Melanophoroma in a Lichtenstein's green racer snake.

Melanophoroma is a neoplasm of reptilian pigment cells, considered uncommon and part of a group of neoplasms called chromatophoromas. The objective of this work was to describe a case of melanophoroma in a free-living Lichtenstein's green racer snake (Philodryas olfersii), presenting with an ulcerative nodular neoformation in the integument of the head region. In the neurologic evaluation, a proprioceptive deficit was observed. Ultrasound, X-ray, and mass cytology examinations were performed. Radiographic and ultrasound findings of the tumor indicated infiltrative behavior, and cytology indicated a presumptive diagnosis of a melanocytic neoplasm. Based on the results of the examinations and the patient's clinical condition, euthanasia was chosen. At necropsy, there was a nodule measuring 4.5 × 2.5 × 2.0 cm, with a blackish-colored cut surface, mottled by gray areas, which infiltrated soft tissue and bone, and extended dorsally from the mouth to the cervical musculature. On microscopy, a non-delimited, non-encapsulated, and invasive neoplastic proliferation was observed, with moderate cellularity, which was predominantly composed of fusiform cells with distinct borders and foci of epithelioid cells. The cells had ample cytoplasm, which had a brown to black (melanocytic) granular pigment compatible with a melanophoroma. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is a unique description of a melanophoroma in P. olfersii.

Sporadic Renal Angiomyolipoma: Can We Adopt a Uniform Management Protocol / Angiomiolipoma renal esporádico: ¿Podemos adoptar un protocolo de tratamiento estándar?

Renal angiomyolipomas (AMLs), formerly known as PEComas (tumors showing perivascular epithelioid cell differentiation) are common benign renal masses composed of a varying ratio of fat, blood vessels, and smooth muscles. They are largely asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally on imaging. The adipose tissue content is the factor that gives AMLs their characteristic appearance on imaging and makes them easily identifiable. However, the fat-poor or fat-invisible varieties, which are difficult to differentiate radiologically from renal cell carcinomas (RCCs), present a diagnostic challenge. It is thus essential to establish the diagnosis and identify the atypical and hereditary cases as they require more intense surveillance and management due to their potential for malignant transformation. Multiple management options are available, ranging from conservative approach to embolization and to the more radical option of nephrectomy. While the indications for intervention are relatively clear and aimed at a rather small cohort, the protocol for follow-up of the remainder of the cohort forming the majority of cases is not well established. The surveillance and discharge policies therefore vary between institutions and even between individual practitioners. We have reviewed the literature to establish an optimum management pathway focusing on the typical AMLs.

Los angiomiolipomas renales (AML), antes conocidos como PEComas (tumores que muestran epitelioides perivasculares) son masas renales benignas frecuentes compuestas por una proporción variable de grasa, vasos sanguíneos y músculos lisos. Suelen ser asintomáticos y se diagnostican de forma incidental en las pruebas de imagen. El contenido de tejido adiposo es el factor que confiere a los AML su aspecto característico en las imágenes y los hace fácilmente identificables. Sin embargo, las variedades pobres en grasa o invisibles, que son difíciles de diferenciar radiológicamente de los carcinomas de células renales (CCR), suponen un reto diagnóstico. Por lo tanto, es esencial establecer el diagnóstico e identificar los casos atípicos y hereditarios, ya que requieren una vigilancia y un tratamiento más intensos debido a su potencial de malignización. debido a su potencial de transformación maligna. Existen múltiples opciones de tratamiento, que van desde el enfoque conservador hasta la embolización y la opción más radical de la nefrectomía. Si bien las indicaciones para la intervención son relativamente claras y están dirigidas a una cohorte bastante pequeña, el protocolo para el seguimiento del resto de la cohorte que forma la mayoría de los casos no está bien establecido. Por lo tanto, las políticas de vigilancia y alta varían entre instituciones e incluso entre profesionales individuales. Hemos revisado la literatura para establecer una ruta de manejo óptima centrada en los AML típicos.

Epithelioid inflammatory myofibroblastic sarcoma: the youngest case reported

Epithelioid inflammatory myofibroblastic sarcoma (EIMS) is a rare variant of the inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor. It has an aggressive clinical course and a high rate of recurrence. EIMS primarily affects children and young adults. Hereby, we report this entity in a 4-month-old infant who presented with an abdominal mass. Imaging studies revealed a large hypodense mesentery-based lesion involving the right half and mid-region of the abdomen. The mass with an attached segment of the small bowel was excised in toto. Grossly, a large encapsulated tumor was identified arising from the mesentery of the small bowel. The histological examination showed a tumor consisting of epithelioid to spindle cells loosely arranged in a myxoid background with numerous blood vessels and lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory infiltrate. On immunohistochemistry, the tumor cells showed positivity for ALK1 (nuclear), desmin, SMA, CD68, and focal positivity for CD30. A final diagnosis of EIMS of the small intestine was rendered. To the best of our knowledge, this case is the youngest reported case in literature.

