Dermatopathologist accuracy in classifying angioinvasive fungal infections using virtual microscopy.

BACKGROUND: Due to perceived difficulty in the categorization of angioinvasive fungal infections based on histopathology, variation exists in dermatopathology reporting. METHODS: This study characterized the diagnosis of angioinvasive fungal infections by light microscopy at a single academic institution over an 11-year period. Subsequently, the accuracy of blinded reclassification by virtual microscopy was measured. RESULTS: Seventy-six specimens with hematoxylin-eosin slides were obtained from 33 patients. The mean diagnostic accuracy of dermatopathologists in differentiating mucormycosis, hyalohyphomycosis, and phaeohyphomycosis based on blinded reclassification via virtual microscopy was 74%, with a range of 65%-91%. CONCLUSIONS: While there was a range in diagnostic accuracy, the highest score of 91% and the identification of common sources of error suggest that histopathologic categorization of angioinvasive fungal infections can frequently be performed. However, accurate identification is not always possible given common pitfalls in diagnosis. In addition, standardized and clinically useful reporting should be considered.

Diagnostic Methods and Management Strategies of Herpes Simplex and Herpes Zoster Infections.

Herpesviruses are medium-sized double-stranded DNA viruses. Of more than 80 herpesviruses identified, only 9 human herpesviruses have been found to cause infection in humans. These include herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), human cyto-megalovirus (HCMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and human herpesvirus (HHV-6A, HHV-6B, HHV-7, HHV-8). HSV-1, HSV-2, and VZV can be problematic given their characteristic neurotropism which is the ability to invade via fusion of its plasma membrane and reside within neural tissue. HSV and VZV primarily infect mucocutaneous surfaces and remain latent in the dorsal root ganglia for a host's entire life. Reactivation causes either asymptomatic shedding of virus or clinical manifestation of vesicular lesions. The clinical presentation is influenced by the portal of entry, the immune status of the host, and whether the infection is primary or recurrent. Affecting 60% to 95% of adults, herpesvirus-associated infections include gingivostomatitis, orofacial and genital herpes,and primary varicella and herpes zoster. Symptomatology, treatment, and potential complications vary based on primary and recurrent infections as well as the patient's immune status.

A Case of Pleomorphic Dermal Sarcoma: Giant Exophytic Tumor of the Medial Canthus.

We present the case of a 99-year-old Caucasian female who was referred for treatment of a painless, 8.0 cm × 7.8 cm exophytic, pedunculated, ulcerated tumor of the left medial canthus. Pathology showed spindled, oval, and polygonal cells with pleomorphic nuclei. Many multinuclear giant cells and mitotic figures were also noted. The tumor was highlighted with CD10, showed focal positivity with actin, desmin, and CD68, and had increased Ki67 immunohistochemical staining. The tumor was negative for pancytokeratin, CK5/6, p63, MART-1/MelanA, S100, Sox10, p40, CD34, and CD23. Based on clinicopathologic correlation, the diagnosis of pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS) was made. Pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS) refers to a deep, histologically high-grade tumor that often resembles other tumors clinically and histologically. As PDS is frequently aggressive and related to adverse outcomes, it is important to recognize its distinguishing features in comparison to other similar entities, including atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) and pleomorphic leiomyosarcoma (PLMS). To our knowledge, there is only one other reported case in the literature of PDS occurring on the eye. By reviewing and understanding characteristic etiologies, locations of presentation, histopathological features, and management techniques, pathologists can make a more accurate diagnosis and dermatologists can provide more effective patient care in a timely manner.