NIFTPs may be reclassified not only from FVPTCs but also from follicular adenomas.

Few studies have focused on reclassifying follicular adenomas (FAs) as noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasms with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTPs), but none have been conducted in America or Europe. The aims of this study were to analyze the prevalence of NIFTP reclassified from follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinomas (FVPTCs) and FAs before NIFTP was defined in the literature, the rate of NIFTP among PTC (papillary thyroid carcinomas) established in real time between 2017 and 2022, and demographic, ultrasonographic, and cytologic characteristics of NIFTPs compared with FVPTCs and FAs. This was a retrospective cohort study of tumors diagnosed as PTCs (n = 247) and FAs (n = 144) at a Brazilian hospital. Overall, 13.4% of PTCs and 7% of FAs were reclassified as NIFTPs. The rate of real-time diagnosed NIFTPs among PTC was 12.3%. The median tumor size was larger among NIFTPs (3.0 cm) than FVPTCs (1.1 cm; P < 0.01). A high-risk ultrasonographic pattern was rare in NIFTPs (5.6%). The cytologic classifications differed between FVPTCs and NIFTPs (P < 0.01), and the most frequent category among NIFTPs was 'follicular neoplasm' (52.6%). The category 'suspicious for malignancy' was frequent in FVPTCs and rare (5.3%) in NIFTPs. In conclusion, FVPTCs and FAs may be reclassified as NIFTPs. The prevalence of NIFTPs reclassified from FAs was lower in our cohort than in Asian studies. The rate of NIFTPs reclassified from PTC was similar to that of NIFTPs diagnosed in real time and was aligned with rates reported in studies from America and Europe. Preoperative features could not differentiate NIFTPs from FVPTCs or FAs.

Combining the American Thyroid Association's Ultrasound Classification with Cytological Subcategorization Improves the Assessment of Malignancy Risk in Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules.

Background: The risk of malignancy (RoM) of indeterminate thyroid nodules (ITNs) shows a high variability in interinstitutional cohorts. The RoM is partially associated with the cytological degree of atypia and the ultrasound (US) pattern. This study evaluated the cancer risk of ITNs by jointly considering the cytological subcategory and the American Thyroid Association (ATA)-based US risk classification. Methods: This study features a retrospective cohort from two Brazilian centers comprising 238 ITNs with confirmed outcomes. US classification, according to ATA-based guidelines, and cytological subcategorization were determined. The cytological subgroups were as follows: (1) nuclear atypia (NA) related to papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) but insufficient to categorize the cytology as suspicious for malignancy; (2) architectural atypia without NA (AA); (3) both architectural and nuclear atypia (ANA); (4) oncocytic pattern (OP) without NA; and (5) NA not related to PTC (NANP). NA was divided into three subgroups: nuclear size and shape, nuclear membrane appearance, and/or chromatin aspects. Results: The overall frequency of malignancy was 39.5%. Among the cytological subcategories, the highest RoM was related to the NA (43.9%) and to the ANA (43.5%), followed by AA (29.4%), and OP (9.4%). NA was positively and independently associated with cancer (odds ratio [OR]: 4.5; confidence interval [CI: 1.2-16.6]) as was the occurrence of ANA (OR 6.6 [CI 1.5-29.5]). AA and OP were not independently associated with cancer. Both ATA-based high- and intermediate-risk categories showed an independent association with cancer (OR 6.8 [CI 2.9-15.5] and OR: 2.6 [CI 1.1-5.8], respectively). ITNs with cytological findings of NA or ANA when combined with intermediate US patterns had RoM values of 47.5% and 56.7%, respectively. Both cytological subcategories, when combined with the ATA high-suspicion class reached an RoM >70%. The type of NA with the highest odds for cancer was related to the nuclear membrane (OR 11.5). Conclusions: The RoM of ITNs can reach almost 80% when both NA and ATA-based high-risk US features are present. The presence of such cytological features also increased the RoM in the ATA-based intermediate-risk US category. In addition, AA and OP were not independently related to higher cancer risk. These results strengthen the recommendations for combing cytological subcategorization and US risk classification in the workup for ITNs before the decision of a molecular testing, clinical observation, or diagnostic surgery.

