Ovarian hydatid cyst: an uncommon site of presentation.

Hydatid cyst is a parasitic infestation caused by Echinococcus larvae. Hydatid cyst of the ovary is a highly unusual presentation. Herein, we present a case of a young woman who complained of episodic lower abdominal pain. Ultrasound of the abdomen revealed a multi-cystic left adnexal mass measuring 86 mm x 67 mm. A possibility of ovarian cystic neoplasm was suggested. Unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. On histopathological examination, a cyst measuring 8.0 x 5.5 x 4.5 cm was found, replacing the entire ovary. The cyst cavity was filled with serous fluid and multiple pearly white membranous structures, giving a multiloculated appearance. Microscopic examination showed a cyst lined by a lamellar membrane containing protoscolices and hooklets. Hydatid disease is a zoonotic ailment caused by tapeworms (Echinococcus granulosus or, less commonly, Echinococcus multilocularis). The definitive hosts are carnivores. Humans are the accidental intermediate hosts. The hydatid cyst commonly affects the liver and the lungs. The primary hydatid cyst of the ovary is quite rare, with few case reports in the literature. In most cases, symptoms are vague, and the lesion is misdiagnosed as benign or malignant ovarian cystic neoplasm on clinical and radiological examination. Ovarian hydatid cyst is treated by surgery with ovarian cystectomy as the gold standard. The possibility of a hydatid cyst should be kept under differential diagnoses while evaluating the cystic diseases of the ovary.

Primary anorectal amelanotic melanoma with liver, lungs and lymph nodal metastases.

Anorectal melanoma (ARM) is an exceedingly rare and very aggressive malignancy. It originates from the melanocytic cells in the anorectal mucosa, which produces melanin. Other mucosal melanomas commonly found in the mucosa of the oral cavity, vulvovaginal, pharynx and urinary tract. Patients usually present with bleeding per rectum, perianal pain and difficulty in defaecation. Distinction of primary anorectal melanoma from other tumours of this region is difficult because of the lack of common imaging features. MRI is the modality of choice for its better tissue characterisation and resolution. There is no standard treatment protocol available mainly due to scarcity of data. Surgery is the mainstay therapy. Herein we present a case of a male patient in his 30s who presented with rectal bleeding and perianal pain. Haematological analysis revealed normocytic normochromic anaemia. MRI detected a mass lesion in the anorectal region. Contrast enhanced CT revealed multiple metastases in the liver, lungs, periportal, mesorectal and inguinal lymph nodes. The diagnosis of the ulcerated anorectal melanoma was established on histopathological examination. The patient underwent abdominoperineal resection (APR) followed by chemotherapy. Afterward the patient presented to the emergency room with respiratory distress for which he was on ventilator support. Sadly, the patient died after four days.

Lymphoplasmacyte-Rich Meningioma or IgG4-Related Disease: Walking the Thin Line.

Lymphoplasmacyte-rich meningioma (LP meningioma) is a rare form of grade 1 meningioma. It shows dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, mimicking an inflammatory lesion. We present a case of Lymphoplasmacyte-rich (LP) meningioma in the left parasagittal region in a 47-year-old female. On histological examination, it showed dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate masking the meningothelial component. There was dense fibrosis and numerous IgG4-positive plasma cells (100-120/hpf), admixed with lymphocytes and few histiocytes. The meningothelial component was highlighted by epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) immunostain. The patient had normal serum IgG4 level. This case highlights the morphological overlap between LP meningioma and IgG4-related disease. The presence of fibrosis and increased IgG4-positive plasma cells as a major inflammatory component in LP meningioma, as demonstrated in the present case and some other previous studies raise suspicion of its association with IgG4-related disease. However, this hypothesis requires further detailed studies for confirmation.

Primary malignant melanoma of the gall bladder masquerading as xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis.

