Analyses of tumor microenvironment in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma receiving immunotherapy (Meet-URO 18 study).

Introduction: The Meet-URO 18 study is a multicentric study of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma receiving nivolumab in the second-line and beyond, categorized as responders (progression-free survival ≥ 12 months) and non-responders (progression-free survival < 3 months). Areas covered: The current study includes extensive immunohistochemical analysis of T-lineage markers (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD8/CD4 ratio), macrophages (CD68), ph-mTOR, CD15 and CD56 expression on tumor cells, and PD-L1 expression, on an increased sample size including 161 tumor samples (113 patients) compared with preliminary presented data. Responders' tumor tissue (n = 90; 55.9%) was associated with lower CD4 expression (p = 0.014), higher CD56 expression (p = 0.046) and higher CD8/CD4 ratio (p = 0.030). Expert opinion/commentary: The present work suggests the regulatory role of a subpopulation of T cells on antitumor response and identifies CD56 as a putative biomarker of immunotherapy efficacy.

[Box: see text].

Analyses of tumor microenvironment in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma receiving immunotherapy (Meet-URO 18 study).

Introduction: The Meet-URO 18 study is a multicentric study of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma receiving nivolumab in the second-line and beyond, categorized as responders (progression-free survival ≥ 12 months) and non-responders (progression-free survival < 3 months). Areas covered: The current study includes extensive immunohistochemical analysis of T-lineage markers (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD8/CD4 ratio), macrophages (CD68), ph-mTOR, CD15 and CD56 expression on tumor cells, and PD-L1 expression, on an increased sample size including 161 tumor samples (113 patients) compared with preliminary presented data. Responders' tumor tissue (n = 90; 55.9%) was associated with lower CD4 expression (p = 0.014), higher CD56 expression (p = 0.046) and higher CD8/CD4 ratio (p = 0.030). Expert opinion/commentary: The present work suggests the regulatory role of a subpopulation of T cells on antitumor response and identifies CD56 as a putative biomarker of immunotherapy efficacy.

Ovarian cancer pathology characteristics as predictors of variant pathogenicity in BRCA1 and BRCA2.

BACKGROUND: The distribution of ovarian tumour characteristics differs between germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic variant carriers and non-carriers. In this study, we assessed the utility of ovarian tumour characteristics as predictors of BRCA1 and BRCA2 variant pathogenicity, for application using the American College of Medical Genetics and the Association for Molecular Pathology (ACMG/AMP) variant classification system. METHODS: Data for 10,373 ovarian cancer cases, including carriers and non-carriers of BRCA1 or BRCA2 pathogenic variants, were collected from unpublished international cohorts and consortia and published studies. Likelihood ratios (LR) were calculated for the association of ovarian cancer histology and other characteristics, with BRCA1 and BRCA2 variant pathogenicity. Estimates were aligned to ACMG/AMP code strengths (supporting, moderate, strong). RESULTS: No histological subtype provided informative ACMG/AMP evidence in favour of BRCA1 and BRCA2 variant pathogenicity. Evidence against variant pathogenicity was estimated for the mucinous and clear cell histologies (supporting) and borderline cases (moderate). Refined associations are provided according to tumour grade, invasion and age at diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: We provide detailed estimates for predicting BRCA1 and BRCA2 variant pathogenicity based on ovarian tumour characteristics. This evidence can be combined with other variant information under the ACMG/AMP classification system, to improve classification and carrier clinical management.

A microcystic/reticular schwannoma in an unusual site: description of a retroperitoneal location and review of the literature.

Microcystic/reticular (MRV) schwannoma has been described since 2008, but remains a rarely encountered entity. MRV has a predilection for visceral locations and has variable histologic appareances. Given its rarity and anatomic variability, this entity could raise differential diagnostic issues with other tumours and malignancies.We describe the case of a 69-year-old male followed at IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino of Genoa for his previous history of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. A para-aortic mass was discovered during follow-up, which -due to its stability, also after chemotherapy- had been hypothesized to be a non-lymphomatous lesion; given the dimensions and the site, the mass was removed. Histological evaluation showed a nodule limited by a slight fibrous capsule and characterized by a proliferation of medium-sized fusiform cells, with elongated nuclei and scarce eosinophilic cytoplasm. Given the lack of malignant signs and the strong expression of protein S-100, a diagnosis of mesenchymal neoplasia with expression of neural markers compatible with reticular schwannoma was made. The neoplasm has not recurred since its removal.The case we present is, at our best knowledge, the first described in the retroperitoneum, a site where the exclusion of other mesenchymal malignancies is mandatory. The rarity and variability of presentations could create problems of differential diagnosis both with mucinous-producing carcinomas or with other soft tissue tumours, with myxoid or reticular structure. The description of this case could help raise information on this rare neoplasm and help distinguish it from other malignancies, especially in unusual sites.