TERTp mutation is associated with a shorter progression free survival in patients with aggressive histology subtypes of follicular-cell derived thyroid carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Evaluate the impact of TERTp mutation on the outcomes after initial treatment of 45 patients with thyroid carcinomas derived from follicular cells (TCDFC) with aggressive histology, in which the role of this mutation is not yet well defined. METHODS: Analysis of the presence of TERTp (-124C > T and -146C > T), BRAF (V600E), and NRAS (Q 61R) mutations by Sanger sequencing and analysis of their correlation with the patient's outcomes. RESULTS: Forty-five patients with aggressive histopathologic variants were included in the study. Of these, 68.9% had aggressive variants of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), 22.2% had poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC)/insular carcinoma, and 8.9% had invasive follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) with Hurthle cell features (Hurthle cell carcinoma). Lymph node metastases were present in 46.7% and distant metastases in 54.6%. The response to the initial therapy was excellent in 45.5% and structurally incomplete in 50%. During the follow-up period (median of 56 months; 5-360 months), 47.7% presented with disease progression and 17.8% experienced disease-related death. In 53.3% of the cases at least one molecular alteration (TERTp in 33.4%, BRAF in 24.5%, RAS in 8.9%) was detected. In the multivariate analysis, TERTp mutation was the factor associated with the highest risk (6 times) of having structural disease after initial therapy (p = 0.01), followed by vascular invasion (p = 0.02), gross extrathyroidal extension (ETE) (p = 0.02) and distant metastasis (p = 0.04). Regarding mutational status, only TERTp mutation was associated with disease progression, and diminished disease progression-free survival (PFS). The presence of distant metastasis, vascular invasion and gross ETE were significantly associated with the risk of disease progression. CONCLUSIONS: TERTp mutation appears be an indicator of both persistence and progression of structural disease after initial therapy in aggressive variants of TCDFC, and associates with a shorter progression free survival regardless of the therapy employed.

Likelihood of malignancy in thyroid nodules according to a proposed Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) classification merging suspicious and benign ultrasound features.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the ultrasound features of benign and malignant thyroid nodules and evaluate the likelihood of malignancy associated with each feature according to the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology and histopathology. With this analysis, we propose a new TI-RADS classification system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The likelihood of malignancy from ultrasound features were assessed in 1413 thyroid nodules according to the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology and histopathological findings. A score was established by attributing different weights to each ultrasound feature evaluated. RESULTS: Features positively associated with malignancy in bivariate analysis received a score weight of +1. We attributed a weight of +2 to features which were independently associated with malignancy in a multivariate analysis and +3 for those associated with the highest odds ratio for malignancy (> 10.0). Hence, hypoechogenicity (graded as mild, moderate or marked, according to a comparison with the overlying strap muscle), microcalcification and irregular/microlobulated margin received the highest weights in our scoring system. Features that were negatively associated with malignancy received weights of -2 or -1. In the proposed system a cutoff score of 2 (sensitivity 97.4% and specificity 51.6%) was adopted as a transition between probably benign (TI-RADS 3) and TI-RADS 4a nodules. Overall, the frequency of malignancy in thyroid nodules according to the categories was 1.0% for TI-RADS 3, 7.8% for TI-RADS 4a, 35.3% for TI-RADS 4b, and 84.7% for TI-RADS 5. CONCLUSION: A newly proposed TI-RADS classification adequately assessed the likelihood of malignancy in thyroid nodules.

