The Immunohistochemical Expression of the Von Willebrand Factor: A Potential Tool to Predict Kidney Allograft Outcomes.

Few reports assessed endothelial activation biomarkers in kidney allograft biopsies using immunohistochemistry. This retrospective cohort study evaluated the association between posttransplant outcomes and the immunohistochemistry expression of Caveolin-1, Von Willebrand Factor (Vwf), and T-Cadherin in for-cause biopsies diagnosed as interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy of unknown etiology. Samples with antibody-mediated changes were excluded. The patients were followed for 3 years after the biopsy or until graft loss/death. Seventy-one (71) samples from 66 patients were included. Eighteen (25.4%) patients lost their grafts, mainly due to chronic rejection (33.3%). Caveolin-1 and T-Cadherin were not associated with graft loss. Vwf had good accuracy in predicting graft failure (AUC 0.637, 95% CI 0.486 to 0.788 P =0.101). The presence of more than 10% of Vwf positivity in the microvasculature (Vwf >10%) was associated with reduced death-censored graft survival (58.2% vs. 85.4% P =0.006), and this result was also observed in the subgroup presenting mild interstitial fibrosis (ci=1) (65.7% vs. 88.6% P =0.033). The multivariate analysis showed that Vwf >10% was an independent risk factor for graft loss (HR=2.88, 95% CI 1.03 to 8.02 P =0.043). In conclusion, Vwf might be an additional tool to predict allograft outcomes in kidney transplant recipients with interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy of unknown etiology, probably reflecting immune endothelial activation.

Post Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disease Isolated to Kidney Allograft / Doença Linfo Proliferativa Pós-Transplante Isolada ao Enxerto Renal

ABSTRACT Post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) comprises a heterogeneous group of hematolymphoid proliferations resulting from a monoclonal or polyclonal proliferation of lymphoid cells. The clinical presentation varies according to the affected sites. The gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system are the most common, and constitutional symptoms are frequent. Isolated allograft involvement is rare. We report a case of polyclonal PTLD isolated in the kidney allograft in a patient who received an HLA-identical living donor seven years before. Noteworthy, this patient did not present constitutional symptoms, and his only clinical manifestation was graft dysfunction, expressed by an increase in serum creatinine and mild proteinuria. The diagnosis was performed through renal biopsy, which showed dense lymphoid interstitial infiltrate. The PTLD was polyclonal, unrelated to Epstein-Bar virus (EBV), and it was successfully treated with chemotherapy, reduced immunosuppression, and sirolimus.

RESUMO A doença linfoproliferativa pós-transplante (DLPT) é formada por um grupo heterogêneo de proliferações hematolinfóides resultantes da proliferação mono ou policlonal das células linfoides. O quadro clínico é variado e dependente dos sítios envolvidos, sendo o trato gastrintestinal e o sistema nervoso central os mais comuns, e sintomas constitucionais são frequentes. O envolvimento isolado do enxerto é raro. Relatamos aqui um caso de DLPT policlonal isolada do enxerto em um receptor de transplante renal com doador vivo HLA idêntico, ocorrido sete anos após o transplante. Digno de nota, o paciente não apresentou sintomas constitucionais e sua única manifestação clínica foi disfunção do enxerto, expressa através da elevação da creatinina e discreta proteinuria, sendo o diagnóstico realizado através de biópsia renal, que evidenciou infiltrado intersticial linfoide denso. Tratava-se de DLPT policlonal não relacionada ao vírus Epstein-Bar (EBV) e foi tratado com sucesso com quimioterapia, redução da imunossupressão e sirolimo.

Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and acute kidney injury associated with cocaine use - Case report / Glomerulonefrite rapidamente progressiva e lesão renal aguda associada ao uso de cocaína - Relato de caso

