p57-discordant villi in hydropic products of conception: a clinicopathological study of 70 cases.

p57 immunostaining is performed on hydropic products of conception to diagnose hydatidiform moles (HMs), which can progress to gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. Partial hydatidiform mole (PHM) and hydropic abortion (HA) display positive staining in stromal and cytotrophoblastic cells, whereas complete hydatidiform mole (CHM) is characterized by loss of p57 expression in both cell types. In some cases, an aberrant pattern is observed, called discordant p57 expression, with positive cytotrophoblast staining and negative stromal staining, or vice versa. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical, biological, and pathological characteristics of p57-discordant villi (p57DV) and other associated populations in cases of divergent p57 expression and to compare the evolutions of p57DV-associated and classic CHMs. Seventy cases of p57DV diagnosed by referent pathologists were divided into two groups, G1: p57DV ± non-CHM component (n = 22) and G2: p57DV + CHM component (n = 48). p57DV morphology was similar in the two groups. Observation of more than two populations and hybrid villi on p57 immunostaining were significantly more frequent in G2. The clinical, ultrasound, and biological presentations of p57DV-associated and classic CHMs were similar. The initial pathological diagnosis was more frequently incorrect, missing the CHM component, for the p57DV-associated CHMs. Molecular genotyping was informative in seven cases and identified as androgenetic/biparental mosaicism in four cases. These results show that p57DV are a diagnostic challenge for pathologists and that most are associated with a CHM component. However, the clinical management of p57DV-associated CHMs should be the same as that of classic CHMs.

Bardet-Biedl syndrome: Antenatal presentation of forty-five fetuses with biallelic pathogenic variants in known Bardet-Biedl syndrome genes.

Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is an emblematic ciliopathy associated with retinal dystrophy, obesity, postaxial polydactyly, learning disabilities, hypogonadism and renal dysfunction. Before birth, enlarged/cystic kidneys as well as polydactyly are the hallmark signs of BBS to consider in absence of familial history. However, these findings are not specific to BBS, raising the problem of differential diagnoses and prognosis. Molecular diagnosis during pregnancies remains a timely challenge for this heterogeneous disease (22 known genes). We report here the largest cohort of BBS fetuses to better characterize the antenatal presentation. Prenatal ultrasound (US) and/or autopsy data from 74 fetuses with putative BBS diagnosis were collected out of which molecular diagnosis was established in 51 cases, mainly in BBS genes (45 cases) following the classical gene distribution, but also in other ciliopathy genes (6 cases). Based on this, an updated diagnostic decision tree is proposed. No genotype/phenotype correlation could be established but postaxial polydactyly (82%) and renal cysts (78%) were the most prevalent symptoms. However, autopsy revealed polydactyly that was missed by prenatal US in 55% of the cases. Polydactyly must be carefully looked for in pregnancies with apparently isolated renal anomalies in fetuses.

The role of 5-HT2B receptors in mitral valvulopathy: bone marrow mobilization of endothelial progenitors.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Valvular heart disease (VHD) is highly prevalent in industrialized countries. Chronic use of anorexigens, amphetamine or ergot derivatives targeting the 5-HT system is associated with VHD. Here, we investigated the contribution of 5-HT receptors in a model of valve degeneration induced by nordexfenfluramine, the main metabolite of the anorexigens, dexfenfluramine and benfluorex. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Nordexfenfluramine was infused chronically (28 days) in mice ((WT and transgenic Htr2B -/- , Htr2A -/- , and Htr2B/2A -/- ) to induce mitral valve lesions. Bone marrow transplantation was also carried out. Haemodynamics were measured with echocardiography; tissues and cells were analysed by histology, immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry and RT -qPCR. Samples of human prolapsed mitral valves were also analysed. KEY RESULTS: Chronic treatment of mice with nordexfenfluramine activated 5-HT2B receptors and increased valve thickness and cell density in a thick extracellular matrix, mimicking early steps of mitral valve remodelling. Lesions were prevented by 5-HT2A or 5-HT2B receptor antagonists and in transgenic Htr2B -/- or Htr2A/2B -/- mice. Surprisingly, valve lesions were mainly formed by numerous non-proliferative CD34+ endothelial progenitors. These progenitors originated from bone marrow (BM) as revealed by BM transplantation. The initial steps of mitral valve remodelling involved mobilization of BM-derived CD34+ CD31+ cells by 5-HT2B receptor stimulation. Analysis of human prolapsed mitral valves showing spontaneous degenerative lesions, demonstrated the presence of non-proliferating CD34+ /CD309+ /NOS3+ endothelial progenitors expressing 5-HT2B receptors. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: BM-derived endothelial progenitor cells make a crucial contribution to the remodelling of mitral valve tissue. Our data describe a new and important mechanism underlying human VHD.

