Expression of VEGF-A, HIF-1 A, CD34 and Ki67 in clear cell renal cell carcinomas and their relationship with conventional prognostic markers.

Clear cell renal carcinoma is the most frequent type of renal carcinoma. Recently, attention has been focused in the expression of angiogenic factors by these tumors, which would justify in part their capacity to grow, invade and disseminate, stating a worse evolution of those patients with an unfavorable angiogenic profile. 83 samples of nephrectomy with a diagnosis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma were studied. Clinical and pathological data were collected. Tumors were studied to assess immunohistochemical expression of the following markers: VEGF-A, HIF-1α, CD34 and Ki67. Results indicated a direct linear relationship between expressions of these four markers. Besides, the expression of HIF-1α was directly related to Furhman grade, invasion of the renal vein and tumor stage. Likewise, tumor proliferation index, assessed with Ki67, was directly related to the presence of necrosis, capsular invasion and advanced tumor stage. Regarding the expression of CD34, vascular density was inversely related to tumor necrosis and overall survival. These findings are controversial compared with the available literature. Then, a research scenery would be open, where the importance of generating prospective and more standardized studies are highlighted to determine the role of these angiogenic factors in tumor evolution and prognostic evaluation of these tumors.

El carcinoma renal de células claras es la variante más frecuente de carcinoma renal. En los últimos años, la atención se ha enfocado en la expresión de factores angiogénicos por estos tumores, lo que justificaría en parte su capacidad de crecer, invadir y diseminarse, determinando una peor evolución de aquellos pacientes con un perfil angiogénico desfavorable. Se estudiaron 83 piezas de nefrectomía con diagnóstico de carcinoma renal de células claras. Se recolectaron datos clínicos y patológicos. Los tumores fueron estudiados para evaluar la expresión inmunohistoquímica de los siguientes marcadores: VEGF-A, HIF-1α, CD34 y Ki67. Los resultados indicaron una relación lineal directa entre la expresión de estos cuatro marcadores. Además, la expresión de HIF-1α se encontraba directamente relacionada con el grado de Furhman, la invasión de la vena renal y el estadio tumoral. Asimismo, el índice de proliferación tumoral, evaluado con Ki67, se hallaba directamente relacionado con la presencia de necrosis, la invasión capsular y el estadio tumoral avanzado. Con respecto a la expresión de CD34, mientras mayor es la densidad vascular, menor es la necrosis tumoral y menor la sobrevida global. Los hallazgos resultan controvertidos en comparación con la literatura disponible. Se abriría, entonces, un escenario de investigación donde se destaca la importancia de generar estudios prospectivos y más estandarizados para determinar el rol que cumplen estos factores angiogénicos en la evolución tumoral y la posibilidad de estandarizar resultados que permitan un mejor estudio diagnóstico y pronóstico de estos tumores.

Expression of VEGF-A, HIF-1 A, CD34 and Ki67 in clear cell renal cell carcinomas and their relationship with conventional prognostic markers / Expression of VEGF-A, HIF-1 A, CD34 and Ki67 in clear cell renal cell carcinomas and their relationship with conventional prognostic markers.

Clear cell renal carcinoma is the most frequent type of renal carcinoma. Recently, attention has been focused in the expression of angiogenic factors by these tumors, which would justify in part their capacity to grow, invade and disseminate, stating a worse evolution of those patients with an unfavorable angiogenic profile. 83 samples of nephrectomy with a diagnosis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma were studied. Clinical and pathological data were collected. Tumors were studied to assess immunohistochemical expression of the following markers: VEGF-A, HIF-1α, CD34 and Ki67. Results indicated a direct linear relationship between expressions of these four markers. Besides, the expression of HIF-1α was directly related to Furhman grade, invasion of the renal vein and tumor stage. Likewise, tumor proliferation index, assessed with Ki67, was directly related to the presence of necrosis, capsular invasion and advanced tumor stage. Regarding the expression of CD34, vascular density was inversely related to tumor necrosis and overall survival. These findings are controversial compared with the available literature. Then, a research scenery would be open, where the importance of generating prospective and more standardized studies are highlighted to determine the role of these angiogenic factors in tumor evolution and prognostic evaluation of these tumors.

