflies.

Cutaneous parasitism in patients with American visceral leishmaniasis in an endemic area

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) represents a public health concern in several areas of the world. In the American continent, VL transmission is typically zoonotic, but humans with active VL caused by Leishmania infantum are able to infect sandflies. Thus, individuals with cutaneous parasitic infections may act as reservoirs and allow interhuman transmission. Additionally, the skin may be responsible for reactivation of the disease after therapy. This study's objective was to evaluate cutaneous parasitism in humans with VL in an American endemic area. METHODS: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted in northeast Brazil from October 2016 to April 2017. Biopsies of healthy skin for histopathology and immunohistochemistry were performed prior to treatment in all study patients. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients between the ages of five months to 78 years were included in the study. Seven patients (31.8%) tested positive for HIV. Only one patient had cutaneous parasitism, as confirmed by immunohistochemistry prior to treatment. Parasitism was not detected after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Cutaneous parasitism in the healthy skin of humans with visceral leishmaniasis, although unusual, may be a source of infection for phlebotomine sandflies.

Carcinoma metaplásico de mama com diferenciação osteossarcomatosa: um relato de caso / Metaplastic breast carcinoma with osteosarcomatoid differentiation: a case report

Relato de caso de um osteossarcoma metaplásico da mama em um hospital de Teresina, com resumo e discussão de literatura. O carcinoma metaplásico da mama é mais comum em mulheres entre 55 e 60 anos. Apresenta-se em forma de uma massa palpável sem preferência por quadrante, com rápido crescimento e geralmente é mais largo do que outros tipos de tumores mamários. Os carcinomas têm poucos receptores para hormônios sexuais. No caso de carcinoma metaplá- sico com diferenciação osteossarcomatosa, sua apresentação é bem agressiva. A decisão sobre o tratamento apresenta di culdades em função do baixo número de casos relatados na literatura. Neste relato, apresenta-se uma paciente com carcinoma metaplásico e diferenciação osteossarco- matosa no quadrante superior da mama direita. Foi realizada uma mastectomia com ressecção da pele do quadrante e do segmento do músculo peitoral in ltrado pelo tumor, com preservação do restante da pele e do complexo papiloareolar. Serão discutidas as descobertas patológicas. Devido às diversas opções de tratamento disponíveis para a paciente, conclui-se que mais estudos devem ser realizados sobre qual terapêutica possui maior impacto no prognóstico do paciente, bem como o papel da radioterapia/quimioterapia no paciente.

is is a case report of an osteosarcomatoid metaplastic breast carcinoma in a hospital in Teresina, Brazil, with review and discussion on the theme. Breast metaplastic carcinoma is more common in women aged 55 and 60 years old. It is usually in the form of a palpable mass with no predilection for any quadrant and rapid growth and is generally larger than other types of breast tumors. ese tumors have few receptors for sex hormones. In the case of metaplastic carcinoma with osteosarcomatoid di erentiation, its presentation is quite aggres- sive. A decision on the treatment procedure presents di culties due to the low number of cases reported in the literature. In this report, we present a patient with metaplastic carcinoma and sarcomatoid di erentiation in the right upper quadrant of the right breast. It was performed a mastectomy with quadrant skin resection and segment of the pectoral muscle in ltration by the tumor with preservation of the rest of the skin and papiloareolar complex. It will be discussed the pathological ndings. Due to the several treatment options available to the patient, it can be concluded that more studies must be done on what kind of treatment has the greatest impact on patient prognosis, as well as the role of radiotherapy/chemotherapy on patient.

Sarcoma de Kaposi no trato gastrintestinal alto em paciente infectado por HIV / Upper gastrointestinal Kaposi's sarcoma in HIV-infected patient

