Pneumothorax in Patients with Pulmonary Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis.

INTRODUCTION: Pneumothorax often develops in pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH), but some patients take a long time to be correctly diagnosed. OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the frequency of pneumothorax in PLCH and analysed the role of chest computed tomography (CT) in the prompt diagnosis. PATIENTS AND MATERIAL: Of the 90 patients with PLCH seen from 2000 to 2015, 29 (32%) had pneumothorax as the initial finding. In this group, 18 (62%) patients were diagnosed within 1 month, whereas the diagnosis was delayed for 4-120 months in 11 (38%) patients. RESULTS: Patients who had pneumothorax as the initial sign of PLCH tended to be younger (mean age 27.7 ± 7.92 vs. 39.9 ± 13.21 years; P = 0.0001), male (69% vs. 43%; P = 0.028), smoked less (mean pack/years 8.4 ± 6.85 vs. 19 ± 17.16; P = 0.003), and had a significantly lower mean FVC (77.96 ± 19.62 vs. 89.47 ± 21.86% pred.; P = 0.015) and FEV1 (68.6 ± 19.93 vs. 79.4 ± 21.48% pred.; P = 0.03 than patients who had no pneumothorax. Recurrent pneumothorax was diagnosed more frequently in the group with a delayed diagnosis (82% vs. 39%; P = 0.02). CT was performed in all of the patients who were diagnosed promptly, but in none of the patients with a delayed diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who had pneumothorax as the initial sign of PLCH were younger, more frequently men, and had greater respiratory impairment than those who had no pneumothorax. CT in patients with pneumothorax led to a correct diagnosis of this disease.

The value of the new scoring system for predicting neoplastic pericarditis in the patients with large pericardial effusion.

PURPOSE: Early recognition of neoplastic pericarditis (npe) is crucial for the planning of subsequent therapy. The aim of the present study was to construct the scoring system assessing the probability of npe, in the patients requiring pericardial fluid (pf) drainage due to large pericardial effusion. METHODS: One hundred forty-six patients, 74 males and 72 females, entered the study. Npe based on positive pf cytology and/or pericardial biopsy specimen was recognised in 66 patients, non-npe in 80. Original scoring system was constructed based on parameters with the highest diagnostic value: mediastinal lymphadenopathy on chest CT scan, increased concentration of tumour markers (cytokeratin 19 fragments-Cyfra 21-1 and carcinoembryonic antigen-CEA) in pf, bloody character of pf, signs of imminent cardiac tamponade on echocardiography and tachycardia exceeding 90 beats/min on ECG. Each parameter was scored with positive or negative points depending on the positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV). RESULTS: The area under curve (AUC) for the scoring system was 0.926 (95%CI 0.852-0.963) and it was higher than AUC for Cyfra 21-1 0.789 (95%CI 0.684-0.893) or CEA 0.758 (95%CI 0.652-0.864). The score optimally discriminating between npe and non-npe was 0 points (sensitivity 0.84, specificity 0.91, PPV 0.9, NPV 0.85). CONCLUSION: Despite chest CT and tumour marker evaluation in pericardial fluid were good discriminators between npe and non-npe, the applied scoring system further improved the predicting of neoplastic disease in the studied population.

Cell-free DNA levels in plasma of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer and inflammatory lung disease.

BACKGROUND: The analysis of plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is expected to provide useful biomarkers for early diagnosis of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, it remains unclear whether the intense release of cfDNA into the bloodstream of NSCLC patients results from malignancy or chronic inflammatory response. Consequently, the current diagnostic utility of plasma cfDNA quantification has not been thoroughly validated in subjects with chronic respiratory inflammation. Here we assess the effect of chronic respiratory inflammation on plasma cfDNA levels and evaluate the potential clinical value of this phenomenon as an early lung cancer diagnostic tool. METHODS: We measured plasma cfDNA concentrations in 50 resectable NSCLC patients, 101 patients with chronic respiratory inflammation (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sarcoidosis, or asthma) and 40 healthy volunteers using real-time PCR. RESULTS: We found significantly higher plasma cfDNA levels in NSCLC patients than in subjects with chronic respiratory inflammation and healthy individuals (P<0.0001). There were no significant differences in plasma cfDNA levels between patients with chronic respiratory inflammation and healthy volunteers. The cutoff point of >2.8 ng ml(-1) provided 90% sensitivity and 80.5% specificity in discriminating NSCLC from healthy individuals (area under the curve (AUC)=0.90). The receiver-operating characteristics curve distinguishing NSCLC patients from subjects with chronic respiratory inflammation indicated 56% sensitivity and 91% specificity at the >5.25-ng ml(-1) cutoff (AUC=0.76). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that elevated plasma cfDNA levels in NSCLC resulted primarily from tumour development rather than inflammatory response, raising the potential clinical implications for lung cancer screening and early diagnosis. Further research is necessary to better characterise and identify factors and processes regulating cfDNA levels in the blood under normal and pathological conditions.

