Immunohistochemical Patterns of Pituitary Adenomas in Southeastern Nigeria, a 10-year Histopathologic Review.

Introduction: Pituitary adenomas [PAs] constitute the third most common primary intracranial tumours, with a wide prevalence rate of 1% to 40%. Histologic (H & E) classification into acidophilic, basophilic and chromophobic adenomas have little clinical relevance but WHO recommended immunohistochemical subclassification has both therapeutic and prognostic significance. This immunohistochemical subclassification has not been done in our environment, making it imperative for us to evaluate the patterns in our environment.Aim: To determine the immunohistochemical patterns of PAs in Southeastern Nigeria.Materials and Methods: This was a 10-year retrospective review of all PA biopsies received at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, Memphys Hospital for Neurosurgery Enugu and Grace Pathology Consults Enugu, Nigeria. The age, sex, histologic, immunohistochemical subtypes and biopsy size of all diagnosed PAs were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 (New York: IBM Inc.) and the results were expressed in descriptive statistics.Results: One hundred cases of PAs were identified in this study constituting 19.6% of all primary intracranial tumors received at our study centers during the period under review. There were 45 (45.0%) females and 55 (55.0%) males giving a female to male ratio of 1:1.2, and a mean age of 45.3 years. The commonest histologic type was acidophilic adenoma (49.0%), followed by basophilic (40.0%) and chromophobic (11.0%) adenomas. Null cell adenomas were the most common immunohistochemical subtype (44.0%), followed by PRL-secreting adenomas (27.0%). Others were Luteinizing hormone (LH) - 13 (13.0%), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) - 7 (7.0%), growth hormone (GH) - 3(3.0%), TSH - 2(2.0%) and ACTH - 1(1.0%) adenomas.Conclusion: PAs predominate amongst males, occurring mostly in the middle age groups in Southeastern Nigeria. Null cell adenoma is the commonest immunohistochemical subtype followed by PRL-secreting adenomas. Routine immunohistochemical characterization is required for accurate diagnosis and optimal patient care.

Postoperative enterocutaneous fistula - principles in non-operative approach.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative enterocutaneous fistulae could constitute a challenge when they occur following an abdominal surgery. Astute application of correct principles in its management is essential for good outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective review of records of patients with enterocutaneous fistulas managed non-operatively was done. Clinical assessment, anatomic and physiologic classification of fistula, fluid resuscitation, electrolyte correction, parenteral/enteral nutrition, antibiotic use and fistula effluent monitoring, formed the basis of management. RESULTS: (4/14)Four out of 14 patients with enterocutaneous fistulae were managed exclusively non-operatively. Their ages ranged between 34 and 63 years. Mean age 46years. All four fistulae occurred postoperatively. Laparatomy for ectopic pregnancy, bowel obstruction constituted the primary surgery. There were two high output cases and two low output cases. Initial parenteral nutrition was employed in two cases while enterals were used solely in two cases. Fistula closure was achieved in all 4 cases at durations ranging from 7 to 16 days, a mean time of 12.5 days. CONCLUSION: Non-operative approach to management for postoperative enterocutaneous fistulas was successful in these cases.

Attaining pathological complete regression for breast conservation - A pilot experience in a developing country.

