Podocytic infolding glomerulopathy: A case report.

Podocytic infolding glomerulopathy (PIG) is a rare glomerular abnormality involving glomerular basement membrane (GBM) bubbling viewable by light microscopy, extensive invagination of the podocytic cytoplasm, and the presence of microstructures viewable by electron microscopy. PIG was proposed as a new disease entity in 2008. However, cases have been reported exclusively in Japan and no case reports outside Japan have been published. Here, we report a case of PIG in a 44-year-old Korean female. The patient showed mild proteinuria without renal functional impairment or other systemic diseases. Glomeruli were normocellular, but GBMs were diffusely and mildly thickened and showed a bubbly appearance with periodic acid methenamine silver (PAMS) staining. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed minimal mesangial IgM deposition, but staining was negative for IgG, IgA, C3, C4, C1q, and fibrinogen. Electron microscopy showed diffuse distribution of microtubules and microspherules within thickened GBM (620-1180 nm). Additional serologic tests revealed positive antinuclear antibodies, but other autoimmune markers were normal or negative. The patient was treated with steroids for three months, after which proteinuria decreased to the normal range.

Two Case Reports of Newly Diagnosed Crohn's Disease after COVID-19 in Pediatric Patients.

Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 virus (SARS-CoV-2), various complications have been reported. Although most COVID-19 cases exhibited flu-like symptoms, COVID-19 may dysregulate the immune response and promote overwhelming levels of inflammation in some patients. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is caused by dysregulated or inappropriate immune responses to environmental factors in a genetically susceptible host, and a SARS-CoV-2 infection may act as a possible cause of IBD. This paper describes two pediatric patients who developed Crohn's disease following a SARS-CoV-2 infection. They were previously healthy before the SARS-CoV-2 infection. On the other hand, they started to develop fever and gastrointestinal symptoms several weeks after recovery from the infection. They were diagnosed with Crohn's disease by imaging and endoscopic studies, and their symptoms improved after treatment with steroids and azathioprine. This paper suggests that a SARS-CoV-2 infection may trigger IBD in predisposed patients.

Expression of hMLH1, hMSH2 and hMSH6 in small intestinal carcinomas.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Although primary small intestinal carcinoma (SIC) is morphologically similar to colorectal carcinoma and shares many of the genetic changes of carcinogenesis, little is known about the role of defective mismatch repair (MMR) genes involved in the SIC. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of defective MMR genes and correlation between clinicopathological factors and loss of MMR protein in SIC. METHODOLOGY: A total of 195 SIC cases were collected from 20 institutions in Korea and tissue microarrays (TMA) were made. The loss of expression of hMLH1, hMSH2 and hMSH6 was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). RESULTS: The loss of expression of hMLH1, hMSH2 and hMSH6 was identified in 25/193 (13.0%), 25/193 (13%) and 29/195 (15%), respectively. The loss of hMSH2 expression was associated with retroperitoneal seeding. Patients with loss of hMSH6 expression had a tendency to invade deeply and a higher frequency of pancreas invasion. The loss of hMSH6 expression was associated less frequently with peritumoral adenoma. There was no survival difference by MMR protein expression status. CONCLUSIONS: The loss of MMR protein was associated with some distinct clinicopathological features. MMR pathway seems to be major pathway in carcinogenesis of SICs. MMR defect seems to be related with sporadic-microsatellite instability (MSI).

GnRH agonist therapy in a patient with recurrent ovarian granulosa cell tumors.

A 65-yr-old woman presented 17 yr status post-hysterectomy with bilateral ovarian salpingo-oophorectomy, attributable to ovarian cancer. She was admitted to our hospital, with multiple cystic liver masses and multiple large seeded masses in her abdomen and pelvic cavity. Histological examination of the pelvic masses demonstrated granulosa cell tumors. After two courses of systemic combination chemotherapy, with paclitaxel and carboplatin, the masses in the abdomen and pelvic cavity increased, and debulking surgery also failed because of peritoneal dissemination with severe adhesion. Finally, she underwent palliative radiotherapy for only the pelvic masses obstructing the urinary and GI tracts, and monthly hormonal therapy with a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist; leuprorelin 3.75 mg IM. Subsequently, multiple masses beyond the range of the radiation as well as those within the radiotherapy field partially decreased. This partial response had been maintained for more than 8 months as of the last follow-up visit. Owing to its long and indolent course and the low metabolic rate of the tumors, advanced or recurrent granulosa cell tumor (GCT) requires treatment options beyond chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy. Hormonal agents may provide another treatment option for advanced or recurrent GCT in those who are not candidates for surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy.

