Ciliated hepatic foregut cyst: A report of 6 cases and a review of the English literature

BACKGROUND: Ciliated hepatic foregut cyst (CHFC) is a rare cystic lesion most commonly identified in segment 4 of the liver that arises from the embryonic foregut. The classic histologic pattern is comprised of 4 distinct layers (inner ciliated epithelial lining, smooth muscle, loose connective tissue, fibrous capsule). Although rare, cases of metaplastic and malignant epithelial lining have been described in CHFC. METHODS: We report 6 additional cases of CHFC, one of which had gastric metaplasia of the cyst lining, and review all reported cases of CHFC in the English literature. We describe the clinicopathologic analysis of 6 cases, with selective immunohistochemical analysis on 1 case with gastric metaplasia. RESULTS: Cases occurred in 4 women and 2 men (average age 55 years, range 42 to 67 years). Cysts ranged in size from 0.7 to 17 cm (average 7.2 cm) and were grossly tan-pink to white with blood-filled contents. The majority were located in segment 4 of the liver, however 2 were located in the porta hepatis. Tumor serologies (CA19-9 and/or CEA) were performed in 3 cases; 1 case demonstrated elevated CA19-9, and 2 cases had laboratory values within normal limits. All cases showed the classic histologic findings, however one case additionally had extensive gastric metaplasia. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, CHFC is a rare diagnostic entity that should be considered in the differential diagnosis for cystic hepatic lesions, particularly those located in segment 4 of the liver. Metaplasia and squamous carcinoma can occur, therefore complete surgical excision is the recommended treatment. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13000-015-0321-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

Fine‐needle aspiration cytology of metastatic spindle cell follicular thyroid carcinoma: A case report

Follicular thyroid carcinoma, spindle cell variant is extremely rare. The tumor is predominantly composed of spindle cells with a fusiform appearance that are arranged in intersecting fascicles. Fine‐needle aspiration biopsy of this entity has not been previously described. We report a case of a 58‐year‐old woman who presented with metastasis to a left neck lymph node 15 years after the original diagnosis. Fine‐needle aspiration cytology showed numerous bland, spindled to epithelioid cells with thin, elongated, and plump nuclei with finely granular chromatin and inconspicuous nucleoli. The tumor cells had a moderate amount of cytoplasm with occasional elongated cytoplasmic tails. The cells were arranged in irregular aggregates with a fascicular pattern or singly dispersed. The tumor cells demonstrated positive staining for pan‐keratin, PAX8, thyroid transcription factor‐1, and thyroglobulin, which confirmed thyroid primary origin

DOG1 immunohistochemical staining of testicular biopsies is a reliable tool for objective assessment of infertility

Testicular biopsy may be a component of the work-up of male infertility. However, no reliable diagnostic tools are available for objective quantitative assessment of spermatogenic cells. It is well known that MAGE-A4 is selectively expressed in spermatogonia and our group has previously demonstrated that DOG1 differentially stains germ cells. Therefore, we performed DOG1 and a double stain cocktail (DOG1 and 57b murine monoclonal anti-MAGE-A4) immunohistochemical stains on 40 testicular infertility biopsies (10 each with active spermatogenesis, Sertoli cell-only, hypospermatogenesis, and maturation arrest), 25 benign seminiferous tubules from radical orchiectomies, and 5 spermatocytic tumors (ST). In biopsies/resections with active spermatogenesis, DOG1 stained spermatocytes and spermatids and was absent in spermatogonia, while MAGE-A4 stained spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes (weak). In hypospermatogenesis, DOG1 highlighted decreased spermatocytes/spermatids and MAGE-A4 highlighted decreased spermatogonia. DOG1 staining confirmed decreased to absent spermatocytes in maturation arrest and MAGE-A4 staining established the presence of preserved spermatogonia in all cases. All STs were negative for DOG1 and positive for MAGE-A4, while all Sertoli cell-only cases were negative for DOG1 and the double stain cocktail. In conclusion, we confirmed that DOG1 is expressed in spermatocytes and spermatids and MAGE-A4 highlights primarily spermatogonia. Usage of these stains facilitates confirmation of maturation arrest, assessment of the percentage of testis involvement in hypospermatogenesis and identification of mixed patterns. Finally, this study supports that the differentiation of STs is more closely related to spermatogonia than the more mature spermatocytes

Morphologic Spectrum of Renal Cell Carcinoma, Unclassified: An Analysis of 136 Cases