CONTEXT: Local recurrence is a formidable risk consideration in employing breast conservation for breast cancer. However pathological complete regression (PCR) from chemotherapy has been associated with improved rates of recurrence. Lower PCR rates have been reported from earlier studies and our approach seeks to obtain higher PCR rates utilizing a two pronged approach of surgery and chemotherapy. OBJECTIVE: To determine success rates in attaining pathologically complete regression for breast conservation in non-metastatic breast cancer cases in a developing country and their clinical outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with early stage breast cancers had sequential anthracycline/taxane based neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy administered at three weekly intervals. Following an initial excision, re-excisions were done following three courses of doxorubicin based chemotherapy. Subsequent re-excisions in cases with failed complete pathological regression were repeated following additional three doxorubicin based chemotherapy cycles or at sequel third taxane based cycle. Endpoint was pathologically complete regression as determined on permanent sections. RESULTS: Patients ages ranged between 27 and 67 years, mean age 43years, SD 10.34 years, N = 20 Initial breast tumour sizes ranged between 0.5 and 9 cm, mean 4.05 cm, SD 2.38. There were three T4, four T3 tumours, seven T2 and six T1 tumours. Clinical axillary lymphadenopathy with pathological involvement was present in 11 cases. Histological diagnosis showed 13 cases of invasive ductal carcinoma (65.0%), 2 cases of ductal carcinoma insitu (10.0%), 1 papillary carcinoma (5.0%), 3 cases of invasive lobular carcinoma (15.0%) and non-specific type 1 (5.0%). Immunohistochemistry assessment available in 15 cases was positive for estrogen and progesterone receptors in 10 cases. Two cases (10.0%) exhibited 20% positivity for human epidermal growth factor receptor. Pathological complete regression (PCR) defined as no invasive or insitu tumour residuals in the excised tumour bed, was achieved in the 18 cases assessed. (100%) This was consistent with clinical complete response obtained. It was not determined in 2 cases though clinical complete response was obtained. PCR was determined in ten cases (50.0%) at the first reexcision, second reexcision in 4 cases (20.0%) and third reexcision in 4 cases (20.0%). Mean no of re-excisions 1.67 cm, SD 0.84. Six sequential anthracycline/taxane cycles were administered in 17 cases while three cases received anthracycline based chemotherapy only. Median duration of followup from diagnosis was 48 months ranging between 8 months and 144 months. There were two demises at 48 months and 36 months follow up. CONCLUSION: Extended chemotherapy sessions alongside re-excisions were successful in achieving much enhanced rates of pathologically complete remissions at 100% in this yet early report, thus improving breast conservation rates even for T3 and T4 tumours. Our study reports higher PCR rates.

Tuberculous Lymphadenitis in South-Eastern Nigeria; A 15 Years Histopathologic Review (2000-2014).

BACKGROUND: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic has brought about a resurgence in tuberculosis (TB), especially in developing countries. Previous studies on TB lymphadenitis (TBLN) in South-Eastern Nigeria were done before the advent of the HIV pandemic making a review pertinent. AIM: To evaluate the role of TBLN as a cause of superficial lymphadenopathy in the post-HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) era of South-Eastern Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a 15 years (2000-2014) retrospective review of all superficial lymph node biopsies (SLNBs) received at the Department of Morbid Anatomy, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla Enugu, Nigeria. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-two cases of TBLN were identified in this study constituting 14.6% (172/1,180) of SLNBs received at our Hospital's Morbid Anatomy Department during the 15 years period under review. Twenty-eight cases of TBLN were clinically screened for HIV, 23 of which tested positive, representing 82.1% (23/28) of clinically screened cases. Acid fast bacilli demonstration was positive in 15.1% (26/172) of cases using Ziehl-Neelsen stain. 48.8% (84/172) of TBLN cases were males, and 51.2% (88/172) were females with most (22) cases received in 2012 and least (5) cases in 2000. Most TBLN occurred in the 21-25 years age group with a total of 21.5% (37/172) of cases and a male to female ratio of 1:1.5 The most common biopsy site for TBLN was the cervical group followed by the axillary and inguinal groups with 73.8% (127/172), 14% (24/172), and 4.7% (8/172) of cases, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There is a remarkable decline in the prevalence of TB lymphadenitis in South-Eastern Nigeria indicating a change in trend from the pre- to the post-HIV/AIDS era with slightly more females now presenting with TBLN and most TB lymphadenitis patients now presenting with associated HIV/AIDS disease. There is an urgent need to provide modern diagnostic facilities in our medical laboratories.

