Comparison of clinical and ultrasound examinations in assessing the parametria in patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis: a multicentre prospective study

RESEARCH QUESTION

How do clinical rectovaginal examination and transvaginal ultrasound examination perform in the diagnosis of parametrial infiltration in patients with endometriosis?

DESIGN

This was a multicentre prospective observational study. Patients with suspected deep endometriosis at clinical examination and/or at ultrasound evaluation and scheduled for surgery were included. Following multicentre multidisciplinary meetings, consensus was obtained on terms and methodology to define the parametrium at pelvic anatomy, ultrasound and surgery. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were calculated for clinical and ultrasound examinations with respect to surgery.

RESULTS

In total, 195 women were selected for the present study and 164 were included in the analysis. Ultrasound examination had good to high specificity (>80%) for all parameters, except the left lateral parametrium (78.8%). The sensitivity of ultrasound examination was good to high for fixity of the right and left ovaries, uterosacral ligaments, retrocervix and rectovaginal space; and low for the anterior and lateral parametria, vagina, bladder and bowel. Clinical examination had good to high specificity for fixity of the left ovary, anterior parametrium, right uterosacral ligament, retrocervix and vagina; and low specificity for fixity of the right ovary, lateral parametrium, left uterosacral ligament and rectovaginal space. The sensitivity of clinical examination was good for the uterosacral ligaments and rectovaginal space, and low for the remaining parameters.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound examination provided good specificity for all the parameters, but sensitivity was low for the anterior and lateral parametria. Clinical examination provided good specificity for the anterior and posterior parametria, but sensitivity was low for the anterior and lateral parametria. Further prospective studies are needed to validate this methodology and confirm the results.

Identification of spatially-resolved markers of malignant transformation in Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms

The existing Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm (IPMN) risk stratification relies on clinical and histological factors, resulting in inaccuracies and leading to suboptimal treatment. This is due to the lack of appropriate molecular markers that can guide patients toward the best therapeutic options. Here, we assess and confirm subtype-specific markers for IPMN across two independent cohorts of patients using two Spatial Transcriptomics (ST) technologies. Specifically, we identify HOXB3 and ZNF117 as markers for Low-Grade Dysplasia, SPDEF and gastric neck cell markers in borderline cases, and NKX6-2 and gastric isthmus cell markers in High-Grade-Dysplasia Gastric IPMN, highlighting the role of TNFα and MYC activation in IPMN progression and the role of NKX6-2 in the specific Gastric IPMN progression. In conclusion, our work provides a step forward in understanding the gene expression landscapes of IPMN and the critical transcriptional networks related to PDAC progression.

The emerging and challenging role of PD-L1 in patients with gynecological cancers: An updating review with clinico-pathological considerations

Over recent years, there has been significant progress in the development of immunotherapeutic molecules designed to block the PD-1/PD-L1 axis. These molecules have demonstrated their ability to enhance the immune response by prompting T cells to identify and suppress neoplastic cells. PD-L1 is a type 1 transmembrane protein ligand expressed on T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and antigen-presenting cells and is considered a key inhibitory checkpoint involved in cancer immune regulation. PD-L1 immunohistochemical expression in gynecological malignancies is extremely variable based on tumor stage and molecular subtypes. As a result, a class of monoclonal antibodies targeting the PD-1 receptor and PD-L1, known as immune checkpoint inhibitors, has found successful application in clinical settings. In clinical practice, the standard method for identifying suitable candidates for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy involves immunohistochemical assessment of PD-L1 expression in neoplastic tissues. The most commonly used PD-L1 assays in clinical trials are SP142, 28-8, 22C3, and SP263, each of which has been rigorously validated on specific platforms. Gynecologic cancers encompass a wide spectrum of malignancies originating from the ovaries, uterus, cervix, and vulva. These neoplasms have shown variable response to immunotherapy which appears to be influenced by genetic and protein expression profiles, including factors such as mismatch repair status, tumor mutational burden, and checkpoint ligand expression. In the present paper, an extensive review of PD-L1 expression in various gynecologic cancer types is discussed, providing a guide for their pathological assessment and reporting.