Malignant melanoma of the gall bladder is rare. Most cases are metastatic and primary gall bladder melanoma is even more rare. We report a case of primary malignant melanoma of the gall bladder which illustrates the diagnostic challenge posed by this condition. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry play a pivotal role in making a diagnosis and ruling out conditions which mimic it such as xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis and other relatively common epithelial malignancies. We tested for prognostic and predictive markers including BRAF and PD-L1 and immunohistochemistry showed positive staining for BRAF. The tumour cells expressed HMB-45 and were negative for cytokeratin and CD68, favouring a diagnosis of malignant melanoma and excluding the possibility of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis and carcinoma. On follow-up at 3 months there was no evidence of recurrence of metastasis.

Spectrum of Fungal Infections in a Tertiary Care Centre of North India: Pre-COVID and COVID Scenario and Implications.

Background Rhino orbital mucormycosis is a rare and very aggressive entity. A sudden rise of this entity has been noticed with the insurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic both among immunocompromised and immuno-competent patients. This study was done to determine any possible correlation between these two deadly diseases. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective observational study done in the pathology department of a tertiary care center in North India over a three-year period (January 2019 - December 2021). Patient details along with relevant clinical data were retrieved from the patient's record file. Hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides of diagnosed cases were taken from the department records. Results A total of 45 patients (34 males, 11 females) were included in the study, seven of which were ophthalmic exenteration specimens. The mean age of the patients was 52.68 years. Fifteen cases showed COVID-19 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positivity. Histopathology revealed the presence of mucormycosis in all the cases. There were six cases showing granuloma formation and 14 cases revealed mixed fungal infection. Optic nerve involvement was seen in six cases of exenteration specimens. Conclusions The present study showed a sudden resurgence of secondary fungal infections, especially during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Associated co-morbid conditions and injudicious use of steroids and antibiotics have been the cause of depressed immunity leading to the infections. One must be aware of such co-infections to facilitate timely medical management to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Ovarian hydatid cyst: an uncommon site of presentation

ABSTRACT Hydatid cyst is a parasitic infestation caused by Echinococcus larvae. Hydatid cyst of the ovary is a highly unusual presentation. Herein, we present a case of a young woman who complained of episodic lower abdominal pain. Ultrasound of the abdomen revealed a multi-cystic left adnexal mass measuring 86 mm x 67 mm. A possibility of ovarian cystic neoplasm was suggested. Unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. On histopathological examination, a cyst measuring 8.0 x 5.5 x 4.5 cm was found, replacing the entire ovary. The cyst cavity was filled with serous fluid and multiple pearly white membranous structures, giving a multiloculated appearance. Microscopic examination showed a cyst lined by a lamellar membrane containing protoscolices and hooklets. Hydatid disease is a zoonotic ailment caused by tapeworms (Echinococcus granulosus or, less commonly, Echinococcus multilocularis). The definitive hosts are carnivores. Humans are the accidental intermediate hosts. The hydatid cyst commonly affects the liver and the lungs. The primary hydatid cyst of the ovary is quite rare, with few case reports in the literature. In most cases, symptoms are vague, and the lesion is misdiagnosed as benign or malignant ovarian cystic neoplasm on clinical and radiological examination. Ovarian hydatid cyst is treated by surgery with ovarian cystectomy as the gold standard. The possibility of a hydatid cyst should be kept under differential diagnoses while evaluating the cystic diseases of the ovary.

Incidental Gallbladder Neoplasms: A Growing Global Burden.

Background The increasing trend of laparoscopic procedures has made cholecystectomies one of the most common surgical specimens received for histopathological evaluation. This has also led to an increasing trend of finding incidental gallbladder malignancies for a presumed benign disease. The present study describes the histopathological spectrum of neoplastic lesions of the gallbladder along with the historadiological correlation with special emphasis on incidental gallbladder carcinomas (IGBC). Materials and methods All the cholecystectomies received over a span of two and a half years were studied. Demographic details, imaging findings, gross features, and microscopic findings of premalignant and malignant lesions were noted. Special stains were done as and when required. Results Of the 1253 cholecystectomies received during the study period, 50 gallbladders (3.9%) showed neoplastic pathology and were included in the present study. The age range was 40 to 60 years with female predominance. Ultrasonography revealed nonspecific wall thickness in both premalignant and incidental gallbladder carcinomas. Gallstones were seen in 74% of the cases (37/50). Gross and imaging findings in 17 (34%) of the malignant cases were in concordance with microscopic features, whereas the dysplastic lesions (21) and IGBC cases showed evidence of chronic cholecystitis on the same. Microscopic examination revealed focal dysplasia (low and high grade) in 21/50 (42%) cases. Invasive malignancy was seen in 28/50 (56%) of the cases, of which 11 cases (22%) were IGBC. Pancreaticobiliary type of adenocarcinoma was the most common morphology seen in almost all the cases. There was also one case each of intracholecystic papillary neoplasm (ICPN) and carcinosarcoma. Conclusion GBC is an unusual malignancy and its preoperative diagnosis is not so definitive. The incidental form of GBC presents as a radiological disguise and a histopathological surprise. Hence, the present study warrants a complete and scrupulous histopathological examination of all the cholecystectomy specimens for proper and further management of the case.