Likelihood of malignancy in thyroid nodules according to a proposed Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) classification merging suspicious and benign ultrasound features

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study was to describe the ultrasound features of benign and malignant thyroid nodules and evaluate the likelihood of malignancy associated with each feature according to the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology and histopathology. With this analysis, we propose a new TI-RADS classification system. Materials and methods The likelihood of malignancy from ultrasound features were assessed in 1413 thyroid nodules according to the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology and histopathological findings. A score was established by attributing different weights to each ultrasound feature evaluated. Results Features positively associated with malignancy in bivariate analysis received a score weight of +1. We attributed a weight of +2 to features which were independently associated with malignancy in a multivariate analysis and +3 for those associated with the highest odds ratio for malignancy (> 10.0). Hence, hypoechogenicity (graded as mild, moderate or marked, according to a comparison with the overlying strap muscle), microcalcification and irregular/microlobulated margin received the highest weights in our scoring system. Features that were negatively associated with malignancy received weights of -2 or -1. In the proposed system a cutoff score of 2 (sensitivity 97.4% and specificity 51.6%) was adopted as a transition between probably benign (TI-RADS 3) and TI-RADS 4a nodules. Overall, the frequency of malignancy in thyroid nodules according to the categories was 1.0% for TI-RADS 3, 7.8% for TI-RADS 4a, 35.3% for TI-RADS 4b, and 84.7% for TI-RADS 5. Conclusion A newly proposed TI-RADS classification adequately assessed the likelihood of malignancy in thyroid nodules.

Prevalence of thyroid diseases in patients with acromegaly: experience of a Brazilian center / Prevalência das doenças tireoidianas em pacientes com acromegalia: experiência de um centro brasileiro

OBJECTIVES: Acromegaly is frequently associated with thyroid diseases. In this study, we evaluated the frequency of thyroid disorders in a series of acromegalic patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We evaluated 106 acromegalic patients using thyroid ultrasonography (US) and measurements of GH, IGF-I, free T4, TSH and anti-thyroperoxidase antibody levels. IGF-I was expressed in mass units and age-related standard deviation scores (SD-scores). Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was performed on thyroid nodules with a diameter greater than one centimeter or with suspicious characteristics. RESULTS: Thyroid disorders were found in 75 patients. Eleven patients had diffuse goiter, 42 patients had nodular goiter, and 22 patients had unspecific morphological abnormalities. Four patients (3.8%) had thyroid carcinoma. Considering the patients with diffuse or nodular goiter, thyroid volume was greater in patients with active acromegaly, and was positively correlated with GH, IGF-I, and IGF-I SD-score. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirmed that benign thyroid diseases are frequent in acromegalic patients. The prevalence of thyroid cancer was higher than in the overall population. We suggest that thyroid US should be routinely performed in patients with acromegaly.

OBJETIVOS: Acromegalia está frequentemente associada a doenças tireoidianas. Neste estudo, avaliamos a presença de tireoidopatias em uma série de pacientes acromegálicos. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 106 pacientes por ultrassonografia (US) e dosagens de GH, IGF-1, T4 livre, TSH e anticorpo antitireoperoxidase. O IGF-I foi expresso em unidades de massa e desvio-padrão (DP-IGF-I). Punção aspirativa por agulha fina (PAAF) foi realizada quando os nódulos eram maiores que um centímetro ou tinham características suspeitas. RESULTADOS: Alterações tireoidianas foram encontradas em 75 pacientes. Onze apresentavam bócio difuso, 42, bócio nodular e 22, alterações morfológicas inespecíficas. Houve quatro casos (3,8%) de câncer diferenciado de tireoide. Considerando os pacientes com bócio difuso ou nodular, o volume tireoidiano foi maior naqueles com acromegalia em atividade e correlacionou-se positivamente com os níveis de GH, IGF-1 e DP-IGF-1. CONCLUSÕES: Nosso estudo confirmou que as doenças tireoidianas benignas são frequentes nos pacientes acromegálicos. A prevalência de câncer diferenciado de tireoide foi maior que na população geral. Sugerimos que US de tireoide seja realizado rotineiramente nos pacientes com acromegalia.

AMP-activated protein kinase signaling is upregulated in papillary thyroid cancer.

