FNA diagnosis of poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma. A review of the recent literature.

Poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) is a follicular cell-derived tumour that was recognised as a distinct entity by the World Health Organisation in 2004. The natural history and pathological features of PDTC are reported to be intermediate between those of well-differentiated and undifferentiated (anaplastic) thyroid carcinomas. Preoperative identification of PDTC could facilitate better initial patient management in many cases, namely more extensive surgery, without any delay. However, according to some experts, a diagnosis of PDTC can only be rendered on histologic specimens based on criteria recommended in the Turin proposal. Although high-grade features (namely necrosis and mitoses) can be recognised in FNA material, other cytomorphological features have limited value for the preoperative diagnosis of PDTC and specific features for a definitive diagnosis of PDTC have not yet been clearly defined. Here, we review the current status and future prospects for cytological recognition of PDTC; we emphasise the features that should raise suspicion of this rare condition in FNA cytology and provide an update on molecular features and management of PDTC. Despite proposed histological criteria for the diagnosis of PDTC, its recognition on routine thyroid cytology presents a notable challenge. Current and future advances in molecular testing could contribute to the cytological diagnosis of PDTC

Gelatin lights-agitated gelatin as an echocardiographic contrast agent for alcohol septal ablation

A good contrast echocardiographic study enhances the safety and efficacy of alcohol ablation procedures. Newer generation echocardiographic contrast agents and conventional radiographic contrast agents when used as echocardiographic contrast agents for this purpose are often unsatisfactory. We describe the use of agitated modified gelatin, a cheap and readily available agent that provides excellent echocardiographic images and identifies the myocardium supplied by the targeted septal artery

Intraductal pseudopodia in pleomorphic adenoma of parotid gland

Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common salivary gland tumor. Pseudopodia are finger-like projections extending beyond the tumor capsule, seen in pleomorphic adenoma. If not resected completely, these pseudopodia may increase the risk of recurrence after excision of pleomorphic adenoma. While performing a total conservative parotidectomy for the pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland, we encountered tumor in the Stensen's duct. On pathological examination, the tumor was not involving the wall of the duct but was passing through the lumen, like a pseudopod. During parotidectomy, the surgeon should inspect the lumen of parotid duct for the presence of any tumor. Pseudopodia of pleomorphic adenoma may extend into the lumen and if not addressed adequately may lead to recurrence of the tumor

Rescue alcohol septal ablation in sepsis with multiorgan failure

A 55 year old male patient with a diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was admitted with features of sepsis related to cholangitis. Initial management with intravenous (i.v.) fluids and antibiotics did not cause any change in his general condition mandating an emergency endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP). After successful retrieval of CBD stone on ERCP, patient had massive upper gastrointestinal bleed leading to hypotension and shock. Addition of inotropes had led to further deterioration in his clinical status with a mean arterial BP falling to 44 mm of Hg. His echocardiography showed a resting left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient of 90 mm of Hg and thus was taken up for emergency alcohol septal ablation (ASA). Immediately after ASA, patient had significant decrease in LVOT obstruction and rise of systemic arterial pressures. After 10 days of antibiotic therapy patient was discharged with a residual LVOT obstruction of 28 mm of Hg