Complete hydatidiform mole with concurrent fetus: Two cases of live, term birth coupled with spontaneous resolution of molar tissue.

Pregnancies with a complete hydatidiform mole and co-existing fetus (CMCF) are rare, but increasingly common due to the rising prevalence of assisted reproductive technology. They are frequently associated with adverse obstetric outcomes, providing women with the challenge of pregnancy termination or continuing the pregnancy at the risk of maternal-fetal morbidity and fetal mortality. This report demonstrates two cases of CMCF pregnancy with excellent maternal-fetal outcomes, including spontaneous resolution of the molar tissue antenatally. It is helpful in counselling women who are diagnosed with this rare and frequently morbid condition in considering how to proceed with their pregnancy.

Skin Biopsy in Pediatric Oncology/Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Patients.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to review the dermatopathological findings in skin biopsy specimens from pediatric oncology and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients over a 20-year period. Three hundred fifty-two skin biopsies from 240 patients were reviewed, and the findings were grouped into 6 categories: index neoplasms, nonindex neoplasms, infections, graft-versus-host disease, other treatment complications, and others. Among the index neoplasms identified on skin biopsy, the most common conditions were Langerhans cell histiocytosis (14 patients) and melanoma (7 patients), with other hematological malignancies and an array of soft-tissue tumors accounting for the bulk of the remainder. Neoplastic conditions common in general dermatopathological practice such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were uncommon, each being identified in only 1 patient younger than the age of 18, although basal cell carcinomas developing subsequently in young adult life were identified in 7 patients. Infections were common, with infectious agents or viral cytopathic effects (not including human papillomavirus) identified in 34 biopsies. A significant proportion (74%) represented invasive fungal infections, which are of very significant clinical importance. Biopsies performed for a clinical suspicion of graft-versus-host seldom showed histological features to suggest an alternative diagnosis, with only a single case suggesting a diagnosis of toxic erythema of chemotherapy identified.

Successful treatment of a metastatic hepatocellular malignant neoplasm, not otherwise specified with chemotherapy and liver transplantation.

Hepatocellular malignant neoplasm, not otherwise specified (HCN-NOS) is a provisional entity describing a subset of rare malignant pediatric liver tumors with overlapping features of hepatoblastoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. We present a case illustration of metastatic HCN-NOS successfully treated with a backbone of hepatoblastoma chemotherapy, pulmonary metastastectomy, and liver transplantation, along with a literature review of the clinical outcomes of HCN.

Maternal Pyrexia and Villitis of Unknown Etiology.

BACKGROUND: Villitis of unknown etiology is an inflammatory placental condition associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including fetal growth restriction and preterm birth. CASE: We describe maternal pyrexia with daily rigors in the third trimester of two consecutive pregnancies in the same woman. In her second pregnancy, we found no evidence of infection despite an extensive antenatal investigation (blood and urine cultures, serologies, chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasonogram, echocardiogram). The fetus was closely monitored for growth and well-being until spontaneous labor ensued at 36 weeks of gestation, followed by the birth of a vigorous female neonate who weighed 2.235 kg and was healthy. Placental pathology was consistent with villitis of unknown etiology and displayed more prominent abscess formation than is usually described. The patient's first pregnancy 4 years previously followed a similar but milder pattern, without preterm delivery but with similar placental pathology. CONCLUSION: Maternal pyrexia in both pregnancies was ultimately attributed to placental inflammation secondary to a maternal immunologic response to the fetal-placental unit. A placental origin for maternal pyrexia should be considered in cases in which a maternal cause cannot be identified and the pregnancy managed in light of the possible association with adverse fetal outcomes.

Paediatric cutaneous adnexal tumours: a study of 559 cases.

Cutaneous adnexal tumours encompass a wide group of lesions with apocrine, eccrine, follicular, sebaceous and mixed differentiation. The large majority are benign and represent sporadic lesions, though malignant forms are occasionally encountered and some cases develop in the setting of inherited tumour syndromes. Accurate histological classification can be difficult as there are numerous histological appearances, many of which are individually uncommon, and complex, overlapping and historically variable nomenclature is typical. The aim of this study was to review and classify the spectrum of cutaneous adnexal tumours seen in patients 18 years of age and under in two major tertiary centres over a 20 year period. A total of 559 cases were included, with 60% occurring in female patients. The large majority (87%) occurred in the head and neck region and were benign. Only one (0.2%) was malignant. The original diagnosis was supported by histological review in 99% of cases of pilomatricoma reviewed, but in only 71% of non-pilomatricoma cases reviewed. The most common lineage was follicular (97%), with pilomatricoma accounting for the large majority of lesions. Predominant glandular/ductal differentiation was seen in 3% of cases, with no tumours showing predominant sebaceous differentiation.