CD44+/CD24- Cancer Stem Cells Are Associated With Higher Grade of Canine Mammary Carcinomas.

The CD44+/CD24- phenotype identifies cancer stem cell (CSC) properties in canine mammary carcinoma (MC); however, the histopathological features associated with this phenotype remain to be elucidated. Here, we determined whether the CD44+/CD24- phenotype was associated with hormonal receptor (HR; estrogen receptor [ER] and/or progesterone receptor [PR]) status and/or triple (ER, PR, and human epithelial growth factor receptor 2)-negative (TN) subtype; conventional histological evaluation was also performed. We found that, as single markers, both CD44+ and CD24+ were associated with less aggressive histological types, low grade, and a non-TN subtype; both markers were associated with HR positivity. On the other hand, a CD44+/CD24- phenotype was associated with higher grade of carcinoma. Therefore, our results suggest that immunohistochemical phenotyping for CD44/CD24 is useful for the evaluation of tumor behavior as well as CSC-like properties in canine MCs.

Dissecting aneurysm of the basilar arterial trunk presenting with pontine infarction. Coil obliteration of the dissecting aneurysm including the diseased basilar arterial segment.

SUMMARY: Dissecting basilar aneurysms have rarely been reported but are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, controversy exists as to the proper management of such lesions because their natural course is not well understood. We describe a 50-year-old man with a dissecting aneurysm involving the lower basilar trunk who presented with pontine infarction corresponding to the aneurysmal sac location. We obliterated the dissecting basilar aneurysm by coil embolization of the aneurysmal sac as well as the diseased segment of the basilar trunk after confirmation of collateral filling of the basilar artery through the posterior communicating artery. The patient recovered without any procedural complication. Eight month follow-up revealed complete disappearance of the aneurysm without symptom recurrence together with preservation of collateral flow in the distal basilar artery. Obliteration of the parent artery as well as the aneurysmal sac with coils could be considered in a lower basilar aneurysm of a dissecting nature.