[Microvascular changes in COVID-19]. / Mikrovaskuläre Veränderungen bei COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Clinically, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with a wide range of symptoms, which can range from mild complaints of an upper respiratory infection to life-threatening hypoxic respiratory insufficiency and multiorgan failure. OBJECTIVE: The initially identified pulmonary damage patterns, such as diffuse alveolar damage in acute lung failure, are accompanied by new findings that draw a more complex scenario. These include microvascular involvement and a wide range of associated pathologies of multiple organ systems. A back-scaling of microstructural vascular changes is possible via targeted correlation of pathological autopsy results with radiological imaging. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Radiological and pathological correlation as well as microradiological imaging to investigate microvascular involvement in fatal COVID-19. RESULTS: The cases of two COVID-19 patients are presented. Patient 1 showed a relative hypoperfusion in lung regions that did not have typical COVID-19 infiltrates; the targeted post-mortem correlation also showed subtle signs of microvascular damage even in these lung sections. Patient 2 showed both radiologically and pathologically advanced typical COVID-19 destruction of lung structures and the case illustrates the damage patterns of the blood-air barrier. The perfusion deficit of the intestinal wall shown in computed tomography of patient 2 could not ultimately clearly be microscopically attributed to intestinal microvascular damage. CONCLUSION: In addition to microvascular thrombosis, our results indicate a functional pulmonary vasodysregulation as part of the pathophysiology during the vascular phase of COVID-19. The clinical relevance of autopsies and the integration of radiological imaging findings into histopathological injury patterns must be emphasized for a better understanding of COVID-19.

[Intravenous leiomyomatosis]. / Die intravenöse Leiomyomatose.

Intravenous leiomyomatosis (IVLM) is an unusual neoplasm derived from uterine smooth muscle cells seen in patients with uterine leiomyomas. The typical histological features of IVLM consist of benign smooth muscle cells present within venous vascular spaces of the uterine wall. Increasing intravascular and intracardial spread of IVLM may lead to life-threatening clinical complications. Thorough pathological study of routine hysterectomy specimens may lead to the diagnosis of IVLM. Most affected patients will be cardiologically asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. Herein, the relatively unknown clinical and morphological aspects of IVLM are presented and discussed.

[Sex cord-stromal tumors of the ovary : Current aspects with a focus on granulosa cell tumors, Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors, and gynandroblastomas]. / Keimstrang-Stromatumoren des Ovars : Aktuelle Aspekte, insbesondere zu Granulosazelltumoren, Sertoli-Leydig-Zell-Tumoren und Gynandroblastomen.

Sex cord-stromal tumors of the ovary (SCSTO) comprise a heterogeneous and fascinating group of neoplasms with diverse clinicopathological features, including benign lesions as well as tumors with malignant potential. Clinically, SCSTO may be associated with hyperestrogenic or androgenic function as a result of steroid hormone production by the tumor cells.Histological diagnosis may be challenging due to complex and sometimes overlapping morphological features of the various tumor types. A panel of immunohistochemical sex cord markers (e. g. inhibin-α, calretinin) has proven to be helpful in confirming the cellular lineage of SCSTO and differentiating them from other sex cord-like ovarian lesions. Recently, molecular analysis of SCSTO has led to the discovery of specific molecular events such as FOXL2 and DICER1 mutations. In selected diagnostically challenging cases, mutation analysis of FOXL2 and DICER1 may be helpful in the differential diagnosis. Molecular analysis is also expected to help advance the classification of SCSTO, and it may hold prognostic potential and form the basis for future type-specific therapies.This review focuses on the clinicopathological as well as the molecular features of adult and juvenile granulosa cell tumors (AGCTs and JGCTs) as well as Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors (SLCTs), these being the most relevant lesions with malignant potential in the SCSTO category. In addition, recently published molecular findings among rare ovarian gynandroblastomas (GABs) are described, which may also impact the future classification of SCSTO.

Unexpected malignant uterine pathology: Incidence, characteristics and outcome in a large single-center series of hysterectomies for presumed benign uterine disease.