Primary pituitary tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that involves any organ. However, the primary pituitary tuberculosis is an extremely rare disease. Intracranial tuberculomas account for 0.15-5% of intracranial space-occupying lesions, of which, pituitary as the primary site is unusual, and easily misdiagnosed as pituitary adenoma. In this setting, the late diagnosis can result in permanent endocrine dysfunction. We report the case of a 50-year-old woman who presented to the neurosurgery outpatient department with complaints of progressively increasing headache and diminished vision over the last year. On the clinical examination, the patient was conscious and oriented. The routine hematological and biochemical workup showed an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and increased prolactin levels. The radiological working diagnosis was consistent with pituitary macroadenoma. No other radiological and/or clinical clue that could elicit the suspicion of pulmonary or extrapulmonary lesions of tuberculosis was found. The transsphenoidal endonasal tumor excision was done. The histopathology showed numerous epithelioid cell granulomas, Langhans giant cells along with scant necrosis. Ziehl Neelsen staining demonstrated acid-fast bacilli, and the final diagnosis of pituitary tuberculoma was made. We report this rare case of pituitary lesion that may be included in the differential diagnosis of sellar lesions to avoid unnecessary surgical interventions, especially in regions where the disease is endemic.

Epithelioid Fibrous Histiocytoma With Dot-Like Perinuclear ALK Expression and PRKAR2A-ALK Fusion.

Epithelioid fibrous histiocytoma (EFH) is a rare, benign, cutaneous neoplasm. This fibrohistiocytic tumor was once believed to be a variant of fibrous histiocytoma, but EFH is now known to be a distinct entity based on the presence of ALK gene rearrangements in most cases. The pattern of immunohistochemical expression of ALK in EFH in the literature thus far describes both granular cytoplasmic staining and nuclear staining. We present a case of EFH with dot-like Golgi pattern perinuclear ALK expression, a previously undescribed staining pattern. We surmised this unique staining pattern could be due to a novel fusion partner, and using FISH, we confirmed a rearrangement of the ALK (2p23) locus. Further investigation with whole transcriptome sequencing led to the discovery of PRKAR2A-ALK fusion, and the function of this fusion partner reflects a Golgi-predominant localization of the protein. Attention to the distinct immunohistochemical pattern of ALK expression may provide clues to the function of the fusion partner.

DNA damage response proteins and its role in tumor progression of uveal melanoma with patient outcome.

BACKGROUND: The role of DNA damage response (DDR) proteins is poorly understood in uveal melanoma. ATR belongs to one of those proteins that induce DDR by arresting the cell cycle which leads to DNA repair. ATR is localized at position 23 on the same chromosome 3 where BAP1 is located at position 21.1 which is a known poor prognostic marker of UM. The aim of our study is to detect the expression of ATR at the protein and RNA levels and determine its prognostic significance. METHODS: Expression of nuclear ATR was investigated on sixty-nine UM patients. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded choroidal melanoma samples were taken to evaluate the expression of ATR. Fifty samples were also validated by real-time PCR. Results of both protein and mRNA were then correlated with clinicopathological parameters. To determine the prognostic significance, Kaplan-Meier and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: Loss of ATR protein was seen in 72% cases which was statistically significant with epithelioid cell type (p = 0.005), tumor thickness (p = 0.016), mitotic figures (p = 0.001) and BAP1 loss (p < 0.001). At the transcriptional level loss of ATR was seen in 76% cases which were statistically significant with metastasis (p = 0.046), staging (0.044) and loss of BAP1 (p = 0.022). On multivariate analysis loss of ATR and tumor staging came out to be independent prognostic parameters. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that ATR might serve as a potential prognostic marker in UM patients and could serve as a potential therapeutic target.