[Metastatic cardiac tamponade as initial manifestation of papillary thyroid carcinoma]. / Taponamiento cardíaco secundario a carcinoma papilar esclerosante difuso de tiroides.

Papillary carcinoma, diffuse sclerosing variant corresponds to 2% of all papillary thyroid carcinomas. It is usually diffuse and bilateral, affecting the entire gland. At the time of diagnosis, patients present lymph node and lung metastasis. It affects mainly young women. This case report describes a cardiac tamponade as the initial manifestation of an unusual variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma. A 32 year-old woman was attended at the emergency room with epigastric pain and dry cough. Physical examination revealed hypotension, tachycardia and decreased heart sounds. An echocardiogram confirmed severe pericardial effusion. Pericardial fluid cytology was positive for malignancy. The patient evolved with recurrent pericardial effusion and a pleuropericardial window was performed. At this procedure, a subpleural nodular lesion was found, which histology corresponded to metastases of papillary carcinoma, probably from thyroid origin. Total thyroidectomy was performed. The final diagnosis was papillary carcinoma, diffuse sclerosing variant. This variant infiltrates the connective tissue of the interfollicular spaces, mimicking thyroiditis and it is associated with early vascular permeation. This tumor, compared to the classic variants of thyroid carcinoma, is more aggressive and it has higher risk of recurrence. Papillary thyroid carcinoma should be considered as differential diagnosis in our population, in all metastatic papillary lesions, and even more in young female patients.

Taponamiento cardíaco secundario a carcinoma papilar esclerosante difuso de tiroides / Metastatic cardiac tamponade as initial manifestation of papillary thyroid carcinoma

El carcinoma papilar, variante esclerosante difusa, corresponde al 2% de todos los carcinomas papilares de la tiroides. Se caracteriza por comprometer de manera difusa y bilateral a la glándula tiroides. Clínicamente se manifiesta con metástasis ganglionares y pulmonares, afectando predominantemente a mujeres jóvenes. Se describe un caso de taponamiento cardíaco como presentación inicial de un carcinoma papilar de tiroides variante esclerosante difusa. Una mujer de 32 años concurrió al servicio de emergencias médicas refiriendo epigastralgia y tos seca. Durante el examen físico se constató hipotensión arterial, taquicardia y ruidos cardíacos disminuidos. Se realizó un ecocardiograma, observándose derrame pericárdico. Por medio de una pericardiocentesis se obtuvo líquido pericárdico, cuyo análisis mostró células neoplásicas. Durante la evolución la paciente presentó recurrencia del derrame pericárdico por lo que se realizó una ventana pleuropericárdica, detectándose durante la cirugía una lesión nodular subpleural, la cual fue biopsiada e informada posteriormente como una metástasis de carcinoma papilar vinculable a origen tiroideo. Se realizó una tiroidectomía total con linfadenectomía cervical bilateral. El diagnóstico final fue carcinoma papilar, variante esclerosante difusa. Esta variante infiltra el tejido conectivo de los espacios interfoliculares, simulando una tiroiditis y se caracteriza por una permeación vascular temprana. En oposición a la variante clásica, la esclerosante difusa presenta mayor agresividad y mayor tasa de recurrencia. El carcinoma papilar de tiroides debe tenerse presente como diagnóstico diferencial en nuestro medio, en todas aquellas lesiones neoplásicas papilares metastásicas, más aún si se trata de mujeres jóvenes.

Papillary carcinoma, diffuse sclerosing variant corresponds to 2% of all papillary thyroid carcinomas. It is usually diffuse and bilateral, affecting the entire gland. At the time of diagnosis, patients present lymph node and lung metastasis. It affects mainly young women. This case report describes a cardiac tamponade as the initial manifestation of an unusual variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma. A 32 year-old woman was attended at the emergency room with epigastric pain and dry cough. Physical examination revealed hypotension, tachycardia and decreased heart sounds. An echocardiogram confirmed severe pericardial effusion. Pericardial fluid cytology was positive for malignancy. The patient evolved with recurrent pericardial effusion and a pleuropericardial window was performed. At this procedure, a subpleural nodular lesion was found, which histology corresponded to metastases of papillary carcinoma, probably from thyroid origin. Total thyroidectomy was performed. The final diagnosis was papillary carcinoma, diffuse sclerosing variant. This variant infiltrates the connective tissue of the interfollicular spaces, mimicking thyroiditis and it is associated with early vascular permeation. This tumor, compared to the classic variants of thyroid carcinoma, is more aggressive and it has higher risk of recurrence. Papillary thyroid carcinoma should be considered as differential diagnosis in our population, in all metastatic papillary lesions, and even more in young female patients.