[The expression of p53, p16, cyclin D1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and esophageal dysplasia].

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: p53 is known to play a central role in sensing and signaling for the growth arrest and apoptosis in cells with DNA damage. Mutation of p53 is a frequent event in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). p16 protein binds to cyclin dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) inhibiting the ability of CDK4 to interact with cyclin D1, and stimulates the passage through the G1 phase of cell cycle. We observed the expression patterns and frequencies of p53, p16, and cyclin D1 in esophageal dysplasia and in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas. METHODS: In 15 patients of ESCC, 5 patients of esophageal dysplasia and 5 volunteers with normal esophagus, tissue specimens were taken from esophageal lesions during the operation or endoscopic examination. We used specific monoclonal antibodies for p53 protein, p16(INK4 ) protein and cyclin D1. Immunoreactivity was scored. RESULTS: Mean age of all groups was 66 years old (range 47-93) and men to women ratio was 19:1. p53 mutation was observed in 87% (13/15) of ESCC, in 80% (4/5) of esophageal dysplasia, in 0% (0/5) of normal mucosa (p=0.001). p16 expression was seen in 40% (2/5) of esophageal dysplasia, 27% (4/15) of ESCC and 100% (5/5) of normal mucosa (p=0.016). Cyclin D1 expression was not significantly different among 20% (1/5) of esophageal dysplasia, 53% (8/15) of ESCC and 20% (1/5) of normal mucosa. Either the expression of p53 mutation or the loss of p16 occurred in 80% (4/5) of esophageal dysplasia and in 93% (14/15) of ESCC. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of p53 mutation and the loss of p16 might play a central role in the pathogenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and contribute to the development of precancerous lesion such as dysplasia. In addition, there is a possibility that the mutations of p53 and p16 silencing would be the early events in ESCC development.

Calcaneal Osteomyelitis due to Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria: A Case Report.

Osteomyelitis is a bone infection caused by bacteria or other germs. Gram-positive cocci are the most common etiological organisms of calcaneal osteomyelitis; whereas, non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are rarely documented. We reported a case of NTM calcaneal osteomyelitis in a 51-year-old female patient. She had been previously treated in many local clinics with multiple local steroid injection over 50 times and extracorporeal shock-wave therapy over 20 times with the impression of plantar fasciitis for 3 years prior. Diagnostic workup revealed a calcaneal osteomyelitis and polymerase chain reaction assay on bone aspirate specimens confirmed the diagnosis of non-tuberculous mycobacterial osteomyelitis. The patient had a partial calcanectomy with antitubercular therapy. Six months after surgery, a follow-up magnetic resonance imaging showed localized chronic osteomyelitis with abscess formation. We continued anti-tubercular therapy without operation. At 18-month follow-up after surgery and comprehensive rehabilitation therapy, she was ambulating normally and able to carry out her daily activities without any discomfort.

A Case of Pulmonary Cryptococcosis in an Immunocompetent Male Patient Diagnosed by a Percutaneous Supraclavicular Lymph Node Biopsy.

Cryptococcal pneumonia usually occurs in immunocompromised patients with malignancy, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, organ transplantations, immunosuppressive chemotherapies, catheter insertion, or dialysis. It can be diagnosed by gaining tissues in lung parenchyma or detecting antigen in blood or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Here we report an immunocompetent 32-year-old male patient with diabetes mellitus diagnosed with cryptococcal pneumonia after a ultrasound-guided percutaneous supraclavicular lymph node core needle biopsy. We treated him with fluconazole at 400 mg/day for 9 months according to the guideline. This is the first case that cryptococcal pneumonia was diagnosed from a percutaneous lymph node biopsy in South Korea.

Measles-related appendicitis.

Owing to the characteristic Warthin-Finkeldey giant cells found in hyperplastic mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, it has been emphasized that pathologists can make a diagnosis of measles from appendectomy specimens even in the prodromal stage before diagnostic rashes develop. However, to date, those reported cases of measles-related appendicitis have dealt with the histologic features of the prodromal stage and we found no reports in the English literature describing the histopathologic findings of appendicitis during the full-blown stage of measles. Here, we describe 2 cases of measles-related appendicitis that show contrasting histologic features according to stage, one discovered during the prodromal stage and the other occurring during the full-blown stage. This report describes heretofore unreported histopathologic findings of measles-related appendicitis observed during the full-blown stage of the infection and highlights histopathologic changes caused by replication of the virus in different compartments of the same organ during the course of infection.