Aims Renal cell carcinoma, unclassified (RCCU) is a category that includes a morphologically and biologically heterogeneous group of tumors that are unable to be diagnosed as other well-defined entities. We aim to describe the morphologic findings of tumors within this category and to determine the most frequent morphologic features leading to classification difficulty. Methods and results One hundred and thirty-six cases of RCCU were examined. Patients ranged in age from 23 to 87 years. Seventy-seven patients were men and 59 were women. International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade was most commonly 3 (n=66), followed by 2 (n=42) and 4 (n=28). Tumor size ranged from 0.6 cm to 24.9 cm. The AJCC pathologic T categories included pT1a (n=50), pT1b (n=14), pT2a (n=7), pT2b (n=4), pT3a (n=50), and pT4 (n=9). Forty-four cases included lymph node(s), of which 41% (n=18) had metastases. Tumors were assessed for a variety of histologic features and assigned to the following morphologic groups: predominantly oncocytoma/chromophobe RCC-like; clear cell RCC-like; papillary RCC-like; collecting duct-like; and pure sarcomatoid differentiation. The majority of the oncocytoma/chromophobe and clear cell RCC-like phenotypes were low stage (pT1 or pT2). The papillary RCC-like, collecting duct-like, and pure sarcomatoid phenotypes were mostly high stage (pT3 or pT4). Conclusions RCCU is a term that encompasses tumors with a variety of morphologic features and a wide biologic spectrum. The most common source of diagnostic difficulty was tumors composed of predominantly eosinophilic cells

Plasmacytoid/diffuse urothelial carcinoma: a single-institution immunohistochemical and molecular study of 69 patients

Accurate diagnosis of plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma (PUC) is important given its poor prognosis and frequent presentation at high stage. We aim to assess the clinicopathological features, molecular aberrations, and follow-up data in a series of PUC cases from a single tertiary cancer center. Seventy-two urinary bladder, ureteral, and renal pelvic specimens with urothelial carcinoma with plasmacytoid differentiation were identified. Immunohistochemical stains were performed on 48 cases. Among urinary bladder origin markers, GATA3 was most sensitive (96%). Breast carcinoma markers (estrogen receptor, mammaglobin) were usually negative, but progesterone receptor stained 1 case (4%). Neuroendocrine markers CD56 and TTF-1 were each positive in 1 case (4% and 4%, respectively). Gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma marker CDX2 was positive in 4 cases (15%), but nuclear β-catenin was negative in all cases. CD138 was positive in 83% and E-cadherin expression was lost in 57% of cases. Fluorescence in situ hybridization using the UroVysion Bladder Cancer Kit and FGFR3 mutational analysis using polymerase chain reaction were performed on 15 cases; deletion of chromosome 9p21 was common (60%), and FGFR3 mutations were detected in 60% of cases (5 cases had both deletion 9p21 and FGFR3 mutations). Cases were divided into 3 morphologic groups: classic (29%), desmoplastic (35%), and pleomorphic (36%). The 3 morphologic subtypes had distinct survival outcomes (P = .083), with median survival for all patients 18 being months versus 10 months for the desmoplastic group

Association of Childhood Economic Hardship with Adult Height and Adult Adiposity among Hispanics/Latinos. The HCHS/SOL Socio-Cultural Ancillary Study

The study examined the association of childhood and current economic hardship with anthropometric indices in Hispanic/Latino adults, using data from the HCHS/SOL Socio-cultural ancillary study (N = 5,084), a community-based study of Hispanic/Latinos living in four urban areas (Bronx, NY, Chicago, IL, Miami, FL, and San Diego, CA). Childhood economic hardship was defined as having experienced a period of time when one’s family had trouble paying for basic needs (e.g., food, housing), and when this economic hardship occurred: between 0–12, 13–18 years old, or throughout both of those times. Current economic hardship was defined as experiencing trouble paying for basic needs during the past 12 months. Anthropometry included height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and percentage body fat (%BF). Complex survey linear regression models were used to test the associations of childhood economic hardship with adult anthropometric indices, adjusting for potential confounders (e.g., age, sex, Hispanic background). Childhood economic hardship varied by Hispanic background, place of birth, and adult socio-economic status. Childhood economic hardship during both periods, childhood and adolescence, was associated with shorter height. Childhood economic hardship was associated with greater adiposity among US born individuals only. Current economic hardship was significantly associated with all three measures of adiposity (BMI, WC, %BF). These findings suggest that previous periods of childhood economic hardship appear to influence adult height more than adiposity, whereas current economic hardship may be a better determinant of adult adiposity in Hispanics

Multifaceted role of TREX2 in the skin defense against UV-induced skin carcinogenesis

TREX2 is a 3'-DNA exonuclease specifically expressed in keratinocytes. Here, we investigated the relevance and mechanisms of TREX2 in ultraviolet (UV)-induced skin carcinogenesis. TREX2 expression was up-regulated by chronic UV exposure whereas it was de-regulated or lost in human squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Moreover, we identified SNPs in the TREX2 gene that were more frequent in patients with head and neck SCCs than in healthy individuals. In mice, TREX2 deficiency led to enhanced susceptibility to UVB-induced skin carcinogenesis which was preceded by aberrant DNA damage removal and degradation as well as reduced inflammation. Specifically, TREX2 loss diminished the up-regulation of IL12 and IFNγ, key cytokines related to DNA repair and antitumor immunity. In UV-treated keratinocytes, TREX2 promoted DNA repair and passage to late apoptotic stages. Notably, TREX2 was recruited to low-density nuclear chromatin and micronuclei, where it interacted with phosphorylated H2AX histone, which is a critical player in both DNA repair and cell death. Altogether, our data provide new insights in the molecular mechanisms of TREX2 activity and establish cell autonomous and non-cell autonomous functions of TREX2 in the UVB-induced skin response