Prolonged SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Organizing Pneumonia in a Patient with Follicular Lymphoma, Treated with Obinutuzumab-Challenging Recognition and Treatment.

A Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) led to a pandemic outbreak in 2019. COVID-19's course and its treatment in immunocompromised patients are uncertain. Furthermore, there is a possibility of protracted SARS-CoV-2 infection and the need for repeated antiviral treatment. Monoclonal antibodies against CD20, which are used, among other things, in the therapy of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and follicular lymphoma, can induct immunosuppression. We present a case report of a patient with follicular lymphoma, treated with obinutuzumab, who was diagnosed with prolonged, ongoing SARS-CoV-2 infection and related organizing pneumonia. The recognition and the treatment were challenging which makes this case noteworthy. Antiviral therapy with several medications was administrated to our patient and their temporary, positive effect was observed. Moreover, high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin was applied, because slowly decreasing IgM and IgG levels were observed. The patient also received standard treatment of organizing pneumonia. We believe that such a complex approach can create an opportunity for recovery. Physicians should be conscious of the course and treatment possibilities facing similar cases.

Neoadjuvant therapy affects tumor growth markers in early stage non-small-cell lung cancer.

INTRODUCTION: While adjuvant therapy of early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is widely accepted, literature data concerning neoadjuvant treatment provide contradictory results with both improved and unaffected survival rates. Also, data concerning potential effects of neo-adjuvant therapy on cellular level are scarce. OBJECTIVE: The aim of present study was to analyze the effect of chemotherapy followed by surgical resection on several key biological markers of tumor growth (TGF-beta, VEGF), apoptosis (sAPO-1/Fas/CD95) and invasiveness (TIMP-1) assessed in the sera of NSCLC early-stage patients (IB-IIIA). - MATERIAL AND METHODS: Measurements were performed by ELISA method in blood serum from 24 NSCLC patients (I-IIIA) collected prior therapy, one day before surgery and 3 days after. RESULTS: TGF-beta serum concentrations were significantly lower after both chemotherapy (P<0.05) and surgery (P<0.01) in comparison to the baseline. VEGF levels decreased following NEO therapy with subsequent significant up-regulation after surgery (P<0.001). Interestingly, post-surgery serum VEGF strongly correlated with TGF-beta concentration (r = 0.52, P = 0.014). No significant differences were observed for serum sAPO-1/CD95/FAS as well as TIMP-1 concentrations at any of three evaluated time-points. CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant treatment of early-stage NSCLC affects mostly mechanisms responsible for tumor growth and vascularization. Its effect on cancer cells apoptotic activity needs further evaluation.

p53 and HER2/neu expression in relation to chemotherapy response in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

The aim of the study was to investigate a relation between p53 and HER2/neu expression in resected lung tumors and the response of those tumors to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The study population included 67 consecutive patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in stage II or III who were operated on at the Institute of Tuberculosis, Warsaw, Poland, between 20 April 2001 and 10 March 2003. All patients received two cycles of chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin and vinorelbine prior to the operation. The response to therapy was assessed as complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD) or progressive disease (PD), on the basis of CT scans performed before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. p53 and HER2/neu protein expression were evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using antibodies against p53 (clone PAb 1801, Novocastra) and against HER2/neu (Dako) in paraffin-embedded specimens of tumors. A response to therapy (CR+PR) was observed in 27 patients, while 40 patients (SD+PD) were regarded as resistant to therapy. Resistance was observed significantly more often in tumors above 3 cm in diameter. p53 expression was found in 16 tumors (23.9%) and HER2/neu in 26 tumors (38.8%). We observed a nonsignificant tendency to chemoresistance in tumors with HER-2/neu overexpression and also in tumors with p53 overexpression. If we consider HER-2/neu and p53 together, chemoresistance was observed statistically significantly more often when one or both markers were positive (p<0.05). This significance was independent of tumor size.

