Relative value of immunohistochemistry in detection of mycobacterial antigen in suspected cases of tuberculosis in tissue sections.

Background: The diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) depends on identifi cation of the infecting organism. The diagnosis presents as a challenge due to its diverse clinical presentation and low yield of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in tissue sections. Aim: The aim of the present study is immunohistochemical localization of tubercle bacilli or their components that persist in the granulomas, but have lost the property of staining with acid-fast stain, assess the advantage of immunostaining over conventional Ziehl–Neelsen (ZN) staining and further to study the staining pattern on immunohistochemistry (IHC). Materials and Methods: The study population comprised 100 suspected cases of TB. Tissue sections from these were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin, ZN and IHC staining using polyclonal antibody to Mycobacterium tuberculosis followed by a comparative analysis of the results. Cases of lepromatous leprosy were used as a positive control. Results: Acid-fast bacilli were identifi ed by ZN stain in 23% of cases. IHC identifi ed 72% cases. In the present study, IHC had higher sensitivity (95.56%) and negative predictive value (96.43%), but lower specifi city (35.06%) and positive predictive value (30.56%) than ZN stain which had the sensitivity, specifi city, positive predictive value and negative predictive values of 30.56%, 96.43%, 95.65% and 41.56% respectively. Conclusion: Immunohistochemistry is a simple and sensitive technique for localization of tubercle bacilli and their components on tissue sections. It can be easily incorporated in routine histopathology laboratory and serve as an effi cient diagnostic adjunct to conventional ZN staining. This will help reduce the practice of prescribing empirical antitubercular treatment based on clinical suspicion alone.

Right Atrial Myxoma Complicated by Pulmonary Thromboembolism: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Primary cardiac tumors are rare with myxoma being the most common benign cardiac tumor. They are usually sporadic, affecting left atrium and frequently occur in women. They are known to cause valvular obstruction, thromboembolism and arrhythmias. We present a case of right atrial myxoma complicated by pulmonary embolism. The atrial myxoma was diagnosed on autopsy.

Complementary value of DNA flow cytometry and image morphometry in detection of malignant cells in effusion fluids

In cytologic evaluation of body cavity effusions, the morphologic changes exhibited by reactive mesothelial cells often confound the diagnosis. This study investigates the role of DNA flow cytometry (DNA FCM) and image morphometry (IM) in improving diagnostic accuracy.

Cutaneous metastases of internal malignancies: A clinicopathologic study.

Background: Secondary tumor deposits in the skin represent advanced malignancy and are of uncommon occurrence. The clinical presentation of these lesions is variable, and the clinical impression is rarely correct, except in cases of known primary malignancies. Aim: To summarize the clinical and histopathological findings in biopsy-proven cutaneous metastases. Methods: The present study has analyzed 14 cases of cutaneous metastases from internal malignant neoplasms, excluding hematolymphoid neoplasms. The clinical parameters analyzed include presentation of deposits and their relation to the primary tumor. The histological features of cutaneous metastases were compared with the primary tumors and the frequency of common features in them were evaluated. Results: Cutaneous metastases from internal organ malignancies showed a prevalence rate of approximately 2%. Eight cases (56%) presented as primary manifestations of the tumor; biopsy evaluation in these cases suggested the possible primary tumor site and triggered further evaluation and imaging studies. Four patients, undergoing treatment for a known malignant tumor, had recurrence of the tumor in the form of cutaneous metastatic deposits. In the remaining two patients, cutaneous metastases of the tumor appeared simultaneously with the primary neoplasm and represented a higher stage of malignancy. Conclusions: Skin biopsy findings were significant in all cases. The morphological patterns of cutaneous metastases corresponded with the primary tumors and their evaluation helped localize unknown primary malignancies. In cases with known primaries, cutaneous metastases upstaged the malignancy and affected the prognosis.

Aspiration cytology of extramammary tumours metastatic to the breast.

This study was undertaken to highlight the use of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) to distinguish tumours metastatic to the breast from primary breast malignancies. A total of 1866 fine needle aspirates of the breast were performed during a period of 7 years. Three hundred and fourteen cases of breast malignancies were diagnosed and 5 (1.5%) out of these cases were metastatic in origin. The metastatic tumors included, 2 cases of malignant melanoma (chest wall and left arm), 1 case each of haematolymphoid malignancy, adenocarcinoma of the ovary, and squamous cell carcinoma (left leg). FNA diagnosis of metastasis to the breast is essential in order to avoid unnecessary mastectomy and to ensure appropriate chemotherapy and/or irradiation treatment.

Steatocystoma multiplex: a report of two sporadic cases.

Steatocystoma multiplex is an autosomal dominant condition, though sporadic cases are also known, as in our cases. It is characterized by the presence of multiple non tender cystic nodules over the body, exuding syrupy fluid when excised. The lesions are usually seen around puberty and we present here two cases in middle aged with no family history of similar presentation.