Neural tube defects: the experience of the registry of congenital malformations of Alsace, France, 1995-2009.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Considering the lack of accurate and up-to-date information available about neural tube defects (NTDs) in France, the purpose of this study was to review clinical and epidemiological data of NTDs and to evaluate the current efficiency of prenatal diagnosis in Alsace (northeastern France). METHODS: A population-based retrospective study was performed from data of the Registry of Congenital Malformations of Alsace between 1995 and 2009. Data were analyzed as a whole and according to the anatomical type of the malformation (anencephaly, cephalocele and spina bifida). Statistical analyses were carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. RESULTS: 272 NTDs were recorded divided in 113 cases of anencephaly (42%), 35 cases of cephalocele (13%) and 124 cases of spina bifida (45%). The total prevalence at birth of 14/10,000 (95% CI 13-16) was stable throughout the reporting period. A chromosome abnormality was identified in 27 cases (12% of all karyotyped cases). NTDs were prenatally diagnosed by ultrasound in 88% of the cases. The mean age upon prenatal diagnosis slightly declined during the 15-year period, significantly for spina bifida only. The global rate of terminations of pregnancy following prenatal diagnosis was 97% (230/238). CONCLUSION: This work constitutes a unique population-based study providing accurate and specific up-to-date data from a unique center over a longer period (1995-2009). The most important information concerns the high and stable prevalence, which calls into question the efficiency of the primary prevention by folic acid supplementation and the efficiency of prenatal diagnosis.

Textile heart valve: first in-vivo experiment in the aortic position.

Non-invasive aortic valve implantation has become an alternative technique to surgical valve replacement in patients at high risk for open-chest surgery. With over 100,000 procedures already performed clinically, the technology is expected to involve less-critical patients in future. Whereas, biological valve tissue is a fragile material when folded for low-diameter catheter insertion purposes, textile polyester is a less-fragile material and may offer an alternative material to replace valve leaflets. One issue related to textile is the porosity of the material, which may induce exaggerated tissue ingrowth. Today, data relating to interactions between living tissues and fabrics used as valve materials are available only in the mitral position. Hence, the study aim was to observe the interaction pattern when the valve is implanted in the aortic position, and to assess the influence of sinus whirls on this pattern.

Prenatal diagnosis of a 12q22q23.2 interstitial deletion by array CGH in a malformed fetus.

We report the prenatal diagnosis of a 12q22q23.2 de novo interstitial deletion performed by array based comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) in a fetus with cystic hygroma colli, intrauterine growth retardation, microcephaly and micrognathism. Haploinsufficiency for insuline-like growth factor 1 gene (IGF1), which is mapped in the deleted region, is suggested because of its implication in prenatal and postnatal growth and in neuronal maturation. This case demonstrates the contribution of array CGH in prenatal diagnosis for detecting small unbalanced chromosomal abnormalities in malformed fetuses and, subsequently, for genetic counselling.

Mitral bioprosthesis hypertrophic scaring and native aortic valve fibrosis during benfluorex therapy.