OBJECTIVE: Hysterectomy is a frequently used therapeutic option for benign gynecological conditions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence and characteristics of unforeseen malignant pathologies of the uterine corpus in a large population-based, single center cohort. METHODS: Patients who underwent hysterectomy for presumed benign conditions between 2003 and 2016 were identified. In cases of unexpected malignancies of the uterine corpus (UUM), available tissue samples were collected and a specialized gynecopathological review was performed. RESULTS: A total of 10,756 patients underwent hysterectomy for benign indications. After chart and gynecopathological review, 45/10,756 (0.42%) cases of unexpected uterine malignancies were confirmed. 33/45 (73.3%) were endometrial carcinomas (UEC) and 12/45 (26.7%) were uterine sarcomas (UUS). 27/33 (81.8%) UEC were FIGO IA, 5/33 (15.2%) FIGO IB and 1/33 (3%) FIGO stage II disease. Endometrioid and serous histotype were present in 31/33 (93.9%) and in 2/33 (6.1%) cases, respectively. 8/12 (66.7%) USS were early stage (FIGO IA or IB); only 3/12 (25.0%) were diagnosed at an advanced stage (≥FIGO II). Fatal outcome was observed in 1 patient diagnosed with UEC and 3 patients diagnosed with UUS. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that diagnosis of UUM is rare (0.42%). The majority of UUM tend to be early stage, making preoperative diagnosis difficult. In case of UEC, patient outcome is generally favorable. Nevertheless, the appropriate surgical approach for hysterectomy for a benign indication should be chosen carefully, taking all preoperative findings into account. Patients should always be informed about the residual risk of UUM.

Iatrogenic endometriosis harbors somatic cancer-driver mutations.

STUDY QUESTION: Does incisional endometriosis (IE) harbor somatic cancer-driver mutations? SUMMARY ANSWER: We found that approximately one-quarter of IE cases harbor somatic-cancer mutations, which commonly affect components of the MAPK/RAS or PI3K-Akt-mTor signaling pathways. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Despite the classification of endometriosis as a benign gynecological disease, it shares key features with cancers such as resistance to apoptosis and stimulation of angiogenesis and is well-established as the precursor of clear cell and endometrioid ovarian carcinomas. Our group has recently shown that deep infiltrating endometriosis (DE), a form of endometriosis that rarely undergoes malignant transformation, harbors recurrent somatic mutations. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: In a retrospective study comparing iatrogenically induced and endogenously occurring forms of endometriosis unlikely to progress to cancer, we examined endometriosis specimens from 40 women with IE and 36 women with DE. Specimens were collected between 2004 and 2017 from five hospital sites in either Canada, Germany or the Netherlands. IE and DE cohorts were age-matched and all women presented with histologically typical endometriosis without known history of malignancy. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Archival tissue specimens containing endometriotic lesions were macrodissected and/or laser-capture microdissected to enrich endometriotic stroma and epithelium and a hypersensitive cancer hotspot sequencing panel was used to assess for presence of somatic mutations. Mutations were subsequently validated using droplet digital PCR. PTEN and ARID1A immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed as surrogates for somatic events resulting in functional loss of respective proteins. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Overall, we detected somatic cancer-driver events in 11 of 40 (27.5%) IE cases and 13 of 36 (36.1%) DE cases, including hotspot mutations in KRAS, ERBB2, PIK3CA and CTNNB1. Heterogeneous PTEN loss occurred at similar rates in IE and DE (7/40 vs 5/36, respectively), whereas ARID1A loss only occurred in a single case of DE. While rates of detectable somatic cancer-driver events between IE and DE are not statistically significant (P > 0.05), KRAS activating mutations were more prevalent in DE. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Detection of somatic cancer-driver events were limited to hotspots analyzed in our panel-based sequencing assay and loss of protein expression by IHC from archival tissue. Whole genome or exome sequencing, or epigenetic analysis may uncover additional somatic alterations. Moreover, because of the descriptive nature of this study, the functional roles of identified mutations within the context of endometriosis remain unclear and causality cannot be established. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The alterations we report may be important in driving the growth and survival of endometriosis in ectopic regions of the body. Given the frequency of mutation in surgically displaced endometrium (IE), examination of similar somatic events in eutopic endometrium, as well as clinically annotated cases of other forms of endometriosis, in particular endometriomas that are most commonly linked to malignancy, is warranted. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This study was funded by a Canadian Cancer Society Impact Grant [701603, PI Huntsman], Canadian Institutes of Health Research Transitional Open Operating Grant [MOP-142273, PI Yong], the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Foundation Grant [FDN-154290, PI Huntsman], the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Project Grant [PJT-156084, PIs Yong and Anglesio], and the Janet D. Cottrelle Foundation through the BC Cancer Foundation [PI Huntsman]. D.G. Huntsman is a co-founder and shareholder of Contextual Genomics Inc., a for profit company that provides clinical reporting to assist in cancer patient treatment. R. Aguirre-Hernandez, J. Khattra and L.M. Prentice have a patent MOLECULAR QUALITY ASSURANCE METHODS FOR USE IN SEQUENCING pending and are current (or former) employees of Contextual Genomics Inc. The remaining authors have no competing interests to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Not applicable.