Primary pulmonary MALT lymphoma - case report and literature overview.

OBJECTIVE: Primary pulmonary lymphomas (PPL) are rarely taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of lung lesions. The aim of this report is to characterize the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of primary MALT lymphoma of the lung. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 48-year-old man who was admitted to hospital with a history of coughing, fever, fatigue and non-specific lesions on his chest X-ray. RESULTS: The patient was treated for pneumonia, but showed no improvement. A computer tomography revealed atypical lesions. After an initial examination and tests, no diagnosis could be established. A thoracotomy with an open lung biopsy was performed and MALT lymphoma was finally diagnosed. The patient underwent chemotherapy and showed a significant improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Primary MALT lymphoma is a rare disease and its diagnosis is difficult. There is no non-invasive test that is specific enough, so a proper diagnosis can only be established by a histopathological examination. The disease has a slow and mild course and the response to treatment is satisfactory.

Diagnostic utility of CYFRA 21-1 and CEA assays in pericardial fluid for the recognition of neoplastic pericarditis.

A positive cytology result in pericardial fluid is the gold standard for recognition of malignant pericardial effusion. Unfortunately, in 30-50% of patients with malignant pericardial effusion cytological examination of the pericardial fluid is negative. Tumor marker assessment in pericardial fluid may help to recognize malignant pericardial effusion. The aim of our study was to estimate the value of CYFRA 21-1 and CEA measurement in pericardial fluid for the recognition of malignant pericardial effusion. To our knowledge this is the first study on CYFRA 21-1 assessment in pericardial effusion. The examined group consisted of 50 patients with malignant pericardial effusion and 34 patients with non-malignant pericardial effusion. Median CEA concentrations in malignant pericardial effusion and non-malignant pericardial effusion were 80 ng/mL (0-317) and 0.5 ng/mL (0-18.4), respectively (p<0.001). Median CYFRA 21-1 concentrations in malignant pericardial effusion and non-malignant pericardial effusion were 260 ng/mL (5.3-10080) and 22.4 ng/mL (1.87-317.6), respectively (p<0.001). The optimal cutoff value for CYFRA 21-1 in pericardial effusion was 100 ng/mL. CYFRA 21-1 >100 ng/mL or CEA >5 ng/mL were found in 14/15 patients with malignant pericardial effusion and negative pericardial fluid cytology. We therefore strongly recommend the use of CYFRA 21-1 and/or CEA in addition to pericardial fluid cytology for the recognition of malignant pericardial effusion.

Constrictive bronchiolitis obliterans in patient with Castelman's disease.

A 37-year-old woman with hialin- vascular type Castelman's disease (CD) localised in the retroperitoneal region, incompletely resected, developed progressive dyspnoea. The chest radiograph taken 3 months before the operation was normal. The chest CT scan revealed diffused bronchiectases, hyperinflation and air trapping. Pulmonary function tests disclosed severe obstructive impairment with hyperinflation. The bronchoscopic examination of the bronchial tree was normal. Cultures of sputum, bronchial washing and blood were negative. No pemphigus antibodies were found. Mycoplasmal, chlamydial and viral infections were excluded. Histological examination of specimens obtained by open lung biopsy revealed bronchiolar inflammation, submucosal bronchial fibrosis with obliteration of bronchiolar lumen. Constrictive bronchiolitis obliterans (CBO) was diagnosed. Despite slight clinical and spirometric improvements that were achieved due to corticosteroid therapy, one year later she died as a result of respiratory failure. It is widely known that patients with CD develop CBO during the course of paraneoplastic pemphigus. However we present the case of CBO and CD but without any symptoms of this condition.

The conversion of thyroxine to triiodothyronine in the lung: comparison of activity of type I iodothyronine 5' deiodinase in lung cancer with peripheral lung tissues.

