An unusual presentation of pulmonary nodules.

A pulmonary nodule is a common radiological finding encountered in routine medical practice. It needs to be extensively evaluated as the differential diagnosis can range from sinister malignancies to fully treatable infectious causes. Here, we present a rare case of pulmonary paragonimiasis presenting as pulmonary nodule. This case report aims to sensitise the medical practitioner regarding pulmonary paragonimiasis which is completely treatable but carries a high risk of being under diagnosed.

Immunohistochemical Assessment of GDNF and Chromogranin A Expression in Erosive and Granulomatous Lesions in Glandular Region of Equine Stomach.

The equine stomach consists of two separate non-glandular and glandular sections. Despite the incidence of most lesions in the non-glandular region, both stomach parts are prone to lesions. In this study, 41 hybrid-native horses, including 24 stallions and 17 mares, were examined over five years. In total, 27 horses (65.85%) that were sampled had lesions, including erosion, granuloma, or both on the glandular region of the stomach. Occurrence of gastric erosive and granulomatous lesions had no significant relationship with the age and gender of horses or the sampling season (P>0.05). Moreover, parasites Gastrophilus and Habronema were mainly the primary cause of gastric erosive and granulomatous lesions respectively. In Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) stained tissue sections, the inflammation severity in granulomatous lesions was higher and statistically significant, compared to erosive lesions (P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry revealed negative expression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in gastric lesions, while its expression was relatively positive in normal stomachs. Interestingly, based on counting cells and evaluation of expression intensity, Chromogranin A expression in neuroendocrine glandular cells had a significant relationship with the increase of severity and depth of the lesions (P<0.05). The results indicated that the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor does not affect the pathogenesis of equine gastric lesions while confirming the role of increment of gastric neuroendocrine cells in lesion progress. Furthermore, the increased expression of Ki67 and p53 proteins in granulomatous lesions, compared to other groups, may be associated with the proliferation and control process of the cells in measures regarding the formation and healing of the lesion.

Granulomatous fungal and non-tuberculous mycobacterial infestation complicating chronic lung disease: Outcomes in patients undergoing lung transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Granulomatous infections are common in patients with chronic lung disease. We aim to study the incidence and clinicopathological features of granulomatous infections in a cohort of patients undergoing lung transplantation for end-stage chronic lung disease. METHODS: Pathology reports of 50 explanted native lungs of patients who underwent lung transplantation since 2015 at our institution were reviewed. Four cases with granulomatous lesions were identified. Correlation was made with clinical findings in the 4 cases. RESULTS: The granulomatous infections include non-necrotizing cryptococcal pneumonitis (case 1), necrotizing pneumonia due to Scedosporium sp. and Mycobacterium avium Complex (MAC) (Cases 2 and 3), and invasive Aspergillus pneumonia (Case 4). One patient received pre-transplant fungal prophylaxis (Case 4). Post-transplant infectious complications included invasive (Cases 2 and 4) and non-invasive (Case 1) fungal infections and bacterial pneumonia (Cases 1 and 2). Two patients (Cases 3 and 4) developed acute cellular rejection (ACR) in the first 30 days. The third patient (Case 1) was identified with ACR in the 9 months post-transplant and chronic lung allograft dysfunction at 29 months. In terms of mortality, 1 patient (Case 1) died at 30 months post-transplant from pseudomonal sepsis and chronic graft failure. Two patients with invasive fungal infections (Cases 2 and 4) are on secondary prophylaxis and doing well. One patient (Case 3) remains infection-free and on MAC prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: In our case series, patients with chronic lung diseases with superimposed granulomatous infestations frequently experienced post-transplant complications. These include invasive infections and repeat ACRs that predispose patients to chronic graft dysfunction. Pre- and post-transplant antifungal prophylaxis reduces fungal load and complication risk post-transplant.

Apoptosis levels in bovine Johne's disease ileal lesions and association with bacterial numbers.

Johne's disease (JD) is a chronic granulomatous enteritis caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). While it is generally accepted that MAP employs immune subversion mechanisms, aspects of the host-pathogen relationship are not fully understood. We sampled 3 ileal tissue sections from 17 naturally infected cattle (n = 51 sections) to analyze differences in cell types, apoptosis, and phagocytic cells. Diffuse multibacillary (DM) was the most common lesion type (n = 17) followed by diffuse intermediate (DI; n = 15). DM lesions had significantly greater proportion of Treg cells (CD3+ FoxP3+) relative to all CD3+ T cells as compared to DI forms (P < .05). CD68+ individual cell size was significantly smaller in DM than in diffuse lymphocytic (DL) forms (P < .05). Area of caspase-3 positivity (apoptosis) was greater in DM lesions than DL (P < .05) and DI (P < .0001), and was linked to higher numbers of MAP within the macrophage.