Final validation of the ProMisE molecular classifier for endometrial carcinoma in a large population-based case series.

Background: We have previously developed and confirmed a pragmatic molecular classifier for endometrial cancers; ProMisE (Proactive Molecular Risk Classifier for Endometrial Cancer). Inspired by the Cancer Genome Atlas, ProMisE identifies four prognostically distinct molecular subtypes and can be applied to diagnostic specimens (biopsy/curettings) enabling earlier informed decision-making. We have strictly adhered to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines for the development of genomic biomarkers, and herein present the final validation step of a locked-down classifier before clinical application. Patients and methods: We assessed a retrospective cohort of women from the Tübingen University Women's Hospital treated for endometrial carcinoma between 2003 and 2013. Primary outcomes of overall, disease-specific, and progression-free survival were evaluated for clinical, pathological, and molecular features. Results: Complete clinical and molecular data were evaluable from 452 women. Patient age ranged from 29 to 93 (median 65) years, and 87.8% cases were endometrioid histotype. Grade distribution included 282 (62.4%) G1, 75 (16.6%) G2, and 95 (21.0%) G3 tumors. 276 (61.1%) patients had stage IA disease, with the remaining stage IB [89 (19.7%)], stage II [26 (5.8%)], and stage III/IV [61 (13.5%)]. ProMisE molecular classification yielded 127 (28.1%) MMR-D, 42 (9.3%) POLE, 55 (12.2%) p53abn, and 228 (50.4%) p53wt. ProMisE was a prognostic marker for progression-free (P = 0.001) and disease-specific (P = 0.03) survival even after adjusting for known risk factors. Concordance between diagnostic and surgical specimens was highly favorable; accuracy 0.91, κ 0.88. Discussion: We have developed, confirmed, and now validated a pragmatic molecular classification tool (ProMisE) that provides consistent categorization of tumors and identifies four distinct prognostic molecular subtypes. ProMisE can be applied to diagnostic samples and thus could be used to inform surgical procedure(s) and/or need for adjuvant therapy. Based on the IOM guidelines this classifier is now ready for clinical evaluation through prospective clinical trials.

Better resource utilisation and quality of care for ovarian cancer patients using internet-based pathology review.

