Immunohistochemical expression of hormonal receptors, collagen, elastin, and proteoglycans in genuine urinary incontinence.

PURPOSE: To study the expression of hormonal receptors, collagen, elastin, proteoglycans, and VIP in the vaginal wall of women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-eight specimens of the anterior vaginal wall (28 women with SUI) were processed by Ventana immunostaining method. RESULTS: Both groups were compatible for age, BMI, and obstetric history. Positive ER-α and ER-ß immunoreaction was observed in 46.4% and 3.6% of SUI (43.3% and 33.3% of controls) (p < 0.05), respectively, and PR immunoreaction in 39.3% of SUI (46.7% of controls). Collagen I and III immunoreaction was observed in 28,6% and 21.4% of SUI (30.% and 36.7% of controls), respectively, and elastin, decorin, and fibromodulin immunoreaction in 10.7%, 10.7%, and 10.7% of SUI (50%, 33.3%, 33,.3% of controls) (p < 0.05), respectively. VIP immunoreaction was observed in 7.1% of SUI (36.7% of controls). CONCLUSION: Imunoexpression of ER-P, elastin, decorin, fibromodulin, and VIP was significantly lower in SUI than controls, showing that the ER-ß dependent re-modeling of the extracellular matrix of vaginal tissues is the main mechanism of SUI.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed during pregnancy: clinicopathological characteristics and management.

The aim of this study was to discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas in cases of pregnant women with adnexal masses, reporting an interesting case with synchronous literature review. The patient, a gravida 2, para 1, 37 year-old woman was diagnosed with a large unilateral adnexal lesion during a scheduled third trimester ultrasound assessment. A large papillary papule with a network of blood vessels showing decreased resistance in blood flow was noticed as well. Surgical intervention revealed ascitic fluid and a large cystic mass arising from the right ovary. Cesarean section and right salpingooophorectomy, including the mass, were performed. Frozen section biopsy was positive for malignancy. Total hysterectomy and left salpingo-oophorectomy, total omentectomy, biopsies from the pelvic peritoneum, pelvic/para-aortic lymphadenectomy and appendicectomy followed. Histology showed mucinous ovarian adenocarcinoma Grade I Stage Ic according to FIGO classification. Surgical intervention, in cases of persisting adnexal lesions, is often necessary, even during pregnancy.

Geographic analysis of RKIP expression and its clinical relevance in colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the geographic expression pattern of Raf-1 Kinase Inhibitor Protein (RKIP) in colorectal cancer (CRC) in correlation with clinicopathological and molecular features, markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and survival outcome. METHODS: Whole-tissue sections of 220 well-characterised CRCs were immunostained for RKIP. NF-κB and E-Cadherin expression was assessed using a matched multi-punch tissue microarray. Analysis of mismatch repair (MMR) protein expression, B-Raf and KRAS mutations was performed. RKIP expression in normal mucosa, tumour centre, invasion front and tumour buds was each assessed for clinical relevance. RESULTS: RKIP was diffusely expressed in normal mucosa and progressively lost towards tumour centre and front (P<0.0001). Only 0.9% of tumour buds were RKIP-positive. In the tumour centre, RKIP deficiency predicted metastatic disease (P=0.0307), vascular invasion (P=0.0506), tumour budding (P=0.0112) and an invasive border configuration (P=0.0084). Loss of RKIP correlated with NF-κB activation (P=0.0002) and loss of E-Cadherin (P<0.0001). Absence of RKIP was more common in MMR-deficient cancers (P=0.0191), while no impact of KRAS and B-Raf mutation was observed. RKIP in the tumour centre was identified as a strong prognostic indicator (HR (95% CI): 2.13 (1.27-3.56); P=0.0042) independently of TNM classification and therapy (P=0.0474). CONCLUSION: The clinical relevance of RKIP expression as an independent prognostic factor is restricted to the tumour centre. Loss of RKIP predicts features of EMT and correlates with frequent distant metastasis.

