Calvarial Tumors: A Retrospective Analysis and Clinical Experience.

AIM: To elucidate the prognosis, frequency, and diverse nature of pathologies for calvarial tumors among different age groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-six patients who underwent surgery for calvarial lesions between January 2007 and March 2021 are included in this study. Clinical data obtained retrospectively from patients? electronic records. Radiological images and surgical notes are reviewed to determine extent of the tumor and resection. RESULTS: Among 76 patients, 33 (43.4%) were male and 43 (56.6%) were female. The mean age was 36.0 years (range: 1?81 years) at the time of initial operation. Children consisted 28.9% (n=22) of the patients. In children, 59.1% (n=13) had tumor-like pathologies, while 27.3% (n=6) had benign pathologies, and 13.6% (n=3) had malignant tumors. In the adult population, 42.6% (n=23) had malignant tumors, 31.5% (n=17) had benign tumors, 16.7% (n=9) had tumor-like pathologies, and 9.2% (n=5) had intermediate-grade tumors. F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scan was performed in 16 patients, 10 cases underwent whole-body bone scintigraphy (WBBS), and 4 cases underwent both. Among these examinations, 16 (80%) of the FDG-PET scans and 5 (35.7%) of the WBBS scans revealed an extracranial pathological lesion. A calvarial tumor was diagnosed in 13 of 18 cases of metastatic lesions (72.2%) before the primary tumor detection. CONCLUSION: Lesions of the calvarium include malignant tumors, intermediate grade tumors, tumor-like lesions, and benign tumors. These masses may be the first presentation in patients with underlying primary tumors. In our study, the malignant tumor rate in the calvaria was 34.2%, and 72.2% of the metastatic tumors were diagnosed with a calvarial resection before the primary tumor was found. Operating a calvarial lesion and making an early diagnosis are crucial for the treatment of the primary lesions.

Immunohistochemical positive regulatory domain member 10 expression in soft tissue sarcomas.

Positive regulatory domain member (PRDM) proteins play a critical role in the transmission of signals that control cell proliferation and differentiation, and neoplastic transformation. Positive regulatory domain member 10 (tristanin) is a poorly studied member of PRDM protein family. Gene fusion transcripts containing PRDM10 were recently identified in low-grade undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas (UPS), and associated with pleomorphic morphology and low mitotic index. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunohistochemical staining of PRDM10 in a larger sample of soft tissue sarcomas. Therefore, the study included 118 soft tissue sarcomas from different classes, and PRDM10 antibody was applied to all of them. Immuno-histochemically, staining was observed in 22 (19%) cases, while 96 (81%) showed no staining. When PRDM10 expression was compared with clinico-pathological features, there was a statistically significant correlation between PRDM10 expression and myxoid changes, multi-nucleated giant cells, and surgical margin (p = 0.017, p = 0.034, p = 0.032, respectively). No statistically significant association was found between PRDM10 expression and other parameters. Based on the obtained data, it can be said that PRDM10-positive-stained tumors (tumors with PDRM10 expression) are mostly myxoid, containing multi-nucleated giant cells, and can be removed with well-circumscribed margins.

Upper arm life-saving amputation of a 12 day-old neonate due to extensive vascular tumor of the upper extremity.

Vascular tumors in neonates are mostly benign; however, locally aggressive voluminous forms may destabilize the hemodynamics of a neonate. Herein, we present an unusual case of a neonatal giant vascular tumor in the right upper extremity, causing a consumption coagulopathy and acute deterioration of vital signs. The patient required mechanical ventilation, inotropic support, and administration of blood products by the seventh day. Vascular embolization attempts failed to improve the general condition of the patient. Due to the deteriorating and life-threatening general condition of the patient, amputation around the upper arm level occurred under emergency conditions on the twelfth day. The patient's hemodynamic parameters were regained immediately, with neither inotropic agents nor blood products required after the second postoperative day. Clinical and pathological diagnosis revealed kaposiform hemangioendothelioma. Patient monitoring proceeded until the age of 15 months, with no local recurrence around the stump or soft tissue coverage complications. Therefore, since other treatment options failed, the early amputation decision was life-saving.

Severe cholestasis due to azathioprine in Behcet's disease.