Introdução: o Sarcoma de Kaposi (SK) é a neoplasia mais comum em portadores da Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida (SIDA). É raro o acometimento exclusivo do trato gastrointestinal por essa afecção, ocorrendo em 3,5% dos casos. O objetivo desse estudo é relatar o caso de um paciente portador de SIDA com anemia e vômitos, diagnosticado com SK gastrointestinal. Relato de caso: paciente do gênero masculino, 29 anos, foi admitido no Hospital Universitário (HU/UFPI) devido a sintomas inespecíficos com 1 mês de evolução. Paciente tinha antecedente pessoal de retrovirose. Para investigação dos sintomas, o paciente realizou endoscopia digestiva alta que revelou lesões violáceas sésseis de antro gástrico e duodeno. A análise histopatológica constatou fragmentos de mucosa gástrica e entérica exibindo, em lâmina própria, proliferação de capilares sanguíneos em fenda, células fusiformes atípicas com núcleos hipercromáticos e extravasamento de hemácias. O estudo imuno-histoquímico mostrou que as células neoplásicas expressaram o antígeno nuclear latente-1 do herpesvírus humano 8 (HHV8 LNA1; clone LN53, diluição 1:25, Diagnostic Biosystems, Pleasanton, CA) em padrão nuclear, confirmando o diagnóstico de SK. Em decorrência de múltiplas complicações e agravamento clínico, o paciente foi a óbito após 15 dias da admissão. Discussão e Conclusão: incidência de SK gastrointestinal é subestimada. Estômago, duodeno e o trato biliar são os locais mais comumente acometidos. A detecção do HHV-8 por imuno-histoquímica é uma ferramenta útil, especialmente na lesão inicial em que o caráter neoplásico não é evidente. A mortalidade dos pacientes com SK gastrointestinal exclusivo é significantemente maior em relação aos que não têm esse tipo de acometimento. Tal fato pode explicar o prognóstico reservado do paciente relatado no presente caso.

Introduction: Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is the most common malignancy in patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It is rare the exclusive involvement of the gastrointestinal tract by this condition, occurring in 3.5% of cases. The aim of this study is to report the case of an HIV-infected patient with anemia and vomiting diagnosed with gastrointestinal KS. Case report: a 29-year-old male patient admitted to the University Hospital (HU/UFPI) due to non-specific symptoms with one month of evolution. He had personal history of retrovirus. To research the symptoms, the patient underwent upper endoscopy that revealed sessile purplish lesions of gastric antrum and duodenum. Histopathological analysis found gastric and enteric mucosa fragments exhibiting in lamina propria proliferation of blood capillaries with formation of slit like spaces, atypical spindle cells with hyperchromatic nuclei and extravasation of red blood cells. Immunohistochemical study showed that tumor cells expressed human herpesvirus 8 latent nuclear antigen-1 (HHV-8 LNA1; clone LN53, dilution 1:25, Diagnostic Biosystems, Pleasanton, CA) in nuclear pattern, confirming the diagnosis of KS. Because of multiple complications and clinical worsening, the patient died after 15 days of admission. Discussion and Conclusion: the incidence of gastrointestinal KS is underestimated. Stomach, duodenum and biliary tract are the most commonly affected sites. The detection of HHV-8 for immunohistochemistry is a useful tool, particularly in the initial lesion in which the neoplastic character is not evident. The mortality of patients with exclusive gastrointestinal KS is significantly higher than those who do not have that involvement. This may explain the poor prognosis of the patient reported in this case.

Câncer de mama em mulheres muito jovens: estudo clinicopatológico de 149 pacientes (menor ou igual)25 anos de idade / Acute effects of water-based exercise versus land-based exercise on ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate variability in heart transplant recipients

O transplante cardíaco (TX) é um reconhecido procedimento de escolha para a insuficiência cardíaca refratária, resultando em melhora na sintomatologia e na qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Todavia, estes pacientes apresentam capacidade física reduzida e alta prevalência de comorbidades. A terapia imunossupressora, bem como a denervação cardíaca pós-cirurgia tornam a hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) a mais prevalente das comorbidades. Avaliamos o efeito agudo do exercício aeróbio em piscina aquecida e em solo sobre a dinâmica do comportamento tensional na pressão arterial durante 24 horas (MAPA-24h) e na atividade autonômica do coração. Dezoito pacientes (6 mulheres) clinicamente estáveis (5 ± 0,7 anos de cirurgia), 45,7 ± 2,7 anos de idade, foram submetidos a 30 minutos de exercício aeróbio em piscina, exercício aeróbio em esteira rolante (solo) ou 30 minutos em repouso (controle) em ordem randômica (2 a 5 dias entre cada sessão). A intensidade do exercício foi entre 11 e 13 em uma escala subjetiva de esforço que vai de 6 a 20. Foram avaliadas a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) no início, logo após o exercício e na fase de recuperação, bem como a MAPA-24h após cada sessão. Após o exercício em piscina, foram observadas reduções significativas em relação à sessão controle nas médias horárias da pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) nas três primeiras horas (15h = 12,2 ± 3,1 mmHg, p = 0,004; 16h = 11,1 ± 2,8 mmHg, p = 0,003; 17h = 12,3 ± 3,1 mmHg, p =0,003) e após a sétima hora (21h = 7,8 ± 1,7 mmHg, p = 0,001) de análise, e nas médias diária (4 ± 1,6 mmHg, p = 0,02) e horária da pressão arterial diastólica (PAD) na primeira (15h = 7,7 ± 2,8 mmHg, p = 0,04) e sétima hora (21h = 6,6±1,5 mmHg, p = 0,002). Após o exercício em solo foram vistas reduções significativas em relação à sessão controle nas médias horárias da PAS durante a segunda (16h = 5,3±1,6 mmHg, p = 0,01), terceira (17h = 7,3 ± 2,3 mmHg, p = 0,02) e vigésima primeira hora...