A prospective study comparing rectal water contrast-transvaginal ultrasonography with sonovaginography for the diagnosis of deep posterior endometriosis.

INTRODUCTION: Preoperative assessment of deep endometriotic (DE) nodules is necessary to inform patients about the possible treatments and provide informed consent in case of surgery. This study aims to investigate the diagnostic performance of rectal water-contrast transvaginal ultrasonography (RWC-TVS) and sonovaginography (SVG) in women with suspicion of posterior DE. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective comparative study (NCT04296760) enrolled women with clinical suspicion of DE at our institution (Piazza della Vittoria 14 SRL, Genoa, Italy). Exclusion criteria were previous diagnosis of DE by imaging techniques or laparoscopy. All patients underwent RWC-TVS and SVG, independently performed by two gynecological sonologists blinded to the other technique's results. Patients underwent laparoscopic surgery within the following three months; imaging findings were compared with surgical and histological results. RESULTS: In 208 of 281 (74.0%) patients included, posterior DE was surgically confirmed in rectosigmoid (n = 88), vagina (n = 21), rectovaginal septum (n = 34) and uterosacral ligaments (n = 156). RWC-TVS and SVG demonstrated similar sensitivity (SE; 93.8% vs 89.4%; p = 0.210) and specificity (SP; 86.3% vs 79.4%; p = 0.481) in diagnosing posterior DE. Specifically, both examinations had similar accuracy in detecting nodules of uterosacral ligaments (p = 0.779), vagina (p = 0.688) and rectovaginal septum (p = 0.824). RWC-TVS had higher SE (95.2% vs 82.0%; p = 0.003) and similar SP (99.5% vs 98.5%; p = 0.500) in diagnosing rectosigmoid endometriosis and estimated better infiltration of intestinal submucosa (p = 0.039), and distance between these nodules and anal verge (p < 0.001); only RWC-TVS allowed the estimation of bowel lumen stenosis. A similar proportion of discomfort was experienced during both examinations (p = 0.191), although a statistically higher mean visual analog score was reported during RWC-TVS (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Although RWC-TVS and SVG have similar accuracy in the diagnosis of DE, RWC-TVS performed better in assessment of the characteristics of rectosigmoid endometriosis.

Magnetic Resonance Rectal Enema Versus Computed Tomographic Colonography in the Diagnosis of Rectosigmoid Endometriosis.

OBJECTIVES: Rectosigmoid involvement by endometriosis causes intestinal symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, and dyschezia. A precise diagnosis about the presence, location, and extent of bowel implants is required to plan the most appropriate treatment. The aim of the study was to compare the accuracy of magnetic resonance with distension of the rectosigmoid (MR-e) with computed colonography (CTC) for diagnosing rectosigmoid endometriosis. METHODS: This study was based on the retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of patients with suspicion of rectosigmoid endometriosis who underwent both MR-e and CTC, and subsequently were treated by laparoscopy. The findings of imaging techniques were compared with surgical and histological results. RESULTS: Of 90 women included in the study, 44 (48.9%) had rectosigmoid nodules and underwent bowel surgery. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy for the diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis were 88.6%, 93.5%, 92.9%, 89.6%, and 91.1% for CTC, and 93.2%, 97.9%, 97.6%, 93.8%, and 95.6% for MR-e. There was no significant difference in the accuracy of both radiologic examinations for diagnosing rectosigmoid endometriosis (P = 0.344). However, MR-e was more accurate than CTC in estimating the largest diameter of the main rectosigmoid nodule (P < 0.001). The pain perceived by the patients was significantly lower during MR-e than during CTC (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: MR-e and CTC have similar diagnostic performance for the diagnosis of rectosigmoid involvement of endometriosis. However, MR-e is more accurate in the estimation of the largest diameter of main rectosigmoid nodule and more tolerated than CTC.

Treatment of rectovaginal endometriosis with the etonogestrel-releasing contraceptive implant.