Azathioprine (AZA) is an immunosuppressive drug that is widely used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Although AZA is used widely, many studies reported that AZA-related hepatotoxicity is rather rare. We aimed to present a case with severe cholestatic hepatitis due to AZA use for Behcet's disease. Three weeks after starting AZA for the treatment of uveitis, the patient was admitted to our clinic with cholestasis and constitutional symptoms. In liver biopsy, findings were in accordance with drug reaction, and the AZA treatment was stopped. After 2 months, bilirubin levels and liver tests results became normal. As a result, given that AZA may cause severe cholestasis, the drug should be stopped if idiosyncrasy or hypersensitivity develops. If there is a debate in the diagnosis, histopathological evaluation of the liver would be the major issue because of the correct diagnosis of the drug toxicity and excluding other aetiologies.

Lead, selenium and nickel concentrations in epithelial ovarian cancer, borderline ovarian tumor and healthy ovarian tissues.

OBJECTIVE: Wide variation exists in ovarian cancer incidence rates suggesting the importance of environmental factors. Due to increasing environmental pollution, trace elements and heavy metals have drawn attention in studies defining the etiology of cancer, but scant data is available for ovarian cancer. Our aim was to compare the tissue concentrations of lead, selenium and nickel in epithelial ovarian cancer, borderline tumor and healthy ovarian tissues. METHODS: The levels of lead, selenium and nickel were estimated using atomic absorption spectrophotometry in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples. Tests were carried out in 20 malignant epithelial ovarian cancer, 15 epithelial borderline tumor and 20 non-neoplastic healthy ovaries. Two samples were collected for borderline tumors, one from papillary projection and one from the smooth surface of cyst wall. RESULTS: Pb and Ni concentrations were found to be higher both in malignant and borderline tissues than those in healthy ovaries. Concentrations of Pb and Ni in malignant tissues, borderline papillary projections and capsular tissue samples were not different. Comparison of Se concentrations of malignant, borderline and healthy ovarian tissues did not reveal statistical difference. Studied metal levels were not found to be different in either papillary projection or in cyst wall of the borderline tumors. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed the accumulation of lead and nickel in ovarian tissue is associated with borderline and malignant proliferation of the surface epithelium. Accumulation of these metals in epithelial ovarian cancer and borderline ovarian tumor has not been demonstrated before.

The Effect of Omeprazole Usage on the Viability of Random Pattern Skin Flaps in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Necrosis of random pattern flaps caused by inadequate blood flow, especially in the distal part of the flap is one of the biggest challenges in reconstructive surgery. Various agents have been used to prevent flap ischemia. In this study, we used omeprazole, which is a potent inhibitor of gastric acidity to increase flap viability. METHODS: In this study, 35 Wistar-Albino type rats which were divided into 5 equal groups were used. Random-pattern dorsal skin flaps were raised in all groups at seventh day of the study. Group 1 was accepted as control group, and the rats in this group was only given distilled water intraperitoneally for 14 days. Group 2 and group 3 received 10 and 40 mg/kg omeprazole daily for 14 days, respectively. Group 4 and group 5 were given distilled water for the first 7 days and then after the operations they received 10 and 40 mg/kg omeprazole daily for 7 days, respectively. Survival rates of the flaps were examined seventh day after elevation of the flaps by digital imaging and scintigraphy. After assessment of the amount of necrosis, number of vascular structures were counted histopathologically. RESULTS: Percentage of flap necrosis was found to be less in all omeprazole received groups. On digital imaging, percentages of flap necrosis in the study groups were statistically significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference between the study groups (P > 0.05).In the histopathologic specimens, it was detected that the mean number of vessels in proximal (a) and distal (c) portions of the flap in the study groups showed a significant increase when compared with the control group (P < 0.01 for groups 2, 4 and 5, and P < 0.05 for group 3). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, possible clinical usage of medications increasing gastrin during flap surgeries can be thought as a positive contributor. In this sense, this study showed that parenteral administration of omeprazole in skin flap surgery increases flap viability possibly by increasing gastrin levels.

A rare disease mimics postoperative bile leakage: Invasive aspergillosis.

Aspergillus fungi can cause serious infections, including intra-abdominal infection, particularly in patients with compromised immune system. Described in the present report is case of 46-year-old female patient who had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) at another healthcare facility. In early postoperative period, she had increasing complaints of swelling, nausea, and vomiting. On postoperative 19th day, she was referred to our clinic with diagnosis of acute abdomen. Surgery was performed with suspected possibility of bile leakage. However, pathological examination of soft, yellow-green mass found in subhepatic space determined it was fungus ball caused by fungi of the genus Aspergillus. Patient was diagnosed postoperative intra-abdominal aspergillosis (IAA).

