Role of DNA ploidy analysis in endometrial adenocarcinoma.

Endometrial adenocarcinoma is the leading cause of malignancy of the female genital tract. Prognosis of this tumor, which has implications on patient management, is determined by evaluation of the stage of disease, architectural grade, nuclear grade, myometrial invasion, and peritoneal cytology. These parameters have inherent subjectivity and, therefore, the search for an objective reliable parameter to determine prognosis is required. DNA ploidy is under investigation as an objective and reproducible prognostic parameter. This study will evaluate the role of DNA ploidy and its relationship to the traditional parameters as predictors of prognosis in patients with endometrial carcinoma. Fifty-eight patients were evaluated by two observers for architectural grade according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics classification, nuclear grade, and depth of myometrial invasion. DNA ploidy was evaluated using flow cytometer (FACscan, Becton Dickinson, San Jose, CA). Histologic parameters were than compared with DNA ploidy. Survival data were obtained from the tumor registry. Results of patient survival were compared with histologic parameters and DNA ploidy. Higher nuclear grade and aneuploidy correlated with poor survival rate (P <.05). Higher nuclear grade correlated with aneuploidy. The survival of patients with architectural grade 2 (moderately differentiated) endometrial adenocarcinoma is poorer if the tumor is aneuploid as compared with diploid as determined by flow cytometry. In conclusion, aneuploidy and nuclear grade correlates with poor patient survival. The poorer survival rates with aneuploid architectural grade 2 endometrial adenocarcinoma may have an impact on clinical management.

Neutrophil-rich anaplastic large cell lymphoma of T-cell lineage. A report of two cases arising in HIV-positive patients.

Neutrophil-rich anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is an uncommon morphologic variant of ALCL. We report 2 cases of neutrophil-rich T-cell ALCL that presented as scalp masses in HIV-positive men. Histologically, the neoplastic cells extensively infiltrated the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The neoplastic cells strongly expressed CD30 and were of T-cell lineage, positive for CD3 and CD45RO, and negative for CD20. The neoplastic cells were negative for anaplastic lymphoma kinase-1. Numerous admixed neutrophils also were present, representing up to 70% of all cells in some microscopic fields. Neither patient had peripheral blood leukocytosis. One patient had relative neutrophilia, 79% (0.79; reference range, 50%-70% [0.50-0.70]). The absolute CD4 counts were 160 cells/microL (160 x 10(6)/L) and 150 cells/microL (150 x 10(6)/L), respectively (reference range, 431-1,623/microL [431-1,623 x 10(6)/L]). Both patients were treated with multiagent chemotherapy but died of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia within 6 months of diagnosis. In our review of the literature, we identified 5 similar T-cell cases, including 1 in an HIV-positive patient. Neutrophil-rich T-cell ALCL is a rare morphologic variant of ALCL that should be considered in the histologic evaluation of neutrophil-rich biopsy specimens.

Pancreatic head mass from metastatic meningeal hemangiopericytoma.

Purpose. To illustrate the propensity of meningeal hemangiopericytoma to spread extraneurally, as a distinction to the ordinary meningioma.Patients or subjects. A patient with long history of meningeal hemangiopericytoma was reported.Methods. A case report on meningeal hemangiopericytoma with a literature review was presented.Results. The patient has multiple local recurrence as well as distant metastases.This is the first case report of metastatic meningeal hemangiopericytoma causing compression of the pancreatic head.The patient also has biopsy-proven pulmonary metastases.The patient received both local and systemic therapy.Discussion. It is important to recognize the distinctive features differentiating meningeal hemangiopericytoma from meningioma. The positive impact of clinico-pathological correlation on patient management is emphasized.