Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 and carcinoembryonic antigen immunostaining in benign multicystic mesothelioma of the peritoneum.

A 58-year-old Italian man was incidentally discovered to have an elevated carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA-19-9) level of 132 U/mL on routine blood testing. Multisystem imaging studies revealed multiple benign-appearing cysts of the liver and single cysts in the pancreas and kidney parenchyma. Throughout 14 months, fluctuations were observed in the elevated serum CA-19-9 levels from 99 to 450 U/mL. Serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and other tumor markers were normal. Laparoscopy disclosed multiple cystic lesions on the surface of the liver, on the serosal surface of the ileum, and in the mesentery. Electron microscopy characterized the cells as mesothelial. The pathologic diagnosis was benign multicystic mesothelioma of the peritoneum (BMMP). Aspirated fluid from the liver cyst revealed CA-19-9 levels at 28 500 U/mL, strongly linking the elevated serum CA-19-9 levels with mesothelial cyst secretion. Immunostaining was positive for CA-19-9, CEA, and cancer antigen 125 (CA-125). We believe this is the first documented instance of CA-19-9 and CEA secretion in BMMP.

[Bullous mastocytosis. Two clinical cases]. / Mastocitosi bollosa. Due casi clinici.

Two cases of bullous mastocytosis in children are described. This form must be differentiated from the more common mastocytosis with bullae: in the latter form, blisters occur on previously existing papillar or nodular lesions, whereas in bullous mastocytosis the blisters occur on apparently normal skin.

[The relationship between lichen ruber planus orale, hepatopathies and hypersensitivity to the components of dental restorations]. / Studio sulla relazione tra lichen ruber planus orale, epatopatie ed ipersensibilità a componenti di restauri dentari.

A group of patients with lichen planus, a pathology affecting the cutis and mucosa which may affect the oral cavity, were studied. All patients underwent laboratory tests to assess hepatic function. Prick tests, using a series of haptens found in materials used in dental reconstruction work, were also performed in 53 patients who possessed dental prostheses. The statistically significant correlation between lichen planus, especially in its erosive form, and hepatic damage is underlined. However, the correlation between sensitivity to the haptens contained in materials for dental reconstruction work and lichen planus was not significant.