Ameloblastoma diagnosis by fine-needle aspiration cytology supplemented by cell block samples.

Ameloblastomas are rarely encountered in clinical practice, accounting for only 1% of tumors and cysts of the jaw although they are one of the most common odontogenic neoplasms. The cytological features are described in a few case reports only. The aim of this study was to describe the morphological features of ameloblastoma in fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and highlight the contribution of cell blocks in their diagnosis. Three cases of ameloblastoma diagnosed on FNAC (FNAC) with cell block samples were retrieved and evaluated in detail. Radiological correlation was performed in three cases. Follow-up histopathology of the resected specimen was available in two cases. Cytology smears showed clusters of basaloid cells with high nucleocytoplasmic(N/C) ratio and dense chromatin. Focal squamoid differentiation was present in one case and cystic change predominated in one case. The characteristic morphology of the tumor was better appreciated on cell block section with cribriform and trabecular arrangement of tumor cells with peripheral nuclear palisading with foci of squamoid differentiation and cystic change. Cell blocks from aspirates act as mini-biopsies and contribute to accurate diagnoses of ameloblastomas of the mandible, thereby emphasizing their contribution to the proper management of these uncommon neoplasms.

Primary broad ligament adenocarcinoma.

Primary broad ligament carcinoma is a very rare occurrence with 28 reported cases worldwide, to date. The epidemiology, treatment strategy and prognosis are still uncertain because of the scarcity of cases. Currently, all broad ligament carcinomas are managed similar to epithelial ovarian cancer. We report the case of a 43-year-old female with a prolonged complaint of abdominal pain and intermittent urinary retention, requiring frequent catheterization. She was diagnosed with obstructive right hydroureteronephrosis. The abdominal Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) revealed a well-defined heterogeneous lesion of 2.1х3х3.2cm size in the right lateral and posterior wall of the cervix. An ultrasound (USG)-guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) of the mass was done and it was suspected to be malignant. The patient underwent total abdominal hysterectomy, right salpingo-oophorectomy, pelvic lymph-nodal sampling, and peritoneal washing. Histological examination depicted an endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the broad ligament. She received adjuvant chemotherapy, followed by hormonal therapy. It has been five years since her surgery, and she is now alive and disease free.

Role of bronchoalveolar lavage in diagnosing pulmonary infections and malignancies: Experience from a tertiary care center.

BACKGROUND: Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), is a safe, minimally invasive procedure to sample the terminal airways and the lung parenchyma. Although frequently used, there is lack of contemporary literature regarding the diagnostic utility of BAL for various pulmonary diseases. This study was conducted to evaluate the utility of BAL in diagnosis of various pulmonary pathologies, both infectious and neoplastic. METHODS: This was a retrospective study performed over a period of 2 years. All the BAL samples reported on cytology were studied, their clinical details were retrieved, and the corresponding smears were reviewed. Cyto-histopathologic correlation was done, wherever possible. RESULTS: There were a total of 1835 cases (1153 men, 682 women; age, 8 months to 78 years). Of these, 19 (1%) cases were assessed as inadequate for opinion. In 348 (19%) cases, specific infective cause could be identified on BAL cytology alone. Tuberculosis and fungal infections could be diagnosed in 165 (9%) and 178 (9.7%) cases respectively. There were 46 (2.5%) neoplasms, including adenocarcinoma (n = 20), squamous cell carcinoma (n = 5), small cell carcinoma (n = 2), Langerhans cell histiocytosis (n = 1), suspicious for malignancy (n = 15) and metastatic carcinoma (n = 3). Some rare diagnoses were also reported on BAL cytology, including sarcoidosis, actinomycosis, leishmaniasis, pulmonary alveolar proteinosis and metastatic papillary carcinoma of the thyroid. CONCLUSION: BAL is a safe and useful procedure for primary diagnosis of infections such as tuberculosis and fungal infections, which has special significance in developing nations where prevalence of such infections is high. In addition, BAL has the potential to diagnose both primary as well as secondary malignant lung lesions.