UNLABELLED: Triiodothyronine (T3) is the main active hormone, which is derived 20% from the thyroid gland and 80% from peripheral tissues. Thyroxin--5' deiodinases play a leading role in maintaining appropriate T3 concentrations in the different cells and organs: including the lung. The deiodinases present in pneumocytes were found to be localised in endoplasmatic reticulum. Aims of this study were: 1. To estimate activities of Type I and Type II iodothyronine 5' deiodinases (DI, DII) in two histological types of lung cancer. 2. To investigate possible differences in DI and DII activities between tumour tissue and peripheral lung tissue. 3. To study whether DI and DII activities are related to the extent of the disease process and grade of differentiation of lung cancer. MATERIAL: We studied 44 patients undergoing thoracotomy due to lung cancer. Histologically: 23 pts--squamous cell cancer, 21 pts adenocarcinoma. In all patients both tumour and peripheral lung tissue were studied. DI activity was measured in pmol 1251- released from 125 IrT3/min/mg of proteins, DII activity--in fmol 125I- released from 125IT4/hour/mg of protein. RESULTS: In most specimens DI and DII activities were observed. DI activity in specimens from lung peripheral tissue was: 3.3-58.3 pmol/min/mg of protein (mean 22.20) and in lung cancer tissue was: 2.0-44.7 pmol/min/mg of proteins (mean 13.3). DII activity in lung peripheral tissue ranged from 19 to 242 fmol/h/mg protein (mean 94.4) and in lung cancer ranged from 21 to 253 fmol/h/mg protein (mean 107.9). CONCLUSIONS: 1. Conversion of T4 to T3 occurs also in the lung. 2. The activity of DI is statistically significantly lower, in lung cancer than in peripheral lung tissue (13.3 +/- 9.5 vs 22.20 +/- 13.4 pmol/min/mg protein) respectively, p < 0.001. 3. DII activity in lung is present and similar in peripheral lung and lung cancer tissue. 4. There is a non-significant trend for correlation of DI activity and grade of differentiation (G1-G3) of tumour tissue and stage of lung cancer. Abbreviations' list: T3--triiodothyronine, T4--thyroxine, FT4--free thyroxine, rT3--revers triiodothyronine TSII--Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Type I lodothyronine 5'deiodinase = type I 5'deiodinase = 5'DI = DI Type II Iodothyronine 5'deiodinase = typeII 5'deiodinase = 5'DII = DII E.S.S.--Euthyroid Sick Syndrome, hDII = human type II iodothyronine deiodinase HDII-b, hDII-c = two novel splice variants SCC--Squamous Cell Cancer, A--adenocarcinoma, BMI--Body Mass Index BSA--Bovine Standard Albumin, DTT-1,4 Dithio-L-treitol, PTU--Propylothiouracil TCA--Tricholoroacetic Acid, TNM--Tumour Nodule Metastases (class.) G1-G3-grade of differentiation, COPD--Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

[Pulmonary sarcoidosis diagnosed in 2 cases suspected to be neoplasms]. / Sarkoidoza pluc rozpoznana w 2 przypadkach podejrzanych o nowotwór.

Two young patients suspected of neoplasms were admitted to Thoracic Surgery Department of Institute of Tuberculosis in first case (35-years old woman) chest x-ray showed atelectasis of upper right lobe, enlarged lymph nodes of mediastinum and right hillium-lymphoproliferative process was suspected. Repeated bronchoscopies revealed narrowing of upper right bronchus and in biopsy--granulomas with small focus of necrosis were found. Tuberculosis was not excluded. During short antituberculous treatment progression of lung lesions and enlarged supraclavicular lymph node were observed. Following biopsy confirmed sarcoidosis. Treatment with prednisone was successful. In second case the chest x-ray showed large masses in both lungs suspected of seminoma metastases. Lung biopsy made during thoracotomy revealed sarcoidosis.

[Typical and atypical pulmonary carcinoids--pathologic and clinical analysis of 77 cases]. / Typowe i atypowe rakowiaki pluc--patologiczna i kliniczna analiza 77 przypadków.