Epithelioid angiomyolipoma with tumor thrombus in IVC and right atrium

Epithelioid angiomyolipoma is an uncommon subtype of renal angiomyolipoma associated with potentially malignant behavior and is considered a distinct entity by the World Health Organization classification of renal tumors. We present a case of an epithelioid variant of angiomyolipoma with extension into the renal vein, inferior vena cava reaching up to the right atrium. Pre-operatively, a diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma was considered based on imaging findings. Intra-operatively due to extensive adhesions, surgical resection was not performed and only tissue sampling was performed for histopathology. Microscopic examination revealed short fascicles of spindle cells and perivascular epithelioid cells. A differential diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid differentiation was considered. The immunohistochemical profile showed tumor cells that express Melan-A and smooth muscle actin, while they were negative for pan-cytokeratin, PAX8, CK7, CD117 and CD34. Therefore a diagnosis of epithelioid angiomyolipoma was rendered. The presence of intravascular thrombi on radiological investigation and carcinoma-like growth pattern on light microscopy may compound an erroneous diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma. Hence, it is prudent for the urologist to consider differential diagnosis other than renal cell carcinoma when confronted with a renal neoplasm presenting with intravascular thrombi. In these cases, a core biopsy should be planned pre-operatively and diagnosis should be made with aid of appropriate immunohistochemical markers.

Lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei

Abstract: Lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei is a rare inflammatory dermatosis of unknown etiology that primarily affects young adults. Clinically, it is characterized by an asymptomatic papular eruption mainly involving the central face, typically on and around the eyelids. Characteristic histopathological features include dermal epithelioid cell granulomas with central necrosis and surrounding lymphocytic infiltrate with multinucleate giant cells. Lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei has a spontaneously resolving course, yet can be cosmetically debilitating given the location and potential for scarring. Treatment is difficult and there is a lack of controlled studies. We report a new case of lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei successfully treated with minocycline and systemic steroids, and briefly discuss its nosology and therapeutic options.

Lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei.

Lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei is a rare inflammatory dermatosis of unknown etiology that primarily affects young adults. Clinically, it is characterized by an asymptomatic papular eruption mainly involving the central face, typically on and around the eyelids. Characteristic histopathological features include dermal epithelioid cell granulomas with central necrosis and surrounding lymphocytic infiltrate with multinucleate giant cells. Lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei has a spontaneously resolving course, yet can be cosmetically debilitating given the location and potential for scarring. Treatment is difficult and there is a lack of controlled studies. We report a new case of lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei successfully treated with minocycline and systemic steroids, and briefly discuss its nosology and therapeutic options.

BRAF VE1 immunoreactivity patterns in epithelioid glioblastomas positive for BRAF V600E mutation.

Epithelioid glioblastomas (E-GBMs) manifest BRAF V600E mutation in up to 50% of cases, compared with a small percentage of ordinary GBMs, suggesting that they are best considered variants rather than a different pattern of GBM. Availability of a targeted therapy, vemurafenib, may make testing BRAF status important for treatment. It is unclear whether BRAF VE1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) can substitute for Sanger sequencing in these tumors. BRAF VE1 IHC was correlated with Sanger sequencing results on our original cohort of E-GBMs, and then new E-GBM cases were tested with both techniques (n=20). Results were compared with those in similarly assessed giant cell GBMs, anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas. All tumors tested showed 1:1 correlation between BRAF V600E mutational results and IHC. However, heavy background immunostaining in some negatively mutated cases resulted in equivocal results that required repeat IHC testing and additional mutation testing using a different methodology to confirm lack of detectable BRAF mutation. Mutated/BRAF VE1 IHC E-GBMs and anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas tended to manifest strong, diffuse cytoplasmic immunoreactivity, compared with previously studied gangliogliomas, which demonstrate more intense immunoreactivity in the ganglion than in the glial tumor component. One of our E-GBM patients with initial gross total resection quickly recurred within 4 months, required a second resection, and then was placed on vemurafenib; she remains tumor free 21 months after second resection without neuroimaging evidence of residual disease, adding to the growing number of reports of successful treatment of BRAF-mutated glial tumors with drug. E-GBMs show good correlation between mutational status and IHC, albeit with limitations to IHC. E-GBMs can respond to targeted therapy.

Angiomiolipoma renal: ¿es siempre un tumor benigno? / Renal angiomyolipoma: Is it always a benign tumor?

