Huge Abdominopelvic Mass Arising from Cervical Fibroid around an Infected Cervical Diverticulum: A Very Rare Case and a Review of Literature.

Primary uterine diverticula are a very rare congenital anomaly of the uterus with only 21 reported cases. Even rarer is the occurrence of primary cervical diverticula with only six cases reported so far. This is a unique case of a huge abdominopelvic mass arising from cervical fibroid around an infected cervical diverticulum. A 44 year-old, P4L4 came to the OPD with a eighteen weeks size abdomino-pelvic mass. She had a failed surgery 6 months back, attempted to remove the mass. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cervical diverticulum which possibly had a pus collection. Relaparotomy was done. It revealed a huge cervical fibroid with dense adhesions all around the mass. A pan hysterectomy was done. In the postoperative period, she developed high-grade fever owing to the development of a pelvic collection, which had to be drained by dilating the vault sutures. Histopathology report confirmed a cervical fibroid with an infected diverticulum within. Primary uterine or cervical diverticula are a very rare anamoly which possibly arise because of a weakness in the area where the two mullerian ducts fuse. Women with this rare condition may suffer from infertility, fever and pain abdomen, acute abdomen owing to torsion or hemoperitoneum, pregnancy complications, and menorrhagia. Diverticulectomy and cervical/uterine reconstruction can be done on nulliparous women while hysterectomy can be offered to perimenopausal women. To conclude, unless known by the gynecologists, radiologists, and the pathologists, this diagnosis can be easily missed out, leading to multiple preventable complications.

A histopathological and immunohistochemistry analysis of endometrial lesions among women presenting with abnormal uterine bleeding.

Objectives: We aimed to histopathologically evaluate the morphological spectrum, apoptotic index (AI), and mitotic index (MI) of endometrial lesions in patients presenting with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). Methods: A cross-sectional study was done over a period of 18 months where a total of 60 newly diagnosed cases of perimenopausal women presenting with AUB were included. All H and E stained pathology slides from the specimens were reviewed for initial histopathological evaluation and diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry for Bcl-2 and Bax was done. The study subjects were divided into two groups: Group 1 included 30 cases of histologically proven proliferative endometrium (PE) and endometrial polyps and Group 2 included 30 cases of hyperplasia, endometrial epithelial neoplasia (EIN)/or carcinoma. For all cases, AI and MI were calculated and compared among the two groups. Statistical Analysis: Quantitative variables were compared using the Independent t-test/Mann-Whitney test between the two groups and Kruskal-Wallis test for comparison between more than two groups. Qualitative variables were correlated using the Chi-square test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In our study of 60 patients of AUB, the mean age was 45.87 years with a parity of 2 or more in most of the patients. Most of the patients in our study had heavy menstrual bleeding (66.67%) with associated complaints of weakness, pallor, and low backache. Out of 60 patients of AUB, Endometrial carcinoma was diagnosed in 13 (21.67%) patients, with the most common histopathological type being Endometrioid carcinoma. There was a significant difference in the AI, MI, and the ratio of AI/MI among various histopathological diagnoses. AI was highest for Endometrial carcinoma and lowest for hyperplasia and polyps. MI was also highest for Endometrial carcinoma and lowest for hyperplasia and polyps. However, the ratio was incongruent as it was highest for hyperplasia without atypia and lowest for PE with endometrial carcinoma being midway. The Bcl-2 expression of relatively benign conditions (Group 1) was significantly higher than Group 2 (Endometrial epithelial neoplasia/carcinoma). Bax intensity showed an almost inverse pattern, being highest in endometrial carcinoma and lower in hyperplasia and polyps with the lowest expression in PE. Even the Bcl-2:Bax ratio was also highest for PE and lowest for endometrial carcinoma with others falling in between them. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the combination of the proliferative and apoptotic markers and the ratio will help as a tool in aiding the diagnosis of endometrial lesions for patients presenting with AUB.

Peripheral giant cell granuloma of maxilla.

It is often documented that chronic irritation could be an etiology of oral cancer; yet out of negligence little heed is paid to any sort of discomfort until it grows to a sizable mass where it is difficult to go unnoticed. Intraorally, the source of irritation could vary from a jagged tooth edge to a chronic cheek bite. Furthermore, the removable prosthesis and orthodontic appliances can lead to alteration of the oral mucosal tissue. This case report represents one such sequelae of an ill-fitting dental prosthesis. Surprisingly and unfortunately, the broken denture was still in use by the patient until the damage caused by it could no further be ignored, it is then that the patient sought medical help. A histopathological diagnosis of reparative giant cell granuloma was made, and the patient was treated by successful excision of the same.