p53 and p21WAF1/CIP1 in hepatitis B virus related hepatocarcinogenesis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study was undertaken to determine the expression p21WAF1/CIP1 and p53, the main regulator of G1 restriction point, in hepatitis B virus related hepatocarcinogenesis and their role in regulation of cell dynamics. METHODOLOGY: Immunohistochemistry for p21WAF1/CIP1, p53 and Ki-67 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling were preformed in 8 low grade dysplastic nodules, 7 high grade dysplastic nodules, 58 hepatocellular carcinomas, and 62 chronic hepatitis/cirrhosis. In 33 hepatocellular carcinomas with fresh frozen tissue, p21WAF1/CIP1 mRNA was studied by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Immunostaining for p21WAF1/CIP1 and p53 was positive in 28% and 38% of hepatocellular carcinomas and higher in poorly differentiated hepatocellular carcinomas, whereas it was negative in all of chronic hepatitis/cirrhosis and dysplastic nodules. In hepatocellular carcinomas with p21WAF1/CIP1 mRNA amplified, 31% showed the protein expression indicating post-transcriptional regulation. The rate of apoptosis and proliferation showed significant correlation with p53 status, however not with p21WAF1/CIP1 in hepatocellular carcinomas. Induction of p21WAF1/CIP1 was regulated by both p53 dependent and independent pathway. CONCLUSIONS: In hepatitis B virus related hepatocarcinogenesis, p21WAF1/CIP1 and p53 are suggested to be involved in late stage of tumor progression rather than in early stage of dysplastic nodules and p53 is considered to be the main regulator of the cell dynamics.

Carbonic anhydrase IX expression is associated with favorable prognostic factors in small intestinal carcinoma.

Tumor hypoxia is associated with more aggressive behavior and resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Carbonic anhydrase IX (CA9) level increases under hypoxia and is related to poor prognostic factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of CA9 and to identify its prognostic significance in small intestinal carcinomas (SICs). CA9 expression was observed in 36% (63/175) of SICs. CA9 expression showed significant correlation with well- and moderately differentiated tumors compared with poorly differentiated tumors (p=0.039), tumors with no lymph node metastasis (p=0.005), and lower stage carcinomas (p=0.009). CA9 expression showed an inverse correlation with perineural invasion (p=0.021) and lymphatic invasion (p=0.022). No significant correlation was observed between CA9 expression and gross type, histological type, pathological tumor (pT) classification, vascular invasion, pancreas invasion, and retroperitoneal seeding. SICs with CA9 overexpression showed better overall survival compared with those with no or weak CA9 expression (p=0.048). In the multivariate analysis, poorly differentiated SICs (p<0.001) and SICs with lymph node metastasis (p=0.002) were independent poor prognostic factors. CA9 expression in SICs is more frequently associated with good prognostic markers and better overall survival; however, it is not an independent prognostic factor.

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of thyroid gland with local recurrence: ultrasonographic and computed tomographic findings.

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid gland (PSCCT) is a rare malignancy that presents with advanced disease and poor prognosis. It is difficult to diagnose PSCCT in its early stage because of its rarity and lack of typical imaging findings. We experienced an elderly woman with PSCCT confirmed by surgery. Although preoperative fine-needle aspiration revealed no malignancy, surgical resection was performed because the ultrasonogram showed diffuse microcalcifications, which suggested malignancy, and clinically, the mass grew rapidly to compress the trachea. Local tumor recurrence was noted at 3 months after surgery. Surgical resection or repeat biopsy should be considered if a cytologically benign thyroid mass shows imaging or clinical features of malignancy.

Cerebral infarction caused by a tortuous subclavian artery: a case report.

Tortuous arteries are common clinical observation. Although mild tortuosity is asymptomatic, severe tortuosity can lead to ischemic attack in several organs. With advances in imaging technology, an increasing number of tortuous vessels have been detected. The purpose of this report is to describe a case of acute cerebral infarction due to tortuous subclavian artery and to review the literature.

