Anti-inflammatory effects of DA-9601, an extract of Artemisia asiatica, on aceclofenac-induced acute enteritis.

DA-9601 is an extract obtained from Artemisia asiatica, which has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects on gastrointestinal lesions; however, its possible anti-inflammatory effects on the small intestine have not been studied yet. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the protective effects of DA-9601 against the ACF-induced small intestinal inflammation. Inflammation of the small intestine was confirmed by histological studies and the changes in the CD4+ T cell fraction induced by the inflammation-related cytokines, and the inflammatory reactions were analyzed. Multifocal discrete small necrotic ulcers with intervening normal mucosa were frequently observed after treatment with ACF. The expression of IL-6 , IL-17, and TNF-α genes was increased in the ACF group; however, it was found to have been significantly decreased in the DA-9601 treated group. In addition, DA-9601 significantly decreased the levels of proinflammatory mediators such as IL-1ß, GMCSF, IFN-γ, and TNF-α; the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, on the other hand, was observed to have increased. It is known that inflammatory mediators related to T cell imbalance and dysfunction continuously activate the inflammatory response, causing chronic tissue damage. The fractions of IFN-γ+ Th1 cells, IL-4+ Th2 cells, IL-9+ Th9 cells, IL-17+ Th17 cells, and Foxp3+ Treg cells were significantly decreased upon DA-9601 treatment. These data suggest that the inflammatory response induced by ACF is reduced by DA-9601 via lowering of the expression of genes encoding the inflammatory cytokines and the concentration of inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, DA-9601 inhibited the acute inflammatory response mediated by T cells, resulting in an improvement in ACF-induced enteritis.

Clinicopathologic analysis of intraductal papillary neoplasm of bile duct: Korean multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND: IPNB is very rare disease and most previous studies on IPNB were case series with a small number due to low incidence. The aim of this study is to validate previously known clinicopathologic features of intraductal papillary neoplasm of bile duct (IPNB) based on the first largest multicenter cohort. METHODS: Among 587 patients previously diagnosed with IPNB and similar diseases from each center in Korea, 387 were included in this study after central pathologic review. We also reviewed all preoperative image data. RESULTS: Of 387 patients, 176 (45.5%) had invasive carcinoma and 21 (6.0%) lymph node metastasis. The 5-year overall survival was 80.9% for all patients, 88.8% for IPNB with mucosal dysplasia, and 70.5% for IPNB with invasive carcinoma. According to the "Jang & Kim's modified anatomical classification," 265 (68.5%) were intrahepatic, 103 (26.6%) extrahepatic, and 16 (4.1%) diffuse type. Multivariate analysis revealed that tumor invasiveness was a unique predictor for survival analysis. (p = 0.047 [hazard ratio = 2.116, 95% confidence interval 1.010-4.433]). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first Korean multicenter study on IPNB through central pathologic and radiologic review process. Although IPNB showed good long-term prognosis, relatively aggressive features were also found in invasive carcinoma and extrahepatic/diffuse type.

A case of testicular infarction from the complications of Klebsiella oxytoca induced acute epididymitis.

Herein, we reported a case of testicular infarction in a patient with Klebsiella oxytoca induced acute epididymitis. Acute left epididymitis progressed into testicular infarction requiring orchiectomy in spite of antibiotics treatment. Ordinary urine cultures did not reveal any specific organism, suggesting viable but noncultureable state. We amplified a bacterial 16S ribosomal subunit gene from the urine and orchiectomized samples, and we found K. oxytoca infections from both of them.

Extensive Synovial Chondromatosis of the Temporomandibular Joint Extending to the Cranial Base.

A 42-year-old male presented to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery with the chief complaint of pain and stiffness in the right temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The patient's height was 174 cm and his body weight was 65 kg. The patient's occupation was heavy equipment operator. According to the patient, the pain had initiated a week prior to his first visit and was exacerbated during mastication. Evaluation of the range of motion revealed extensive crepitus along the right TMJ. The active and passive range of motion were measured at 45 mm and 42 mm, respectively, indicating adequate mouth-opening capacity. Occlusion was also favorable, and no other clinical symptoms were shown intraorally.

Oral spindle cell/sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma on mandible with anaplastic lymphoma kinase expression mimicking inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor.

Oral spindle cell/sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma (SCRMS) with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) expression is extremely rare, and its diagnosis is very challenging in the absence of clinical or pathological indicators. This case presented with gingival swelling and alveolar bone resorption and was suspected clinically to be periodontitis. A biopsy was performed and, due to immunoreactivity with ALK, the patient was misdiagnosed with inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor. However, based on the combined histological and immunohistochemical features, a revised diagnosis of SCRMS with ALK expression was finally concluded. We believe that this report makes a significant contribution to the precise diagnosis of this rare disease for proper treatment.