Effect of tamoxifen on postmenopausal endometrium.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect oftamoxifen on the endometrium of45 postmenopausal women with breast cancer, as evidenced by hysteroscopic, ultrasound, histological methods, and by immunohistochemical investigation of the expression of Bcl-2 and Ki67. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five postmenopausal women with breast cancer (ER and/or PgR positive) undergoing tamoxifen therapy for six to 48 months, were selected from the files of the 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens Aretaieion Hospital, among a total of 120 patients treated from 2004-2009. RESULTS: The ultrasound findings during the follow-up period revealed 18 cases of thickened endometrium, 14 cases of suspected polyps, one case with accumulation of endometrial fluid, and 12 cases of heterogeneous endometrial echo texture. The patients had undergone hysteroscopy because of thickened endometrium (18/45 patients), postmenopausal bleeding (14/45 patients), and polyps (13/45 patients). The endometrial tissue samples were examined in the Pathology Department of Aretaieion Hospital and showed in 23 cases with adenomatous endometrial polyps, 15 cases with endometrial cystic atrophy, two cases with adenomatous hyperplasia, and five cases with mucosal endometrial adhesions. Immunohistochemical investigation of Bcl-2 and KJ67 expression was undertaken on paraffin blocks and showed elevated expression in the cases with endometrial polyps and hyperplasia, in contrast to atrophic endometria. CONCLUSION: Long-term tamoxifen therapy of postmenopausal women with breast cancer is associated with uterine pathology. Ultrasonography alone is useful in asymptomatic patients selecting cases with increased endometrial thickness for further investigation. Hysteroscopy is an accurate method for diagnosing endometrial disease because it provides a direct view of the uterine cavity, reveals focal lesions, and enables targeted biopsies to be performed at the same time. Pathological findings show elevated expression of Ki67 and Bcl-2 in hyperplastic endometria and adenomatous polyps, consistent with an elevated glandular cell proliferation due to tamoxifen effect.

Immunohistochemical study of inhibin A and B expression in placentas from normal and pathological gestations.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine, by an immunohistochemical method, the distribution of Inhibin-A and -B, in placentas from normal and pathological gestations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-two specimens of placental tissue were examined: i) ten cases from early gestations, ii) 28 cases from mature placentas, iii) six cases associated with intrauterine growth restriction, iv) four cases associated with diabetes mellitus and v) 14 placentas from gestations with fetal chromosome abnormalities. The expression of Inhibin A and B was studied by automatic Ventana method. RESULTS: i) Early gestation specimens: Inhibin A (+) immunoreaction was observed in the syncytiotrophoblast (8/10 cases) and in the intermediate trophoblast (6/10 cases). Inhibin B (+) immunoreaction was observed in the syncytiotrophoblast (10/10 cases) and in the intermediate trophoblast (4/10 cases), ii) Normal mature placentas: Inhibin A (+) immunostain was observed in 2/28 cases in the syncytiotrophoblast and in 7/28 cases in the intermediate trophoblast. Inhibin B (+) immunostain was observed in 28/28 cases in the syncytiotrophoblast and in 18/28 cases in the intermediate trophoblast. iii) Placentas associated with intrauterine growth restriction: Inhibin A (+) immunostain was observed in the intermediate trophoblast in 2/6 cases. Inhibin B (+) immunostain was observed in 5/6 cases in the syncytiotrophoblast and in 4/6 cases in the intermediate trophoblast. iv) Placentas associated with gestational diabetes mellitus: Inhibin A (+) immunostain was observed in 2/4 cases in the intermediate trophoblast. Inhibin B (+) immunostain was observed in 2/4 cases in the syncytiotrophoblast. v) Placentas from gestations with fetal chromosome abnormalities: no Inhibin A immunoreaction was observed. Inhibin B (+) immunostain was observed in 13/14 cases in the syncytiotrophoblast and in 9/14 cases in the intermediate trophoblast. The cytotrophoblast, the umbilical cord, and the membranes do not participate in the production of Inhibins. DISCUSSION: Inhibin A and B are located in the syncytiotrophoblast and the intermediate trophoblast of the placenta, during early pregnancy (Inhibin A) and present throughout pregnancy (Inhibin B). No remarkable findings in placentas of pathological gestations support the evidence that Inhibins do not participate in processes that affect the development of the placenta or the fetus, but may participate in,the mechanism of labor.

Rare non-epithelial primary breast neoplasms: a ten-year experience at a Greek University Hospital.