Toward early diagnosis of oral cancer: Diagnostic utility of cytomorphological features, a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Early detection of oral cancer is one of the most efficient ways to reduce the high mortality from this disease because of the ready accessibility of the oral cavity. We need to devise urgent diagnostic tools to detect early oral premalignant and malignant lesions. AIM: The aim of the present study was to grade the oral lesions in an attempt toward developing a novel cytological grading system. Further, morphometric analysis of cellular parameters was also performed to compare their significance in differentiating benign from malignant lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital catering to the low socioeconomic population. Patients presenting in the various Out Patient Departments with suspicious oral lesions were evaluated by cytology in the Department of Pathology. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients were evaluated with a mean age of 43.54 ± 10.35 years. The involvement of the buccal mucosa was the most common site of oral lesions. Cytologically, the lesions were graded according to the oral/oro-pharyngeal cytology grading system into grades A to F. Cyto-morphometric analysis showed an increasing trend in mean nuclear diameter from benign to malignant cases while the mean cytoplasmic diameter decreased, value of P < 0.05 was observed indicating a statistically significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Cytological features of pleomorphism are a unique feature in oral carcinoma reflecting intracellular alterations in cells. Grading of lesions according to cytological characteristics can be helpful in standardizing the reporting of the oral lesion. However, our study was restricted by limited data; we emphasize more extensive studies to assess the usefulness and applicability of such a grading system. We also conclude that the use of cytomorphometry can improve the diagnostic reliability of exfoliative cytology.

Pancreatic and Gastric Heterotopia in the Gallbladder: A Rare Incidental Finding.

Heterotopic or ectopic tissue is a congenital anomaly, which is defined as the presence of the tissue outside its normal location, without neural, vascular, or anatomic connection with the main body of an organ in which it normally exists. This tissue is usually discovered incidentally and may be asymptomatic or may present with nonspecific gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Pancreatic and gastric heterotopia are the two predominantly occurring heterotopic tissues in the GI tract.[12] The prevalence of ectopic pancreatic tissue in the GI tract ranges from 0.6% to 13.7% of autopsy series and it can be present anywhere in the GI tract with the most common localizations being stomach (27.5%), duodenum (25.5%), colon (15.9%), esophagus, and Meckel's diverticulum.[345] It is a rare finding in the gallbladder and its prevalence has not been ascertained due to lack of large-scale studies and systematic review of literature. Similarly, heterotopic gastric tissue is common throughout the GI tract from the tongue to the rectum,[67] but it is extremely rare in the gallbladder with only around 34 cases reported in literature so far, while other cases of different types of heterotopic tissues in the gallbladder such as liver tissue and others such as adrenal and thyroid tissues have been described.[8] The most common presentation of ectopic tissue in the gallbladder is colicky pain in the epigastrium or right upper quadrant sometimes associated with nausea and vomiting. Here, we are presenting two incidentally detected cases, each of gastric and pancreatic heterotopias in the gallbladder.

Poorly differentiated carcinoma of thyroid: Case report of an uncommon entity.

Malignant thyroid tumors of follicular origin comprise a spectrum, with the indolent well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma (WDTC) at one end and lethal anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) at the other. Poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) lies intermediately between WDTC and ATC in terms of morphology and prognostic standpoint. This thyroglobulin producing neoplasm accounts for 4-7% of all thyroid malignancies. PDTC has been controversial due to lack of defined diagnostic criteria. We hereby report a case of PDTC in a 42-year-old female presenting with neck swelling, pain, and dysphagia for 10 months. She was diagnosed as colloid goiter on fine-needle aspiration cytology. On imaging, a large complex thyroid with central neck nodes was seen. Total thyroidectomy and central neck node dissection were done. Based on the morphology, immunostaining, and the diagnostic criteria, a diagnosis of PDTC was made. PDTC is a diagnostic challenge due to its rarity and previous equivocal diagnostic criteria.

Diagnostic challenges of tubercular lesions of breast.

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis (TB) in the developing countries presents with both pulmonary and extrapulmonary manifestations. Breast TB, however, remains a rare presentation. Its importance lies in the fact that it may mimic malignancy or present as inflammatory lump/abscess. AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to highlight the importance of breast TB and its diagnostic challenges. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a retrospective study conducted at a tertiary care hospital, over 2 years between 2013 and 2015 during which eight cases of breast lesions were diagnosed as of tubercular origin. RESULTS: Granulomas were seen in five cases while three cases revealed only few epithelioid cells, and necrosis was seen in all cases on fine-needle aspiration cytology. Histopathological evaluation was available in six out of the eight cases, while acid-fast bacilli were positive in three cases, the characteristic granulomas were seen in all the six cases evaluated. CONCLUSION: Significance of TB breast lies in the fact that it may masquerade as breast malignancy or pyogenic abscess. India is a developing country where TB is endemic, a high index of suspicion should be expressed in evaluating breast masses, and TB should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Coexistence of tuberculosis and malignancy: a mere coincidence or a causal association.

