Arteriosclerose, aterosclerose, arteriolosclerose e esclerose calcificante da média de Monckeberg: qual a diferença? / Arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, arteriolosclerosis, and Monckeberg medial calcific sclerosis: what is the difference?

Resumo A principal causa de óbito na contemporaneidade são as doenças cardiovasculares. Arteriosclerose, aterosclerose, arteriolosclerose e arteriosclerose de Monckeberg são termos frequentemente utilizados como sinônimos, mas traduzem alterações distintas. O objetivo desta revisão foi discutir os conceitos de arteriosclerose, aterosclerose, arteriolosclerose e esclerose calcificante da média de Monckeberg. O termo arteriosclerose é considerado mais genérico, significando o enrijecimento e a consequente perda de elasticidade da parede arterial, abarcando os demais tipos. A aterosclerose é uma doença inflamatória secundária a lesões na camada íntima, que tem como principal complicação obstrução crônica e aguda do lúmen arterial. A arteriolosclerose se refere ao espessamento das arteríolas, particularmente relacionada à hipertensão arterial sistêmica. Já a esclerose calcificante da média de Monckeberg designa a calcificação, não obstrutiva, da lâmina elástica interna ou da túnica média de artérias musculares. As calcificações vasculares, que incluem lesões ateroscleróticas e a esclerose calcificante da média de Monckeberg, vêm sendo estudadas como um fator de risco para a morbimortalidade cardiovascular.

Abstract Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in contemporary times. Arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, arteriolosclerosis, and Monckeberg's arteriosclerosis are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different vascular pathologies. The objective of this study is to review the concepts of atherosclerosis, atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis and Monckeberg medial calcific sclerosis (MMCS). The term arteriosclerosis is more generic, meaning the stiffening and consequent loss of elasticity of the arterial wall, and encompasses the other terms. Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease secondary to lesions in the intimal layer and whose main complication is acute and chronic obstruction of the arterial lumen. Arteriolosclerosis refers to thickening of arterioles, particularly in association with systemic arterial hypertension. MMCS refers to non-obstructive calcification in the internal elastic lamina or the tunica media of muscular arteries. Vascular calcifications, which include atherosclerotic lesions and MMCS, have been studied as a risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Experiência no ensino de patologia em tempos de pandemia / Experience in teaching pathology during the pandemic

Resumo: Introdução: A patologia é uma disciplina básica que exerce o link entre ciclos básicos e clínico-cirúrgicos. A partir do início de 2020, com a pandemia provocada pela síndrome respiratória aguda grave do coronavírus 2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 - Sars-CoV-2) e a implantação do ensino remoto emergencial (ERE), o curso de patologia em nossa instituição sofreu alterações e adaptações. O presente trabalho tem como objetivos relatar as atividades desenvolvidas em nossa faculdade para o ensino da patologia geral, dentro do contexto do ERE, e discutir como parte dessas estratégias poderá ser incorporada após o término da pandemia. Relato de experiência: Para o ensino das alterações macroscópicas, utilizamos discussões com peças cirúrgicas filmadas, enquanto as alterações microscópicas foram desenvolvidas no chamado "Projeto Atlas". Discussão: Nosso projeto foi bem dinâmico com grande aceitação por parte dos alunos que tiveram atitudes mais proativas, principalmente em relação ao estudo dos casos de microscopia. As estratégias também se prestaram muito bem como forma de avaliação formativa. Conclusão: Muitas das estratégias que têm sido desenvolvidas por diferentes grupos de professores neste momento da pandemia trouxeram alternativas muito interessantes que devem ser incorporadas ao curso mesmo quando ele voltar a ser presencial. Peças filmadas contemplaram o estudo da macroscopia durante esse período de restrições e podem ser incorporadas à rotina presencial, intercalando com as técnicas utilizadas anteriormente. Já o "Projeto Atlas" foi uma experiência positiva, ressaltando o papel do aluno como protagonista do seu processo de ensino/aprendizagem e o trabalho em pequenos grupos como pontos principais.

Abstract: Introduction: Pathology is a basic discipline that acts as a link between basic and clinical-surgical cycles. Since the beginning of 2020, with the pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SarsCoV-2) and the implementation of emergency remote education (ERE), the pathology course in our institution has undergone changes and adaptations. This paper aims to report the activities developed in our college for the teaching of general pathology, within the context of ERE and discuss how part of these strategies may be incorporated after the end of the pandemic. Experience report: For teaching macroscopic changes we used discussions with filmed surgical specimens while microscopic changes were developed in the so-called "Atlas Project". Discussion: Our project was very dynamic and widely accepted by students with a more proactive attitudes, especially regarding the study of microscopic cases. The strategies also lent themselves very well as a formative form of evaluation. Conclusion: Many of the strategies that have been developed by different groups of teachers during this pandemic have brought very interesting alternatives that should be incorporated into the course even when face-to-face classes are resumed. The filmed pieces include the study of macroscopy during this period of restrictions and can be incorporated into the classroom routine, interspersed with the techniques used previously. The Atlas Project was a positive experience, highlighting the role of the student as the protagonist of his teaching/learning process and work in small groups as main points.