PURPOSE: Non-epithelial breast neoplasms cover a large spectrum of histopathological entities. The demographics and clinical features are similar to epithelial breast lesions but the diagnosis, prognosis and management options are often very different. METHODS: During 2001-2010, 1362 patients were examined at the Pathology Department of the Aretaieion General Hospital for various breast lesions. All specimens were processed routinely and slides stained with hematoxylin-eosin were re-examined. The patient clinical records were examined for demographics, clinical presentation and therapeutic approach. RESULTS: In 23/1362 cases (1.68%) pathological examination showed non-epithelial lesions: in 12/1362 cases (0.8%) haemangiomas (11 women, one man), in 4 /1362 cases (0.3%) myofibroblastomas (MFB), in 2/1362 cases (0.1%) primary breast non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), in 3 /1362 cases (0.2%) granular cell tumor (GCT), and in 2/1362 cases (0.1%) angiosarcomas (one developed after radiotherapy for breast cancer). CONCLUSIONS: Non-epithelial primary breast tumors are rare (1.68%) and present significant difficulty in accurate preoperative diagnosis and in certain cases in pathological diagnosis as well, which is necessary for the selection of the appropriate treatment. Avoidance of inappropriate therapies requires a multidisciplinary management approach.

Prognostic significance and diagnostic value of PTEN and p53 expression in endometrial carcinoma. A retrospective clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the PTEN and p53 gene expression in endometrioid and serous papillary endometrial carcinomas and clarify their prognostic significance by studying the PTEN and p53 expression in relation to tumor stage and grade. METHODS: Archival pathological sections of 61 cases with endometrial cancer examined in a 5-year-period (January 2006-December 2010) were retrieved and re-examined. Immunohistochemical investigation was performed by the Ventana system. Anti-PTEN and anti-p53 monoclonal antibodies were used. Disease staging was made according to the FIGO staging system. RESULTS: Forty-nine (80.32%) cases were endometrioid adenocarcinomas. Patient age ranged from 39-75 years (mean 62.5). Grade 1 tumors:19/22 (86.3%) cases had stage Ib, 2/22 (9.09%) stage Ic and 1/22 (4.54%) stage IIIc. Eighteen of 22 (81.8%) cases were PTEN positive and 4/22 (18.2%) p53 positive. Grade 2 tumors: 17/ 23 (73.91%) cases had stage I b, 4/23 (17.39%) stage Ic and 2/23 (8.69%) stage IIIc. Seventeen of 23 (73.91%) cases were PTEN positive and 47sol;23 (17.3%) p53 positive. Grade 3 tumors: 2/4 (50%) cases had stage Ic and 2/4 (50%) stage IIIc. No case was PTEN positive and 2/4 (50%) were p53 positive. Twelve (19.35%) cases were serous papillary carcinomas. Patient age ranged from 63-79 years (mean 76). Five (41.66%) cases had stage Ic and 5 (41.66%) stage IIIc, with nodal metastases and peritoneal involvement. Two (16.66%) cases developed on endometrial polyps with minimal myometrial involvement (stage Ib) and in both cases elements of endometrioid adenocarcinoma were observed as well. Immunohistochemical study showed that 11 (91.66%) cases were p53 positive and 2 (16.66%) PTEN positive. CONCLUSION: PTEN and p53 immunoexpression helps both in accurate diagnosis and proper therapeutic approach of the various endometrial carcinomas. PTEN and p53 are also prognostic markers for these kind of tumors.

Clinicopathological features and management of hepatic vascular tumors. A 20-year experience in a Greek University Hospital.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to review the clinical features, diagnostic modalities, treatment options and pathological characteristics of various types of hepatic vascular tumors treated in our Institution over the last 20 years. METHODS: From 1991 to 2011, 761 cases of various hepatic lesions, benign and malignant, were surgically treated in our hospital. Among these, 56 (7.35%) hepatectomy specimens referred to vascular tumors. The records of these patients were retrieved and demographics , tumor characteristics, treatment, and actuarial survival were analyzed. The various therapeutic procedures, postoperative complications, follow-up data and the pre-and postoperative diagnostic difficulties were registered and analyzed. RESULTS: Pathological examination showed: hepatic hemangiomas in 35 (62.5%) patients (80% females), hepatic angiosarcomas in 7 patients (12.5%; males 71.4%), hepatic epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas in 9 (16%; females 50%) and hepatic angiomyolipomas in 5 patients (9%; females 60%). CONCLUSIONS: Vascular tumors of the liver comprise a heterogeneous group of neoplasms, benign, malignant and of intermediate degree of malignant behavior. These lesions can create great diagnostic difficulties, pre- and postoperative considerations, but the correct pathological diagnosis and classification of vascular hepatic tumors are most of the times mandatory in order to choose the proper therapeutic actions.

