Histological findings associated with treatment response in cutaneous leishmaniasis: a clinicopathological correlation study.

BACKGROUND: Treatment responses to cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) observed in Sri Lanka show variability, ranging from quick healing to delayed or failed responses to routine medication. The determinants of these differences in treatment response are not well defined. This study aimed to identify predictive features of treatment response and outcome in localized CL caused by Leishmania donovani, focusing on both clinical and histopathological findings in the patients. METHODS: Tissue sections (n = 103) derived from 3 mm punch biopsies of parasitologically confirmed patients were assessed. Patients were followed up weekly until complete healing of skin lesions and were reviewed at the end of 6 months and 1 year. RESULTS: Healing required 7-21 weekly doses of intralesional sodium stibogluconate (IL-SSG) (mean = 12.2 ± 0.622). Twenty-nine (28.1%) patients were identified as delayed responders. None had recurred at the end of 1 year. The demographic or clinical features (age, gender, lesion type, size, location, and lesion duration) did not significantly influence the treatment response. A heavy parasite load and acanthosis were significant predictors of a delayed response to treatment (P < 0.001). Higher parasite loads were associated with inflammation of the entire dermis (P = 0.008), more intense infiltration of macrophages (p = 0.001), and epidermal atrophy (P = 0.033). Well-formed granulomas were inversely proportional to parasite loads. CONCLUSIONS: Histology findings proved to be better prognostic markers than clinical features for delayed responders to treatment and will aid in targeted patient management when tissue biopsies are performed in the initial diagnosis of CL.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection Associated C3 Glomerulopathy Presenting as Severe Crescentic Glomerulonephritis.

C3 glomerulopathy (C3GP) is a group of diseases caused by a deregulated complement system, which encompasses both dense deposit disease and C3 glomerulonephritis. Renal manifestations of C3GP are primarily of proliferative glomerulonephritis, and only a few case reports of crescentic glomerulonephritis (CGN) in association with C3GP are available. Here is a case of an adult South-Asian female, who was diagnosed as seropositive acute Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, with associated systemic manifestations, including immune-type extravascular haemolysis and nephrotic range proteinuria. Subsequent renal biopsy revealed CGN with disrupted Bowman's capsules and necrotizing lesions. Immunofluorescence showed coarse granular mesangial C3 deposits with negative IgM, IgG, IgA, and C1q. The immunomorphological phenotype raised two possibilities including C3GP and infection-related glomerulonephritis (IRGN). Persistent proteinuria with no evidence of resolution even after 6 months of follow-up favoured C3GP over IRGN. The patient proceeded to end-stage renal failure requiring renal replacement despite aggressive immunosuppression. This case illustrates the rare association of CGN with C3GP induced by Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, highlighting the importance of correct diagnosis as well as timely identification of triggering factors in CGN on patient outcome.

An Intratumoral Aneurysm and an Extrarenal Synchronous Cystic Tumour in a Case of a Renal Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Renal cell carcinoma is a heterogeneous group of malignant tumors originating from the kidney. We report a case of a renal cell carcinoma with two very rare associates, i.e., a large intratumoral aneurysm and a synchronous extrarenal cystic tumor outside the main tumor. Case Presentation. A 31-year-old woman, who presented with painless hematuria and loin pain, was diagnosed to have a large renal mass measuring 15 × 9 × 8.5 cm with an intralesional arterial aneurysm measuring 4.5 × 3.5 cm on radiological examination. During surgery, a separate cystic tumor measuring 5 × 4.5 × 4 cm with distinct vascular supply was noted anteromedial to the kidney, in addition to the renal mass. The histology of the main tumor was compatible with t(6:11) type microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MiT) family translocation RCC. The aneurysm was of venous origin histologically, and a radiologically demonstrable arteriovenous fistula was recognized retrospectively. The extrarenal cyst has also showed similar histology to that of main tumor and had no evidence of a degenerated lymph node. Discussion. Although few cases were reported with various vascular anomalies associated with a renal tumor, this is the first ever case to find an arteriovenous fistula with a secondary venous aneurysm located inside a malignant renal mass. Similarly, no solid RCC is reported to present with an extrarenal malignant cystic nodule. The prognostic and oncological significance of the extrarenal malignant cyst is unclear. Both of these extraordinary features of this case were not properly identified on preoperative imaging. Reviewing the preoperative imaging when pathology reports are available helps to overcome difficulties in making the final diagnosis of complex cases. CONCLUSION: RCCs can house vascular anomalies like arteriovenous fistula and venous aneurysms and can exist with concomitant extrarenal malignant cystic nodules.

Health in rural Sri Lanka: A cross-sectional survey of three rural districts

Introduction: Sri Lanka has a predominantly rural population. However, there is a dearth of research on health and socioeconomic issues in this group. Objective: To describe basic socioeconomic characteristics and health profile in a rural population. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional household survey was conducted in 1950 households in three rural districts, selected by a three-stage stratified cluster sampling method. Results: The population pyramid showed an ageing population (dependency ratio of 50%). Only 39% had completed GCE (ordinary level). Unemployment rates were high (25% males, 76% females). Agriculture and related work were main occupations. Most lacked amenities (e.g. 61% households lacked a refrigerator) and practiced inappropriate methods of waste disposal (e.g. open burning by 72%). Household illnesses were frequent: episodes of acute illness within two weeks, injuries within past year and chronic illness were reported from 35.9%, 14.9% and 48.3% households. The prevalence of chronic diseases in adults >20 years were high: diabetes 13.5%, hypertension 16.7% and overweight/obesity 28.2%. Of the males, 22.1% smoked and 12.3% took alcohol. Almost 25% adults chewed betel. Reports of snake bite, dog bites and suicide/attempted suicide were seen in 15.5%, 9.7% and 3.0% households respectively. Conclusions: This study shows a unique clustering of health-related problems in rural Sri Lanka. This was characterized by demographic transition, burden from snake bites, chronic diseases and acute illnesses. There were resource limitations and low levels of education. Cohort studies and comparisons with urban areas will enable further elucidation of determinants of health and other issues in rural Sri Lanka.