Early colorectal epithelial neoplasm in Korea: a multicenter survey of pathologic diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of early colorectal epithelial neoplasm (ECEN) is increasing, and its pathologic diagnosis is important for patient care. We investigated the incidence of ECEN and the current status of its pathologic diagnosis. METHODS: We collected datasheets from 25 institutes in Korea for the incidence of colorectal adenoma with high grade dysplasia (HGD) and low grade dysplasia in years 2005, 2007, and 2009; and early colorectal carcinoma in the year 2009. We also surveyed the diagnostic terminology of ECEN currently used by the participating pathologists. RESULTS: The average percentage of diagnoses of adenoma HGD was 7.0%, 5.0%, and 3.4% in years 2005, 2007, and 2009, respectively. The range of incidence rates of adenoma HGD across the participating institutes has gradually narrowed over the years 2005 to 2009. The incidence rate of early colorectal carcinoma in the year 2009 was 21.2%. The participants did not share a single criterion or terminology for the diagnosis of adenoma HGD. The majority accepted the diagnostic terms that distinguished noninvasive, mucosal confined, and submucosal invasive carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Further research requirements suggested are a diagnostic consensus for the histopathologic diagnosis of ECEN; and standardization of diagnostic terminology critical for determining the disease code.

Cavernous hemangioma occurred between the trapezius and splenius capitis muscle.

Hemangiomas are the most common benign tumor of soft tissue. They are frequently seen on the trunk and extremities. In addition, most of them exist at the skin and subcutaneous layer, but fewer than 1% does in the intramuscular layer. For the diagnostic images of the intramuscular cavernous hemangioma, ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used currently. Multiple therapeutic methods are used, but surgical excision is considered as the most ideal treatment. We describe the recurred cavernous hemangioma occurred between the trapezius and splenius capitis muscle. The mass was well demarcated but scattered and infiltrated into the adjacent muscle layer, therefore, extensive resection was unavoidable. When determining a treatment regime for the hemangioma, it is essential to consider the size of the mass, cosmetic and functional aspects of the patient.

Diagnosis of gastric epithelial neoplasia: Dilemma for Korean pathologists.

The histopathological diagnosis of gastric mucosal biopsy and endoscopic mucosal resection/endoscopic submucosal dissection specimens is important, but the diagnostic criteria, terminology, and grading system are not the same in the East and West. A structurally invasive focus is necessary to diagnose carcinoma for most Western pathologists, but Japanese pathologists make a diagnosis of cancer based on severe dysplastic cytologic atypia irrespective of the presence of invasion. Although the Vienna classification was introduced to reduce diagnostic discrepancies, it has been difficult to adopt due to different concepts for gastric epithelial neoplastic lesions. Korean pathologists experience much difficulty making a diagnosis because we are influenced by Japanese pathologists as well as Western medicine. Japan is geographically close to Korea, and academic exchanges are active. Additionally, Korean doctors are familiar with Western style medical terminology. As a result, the terminology, definitions, and diagnostic criteria for gastric intraepithelial neoplasia are very heterogeneous in Korea. To solve this problem, the Gastrointestinal Pathology Study Group of the Korean Society of Pathologists has made an effort and has suggested guidelines for differential diagnosis: (1) a diagnosis of carcinoma is based on invasion; (2) the most important characteristic of low grade dysplasia is the architectural pattern such as regular distribution of crypts without severe branching, budding, or marked glandular crowding; (3) if nuclear pseudostratification occupies more than the basal half of the cryptal cells in three or more adjacent crypts, the lesion is considered high grade dysplasia; (4) if severe cytologic atypia is present, careful inspection for invasive foci is necessary, because the risk for invasion is very high; and (5) other structural or nuclear atypia should be evaluated to make a final decision such as cribriform pattern, papillae, ridges, vesicular nuclei, high nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio, loss of nuclear polarity, thick and irregular nuclear membrane, and nucleoli.

Adenocarcinoma of the small intestine: a multi-institutional study of 197 surgically resected cases.