[Discrepancies between clinical diagnoses and autopsy findings]. / Discrepancias entre diagnósticos clínicos y hallazgos de autopsia.

The main objective of this study was to identify the clinical-pathological discrepancies in autopsies performed in the institution. We reviewed autopsies of clinical cases in 53 adults in the period between January 2005 and June 2009, carried out in the Pathology Service at the Hospital Privado de Córdoba, Argentina. Six autopsies were excluded due to insufficient information. The Goldman et al. classification was applied to establish clinico-pathologic discrepancies between clinical diagnoses and autopsy findings. Frequently clinical diagnoses were respiratory infections and acute pulmonary embolism. The most frequently reported postmortem diagnoses were respiratory infections and acute myocardial infarction. There were 17 major discrepancies and 30 coincidences. No any minor discrepancy was detected. Respiratory infections were the main cause of error, followed by myocardial infarction. We conclude that in 17/47 (37%) of cases the pre-mortem and postmortem diagnoses were different, and that respiratory infections were the main cause of error. We suggest to adopt educational and informative strategies, to revalue the importance of autopsy, and traditional clinical practices.

Discrepancias entre diagnósticos clínicos y hallazgos de autopsia / Discrepancies between clinical diagnoses and autopsy findings

El objetivo principal del presente trabajo fue identificar las discrepancias clínico-patológicas en las autopsias realizadas en la institución. Se revisaron 53 autopsias de casos clínicos en adultos en el período comprendido entre enero de 2005 y junio de 2009, realizadas en el servicio de Anatomía Patológica del Hospital Privado de Córdoba, Argentina. Se excluyeron seis debido a información insuficiente. Se aplicó la clasificación de Goldman y col. para establecer las discrepancias clínico-patológicas entre los diagnósticos pre y post-mortem. Los diagnósticos clínicos más frecuentes fueron las infecciones respiratorias y el tromboembolismo pulmonar agudo. Los hallazgos de autopsia más frecuentes fueron las infecciones respiratorias y el infarto agudo de miocardio. Se detectaron 17 discrepancias mayores y 30 concordancias, no se detectaron discrepancias menores. Las infecciones respiratorias fueron la principal causa de error, seguidas por el infarto agudo de miocardio. Concluimos que en 17/47 (37%) de los casos se realizó un diagnóstico clínico diferente al post-mortem, y que las infecciones respiratorias constituyen el principal tipo de error. Se sugiere adoptar estrategias informativas y educativas, revalorizar la autopsia y las prácticas clínicas tradicionales.

The main objective of this study was to identify the clinical-pathological discrepancies in autopsies performed in the institution. We reviewed autopsies of clinical cases in 53 adults in the period between January 2005 and June 2009, carried out in the Pathology Service at the Hospital Privado de Córdoba, Argentina. Six autopsies were excluded due to insufficient information. The Goldman et al. classification was applied to establish clinico-pathologic discrepancies between clinical diagnoses and autopsy findings. Frequently clinical diagnoses were respiratory infections and acute pulmonary embolism. The most frequently reported postmortem diagnoses were respiratory infections and acute myocardial infarction. There were 17 major discrepancies and 30 coincidences. No any minor discrepancy was detected. Respiratory infections were the main cause of error, followed by myocardial infarction. We conclude that in 17/47 (37%) of cases the pre-mortem and postmortem diagnoses were different, and that respiratory infections were the main cause of error. We suggest to adopt educational and informative strategies, to revalue the importance of autopsy, and traditional clinical practices.

[Diffuse plane xanthomatosis associated with haematologic disorder and solid tumor. Findings of an autopsy]. / Xantomatosis plana difusa asociada a tumor hematológico y neoplasia sólida. Hallazgos de una autopsia.