Primary malignant melanoma of the urinary bladder: clinical, morphological, and molecular analysis of five cases.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical and morphological features of primary malignant melanomas of the urinary bladder. We obtained information on five such cases from three different institutions. These were three men and two women between 52 and 76 years of age. Three tumors presented with hematuria, one with dysuria, and one was discovered incidentally on imaging studies. All were invasive to muscularis propria on transuretral resections performed for diagnosis. Neoplastic cells showed variable patterns (large cell epithelioid, small cell diffuse, storiform, or mixed) in different tumors. Pigmentation was prominent in all except one case. Each case was labeled diffusely for S-100, HMB-45, and Melan-A. Pan-cytokeratin showed a perinuclear dot-like reaction in two tumors. Three cases showed the BRAF mutation in molecular studies. Two patients were already metastatic at the time of diagnosis. Two patients died, one is alive with disease after 15 months, and two patients are disease free at 1 and 5 years of surveillance.

Lymphangiomatous Polyp of Tonsil: A Case Report.

Lymphangiomatous polyps of the palatine tonsils are uncommon hamartomatous proliferations that could be clinically misdiagnosed as malignant neoplasms. These polyps consist of dilated lymphatic vessels located inside fibrous and/or adipose tissue. In this paper, a 27-year-old man who presented to the outpatient clinic with a complaint of dysphagia is presented. On physical examination, the patient had a smooth, polypoid mass extending from the posterior section of the right palatine tonsil into the oropharynx. The patient underwent right tonsillectomy. Histopathological examination of the specimen showed typical features of a lymphangiomatous polyp of the tonsil. The case is reported with the accompanying literature to avoid the possibility of misdiagnosing it as a malignant lesion clinically.

An extraneural primary anaplastic ependymoma at the subcutaneous inguinal region: Report of a rare case.

Ependymomas commonly arise in the central nervous system. Extraneural presentation is quite rare. Herein, we describe a primary extraneural ependymoma in a young female. The mass was located in the right inguinal area. The cut surface of the 7.5 mm × 6.5 mm × 4.5 mm sized tumor was brownish-yellow in color. Histologically, it was hypercellular exhibiting pseudorosette or rosette formations and some papillary structures. Mitosis was counted as high as 10 per 10 high power fields. Neither necrosis nor vascular endothelial proliferation within the tumor was observed. Tumor cells showed strong glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivity. On epithelial membrane antigen, intracytoplasmic dot-like immunostaining was observed. This is the first report presenting a primary extraneural anaplastic ependymoma arising in the inguinal subcutaneous region.

The effects of electromagnetic fields on the number of ovarian primordial follicles: An experimental study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an electromagnetic field (EMF), generated close to the ovaries, on primordial follicles. A total of 16 rats were used in this study. The study group consisted of rats exposed to an EMF in the abdominal region for 15 min/d for 15 days. Both the study and control group were composed of eight rats. After the treatment period of 15 days, the ovaries of the rats were extracted, and sections of ovarian tissue were taken for histological evaluation. The independent samples t test was used to compare the two groups. In the study group, the means of the right and left ovarian follicle numbers were 34.00 ± 10.20 and 36.00 ± 10.53, respectively. The average total ovarian follicle number was 70.00 ± 19.03. In the control group, the means of the right and left ovarian follicle numbers were 78.50 ± 25.98 and 71.75 ± 29.66, respectively, and the average total ovarian follicle number was 150.25 ± 49.53. The comparisons of the means of the right and left ovarian follicle numbers and the means of the total ovarian follicle numbers between the study and control groups indicated that the study group had significantly fewer follicles (p < 0.001, p = 0.011, and p = 0.002, respectively). This study found a significant decrease in the number of ovarian follicles in rats exposed to an EMF. Further clinical studies are needed to reveal the effects of EMFs on ovarian reserve and infertility.