Heart transplantation (TX) is a recognized procedure of choice for refractory heart failure, resulting in improvement in symptoms and quality of life of patients. However, these patients have reduced physical capacity and high prevalence of comorbidities. Immunosuppressive therapy and post-surgery cardiac denervation make systemic hypertension (SH) the most prevalent comorbiditie. We evaluated the acute effect of aerobic heated water-based exercise and land-based exercise on the dynamic tension behavior in blood pressure for 24 hours (24-h ABP) and autonomic activity of the heart. Eighteen patients (6 females) clinically stable (5 ± 0.7 years of surgery), 45.7 ± 2.7 years old, underwent 30 minutes of aerobic exercise in the swimming pool, aerobic exercise on a treadmill (land) or non-exercise control (control) in random order (2-5 days between each session). Exercise intensity was set at 11-13 in the 6-20 rating of perceived exertion scale. We evaluated the heart rate variability (HRV) at the beginning, right after exercise and during the recovery phase, and the 24-h ABP after each session. After water-based exercise, significant reductions were observed in relation to the control session on hourly average systolic blood pressure (SBP) in the first three hours (15h = 12.2 ± 3.1 mmHg, p = 0.004; 16h = 11.1 ± 2.8 mmHg, p = 0.003; 17h = 12.3 ± 3.1 mmHg, p = 0.003) and after the seventh time (21h = 7.8 ± 1.7 mmHg, p = 0.001) analysis, and the daily averages (4 ± 1.6 mmHg, p = 0.02) and hourly average diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in the first (15h = 7.7 ± 2.8 mmHg, p = 0.04) and seventh hours ( 21h = 6.6 ± 1.5 mmHg, p = 0.002). After land-based exercise significant reductions were observed when compared to control session in the hourly averages of SBP during the second (16h = 5.3 ± 1.6 mmHg, p = 0.01), third (17h = 7.3 ± 2 , 3 mm Hg, p = 0.02) and twenty-first time (= 11h 7.8 ± 1.7 mmHg, p = 0.02) and in hourly averages DBP during the second...

Expression of P16 in NUT carcinomas with no association with human papillomavirus (HPV).

NUT carcinoma (NC) is a rare malignant neoplasm usually located in the midline, including the upper aerodigestive tract. NC is an aggressive and highly lethal type of carcinoma. It is defined by the rearrangement of the nuclear protein in the testis (NUT) gene on chromosome 15q14. In most cases, the NUT is involved in a balanced translocation with the BRD4 gene on chromosome 19p13.1, an event that creates a BRD4-NUT fusion gene. The relationship between the human papillomavirus (HPV), p16, and upper aerodigestive tract cancer has been long postulated. In this study, we evaluated the relationship of the p16 expression in 4 cases of NCs and its eventual association with HPV. All 4 cases presented typical histopathologic findings with nuclear positivity of the NUT protein and strong expression for p16. None of these cases, however, showed an association with HPV evaluated by polymerase chain reaction. Despite the expression of p16, this negative result for HPV indicates that HPV infection probably does not play a role in the pathogenesis of NC.

Cor pulmonale in a patient with Brown-Vialetto-Van Laere syndrome: a case report.

Brown-Vialetto-Van Laere syndrome (BVVLS) is a rare neurological disease characterized by sensorineural hearing loss and multiple cranial nerve palsies, usually involving the VIIth and IXth to XIIth cranial nerves. We describe the clinical and pathological features of a 33-year-old woman with BVVLS. The patient developed progressive exertional dyspnea, with clinical and laboratory findings of right-sided heart failure and pulmonary hypertension. She developed status epilepticus in the setting of cardiac deterioration and respiratory infection, and died of cardiogenic and septic shock. Autopsy disclosed bilateral neuronal loss and gliosis in the inferior colliculi, locus coeruleus and facial and vestibular nuclei. Cor pulmonale is a complication of hypoventilation-induced hypoxia and hypercapnia and had not yet been reported in BVVLS.