Clinicopathological characteristics of ovarian carcinomas associated with endometriosis.

INTRODUCTION: Substantial histopathology data provide evidence that endometriosis might be viewed as a precursor lesion of endometrioid and clear cell carcinoma of the ovary, via intermediary atypical borderline lesions. Also, genes involved in both endometriosis and epithelial ovarian cancer have been shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis-associated ovarian carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 17 cases of ovarian carcinomas associated with endometriosis, diagnosed between 2000 and 2009, at Aretaieion Hospital of University of Athens, is presented. 10/17 cases in this study (58.8%) were clear cell carcinomas (CCC), 6/17 cases (35.3%) were endometrioid adenocarcinomas (EAC) and 1/17 cases (5.9%) was a serous carcinoma associated with ovarian endometriosis. Patients's age was 27-76 years (mean age 58 years). Typical ovarian endometriosis was documented in 8/17 (47%) of the tumors. In 9/17 cases, areas of fibrosis or cystic lesions infiltrated by iron-laden macrophages and endometrial-like stroma, consistent with endometriosis, were observed. CONCLUSION: In comparison with common epithelial ovarian cancers, CCC and EACs of the ovary were presented at earlier stages. Cytoreductive surgical treatment is critical in order to plan appropriate post-operative management.

Clinicopathological features and immunoprofile of 30 cases of Brenner ovarian tumors.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological and immunopathological features of Brenner ovarian tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty cases of Brenner ovarian tumors were examined in our laboratory among 1,680 cases of ovarian tumors, representing 1.5% of all tumors examined. Blocks of paraffin-embedded tumor tissue for all cases were available for additional immunohistochemical stain by a Ventana autoimmunostainer. Moreover, antibodies for Uroplakine III (cellmarque AU-1 clone, 1:25) Chromogen (monosan clone 5H7,1:25) WT1 (novocastra, clone 3F-H2, 1:25) NSE (DAKO, clone BB5/NC/V1-H14, 1:50), CK20 (DAKO, clone Ks20.8, 1:50),CK7 (Zymed 1:25, clone V-TL12/30)were used. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 51.4 years ranging from 16 to 82 years. The tumor was unilateral in 28 cases (16/28 in the right ovary and 12/28 in the left ovary) and bilateral in two cases. Twenty-eight cases (93%) were benign and two (7%) were proliferating (borderline) tumors. Seventeen cases (56%) were pure Brenner tumors, measuring from 0.5 to 2.5 cm and 13 cases (44%) were mixed tumors consisting of a Brenner tumor element and a mucinous ovarian tumor (10/13 cases, 53.8%) and a germ cell tumor in 3/13 cases. The largest diameter of the mixed tumors ranged from 7 to 22 cm. The largest area consisting of Brenner elements measured 7 cm. The immunoprofile of Brenner tumor cell was cytokeratine-7 positive (30/30 cases) cytokeratine-20 negative in the Brenner cell element but positive in the mucinous component in 5/7 cases of mixed Brenner tumors, focally WT-1 positive (5/30 cases), NSE negative (0/30 cases) and focally chromogranine positive (6/30 cases), Uroplakin-III positive in 23/30 cases, with faint cytoplasmatic or luminal distribution. In conclusion, Brenner ovarian tumors are unilateral, small and benign neoplasms in their majority and present specific histopathological and immunopathological characteristics and mixed forms with other epithelial and germ cell neoplasms. This could be explained as a form of metaplasia or a diverse histogenesis from surface epithelium and/or the germ cell ovarian component.

Clinicopathological study of 112 cases of benign, pre-invasive and invasive lesions of the vagina: a 15-year review.