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of the etonogestrel (ENG)-releasing implant in treating patients with rectovaginal endometriosis. The study was based on the retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database, including symptomatic women who had ultrasonographic diagnosis of rectovaginal endometriosis. Patients were follow-up at 6, 12 and 24 months from the insertion of the ENG-releasing implant. The intensity of pain symptoms was evaluated using a visual analog scale. The volume of the nodules was estimated by virtual organ computer-aided analysis. The Endometriosis Health Profile (EHP-30) was used to evaluate quality of life. Overall, 43 women were included in the study. The 2-year continuation rate for the ENG-releasing implant was 93.0%. The treatment quickly improved the intensity of non-menstrual pelvic pain, deep dyspareunia, dysmenorrhea, and dyschezia. At 6-month follow-up, there were improvements in all domains of the EHP-30 compared with baseline. Further improvements in the EHP-30 results were observed only in pain sub score at 12-month follow-up and in emotional well-being sub score at 24-month follow-up. At 6-month follow-up the volume of the rectovaginal nodules was significantly lower compared with baseline; a further decrease was observed at 12- and 24-month follow-up. The treatment was well tolerated.

Total disc replacement for lumbar degenerative disc disease: single centre 20 years experience.

PURPOSE: To report clinical and radiographic outcomes, rate of complications and influence on spinal alignment on long-term follow-up (FU) of patients who underwent lumbar total disc arthroplasty (TDR), bringing some evidence to determine the profile of the most well-suited patients for TDR. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients underwent TDR for low back pain from degenerative disc disease (DDD) resistant to conservative treatment was performed. Demographic features, surgical data, clinical and radiographic outcomes, complications and spinopelvic parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty patients (32 TDR) were included with a mean FU of 164 ± 36.5 months. The clinical outcomes measured by visual analogue scale and Oswestry Disability Index showed a significant improvement between preoperative and 1-year FU (p < 0.01). No significant temporal variance has been identified between 1-year and long-term follow-up (p > 0.05). The surgical revision rate was 10%. The overall rate of complications was 20%. At final follow-up, the mobility of the prosthesis was preserved in 68.75% of the cases, and 73.3% of the patients were globally well aligned. CONCLUSION: The optimal surgical indication is crucial to achieve excellent clinical and radiological outcomes. According to the literature and to our experience, we underline the importance of a coronal deformity < 15° Cobb angle and a Roussouly type 1 or 2 as the profile of the most well-suited patient for TDR. Our long-term results confirm the existing evidence about efficacy and safety of TDR as a reliable option, in optimal surgery indication, to treat DDD. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Preoperative Treatment with Ulipristal Acetate before Outpatient Hysteroscopic Myomectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Nowadays, the resection of submucosal myomas is usually performed by hysteroscopy. No previous study has investigated the use of preoperative hormonal therapy before outpatient hysteroscopic myomectomy. OBJECTIVE: To compare the usefulness of 3-month preoperative treatment with ulipristal acetate (UPA) before outpatient hysteroscopic myomectomy in patients with FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) type 0-1 myomas. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective patient preference study included women requiring hysteroscopic resection of single FIGO type 0-1 myoma with the largest diameter <2 cm. Patients underwent either preoperative treatment with UPA (5 mg/day) for 3 months or direct surgery. Outpatient myomectomy was performed using the bipolar electrosurgical Versapoint system (Ethicon Gynecare, USA). The primary objective of the study was to compare the rate of complete resections in the 2 study groups. The secondary objective of the study was to compare the operative time and the volume of fluid infused/absorbed. The tertiary objective of the study was to assess the surgical appearance of the myomas in patients treated with UPA. RESULTS: The study included 38 women treated with UPA and 45 women who underwent direct surgery. UPA treatment significantly decreased the volume of uterine myomas (p < 0.001). The percentage of complete resection was higher in patients treated with UPA (89.5%) than in those who underwent direct surgery (68.9%; p = 0.046). Preoperative UPA treatment decreased the operative time (p < 0.001) and the volume of fluid infused (p = 0.016), but it did not significantly affect the volume of fluid absorbed (p = 0.874). The texture of the myoma was not significantly affected by UPA treatment (p = 0.142). CONCLUSIONS: Three-month UPA treatment improves the chance of single-step complete outpatient hysteroscopic resection of single FIGO type 0-1 myoma. Future randomized studies with a larger sample size should confirm these preliminary findings.