ABSTRACT A wide spectrum of renal complications can occur with acute and chronic use of cocaine. Most cases are related to rhabdomyolysis, but other mechanisms are malignant hypertension, renal ischemia, and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) associated-ANCA vasculitis. In recent years, the use of cocaine adulterated with levamisole has been associated with ANCA vasculitis and pauci-immune RPGN. RPGN is clinically manifested as a nephritic syndrome with a rapid and progressive decline in renal function, and its histopathological finding is the presence of crescents in more than 50% of the glomeruli. We report a case of a 38-year-old man chronic user of cocaine, alcohol, and cigarettes who had red urine, oliguria, swollen legs and eyelids, as well as the uremic symptoms anorexia, emesis, and mental confusion. He was admitted with acute kidney injury and performed six hemodialysis sessions during the first 16 days of hospitalization and then was transferred to a tertiary hospital for diagnostic investigation. Tests of ANF (antinuclear factor), ANCA, anti-DNA, serology for hepatitis B, C, and HIV virus were negative. A renal percutaneous biopsy revealed crescentic glomerulonephritis with mild tubular atrophy. The patient underwent pulse therapy with methylprednisolone (for 3 days) and cyclophosphamide. Then he maintained daily prednisone and monthly intravenous cyclophosphamide and evolved with progressive improvement of renal function.

RESUMO Um amplo espectro de complicações renais pode ocorrer com o uso agudo e crônico de cocaína. A maioria dos casos está relacionada à rabdomiólise, mas outros mecanismos são hipertensão maligna, isquemia renal e glomerulonefrite rapidamente progressiva (GNRP) associada à vasculite por ANCA. Nos últimos anos, o uso de cocaína adulterada com levamisol tem sido associado à vasculite por ANCA e GNRP pauci-imune. A GNRP se manifesta clinicamente como uma síndrome nefrítica, com um declínio rápido e progressivo da função renal, e seu achado histopatológico é a presença de crescentes em mais de 50% dos glomérulos. Relatamos um caso de um homem de 38 anos, usuário crônico de cocaína, álcool e cigarros que apresentava urina vermelha, oligúria, pernas e pálpebras inchadas, além dos sintomas urêmicos, anorexia, êmese e confusão mental. Foi internado com lesão renal aguda e realizou seis sessões de hemodiálise durante os primeiros 16 dias de internação, e depois foi transferido para um hospital terciário para investigação diagnóstica. Os testes de ANF (fator antinuclear), ANCA, anti-DNA, sorologia para vírus da hepatite B, C e HIV foram negativos. Uma biópsia percutânea renal revelou glomerulonefrite crescente, com leve atrofia tubular. O paciente foi submetido à pulsoterapia com metilprednisolona (por 3 dias) e ciclofosfamida. Em seguida, ele manteve a prednisona diária e a ciclofosfamida intravenosa mensal e evoluiu com melhora progressiva da função renal.

Procurement Biopsies Can Predict Unfavorable Outcomes in Kidneys With Low MAPI Score Values.

BACKGROUND: There are few reports about the usefulness of Maryland Aggregate Pathology Index (MAPI) score in procurement biopsies. This study aimed to evaluate the association between histopathological analysis according to MAPI and unfavorable outcomes in the first year after kidney transplantation (KT). METHODS: This retrospective study included deceased-donor KT patients whose grafts were biopsied before transplantation and had low MAPI scores (<8) in frozen sections (FSs). Paraffin sections (PSs) were analyzed after KT. MAPI parameters were global glomerulosclerosis in more than 15% (2 patients), periglomerular fibrosis (4 patients), wall-lumen ratio of arteries >0.5 (2 patients), arteriolar hyalinosis (4 patients), and interstitial scar (3 patients). Multivariable models were used to analyze risk factors for delayed graft function (DGF), prolonged DGF, inferior renal function, and graft loss (P < .05). RESULTS: One hundred fifty-nine KTs were included. Donors (n = 120) were predominantly men (70%) and young adults (37.68 ± 12.50 years old) who suffered a traumatic death (55.8%). Recipients were predominantly men (62.26%) and adults (45.70 ± 15.80 years old) with kidney disease of unknown etiology (39.6%). Low rates of agreement between FS and PS were observed for all MAPI criteria, with kappa values ranging from 0.28 to 0.51. Using FS, no histologic parameter was independently associated with outcomes. After adjustment, glomerulosclerosis was an independent risk factor for prolonged DGF (odds ratio = 6.18: 95% confidence interval, 1.27-30.18) and wall-lumen ratio >0.5 for inferior renal function at 1 year (odds ratio = 4.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.21-13.76). CONCLUSION: Procurement biopsies can be useful to predict inferior outcomes even in kidneys with low MAPI scores.

Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and acute kidney injury associated with cocaine use - Case report.