The authors describe the case of a simultaneous mitral bioprosthesis hypertrophic scaring and native aortic valve fibrosis during benfluorex therapy in a 40-year-old woman. Four years before, she underwent a mitral valve replacement after the diagnosis of mitral regurgitation during benfluorex treatment (150 mg/day). This drug was reintroduced postoperatively. She presented with exercise and sometimes resting dyspnoea. The bioprosthesis and aortic valves exhibited similar histopathological lesions. Thickening and plaque deposits made by smooth muscle alpha actin- and vimentin-positive cells in a glycosaminoglycan matrix were observed. The study discusses the putative contribution of circulating progenitor cells activated by 5-HT(2B) receptor agonists in the development of drug-induced heart disease.

Cobblestone lissencephaly: neuropathological subtypes and correlations with genes of dystroglycanopathies.

Cobblestone lissencephaly represents a peculiar brain malformation with characteristic radiological anomalies, defined as cortical dysplasia combined with dysmyelination, dysplastic cerebellum with cysts and brainstem hypoplasia. Cortical dysplasia results from neuroglial overmigration into the arachnoid space, forming an extracortical layer, responsible for agyria and/or 'cobblestone' brain surface and ventricular enlargement. The underlying mechanism is a disruption of the glia limitans, the outermost layer of the brain. Cobblestone lissencephaly is pathognomonic of a continuum of autosomal recessive diseases with cerebral, ocular and muscular deficits, Walker-Warburg syndrome, muscle-eye-brain and Fukuyama muscular dystrophy. Mutations in POMT1, POMT2, POMGNT1, LARGE, FKTN and FKRP genes attributed these diseases to α-dystroglycanopathies. However, studies have not been able to identify causal mutations in the majority of patients and to establish a clear phenotype/genotype correlation. Therefore, we decided to perform a detailed neuropathological survey and molecular screenings in 65 foetal cases selected on the basis of histopathological criteria. After sequencing the six genes of α-dystroglycanopathies, a causal mutation was observed in 66% of cases. On the basis of a ratio of severity, three subtypes clearly emerged. The most severe, which we called cobblestone lissencephaly A, was linked to mutations in POMT1 (34%), POMT2 (8%) and FKRP (1.5%). The least severe, cobblestone lissencephaly C, was linked to POMGNT1 mutations (18%). An intermediary type, cobblestone lissencephaly B, was linked to LARGE mutations (4.5%) identified for the first time in foetuses. We conclude that cobblestone lissencephaly encompasses three distinct subtypes of cortical malformations with different degrees of neuroglial ectopia into the arachnoid space and cortical plate disorganization regardless of gestational age. In the cerebellum, histopathological changes support the novel hypothesis that abnormal lamination arises from a deficiency in granule cells. Our studies demonstrate the positive impact of histoneuropathology on the identification of α-dystroglycanopathies found in 66% of cases, while with neuroimaging criteria and biological values, mutations are found in 32-50% of patients. Interestingly, our morphological classification was central in the orientation of genetic screening of POMT1, POMT2, POMGNT1, LARGE and FKRP. Despite intensive research, one-third of our cases remained unexplained; suggesting that other genes and/or pathways may be involved. This material offers a rich resource for studies on the affected neurodevelopmental processes of cobblestone lissencephaly and on the identification of other responsible gene(s)/pathway(s).

MUC5AC, cytokeratin 20 and HER2 expression and K-RAS mutations within mucinogenic growth in congenital pulmonary airway malformations.

AIMS: To analyse the expression of several mucins (MUC1, MUC2, MUC3, MUC5AC and MUC6), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), v-erb-b2 erythroblastic leukaemia viral oncogene homologue 2 (HER2), thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1), caudal type homeobox 2 (CDX2) and cytokeratin 20 (CK20), and the presence of mutations of EGFR, KRAS and HER2 in congenital pulmonary airway malformations (CPAM). METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-one cases of CPAM and six pulmonary sequestrations were included. TTF-1 expression was observed in all cases but was not seen in mucinogenic growths in CPAM. CDX2 expression was completely negative. MUC1 expression was noted in 12 (29%) CPAM and in 33% sequestrations. MUC5AC was noted in only five cases (26%) by immunohistochemistry and was found in the mucinogenic proliferations of type 1 CPAM. No immunolabelling was noted for the other mucins. EGFR was expressed variably in almost all cases, while HER2 and CK20 was seen exclusively in the mucinogenic proliferations. All mucinous growths were characterized by KRAS mutations. No EGFR and HER2 gene alterations were identified. CONCLUSIONS: KRAS mutations and MUC5AC, CK20 and HER2 expression was seen in all mucinogenic proliferations, supporting the neoplastic nature of these cytologically bland growths. These findings emphasize the importance of complete surgical resection of such lesions.