Ileal perforation due to typhoid fever - review of operative management and outcome in an urban centre in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The management of ileal typhoid perforation is a challenging task in our environment. Lack of incidence data base and poor financial resources preclude adequate prevention of this public health menace. OBJECTIVES: For now the focus will remain the effective and strategic management of this complication to reduce the morbidity and mortality. METHODS: 86 cases of ileal typhoid perforation were seen over a two year period. Most were male children and male young adults. Data collection was by retrieving information from the medical records of Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital (ESUTH). All were resuscitated with 1v fluids, iv antibiotics, nasogastric tube suction and where indicated blood transfusions. Majority had bacteriological, biochemical, haematological and radiological investigations. Laparotomy was undertaken after adequate resuscitation. RESULTS: Most had been febrile for 2-6weeks prior to admission, with the majority having been labelled resistant malaria cases. Most presented more than 24 h after onset of peritonitis and were therefore explored late, some as late at 96 h. At laparotomy 97% had large volumes of pus and small bowel contents in the peritoneal cavity and 3% had localized intraabdominal abscesses. No attempt at healing or omental localization of the perforation was observed. Fifty two (60.5%) patient underwent simple closure, 18(21%) had ileal resection and enteroanastomosis, 7(8.1%) had tube ileostomy, 5(5.8%) had primary suture and proximal ileo-transverse anastomosis and 4(4.7%) limited right hemicolectomy. All had liberal peritoneal lavage with normal saline. The group that presented relatively early, with minimal pathological changes, had primary suture and mortality in this groups was 11.5%. The group with gross pathological changes seen mainly in patients that presented late had higher mortality rates, even as high as 50%. However our overall mortality rate was 18.6%. CONCLUSION: The authors affirm that typhoid ileal perforation must be treated surgically. Early presentation and diagnosis, adequate resuscitation, prompt surgery and vigorous post-operative management improved mortality rates. Clearly delays in presentation necessitating prolonged resuscitation and therefore delayed surgery affected mortality.

Acute perforated peptic ulcer: on clinical experience in an urban tertiary hospital in south east Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Acute perforated peptic ulcer is a leading cause of generalized peritonitis and its management has continued to be a challenging task in our environment. OBJECTIVE: There is a paucity of published reports on acute perforated peptic ulcers in our environment. This study was conducted to evaluate the different pattern of risk factors clinical presentations, management and clinical outcome of patients with acute perforated peptic ulcer in our setting and to highlight the factors that continue to account for the high mortality and morbidity as seen here. METHOD: A retrospective study where data of seventy-six (76) patients managed for generalized peritonitis due to acute peptic ulcer perforation over a five year period (January 2006-December 2010) were retrieved from medical records of Enugu State University of Science and Technology Hospital (ESUTH). The patients' biodata, clinical and operative findings and treatment outcome were extracted and analysed, after institutional ethical approval was secured. All other cases of generalized peritonitis not traceable to acute peptic ulcer perforation were excluded from the study. RESULTS: There were76 patients; 58 males and 18 females (M:F = 3.2:1) Their ages ranged from 20 to 80years with a mean of 39.5yr and SD ± 13.10years. Majority of the patients 49(64.4%) were 40years of age and below and only 24 (31.6%) had a previous history suggestive of chronic peptic ulcer disease. Twenty five (32.9%) patients presented within 24 h of onset of symptoms of perforation with a mortality of 8.0%. Slightly more than half of our patients 39(51.3%) presented between 24 and 48 h with mortality of 17.9%. Twelve patients (15.8%) presented between 48 and 72 h and the mortality in this group was 58.3%. The latter two groups accounted for most of the mortality in our series. All perforations were anterior perforations within the first 2.5 cm of the duodenum and all had simple closure with pedicled omental patch and peritoneal toilet with copious volumes of warm normal saline. Postoperatively all received Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy and proton pump inhibitors for at least two months. CONCLUSION: Patient groups who presented early had low mortality rates, but patient groups who presented late had higher mortality rates. Overall mortality was 21%.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension with pulmonary infarction occuring in a hypertensive.