A Standardized Pathology Report for Gastric Cancer: 2nd Edition.

The first edition of 'A Standardized Pathology Report for Gastric Cancer' was initiated by the Gastrointestinal Pathology Study Group of the Korean Society of Pathologists and published 17 years ago. Since then, significant advances have been made in the pathologic diagnosis, molecular genetics, and management of gastric cancer (GC). To reflect those changes, a committee for publishing a second edition of the report was formed within the Gastrointestinal Pathology Study Group of the Korean Society of Pathologists. This second edition consists of two parts: standard data elements and conditional data elements. The standard data elements contain the basic pathologic findings and items necessary to predict the prognosis of GC patients, and they are adequate for routine surgical pathology service. Other diagnostic and prognostic factors relevant to adjuvant therapy, including molecular biomarkers, are classified as conditional data elements to allow each pathologist to selectively choose items appropriate to the environment in their institution. We trust that the standardized pathology report will be helpful for GC diagnosis and facilitate large-scale multidisciplinary collaborative studies.

A standardized pathology report for gastric cancer: 2nd edition.

The first edition of 'A Standardized Pathology Report for Gastric Cancer' was initiated by the Gastrointestinal Pathology Study Group of the Korean Society of Pathologists and published 17 years ago. Since then, significant advances have been made in the pathologic diagnosis, molecular genetics, and management of gastric cancer (GC). To reflect those changes, a committee for publishing a second edition of the report was formed within the Gastrointestinal Pathology Study Group of the Korean Society of Pathologists. This second edition consists of two parts: standard data elements and conditional data elements. The standard data elements contain the basic pathologic findings and items necessary to predict the prognosis of GC patients, and they are adequate for routine surgical pathology service. Other diagnostic and prognostic factors relevant to adjuvant therapy, including molecular biomarkers, are classified as conditional data elements to allow each pathologist to selectively choose items appropriate to the environment in their institution. We trust that the standardized pathology report will be helpful for GC diagnosis and facilitate large-scale multidisciplinary collaborative studies.

Jejunal gastric heterotopia presenting as perforation peritonitis in a middle-aged adult: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Gastric heterotopia rarely occurs in the small intestine beyond ligament of Treitz. Most cases of jejunal gastric heterotopia have been reported in children and young adults. Herein we report a case of jejunal gastric heterotopia presenting as a perforation peritonitis in a middle-aged adult. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 51-year-old male presented with abrupt onset abdominal pain of 1 day duration. Physical examination revealed abdominal tenderness and rebound tenderness as well as costovertebral angle tenderness. Abdominal computed tomography revealed pneumoperitoneum, suggestive of hollow viscus perforation. At emergency laparotomy, a perforation site was discovered in the jejunum 100 cm distal to the ligament of Treitz. On macroscopic examination, the mucosa contained a 3 × 4 cm ill-defined, shallow ulceration next to the perforation site. Microscopically, the mucosa surrounding the perforation site revealed gastric heterotopia which consisted of gastric foveolar epithelium along with abundant pyloric glands and a few fundic glands. DISCUSSION: To the best of our knowledge, this case is the presumed oldest jejunal gastric heterotopia patient presenting with perforation peritonitis ever reported. CONCLUSION: Jejunal gastric heterotopia should also be considered in the differential diagnosis of perforation peritonitis in adults.

Adult-type granulosa cell tumor of the testis: A case report with immunohistochemical study.

We report that a case of adult testicular granulosa cell tumor in a 40-year-old man who presented with a palpable testicular mass. The sectioned surface of the testis revealed a well-circumscribed, yellowish tan, solid mass with hemorrhagic foci. Histologically, the tumor was arranged in solid nests, trabeculae, gyriform, pseudopapillae and macro-and microfollicles in a fibrocollagenous stroma. The tumor cells were ovoid or carrot-shaped with scant cytoplasm and nuclear grooves. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were diffusely strongly positive for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, androgen receptor, CD10, CD56, calretinin and vimentin, and multifocally positive for inhibin, synaptophysin and cytokeratin.

Standardization of the pathologic diagnosis of appendiceal mucinous neoplasms.