Mortality and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing surgery with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection: an international cohort study

Background: The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on postoperative recovery needs to be understood to inform clinical decision making during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study reports 30-day mortality and pulmonary complication rates in patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: This international, multicentre, cohort study at 235 hospitals in 24 countries included all patients undergoing surgery who had SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed within 7 days before or 30 days after surgery. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality and was assessed in all enrolled patients. The main secondary outcome measure was pulmonary complications, defined as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or unexpected postoperative ventilation. Findings: This analysis includes 1128 patients who had surgery between Jan 1 and March 31, 2020, of whom 835 (74·0%) had emergency surgery and 280 (24·8%) had elective surgery. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed preoperatively in 294 (26·1%) patients. 30-day mortality was 23·8% (268 of 1128). Pulmonary complications occurred in 577 (51·2%) of 1128 patients; 30-day mortality in these patients was 38·0% (219 of 577), accounting for 81·7% (219 of 268) of all deaths. In adjusted analyses, 30-day mortality was associated with male sex (odds ratio 1·75 [95% CI 1·28–2·40], p\textless0·0001), age 70 years or older versus younger than 70 years (2·30 [1·65–3·22], p\textless0·0001), American Society of Anesthesiologists grades 3–5 versus grades 1–2 (2·35 [1·57–3·53], p\textless0·0001), malignant versus benign or obstetric diagnosis (1·55 [1·01–2·39], p=0·046), emergency versus elective surgery (1·67 [1·06–2·63], p=0·026), and major versus minor surgery (1·52 [1·01–2·31], p=0·047). Interpretation: Postoperative pulmonary complications occur in half of patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection and are associated with high mortality. Thresholds for surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic should be higher than during normal practice, particularly in men aged 70 years and older. Consideration should be given for postponing non-urgent procedures and promoting non-operative treatment to delay or avoid the need for surgery. Funding: National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, Bowel and Cancer Research, Bowel Disease Research Foundation, Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons, British Association of Surgical Oncology, British Gynaecological Cancer Society, European Society of Coloproctology, NIHR Academy, Sarcoma UK, Vascular Society for Great Britain and Ireland, and Yorkshire Cancer Research

Immunophenotypic Characterization of Germ Cell Tumor-Derived Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors: Evidence for Frequent Neuronal and/or Glial Differentiation

Context: Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) may arise as a somatic-type malignancy in germ cell tumors. In this setting, most PNETs resemble those of the central nervous system and lack chromosome 22 translocations. However, description of the morphologic and differentiation spectrum of PNETs arising from germ cell tumors is lacking. Objective: To investigate the morphologic and immunohistochemical features of these tumors, concentrating on neuronal and glial features. Design: We selected cases based on a morphologically identifiable glial and/or differentiated neuronal component in association with the undifferentiated PNET. Immunohistochemistry for glial fibrillary acidic protein, S100 protein, synaptophysin, chromogranin A, and SOX11 was performed on tumors with available material, with the scoring of both staining intensity (0-3) and extent (0-3). Thirteen qualifying PNETs of testicular origin with available immunohistochemical stains or stainable material were identified. The complete stain panel was performed in 10 tumors. Results: SOX11 demonstrated positive staining in the undifferentiated PNET component of all tumors (10 of 10) and was rarely positive in the differentiated (ie, neuronal/glial) component (1 of 10; focal and weak); synaptophysin was slightly less sensitive in the undifferentiated component (12 of 13; often focal and weak) and also showed positivity in the neuronal/glial component (5 of 13). Glial fibrillary acidic protein and S100 were more frequently positive in the differentiated areas (83% and 77%, respectively) compared with undifferentiated areas (25% and 17%, respectively). Conclusions: SOX11 is a sensitive immunohistochemical marker for testicular PNET, particularly those lacking differentiation. Testicular PNETs often demonstrate glial and/or neuronal differentiation. Differentiation is marked by the acquisition of S100 and glial fibrillary acidic protein expression and SOX11 loss

Fine‐needle aspiration cytology of metastatic spindle cell follicular thyroid carcinoma: A case report

Follicular thyroid carcinoma, spindle cell variant is extremely rare. The tumor is predominantly composed of spindle cells with a fusiform appearance that are arranged in intersecting fascicles. Fine‐needle aspiration biopsy of this entity has not been previously described. We report a case of a 58‐year‐old woman who presented with metastasis to a left neck lymph node 15 years after the original diagnosis. Fine‐needle aspiration cytology showed numerous bland, spindled to epithelioid cells with thin, elongated, and plump nuclei with finely granular chromatin and inconspicuous nucleoli. The tumor cells had a moderate amount of cytoplasm with occasional elongated cytoplasmic tails. The cells were arranged in irregular aggregates with a fascicular pattern or singly dispersed. The tumor cells demonstrated positive staining for pan‐keratin, PAX8, thyroid transcription factor‐1, and thyroglobulin, which confirmed thyroid primary origin