Report of Positive Placental Swabs for SARS-CoV-2 in an Asymptomatic Pregnant Woman with COVID-19.

Currently, limited data on maternal and neonatal outcomes of pregnant women with infection and pneumonia related to SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are available. Our report aims to describe a case of placental swabs positive for the molecular research on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 RNA in an asymptomatic woman with positive rhino-pharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2 who underwent an urgent cesarean section in our obstetrics unit. Sample collection, processing, and laboratory testing were conducted in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidance. In the next months, conclusive data on obstetrical outcomes concerning the gestational age and pregnancy comorbidity as well as the eventual maternal-fetal transmission are needed.

Does Bowel Preparation Improve the Performance of Rectal Water Contrast Transvaginal Ultrasonography in Diagnosing Rectosigmoid Endometriosis?

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of the study was to compare the performance of the rectal water transvaginal ultrasonography (RWC-TVS) with and without bowel preparation (BP) in diagnosing rectosigmoid endometriosis. The secondary objectives were to compare the performance of the 2 exams in estimating infiltration of the mucosa, length of the largest rectosigmoid nodules, distance of the nodules from the anal verge, and presence of multifocal disease. METHODS: This prospective study included patients with pain symptoms and intestinal complaints suggestive of endometriosis. Patients underwent RWC-TVS with and without BP within an interval of 1 week to 2 months. Two independent and blinded gynecologists performed the exams. The results of the 2 exams were compared with surgical and histologic findings. RESULTS: A total of 155 patients were included in the study; 92 patients had rectosigmoid endometriosis. There was no significant difference in the performance of RWC-TVS with or without BP in diagnosing rectosigmoid endometriosis (P = .727). There was no significant difference in the performance of RWC-TVS with or without BP in diagnosing infiltration of the mucosa (P = .424) and multifocal disease (P = .688), in estimating the main diameter of the largest nodule (P = .644) and the distance between the more distal rectosigmoid nodule and the anal verge (P = .090). The patients similarly tolerated the 2 exams (P = .799). CONCLUSIONS: Bowel preparation does not improve the performance of RWC-TVS in diagnosing rectosigmoid endometriosis and in assessing the characteristics of these nodules.

Ulipristal Acetate before Hysteroscopic and Laparoscopic Surgery for Uterine Myomas: Help or Hindrance?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Ulipristal acetate ([UPA], Esmya®) is an orally active selective progesterone-receptor modulator that has been approved as preoperative treatment for uterine myomas. This systematic review aims to summarize the available data on surgical outcomes of patients undergoing myomectomy by hysteroscopy or by laparoscopy after preoperative treatment with UPA. METHODS: this review was performed following PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42018092201). PubMed, EMBASE, and Medline databases were systematically searched electronically until March 2018 for keywords concerning this topic. There were included only peer-reviewed, English language journal articles. RESULTS: two prospective studies and 4 retrospective studies were included. The effect of UPA on the endometrium does not increase the technical difficulty during hysteroscopic myomectomy, but it increases the chance of complete primary resection in complex hysteroscopic myomectomies. Moreover, UPA does not increase the overall technical difficulty of laparoscopic myomectomy. Contradictory results have been reported on the impact of UPA on the separation of the myoma from the myometrium and on the consistency of the myomas. CONCLUSION: current results support the use of UPA prior to both surgical procedures. Further studies should confirm these preliminary findings and to assess the long-term outcomes of myomectomies following UPA treatment.

Giant Hepatic Hemangioma and Placental Chorangiosis: A Unique Case of Stillbirth?

INTRODUCTION: Hepatic hemangiomas (HH) are benign vascular tumors, and when large, may contribute to fetal morbidity/mortality. Chorangiosis is placental villus capillary hypervascularity, probably linked with fetal hypoxia. CASE REPORT: We present a macrosomic stillbirth at 39 + 3 weeks of gestation with congestive heart failure (CHF) and myocardial infarction. A giant right hepatic lobe HH was present, along with placental chorangiosis. CONCLUSION: A common pathogenetic pathway between congenital HH and placental chorangiosis has not been reported. Our case suggests that the effects of HH and chorangiosis increase the risk of late fetal loss due to the high-output CHF.