Although the understanding of appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (AMNs) and their relationship with disseminated peritoneal mucinous disease have advanced, the diagnosis, classification, and treatment of AMNs are still confusing for pathologists and clinicians. The Gastrointestinal Pathology Study Group of the Korean Society of Pathologists (GPSG-KSP) proposed a multicenter study and held a workshop for the "Standardization of the Pathologic Diagnosis of the Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasm" to overcome the controversy and potential conflicts. The present article is focused on the diagnostic criteria, terminologies, tumor grading, pathologic staging, biologic behavior, treatment, and prognosis of AMNs and disseminated peritoneal mucinous disease. In addition, GPSG-KSP proposes a checklist of standard data elements of appendiceal epithelial neoplasms to standardize pathologic diagnosis. We hope the present article will provide pathologists with updated knowledge on how to handle and diagnose AMNs and disseminated peritoneal mucinous disease.

A Case of Eosinophilic Esophagitis Associated with Herpes Esophagitis in a Pediatric Patient.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a rare disease in Asian countries, but its incidence is growing rapidly in Western countries. The main pathophysiology of eosinophilic esophagitis is esophageal epithelial barrier dysfunction; disruption of the esophageal epithelial barrier easily induces antigen sensitization to foods and aeroallergens, which leads to subsequent esophageal inflammation as a result of eosinophil recruitment. Here we report a case of an 11-year-old Korean boy who suffered from fever, odynophagia, dysphagia, and chest pain. His upper endoscopic findings showed longitudinal ulcers with a volcano-like appearance at the distal esophagus. Polymerase chain reaction test results and biopsy specimens were positive for herpes simplex virus type 1. He was treated with acyclovir and a proton pump inhibitor, but his follow-up endoscopy showed typical patterns of eosinophilic esophagitis, and the biopsy specimens were compatible with the diagnostic criteria for eosinophilic esophagitis. Therefore, we report a very rare case of eosinophilic esophagitis after herpes esophagitis in a Korean child with normal immunity.

Temporomandibular joint synovial chondromatosis accompanying temporal bone proliferation: A case report.

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare metaplastic disease affecting the joints, including the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Since its symptoms are similar to those of temporomandibular disorders, a careful differential diagnosis is essential. A 50-year-old male patient was referred with the chief complaint of pain and radiopaque masses around the left TMJ on panoramic radiography. Clinically, pre-auricular swelling and resting pain was found, without limitation of mouth opening. On cone-beam computed tomographic images, multiple calcified nodules adjacent to the TMJ and bone proliferation with sclerosis at the articular fossa and eminence were found. T2-weighted magnetic resonance images showed multiple signal-void nodules with high signal effusion in the superior joint space and thickened cortical bone at the articular fossa and eminence. The calcified nodules were removed by surgical excision, but the hypertrophic articular fossa and eminence remained. A histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was followed up few months later without recurrence.

The Performance of Serum Biomarkers for Predicting Fibrosis in Patients with Chronic Viral Hepatitis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The invasiveness of a liver biopsy and its inconsistent results have prompted efforts to develop noninvasive tools to evaluate the severity of chronic hepatitis. This study was intended to assess the performance of serum biomarkers for predicting liver fibrosis in patients with chronic viral hepatitis. METHODS: A total of 302 patients with chronic hepatitis B or C, who had undergone liver biopsy, were retrospectively enrolled. We investigated the diagnostic accuracy of several clinical factors for predicting advanced fibrosis (F≥3). RESULTS: The study population included 227 patients with chronic hepatitis B, 73 patients with chronic hepatitis C, and 2 patients with co-infection (hepatitis B and C). Histological cirrhosis was identified in 16.2% of the study population. The grade of porto-periportal activity was more correlated with the stage of chronic hepatitis compared with that of lobular activity (r=0.640 vs. r=0.171). Fibrosis stage was correlated with platelet count (r=-0.520), aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) (r=0.390), prothrombin time (r=0.376), and albumin (r=-0.357). For the diagnosis of advanced fibrosis, platelet count and APRI were the most predictive variables (AUROC=0.752, and 0.713, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In a hepatitis B endemic region, platelet count and APRI could be considered as reliable non-invasive markers for predicting fibrosis of chronic viral hepatitis. However, it is necessary to validate the diagnostic accuracy of these markers in another population.

Clinicopathologic Characteristics and Mutational Status of Succinate Dehydrogenase Genes in Paraganglioma of the Urinary Bladder: A Multi-Institutional Korean Study.