BACKGROUND: The current literature indicates that a considerable number of patients in ovarian carcinoma clinical trials have histopathological diagnoses in conflict with inclusion criteria. It has been suggested that specialised pathology review prior to randomisation should become the standard procedure in study protocols. We hypothesised that our new, internet-based high-throughput infrastructure would be capable of providing specialised pathology review within 10 working days (w.d.). METHODS: Patients scheduled for the AGO OVAR17 ovarian carcinoma chemotherapy trial were registered for expert pathologic case review using a new internet-based central pathology review platform prior to randomisation. All original slides were requested from local pathologists. Slides were scanned and uploaded to a secured internet server. A network of experienced gynaecological pathologists was connected to the server through a custom-designed software platform. If deemed necessary by the expert pathologists, immunohistochemistry was available through a collaborating pathology lab. RESULTS: A total of 880 patients with an original diagnosis of ovarian epithelial carcinoma were registered for expert pathology review from October 2011 to July 2013. For case review, five gynaecopathologists from Austria, Switzerland and Germany were available online. Median number of w.d. required to complete the whole process from patient registration to transmission of final review diagnoses was 4 (range 2-31) (w.d.), and in 848 out of 880 (97.5%) cases, it amounted to ⩽10 w.d. In 2.5% (n=22) of cases, a major diagnostic discrepancy of potential clinical relevance was found leading to exclusion from the chemotherapy trial. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the use of a new internet-based infrastructure makes timely specialised case review, prior to patient randomisation feasible within ⩽10 w.d. Our new approach helped to protect against overtreatment with chemotherapy of patients with ovarian borderline tumours and inadequate treatment of patients with ovarian metastases, as a result of their inappropriate entry into a clinical trial designed for patients with primary ovarian carcinoma.

[Pitfalls in the histopathological diagnostics of endometrial carcinoma and its precursors : Clinically relevant differential diagnoses, avoidance of false positive diagnoses]. / Fallstricke bei der histopathologischen Diagnostik des Endometriumkarzinoms und seiner Vorstufen : Klinisch wichtige Differenzialdiagnosen, Vermeidung falsch-positiver Diagnosen.

Making an incorrect histopathological diagnosis of an endometrial lesion may lead to unwanted loss of fertility and therapy-associated morbidity; therefore, endometrial carcinomas need to be correctly typed and differentiated from hyperplastic precursors, benign lesions and artifacts. Typical diagnostic pitfalls are described in this article. Misdiagnosing endometrial lesions can be avoided by paying thorough attention to gross as well as microscopic features and by taking crucial differential diagnoses into consideration. These are, in particular, well-differentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the endometrium versus atypical endometrial hyperplasia, myoinvasive endometrioid adenocarcinoma versus atypical polypoid adenomyoma and endometrioid carcinoma versus serous carcinoma of the endometrium with a predominantly glandular pattern. It is also important to consider the possibility of a false positive diagnosis of atypical endometrial hyperplasia or carcinoma in cases of biopsy-induced artifacts.

Surgical staging and prognosis in serous borderline ovarian tumours (BOT): a subanalysis of the AGO ROBOT study.

BACKGROUND: Incomplete surgical staging is a negative prognostic factor for patients with borderline ovarian tumours (BOT). However, little is known about the prognostic impact of each individual staging procedure. METHODS: Clinical parameters of 950 patients with BOT (confirmed by central reference pathology) treated between 1998 and 2008 at 24 German AGO centres were analysed. In 559 patients with serous BOT and adequate ovarian surgery, further recommended staging procedures (omentectomy, peritoneal biopsies, cytology) were evaluated applying Cox regression models with respect to progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS: For patients with one missing staging procedure, the hazard ratio (HR) for recurrence was 1.25 (95%-CI 0.66-2.39; P=0.497). This risk increased with each additional procedure skipped reaching statistical significance in case of two (HR 1.95; 95%-CI 1.06-3.58; P=0.031) and three missing steps (HR 2.37; 95%-CI 1.22-4.64; P=0.011). The most crucial procedure was omentectomy which retained a statistically significant impact on PFS in multiple analysis (HR 1.91; 95%-CI 1.15-3.19; P=0.013) adjusting for previously established prognostic factors as FIGO stage, tumour residuals, and fertility preservation. CONCLUSION: Individual surgical staging procedures contribute to the prognosis for patients with serous BOT. In this analysis, recurrence risk increased with each skipped surgical step. This should be considered when re-staging procedures following incomplete primary surgery are discussed.

[Specialized histopathological second opinion of advanced ovarian cancer. Experiences with collectives from prospective randomized phase III studies]. / Spezialisierte histopathologische Zweitbegutachtung fortgeschrittener Ovarialkarzinome. Erfahrungen an Kollektiven aus prospektiv randomisierten Phase-III-Studien.