A wide spectrum of renal complications can occur with acute and chronic use of cocaine. Most cases are related to rhabdomyolysis, but other mechanisms are malignant hypertension, renal ischemia, and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) associated-ANCA vasculitis. In recent years, the use of cocaine adulterated with levamisole has been associated with ANCA vasculitis and pauci-immune RPGN. RPGN is clinically manifested as a nephritic syndrome with a rapid and progressive decline in renal function, and its histopathological finding is the presence of crescents in more than 50% of the glomeruli. We report a case of a 38-year-old man chronic user of cocaine, alcohol, and cigarettes who had red urine, oliguria, swollen legs and eyelids, as well as the uremic symptoms anorexia, emesis, and mental confusion. He was admitted with acute kidney injury and performed six hemodialysis sessions during the first 16 days of hospitalization and then was transferred to a tertiary hospital for diagnostic investigation. Tests of ANF (antinuclear factor), ANCA, anti-DNA, serology for hepatitis B, C, and HIV virus were negative. A renal percutaneous biopsy revealed crescentic glomerulonephritis with mild tubular atrophy. The patient underwent pulse therapy with methylprednisolone (for 3 days) and cyclophosphamide. Then he maintained daily prednisone and monthly intravenous cyclophosphamide and evolved with progressive improvement of renal function.

The immunohistochemical expression of von Willebrand factor, T-cadherin, and Caveolin-1 is increased in kidney allograft biopsies with antibody-mediated injury.

BACKGROUND: There are only a few reports evaluating the applicability of endothelial-damage markers analysis by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in kidney allograft samples. This study analyzed the expression of Caveolin-1 (Cav), von Willebrand factor (Vwf), and T-cadherin (Cad) in kidney biopsies and their association with antibody-mediated injury. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 114 cases with antibody-mediated changes (Banff, 2020) and 72 with interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy were selected. IHC for Cav, Vwf and Cad was performed and evaluated according to their qualitative expression in peritubular capillaries. The cases were grouped according to the presence of microvascular inflammation (MVI), donor-specific antibodies (DSA), C4d positivity and antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). A level of significance < 0.05 was adopted. RESULTS: Vwf expression was associated with MVI (p < 0.001), DSA (p = 0.016), C4d (p < 0.001) and AMR (p < 0.001), and was higher in DSA+/C4d+ cases despite MVI (p < 0.001). The expression of Cad correlated with MVI (p = 0.015), C4d (p = 0.005) and AMR (p = < 0.001). Cad was more expressed in chronic AMR compared with acute/active cases (p = 0.001). Cav expression was associated with MVI (p = 0.029) and AMR (p = 0.016) and was also higher in chronic AMR (p = 0.049). A combined score of Vwf and Cad was higher in AMR when compared with C4d without rejection and IF/TA cases (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Vwf, Cad and Cav expression shows association with antibody-mediated injury and may be helpful to support AMR diagnosis.

Acute renal failure by rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis with IgA deposition in a patient concomitantly diagnosed with multibacillary Hansen's disease: a case report / IRA por glomerulonefrite rapidamente progressiva com depósito de IgA em uma paciente com diagnóstico concomitante de hanseníase multibacilar: relato de caso

ABSTRACT Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) is a renal disease with an extensive differential diagnosis. This paper reports the case of a 55-year-old female patient diagnosed with Hansen's disease with acute progressive renal impairment after developing lower limb pyoderma. The association between Hansen's and kidney disease has been well documented, with glomerulonephritis (GN) ranked as the most common form of renal involvement. Post-infectious glomerulonephritis (PIGN) in adults has been associated with a number of pathogens occurring in diverse sites. The patient described in this case report had RPGN and biopsy findings suggestive of PIGN with C3 and IgA detected on immunofluorescence and kidney injury secondary to recent infection by Staphylococcus, a well-documented manifestation of renal impairment in patients with Hansen's disease.

RESUMO A Glomerulonefrite Rapidamente Progressiva (GNRP) é um padrão de doença renal com amplo diagnóstico diferencial. O caso reporta uma paciente de 55 anos com deterioração aguda e progressiva da função renal após quadro de piodermite em membro inferior com diagnóstico concomitante de hanseníase. Associação da hanseníase com doença renal é bem descrita, sendo a GN a forma de acometimento renal mais comum. As glomerulonefrites pós-infecciosas (GNPIs) em adultos ocorrem devido a um grande número de patógenos, nos mais diversos sítios. A paciente do caso relatado apresentava quadro de GNRP e achados de biópsia que sugerem GNPI com marcação de C3 e IgA na imunofluorescência, sugestiva de lesão renal secundária a infecção recente por Staphylococcus, uma manifestação bem descrita de doença renal em pacientes com hanseníase.