UNLABELLED: AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is activated by the depletion in cellular energy levels and allows adaptive changes in cell metabolism and cell survival. Recently, our group described that AMPK plays an important role in the regulation of iodide and glucose uptake in thyroid cells. However, AMPK signaling pathway in human thyroid carcinomas has not been investigated so far. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the expression and activity of AMPK in papillary thyroid carcinomas. METHODS: We examined total and phosphorylated AMPK (tAMPK and pAMPK) and phosphorylated acetyl-CoA-carboxylase (pACC) expressions through imunohistochemistry, using a tissue microarray block composed of 73 papillary thyroid carcinomas (PAP CA) or microcarcinomas (PAP MCA) and six adenoma (AD) samples from patients followed at the Federal University Hospital. The expression levels were compared with the non-neoplastic tissues from the same patient. Two different pathologists analyzed the samples and attributed scores of staining intensity and the proportion of stained cells. A total index was obtained by multiplying the values of intensity and the proportion of stained cells (INTxPROP). RESULTS: tAMPK, pAMPK, and pACC showed a predominant cytoplasmic staining in papillary carcinomas, adenomas, and non-neoplastic thyroid tissues. However, the intensity and the proportion of stained cells were higher in carcinomas, so that a significant increase was found in the INTxPROP score both in PAP CA and PAP MCA, when compared with their respective controls. CONCLUSION: Our results show unequivocally that AMPK pathway is highly activated in papillary thyroid carcinomas; however, more studies are necessary to understand the pathophysiological significance of AMPK activation in thyroid carcinogenesis.

Leydig cell tumour in a 46,XX child with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency.

CASE REPORT: A 10-year-old male was referred to our institution due to short stature and bilateral cryptorchidism and reported pubic hair development and acne since the age of 4 years. Laboratory and molecular genetic tests indicated congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. After treatment with prednisone, adrenal hormones normalised but testosterone remained elevated. Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen due to cryptorchidism revealed uterus and adnexal attachments, a prostate and poorly defined nodules on the iliac chains. Upon exploratory laparotomy, a hysterectomy, bilateral oophorectomy and resection of a peri-adnexal nodular lesion on the patient's right side were performed. Histopathology of the nodule mass was compatible with a Leydig cell tumour with a low proliferation rate according to Ki67.

Parathyroid carcinoma and oxyphil parathyroid adenoma: an uncommon case of misinterpretation in clinical practice.

A 46 year-old male presented with persistently high level of serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), despite successful resection of an oxyphilic cell parathyroid adenoma of the left lower gland. Renal function and serum calcium were normal, leading to vitamin D deficiency being considered. Tc99m-sestamibi parathyroid scintigraphy showed no capitation, but a cervical ultrasound demonstrated an increase in the lower parathyroids. Surgery confirmed that the right gland was normal but the left corresponded to parathyroid carcinoma. The patient developed severe hypocalcemia, with PTH values being consistent with hypoparathyroidism for a few months. However, a progressive increase in calcium and PTH serum levels indicated recurrence of disease. Tc99m-sestamibi scintigraphy demonstrated hyperfixation in topography of the left inferior parathyroid and the patient was subjected to a third and more extensive surgery, with removal of lymph nodes and adjacent thyroid tissue. Serum calcium and PTH remained elevated, requiring loop diuretics and intravenous bisphosphonates to control hypercalcemia. Cervical radiotherapy was implemented as adjuvant therapy. After two months the patient complained of dyspnea, and a CT scan of the chest demonstrated areas of parenchymal condensation, suggestive of actinic pneumonitis. At the 2-year follow-up no major issues were evident.

Prevalence of thyroid diseases in patients with acromegaly: experience of a Brazilian center.