Role of Immunohistochemistry to Distinguish Grade 3 Endometrioid Carcinoma and Uterine Serous Carcinoma.

AIM: The categorization of endometrial carcinomas into endometrioid and serous categories has prognostic implications but many-a-times, it is difficult to categorize based solely on morphology. The present study was conducted to determine an appropriate immunohistochemical panel to distinguish grade 3 endometrioid carcinoma from serous carcinoma. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: This study was a retrospective and a prospective study including 63 cases of endometrial carcinoma diagnosed on morphology as either grade 3 endometrioid (n=29) or serous endometrial carcinomas (n=34). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed using tissue microarrays for 8 immunomarkers on 60 cases. RESULTS: The mean age of presentation was not significantly different for both types of carcinomas and the most common presentation was postmenopausal bleeding (93% of the total cases, P=0.66). Obesity (P=0.038), lymph nodal involvement (P=0.044), and stage at presentation (P=0.042) were found to be significantly different among the 2 types of carcinomas. Estrogen and progesterone receptor (ER, PR) positivity was more common (47.6% and 28.2%, respectively) in endometrioid carcinomas as compared with serous. Mutation type (diffuse or null) p53 staining was a powerful predictor of serous carcinomas. IMP3 and p16 were found to be positive in most cases of serous carcinoma (64.1% and 79.5%, respectively). Vimentin and ß-catenin were found to be of limited utility. On the basis of IHC, 21 cases could be categorized as grade 3 endometrioid carcinomas and 39 as type 2 carcinomas (serous and clear cell carcinoma). CONCLUSIONS: The most appropriate IHC panel to differentiate endometrioid and serous endometrial carcinomas includes ER, PR, IMP3, p53, and p16.

Primary broad ligament adenocarcinoma

Primary broad ligament carcinoma is a very rare occurrence with 28 reported cases worldwide, to date. The epidemiology, treatment strategy and prognosis are still uncertain because of the scarcity of cases. Currently, all broad ligament carcinomas are managed similar to epithelial ovarian cancer. We report the case of a 43-year-old female with a prolonged complaint of abdominal pain and intermittent urinary retention, requiring frequent catheterization. She was diagnosed with obstructive right hydroureteronephrosis. The abdominal Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) revealed a well-defined heterogeneous lesion of 2.1х3х3.2cm size in the right lateral and posterior wall of the cervix. An ultrasound (USG)-guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) of the mass was done and it was suspected to be malignant. The patient underwent total abdominal hysterectomy, right salpingo-oophorectomy, pelvic lymph-nodal sampling, and peritoneal washing. Histological examination depicted an endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the broad ligament. She received adjuvant chemotherapy, followed by hormonal therapy. It has been five years since her surgery, and she is now alive and disease free.

Primary Ovarian Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma: Report of a Rare Case in a Young Female.

Primary ovarian non-Hodgkin lymphoma (PONHL) is extremely rare, accounting for 0.5% of all NHLs and 1.5% of all ovarian tumors. Establishing an early and accurate clinical as well as histopathological diagnosis, although challenging, is essential for the appropriate management of these patients and to avoid unnecessary surgeries. Furthermore, it is important to exclude secondary involvement of the ovary by disseminated NHL in these patients, as the two entities carry significantly different prognosis. The diagnostic struggle is mainly due to its rarity, morphological similarities with other malignancies and the relative lack of awareness among the histopathologists. In this article, we present a case of primary ovarian diffuse large B cell lymphoma in a young nulliparous female, who was diagnosed based on histopathological and immunohistochemical findings.