Small intestinal adenocarcinoma is a rare malignant neoplasm, and its clinicopathologic characteristics have not been well elucidated. A total of 197 small intestinal adenocarcinoma cases were collected from 22 institutions in South Korea and were evaluated for clinicopathologic factors that affect the prognosis of small intestinal adenocarcinoma patients using univariate and multivariate analyses. The mean patient age was 59 years, and the male-to-female ratio was 1.7:1. Tumors were located in the duodenum of 108 cases (55%), the jejunum in 59 (30%), and the ileum in 30 (15%). Predisposing conditions were observed in 23 cases (12%), including 17 cases with sporadic adenomas, 3 with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, 2 with Meckel diverticulum, and 1 with Crohn disease. Synchronous or metachronous malignant tumors were identified in 31 cases (16%), including 13 colorectal and 10 stomach cancers. About 90% of tumors were classified as either pT3 (63 cases) or pT4 (112 cases). The median survival time for all small intestinal adenocarcinoma patients was 39.7 months. Compared with small intestinal adenocarcinomas without accompanying sporadic adenomas, small intestinal adenocarcinomas with accompanying adenomas were more well differentiated (P < .0001), with a more polypoid growth pattern (P < .0001), a lower pT classification (P < .0001), less perineural invasion (P = .01), and less lymphatic invasion (P = .03). Small intestinal adenocarcinoma patients with associated sporadic adenomas (77%) had a significantly better 5-year survival rate than those without sporadic adenomas (38%, P = .02). By univariate analysis, small intestinal adenocarcinoma patients had significantly different survival based on pT classification (P = .003), lymph node metastasis (P < .0001), distal location (jejunal and ileal carcinomas) (P = .003), retroperitoneal tumor seeding (P < .0001), vascular invasion (P = .007), lymphatic invasion (P = .001), peritumoral dysplasia (P = .004), and radiation therapy (P = .006). By multivariate analysis, lymph node metastasis (P = .01) and distal location (P = .003) were independent predictors of a worse prognosis. In conclusion, (1) small intestinal adenocarcinomas are diagnosed at an advanced disease stage; therefore, the development of strategies for detection at an earlier stage is needed. (2) Small intestinal adenocarcinoma patients with an adenomatous component had a better survival than those without an adenomatous component. (3) Lymph node metastasis and distal location (jejunum and ileum) of tumor are the most important independent prognostic factors.

Variation in expression of gastric leptin according to differentiation and growth pattern in gastric adenocarcinoma.

Leptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone that regulates body fat stores and feeding behavior. The presence of leptin in stomach epithelium was recently demonstrated in the rat and humans, and gastric leptin has been linked to the control of meal size, local inflammatory responses, and paracrine and autocrine functions through leptin receptors in the stomach. We compared the expression patterns of leptin and of the long variant of the leptin receptor (Ob-Rb) between areas with non-ulcerated mucosa and with hyperplastic polyps, adenoma, or adenocarcinoma to evaluate the expression relative to different disease states. Leptin and Ob-Rb were expressed in hyperplastic polyps, adenoma, and adenocarcinoma. In the gastric adenocarcinoma, leptin was expressed significantly less in the poorly differentiated and diffuse-type groups than in the well-differentiated and moderately differentiated groups or in the intestinal type. Based upon our findings, we suggest the possibility that leptin expression can have a pathophysiologic role about the differentiation or growth pattern of gastric adenocarcinoma. A further series of experiments is necessary to elucidate the pathophysiological role of leptin in the differentiation of gastric adenocarcinoma.

Wire-guided endoscopic snare papillectomy for tumors of the major duodenal papilla.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic excision for adenoma of the major duodenal papilla was introduced as an alternative to surgery, but postprocedure pancreatitis is a serious drawback. This study assessed the feasibility and the safety of endoscopic papillectomy with a guidewire and pancreatic-duct stent insertion to prevent pancreatitis. METHODS: Six patients were enrolled. The snare loop was passed over a guidewire that had been inserted into the pancreatic duct. Immediately after snare resection, a pancreatic stent was placed along the indwelling guidewire. RESULTS: En bloc papillectomy and pancreatic stent insertion were performed successfully in all patients. Pancreatitis did not develop acutely in any patient. Complications included cholangitis (n = 1) and late-onset pancreatitis owing to the pancreatic stent (n = 1). Scant residual adenomatous tissue was present at resection margins in two patients and was treated endoscopically. CONCLUSIONS: Wire-guided endoscopic snare papillectomy in selected patients is a useful technique that maintains pancreatic-duct access for stent placement. This appears to prevent pancreatitis and to improve the outcome for patients undergoing endoscopic resection of papillary tumors.

A case of refractory Henoch-Schönlein purpura treated with thalidomide.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura is an acute, self-limited vasculitis syndrome which shows characteristic skin, joint, renal and gastrointestinal manifestations. It is common in childhood and may also occur in adults with fatal complications such as nephritis and gastrointestinal bleeding. We experienced a case of a 20-year-old woman who presented with palpable purpura and severe arthritis. The histopathologic examination of the skin revealed leukocytoclastic vasculitis with perivascular deposition of IgA and she was diagnosed with Henoch-Schönlein purpura. Despite treatment with prednisolone for one month, she had more aggravated purpura and fatal gastrointestinal bleeding. The symptoms were improved shortly by cyclophosphamide pulse therapy with plasmapheresis but symptoms were aggravated and symmetric mononeuropathy of the ulnar nerve developed. She was treated with 400 mg/day of thalidomide and symptoms were improved. We herein report a case of Henoch-Schönlein purpura successfully treated with thalidomide which was refractory to prednisolone, immunosuppressive drugs and plasmapheresis.