Does imprint cytology improve the accuracy of transrectal prostate needle biopsy?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of imprint cytology of core needle biopsy specimens in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. METHODS: Between December 24, 2011 and May 9, 2013, patients with an abnormal DRE and/or serum PSA level of >2.5 ng/mL underwent transrectal prostate needle biopsy. Samples with positive imprint cytology but negative initial histologic exam underwent repeat sectioning and histological examination. RESULTS: 1,262 transrectal prostate needle biopsy specimens were evaluated from 100 patients. Malignant imprint cytology was found in 236 specimens (18.7%), 197 (15.6%) of which were confirmed by histologic examination, giving an initial 3.1% (n = 39) rate of discrepant results by imprint cytology. Upon repeat sectioning and histologic examination of these 39 biopsy samples, 14 (1.1% of the original specimens) were then diagnosed as malignant, 3 (0.2%) as atypical small acinar proliferation (ASAP), and 5 (0.4%) as high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN). Overall, 964 (76.4%) specimens were negative for malignancy by imprint cytology. Seven (0.6%) specimens were benign by cytology but malignant cells were found on histological evaluation. On imprint cytology examination, nonmalignant but abnormal findings were seen in 62 specimens (4.9%). These were all due to benign processes. After reexamination, the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, false-positive rate, false-negative rate of imprint preparations were 98.1, 96.9, 98.4, 92.8, 99.3, 1.6, 3.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Imprint cytology is valuable tool for evaluating TRUS-guided core needle biopsy specimens from the prostate. Use of imprint cytology in combination with histopathology increases diagnostic accuracy when compared with histopathologic assessment alone.

Immunohistochemical expression of Insulin-like growth factor-1, Transforming growth factor-beta1, and Vascular endothelial growth factor in parathyroid adenoma and hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND: Insulin-like growth factor (IGF), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-ß1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are commonly studied growth factors, but little data are available on the immunohistochemical expression of these factors in parathyroid lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tissue specimens from 36 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (P-HPT) (26 adenomas and 10 primary hyperplasias) were examined. Normal parathyroid tissue adjacent to the adenoma or area of hyperplasia was used as control tissue. Preoperative laboratory testing [serum Ca and P, creatinine and parathormone levels (PTH)] which led to the diagnosis of P-HPT had been performed, the size and weight of the parathyroid glands measured, and postoperative serum PTH levels determined. Paraffin-embedded parathyroid tissue specimens were stained with antibodies to IGF-1, VEGF, and TGF-ß1 using standard immunohistochemical procedures. RESULTS: IGF-1 immunoreactivity was seen in 50% of hyperplasia and in 46% of adenoma samples, but in 87% of normal parathyroid tissue in the vicinity of the adenomas (P = 0.005). TGF-ß1 immunoreactivity was observed in 90% of hyperplasia, in 92% of adenoma samples, and in 95% of normal tissues around adenomas. VEGF immunoreactivity was observed in 70% of hyperplastic and 65% of adenomatous tissues, as well as in 54% of normal tissues in the vicinity of the adenoma. No significant differences in the expression of IGF-1, TGF-ß1, and VEGF were observed between primary adenomas compared to hyperplasia samples (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Parathyroid tissue is clearly a site for production of IGF-1, TGF-ß1, and VEGF. IGF-1 receptor activity was higher in normal parathyroid tissue compared to hyperplastic and adenomatous tissue.

Comparison of efficacy of topical phenytoin with hypericin in second-degree burn wound healing: an experimental study in rats.

BACKGROUND: This experiment was performed to compare the effects of Phenytoin (PHT) and Hypericin (HP) cream on healing of burn wounds in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty rats were divided into 3 groups and second-degree burn wounds were created. The burn wounds in the first, second, and third groups were covered twice daily with PHT cream, HP cream, and saline (control), respectively. At the end of days 3, 7, 14, and 21, full-thickness skin biopsies were done for histopathologic and immunohistochemical analyses. RESULTS: Histopathologic evaluations at the 14th day showed that re-epithelialization scores were greater in the HP group than the PHT group, but on day 21, re-epithelialization scores were higher in the PHT group than the HP group. Collagen content on days 3 and 14 in the PHT group was found to be higher than in the HP group. Well-vascularized granulation tissue on day 7 in the PHT group was higher than in other groups. HP and PHT groups had a significant increase in VEGF and TGF-b expression in burn wound healing area compared to the control group on all days. CONCLUSIONS: Topical application of HP can promote re-epithelialization in burn wounds to shorten the wound healing time for superficial burns. Phenytoin, on the other hand, contributes to healing by increasing vascularized granulation tissue and collagen synthesis through re-epithelialization. The increased VEGF and TGF-b expression following PHT and HP treatment strongly indicate that PHT and HP treatment promotes VEGF and TGF-b production and action in the burn wound area.

