RESUMO
CONTEXT.: Core biopsies are standard of care for diagnosis and surveillance of prostate cancer. Fragmentation makes numeric assessment of cancer challenging and increases risk of inaccurate staging with direct implications on management. OBJECTIVE.: To determine factors responsible for fragmentation at our institution. DESIGN.: Prostate core biopsies performed at 2 hospital sites during 1 week were prospectively identified. Biopsies were received in multipart formalin jars, either mounted on a nonadherent dressing pad (Telfa, Medtronic Inc) or freely suspended, and grossed by experienced pathologists' assistants. Fragmentation was defined as the difference between number of cores sent by the clinician and number of cores counted by the pathologist on microscopy. RESULTS.: Forty-six cases (15 benign; 31 malignant) with 535 specimen jars were identified of which 309 of 535 (57.8%) had >1 biopsy core per jar; 230 of 535 (43%) were received mounted on Telfa and 185 of 535 (34.6%) had histologic evidence of adenocarcinoma. Overall fragmentation rate was 157 of 535 (29.3%). Lowest fragmentation rate was seen when 1 core was submitted per jar regardless of mounting method (31 of 226; 14% for single versus 126 of 309; 41% for >1 per jar; P < .001). For 1 Telfa-mounted core, rate of fragmentation was 5 of 18 (27.8%) versus 26 of 203 (12.8%) when unmounted (P = .24). Significant increase in fragmentation of Telfa-mounted cores was seen when there were 3 per jar (32 of 70; 46% mounted fragmented versus 9 of 47; 19% unmounted fragmented specimens; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS.: Submission of >1 biopsy core per jar and use of Telfa for mounting are associated with increased fragmentation. We recommend limiting submission to 1 core per jar and avoid mounting on Telfa pads.
RESUMO
The SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted global health, economics, and society. This review seeks to encompass an overview of current knowledge on COVID-19, including its transmission, pathogenesis, and clinical presentation related to various systems within the human body. COVID-19 is a highly contagious illness that has rapidly spread worldwide. As of August 4, 2023, the WHO reported over 570 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 and over 6.3 million deaths. Although the virus is most common in adults, children can also be infected. Respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes are the primary transmission mode for COVID-19. Additionally, the virus can be disseminated via contact with contaminated surfaces or objects, as it can remain viable for several hours or days. SARS-CoV-2 is a respiratory virus that enters cells by bonding with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Once inside the cell, the virus replicates and produces new particles that can infect other cells. Interestingly, the effects of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) encompass more than just respiratory system. The findings presented in the data suggest that PASC significantly impacts multiple organs and their respective physiological processes. In light of these observations, we aim to provide a detailed discussion of the relevant findings in this paper. Through our review, we hope to provide healthcare professionals with a deeper understanding of the effects of PASC on the human body, which could ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes and treatment strategies.