BACKGROUND: Retrospective studies have shown that a significant number of ovarian borderline tumors, ovarian metastases, and nonepithelial tumors were erroneously diagnosed as ovarian carcinomas. This may lead to unnecessary morbidity, suboptimal therapeutic modalities, and unintended bias in clinical trials. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and clinical significance of such diagnostic discrepancies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Original histological slides from patients with ovarian carcinomas included in phase III chemotherapy trials of the Working Group on Gynecological Oncology (AGO) were reviewed by at least two specialized pathologists. Diagnostic discrepancies were classified as being either clinically relevant (major) or clinically not relevant (minor). RESULTS: A total of 454 out of 533 patients from the AGO OVAR11 (ICON7) trial gave consent to the second opinion on the pathology results. All of the 104 institutes of pathology responsible for the original diagnoses contributed to the study. The first diagnosis and the second opinion pathology review were identical in 295 out of 454 (65%) cases. In 128 cases (28.2%) a minor discrepancy was found and 31 cases (6.8%) were shown to have a major discrepancy. CONCLUSION: The assumption of a significant number or erroneous diagnoses in chemotherapy trials of ovarian carcinomas was confirmed. A pathology review seems therefore desirable and may help to reduce unnecessary morbidity and optimize therapeutic strategies. Moreover, improvement of quality in therapy trials may become possible. In another study a new concept allowing a rapid pathology review before randomization of patients has now been successfully tested and it may well have potential to form the basis for modern networking consultation pathology.

Age-dependent differences in borderline ovarian tumours (BOT) regarding clinical characteristics and outcome: results from a sub-analysis of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Gynaekologische Onkologie (AGO) ROBOT study.

BACKGROUND: Approximately one-third of all borderline ovarian tumours (BOT) are diagnosed in patients with child-bearing potential. Detailed information regarding their specific characteristics and prognostic factors is limited. METHODS: Clinical parameters of BOT patients treated between 1998 and 2008 in 24 German centres were retrospectively investigated. Central pathology review and prospective follow-up were carried out. Patients <40 versus ≥40 years were analysed separately and then compared regarding clinico-pathological variables and prognosis. RESULTS: A total of 950 BOT patients with a median age of 49.1 (14.1-91.5) years were analysed [280 patients <40 years (29.5%), 670 patients ≥40 years (70.5%)]. Fertility-preserving surgery was carried out in 53.2% (149 of 280) of patients <40 years with preservation of the primarily affected ovary in 32 of these 149 cases (21.5%). Recurrence was significantly more frequent in patients <40 years (19.0% versus 10.1% 5-year recurrence rate, P < 0.001), usually in ovarian tissue, whereas disease-specific overall survival did not differ between the subgroups. In case of recurrent disease, malignant transformation was less frequent in younger than in older patients (12.0% versus 66.7%, P < 0.001), mostly presenting as invasive peritoneal carcinomatosis. Multivariate analysis for patients <40 years identified advanced International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage and fertility-sparing approach as independent prognostic factors negatively affecting progression-free survival (PFS) while, for patients ≥40 years, higher FIGO stage and incomplete staging was associated with impaired PFS. CONCLUSIONS: Despite favourable survival, young BOT patients with child-bearing potential are at higher risk for disease recurrence. However, relapses usually remain BOT in the preserved ovaries as opposed to older patients being at higher risk for malignant transformation in peritoneal or distant localisation. Therefore, fertility-sparing approach can be justified for younger patients after thorough consultation.

Expression of E-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in so-called 'negative' appendices: first results to support the pathological diagnosis in borderline cases.

BACKGROUND: Since the rate of histologically 'negative' appendices still ranges between 15 and 20%, appendicitis in 'borderline' cases remains a challenging disease. As previously described, cell adhesion molecule expression correlates with different stages of appendicitis. Therefore, it was of interest to determine whether the 'negative' appendix correlated with the absence of E-selectin or vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). METHODS: Nineteen grossly normal appendices from a series of 120 appendectomy specimens from patients with suspected appendicitis were analysed in frozen sections for the expression of E-selectin and VCAM-1. As control, 5 normal appendices were stained. RESULTS: This study showed a coexpression of E-selectin and VCAM-1 in endothelial cells in early and recurrent appendicitis. In patients with symptoms for less than 6 h, only E-selectin was detected. Cases with fibrosis and luminal obliteration were only positive for VCAM-1. In cases of early appendicitis with symptoms of less than 6 h duration, a discordance between histological and immunohistochemical results was found. CONCLUSIONS: This report indicates that E-selectin and VCAM-1 expression could be useful parameters in the diagnosis of appendicitis in borderline cases.