Acute renal failure by rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis with IgA deposition in a patient concomitantly diagnosed with multibacillary Hansen's disease: a case report.

Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) is a renal disease with an extensive differential diagnosis. This paper reports the case of a 55-year-old female patient diagnosed with Hansen's disease with acute progressive renal impairment after developing lower limb pyoderma. The association between Hansen's and kidney disease has been well documented, with glomerulonephritis (GN) ranked as the most common form of renal involvement. Post-infectious glomerulonephritis (PIGN) in adults has been associated with a number of pathogens occurring in diverse sites. The patient described in this case report had RPGN and biopsy findings suggestive of PIGN with C3 and IgA detected on immunofluorescence and kidney injury secondary to recent infection by Staphylococcus, a well-documented manifestation of renal impairment in patients with Hansen's disease.

Renal dysfunction in Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease coinfection: a case report.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an endemic parasitic disease frequently found in Northeast Brazil and may cause acute kidney injury (AKI) and glomerulonephritis. After appropriate treatment, renal function recovery may occur. We describe the rare case of a patient with VL, who developed severe AKI requiring dialysis and was subsequently diagnosed with Chagas disease coinfection. After specific treatment for VL, there was partial recovery of the renal function, followed by the onset of Chagas disease cardiomyopathy.

Poliangiite microscópica com síndrome pulmão-rim: relato de caso e revisão de literatura / Microscopic polyangiitis with lung-kidney syndrome: case report and literature review

A poliangiite microscópica (PAM) é uma vasculite necrosante sistêmica pauci-imune associada ao anticorpo anticitoplasma de neutrófilos (ANCA) com preferência de pequenos vasos. Relato do caso: Relatamos o caso de uma paciente do sexo feminino, 54 anos, que apresentou quadro de poliartrite migratória em punhos, joelhos e tornozelos associada à rigidez matinal progressiva, com histórico de "rash" malar, fotossensibilidade e alopecia. Progrediu ao longo do ano de 2017 com deterioração da função renal e hemorragia pulmonar, necessitando de cuidados intensivos. A biópsia renal sugeriu padrão compatível com glomerulonefrite pauci-imune e o diagnóstico de poliangiite microscópica foi aventado. Realizou pulsoterapia com metilprednisolona e ciclofosfamida, além de plasmaférese, recebendo alta após estabilização do quadro clínico. Importância do problema: O presente caso ilustra uma complicação incomum e de elevada morbimortalidade da PAM. A negatividade do ANCA dificultou o diagnóstico, sendo necessária a realização de biópsia renal com confirmação diagnóstica. A síndrome pulmão-rim apresenta evolução potencialmente fatal se não instituído precocemente o tratamento. (AU)

Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) is a pauci-immune systemic necrotizing vasculitis associated with neutrophil anti-cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) with a preference for small vessels. Case report: We report the case of a 54-year-old woman, who presented migratory polyarthritis in wrists, knees and ankles associated with progressive morning stiffness, with history of malar "rash", photosensitivity and alopecia. It progressed throughout the year of 2017 with deterioration of renal function and pulmonary hemorrhage, requiring intensive care. Renal biopsy suggested a pattern compatible with pauci-immune glomerulonephritis and the diagnosis of microscopic polyangiitis was suggested. She underwent pulse therapy with methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide, in addition to plasmapheresis, being discharged from hospital after stabilization of the clinical condition. Importance of the issue: The present case reveals an uncommon and high morbimortality complication of MPA. The negativity of the ANCA made diagnosis difficult, and a renal biopsy was necessary to confirm diagnosis. Lung-kidney syndrome is potentially fatal if the treatment is not instituted early. (AU)

Platynosomum fastosum (Digenea: Dicrocoeliidae) infection in a domestic cat in northeastern Brazil: high fluke burden and associated lesions / Infecção por Platynosomum fastosum (Digenea: Dicrocoeliidae) em gato doméstico no nordeste do Brasil: alta carga parasitária e lesões associadas