Diffuse plane xanthomatosis associated with haematologic disorder and solid tumor. Findings of an autopsy. Diffuse plane xanthomatosis is an uncommon subtype of non-Langerhans histiocytosis. We report a case of a 78 year-old woman with a history of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and diffuse plane xanthomatosis since 1995. She consulted for malaise and died four days after admission. Autopsy was requested. Findings were diffuse plane xanthomatosis with extensive involvement of internal organs, lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma and cecal adenocarcinoma. Final event was acute bronchopneumonia. This entity is a subtype of histiocytosis. It affects skin and involves mucous membranes in 40% of the cases. Extracutaneous extension has been reported. It is usually associated with haematologic disorders. In this case, the patient had a lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma and colonic adenocarcinoma. We highlight the importance of recognition its association with monoclonal gammopathies and solid tumors in order to make a proper follow up of patients.

Programa nacional de diagnóstico de la sobreexposición de HER2 en pacientes con cáncer de mama / National program for the diagnosis of HER2 overexpression in breast cancer patients

Introducción: Por medio de la realización del testeo de la sobreexpresión y/o amplificación de HER2 los médicos pueden seleccionar adecuadamente a las pacientes que se beneficiarán de la terapia anti HER2. En Argentina, antes de 2003 sólo pocos patólogos realizaban la prueba de HER2 utilizando métodos no estandarizados de inmunohistoquímica (IHQ) con resultados dudosos y no reproducibles y además existiendo algunas partes del país sin posibilidades de diagnóstico. Objetivo: Generar un Programa Nacional de Detección de la sobreexpresión de HER2 que permita el acceso al diagnóstico en todo el país, mediante una técnica estandarizada y validada. Integrar un equipo de patólogos entrenados en IHC, que pudieran satisfacer las demandas realizando en forma rápida y fidedigna la detección de la sobreexpresión de HER2. Materiales y método: En agosto de 2003 se formó una red de trece patólogos; dentro del grupo se designó un coordinador, responsable del entrenamiento y la evaluación de los centros participantes, y dos consultores técnicos a cargo del control de calidad (interno y externo) y la estandarización de la técnica. Desde febrero de 2004 hasta diciembre de 2010 se realizaron las determinaciones de la sobreexpresión de HER2 mediante la técnica de IHC, con un anticuerpo policlonal anti HER2 (Dako), recuperación antigénica en microondas, sistema de detección EnVision (Dako) y revelado con diaminobenzidina. Para interpretar los resultados se usó el score de 0 a 3+, considerándose positivos tumores que muestren intensidad moderada (2+) o intensa (3+) en toda la membrana celular, en más del 30% de las células evaluadas. Resultados: Se realizaron 34.640 casos (Figura 5). Conclusiones: La formación del Programa Nacional de HER2 permitió el acceso al test de HER2 en todo el país con una técnica estandarizada y reproducible en todos los centros participantes. La prevalencia de HER2 en nuestra muestra fue del 13,2% (4.573) y similar a las publicadas en otras poblaciones.

[Colonic metastases of breast infiltrating lobular carcinoma: atypical presentation of a clinical case]. / Carcinomatosis colónica por carcinoma lobulillar de mama: presentación inusual de un caso.

Gastrointestinal metastases are rare. May occur years after initial diagnosis and its symptoms are nonspecific, delaying its correct diagnosis and aggravating its prognosis. The most common histological subtype is lobular breast carcinoma. We present a 75-year-old woman with history of left mastectomy six years ago by infiltrating lobular carcinoma. She was treated with tamoxifen for five years. At present, there was no evidence of disease. She attended the hospital for intestinal subocclusion, being admitted for study. A barium enema revealed multiple strictures of the large bowel and a colonoscopy revealed an impassable stricture in the rectum-sigma. Due to the severity of symptoms, underwent total colectomy. The suspected diagnosis was Crohn's disease. The surgical specimen showed multiple stenosis of the light, with thickened wall and mucosa with granulations. Microscopic examination showed transmural infiltration of colonic wall by malignant cells CK7 positive and ER positive. Breast infiltrating lobular carcinoma has more special tendency to affect the digestive tract, even many years after the diagnosis of the primary tumor. In front of a patient with history of breast cancer and gastrointestinal symptoms, its mandatory to consider gastrointestinal metastases, making differential diagnosis with inflammatory bowel disease, infections or primary tumors, as the therapeutic actions are different.