OBJECTIVES: Acromegaly is frequently associated with thyroid diseases. In this study, we evaluated the frequency of thyroid disorders in a series of acromegalic patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We evaluated 106 acromegalic patients using thyroid ultrasonography (US) and measurements of GH, IGF-I, free T4, TSH and anti-thyroperoxidase antibody levels. IGF-I was expressed in mass units and age-related standard deviation scores (SD-scores). Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was performed on thyroid nodules with a diameter greater than one centimeter or with suspicious characteristics. RESULTS: Thyroid disorders were found in 75 patients. Eleven patients had diffuse goiter, 42 patients had nodular goiter, and 22 patients had unspecific morphological abnormalities. Four patients (3.8%) had thyroid carcinoma. Considering the patients with diffuse or nodular goiter, thyroid volume was greater in patients with active acromegaly, and was positively correlated with GH, IGF-I, and IGF-I SD-score. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirmed that benign thyroid diseases are frequent in acromegalic patients. The prevalence of thyroid cancer was higher than in the overall population. We suggest that thyroid US should be routinely performed in patients with acromegaly.

Frequency of thyroid carcinoma and thyroid autoimmunity in first-degree relatives of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma: a single center experience.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of thyroid cancer and thyroid dysfunction in first-degree relatives of thyroid cancer patients, and to determine if there is a difference between familial and sporadic thyroid cancer. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifteen first-degree relatives of seven families with at least two family members with thyroid cancer (TC) were compared with 128 first-degree relatives of 45 families with only one family member affected. Laboratory and ultrasound evaluation, fine-needle aspiration biopsy and thyroid surgery were used as normally done in clinical practice. RESULTS: Thyroid dysfunction was similar between the two groups. The frequency of TC and autoimmunity in the group that had two relatives with known thyroid cancer was higher, compared with the families that had sporadic thyroid cancer among their family members (40% vs. 2%, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Frequency of TC increases when more than one member of the family is affected. These findings suggest that these relatives should be screened more frequently than individuals in families in which only one case of TC is observed.

Frequency of thyroid carcinoma and thyroid autoimmunity in first-degree relatives of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma: A single center experience / Frequência de carcinoma de tireoide e autoimunidade tireoidiana em parentes de primeiro grau de portadores de carcinoma de tireoide: Experiência de um único centro

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of thyroid cancer and thyroid dysfunction in first-degree relatives of thyroid cancer patients, and to determine if there is a difference between familial and sporadic thyroid cancer. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifteen first-degree relatives of seven families with at least two family members with thyroid cancer (TC) were compared with 128 first-degree relatives of 45 families with only one family member affected. Laboratory and ultrasound evaluation, fine-needle aspiration biopsy and thyroid surgery were used as normally done in clinical practice. RESULTS: Thyroid dysfunction was similar between the two groups. The frequency of TC and autoimmunity in the group that had two relatives with known thyroid cancer was higher, compared with the families that had sporadic thyroid cancer among their family members (40 percent vs. 2 percent, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Frequency of TC increases when more than one member of the family is affected. These findings suggest that these relatives should be screened more frequently than individuals in families in which only one case of TC is observed.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a frequência de carcinoma de tireoide e disfunção tireoidiana em parentes de pacientes com câncer da tireoide e determinar se há diferença entre aqueles com mais de um familiar acometido e os casos esporádicos. SUJEITO E MÉTODOS: Quinze familiares de sete famílias com dois membros sabidamente acometidos foram submetidos à avaliação ultrassonográfica e laboratorial. Cento e vinte e oito familiares de pacientes com carcinoma de tireoide, porém sem outros casos na família, foram utilizados como grupo comparador. RESULTADOS: Em relação à disfunção tireoidiana, não houve diferença entre os grupos. A frequência de carcinoma da tireoide e autoimunidade foi maior nos parentes que tinham dois membros da família afetados (40 por cento vs. 2 por cento, p = 0.0001). A apresentação clínica foi semelhante nos dois grupos. CONCLUSÃO: Devido à maior frequência de carcinoma de tireoide em parentes que possuem mais de um familiar afetado, o rastreamento desses indivíduos talvez deva ser mais intenso do que nos casos em que há apenas um caso na família.

