Particle analysis of surgical lung biopsies from deployed and non-deployed US service members during the Global War on Terrorism.

The role that inhaled particulate matter plays in the development of post-deployment lung disease among US service members deployed to Southwest Asia during the Global War on Terrorism has been difficult to define. There is a persistent gap in data addressing the relationship between relatively short-term (months to a few years) exposures to high levels of particulate matter during deployment and the subsequent development of adverse pulmonary outcomes. Surgical lung biopsies from deployed service members and veterans (DSMs) and non-deployed service members and veterans (NDSMs) who develop lung diseases can be analyzed to potentially identify residual deployment-specific particles and develop associations with pulmonary pathological diagnoses. We examined 52 surgical lung biopsies from 25 DSMs and 27 NDSMs using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) to identify any between-group differences in the number and composition of retained inorganic particles, then compared the particle analysis results with the original histopathologic diagnoses. We recorded a higher number of total particles in biopsies from DSMs than from NDSMs, and this difference was mainly accounted for by geologic clays (illite, kaolinite), feldspars, quartz/silica, and titanium-rich silicate mixtures. Biopsies from DSMs deployed to other Southwest Asia regions (SWA-Other) had higher particle counts than those from DSMs primarily deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan, due mainly to illite. Distinct deployment-specific particles were not identified. Particles did not qualitatively associate with country of deployment. The individual diagnoses of the DSMs and NDSMs were not associated with elevated levels of total particles, metals, cerium oxide, or titanium dioxide particles. These results support the examination of particle-related lung disease in DSMs in the context of comparison groups, such as NDSMs, to assist in determining the strength of associations between specific pulmonary pathology diagnoses and deployment-specific inorganic particulate matter exposure.

Cutaneous Gamna-Gandy bodies: An unusual case of dystrophic calcification.

Dystrophic calcification is a common histopathologic finding that can be concomitant with a plethora of diseases, ranging from self-limited infections to insidious malignancies. Gamna-Gandy bodies (GGBs) are a form of dystrophic calcification associated with chronic hemolysis and are typically observed in the spleen. In this report, we present the case of a 92-year-old man who presented with a 4-mm blue papule that was biopsied given the concern for a blue nevus. The subsequent histopathologic examination of the biopsy specimen showed a dermal organizing hematoma adjacent to pale-yellow to brown, refractile material within fibrotic collagen consistent with GGBs. Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive x-ray analysis (SEM/EDXA) revealed that the structures were composed of carbon (39%), oxygen (32%), iron (16%), phosphorus (7%), calcium (5%), and sodium (1%). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy identified amorphous calcium phosphate. GGBs have not been previously described in the skin and have been rarely characterized with SEM/EDXA in other sites.

Migrated Bulking Material (Solesta) Presenting as a Vaginal "Cyst": Histopathologic and Chemical Analytical Features.

Performing injections with a bulking agent consisting of nonanimal stabilized hyaluronic acid and dextranomer is a well-tolerated and efficacious treatment for mild to moderate fecal incontinence. Here, we discuss a case of a patient with a history of a bulking procedure for fecal incontinence who presented to the obstetrics/gynecology clinic for evaluation of a new vaginal "cyst," which was excised. Histopathologic examination revealed migrated bulking agent within the excised specimen.

Particle Analysis by Scanning Electron Microscopy With Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis in Pulmonary Pathology Specimens From U.S. Military Service Members Deployed During the Global War on Terror 2002 to 2015.

INTRODUCTION: Between 2001 and 2015, 2.77 million U.S. military service members completed over 5 million deployments to Southwest Asia. There are concerns that deployment-related environmental exposures may be associated with adverse pulmonary health outcomes. Accurate pulmonary diagnosis often requires histopathological biopsy. These lung biopsies are amenable to chemical analysis of retained particulates using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM/EDXA). METHOD: A retrospective review of SEM/EDXA data collected in conjunction with pathologic diagnostic consultations at the Joint Pathology Center from 2011 to 2016 was conducted. Sections adjacent to those obtained for pathologic diagnosis were prepared for SEM/EDXA particle analysis, which provides qualitative identification of elements present in each particle and semiquantitative estimations of elemental weight percent. The review includes comparison of the particle analysis data and diagnostic findings, the particle count for the standard field analyzed, and types of particles identified. RESULTS: Nonneoplastic lung biopsy specimens from 25 deployed and 7 nondeployed U.S. service members were analyzed as part of the Joint Pathology Center pathologic consultations. The major exogenous particle types identified in both groups include aluminum silicates, other silicates, silica, and titanium dioxide. Endogenous particle types identified include calcium salts and iron-containing particles consistent with hemosiderin. These particles are present in deployed and nondeployed service members and are particle types commonly identified in lung biopsy specimens from urban dwelling adults. Rare particles containing other elements such as cerium and iron alloys were identified in some cases. Possible sources of these materials include diesel fuel and occupational and other environmental exposures. CONCLUSION: Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray particle analysis of inhaled particulates retained in lung tissue from deployed service members identifies particles commonly present in inhaled dust. In this small case series, we were not able to detect particle profiles that were common and unique to deployed patients only.