OBJECTIVE: Benign vaginal lesions are mainly asymptomatic and often diagnosed during routine screening gynecological examinations. Additionally, vaginal intraepithelial lesions are asymptomatic and diagnosis is often confirmed after vaginal biopsy under colposcopic evaluation in cases of abnormal cytological Papanicolaou examination or synchronous cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. On the other hand, primary vaginal cancer is rare representing approximately 1-2% of all gynecological cancers. Metastatic invasion of the vagina is common especially in cases of advanced stage cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to examine the diagnostic approach, the management strategy, and the pathological findings in cases of benign, pre-invasive and invasive vaginal lesions that were diagnosed and treated in our Department. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a 15-year retrospective study. Cases of benign, pre-invasive, and invasive vaginal lesions diagnosed during the last fifteen years at Aretaieion Hospital of the University of Athens, were analyzed. RESULTS: During this study period 40 cases of vaginal cysts (35.7% of all vaginal lesions) were diagnosed. Surgical excision of the lesions was decided in all cases and histology showed that the most frequent cyst type was mucus-secreting Mullerian (30%). During the study period, 23 cases of vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN, 20.5% of all vaginal lesions) were detected. In 43.5% of the cases, histological diagnosis revealed low grade VAIN, while the remaining cases were classified as high grade VAIN. Furthermore, 11 cases of primary vaginal cancer (9.8% of all vaginal lesions) were diagnosed. The vast majority of them (91%) were squamous cell carcinomas. Additionally, histology confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic invasion of the vaginal wall in 38 cases (34% of all vaginal lesions). In the majority of these cases (55.2%), primary cancer was located in the cervix. DISCUSSION: Benign, pre-invasive and invasive vaginal lesions are relatively uncommon and usually accompany lesions in other sites of the lower genital tract. Their diagnosis is based on gynecological or colposcopical examination. Treatment depends on the type of the lesion and the progression of the disease.

Epidermoid or dermoid cysts of the ovary? Clinicopathological characteristics of 28 cases and a new pathologic classification of an old entity.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to present the clinical and pathological findings that aid in the differential diagnosis between epidermoid and dermoid ovarian tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a 15-year retrospective clinico-pathological study. A total of 28 cases of epidermoid ovarian cysts histologically confirmed after pathological examination at the Pathology Laboratory of Aretaieion University Hospital between January 1996 and December 2010, were analyzed and a literature review was performed. RESULTS: Patients with epidermoid cysts presented with a main complaint of either abdominal pain or a palpable abdominal mass. In the 28 cases studied, 18 patients underwent cystectomy and four cases underwent oophorectomy. In six cases of post-menopausal women, abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. No recurrent disease in the pelvis was reported during the available follow-up period which was from 12 to 30 months. DISCUSSION: Epithelial epidermoid ovarian tumors represent less than one percent of ovarian surface epithelial tumors. The differential diagnosis of epidermoid cysts includes dermoid (mature cystic teratomas) tumors of the ovary. However, it should be mentioned that up to 17% of teratomas may include epidermoid tumors. In comparison to dermoid cysts which present at an earlier age but with a greater size, ovarian epidermoid tumors present as small- to medium-sized cystic lesions occurring at a significantly older age. The treatment of choice is conservative surgical therapy.

Peritoneal mesotheliomas mimicking adnexal tumors. Clinicopathological characteristics of four cases and a short literature review.

Three cases of peritoneal benign cystic mesotheliomas in women 32-34 years of age and one case of peritoneal malignant mesothelioma in a 47-year-old woman are reported. All cases presented with abdominal discomfort and/or pain and the physical and radiological diagnostic methods showed adnexal tumors. The cystic mesotheliomas developed in the cul-de-sac and the right pelvic sidewall, presented as multiple small cysts or large multilocular cystic mass. The malignant mesothelioma showed extensive infiltration of the omentum the intestinal loops and the surface of the uterus and adnexa, with bilateral hydrosalpinx and ascites. All cases presented histological and immunohistochemical characteristics consistent with tumors of mesothelial origin. No history of asbestos exposure was reported. The correct diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to these neoplasms are discussed.

Autopsy findings in fetuses with cystic hygroma: a literature review and our center's experience.