Métodos de reparo em resina composta: uma revisão / Methods of repair in composed resin: a revision

Apesar de a resina composta ser amplamente conhecida e utilizada com sucesso na confecção das restaurações, em alguns casos há necessidade de reparos, os quais exigem menos desgastes dentário em comparação à substituição total das restaurações. Dessa forma, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo revisar os principais procedimentos e materiais utilizados na confecção dos reparos de resina composta, assim como os testes que avaliam a força de adesão de tais procedimentos. Meios químicos e mecânicos, isolados ou associados, tem sido propostos para analisar a força de adesão ao reparo, como a utilização do ácido fluorídrico, ácido fosfórico, jateamento de óxido de alumínio, pontas diamantadas, adesivos e silano. Com base na literatura revisada, observou-se a importância do tratamento da superfície da resina a ser reparada e concluiu-se que o jateamento com óxido de alumínio, seguido da aplicação do ácido fosfórico e do adesivo foi o modo mais eficaz de seconseguir sucesso nos reparos de resina composta.

Although the composites being widely known and used with success in the restorations, in some cases repairs are necessary, which demand less dental waste in comparison with the total substitution of the restorations. In that way, the aim of this work was to review the main procedures and materials used in repairs of composites, as well as the explaining of the tests that evaluated the bond strength of such procedures. A number of techniques have been proposed to improve bond strength of composite repair through roughening, etching the substrate surface with acidulated phosphate fluoride, HF acid gel, air-borne particle abrasion or using adhesive resins. Based on the reviewed bibliography, the importance of the treatment of the surface was observed from the resin to be repaired, and it was concluded that the air-borne particle abrasion was the most effective way for composites, followed by the application of the HF acid gel and adhesive resins.

Esofagites em pacientes com síndrome de imunodeficiência adquirida: estudo histológico e imunoistoquímico / Esophagitis in patients with acquired human immunodeficiency syndrome: an histological and immunohistochemistry study

RACIONAL: A maioria dos pacientes com síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida cursa com sintomas gastrointestinais ao longo da sua evolução. A alta prevalência e morbidade das esofagites nesses pacientes são amplamente reconhecidas. OBJETIVOS: Graduar, histologicamente, as esofagites; identificar os agentes associados, tais como Candida sp, citomegalovírus, herpes vírus e micobactérias; identificar, através da imunoistoquímica, os seguintes agentes: citomegalovírus, herpes vírus I e II, vírus Epstein-Barr, vírus do papiloma humano e vírus da imunodeficiência adquirida; verificar a contribuição da imunoistoquímica para o diagnóstico dos agentes infecciosos; verificar a associação entre os achados histológicos e endoscópicos; verificar a relevância do número de fragmentos na caracterização dos agentes etiológicos. MÉTODOS: Estudaram-se, retrospectivamente, biopsias esofagianas em 227 pacientes com síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida. Utilizaram-se as colorações de hematoxilina e eosina, PAS ("periodic acid of Schiff"), prata de Grocott e Ziehl-Nielsen, assim como a imunoistoquímica para a detecção de infecções por agentes oportunistas. Aspectos endoscópicos também foram avaliados. RESULTADOS: A esofagite inespecífica acentuada, localizada no terço inferior, foi o tipo mais freqüente. A Candida sp foi o agente mais encontrado, seguida de citomegalovírus, herpes vírus e micobactérias. A presença de placa e ulceração sugeriu o diagnóstico de candidíase e esofagite por citomegalovírus, respectivamente. O herpes vírus I não foi encontrado isolado e sim associado ao herpes vírus II. Não houve imunorreatividade para o vírus Epstein-Barr e o vírus da imunodeficiência adquirida. O número de fragmentos nas amostras não influenciou na detecção do agente etiológico. CONCLUSÃO: Os achados endoscópicos de lesão em placa ou de úlcera estão associados com os diagnósticos de Candida sp e citomegalovírus, respectivamente. O emprego da técnica de imunoistoquímica...