Tuberculosis (TB) and malignancy are among the most important current global health problems. Many authors suggest that their coexistence is a chance association owing to their high prevalence. There is, however, enough evidence that one condition may predispose the other. In our retrospective report of two cases, TB in draining lymph nodes was discovered incidentally on histopathology, following surgical resection for malignancy. The possibility of coexistent lesions, especially in regions endemic for TB, mandate a detailed histopathological examination to prevent the chances of diagnostic failure and thus therapeutic error.

Tuberculosis 'The Great Imitator': A usual disease with unusual presentations.

BACKGROUND: A number of infectious diseases have been referred to by the phrase 'The Great Imitator', of which the oldest is syphilis; others include Lyme disease, nocardiosis, etc. Tuberculosis has been described as the second great imitator as it can imitate various other disease processes. An awareness of the atypical clinical manifestations of tuberculosis is important, especially in regions where tuberculosis continues to be a major public health problem, such as India. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) constitutes about 15-20% of all cases of tuberculosis in immunocompetent patients and accounts for more than 50% of the cases in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals. METHODS: We hereby report 4 cases of tuberculosis at unusual sites, which were not suspected clinically and were subsequently diagnosed by pathological examination and by ancillary techniques. OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS: In all the four cases, the involvement was extrapulmonary in nature and at unusual sites. Three cases were diagnosed by a positive Ziehl Neelsen stain while culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis was positive in three cases. All the four patients tested negative for HIV status on serology. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Unusual presentations, which mimic many diverse conditions, as seen in this series, highlight the importance of a high index of suspicion in the timely diagnosis of tuberculosis. Evidence of systemic or lung involvement may not always be present and laboratory and radiological findings play an important role.

Inflammatory Pseudotumor of the Spleen Masquerading as Splenic Malignancy.

Inflammatory pseudotumors (IPTs) of the spleen are extremely rare, benign tumors of unknown etiology, and are most frequently detected incidentally. We report a case of IPT of the spleen in a 19-year-old male, who presented to the Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, New Delhi, with a history of pain and heaviness in the left hypochondrium. On clinical examination, splenomegaly was detected. Ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen revealed an enlarged spleen with a mass lesion completely occupying the lower pole of the spleen. Therefore, a diagnosis of splenomegaly with a malignant splenic lesion was suggested. Open splenectomy was performed. On gross examination, a well-circumscribed nodular growth measuring 9 × 8 × 5 cm in diameter was seen on the lower pole of the spleen, which on cut section appeared tan white with foci of yellowish discoloration. Microscopic examination of the nodular growth revealed spindle cells in a hyalinized stroma with inflammatory infiltration of predominantly plasma cells and lymphocytes. On immunohistochemistry, the spindle cells were positive for smooth muscle actin. A diagnosis of IPT of the spleen was rendered following histopathology testing. Splenectomy is both diagnostic and curative for this rare entity, and prognosis is usually favorable following the procedure.

An Incidental Primary Papillary Carcinoma Arising in a Thyroglossal Duct Cyst: Report of a Rare Finding.

The thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDCs) are the most common congenital anomaly of the thyroid, usually manifested as painless midline neck mass. Malignancy is very rare and is reported in around 1% of cases as an incidental finding after histopathological evaluation of resected cyst. Papillary carcinoma is the most common carcinoma reported in TGDC. Here, we report a case of 17-year-old-female, who presented with a gradually increasing midline neck mass which moves with swallowing. On imaging a diagnosis of infected TGDC was made. The Sistrunk operation was done and a diagnosis of primary papillary carcinoma arising in a TGDC was rendered histopathologically. The contemporary appearance of papillary carcinoma thyroid was reported in about 20% cases of TGDC carcinoma, thus it is essential to differentiate primary papillary carcinoma arising in a TGDC from those of metastatic papillary carcinoma thyroid by strict diagnostic criteria.

Clinco-Pathological Patterns in Women with Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding.