El angiomiolipoma (AML) renal es un tumor sólido compuesto por células de músculo liso, vasos sanguíneos dismórfi cos y tejido adiposo. Esta lesión ha sido considerada siempre como una neoplasia benigna. Reportamos a una paciente de 44 años, asintomática, con una lesión sugerente de AML mayor a 4 cm en el TAC que fue sometida a nefrectomía parcial abierta. La biopsia definitiva informó un angiomiolipoma con componente epiteloídeo focal (AMLE). Controles de imágenes posteriores de esta paciente no han evidenciado recidivia. El angiomiolipoma epiteloídeo (AMLE) es una variante descrita en los últimos años y que sugiere un cambio en el paradigma clásico de “benignidad” asociada al AML Las guías para el manejo de los AML no toman en cuenta la posibilidad de que se trate de un AMLE en sus recomendaciones. Existe muy poca información respecto al manejo de este tipo de lesiones, sólo hay series de casos publicadas. Faltan estudios prospectivos que otorguen herramientas para la toma de decisiones terapéuticas adecuadas en estos pacientes.

Renal angiomyolipoma (AML) is a solid tumor formed by smooth muscle cells, dimorphic blood vessels and adipose tissue. This lesion has been always considered as a benign neoplasm. We report an asymptomatic 44 year-old female patient, with a tumor suggesting an AML in a CT scan greater than 4 cms, who had an open partial nephrectomy. The biopsy report showed an AML with a focal epithelioid component. Follow-up imaging in this case has not showed any recurrence. Epithelioid angiomyolipoma (EAML) is a variant with malignant potential that must be considered when a patient with a renal AML is been evaluated. Guidelines for AML management do not take AMLE as a differential diagnosis. Few studies have been published regarding the management of this kind of lesion, only consisting of case series. There is lack of prospective studies that could give tools for the decision-making process in the treatment of these patients.

Melanoma amelanótico em cães: estudo retrospectivo de 35 casos (2004-2010) e caracterização imuno-histoquímica / Amelanotic melanoma in dogs: a retrospective study of 35 cases (2004-2010) and immunohistochemical characterization

Melanomas são tumores agressivos de melanócitos que ocorrem principalmente na cavidade oral, nas junções mucocutâneas e na pele de cães. Este tipo de neoplasma pode apresentar diversos graus de pigmentação melânica, incluindo total ausência (melanomas amelanóticos [MA]). Os arquivos de biópsia do SPV-UFRGS, que compreendem o período de 2004 a 2010, foram revisados e levantados os casos de neoplasias melanocíticas em cães. Realizou-se estudo retrospectivo de 35 casos de MA e caracterização pela imuno-histoquímica (IHQ). As principais raças acometidas foram o Poodle, Dachshund e Cocker Spaniel, mas o maior número de casos foi observado em cães sem raça definida (SRD). A idade média desses cães foi de 10,7 anos (variação de 5 a 18 anos) e não houve predileção por sexo. As principais localizações incluíram cavidade oral (57,1%) e dígitos (17,1%). Histologicamente, 40% dos MA foram classificados como epitelioides, 34,3% como mistos e 25,7% como fusiformes. Na avaliação IHQ, 86,6% dos casos foram positivos para a vimentina, 70% para a proteína S-100 e 56,6% para o melan-A. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho possibilitam concluir que os cães com MA caracterizavam-se por serem velhos. A forma celular mais observada foi a epitelioide. Devido a pouca diferenciação desses tumores, ressalta-se a importância da realização do painel imuno-histoquímico, sobretudo da proteína S-100, que apresentou melhor marcação que o melan-A.

Melanomas are aggressive tumors of melanocytes. They are common in dogs and involve mainly the oral cavity, mucocutaneous junction, and skin. Furthermore, these tumors could be highly pigmented or lack pigment. The biopsies archives from SPV-UFRGS, 2004 to 2010, were retrieved and melanocytic neoplasms in dogs were revised. A retrospective study of 35 cases of amelanotic melanomas (AM) was performed, also immunohistochemistry (IHC) characterization was evaluated. The dogs more affected were mixed breed followed by Poodle, Dachshund and Cocker Spaniel. The average age of the dogs was 10.7 years (5-18 years in age) and there was no sex predilection. The locations of the neoplasms were the oral cavity (57.1%) and digits (17.1%). Histologically, 40% were classified as epithelioid, 34.3% mixed and 25.7% spindle. The positive immunostaining for vimentin, S-100 protein and melan-A were 86.6%, 70%, and 56.6% respectively. These results indicated the most affected dogs with AM were elderly. Epiteliod classification was the most observed histologically. It is important to perform IHC, due to lacking of differentiation of AM, mainly, anti S-100 protein that showed to be the best option of positive marker, even better to Melan-A.