Thick corpus callosum: a clue to the diagnosis of fetal septopreoptic holoprosencephaly?

We describe fetal septopreoptic holoprosencephaly (HPE) associated with a thick corpus callosum (CC) diagnosed with MRI in a fetus at 31 weeks' gestation. Our report supports a recently published study connecting a thick fetal CC to other brain abnormalities. On diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), the body of the CC contained an abnormal longitudinal bundle, presumed to be a congenital heterotopic cingulum. Prenatal and postmortem brain MRI with DTI, CT, and pathological analyses are described and illustrated.

Contribution of referent pathologists to the quality of trophoblastic diseases diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the contribution of referent pathologists (RPs) to the quality of diagnosis of trophoblastic diseases and to study the level of diagnostic agreement between the initial pathologists and the RPs. METHODS: This observational retrospective study was carried between 1 November 1999 and 11 January 2011 using the database of the French Trophoblastic Disease Reference Centre in Lyon. All files for hydatiform moles (HMs), trophoblastic tumours and non-molar pregnancies for which there was an initial suspicion of trophoblastic disease were included, whenever there was rereading of the slides by an RP. A total of 1851 HMs and 150 gestational trophoblastic tumours were analysed. RESULTS: When the initial pathologist diagnosed a complete mole, the RP confirmed the diagnosis in 96% of cases. When the initial pathologist diagnosed a partial mole, the RP confirmed the diagnosis in only 64% of cases. For trophoblastic tumours, when the initial pathologist diagnosed a choriocarcinoma, the RP confirmed the diagnosis in 86% of cases. When the initial anatomopathology suggested an invasive mole, the diagnosis was confirmed in 96% of cases. Finally, when the initial diagnosis was a placental site trophoblastic tumour or an epithelioid trophoblastic tumour, the RP confirmed the diagnosis in 60 and 100% of cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: A systematic policy of rereading of slides for all suspicious moles improves the quality of management of trophoblastic diseases at a national level.

Thoracic manifestations of primary humoral immunodeficiency: a comprehensive review.

Humoral immunodeficiencies, which are characterized by defective production of antibodies, are the most common types of primary immunodeficiency. Pulmonary changes are present in as many as 60% of patients with humoral immunodeficiency. Chronic changes and recurrent infections in the respiratory airways are the main causes of morbidity and mortality in those affected by a humoral immunodeficiency. Medical imaging, especially computed tomography (CT), plays a crucial role in the initial detection and characterization of changes and in monitoring the response to therapy. The spectrum of abnormalities seen at thoracic imaging includes noninfectious airway disorders, infections, chronic lung diseases, chronic inflammatory conditions (granulomatosis, interstitial pneumonias), and benign and malignant neoplasms. Recognition of characteristic CT and radiographic features, and correlation of those features with clinical and laboratory findings, are necessary to differentiate between the many possible causes of parenchymal and mediastinal disease seen in patients with primary humoral immunodeficiencies.

Unexpected intrauterine fetal death in parvovirus B19 fetal infection.