Multiple cardiac rhabdomyomas in tuberous sclerosis complex: case report and review of the literature

Cardiac rhabdomyoma is a benign tumor which constitutes the most common cardiovascular feature of the tuberous sclerosis complex, a multisystem genetically determined neurocutaneous disorder. Cardiac rhabdomyomas can be detected in the prenatal ultrasound, are usually asymptomatic and spontaneously regress within the first three years of life. Less often, the tumors' size, number, and location can produce a mass effect that may lead to blood flow abnormalities or organ dysfunction (heart failure and arrhythmia). In this setting, severe morbidity, and eventually, a lethal outcome despite clinical and surgical treatment may ensue. We describe a fatal case of multiple cardiac rhabdomyomas in a newborn girl. One of the rhabdomyomas was large and unfavorably located, causing significant obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract. The autopsy identified, in addition to cardiac rhabdomyomas, brain glioneuronal hamartomas (cortical tubers), subependymal nodules and subependymal giant cell tumors, characteristic of the tuberous sclerosis complex. The newborn's family was investigated for the presence of typical clinical symptoms of the complex and image findings showed significant phenotypical variations and a broad symptom spectrum among the family members. This interesting case underscores the variability of tuberous sclerosis complex and the importance of performing a comprehensive postmortem examination in the identification of the cause of death, especially in the setting of familial disease.

Juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis with pulmonary involvement and carcinomatous transformation

Papilloma associated with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) infection types 6 and 11, is the most common benign neoplasm of the larynx. The clinical features of RRP vary widely from mild to aggressive forms. RRP in children is known as juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JORRP). Its outcome may be poor or even fatal due to the high rate of recurrence and eventual spread to the entire respiratory tract. Pulmonary invasion is reported to occur in 3.3% of patients with RRP, and malignant transformation in 0.5% of patients. We report the case of a 39-year-old female patient with a diagnosis of JORRP from the age of 3 years, with extensive bilateral pulmonary involvement and malignant transformation. Analysis of the papilloma and carcinomatous tissues revealed the presence of HPV type 11, which is associated with rapid and aggressive progression. We discussed the case on the basis of a literature review on pulmonary invasion, malignant transformation, and HPV 11 aggressiveness.

Bone metastasis as the first symptom of tumors: role of an immunohistochemistry study in establishing primary tumor / Metástase óssea como primeira manifestação de tumores: contribuição do estudo imuno-histoquímico para o estabelecimento do tumor primário

ABSTRACT Objectives: To determine the role of immunohistochemistry in identifying the primary site of tumors, and in establishing which bones are most frequently involved, their relationship with the primary tumor site, and the rate of pathologic bone fracture as the first symptom of a malignant tumor. Methods: A retrospective analysis of all medical records on bone metastases the cases treated between January 2006 and December 2011 at the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology was performed. Results: Immunohistochemistry correctly determined the primary tumor site in 61.2% of cases analyzed. Regarding the metastatic site, the most affected bone was the femur, accounting for 49.6% of the sample. Bone metastasis was the first symptom of the tumor in only 20.2% of patients, and of these, 95% were admitted for pathologic bone fracture. Conclusion: The study showed that the primary sites and their incidence rate are consistent with the literature reviewed. It was noted that in this sample, most patients did not present with pathologic bone fracture as the first clinical symptom of neoplastic disease. However, analysis of those patients that had a metastasis as the first clinical symptom revealed that it manifested itself as a pathologic fracture in almost all cases. The immunohistochemical study was consistent with the primary tumor site in most cases, indicating the value of the method in the detection of the primary site.