VEGF-A and i-NOS expression are prognostic factors in serous epithelial ovarian carcinomas after complete surgical resection.

AIMS: Clinical stage at the time of diagnosis and achievement of complete macroscopic resection during initial surgery are key factors determining the outcome of ovarian cancer. However, prediction of outcome lacks accuracy and more reliable prognostic factors are required. Therefore, an analysis and evaluation of key angiogenic factors was carried out to determine their diagnostic and prognostic value in serous ovarian cancer. METHODS: Expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)1-alpha and inducible nitric oxide synthase (i-NOS) were analysed by immunohistochemistry in a homogenous group of 112 patients with serous adenocarcinoma of the ovary. Vascular density as an indicator of angiogenesis was assessed using the Chalkley eyepiece method after staining for CD34. The correlation of these data with survival and established prognostic factors such as histological grade, Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, and residual tumour after surgery, was evaluated. Survival analyses, multivariate analyses and correlation tests were performed. RESULTS: In the patient group with macroscopic complete tumour resection (R0) there was a significant correlation between VEGF-A and i-NOS expression. Kaplan-Meier analysis further revealed improved progression-free survival for R0 patients with VEGF-A-positive and i-NOS-negative tumours. The predictive relevance of VEGF-A regarding progression-free survival was sustained in multivariate analysis using FIGO stage, grading and resection status as fixed variables. CONCLUSION: VEGF-A and i-NOS are prognostic markers for clinical outcome in serous ovarian cancer patients with macroscopic complete tumour resection (R0). Hence, pre-therapeutic assessment of VEGF-A as predictive factor for an antiangiogenic therapy might be of clinical value.

[Central pathology review. Inclusion criterion for clinical studies of ovarian carcinomas?]. / Histopathologische Zweitbegutachtung. Einschlusskriterium für klinische Studien bei Ovarialkarzinomen?

Currently histopathological review is not standard practice in clinical studies of ovarian carcinomas. Published retrospective analyses as well as own unpublished observations have indicated that a certain percentage of study patients may have ovarian lesions other than ovarian carcinomas which may be in conflict with study inclusion criteria. In this context, the distinction of ovarian carcinomas from borderline tumors, ovarian metastases, and sex cord tumors has been shown to be a potential pitfall. In cases of incorrect diagnoses, non-beneficial morbidity at unnecessary high cost may occur, in other instances, more adequate therapeutic modalities might be withheld from a patient. At present, the concept of a central histopathology review for patients with ovarian carcinomas is being studied prospectively in a translational research project of the AGO-Ovar termed "HIstologische STandardisierte Zweitbegutachtung in einem Studienkollektiv fortgeschrittener Ovarialkarzinome, OVAR 11t-HISTO" (Histological standardized review in a study collective of advanced ovarian cancer; http://www.mh-hannover.de/institute/pathologie/dgp:Studien).

Primary ovarian angiosarcoma--review of the literature and report of a case with coexisting chylothorax.

BACKGROUND: Primary ovarian angiosarcoma is a very rare gynaecologic malignancy with poor prognosis and uncertain, up-to-date, treatment options. Its exact diagnosis is challenging for surgeons and difficult for pathologists. There are only a few cases reported in the international literature. CASE: We report a case of primary pure ovarian angiosarcoma with coexisting chylothorax which is, to the best of our knowledge, the first reported case. An extensive review of the literature analyzing all clinical and pathological parameters related to this condition is presented. RESULT: In spite of all therapeutic efforts, surgical and medical, prognosis of ovarian angiosarcoma remains very poor in most cases. CONCLUSION: Primary ovarian angiosarcoma is a rare and aggressive malignancy. The report of such cases is interesting in order to exchange knowledge and experience, and possibly to further improve our diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities.