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: To report our experience of autopsied cases of fetal cystic hygroma (CH) and discuss the role of fetal autopsy in genetic counseling. METHODS: A review of autopsy reports at our institution revealed 18 cases of fetal CH over a 10-year period (from 2000 to 2010). The clinical data, results of cytogenetic analysis and prenatal ultrasound findings were also retrieved and compared to the autopsy findings. RESULTS: Fetal death was due to intrauterine death in eight cases, therapeutic abortion in eight cases and spontaneous abortion in two cases. Cytogenetic analysis was available in 12 cases, and the results showed an abnormal karyotype in seven cases (5 cases of Turner syndrome and 2 cases of trisomy 21). The mean size of CH was 5.4 cm. Other malformations or findings suggestive of the cause of fetal death were diagnosed in 10/18 cases (55.6%). The most common autopsy findings were hydrops and central nervous system anomalies. The autopsy findings were in agreement with the prenatal ultrasound findings in 13/18 cases (72.2%), while in five cases (27.8%) additional findings were detected during autopsy. The most common placental abnormalities were infarcts and calcifications. CONCLUSION: In addition to prenatal diagnostic studies, fetal autopsy and pathologic examination of fetal and placental tissues may help to establish the exact cause of death and disclose important information as to the presence of various fetal malformations or placental abnormalities.

Clinicopathological characteristics of adnexal lesions diagnosed during pregnancy or cesarean section.

OBJECTIVE: The diagnosis of an incidental adnexal lesion during pregnancy has become more common after the widespread use of routine ultrasonography (US). The aim of this study was to examine the diagnostic approach, management strategy and the pathological findings in cases of adnexal lesions that were diagnosed and treated during pregnancy in our department. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a 15-year retrospective study. Cases of adnexal lesions detected during routine prenatal care by US or while performing cesarean section, between January 1996 and December 2010 at Aretaieion Hospital of the National University of Athens, were analyzed. RESULTS: In this study period 39 cases of adnexal lesions were diagnosed during pregnancy or cesarean section. The age of the women was between 21 and 40 years (mean age 32.4). Surgical excision of the lesions was decided in 32 cases and conservative treatment was followed in the remaining seven cases. Surgical removal of the lesions was performed during cesarean section in 13 cases of term gestations and in four cases of preterm gestations in which pregnancy termination was considered necessary. Laparotomy during the antepartum period led to excision of adnexal lesions in 15 cases. Histology revealed benign ovarian lesions in 25 cases (78.1%), borderline ovarian tumors in two cases (6.3%), malignant ovarian tumors in four cases (12.5%) and adenocarcinoma of the appendix in one case (3.1%) presenting as an ovarian mass. DISCUSSION: The management of cases diagnosed with adnexal lesions during pregnancy remains controversial. According to the literature, the estimated risk of malignancy for adnexal masses during pregnancy is low (2-3%) and complications of these lesions are extremely rare. These data suggest that adnexal masses could be managed conservatively if possible with US follow-up. On the other hand, the results of this study showed a higher incidence of malignancy among adnexal lesions that were surgically treated (15.6%). CONCLUSION: Surgical intervention and histological examination in cases suspicious for malignancy at US and clinical findings remain the treatment of choice even during pregnancy.

Removal of a large bizarre uterine leiomyoma by operative hysteroscopy. Case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Atypical leiomyomas are relatively uncommon in the general practice of gynaecology. We present a case of a large uterine bizarre leiomyoma removed by operative hysteroscopy and review of the literature. CASE: The patient, a 49-year-old, gravida 3, para 3, perimenopausal Greek woman presented to our Department because of dysmenorrhea and abnormal vaginal bleeding. She underwent hysteroscopy in which a large submucosal leiomyoma was detected and entirely removed in one session. The histopathology revealed bizarre uterine leiomyoma. DISCUSSION: There is no evidence to indicate that hysterectomy is necessary, if the diagnosis of atypical leiomyoma has been firmly established.

Clinicopathological changes of uterine leiomyomas after GnRH agonist therapy.