RESUMO Objetivos: Determinar a contribuição do estudo imuno-histoquímico na identificação do sítio primário da neoplasia, além de estabelecer quais os ossos mais frequentemente comprometidos, sua relação com o sítio primário neoplásico e a frequência de fratura em osso patológico como primeira manifestação do tumor maligno. Métodos: Foram levantados, retrospectivamente, todos os prontuários de metástases ósseas de janeiro de 2006 a dezembro de 2011 do Departamento de Ortopedia e Traumatologia. Resultados: O estudo imuno-histoquímico determinou corretamente o sítio primário neoplásico em 61,2% dos casos analisados. Com relação à localização metastática, o osso mais acometido foi o fêmur, correspondeu a 49,6% da amostra. A metástase óssea foi a primeira manifestação da neoplasia em apenas 20,2% dos pacientes; desses, 95% deram entrada com quadro de fratura do osso patológico. Conclusão: O estudo evidenciou que os sítios primários e sua frequência de incidência são compatíveis com a literatura avaliada. Observou-se que, na presente amostra, a maior parte dos pacientes não apresentou a fratura do osso patológico como primeira manifestação clínica da doença neoplásica. Entretanto, quando analisados os pacientes que apresentaram como primeiro sintoma clínico a metástase, essa se manifestou por meio de fratura patológica em quase todos os pacientes. O estudo imuno-histoquímico foi compatível com o sítio primário neoplásico na maioria dos casos, demonstrou a relevância de tal método no auxílio da identificação do sítio primário.

Mycotic aneurysm with aortoduodenal fistula

Firstly described in the 19th century by Sir William Osler, the mycotic aneurysm (MA) is a rare entity characterized by an abnormal arterial dilation, which is potentially fatal, and is associated with the infection of the vascular wall. Elderly patients are mostly involved, especially when risk factors like chronic diseases, immunosuppression, neoplasia, and arterial manipulation are associated. The authors report the case of a young male patient diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm of infectious origin in the presence of repeated negative blood cultures. The diagnostic hypothesis was raised when the patient was hospitalized for an inguinal hernia surgery. The diagnosis was confirmed based on imaging findings consistent with mycotic aneurism. The patient was treated with an endovascular prosthesis associated with a long-lasting antibiotic therapy. Five months later, the patient attended the emergency unit presenting an upper digestive hemorrhage and shock, from which he died. The autopsy revealed a huge aneurysm of the abdominal aorta with an aortoduodenal fistula. The histological examination of the arterial wall revealed a marked inflammatory process, extensive destruction of the arterial wall, and the presence of Gram-positive bacteria. This case highlights the atypical presentation of a MA associated with an aortoduodenal fistula. Besides the early age of the patient, no primary arterial disease could be found,and no source of infection was detected.

Technique for quantifying and qualifying debris captured in embolic protection filters

Contexto: A qualidade e a quantidade de partículas coletadas em filtros de proteção cerebral (FPC) durante angioplastia transluminal percutânea com stent (ATPS) podem esclarecer a importância desses dispositivos no tratamento de estenoses carotídeas. Objetivos: Analisar o conteúdo retido por FPC em pacientes submetidos a ATPS de artéria carótida interna com nova técnica de análise qualiquantitativa. Métodos: O material coletado em 10 FPC durante ATPS da bifurcação da carótida em pacientes com alto risco cirúrgico foi submetido a análise microscópica qualiquantitativa. Fotografias digitais das lâminas com material corado com hematoxilina e eosina foram analisadas com o programa Axio Vision LE Release 4.1, que calculou a área das partículas em micrômetros/metro quadrado (µm²). Resultados: O exame histopatológico evidenciou material em 100 por cento dos filtros consistindo predominantemente de restos hemáticos, cristais de colesterol e cálcio. A área média de fragmentos coletados foi expressiva (1.570.310 µm²), e houve ampla variância desses valores. Conclusões: Os FPC coletam quantidade importante de fragmentos de placas de ateroma, e a grande variância nas quantidades de material coletado pode estar associada com a gravidade da lesão, motivo pelo qual se tornam relevantes estudos que utilizem técnica padronizada para a quantificação desses fragmentos e para a compreensão de seu real significado clínico.

Background: Quality and quantity of the content retained in embolic protection filters (EPFs) used in percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting may possibly indicate the importance of EPFs in the management of carotid stenosis. Objectives: To analyze the content retained by EPFs in patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting of the internal carotid artery using a new technique for qualitative and quantitative analysis. Methods: Material captured in 10 EPFs during percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting in high-surgical-risk patients was examined to determine a qualitative and quantitative microscopic analysis. Digital photographs of the hematoxylin-eosin stained slides were analyzed using the Axio Vision LE Release 4.1 software in order to calculate the particles area in micra/square meter (µm²). Results: Histopathological examination identified particulate debris in 100 percent of the filters including predominantly blood residues, cholesterol crystals, and calcium Quantity of captured fragments was significant (mean of 1,570,310 µm²) with a wide range of these values. Conclusions: Significant quantity of fragments of atheromatous plaques is retained by EPFs and the wide range in the quantity of the retained debris can be associated with the lesion severity; therefore new studies using standardized technique for quantifying these fragments and for better understanding their real clinical meaning are necessary.