Introduction: Platynosomum fastosum is a dicrocoeliid fluke that infects birds and mammals, especially wild and domestic cats. Case report: A middleaged male domestic cat was euthanized and examined. Its clinical features had included apathy, emaciation, hepatomegaly and mild jaundice on the mucosae. At necropsy, we noticed enlarged liver and dilated gallbladder. After opening the gallbladder lengthwise, multiple whitish flattened ellipsoidal structures were observed and identified as P. fastosum. The larger parasites were found in gallbladder, with significant different size from cystic duct and intrahepatic biliary ducts (p<0.05). Histopathological analysis revealed fluke-induced suppurative cholecystitis and chronic cholangitis. Precursor lesions of cholangiocarcinoma were reported. Conclusion: This report was part of the first prevalence survey of P.fastosum in municipality of Maracanaú, state of Ceará, northeastern Brazil. (AU)

Introdução: Platynosomum fastosum é um trematódeo dicrocelídeo que infecta aves e mamíferos, especialmente felídeos domésticos e silvestres. Relato do caso: Um gato doméstico macho, apresentando apatia, emaciação, hepatomegalia e icterícia leve nas mucosas, foi submetido à eutanásia e subsequente necropsia. Ao exame macroscópico foi observada hepatomegalia e dilatação da vesícula biliar. Após abertura da vesícula, foram observadas múltiplas estruturas foliáceas esbranquiçadas, posteriormente identificadas como P. fastosum. Os maiores exemplares foram encontrados na vesícula, com tamanho estatisticamente diferente daqueles encontrados no ducto cístico e nos ductos biliares intrahepáticos (p<0.05). Análise microscópica revelou colecistite supurativa e colangite crônicas induzidas pela infecção parasitária. Lesões precursoras de colangiocarcinoma foram reportadas. Conclusão: este relato está inserido no primeiro estudo de prevalência de P. fastosumno município de Maracanaú, Ceará, nordeste do Brasil. (AU)

Avaliação imuno-histoquímica dos marcadores de angiogênese VEGF e Angiopoietina-2 em carcinoma hepatocelular e lesões precursoras de explantes de pacientes cirróticos

O carcinoma hepatocelular(CHC) constitui um problema de saúde global e está relacionado a hepatopatias crônicas em fase de cirrose. Esta neoplasia é geralmente precedida por lesões precursoras denominadas nódulos displásicos de baixo grau (LGDN) e alto grau (HGDN), os quais porsua vez são provenientes dos nódulos regenerativos (NR) típicos da cirrose. Este trabalho avaliou a expressão imuno-histoquímica dos marcadores VEGFeAngiopoietina-2 no CHCe nas lesões precursoras deexplantes de pacientes cirróticos transplantados no Hospital Geral de Fortaleza nos anos de 2013 a2015, correlacionando esta expressão a outros parâmetros de angiogênese e prognósticos. Foram incluídos no estudo 107nódulosde 67 pacientes com CHC e/oulesões precursoras para confecção de “tissue microarray” (TMA). Não houve diferenças demográficas entre os pacientes com CHC e nódulosdisplásicos ou regenerativos. O marcadorAngiopoietina-2 apresentou diferença de imunoexpressão entre as classes de nódulos (p < 0,0001*), sendo maior nos pacientes com CHC...

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a global health problem and is associated with chronic liver disease, especially in the cirrhotic phase. This tumor can be preceded by precursor lesions, namely low and high grade dysplastic nodules, and regenerative nodules, typical of cirrhosis. The current study evaluated the immunohistochemical expression of VEGF andangiopoietin-2 in HCC and precursor lesionsis a single institution series of liver explants between 2013-2015using tissue microarray methods. Immunohistochemical variables were correlatedwith angiogenesis and prognostic parameters. 107nodules from 67 patients were studied, including 26HCCand 5dysplastic nodules. There wasno significantepidemiologic difference between HCC, dysplastic nodules and regenerative nodule groups. Angiopoietin-2 was significantly more expressed in HCCnodules when compared with regenerative lesions (p < 0,0001*). VEGF and Ang-2 expression correlated with each other (p=0,006) and with number of unpaired arteries within nodules (p=0,03 –VEGF) and with the percentage of CD34 positive sinusoids (p < 0,0001 –VEGF and p< 0,007 –Ang-2)...

Fulminant gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection in an AIDS patient.