OBJECTIVE: Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) has been commonly used for the medical treatment of prostate cancer, precocious puberty, endometriosis, adenomyosis and uterine leiomyomas. GnRHa therapy in cases of symptomatic uterine leiomyomas aims for the reduction of their size and remission of symptoms such as menometrorrhagia, causing a state of hypoestrogenemia. This is considered to be a helpful preoperative strategy in cases of large myomas, or anemia because of abnormal vaginal bleeding. The aim of this retrospective study was to examine the clinicopathological changes in uterine leiomyomas exposed to preoperative GnRHa therapy for two up to six months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 10 premenopausal patients who were treated with GnRHa prior to surgery. RESULTS: In all cases the size of leiomyomas was reduced after GnRHa therapy. A microscopic review of the surgical specimens showed increased cellularity and ischemic type of necrosis. CONCLUSION: Morphological changes of uterine leiomyomas are often associated with preoperative GnRH agonist therapy. The differential diagnosis from uterine leiomyosarcomas includes absence of mitotic activity.

A rare case of intrinsic ureteral endometriosis causing hydronephrosis in a 40-year-old woman. A case report and literature review.

Endometriosis is a multifactorial disease with unclear pathogenesis. Urinary tract endometriosis occurs in about 1% of all endometriotic lesions while isolated ureteral endometriosis is extremely rare. We present a case of intrinsic ureteral endometriosis causing ureteral stenosis in a 40-year's old woman, in combination with intestinal, extensive peritoneal and ovarian endometriosis. The clinicopathological features and investigation methods used, as well as the treatment approach are discussed. An individual therapy plan depending mainly on the patient's age, desire for children and the extent of the endometriotic foci should always be attempted. Collaboration between gynecologists and urologists was essential in our cases.

Management of retroperitoneal sarcomas: main prognostic factors for local recurrence and survival.

PURPOSE: Retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPs) are characterized by slow indolent growth and metastasize at a late point in their natural course. The purpose of this study was to review our experience in the management of RSs and identify prognostic factors for local control and survival. METHODS: Between January 1990 and December 2010, the hospital records of 75 patients with RSs were retrospectively studied. Sixty-four (85.3%) patients had undergone surgical resection in our hospital for primary RS, whereas 11 (14.7%) were referred to our department for recurrent disease. RESULTS: The patient median age was 57 years. Median tumor size was 18.5 cm. The most common histologic type was liposarcoma (44%) followed by leiomyosarcoma (17%), paraganglioma (10%), malignant fibrous histiocytoma (6.5%) and rare tumors such as 2 chondrosarcomas and 1 pecoma. Complete initial resection with negative macroscopic margins (R0) was achieved in 39 (60.9%) patients. En bloc resection of adjacent organs was required in 8 (12.5%) patients with primary RS and in 8 (72.9%) with recurrent disease. Mortality rate was 4%. For the group of patients initially treated in our hospital, 1-year recurrence rate was 34.3%. The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 56.2% and 53.1%, respectively. Satellite tumors were recognised in 13 (20.3%) patients treated for primary RS, from whom 11 (84%) recurred within one year. Seven patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Radical surgical resection is the treatment of choice for patients with primary and locally recurrent RSs.

Hydroxyzine, cimetidine and vitamin C in reducing skin flap necrosis in ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. A comparative study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the current experimental research was to investigate whether hydroxyzine can reduce the necrotic area in ischemia-reperfusion injury in epigastric rat skin flaps and to compare its role with cimetidine and vitamin C. METHODS: From a total of 77 ischemic rat skin flaps, 18 were treated with normal saline, 18 with vitamin C, 18 with cimetidine and 18 with hydroxyzine before reperfusion. Flap necrotic area, neutrophils and mast cells were measured on the 7th day. Analysis of variance for multiple comparisons and post hoc Dunnett's test were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: The sham group of animals (n=5) showed 0% flap necrosis. The saline-treated group demonstrated 75±15.3% of necrosis. The vitamin C, cimetidine and hydroxyzine groups had 56.2 ± 24.4%, 25.8 ± 19.3%, and 33.6 ± 27.8% of flap necrosis, respectively. In addition, the number of neutrophils and mast cells were decreased in the pharmacologically treated groups compared with flaps perfused with normal saline (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that administering hydroxyzine in rat epigastric skin flaps before reperfusion may attenuate necrosis, neutrophils and mast cell counts. The beneficial effect of cimetidine was the same as hydroxyzine's but the use of vitamin C was less effective.