Lesión granulomatosa en encía insertada-metástasis de carcinoma renal de células claras. Presentación de caso / Granulomatous Lesion in Inserted Gum-Metastasis of Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma. Case Presentation

Resumen: A nivel mundial el carcinoma renal constituye el 3% de todas las formas de cáncer en el cuerpo humano. Su comportamiento biológico es variable dependiendo de la biología de cada individuo; tiende a realizar metástasis a sitios contiguos como glándulas suprarrenales, hígado, pulmón, hueso, ganglios linfáticos sin embargo la presentación a distancia en cavidad bucal es poco frecuente más aún en encía insertada. Las lesiones granulomatosas del periodonto incluyen granulomas piógenos, granulomas de células gigantes entre otros. El objetivo principal de este caso clínico es describir las características clínicas e histopatológicas de las metástasis a cavidad bucal como lesiones granulomatosas. Se presenta el caso de una paciente femenina de 60 años de edad con antecedente de carcinoma renal de células papilares en riñón derecho tratado mediante nefrectomía en el año 2017, en el año 2019 presenta metástasis a pulmón izquierdo y a cavidad bucal. En la actualidad se encuentra bajo protocolo de tratamiento para metástasis de células claras renales.

Abstract: Worldwide, renal carcinoma constitutes 3% of all forms of cancer in the human body. Its biological behavior is variable depending on the biology of each individual; it tends to metastasize to contiguous sites such as adrenal glands, liver, lung, bone, lymph nodes, however, remote presentation in the oral cavity is less frequent, even in inserted gums. Granulomatous lesions of the periodontium include pyogenic granulomas, giant cell granulomas among others. The main objective of this clinical case is to describe the clinical and histopathological characteristics of oral cavity metastases as granulomatous lesions. The case of a 60-year-old female patient with a history of renal cell papillary carcinoma in the right kidney treated by nephrectomy in 2017 is presented, in 2019 she presented metastases to the left lung and oral cavity. It is currently under treatment protocol for renal clear cell metastases.

Cellular and Cytokine Responses in the Granulomas of Asymptomatic Cattle Naturally Infected with Mycobacterium bovis in Ethiopia.

Cell (CD3+ T cell and CD68+ macrophages), cytokine (interferon gamma-positive [IFN-γ+] and tumor necrosis factor alpha-positive [TNF-α+]), and effector molecule (inducible nitric oxide synthase-positive [iNOS+]) responses were evaluated in the lymph nodes and tissues of cattle naturally infected with Mycobacterium bovis Detailed postmortem and immunohistochemical examinations of lesions were performed on 16 cows that were positive by the single intradermal cervical comparative tuberculin (SICCT) test and that were identified from dairy farms located around the city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The severity of the gross lesion was significantly higher (P = 0.003) in M. bovis culture-positive cows (n = 12) than in culture-negative cows (n = 4). Immunohistochemical techniques showed that in culture-positive cows, the mean immunolabeling fraction of CD3+ T cells decreased as the stage of granuloma increased from stage I to stage IV (P < 0.001). In contrast, the CD68+ macrophage, IFN-γ+, TNF-α+, and iNOS+ immunolabeling fractions increased from stage I to stage IV (P < 0.001). In the early stages, culture-negative cows showed a significantly higher fraction of CD68+ macrophage (P = 0.03) and iNOS+ (P = 0.007) immunolabeling fractions than culture-positive cows. Similarly, at advanced granuloma stages, culture-negative cows demonstrated significantly higher mean proportions of CD3+ T cells (P < 0.001) than culture-positive cows. Thus, this study demonstrates that, following natural infection of cows with M. bovis, as the stage of granuloma increases from stage I to stage IV, the immunolabeling fraction of CD3+ cells decreases, while the CD68+ macrophage, IFN-γ+, TNF-α+, and iNOS+ immunolabeling fractions increases.

Cranio-spinal Rosai Dorfman disease: case series and literature review.