Parvovirus B19 infection during pregnancy can be transmitted to the fetus through the placenta. The consequences for the health of the fetus are very variable and can be very serious. They include intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) and miscarriage, which can lead to medico-forensic questions. For the most part, cases of IUFD take place during the second trimester of gestation and present an anatomopathologic picture characteristic of fetal infection with hydrops, placental edema, serous effusion, and erythroblastosis with nuclear inclusions. Endocardial fibroelastosis, medullar and thymic hypoplasia, and hepatic hemosiderosis are frequently present. In the third trimester, the cases are less frequent, not accompanied by hydrops, and can depend more on placental compromise than on direct infection of the fetus. We present 5 cases of IUFD resulting from parvovirus B19 and we discuss the pathogenetic and anatomopathologic aspects and obstetric liability. In 4 cases, the IUFD took place suddenly, in the absence of symptoms, in women who had not previously shown any symptom of the viral infection. In one case, the patient was hospitalized following an ultrasound diagnosis of fetal hydrops and IUFD took place 5 days after admission. Of these cases 3 were verified in the second trimester and 2 in the third trimester. Only the cases of the second trimester and one of the 2 cases of the third trimester presented the characteristic aspects of fetal infection. The other case of third trimester was characterized by placental involvement.

Echocardiography in conscious 1K,1C Goldblatt rabbits reveals typical features of human hypertensive ventricular diastolic dysfunction.

Diastolic dysfunction is a major component of hypertensive cardiomyopathy contributing to a progressive evolution towards overt heart failure. To establish an experimental model that could mimic the human clinical pattern, we standardized the surgery in one-kidney, one-clip Goldblatt (1K,1C) rabbits and characterized their hypertensive cardiopathy by echocardiography. Five weeks after placement of a stenotic string around the left renal artery and removal of the right kidney, arterial pressure was measured and an echocardiography performed in conscious animals. An hypertrophic cardiopathy associated with hypertension and a primary trouble of the LV relaxation was observed. This trouble was characterized by a reversion of E/A and Ea/Aa ratios and an increase of the isovolumic relaxation time and Tau index, without augmentation of left ventricular filling pressures. We show for the first time, in this experimental model, a diastolic dysfunction pattern close to the human one. Moreover, echocardiography in a conscious state gives the opportunity to use this model for future chronic pharmacological studies.

VEGF and KDR gene expression during human embryonic and fetal eye development.

PURPOSE: It is important to understand the development of the normal retinal vascular system, because it may provide clues for understanding the mechanisms underlying the neovascularization associated with several retinopathies of infancy and adulthood. However, little is known about normal human ocular vascularization. VEGF is a key growth factor during vascular development and one of its receptors, KDR, plays a pivotal role in endothelial cell proliferation and differentiation. The purpose of this study was to analyze VEGF and KDR gene expression patterns during the development of the human eye during the embryonic and fetal stages. METHODS: The gene expression of VEGF and KDR was analyzed by in situ hybridization in 7-week-old embryos and in 10- and 18-week-old fetuses. In addition, we performed VEGF and KDR immunohistochemistry experiments on 18-week-old fetus tissue sections. RESULTS: These results clearly demonstrated that the levels of VEGF and KDR transcripts are correlated during the normal development of the ocular vasculature in humans. The complementarity between the patterns of VEGF and KDR during the early stages of development suggests that VEGF-KDR interactions play a major role in the formation and regression of the hyaloid vascular system (HVS) and in the development of the choriocapillaris. In later stages (i.e., 18-weeks-old fetuses), the expression of KDR seems to be linked to the development of the retinal vascular system. VEGF and KDR transcripts were unexpectedly detected in some nonvascular tissues-that is, in the cornea and in the retina before the development of the retinal vascular system. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of VEGF and KDR correlates highly with the normal ocular vascularization in humans, but VEGF may also be necessary for nonvascular retinal developmental functions, especially for the coordination of neural retinal development and the preliminary steps of the establishment of the definitive stable retinal vasculature.

Persistent multiple pulmonary nodules in a nonimmunocompromised woman after varicella-related myelitis treated with acyclovir.

Persistent multiple pulmonary nodules were observed on the chest X ray of a nonimmunocompromised woman 6 months after she was treated with acyclovir for a varicella-related myelitis without respiratory symptoms. Early antiviral therapy given for varicella infections might decrease the intensity of clinical symptoms without actually preventing the occurrence of varicella-zoster virus-related lesions such as the persistent pulmonary nodules reported here.

Plasma DNA microsatellite panel as sensitive and tumor-specific marker in lung cancer patients.