BACKGROUND: The term dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) refers to any abnormal bleeding from the uterus, unassociated with tumour, inflammation and pregnancy. The histological diagnosis of DUB is very essential for adequate management especially in perimenopausal and postmenopausal females. The present study was undertaken with the aim of evaluating DUB in various age groups, carry out histopathological study of the endometrium and analyze its clinic-pathological patterns. METHODS: The study included 500 cases of atypical uterine bleeding, out of which 120 cases of DUB were included based on clinical features and detailed investigations. Study was conducted in Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, between March 2003 to December 2004 Endometrial tissue was collected by D&C procedure and the samples were sent for histopathological evaluation by pathologist. RESULT: Hyperplasia was the commonest endometrial pathology (20.5%) followed by luteal phase insufficiency (15.6%) and secretory endometrium (13.7%). Endometritis including tubercular endometritis (12.7%), post abortal (5.8%), proliferative (6.8%), polyp (3.9%), atrophic (3.9%), exogenous hormone changes (2.9%) and anovulatory cycles (6.8%) made up for the remaining lesions. CONCLUSION: DUB occurs secondary to a wide variety of functional and structural abnormalities, warranting a thorough evaluation especially in perimenoupausal females. Menorrhagia is a common symptom and the most likely etiology relates to the patient's age. Significant number of endometrial samples revealed pathology rendering endometrial curetting and biopsy an important procedure. Cervical cytology is a valuable adjunct however histopathology remains the gold standard in diagnosis.

A Critical Appraisal of the Spectrum of Image Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology: A Three Year Experience from a Tertiary Care Centre in Delhi.

OBJECTIVE: Image guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a safe, simple, rapid, cost effective and accurate modality in evaluation of deep seated lumps (abdominal, pelvic and intrathoracic masses) which are unapproachable by blind FNAC. In this study, a critical analysis of the utility of image guided FNAC in deep seated and otherwise inacessible mass lesions was carried out. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Fifty-four ultrasound (USG) or computed tomography (CT) guided FNACs from lumps at any location in the body, that is, thoracic, abdominal, pelvic etc over a period of 3 years (January 2012- December 2014) were included in the study. The most common site aspirated, the indications for a guided aspiration and the accuracy of aspiration cytology in comparison to the histological diagnosis were evaluated, wherever possible. RESULTS: Fifty-four image guided FNACs were performed (46 USG guided and 8 CT guided). Inconclusive, inflammatory, benign tumors, suspicious and malignant lesion rates were 5.6%, 29.6%, 11.1%, 5.6%, and 48.1%, respectively. The most common site was the liver (25.5%), followed by the thyroid (18.5%), lung (14.8%), gallbladder (11.1%), and lymph nodes (7.4%). Cytohistological correlation could be performed in 32 cases with a diagnostic accuracy of 100%. CONCLUSION: FNAC coupled with a diagnostic imaging technique such as USG or CT can improve the diagnostic yield and a definite diagnosis can be reached in most of the cases.

Plasmacytoid variant of urothelial carcinoma: Diagnostic challenges and role of immunohistochemistry.

Plasmacytoid carcinoma of the urinary bladder or plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma (PUC) is rare and only recently described a histological variant of transitional cell carcinoma. The morphological resemblance of PUC to other malignancies is a source of diagnostic dilemmas and often misdiagnosis. Immunohistochemistry plays a pivotal role in narrowing the differential diagnosis and reaching to a conclusive diagnosis. A diagnosis of PUC usually carries a dismal prognosis. Hence, correct diagnosis is important. We report here a 52-year-old male with a plasmacytoid variant of urothelial carcinoma.

The role of laboratory investigations in evaluating abdominal tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major health problem in developing countries like India. Abdominal TB is defined as an infection of the peritoneum, or hollow or solid abdominal organs with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). The gastrointestinal tract is one of the most frequent sites of extrapulmonary involvement in TB. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the role of laboratory investigations in the diagnosis of abdominal TB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 300 patients admitted to various departments of our hospital from November 2005 to October 2007. Detailed histories and thorough clinical examinations together with relevant hematological, biochemical, cytological, radiological, and histopathological investigations were carried out in suspected cases of Koch's abdomen. RESULTS: Erythrocyte sedimentation rates with positive results were seen in 79.3% patients. Serological test enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed on only 30 patients and was found to be positive for IgG, and IgM in 25 cases with a sensitivity of 83%. Thirteen out of 15 cases were positive for adenosine deaminase done on ascitic fluid. The results of the two patients who underwent Mtb polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were consistent with TB. Out of 21 image-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) cases, 10 (48%) of the positive cases showed caseating necrosis while 7 (33%) had noncaseous necrosis. Stain for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) was performed on all cases and was positive in 42 cases (38.8%). Lymph node biopsy was done in 95% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Serological investigations have a limited value, while PCR is a highly specific test. Since cost restricts its use, only two patients in our study could afford it. BACTEC is more sensitive and faster than culture techniques for the diagnosis of mycobacterial infections. FNAC is a reliable, cost effective alternative, and 81% diagnostic yield in the present study suggests that ultrasound guidance is a useful tool. Histopathological evaluation with positive AFB staining remains the gold standard for diagnosing abdominal TB. However, although the demonstration of AFB in aspirates and tissue sections is a definitive diagnostic method for TB, the positivity for AFB is variable.