Melanoma amelanótico em cães: estudo retrospectivo de 35 casos (2004-2010) e caracterização imuno-histoquímica / Amelanotic melanoma in dogs: a retrospective study of 35 cases (2004-2010) and immunohistochemical characterization

Melanomas são tumores agressivos de melanócitos que ocorrem principalmente na cavidade oral, nas junções mucocutâneas e na pele de cães. Este tipo de neoplasma pode apresentar diversos graus de pigmentação melânica, incluindo total ausência (melanomas amelanóticos [MA]). Os arquivos de biópsia do SPV-UFRGS, que compreendem o período de 2004 a 2010, foram revisados e levantados os casos de neoplasias melanocíticas em cães. Realizou-se estudo retrospectivo de 35 casos de MA e caracterização pela imuno-histoquímica (IHQ). As principais raças acometidas foram o Poodle, Dachshund e Cocker Spaniel, mas o maior número de casos foi observado em cães sem raça definida (SRD). A idade média desses cães foi de 10,7 anos (variação de 5 a 18 anos) e não houve predileção por sexo. As principais localizações incluíram cavidade oral (57,1%) e dígitos (17,1%). Histologicamente, 40% dos MA foram classificados como epitelioides, 34,3% como mistos e 25,7% como fusiformes. Na avaliação IHQ, 86,6% dos casos foram positivos para a vimentina, 70% para a proteína S-100 e 56,6% para o melan-A. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho possibilitam concluir que os cães com MA caracterizavam-se por serem velhos. A forma celular mais observada foi a epitelioide. Devido a pouca diferenciação desses tumores, ressalta-se a importância da realização do painel imuno-histoquímico, sobretudo da proteína S-100, que apresentou melhor marcação que o melan-A.(AU)

Melanomas are aggressive tumors of melanocytes. They are common in dogs and involve mainly the oral cavity, mucocutaneous junction, and skin. Furthermore, these tumors could be highly pigmented or lack pigment. The biopsies archives from SPV-UFRGS, 2004 to 2010, were retrieved and melanocytic neoplasms in dogs were revised. A retrospective study of 35 cases of amelanotic melanomas (AM) was performed, also immunohistochemistry (IHC) characterization was evaluated. The dogs more affected were mixed breed followed by Poodle, Dachshund and Cocker Spaniel. The average age of the dogs was 10.7 years (5-18 years in age) and there was no sex predilection. The locations of the neoplasms were the oral cavity (57.1%) and digits (17.1%). Histologically, 40% were classified as epithelioid, 34.3% mixed and 25.7% spindle. The positive immunostaining for vimentin, S-100 protein and melan-A were 86.6%, 70%, and 56.6% respectively. These results indicated the most affected dogs with AM were elderly. Epiteliod classification was the most observed histologically. It is important to perform IHC, due to lacking of differentiation of AM, mainly, anti S-100 protein that showed to be the best option of positive marker, even better to Melan-A.(AU)

Renal epithelioid angiomyolipoma with epithelial cysts: demonstration of Melan A and HMB45 positivity in the cystic epithelial lining.

Renal angiomyolipoma (AML) may present as rare variants such as epithelioid and AML with epithelial cysts posing difficulties for the diagnosis to the surgical pathologist. We report a case of a 46-year-old male patient presenting a 5-cm solid tumor in the lower pole of the left kidney, with cystic changes at cut surface. The tumor exhibited 95% of epithelioid cells with atypical nuclei. A small focus of typical AML was observed. The immunoprofile of tumor cells was classical of AML including expression of melanocytic markers such as HMB45 and Melan A. We report the immunohistochemical study of the cystic component in an epithelioid AML. In contrast to the immunoreactivity reported in typical AML, the present case shows obvious expression of melanocytic markers in the cystic epithelial lining. This is strong evidence that these cysts are neoplastic and derived from AML, rather than entrapped native collecting duct epithelium.

TGF-ß-mediated sustained ERK1/2 activity promotes the inhibition of intracellular growth of Mycobacterium avium in epithelioid cells surrogates.