We present a 72-year-old man and a known hypertensive with poor drug compliance seen here on 22-03-06, with a 4-year history of progressive dyspnoea, associated with cough and a wheeze. On examination he was chronically ill looking with altered state of consciousness, pale, centrally cyanosed, febrile (T-38 degrees C), in respiratory distress (RR-33 pm). Significant chest radiological findings include marked aortic unfolding and cardiomegaly, with biventricular involvement. Numerous nodular opacities in both lung fields especially the Right side with right apical opacification/thickening. Treatment as appropriate was instituted but unfortunately the patient succumbed after thirty days on admission and an autopsy carried out revealed multiple pulmonary infarcts with pulmonary thrombo-embolism.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension with pulmonary infarction occuring in a hypertensive.

We present a 72-year-old man and a known hypertensive with poor drug compliance seen here on 22-03-06,with a 4-year history of progressive dyspnoea, associated with cough and a wheeze. On examination he was chronically ill looking with altered state of consciousness, pale, centrally cyanosed, febrile (T-38 degrees C), in respiratory distress (RR-33pm). Significant chest radiological findings include marked aortic unfolding and cardiomegaly, with biventricular involvement. Numerous nodular opacities in both lung fields especially the Right side with right apical opacification/thickening. Treatment as appropriate was instituted but unfortunately the patient succumbed after thirty days on admission and an autopsy carried out revealed multiple pulmonary infarcts with pulmonary thrombo-embolism.

Pulmonary Lymphomatoid Granulomatosis: Report of A Case and Review of Literature.

Lymphomatoid granulomatosis (LYG) is a rare angiocentric lymphoproliferative process predominantly affecting the lung. The diagnosis of this condition is often difficult as the physical signs, history, chest x-ray, and routine laboratory investigations are usually non-specific. Nevertheless, it is important to establish a tissue diagnosis, as this lymphoproliferative disorder can be refractory to treatment and even progress to overt lymphoma. We report a case of pulmonary LYG in a 52-year old Nigerian man of Ibo extraction treated in our centre in 2001 and followed up for a year. The difficulty in making diagnosis is highlighted and treatment modality discussed.

Dilated alcoholic cardiomyopathy and incidental lymphoma occuring in a 56 year old man who was being managed for hypertensive heart disease in Enugu Nigeria--a rare finding.

We present a case of dilated alcoholic cardiomyopathy occurring in a 56-year-old Nigerian male. He admitted to taking alcoholic beverage, approximately 2-3 bottles of different brands of beer per day for about 30 years, but stopped three years ago on medical advice. He had a history of progressively worsening dyspnoea and encephalopathy, from decreasing ejection fraction. This resulted in a poor blood supply to the vital centers of the brain. Autopsy confirmed a dilated cardiomyopathy with an incidental fairly advanced B cell lymphoma involving the liver and spleen. The latter was thought to be a coincidental finding.

A review of 61 cases of ocular tumours seen over a 3-year period in Benin City, Nigeria: a 3-year descriptive retrospective study (1998-2000).

The aim of this study is to ascertain the tumour type, sex variation and mean age of presentation of ocular tumours, as well as to update the available literature on the prevalence of the common ocular neoplasms in our environment. In this study, we analysed the data of 61 ocular biopsy specimens received between January 1998 and December 2000 at the Morbid Anatomy Department of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. Slides from paraffin embedded blocks of all ocular biopsies received were reviewed to identify the tumour types, sex variation and age of presentation.