Malignant melanoma of the bladder: A case report.

Primary malignant melanoma of the bladder is very rare. Rather than being a primary lesion, malignant melanomas of the bladder are more commonly metastatic lesions. The histopathological appearance largely does not differ from that of melanoma at other body sites. It is often difficult to discriminate whether a bladder melanoma is primary or metastatic. Therefore, a careful review of histological features and performing necessary immunohistochemical staining procedures for S-100 protein and HMB-45 are very important in achieving a correct diagnosis. We report a case of hypomelanotic malignant melanoma of the bladder. Despite the variety of therapies available for primary melanomas of the bladder, the prognosis is still poor.

Cryptogenic organising pneumonia presenting with bilateral hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy.

Cryptogenic organising pneumonia is not considered in the differential diagnosis of bilateral hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. We submitted a patient presenting with bilateral hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. We suspected diagnosis of sarcoidosis, but the patient was diagnosed as cryptogenic organising pneumonia with the histological result. This is the second case report of cryptogenic organising pneumonia presenting with bilateral hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy.

Treatment of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia because of diffuse nesidioblastosis with nifedipine after surgical therapies in a newborn.

Recent studies have demonstrated a role for calcium channel blocking agents in the treatment of persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of newborns. We report a newborn infant with persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia whom we successfully treated with oral nifedipine alone after surgical therapies. A 4-day-old male infant was referred with intractable hypoglycemia and seziures. Normoglycaemia could be maintained only by the intravenous infusion of glucose at a rate of 20 mg/kg per minute. Persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of newborn was diagnosed from an inappropriately raised plasma insulin concentration (44 mU/L) at the time of hypoglycemia. Medical treatments led to only a mild reduction in the intravenous glucose requirement; an 85-90% pancreatectomy was performed and histological "diffuse nesidioblastosis" was confirmed. However, despite all the medical treatments after the first pancreatectomy, the hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia persisted and a second 95% pancreatectomy was performed. After the second pancreatectomy, persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia was treated with somatostatin and diazoxide, but led to no reduction in the intravenous glucose requirement. We report the case of an infant who had persistent hypoglycemia after two subtotal pancreatic resections but subsequently became normoglycemic on treatment with nifedipine (2 mg/kg per day). The patient was discharged home on oral nifedipine. Calcium channel blocking agents cuold be used with efficacy and safety in recurrent persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia.

[Diffuse lipid infiltration and squamous metaplasia accompanying amyloid goiter: case report]. / Amiloid guatra eslik eden diffüz yag infiltrasyonu ve skuamöz metaplazi: olgu sunumu.

Systemic amyloidosis is one of the serious complications of Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF). Amyloid accumulation secondary to FMF can cause pressure symptoms in thyroid gland rarely. A 17-year-old male patient with the diagnosis of FMF performed the complaints of dyspnea during his follow-up period. He has demonstrated a rapidly increasing mass localized in front of his neck within the last three months that was diagnosed as a diffuse, hyperplasic and pressuring thyroid gland. Total thyroidectomy was performed. Histopathological investigation of the material obtained aft er thyroidectomy revealed diffuse lipid infiltration in parenchyma, intense amyloid accumulation around and between the follicles that caused pressure on the follicles, and cystic areas in the tissue. Squamous metaplasia foci in cyst epithelium were detected. Upon these findings the case was diagnosed as amyloid goiter accompanied by metaplastic variations. In conclusion, it can be appropriate to take into account the possibility that metaplastic variations could accompany amyloid goiter in patients with long-term FMF.

Adrenal myelolipoma's connection with adenoma in the same adrenal gland.

Adrenal myelolipoma is a rare benign tumour. This tumour is generally considered as a type of hormonally inactive neoplasm, which is composed of mature adipose tissue and normal haematopoietic cells. Rarely adrenal myelolipoma and adrenal cortical adenoma could be found together in the same gland. Due to myelolipoma's asymptomatic character, it is generally diagnosed incidentally. In fact, myelolipoma can now be easily detected because of improved techniques such as ultrasound, CT and MRI and widespread use of imaging. Because of this a 66-year-old male patient with abdominal pain, proved that adrenal myelolipoma and non-functional adrenal cortical adenoma are rare in the same gland. The case presented here deals with different outcome which is rare in the literature.