Strongyloides stercoralis is an endemic nematode to tropical and subtropical regions of the globe. The parasite is capable of autoinfection, which is limited by an intact immune response. In immunocompromised hosts, hyperinfection and dissemination can occur and have a high index of mortality. A hyperinfection syndrome with dissemination is frequently associated with corticosteroid administration and other conditions (malignancies and organ transplantation). Interestingly, although strongyloidiasis is common among AIDS patients in endemic areas, the hyperinfection syndrome is rarely noted. We report here on a rare manifestation of fulminant gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to hyperinfection of strongyloidiasis in a female drug-abusing, alcoholic HIV/AIDS patient.

Fulminant gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection in an AIDS patient

Strongyloides stercoralis is an endemic nematode to tropical and subtropical regions of the globe. The parasite is capable of autoinfection, which is limited by an intact immune response. In immunocompromised hosts, hyperinfection and dissemination can occur and have a high index of mortality. A hyperinfection syndrome with dissemination is frequently associated with corticosteroid administration and other conditions (malignancies and organ transplantation). Interestingly, although strongyloidiasis is common among AIDS patients in endemic areas, the hyperinfection syndrome is rarely noted. We report here on a rare manifestation of fulminant gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to hyperinfection of strongyloidiasis in a female drug-abusing, alcoholic HIV/AIDS patient.

Evaluation of the agreement between clinical and laboratorial exams in the diagnosis of leprosy.

This study examined the correlation between the clinical and laboratory diagnosis of leprosy, using biopsy results from laboratories 'A' and 'B' and the ML Flow test. Clinical and histopathological diagnoses presented 67.6% agreement. The laboratories showed 73.7% agreement in the bacterial index and laboratory 'B' detected 25.4% more positives. The highest agreement was in the LL form and lowest, in the I form. The highest diagnostic discrepancy was for the BB form. Clinical diagnosis agreement was 41.3% for laboratory 'A' and 54% for 'B'. The ML Flow test reclassified 10.7% of the patients. The spectrum of leprosy classification is important for a clearer understanding of the disease and its proper treatment, but is not used in health services, which use the simplified WHO criteria. This could be complemented by ML Flow testing. Such simplification is unacceptable for Leprosy Reference Centers regarding patient attendance, teaching and research, for which the standardization of the Ridley-Jopling classification is recommended.

Avaliação da concordância entre exames clínicos e laboratoriais no diagnóstico da hanseníase / Evaluation of the agreement between clinical and laboratorial exams in the diagnosis of leprosy

Este estudo avaliou a concordância entre o diagnóstico clínico e o diagnóstico laboratorial da hanseníase, utilizando os resultados de biópsias dos laboratórios A e B e o teste ML-Flow. A concordância diagnóstica clínico-histopatológica foi de 67,6%. Os laboratórios apresentaram um índice de concordância de 73,7% em relação ao índice baciloscópico, e o laboratório B detectou 25,4% a mais de casos positivos. A maior concordância foi obtida para a forma V, e a menor para a forma I. A maior discrepância diagnóstica ocorreu para a forma DD. A concordância clínico-laboratorial foi de 41,3% para o laboratório A e 54% para o B. O teste ML-Flow reclassificou 10,7% dos pacientes. A classificação espectral é importante para o melhor entendimento da doença e para seu tratamento adequado, mas não é utilizada em centros de saúde, que adotam os critérios simplificados da OMS, que poderiam ser complementados pelo teste ML-Flow. Tal simplificação é inaceitável para os Centros de Referência em assistência, ensino e pesquisa em hanseníase, de modo que é recomendada a padronização pela classificação de Ridley-Jopling.

This study examined the correlation between the clinical and laboratory diagnosis of leprosy, using biopsy results from laboratories “A” and “B” and the ML Flow test. Clinical and histopathological diagnoses presented 67.6% agreement. The laboratories showed 73.7% agreement in the bacterial index and laboratory ‘B’ detected 25.4% more positives. The highest agreement was in the LL form and lowest, in the I form. The highest diagnostic discrepancy was for the BB form. Clinical diagnosis agreement was 41.3% for laboratory ‘A’ and 54% for ‘B’. The ML Flow test reclassified 10.7% of the patients. The spectrum of leprosy classification is important for a clearer understanding of the disease and its proper treatment, but is not used in health services, which use the simplified WHO criteria. This could be complemented by ML Flow testing. Such simplification is unacceptable for Leprosy Reference Centers regarding patient attendance, teaching and research, for which the standardization of the Ridley-Jopling classification is recommended.