Tophaceous pseudogout in a 12-year-old dog, with a review of applicable laboratory tests.

Pseudogout, also known as calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) deposition disease or chondrocalcinosis, is caused by crystalline deposits of CPPD within the extracellular matrix of articular hyaline cartilage and fibrocartilage, and within articular and periarticular connective tissue. Using a variety of laboratory techniques, we diagnosed pseudogout in the right hindlimb digit V of a 12-y-old Standard Poodle. Histologically, the joint, bone, tendon, and dermis were expanded and effaced by masses of mineralized, rhomboid crystals surrounded by macrophages, multinucleate giant cells, fibrous connective tissue, and chondroid and osseous matrix. Rhomboid crystals exhibiting weak-positive birefringence were identified under polarized light using a first-order red compensator filter. Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive x-ray analysis (SEM-EDXA) revealed that the rhomboid crystals were composed of calcium, phosphorus, and oxygen. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy confirmed the presence of calcium pyrophosphate. In dogs, tophaceous pseudogout, which was the variant of pseudogout in our case, occurs as a single, tumor-like periarticular mass that can be invasive and mimic neoplasia. Having ancillary confirmatory testing (SEM-EDXA and FTIR), particularly in unusual histologic scenarios, such as tophaceous pseudogout in dogs, is desirable for confirming the correct diagnosis, even though it is available only at certain reference centers. The pathogenesis of pseudogout is unknown.

Injection of oral medication into the skin confirmed by infrared spectroscopy.

"Skin popping" refers to the practice of injecting drugs, most commonly heroin, subcutaneously or into granulation tissue. Pharmaceutical tablets meant for oral consumption are modified into solutions for injection. Excipients-inactive substances that serve as vehicles for medication-are often not filtered out before injection and result in abscess formation, granulomatous inflammation, and scarring. Common excipients used in the production of pharmaceutical tablets include starch, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, silica, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Identification of these exogenous materials is valuable in confirming the diagnosis of skin popping, especially when patients may not be forthcoming about their drug use. We present a case of subcutaneous oral medication injection in which PVP and cellulose were identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Considering the variable cutaneous manifestations of injection drug abuse, recognition of histopathologic and chemical characteristics of exogenous material from oral medications is helpful for diagnosis and intervention.

The Joint Pathology Center/Vision Center of Excellence Approach to Analyzing Intra-Ocular "Foreign Bodies".

BACKGROUND: The Military Health System recognizes the importance of analyzing "foreign bodies" removed from US service members through several policy documents. This activity focuses on detecting potentially toxic metals. Intra-ocular "foreign bodies" (IOFBs) represent a small, clinically important subset. The development of ocular metallosis with iron and copper fragments is a specific local reaction to IOFBs. The results of the compositional analysis of removed IOFBs can influence clinical management decisions aimed at optimizing the preservation of sight. METHOD: The Joint Pathology Center (JPC) and Vision Center of Excellence (VCE) have established a pathway for the analysis of IOFBs removed from Department of Defense and Veterans Health Administration patients. The analysis of IOFBs uses analytical methods to provide information about the fragments' surface elemental and molecular composition. RESULTS: Metallic specimens analyzed included iron and copper-containing fragments. Non-metallic IOFBs analyzed include glass, plastic (polyurethane), and nitro-cellulose fragments. CONCLUSION: The JPC/VCE approach to analyzing IOFBs promotes uniform handling and shipping of specimens to minimize contamination. The analytical approach allows for the characterization of IOFBs with a wide variety of compositions. The results support clinical management decisions aimed at optimal treatment for the preservation of patients' visual acuity.