BACKGROUND: Almost all patients with acquired immunodeficiency virus syndrome will have gastrointestinal symptoms during the course of their illness. The high prevalence and complications of esophagitis are well documented. AIM: Graduate esophagitis; identify microorganisms like Candida sp, cytomegalovirus, herpesvirus and mycobacteria; identify by immunohistochemical staining viral agents cytomegalovirus, herpesvirus I, herpesvirus II, Epstein-Barr Virus, human papilloma virus and human immunodeficiency virus; verify how immunohistochemistry changes the profile of esophagitis; verify the association between the histological and endoscopical findings; verify the relevance of the number of fragments studied in the characterization of the histological agents. METHODS: We studied retrospectively esophageal biopsies in 227 patients with acquired immunodeficiency virus syndrome using hematoxylin and eosin, PAS (periodic acid of Schiff), Groccott and Ziehl-Nielsen stains and immunoperoxidase stains to detect opportunistic agents. Endoscopic aspects were studied. RESULTS: The non-specific esophagitis grade III, in the inferior third of the esophagus, was the most frequent type. Candida sp was the most frequent agent, followed by viruses cytomegalovirus, herpesvirus and mycobacteria. The presence of plaque and ulceration suggested the diagnosis of esophageal candidiasis and cytomegalovirus esophagitis. Immunohistochemical allowed the characterization of cytomegalovirus and of herpesvirus in those cases where other techniques could not achieve it, furthermore the cytomegalovirus was also found in histological normal cases, making the use of this technique advisable in routine diagnosis. The herpesvirus I was not found isolated but associated to herpesvirus II. We have not found immunoreactivity for the Epstein-Barr virus and the human immunodeficiency virus. The number of fragments does not seem to influence the detection of the etiologic agent...

[Esophagitis in patients with acquired human immunodeficiency syndrome: an histological and immunohistochemistry study]. / Esofagites em pacientes com síndrome de imunodeficiência adquirida: estudo histológico e imunoistoquímico.

BACKGROUND: Almost all patients with acquired immunodeficiency virus syndrome will have gastrointestinal symptoms during the course of their illness. The high prevalence and complications of esophagitis are well documented. AIM: Graduate esophagitis; identify microorganisms like Candida sp, cytomegalovirus, herpesvirus and mycobacteria; identify by immunohistochemical staining viral agents cytomegalovirus, herpesvirus I, herpesvirus II, Epstein-Barr Virus, human papilloma virus and human immunodeficiency virus; verify how immunohistochemistry changes the profile of esophagitis; verify the association between the histological and endoscopical findings; verify the relevance of the number of fragments studied in the characterization of the histological agents. METHODS: We studied retrospectively esophageal biopsies in 227 patients with acquired immunodeficiency virus syndrome using hematoxylin and eosin, PAS (periodic acid of Schiff), Groccott and Ziehl-Nielsen stains and immunoperoxidase stains to detect opportunistic agents. Endoscopic aspects were studied. RESULTS: The non-specific esophagitis grade III, in the inferior third of the esophagus, was the most frequent type. Candida sp was the most frequent agent, followed by viruses cytomegalovirus, herpesvirus and mycobacteria. The presence of plaque and ulceration suggested the diagnosis of esophageal candidiasis and cytomegalovirus esophagitis. Immunohistochemical allowed the characterization of cytomegalovirus and of herpesvirus in those cases where other techniques could not achieve it, furthermore the cytomegalovirus was also found in histological normal cases, making the use of this technique advisable in routine diagnosis. The herpesvirus I was not found isolated but associated to herpesvirus II. We have not found immunoreactivity for the Epstein-Barr virus and the human immunodeficiency virus. The number of fragments does not seem to influence the detection of the etiologic agent. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic findings of plaques or ulcers are associated with candidiasis or cytomegalovirus esophagitis. Immunohistochemisty improved the diagnosis of viral infections. It is possible to detect cytomegalovirus infections in endoscopic and histologic normal cases.