Breast disease in children and adolescents in eastern Nigeria--a five-year study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: (1) To define the spectrum of breast diseases in the children and adolescents in Eastern Nigeria. (2) To provide where possible, an international comparison of statistical variations of both benign and malignant lesions in these age groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Morbid Anatomy Department of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu is a referral center for over 30 million people. The laboratory receives around 2,000 surgical pathology specimens per year. Virtually all children and adolescents (4-19) years who complained of a breast mass had a biopsy, and results of all excised breast specimens from children and adolescent age groups from 4 to 19 years were included in the study. The case files of these patients were retrieved and reviewed to ascertain the size and duration of the breast lesions. The number of phyllodes tumors seen in the child and adolescent population was compared to those seen in the adult population at the same period. Two independent pathologists reviewed the slides, and their results compared. RESULTS: A total of 1050 breast specimens were received in the department of morbid anatomy from all age groups, from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2004, out of which 121 (11.5%) were breast specimens from the children and adolescent age groups. On the average most patients with benign breast lesions presented within 3-5 months of their symptoms, which usually was a palpable lump detected in all cases by either the child or the mother. Their sizes vary from 2-3 cm and only ten were multiple but they were all confined to one breast. Those with phyllodes presented typically within 3 months probably because of the faster rate of growth. Their sizes varied from 5-13 cm and they were all unilateral. Phyllodes tumor in this age group constitute 28.6% of all phyllodes seen in this period and were all benign. The mean age was approximately 11.5 years while the median age was 18 years. Three cases were malignant. CONCLUSION: Fibro adenoma, fibrocystic breast disease, and low grade phyllodes tumor were the most common breast lesions seen in our children and adolescent population. The three cases of malignancy observed included invasive intraductal carcinoma, a non-hodgkin lymphoma, and metastases involving the lymph nodes from an uncharacterized secondary malignancy. Phyllodes tumors were typically larger in size and tended to present earlier. Genetic characterization of such lesions is recommended for future studies as well as their relationship to lesions seen among other Africans in Diaspora.

Patterns of oral and jaw tumours seen in eastern Nigeria: a review of sixty cases seen over a 5-year period--1 January 2000 to 31 December 2004.

Morbid anatomy, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) caters for over 30 million people, mainly Black Africans. Sixty oral and jaw specimens were received and analyzed. In UNTH, Nigeria record of incidence and pattern of salivary lesions is scanty and, there had been no prior published report on this subject. This is a retrospective study to establish the pattern of oral and jaw tumours seen in Eastern Nigeria and show their sex and age variations. 2. Compare with results published elsewhere. Departmental records for oral and jaw lesions from biopsies were analysed. Sixty oral and jaw tumours were received out of a total of 4500 specimens constituting 1.3% of all biopsies. Twenty-four (40%) were males, 36 (60%) were females. The categories were calcifying odontogenic cysts and fibromas 11 (18.3%). Ameloblastomas affecting the mandible eight (13.3%). Fibrous dysplasia seven (11.7%). Invasive squamous cell carcinomas seven (11.7%). Infections with cellulites and sinusitis six (10%). Post inflammatory polyps and pseudocysts four (7%). Burkitt's Lymphomas four (7%), Haemangiomas and lymphangiomas four (7%), Soft tissue swellings from osteomyelitis three (5%). Butyroid rhabdomyosarcoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma angiofibroma, fibrous histiocytoma and fibrosarcoma were each one (1.7%). Oral and jaw tumours therefore constitute a mere 1.3% of biopsies. The most common subtype seen were the dentigerous cysts/fibromas, followed by ameloblastomas.

Morbidity and mortality among road users in Benin-City, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Murray and Krug had reported that road traffic injuries are a major cause of death globally, with disproportionate number occurring in developing counties. Seventy out of 308 deaths that occurred in Benin City from August 2002-July 2003, representing 22.7% of all deaths was due to road traffic injuries. Despite this observation, there is a paucity of data on road traffic morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate patterns of morbidity and mortality among drivers and passengers of cars involved in road traffic accidents in Benin-City Nigeria from August 2002-July 2003 as a base line data. METHODS: Eighty-seven car drivers and passengers who were studied were part of a larger study, involved in a road traffic accident and brought to the accident and emergency units of either the University of Benin Teaching Hospital or the State Specialist Hospital between August 2002-July 2003.The injured ones were examined and dead patients had autopsy done on them. RESULTS: Over all, out of 283 total accidents cases reviewed in the period of study 87 were car occupants representing 30.7% of all accident cases, and 67 patients (23.7%) sustained varying injuries, while 20 patients (7.1%) died. Commercial cars were involved in majority of cases 85%. Males were also more in number. Intracranial hemorrhage was the predominant cause of death. CONCLUSION: Occupants of cars accounted for the singular most common category of morbidity and mortality among all road users. The male to female ratio was 2.1:1. Windscreen injuries most commonly associated with facial and head injuries represented the commonest cause of morbidity and mortality. The commonest autopsy finding as cause of death was intra-cranial hemorrhage.