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases including infection with intracellular pathogens such as the Mycobacterium avium complex. Infection of macrophages with M. avium induces TGF-ß production and neutralization of this cytokine has been associated with decreased intracellular bacterial growth. We have previously demonstrated that epithelioid cell surrogates (ECs) derived from primary murine peritoneal macrophages through a process of differentiation induced by IL-4 overlap several features of epithelioid cells found in granulomas. In contrast to undifferentiated macrophages, ECs produce larger amounts of TGF-ß and inhibit the intracellular growth of M. avium. Here we asked whether the levels of TGF-ß produced by ECs are sufficient to induce a self-sustaining autocrine TGF-ß signaling controlling mycobacterial replication in infected-cells. We showed that while exogenous addition of increased concentration of TGF-ß to infected-macrophages counteracted M. avium replication, pharmacological blockage of TGF-ß receptor kinase activity with SB-431542 augmented bacterial load in infected-ECs. Moreover, the levels of TGF-ß produced by ECs correlated with high and sustained levels of ERK1/2 activity. Inhibition of ERK1/2 activity with U0126 increased M. avium replication in infected-cells, suggesting that modulation of intracellular bacterial growth is dependent on the activation of ERK1/2. Interestingly, blockage of TGF-ß receptor kinase activity with SB-431542 in infected-ECs inhibited ERK1/2 activity, enhanced intracellular M. avium burden and these effects were followed by a severe decrease in TGF-ß production. In summary, our findings indicate that the amplitude of TGF-ß signaling coordinates the strength and duration of ERK1/2 activity that is determinant for the control of intracellular mycobacterial growth.

Actividad de la ß-galactosidasa como marcador de senescencia en cultivos primarios del epitelio superficial del ovario / ß-Galactosidase activity as a marker of senescence in primary cultures of the ovarian surface epithelium

La actividad de la ß-galactosidasa refleja la tasa de envejecimiento celular in vitro. Mediante quimioluminiscencia se cuantificó dicha actividad a pH 6 en células epiteliales ováricas provenientes de 28 donantes sin antecedentes de cáncer. Las células fueron cultivadas en forma seriada hasta alcanzar el estado de detención permanente de crecimiento. Durante la fase de crecimiento exponencial, todos los cultivos mostraron un patrón semejante de crecimiento y una baja actividad ß-galactosidasa. Sin embargo, el inicio de la disminución de la capacidad replicativa que caracteriza el final de dicha fase, así como el inicio de la fase estacionaria o senescente presentaron un aumento significativo en la actividad enzimática. Nuestros resultados mostraron que la actividad ß-galactosidasa puede ser considerada como marcador de senescencia replicativa del epitelio superficial del ovario a pH 6.

ß-galactosidase activity reflects the rate of cellular aging in vitro. Such activity was quantified at pH 6 in ovarian epithelial cells from 28 donors without a history of cancer, by the chemoluminiscent method. The cells were serially cultured until they achieved the state of permanent growth arrest. During the exponential growth phase, all cultures showed a similar pattern of growth and low ß-galactosidase activity. However, both in the onset of decrease replicative activity, as well as in the onset of the stationary phase, there was a significant rise in the enzyme activity. Our results showed that ß-galactosidase activity can be considered as a replicative senescence marker of the ovarian surface epithelium at pH 6.

Epithelioid angiosarcoma of the skin: a study of 18 cases with emphasis on its clinicopathologic spectrum and unusual morphologic features.

We report 18 cases of cutaneous angiosarcoma with predominant or exclusive epithelioid morphology. Both sexes were similarly affected. Patients' ages ranged from 2 to 97 years, median 77.5 years; 2 were pediatric patients. In elderly patients scalp or facial lesions and cutaneous lesions arising within irradiated breast skin predominated. Limb lesions were seen in younger patients. Microscopically, the tumors were composed of packed polygonal cells with focal evidence of endothelial differentiation. Diverging phenotypes included syncytial growth of large cells with clear nuclei and prominent nucleoli, micronodules of tumor cells scattered in dermis, predominance of discohesive plasmacytoid polygonal cells with abundant bright eosinophilic cytoplasm, sheets of clear cells with coarse granular cytoplasm, trabecular and cord arrangement of tumor cells splaying the dermal collagen, or a pseudoglandular appearance owing to clear cell tubular arrangement with open lumina. These cases posed further diagnostic challenges simulating lymphoma, melanoma, lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma, adnexal carcinoma, and neuroendocrine carcinoma. Immunohistochemical studies showed positivity for CD31 and CD34; no immunoreactivity was documented for other tested antigens including cytokeratins, S100 protein, melanocytic antigens, leukocyte common antigen, and desmin. Therapeutic modalities included combined local excision, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, depending on patient clinical status. Of the 9 patients available for follow-up, 5 were alive and apparently well, 2 had recurrent disease, and 2 had died of tumor. Our data show that epithelioid cutaneous angiosarcoma may have a broad morphological spectrum, raising interpretive challenges on microscopy. In addition, its clinical presentation seems to differ in nonelderly patients, with lesions likely related to lymphedema or vascular malformations.