Mucinous adenocarcinoma of the renal pelvis presenting as pyonephrosis: a case report.

Tumours of the renal pelvis are rare. We present a case of primary mucinous adenocarcinoma of the renal pelvis masquerading as pyonephrosis clinically and diagnosed on histopathologic examination. Patient presented with pyonephrosis of the left kidney due to a large staghorn calculus and was treated with tube nephrostomy followed by nephrectomy.

A comparative study of serum lipid profile and gallstone disease.

The diseased gallbladder is one of the commonest specimens submitted to the surgical pathology laboratory in North India. Obesity is associated with a linear increase in gallstone formation. It has been observed that the plasma lipoprotein profile of patients with gallstones differs markedly from that of healthy subjects. Serum lipid profile was done by enzyme kit method. All the gallstones received were categorized morphologically and examined biochemically. The age range of 200 cases was 13 to 77 years with a mean of43.75 +/- 13.39 years. There were 171 females (85.5%) and 29 males (14.5%) with male to female ratio of 1: 5.8. The stones containing both cholesterol and bile pigments were the most common (129 cases, 84.87%); while pure cholesterol stones were seen in 23 cases (11.50%) and pigment stones were infrequent (1 case, 0.65%). On lipidogram of patients in the study group, mean serum total cholesterol was 155.50 +/- 43.03 mg/dL, mean serum triglycerides was 100.49 +/- 45.23 mg/dL, mean HDL cholesterol was 46.71 +/- 15.20 mg/dL, mean LDL cholesterol was 87.94 +/- 36.85 mg/dL and mean VLDL cholesterol was 20.84 +/- 11.97 mg/dL. Serum total cholesterol values were significantly higher in patients older than 39 years as compared to patients < or =39 years (161.44 +/- 42.32 mg/dL vs. 145.79 +/- 32.96 mg/dL, p < 0.05). But the observed mean values in both of these subgroups were within the normal range i.e. <200 mg/dL. No significant difference was observed in the mean serum triglyceride values between male and female patients. The findings of this study did not indicate any role of serum lipid profile in the formation of gallstones. However the higher mean values of serum total cholesterol and serum triglycerides in patients older than 39 years of age may be explained by increasing age.

Genomics and proteomics in neoplasia.

Genomics (the study of the human genome) and Proteomics (analysis of the protein complement of the genome) are increasingly useful in e.g. diagnosis, early cancer detection, prognostication, therapy response prediction, and others. To avoid recent disappointments, -omic tests should always be carefully confirmed in independent prospective validation studies. Unfortunately, molecular oncology services often run without pathologists, although unique pathobiologic knowledge often can be essential to get the best information. Strategic choices should be made which diseases/organ sites be analyzed and techniques used. Pathologists should quickly familiarize themselves with both -omic techniques and applications, thereby going beyond the usual pathology boundaries.

Evaluation of iron stores in blood donors by serum ferritin.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Regular blood donation can lead to pre-clinical iron deficiency as well as iron deficiency anaemia. There is a need to increase the national voluntary blood donation for safe blood supply. However, there is paucity of data in the country regarding impact of regular voluntary blood donation on iron status of donors. Hence, iron stores were evaluated by serum ferritin estimation in the voluntary blood donors at Chandigarh. METHODS: 400 voluntary blood donors included in the study were divided into four groups depending upon their periodicity of blood donations. Pre-donation haemoglobin assessment was done by copper sulphate method. Serum ferritin was estimated by indirect ELISA. RESULTS: The number of female donors with deficient iron stores was more as compared to male donors. First time donors had higher mean serum ferritin levels than that in repeat donors. The frequency of donations per year was more predictive of decreased iron stores rather than the number of lifetime donations. An increase in donation frequency was accompanied by a significant decrease in serum ferritin; values <15 microg/l were found in 21 and 46 per cent of male and female donors respectively who donated once per year, in 29 and 27 per cent in those who donated twice per year and in 49 and 100 per cent in those who donated thrice per year. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Haemoglobin estimation alone in regular blood donors may not be adequate; serum ferritin estimations may need to be done to detect pre-clinical iron deficiency states. Also, iron supplementation needs to be considered in regular, repeat voluntary blood donors.

Clinicopathological study of dermolipoma--a report of four cases.