Patterns of morbidity and mortality amongst motorcycle riders and their passengers in Benin-City Nigeria: one-year review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate patterns of morbidity and mortality among bike riders and pillion seat passengers involved in road traffic accidents in Benin-City Nigeria between August 2003-July 2004. METHODS: A total of Fifty-one bike riders and pillion seat passengers, who participated in this study were part of a larger study, involved in a road traffic accident and were brought to the accident and emergency unit of either the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) or the State Specialist Hospital between August 2002-July 2003.The injured ones were examined and dead patients had an autopsy done on them RESULTS: A total of 51 cases of bikes riders/pillion seat passenger accidents were recorded representing 18% of total accidents. 35 motorbike riders/pillion seat passengers were struck down by cars (68.6%). Seven bike riders/pillion seat passengers (13.5%) were struck by articulated vehicles. 7 bike riders/pillion seat passengers representing 13.5% of cases were stuck by buses, 2 (3.9%) pillion seat passengers fell of bikes from epilepsies and sustained secondary injuries. Males were more in number with a ratio of 2.5; 1. One hundred percent (100%) or all motorcyclist and their passengers did not use helmets. CONCLUSION: Cars struck down most bike riders and their pillion seat passengers. Males were more than females in number. The commonest autopsy findings as cause of death was intr a-cranial hemorrhage preventable by the use of crash helmets.

Oncocytic Schneiderian papilloma occurring in a young Nigerian male: a case report.

Oncocytic Schneiderian papilloma is one of the three morphologically separate tumors that arise from the Schneiderian membrane (the others are fungi form papilloma and inverted papilloma). It is quite rare in our environment. We report a case of Oncocytic Schneiderian papilloma arising from the right maxillary sinus and extending to the ipsilateral nasal region in a 26year old Nigerian male. The growth was present for a period of 5 months before his presentation on 18-10-2005 and recurred again nine months later after excision. Both excised tissues were confirmed by histology to be Oncocytic Schneiderian papilloma, with no evidence of malignancy after a rigorous search.

Ocular melanoma presenting as a case of panophthalmitis in a 78-year-old Nigerian woman (masquerade syndrome): an uncommon finding in Benin City, Nigeria.

Theodore states that the term 'masquerade syndrome' first appeared in the ophthalmic literature in 1967 to describe a conjunctival carcinoma that presented as chronic conjunctivitis. Since then, the masquerade syndrome label has been applied to a group of disorders that mimic ocular inflammatory disease. Although some benign conditions can be considered masquerade syndromes, most often the term refers to malignant entities. Tsai and O'Brien also report that ocular oncology, the subspecialty that concerns itself with ocular and orbital malignancies, is by nature a field of uncommon disorders. A discussion of the masquerade syndrome therefore becomes a study in uncommon presentations of uncommon diseases. Nevertheless, the subject deserves wide attention because, in many cases, the diseases that masquerade are not only vision-threatening but potentially fatal. Significant morbidity and mortality can be averted by early recognition and diagnosis of the masquerade. In this article, we present a case of a 78-year-old Nigerian woman who had an ocular melanoma that presented as a panophthalmitis, a rare case of masquerade syndrome in our environment.

Usefulness of oral corticosteroid in Rosai-Dorfman disease.

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD), also known as sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy, is a benign self-limiting disorder of unknown aetiology, which is frequently mistaken for lymphoma. There is no consensus as to the proper management of this disorder. In the past, potentially harmful treatments, such as antineoplastic drugs, have been advocated. We describe a 25-year-old woman with RDD who has had a remarkably favourable response to oral prednisolone therapy. Our observation strengthens the conclusions of previous case reports as to the effectiveness of corticosteroids in this condition. This article is aimed at creating awareness among clinical oncologists about this pseudolymphomatous disorder and emphasizing the therapeutic role of corticosteroids.