[Transitional cell carcinoma of the ovary. Morphological and clinical features]. / Das transitionalzellige Ovarialkarzinom. Morphologische und klinische Besonderheiten.

Transitional cell carcinoma of the ovary (TCC-O) is a less common type of malignant surface epithelial-stromal tumor of the ovary, still with uncertain incidence. Histologically, TCC-O resembles urothelial carcinoma of the urinary system, and by definition does not contain a Brenner tumor component. TCC-O may not be a bona fide urothelial neoplasm, however, but rather a lesion of the Müllerian type derived from the ovarian surface epithelium. This notion is supported by the existence of mixed tumors consisting of TCC-O and other histological types of ovarian carcinoma, as well as the observation that TCC-O has a Müllerian type but not a urothelial-like immunohistochemical profile. Besides metastatic urothelial carcinoma of the urinary tract, the other types of ovarian carcinoma, as well as sex cord-stromal tumors such as adult granulosa cell tumors, have to be considered in the differential diagnosis of TCC-O. A recent analysis of a large series of advanced ovarian carcinomas treated by radical surgery and postoperative chemotherapy confirms studies that had suggested that TCC-O has a better prognosis (with current treatment) than that of the other histological types of ovarian carcinoma. Further studies applying standardized histopathological criteria are needed to clarify the true incidence and behavior of TCC-O. In addition, it is important to study the biological and molecular background of this apparently less aggressive phenotype.

[Immunohistochemical sex cord markers. Description and use in the differential diagnosis of ovarian tumors]. / Immunhistochemische Keimstrangmarker. Beschreibung und Einsatz in der Differenzialdiagnose von Ovarialtumoren.

Sex cord markers comprise proteins and hormones that are produced in sex cord-derivatives in normal ovaries and testes as well as in gonadal sex cord-stromal tumors. Sex cord markers (e.g. inhibin-alpha) are used clinically as serum tumor markers. Immunohistochemical staining of sex cord markers may be helpful in the differential diagnosis of ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors versus surface epithelial-stromal tumors, germ cell tumors, other ovarian tumors, and ovarian metastases. Inhibin-alpha has been shown to be the most specific marker of sex cord differentiation. In comparison, calretinin is a somewhat more sensitive albeit less specific marker. Currently, an immunohistochemical panel including inhibin-alpha and calretinin is considered most helpful in the differential diagnosis of ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors. CD99, Müllerian inhibiting substance (MIS), melan A and CD10, being sex cord markers of limited sensitivity and specificity, should only be used as part of an antibody panel in specific diagnostic settings. EMA, CK7 and chromogranin are considered additional markers that may be useful in the differential diagnosis of ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors.

[Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of granulosa cell tumor]. / Diagnose und Differenzialdiagnose des Granulosazelltumors.

Clinically and morphologically, two types of granulosa cell tumor can be distinguished, the more frequent adult type and the juvenile type. In the adult type, different growth patterns can be observed: microfollicular (most frequent, characterized by Call-Exner bodies), macrofollicular, trabecular, insular, solid-tubular, gyriform and diffuse (sarcomatoid). The juvenile type is characterized by solid and follicular structures. The neoplastic granulosa cells in the adult type have limited cytoplasm and haphazardly arranged angular, pale, mostly grooved nuclei. In the juvenile type, the cells have ample eosinophilic cytoplasm and polymorphic, sometimes bizarre nuclei, which are usually non-grooved. The number of mitoses in the adult type usually does not exceed 2/10 HPF, whereas it is considerably higher in the juvenile type, including atypical mitoses. A common feature in both types of tumor is the expression of inhibin-alpha, calretinin and CD 99. Epithelial membrane antigen is negative. Molecular genetics has demonstrated loss of heterozygosity at 19p13.3 in 52% of the cases. Besides chromosomal aberrations, there are a large number of cytogenetic anomalies. The most important prognostic factor in both types of tumor is tumor stage. Whereas recurrences in the adult type can develop even after decades, in the juvenile type they usually occur during the first 3 years after diagnosis.