Inflammatory Response Modulation through a PPARγ Agonist during Surgically Induced Visceral Ischemia in an Animal Model.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury represents one of the most severe complications in vascular surgery where cross-clamping of the aorta and subsequent visceral ischemia are a recurrent issue. The literature describes a family of nuclear receptors, that is, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), in particular PPARγ isoform, which are important modulators of vascular inflammation resulting from I/R injury. The aim of our study is to evaluate how PPARγ agonist administration could reduce local and systemic inflammatory response after I/R injury during aortic supraceliac clamping in animal model. METHODS: Our model includes 16 rats divided as follows: 8 rats in the placebo control group (PlacG) were operated on without having been administered of any drugs during the preoperative period, whereas the 8 rats in the pioglitazone group (PioG) were pretreated with pioglitazone. Renal and visceral ischemias were induced in the rats by supraceliac aortic clamping. Rats were sacrificed after surgery, and then, we collected blood samples to measure serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and one of the kidneys and a segment of the liver to perform histological analysis. RESULTS: Considering both cytokines in the PioG, there has been a negative trend in serum concentrations, whereas in the PlacG, we observed an increasing trend. The high standard deviation observed in our study is mainly due to the small population of the cohort. Histologic examination of the kidney showed more severe damage in the placebo group as compared to the PioG with more evident differences in tubular and tubulointerstitial scores. CONCLUSIONS: Our observations show that administering pioglitazone can partially reduce secondary inflammatory response in the ischemic insult especially in endothelial and perivascular tissues.

Peritoneal carcinomatosis from ovarian paraganglioma: Report of a rare case and systematic review of the literature.

Paraganglioma is one of the rarest neoplasms involving the ovary, with only 10 previous reports. We present a case of peritoneal carcinomatosis from primary ovarian paraganglioma and a systematic review of the literature. Clinical information was retrieved from medical records, and a systematic review of the literature was performed according to meta-analysis of observational studies in epidemiology guidelines. A 33-year-old woman presented with a 12-month history of hypertension and weight loss. She was diagnosed with ovarian paraganglioma and was treated with extensive debulking surgery to no residual disease after three cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. She recurred after 6 months and was started on somatostatin-analogue. Following further disease progression with bone metastasis (treated with palliative radiotherapy), a trial with Sunitinib was started. The patient died 30 months after initial diagnosis. Of the cases reported to date, only one had peritoneal metastasis at presentation but none of them had such an ominous prognosis. Ovarian paraganglioma is an extremely rare condition. We report the first case of primary malignant ovarian paraganglioma with an exceptionally aggressive behavior. Clinicopathological correlation with immunohistochemistry is essential to avoid misdiagnosis. A standard treatment is not recommended yet but cytoreductive surgery seems to be a favorable approach to prolong survival.

Report on the first SLFN11 monothematic workshop: from function to role as a biomarker in cancer.

SLFN11 is a recently discovered protein with a putative DNA/RNA helicase function. First identified in association with the maturation of thymocytes, SLFN11 was later causally associated, by two independent groups, with the resistance to DNA damaging agents such as topoisomerase I and II inhibitors, platinum compounds, and other alkylators, making it an attractive molecule for biomarker development. Later, SLFN11 was linked to antiviral response in human cells and interferon production, establishing a potential bond between immunity and chemotherapy. Recently, we demonstrated the potential role of SLN11 as a biomarker to predict sensitivity to the carboplatin/taxol combination in ovarian cancer. The present manuscript reports on the first international monothematic workshop on SLFN11. Several researchers from around the world, directly and actively involved in the discovery, functional characterization, and study of SLFN11 for its biomarker and medicinal properties gathered to share their views on the current knowledge advances concerning SLFN11. The aim of the manuscript is to summarize the authors' interventions and the main take-home messages resulting from the workshop.

Cutaneous metastasis from vulvar squamous cell carcinoma: a rare occurrence that should not be forgotten.

Vulvar cancer accounts for 5% of the female genital tract cancers. Cutaneous metastases from vulvar cancer are extremely rare and for this reason, it can be difficult to reach a diagnosis with a consequent delay in the treatment. A systematic literature review of articles on this subject was conducted through a MEDLINE-based search for articles published in English or French. To date, 16 cases (including ours unpublished) of cutaneous metastasis from vulvar cancer have been reported. Cutaneous metastasis can occur from any stage of vulvar cancer, even after a short period. Different treatments have been described but none of them seems to be more effective. In all reported cases the prognosis was very poor. Every time a vulvar cancer survivor shows a suspicious cutaneous lesion, this should be biopsied to exclude skin relapse. Impact statement Cutaneous metastases from vulvar cancer are extremely rare and due to its rarity, a standard treatment has not been established yet. Cutaneous metastasis can occur from any stage of vulvar cancer, even after a short period. In all the reported cases, the prognosis was very poor. Every time a vulvar cancer survivor shows a suspect cutaneous lesion, this should be biopsied to exclude skin relapse.