Neuroendocrine tumors of the lung represent a group of controversial pulmonary neoplasms regarding their classification, criteria for diagnosis, predictors of future behavior, and therapy. The histologic criteria for their classification rest heavily on the proposed by Arrigoni et al. in 1972, for atypical carcinoid (AC). According to these authors AC has mitoses between 5 and 10 per 10 high power fields (HPF), necrosis, hypercellularity and disorganized architecture. The survival analysis performed by Flieder et al. (1997) for a variety of clinical and histologic features revised the histologic criteria for separating AC from typical carcinoid (TC) and proposed a range of mitotic counts between 2 and 20 per HPF for AC. From 1978 until 1997, 77 resected pulmonary carcinoids were reclassified for TCs and ACs according to Flieder's et al. histologic criteria. The clinical and pathological various features were studied for the group of 62 TCs and 15 ACs. 77 patients (pts) entered the study: 29(38%) males and 48(62%)females; mean age 43 years, range 18-75 years, 46 pts underwent lobectomies, 16 bilobectomies, 12 pneumonectomies and 3 wedge resections. The patients with TC were younger than those with AC (males: 40 vs 50 years and females 42 vs 49 years). TCs were significantly smaller than ACs (mean diameter respectively: 24 mm vs 33 mm). Fifty four (87%) of TCs and all ACs had central localization. The time of patients observation ranged from 2 months to 18 and half years; 2 patients with TC died due to tumours progression; 3 due to other diseases. Regional lymph node metastases occurred in 10% TCs and 33% ACs (p = 0.032). The heterotopic bone formation appeared in 11(18%) TCs and 2(13%) ACs. The mitotic counts for AC range between 2 and 6 per 10 HPF, accompanied by small foci of necrosis in 2 cases. Peripheral carcinoids showed a spindle-cell morphology. The performed study has highlighted the new concept of the carcinoids classification and the importance of the mitotic counts as histologic criteria for AC diagnosis. The data based on the largest in Polish literature lung carcinoids collection.

[Aspergilloma of the lung imitating lung cancer]. / Grzybniak kropidlakowy pluca imitujacy proces nowotworowy.

75-year old woman admitted to Institute of TB due to the opacity in middle lobe of the right lung is described. The chest X-ray might suggest possibility of the lung cancer. The examination of the patient did not revealed any abnormalities. At the admission the nature of the lesion was not recognised by the accessible methods. Therefore, the thoracotomy was performed, and the aspergilloma was confirmed by intraoperative histopathologic methods. The middle lobe with the lesion was totally resected. The postoperative period was uneventful. The six months follow-up revealed that patient was cured.

[Clinical presentation of own idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients according to international consensus statement]. / Próba zastosowania kryteriów diagnostycznych miedzynarodowej grupy ekspertów do oceny obrazu klinicznego samoistnego wlóknienia pluc w materiale wlasnym.

Clinical presentation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) restricted, according to current definition to usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) was presented. 62 patients (39 males and 23 females) were assessed. The diagnosis of IPF/UIP has been based upon a combination of clinical, radiographic and physiologic features in majority of patients. Histologic confirmation from lung biopsy has been obtained in 16% of cases. Mean age of the patients was 64.4 +/- 8.0 years. Mean duration of symptoms was 20.1 +/- 14.1 months. The main symptom was exertional dyspnea. Crepitations were found in 98% of patients. Lung volumes were in normal range in substantial number of patients; TLC in 15 (24%) and FVC in 33 (53%) out of 62 patients. Disturbances of lung function concerned mainly gas exchange (DLCO diminished in 92% of cases) and lung compliance (diminished in all patients). Presentation of clinical, radiographic and physiologic features of IPF/UIP in a homogenous group of patients may be helpful in diagnosis of this common interstitial lung disease.

[Lung changes during the course of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in a patient with rhematoid arthritis with secondary Sjogren's syndrome]. / Zmiany plucne w przebiegu nieziarniczego chloniaka u chorego na reumatoidalne zapalenie stawów z wtórnym zespolem Sjoegrena.

A case of 51 years old woman with 12-years history of rheumatoid arthritis and secondary Sjoegren's syndrome, who developed EBV-associated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (Lymphomatoid granulomatosis type) involving lungs, lymph nodes and bone marrow was described.

[Granulomatous lung lesions after occupational exposure to glass fibers]. / Ziarniniakowe zapalenie pluc po ekspozycji zawodowej na wate szklana.