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare condition similar to lymphomas, presenting with cervical lymphadenopathy in young adults. Extra-nodal involvement is relatively common but involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) is rare. Cranial RDD presents with symptoms of raised intracranial pressure, focal or generalised seizures, while spinal RDD presents with pain, peripheral neurological deficits and radiculopathy. In contrast to other similar neoplastic or degenerative conditions affecting the CNS, RDD is a benign, non-infective, granulomatous disorder. Radiologically cranio-spinal RDD often mimics commoner dural-based lesions like meningioma, with only subtle radiological differentiating findings on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The histopathology of RDD is diagnostic. Surgical excision is preferred modality of treatment. However, adjuvant therapies like steroids and radiation may help controlling residual or recurrent disease. There are multiple sporadic reports and short case publications in the literature, often focusing on a particular aspect of RDD. In this study, authors aim to present five cases of craniospinal RDD, and comprehensive review of literature and highlight neurological complications of systemic RDD.

Treponema Pallidum Epidermotropism in Nodular Secondary Syphilis.

Nodular secondary syphilis results from the hematogenous and lymphatic dissemination of spirochetes. Clinically, the lesions appear as partially infiltrated plaques or red-violaceous nodules, which can be solitary or multiple. Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain the formation of these infiltrated or granulomatous lesions. Among the most accepted are the specific hypersensitivity reactions to Treponema pallidum or the lenghty duration of the disease. We present a case of nodular syphilis where immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of multiple spirochetes invading the epidermis.

Rare manifestation of common disease with an unique method of minimally invasive spine stabilization: Cervical 2-3 facet lesion.

Cervical granulomatous infections of the posterior elements are very rare, it is often difficult to diagnose due to rarity and variable presentation of symptoms. Any cervical surgical procedure carries a certain morbid risk to the patient. We present a case of cervical 2-3 facet joint lesion which was managed by a minimally invasive technique with a favorable outcome.

A Wide Spread Red Lesion on the Surface of the Tongue-A Case Report and Review of Differential Diagnosis.

The tongue is considered to be the strongest muscular organ in the body and a very important structure in the oral cavity. It is involved in various critical functions such as taste, speech, chewing and deglutition. It has been known to be a harbinger of systemic health and disease. Lesions occurring on the tongue vary widely in colour and consistency. Widespread red lesions on the tongue need to be differentiated carefully from each other for a proper diagnosis and treatment and must be followed up for recurrence. The present case report demonstrates a widespread longstanding recurrent red lesion occurring on the surface of the tongue, its diagnosis and management.

Hypertrophic pachymeningitis is a characteristic manifestation of granulomatosis with polyangiitis: A retrospective study of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis.

AIM: To elucidate the characteristics of patients with hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP) in a population with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). METHODS: We retrospectively investigated the clinical records of 39 patients who were diagnosed with AAV. To determine the characteristics of HP in AAV, the epidemiological and clinical data from patients with HP were statistically compared with those from patients without HP. RESULTS: Of 39 patients with AAV, seven (17.9%) had associated HP. All patients with HP were classified as having granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), whereas only five of 32 patients without HP were diagnosed as having GPA (P < 0.0001). The frequencies of myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA and proteinase 3-ANCA positivity in patients with HP were equivalent, while MPO-ANCA positivity was obviously dominant in patients without HP. HP occurred as the initial clinical episode of AAV in three patients (7.7% of all AAV). Frequent significant characteristics of patients with HP were headache, cranial neuropathy and paranasal involvement (P < 0.05), and histopathological findings from paranasal involvement were useful for the diagnosis of GPA in some patients with HP. Combination therapy of corticosteroid and an immunosuppressant, such as methotrexate, cyclophosphamide or rituximab, was effective for achieving remission and improving radiographic findings of HP. CONCLUSION: AAV is a common cause of HP; epidemiological features of AAV patients with HP are different from those of patients without HP. Additionally, HP impacts diagnosis because it may be an initial clinical sign of AAV.

Granulomatous Diseases Affecting Jaws.

The common aspect of all granulomatous diseases is the typical form of chronic inflammatory response with distinct microscopic granulomas that are formed secondary to either definitive etiologic agents, like bacteria, fungal, or parasitic, or due to an unknown etiologic agent, such as trauma, autoimmune, or even neoplastic process. Although they can be histologically distinct, granulomatous diseases demonstrate a variety of clinical features that may not seem to be inflammatory. Two types of granulomas are typically encountered: foreign body granulomas and immune granulomas. The differences between the two types of granulomas lie in the pathogenesis.

Giant Cell Granuloma of the Anterior Skull Base: Need for Early, Maximal Surgical Excision: A Short Series of 3 Cases with Review of Literature.