Cellular leiomyoma versus endometrial stromal tumor: A pathologists' dilemma.

Uterine smooth muscle tumors and endometrial stromal tumors (ESTs) are the two major types of mesenchymal tumors of the uterus, the latter being fairly uncommon. Among these, endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) accounts for 0.2-1.5% of all uterine malignancies. Although routine histopathological examination is sufficient to distinguish between ESS and smooth muscle tumors in most of the cases, the distinction between ESTs and highly cellular leiomyomas (CMs), on several occasions becomes a great diagnostic challenge for the pathologist. The differentiation between EST and CM is necessary on account of the variable clinical course and slight variation in the therapy. However, this is difficult due to the tendency of endometrial stromal cells to differentiate into well-developed smooth muscle cells as well as overlapping immunohistochemical profile in some cases. We hereby report a series of cases which posed a diagnostic challenge to us as to whether they are CMs or ESTs. We therefore discuss the histological features which helped us resolve this dilemma as well as the utility of immunohistochemistry (IHC) as a diagnostic aid in arriving at a final diagnosis in such problematic cases.

Renal leiomyoma: an uncommon differential diagnosis of renal masses with a clinical relevance.

Renal leiomyomas are an extremely rare neoplasm which account for 1.5% of the benign lesions and 0.29% of all treated renal tumours, with autopsy evidence of 4.2% to 5.2%. Given their exceptional incidence, they are rarely included in the differential diagnosis of renal masses, despite their capacity to grow to a considerable size. The definitive diagnosis of a leiomyoma is only possible after histopathological examination, most of the times of a nephrectomy specimen. However, due to the rising number of diagnosis resulting from improved medical imaging and interventions, renal leiomyomas should gain importance in the differential diagnosis of renal masses, specialy with respect to kidney sparing surgery. Hereby, we report a case of 60-year-old male patient with a large well circumscribed left renal mass, diagnosed as Renal cell carcinoma on imaging.

Extranodal anaplastic large cell lymphoma mimicking sarcoma: A report of an interesting case.

Lymphomas are malignancies of the lymphoid tissues involving cells of the immune system. Primary systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) represents an aggressive lymphoma characterized by neoplastic proliferation of lymphoid cells with an anaplastic appearance. Large pleomorphic cells are "hallmark" cells with horseshoe-shaped or kidney-shaped nuclei and a constant expression of the CD30 molecule on all neoplastic cells. There is a vast morphological spectrum posing a challenge to pathologists in the diagnosis of ALCL.

Gall bladder lymphoid hyperplasia: masquerading as lymphoma.

Lymphoid hyperplasia of the gall bladder is an extremely rare condition that may be missed on associated radiological or clinical evaluation but is diagnosed on biopsy. We are reporting hereby, a case of reactive lymphoid hyperplasia masquerading as a lymphoma on histopathology. A 58-year-old male was referred to our hospital with complaints of pain abdomen infrequently since last one year. Ultrasonography revealed the presence of single calculus along with features of chronic cholecystitis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed and the gall bladder was sent for routine histopathological evaluation. On microscopic examination, there were sheets of cells, lymphoid in origin and numerous lymphoid follicles spread throughout the wall of the gall bladder. It was diagnosed as a case of reactive lymphoid hyperplasia with chronic cholecystitis on histopathology.

Microfilariae of wuchereria bancrofti in a patient of chylous haematuria: report of an unusual finding in urine cytology.

Filariasis is a disabling parasitic disease and it constitutes as a major health problem in most of the tropical and sub-tropical countries. One hundred and twenty million people in at least 80 tropical and sub-tropical countries are infected with lymphatic filarial parasite, with one billion people being at risk of the disease. The laboratory diagnosis of filariasis is conventionally made by demonstrating microfilaria in peripheral blood smear. However, microfilaria have been incidentally detected by doing fine needle aspiration of various lesions in clinically unsuspected cases of filariasis. In 1982, detected microfilariae in the sediment smears of cystoscopically catheterized urine samples, but reports on detection of microfilaria in normally voided urine samples are extremely rare. Here, we are reporting, such a case of microfilariae of Wuchereria bancrofti in an 18-year-old boy who presented with chylous haematuria.