Intestinal Endometriosis: Mimicker of Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endometriosis of the intestinal tract (IE) is thought to mimic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) both clinically and pathologically but robust data on a large unselected series are missing. Diagnostic problems arise both at colonoscopy as well as on resection specimens for IE when IBD-like features are encountered. The aim was to establish the frequency of IBD-like histology in IE and which type of histological lesions are shared by these two entities. METHODS: One hundred consecutive, unselected cases of surgically resected IE were collected and clinical features and histopathology reviewed and reevaluated. RESULTS: Seventy-five surgical specimens showed no histological alterations except for endometriosis foci. Twenty-two cases showed focal architectural alterations in the absence of significant inflammation. Three cases showed marked inflammatory and architectural mucosal changes making a differential diagnosis with IBD particularly challenging. On follow-up, however, these patients remained symptom-free and with no need for anti-inflammatory therapy after surgical resection of IE. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic problems may arise in women who have IBD-like symptoms and histology at colonoscopy but who lack a known diagnosis of endometriosis. Clinicians must be aware that the diagnosis of IBD in patients with IE should be reevaluated over time.

Frozen Section of Placental Membranes and Umbilical Cord: A Valid Diagnostic Tool for Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis Management.

Early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS), a serious infection in newborns within 3 days, is challenging to diagnose. The current methods often lack accuracy, leading to unnecessary antibiotics or delayed treatment. This study investigates the role of the frozen section examination of placental membranes and umbilical cord (FSMU) to improve EONS diagnosis in the daily lab practice. This retrospective study reviewed data from 59 neonates with EONS risk factors who underwent FSMU according to our institutional protocol. Concordance between the FSMU and the Final Pathological Report (FPR) was assessed. The FSMU demonstrated a high concordance (Kappa = 0.88) for funisitis diagnosis, with excellent accuracy (98.3%). A moderate concordance was observed for chorioamnionitis stage and grade. The FSMU shows promise as a rapid and accurate tool for diagnosing EONS, particularly for funisitis. This study suggests that the FSMU could be a valuable tool for EONS diagnosis, enabling a more judicious antibiotic use and potentially improving outcomes for newborns.

Paediatric Spitzoid Neoplasms: 10-Year Retrospective Study Characterizing Histological, Clinical, Dermoscopic Presentation and FISH Test Results.

INTRODUCTION: Spitzoid lesions are a wide tumour class comprising Spitz nevus (SN), atypical Spitz tumour (AST) and Spitz melanoma (SM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a single-centre-based retrospective survey on all histologically diagnosed spitzoid lesions of paediatric patients (1-18 years) of the last 10 years (2012-2022). Histopathological reports and electronic records of patients were used to retrieve relevant data regarding patients' features, clinical and dermatoscopical aspects of lesions when recorded, and FISH tests when present. RESULTS: Of 255 lesions, 82% were histologically benign, 17% atypical, 1% malignant. Clinically, 100% of SM were large (≥6 mm) and raised; AST were mainly large (63%), raised (98%), pink (95%). Small (≤5 mm), pigmented, flat lesions correlated with benign histology (respectively 90%, 97%, 98% SN) (p < 0.0001). Dermatoscopical patterns were analysed in 100 patients: starburst pattern correlated with benign histology (26% SN (p = 0.004)), while multicomponent pattern correlated with atypical/malignant lesions (56% AST, 50% SM (p = 0.0052)). Eighty-five lesions were subjected to fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH): 34 (71% AST; 29% SN) were FISH-positive; 51 (63% SN; 37% AST) were FISH-negative (p = 0.0038). DISCUSSION: This study confirmed predominant benign histology (82%) of paediatric spitzoid lesions, thus detecting 17% AST and 1% SM, highlighting the need for caution in handling spitzoid lesions. CONCLUSION: Until AST are considered potentially malignant proliferations and no reliable criteria are identified to distinguish them, the authors suggest a prudent approach, especially in children.