Comparative histological study of atherosclerotic lesions and microvascular changes in amputated lower limbs of diabetic and non-diabetic patients / Estudo histológico comparativo das lesões ateroscleróticas e alterações microvasculares em membros inferiores amputados de pacientes diabéticos e não-diabéticos

OBJETIVE: To perform a comparative analysis of atherosclerotic lesions and capillaries changes in diabetic and nondiabetic patients. METHODS: Leg arteries and skin of 57 amputated lower limbs of diabetic (47.3 percent) and nondiabetic patients were histologically examined. The percentage of arterial stenosis of infrapopliteal arteries and the histological classification of atherosclerotic lesions were determined. Capillary thickening was classified into four categories. RESULTS: Diabetic group showed more than 75 percent stenosis in 57 percent (vs. 56 percent in nondiabetic) of the anterior tibial; 78 percent (vs. 68 percent) of the posterior tibial; 58 percent (vs. 50 percent) of the peroneal leg arteries. Diabetic and nondiabetic patients have predominance of type VI atherosclerotic lesions. The comparison of both groups showed no significant differences in atherosclerotic lesions. Diabetic patients had significantly more PAS positive capillary thickening (63 percent vs. 23 percent). CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences in histological characteristics of atherosclerosis between the two groups. Capillary thickening has been more observed in diabetics.

OBJETIVO: Comparar as lesões ateroscleróticas das extremidades de diabéticos e não-diabéticos, estudando a ocorrência de espessamento capilar. MÉTODOS: Examinou-se segmentos arteriais e da derme de 57 membros inferiores amputados de diabéticos (47,3 por cento) e não-diabéticos. Analisou-se a porcentagem de estenose das artérias infra-poplíteas e a classificação histológica da placa. A presença de espessamento capilar foi classificada em quatro categorias. RESULTADOS: Entre os diabéticos 57 por cento (versus 56 por cento dos não-diabéticos) apresentavam estenose maior que 75 por cento da artéria tibial anterior; 78 por cento (versus 68 por cento) da tibial posterior; 58 por cento (versus 50 por cento) da fibular. Houve predominância em ambos de lesões ateroscleróticas do tipo VI. Comparando os grupos, não houve diferença significante na porcentagem de obstrução arterial ou na classificação da placa aterosclerótica. Os diabéticos apresentaram significativamente mais espessamento capilar (63 por cento versus 23 por cento). CONCLUSÕES: Não houve diferença nas características das lesões ateroscleróticas em diabéticos e não-diabéticos. O espessamento capilar foi mais prevalente entre os diabéticos.

Tuberculose do timo / Tuberculosis of the thymus

Os tumores do mediastino anterior incluem várias entidades com diferentes manifestações radiológicas e clínicas, consistindo em um grupo heterogêneo de condições congênitas, inflamatórias ou neoplásicas. Entre essas lesões, o tumor primário mais comum do mediastino é o timoma, seguido de perto por tumores de células germinativas e linfomas. A tuberculose do timo é extremamente rara, embora o envolvimento dos linfonodos mediastinais por essa entidade seja comum. Apresentamos aqui achados patológicos, radiológicos e clínicos de um caso de tuberculose tímica em um paciente de 18 anos de idade, que apresentou dor torácica, dispnéia a pequenos esforços e piora contínua dos sintomas em uma semana. A radiografia torácica mostrou uma grande massa no mediastino e a tomografia computadorizada mostrou que a localização era anterior. O paciente foi operado, sendo feita a exérese da massa, com aspecto microscópico de uma reação inflamatória maciça e presença de granulomas no tecido tímico. A pesquisa de bacilos álcool ácido resistentes pelo método de Ziehl-Neelsen foi positiva e o diagnóstico de tuberculose foi fechado. Portanto, o cirurgião e o patologista devem estar alertas quanto à essa entidade, bem como incluí-la na lista de diagnósticos diferenciais de massas mediastinais.

Tumors of the anterior mediastinum include several entities with different radiological and clinical manifestations, constituting a heterogeneous group of congenital, inflammatory, and neoplastic conditions. Among these lesions, the most common primary tumor of the mediastinum is thymoma, nearly followed by germ cell tumors and lymphomas. Tuberculosis of the thymus, an extremely rare condition, typically involves Qthe mediastinal lymph nodes. We present, in this study, pathological, radiological, and clinical findings of one case of tuberculosis of the thymus in an 18-year-old patient who presented thoracic pain, dyspnea upon minimal effort, and progressive worsening of the symptoms in one week. The chest X-ray showed a large mass in the mediastinum, and computed tomography scans indicated that it was located anteriorly. The patient was submitted to surgery in order to excise the mass. Microscopy revealed a massive inflammatory response and granulomas in the thymic tissue. Ziehl-Neelsen staining for acid-fast bacilli yielded positive results, and a diagnosis of tuberculosis was made. Surgeons and pathologists should remain alert for this condition and should include it in the differential diagnosis of mediastinal masses.