The majority of lung cancer patients have tumor-derived genetic alterations in circulating plasma DNA that could be exploited as a diagnostic tool. We used fluorescent microsatellite analysis to detect alterations in plasma and tumor DNA in 34 patients who underwent bronchoscopy for lung cancer, including 11 small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and 23 nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (12 adenocarcinomas, 11 squamous cell carcinomas) and 20 controls. Allelotyping was performed with a selected panel of 12 microsatellites from 9 chromosomal regions 3p21, 3p24, 5q, 9p, 9q, 13q, 17p, 17q and 20q. Plasma DNA allelic imbalance (AI) was found in 88% (30 of 34 patients), with a similar sensitivity in SCLC and NSCLC. In the 24 paired available tumor tissues, 83% (20 of 24) presented at least 1 AI. Among these patients, 85% (17 of 20) presented also at least 1 AI in paired plasma DNA, but the location of the allelic alterations in paired plasma and tumor DNA could differ, suggesting the presence of heterogeneous tumor clones. None of the 20 controls displayed plasma or bronchial DNA alteration. A reduced panel of six markers (at 3p, 5q, 9p, 9q) showed a sensitivity of 85%. Moreover, a different panel of microsatellites at 3p and 17p13 in SCLC and at 5q, 9p, 9q and 20q in NSCLC patients could be specifically used. Analysis of plasma DNA using this targeted panel could be a valuable noninvasive test and a useful tool to monitor disease progression without assessing the tumor.

Genetic heterogeneity in lung and colorectal carcinoma as revealed by microsatellite analysis in plasma or tumor tissue DNA.

BACKGROUND: Determination of tumor clonality has implications for molecular characterization and the optimal treatment of cancer. Allelotyping allows detection of the two alleles, maternal and paternal, and provides additional information regarding clonal genetic defects. The presence of allelic imbalances (AI) in tumors is a general event, but is not necessary at the same allele (alternative AI). The authors' goal was to determine whether the presence of alternative AI (AA) was a marker of heterogeneity and prognosis. METHODS: To further analyze the heterogeneity of lung tumors, tumor DNA released in the plasma was compared with primary tumor DNA from 24 lung carcinoma patients. The comparison was performed by allelotyping using 12 microsatellites targeting 9 chromosomal regions, taking in each case leukocyte DNA as reference. To extend and confirm these observations, 26 primary colorectal carcinomas with paired synchronous liver metastasis were analyzed using an enlarged panel of 33 microsatellites. RESULTS: AA were observed in 40% (20 of 50) of all patients, in 25% (6 of 24) of lung carcinoma patients but at a higher level, and in 54% (14 of 26) of colorectal carcinoma patients. They affected different chromosome localizations and each tumor stage. In both types of cancer, patients with AA had a higher AI mean frequency in their primary tumor. CONCLUSIONS: Detection of AA is an original marker of heterogeneous tumors, demonstrating that independent events occurred on specific genetic sites required for cancer progression.

Hemodynamic and cardiac anti-hypertrophic actions of clonidine in Goldblatt one-kidney, one-clip rats.

In congestive heart failure, the chronic sympathetic hyperactivity contributes to a poor prognosis. In this respect, clonidine, a centrally acting sympathoinhibitory drug, has previously been tested in clinical trials. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of clonidine on morbidity and mortality in an experimental model of cardiac hypertrophy associated with hypertension, renal failure, and intense sympathetic activation. One-kidney, one-clip Goldblatt hypertensive rats were treated orally with clonidine (200 microg/kg/d) during 30 days and were compared with untreated rats and with sham-operated animals. Cardiac hemodynamics, left ventricular volume and elasticity, cardiac morphometry and histology, and renal function were evaluated. A survival study was also performed. Clonidine normalized cardiac function, ventricular stiffness, and prevented ventricular structural remodeling. Moreover, despite a marked renal function impairment, survival of the animals was increased in the clonidine group. The centrally acting sympathoinhibitory drug clonidine exhibited marked cardioprotective properties. This study emphasized the interest of evaluating drugs whose aim is to treat congestive heart failure, in an experimental model of cardiac and renal failure.