CONTEXT: - Because of the limited number of available primary bladder paraganglioma (PBPG) cases, the rates of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) mutations and the clinicopathologic characteristics of SDH-deficient tumors have not been fully studied. OBJECTIVE: - To define the clinicopathologic and molecular characteristics of PBPGs. DESIGN: - A total of 52 PBPGs were collected retrospectively. SDHA and SDHB immunohistochemical stains were performed. In cases of SDHB expression loss, mutation analyses of SDHB, SDHC, and SDHD were performed. RESULTS: - The clinicopathologic features were analyzed for 52 cases (M:F = 27:25), with a mean age of 56 years (range, 22-79 years). Tumor sizes were 0.5 to 8 cm (mean, 2.4 cm). Tumor necrosis was present in 5 of 52 cases (10%), involvement of muscularis propria in 41 (79%), and lymphovascular tumor invasion in 6 (12%). During a mean follow-up period of 41 months (range, 1-161 months), 3 of 52 patients (6%) developed metastases, but no one died from the disease. Immunohistochemistry for SDHA and SDHB showed that all cases were SDHA intact. Among them, 43 cases had intact SDHB, whereas 9 cases were SDHB deficient. Compared with the SDHB-intact cases, the SDHB-deficient cases were characterized by large tumor sizes (4.5 versus 1.9 cm; P < .001), a higher number of mitoses per 10 high-powered fields (2.6 versus 0.1; P = .002), and frequent lymphovascular tumor invasion (33% versus 7%; P = .02) and metastases (22% versus 2%; P = .02). Mutational analyses for SDHB, SDHC, and SDHD were performed in 9 SDHB-deficient cases. Among them, 6 cases were successfully sequenced and revealed SDHB mutations only. CONCLUSIONS: - Large tumor size, a higher number of mitoses, and the presence of lymphovascular tumor invasion and SDHB mutations suggest malignant paraganglioma.

An unusual case of superior vena cava syndrome caused by the intravascular invasion of an invasive thymoma.

Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is usually caused by extrinsic compression or invasion of the superior vena cava (SVC) by malignant tumors involving mediastinal structures. Although thymomas are well-known causes of SVCS, cases of SVCS caused by malignant thymomas protruding into adjacent vessels draining the SVC with thrombosis have been very rarely reported worldwide. We experienced a 39-year-old female patient with SVCS that developed after the direct invasion of the left brachiocephalic vein (LBCV) and SVC by an anterior mediastinal mass with a high maximum standardized uptake value on the chest computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography-CT. Based on these results, she underwent en bloc resection of the tumor, including removal of the involved vessels, and was eventually diagnosed as having a type B2 thymoma permeating into the LBCV and SVC. We present this case as a very rare form of SVCS caused by an invasive thymoma.

The CEACAM1 expression is decreased in the liver of severely obese patients with or without diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes is mainly caused by insulin resistance. The carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) is an important candidate for causing insulin resistance. METHODS: The CEACAM1 expression was evaluated immunohistochemically in the liver tissues of 99 severely obese or non-obese subjects with or without diabetes. The CEACAM1 expression was classified into two categories: a normal expression or a decreased expression. RESULTS: The CEACAM1 expression was markedly decreased in the hepatocytes with macrovesicular steatosis. A decreased CEACAM1 expression was noted in 29 (29%) of 99 cases. The incidence of a decreased CEACAM1 expression was significantly higher in high grade fatty liver as well as severe obesity with or without diabetes (p < 0.05). The incidence of a decreased CEACAM1 expression was not different between the diabetic and non-diabetic groups. CONCLUSIONS: This data supports that a decreased CEACAM1 expression is related to obesity and a fatty liver.

Intrahepatic lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma not associated with epstein-barr virus: a case report.

Lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinomas are rare tumors and most of them are related with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. Here, a case of a patient with lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma not associated with EBV infection is presented. In a 79-year-old man with hepatitis B virus-associated cirrhosis, a liver mass was detected on abdominal CT. Macroscopically, the resected tumor was pale gray, rubbery and well defined. Histologically, the tumor was composed of two components: an adenocarcinoma that formed irregular small glands and a lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma that exhibited sheets of undifferentiated epithelial cells with lymphoid stroma. Lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates were more predominant in the lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma than in the adenocarcinoma. Both components were roughly divided, but they gradually merged. Immunohistochemically, the adenocarcinoma component was diffusely positive for AE1/AE3, cytokeratin 7, cytokeratin 19 and epithelial membrane antigen, while the lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma component was focally positive for them. However, both components were diffusely positive for p53 protein, and in situ hybridization using EBV-encoded RNA 1 was negative in both components as well. Examination of a resected para-aortic lymph node revealed metastasis exclusively of the lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma component.