Giant cell granuloma is a rare benign granulomatous lesion of the bone. The local aggressiveness, potentiation with trauma and complex anatomy of the skull base makes the surgical management in this location challenging. We report a series of three cases along with the clinical presentation, radiological and histopathological findings and the management issues while dealing with this lesion. A review of literature reveals the rarity of the lesion, alternate management modalities and the outcomes for such lesion involving the jaw bones and the skull base. For best outcomes differential diagnosis from giant cell tumor and brown tumor of hyperparathyroidism is essential. Further it may be concluded that there is a need for maximal surgical excision to avoid recurrence as the second line management options are not as effective.

Sinonasal sarcoidosis of the maxillary sinus and infraorbital nerve: a case report.

Sinonasal sarcoidosis in the head and neck region is infrequent. Its occurrence can be either isolated in combination with other systems. The literature reveals that the occurrence of sinonasal sarcoidosis without lung involvement is rare. In general, sarcoidosis is a chronic non-caseating granulomatous disease of unknown origin, often identified after biopsy. In this article, we report on a benign tumor of the face that produced a diagnostic dilemma, necessitating refinement of the surgical access and in toto removal of the benign tumor.

A hypomorphic recombination-activating gene 1 (RAG1) mutation resulting in a phenotype resembling common variable immunodeficiency.

BACKGROUND: Recombination-activating gene 1 (RAG1) deficiency presents with a varied spectrum of combined immunodeficiency, ranging from a T(-)B(-)NK(+) type of disease to a T(+)B(+)NK(+) phenotype. OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess the genetic background of patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). METHODS: A patient given a diagnosis of CVID, who was born to a consanguineous family and thus would be expected to show an autosomal recessive inheritance, was subjected to clinical evaluation, immunologic assays, homozygosity gene mapping, exome sequencing, Sanger sequencing, and functional analysis. RESULTS: The 14-year-old patient, who had liver granuloma, extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma, and autoimmune neutropenia, presented with a clinical picture resembling CVID. Genetic analysis of this patient showed a homozygous hypomorphic RAG1 mutation (c.1073 G>A, p.C358Y) with a residual functional capacity of 48% of wild-type protein. CONCLUSION: Our finding broadens the range of disorders associated with RAG1 mutations and might have important therapeutic implications.

Pulmonary sarcoidosis: An important differential diagnosis in transbronchial lung biopsies.

BACKGROUND: Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease of unknown etiology. Lungs and lymphatics are the principal sites affected by this disease. The disorder is often not suspected by physicians. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study done on 140 transbronchial lung biopsies received for histopathological examination in the Department of Pathology for 1 year in a multispeciality tertiary care hospital, in Delhi. RESULTS: Out of 140 transbronchial lung biopsies studied, 13 cases of sarcoidosis were diagnosed histopathologically. In these patients a clinical, pathological, and radiological corelation was done. And a final diagnosis of sarcoidosis was given after excluding other granulomatous lesions. CONCLUSION: Transbronchial lung biopsies have become an important tool in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis in present time. Hence sarcoidosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis when dealing with granulomatous lesions in lung biopsies.

Tolosa-Hunt syndrome masquerading as a carotid artery dissection.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the difficulties of diagnosing a patient with Tolosa-Hunt syndrome (THS) due to its complicated presentation and extensive diagnostic testing, and how to manage the treatment of a patient in an emergent setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A female patient with THS affecting the left eye was examined using two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The patient was treated with high-dose methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol(®)) and prednisone. A follow-up MRI and magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) was also performed 4 months later. RESULTS: The second MRI scan disclosed a 5×9×10 mm lesion in the left superior orbital fissure/cavernous sinus. After administration of methylprednisolone and prednisone, the patient's pain completely resolved, and the left eye regained full duction and eyelid mobility. The MRI and MRA obtained after the treatment showed no abnormalities. CONCLUSION: The rarity of THS makes it difficult to diagnose, especially when there is a question of accuracy and reproducibility of the testing performed. An ophthalmologic consultation in such cases is crucial.

Sarcoidosis presenting as isolated gingival enlargement: a rare case entity.

Sarcoidosis is a non-caseating granulomatous disease . It is a multiorgan inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology. Conditions affecting skin or other organs frequently involve oral cavity and rarely manifest as gingival disease. Here we are reporting a rare case in which gingival hyperplasia was the initial symptom which finally led to the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Oral mucous membrane needs to be examined carefully as it may constitute in presenting first sign of systemic sarcoidosis.