39 years old man with granulomatous lesions in both lungs caused by occupational contact with glass fibers was described. He has been working as an bricklayer-plasterer for 18 years and was in contact with lime, cement, plaster, asbestos, dust of coal and wood and with glass fibers. For the last two years before admission in 1993 he has had frequent bronchial infections. On admission he was in good general condition, his spirometric examination and blood gases were within normal limits. On chest x-ray disseminated lesions were found. Those lesions were of the round shapes on chest CT. Many sputum cultures for tubercle bacilli were negative. ANA and ANCA were not found in the serum. ACE was within normal limits. No precipitins to environmental antigens were found. Cancer metastases were suspected and lung biopsy during videothoracoscopy was done. Many foreign body type granulomas were found throughout the specimen. The character of the lesions was not typical for tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, extrinsic allergic alveolitis, silicosis or asbestosis. There are some reports concerning the possibility of development of such lesions after the exposition to glass fibers. We suspect that case is an example of such pathology. His occupational exposition was stopped in 1993 and he was observed without treatment. During the 5 years of observation (up till 1998) he was in good health with stable chest x-ray picture and results of respiratory system function.

[Early and late results of surgical treatment for bronchial carcinoids]. / Wczesne i odlegle wyniki leczenia chirurgicznego rakowiaków oskrzeli.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of surgical treatment of the bronchial carcinoids. Between 1983 and 1996 52 patients (pts) with typical carcinoid were operated. The group consisted of 23 males and 29 females aged from 20 to 68 years (mean 41.3 years). In the chest X-ray and CT scan round shadow were found in 21 (40.4%) cases, lung tissue atelectasis in 23 (44.1%) cases. The bronchial tree was normal in fiberoptic bronchoscopy in 8 cases. We performed 4 pneumonectomies, 3 wedge resection and 45 lobectomies (including 5 "sleeve" lobectomies). We haven't recorded any early post-op deaths. Only two pts (3.8%) developed post-op complications--cardiac arrhythmias. In two cases the surgical treatment was followed by radiotherapy for metastases in regional lymph nodes. The period of follow-up ranged from 3 to 166 months (mean 62.2 months). During that time we noticed the recurrence of tumor in 2 pts (3.8%). One patient died from cardiac reason. The 5-year survival among patients operated in the period 1983-1992 was 91.2%. The 10-year survival in the group of pts operated on between 1983 and 1987 was 90%. CONCLUSION: The surgical treatment of bronchial carcinoid is method of choice, very efficient and safe.

[Primary lung hemangiopericytoma--a rare neoplasm with a long course of recurrence over many years]. / Pierwotny hemangiopericytoma pluca--rzadki nowotwór o nawracajacym, wieloletnim przebiegu.

Hemangiopericytoma (HPC) is a rare neoplasm arising from pericytes that occur mostly around smaller vessels. Up to now only about 100 cases have been reported to arise primarily in the lung. The behavior of pulmonary hemangiopericytomas is difficult to predict and all tumors should be considered potentially malignant, even though the criteria for malignancy are not well developed. The diagnosis of HPC is known to confound even experienced pathologist. Pericytes lack readily identifiable morphologic features, therefore hemangiopericytomas are often confused with other soft tissue tumors that may have hemangiopericytoma--like pattern. We report a rare case of primary HPC of the lung with an asymptomatic, long course of the disease. The diagnosis of hamartoma was established after the first operation. Subsequently, seven years later, a chest radiograph revealed new lesions. Histological examination, including immunohistochemistry lead to the final diagnosis of hemangiopericytoma. The small number of cases of primary pulmonary hemangiopericytoma makes it difficult to define the correct histopathological diagnosis especially without modern methods.

[A rare mediastinal neoplasm in the form of a hemangioma]. / Rzadka forma rozrostu nowotworowego w sródpiersiu pod postacia naczyniaka.

Hemangiomas of the mediastinum are rare tumors. They represent fewer than 0.5% of the mediastinal tumors. Because of their rarity, the diagnosis and treatment of these tumors is difficult. We present a case of venous hemangioma of the mediastinum in a young woman. Despite of routine examination applied in mediastinal tumors the appropriate diagnosis was not done by the accessible methods.

[Sarcoid reaction in patients with lung neoplasm--personal experiments]. / Odczyn sarkoidalny u chorych na raka pluca--doswiadczenia wlasne.

In two cases histological examination of the lymph nodes excised during mediastinoscopy showed non-caseous epithelioid granulomas. In one patient with hilar lymphadenopathy sarcoidosis was misdiagnosed. One-year later progression of lesions in lungs was found and adenocarcinoma was diagnosed. In second patient with tumour in chest x-ray examination after misdiagnosed sarcoidosis thoracotomy was done and histological examination of samples from tumour showed nonsmall cell lung cancer. In both carcinomatous cases sarcoid reaction was recognised.