Dermolipomas are congenital solid choristomas usually located in the superotemporal fornix, near the lacrimal gland and lateral rectus muscle. Retrospective analysis of four consecutive cases of dermolipoma reported between Jan 1994 and July 2005 was done. Three cases were males and one was female and in all the cases swelling was first noted in the early childhood. Histologically they show squamous epithelium lined tissue containing mature adipose tissue in addition to bundles of dense collagen and adnexal structures which were present in all our cases. Surgical excision of dermolipoma is conservative and confined to the irritating dermal surface or the visible portion of the lesion.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis of skin: a clinicopathologic analysis of five cases.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare proliferative disorder of histiocytes characterized by a proliferation of abnormal and clonal Langerhans cells. We retrospectively studied clinicopathologic features of this disorder in five cases. METHODS: Clinical and histopathological findings of five cases of cutaneous LCH were reviewed based on the hospital records. RESULTS: The age of patients ranged from 28 days to 5 years and M: F ratio was 1:1.5. Clinically, the diagnoses suggested were histiocytosis, varicella, transient neonatal pustular melanosis, keloid, sarcoidosis, seborrheic keratosis and LCH. The most common type of skin lesion was a generalized papular lesion. Histologically, all cases showed aggregates of large mononuclear histiocytes (Langerhans cells) with reniform, irregular, cleaved nuclei and abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm. There was multi-systemic involvement in two patients and single-system involvement in three patients. CONCLUSION: Cutaneous lesions may be the sole presenting feature of LCH. Diagnosis is based on demonstration of S-100 positive histiocytes.

Hepatobiliary cystadenoma with mesenchymal stroma--a case report.

Hepatobiliary cystadenoma with mesenchymal stroma (HCMS) is a rare lesion characterized by multiloculated cyst lined by columnar epithelium ad mesenchymal stroma. It occurs exclusively in females and is intrahepatic in location with only 17% cases arising in extrahepatic biliary tree. Exact histogenesis is not known, but it is hypothesized the HCMS arises from ectopic embryonic tissue destined to form the adult gall bladder. HCMS has got a malignant potential and requires radical excision.

Choriocarcinoma with negative urinary and serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin (betaHCG)--a case report.

This was a rare case where a patient presented clinically as a case of post abortal sepsis and ultrasound showing the picture of an intramural degenerating fibroid. Her serum and urine both were negative for beta human chorionic gonadotropin (betaHCG). Patient succumbed to choriocarcinoma 1 month later. Failure to detect urinary and serum betaHCG lead to maternal mortality due to the choriocarcinoma. The failure to detect, certain degradation products of HCG which may predominate in gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, by many common HCG testing kits lead to the error of diagnosis. Only 3 of the 7 common commercial serum HCG tests appropriately detects nicked HCG and its free betaHCG, DPC immulite assay, being the most sensitive method. Though of rare occurrence, this awareness is important for diagnosis and follow-up of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia and could have been life saving in our case.

FNAC in a case of NHL presenting initially as nodal infarction.

Lymph node infarction is rare and can occur in either nonneoplastic or neoplastic conditions. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of infarction preceding lymphoma has not been described earlier. A 26-year-old male, was referred to the cytology laboratory for FNAC of bilateral axillary lymph nodes. FNA smears showed uniform looking ghost cells. There were no viable cells. A biopsy was advised which also showed extensive coagulative necrosis. Five weeks later, right cervical lymph nodes also appeared and FNA smears showed discrete monomorphic population of immature lymphoid cells. A cytologic diagnosis of infarction in a case of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) was made and subsequently confirmed by histopathologic examination. Our case indicates that such cases should be followed up closely and repeated aspirations should be done to prevent a delayed diagnosis of lymphoma.

Subcutaneous angiolipomas: a clinicopathological study of 12 cases.

A total of 12 cases of angiolipomas were received over a period of 2 years and comprised 13% of all lipomatous tumors. There were eleven males and one female. Pain/tenderness was the presenting feature in 11 of the cases and in all the cases, the tumors were located on upper extremities or trunk. Grossly, the tumors were encapsulated and histologic examination revealed fibrin thrombi in many capillaries, in all cases. None of these tumors were infiltrating into the surrounding skeletal muscle or soft tissue.

Gastrointestinal tract infestation with strongyloides

Stercoralis is common in the tropical and subtropical areas of the world. In an immunocompetent person, disease is generally asymptomatic. However, it has the potential to cause serious life threatening disease in an immunocompromised patient. We report a 55 years old immunocompetent person who presented with malabsorption secondary to strongyloides stercoralis infestation. Unusual infestations like strongyloides should also be considered while investigating malabsorption

Disseminated Cryptococcosis Mimicking Lymphoreticular Malignancy in a HIV Negative Patient

Disseminated cryptococcosis, a life threatening mycosis, usually presents with respiratory tract, central nervous system and skin involvement. Herein we report a case of disseminated cryptococcosis presenting with hepatic, lymph nodal and bone marrow involvement in addition to the central nervous system and lung involvement in a previously healthy, HIV negative individual. The unique presenting manifestation highlights the need for careful consideration of this entity in conditions mimicking disseminated tuberculosis and lymphoreticular malignancy.