Cytomegalovirus-induced haemorrhagic cystitis in a patient with neurogenic bladder.

We report a case of severe cytomegalovirus induced haemorrhagic cystitis associated with neurogenic urinary bladder in a patient suffering from anaplastic spinal ependymoma. The diagnosis was established by bladder biopsy and immunohistochemical study. Haematuria resolved after ganciclovir therapy. Previous reports are reviewed.

Angiomiolipoma extrarrenal retroperitoneal / Extrarenal retroperitoneal angiomyolipoma

El angiomiolipoma es un tumor benigno de origen mesenquimático que compromete más frecuentemente al riñón. Su localización retroperitoneal extrarrenal es sumamente rara. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 25 años que consulta por distensión abdominal. La ecografía mostró una gran masa sólida, hipoecogénica, que ocupaba toda la pelvis extendiéndose hasta la región umbilical, desplazando los órganos adyacentes. Por tomografía presentaba densidad cercana al músculo, con escasas áreas de densidad grasa. La biopsia percutánea reveló un tumor benigno de origen mesenquimático. Posteriormente a su extirpación quirúrgica, la anatomía patológica confirmó el diagnóstico de angiomiolipoma. Este es un tumor de difícil diagnóstico radiológico que requiere elevado índice de sospecha para su diagnóstico prequirúrgico. La presencia de áreas de densidad negativa, aun escasas, debe hacernos pensar en él. Es importante establecer, previo a la cirugía, la benignidad de la lesión mediante biopsia percutánea para un planteo quirúrgico conservador

[Extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma of the nasal type]. / Linfoma de celulas NK/T Extranodal tipo nasal.

The vast majority of lymphoma occurring in the testis are diffuse large B-cell Lymphoma. We report on a case of natural killer/T cell lymphoma in a forty four year old male, with bilateral testicular and cutaneous involvement with a highly aggressive course. The tumor cells were positive for both CD56 and Epstein Barr Virus, encoded EBER molecules, and showed focal angiocentric growth thus fullfilling the criteria for NK/T cell lymphoma of nasal type. Dermatopathologists and uropathologists should be aware of this rare entity which may only be diagnosed after extensive inmunohistochemical studies.

Telangiectasia macularis eruptiva perstans: presentación de cuatro casos / Telangiectasia macularis eruptiva perstans: 4 cases report

La telangiectasia macularis eruptiva perstans (TMEP) es una forma de mastocitosis cutánea poco frecuente, que se manifiesta casi exclusivamente en adultos. Su diagnóstico es básicamente clínico y no se dispone hasta la actualidad de una terapéutica específica eficaz. Se presentan cuatro pacientes de sexo masculino, edad promedio de 54 años, con manifestaciones clínicas e histológicas de TMEP, en diferentes períoddos de evolución. Todos presentaron patología úlcero éptica, asociación frecuente de las mastocitosis cutáneas. Objetivo: Presentación clínica de una forma poco frecuente de mastocitosis cutánea y revisión de la bibliografía

Metastasis de carcinoma de mama en ileon-colon y vesicula biliar simulando enfermedades inflamatórias / Breast carcinoma metastasis in ileum-colon and gallbladder simulating inflammatory diseases

Las metástasis en aparato digestivo, extrahepático son poco frecuentes y se caracterizan por presentarse luego de un período de latencia largo que va de 3 a 20 años, sus síntomas son inespecíficos y simulan enfermedades inflamatórias o segundo tumor. El subtipo histológico más común es el carcinoma lobulillar. Presentamos dos casos de metástasis de carcinoma de mama, uno en íleo-colon y otro en vesícula biliar. Ambas pacientes comenzaron con síntomas que llevaron a diagnósticos de enfermedad de Crohn en el primero y de colecistitis aguda en el caso dos. El diagnóstico se realizó en las piezas quirúrgicas, donde se observaron células de carcinoma lobulillar que infiltraban desde la serosa hasta la mucosa inclusive y con la inmunomarcación que resultaron BCA225, Estrógeno y Progesterona positivos. El tratamiento con radioterapia, quimioterapia u hormonal, mejora la calidad de vida, pero el promedio de sobrevida luego del diagnóstico es de un año.