Mismatch Repair Deficiency as a Predictive and Prognostic Biomarker in Endometrial Cancer: A Review on Immunohistochemistry Staining Patterns and Clinical Implications

Among the four endometrial cancer (EC) TCGA molecular groups, the MSI/hypermutated group represents an important percentage of tumors (30%), including different histotypes, and generally confers an intermediate prognosis for affected women, also providing new immunotherapeutic strategies. Immunohistochemistry for MMR proteins (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2) has become the optimal diagnostic MSI surrogate worldwide. This review aims to provide state-of-the-art knowledge on MMR deficiency/MSI in EC and to clarify the pathological assessment, interpretation pitfalls and reporting of MMR status.

Raf kinase inhibitor protein expression in smooth muscle tumours of the uterus: a diagnostic marker for leiomyosarcoma?

RESEARCH QUESTION

What is the expression pattern of Raf kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP) in different subtypes of leiomyoma (usual type, cellular, apoplectic or haemorrhagic leiomyoma, leiomyoma with bizarre nuclei and lipoleiomyoma) and leiomyosarcoma specimens, and what is its biological role in leiomyosarcoma cells?

DESIGN

Leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma specimens underwent immunohistochemistry staining. Leiomyosarcoma SK-LMS-1 cell line was RKIP knocked down and RKIP overexpressed, and cell viability, wound healing migration and clonogenicity assays were carried out.

RESULTS

A higher immunohistochemical expression of RKIP was observed in bizarre leiomyomas, than in usual-type leiomyomas. Decreased expression was also found in cellular leiomyoma, with generally absent staining in leiomyosarcomas. Upon RKIP expression manipulation in SK-LMS-1 cell line, no major differences were observed in cell viability and migration capacity over time. RKIP knockout, however, resulted in a significant increase in the cell's ability to form colonies (P = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

RKIP distinct expression pattern among leiomyoma histotype and leiomyosarcoma, and its effect on leiomyosarcoma cells on colony formation, encourages further studies of RKIP in uterine smooth muscle disorders.

High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma with a sertoliform pattern associated with BRCA mutation: a clinicopathological and molecular analysis

Herein, we report a clinicopathological and molecular analysis of a case of tubo-ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) with a sertoliform pattern. A 45-year-old woman underwent surgery due to an advanced bilateral adnexal carcinoma with peritoneal and appendiceal metastases. Histological examination revealed an HGSC exhibiting a distinct sertoliform component. Such component showed diffuse PAX8, p53 (mutation-type), and p16 (block-type) expression, increased vimentin and decreased WT1 expression compared to the conventional HGSC component, membrane β-catenin positivity, heterogeneous estrogen, and progesterone positivity, and retained PTEN and mismatch repair expression and negativity for GATA3, TTF1, inhibin, calretinin, CD10, CDX2, chromogranin, and synaptophysin. Molecular analysis showed a germline BRCA2 mutation; no mutations were detected in POLE, POLD1, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, APC, CTNNB1, MUTYH, and EPCAM. In conclusion, a sertoliform pattern can be part of the morphological spectrum of BRCA-related HGSC.

Talniflumate abrogates mucin immune suppressive barrier improving efficacy of gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel treatment in pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal disease. This is due to its aggressive course, late diagnosis and its intrinsic drugs resistance. The complexity of the tumor, in terms of cell components and heterogeneity, has led to the approval of few therapies with limited efficacy. The study of the early stages of carcinogenesis provides the opportunity for the identification of actionable pathways that underpin therapeutic resistance.

METHODS

We analyzed 43 Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) (12 Low-grade and 31 High-grade) by Spatial Transcriptomics. Mouse and human pancreatic cancer organoids and T cells interaction platforms were established to test the role of mucins expression on T cells activity. Syngeneic mouse model of PDAC was used to explore the impact of mucins downregulation on standard therapy efficacy.

RESULTS

Spatial transcriptomics showed that mucin O-glycosylation pathway is increased in the progression from low-grade to high-grade IPMN. We identified GCNT3, a master regulator of mucins expression, as an actionable target of this pathway by talniflumate. We showed that talniflumate impaired mucins expression increasing T cell activation and recognition using both mouse and human organoid interaction platforms. In vivo experiments showed that talniflumate was able to increase the efficacy of the chemotherapy by boosting immune infiltration.

CONCLUSIONS

Finally, we demonstrated that combination of talniflumate, an anti-inflammatory drug, with chemotherapy effectively improves anti-tumor effect in PDAC.

Prognostic Value of Mandard's Tumor Regression Grade (TRG) in Post Chemo-Radiotherapy Cervical Cancer

In locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC), definitive chemo-radiotherapy is the standard treatment, but chemo-radiotherapy followed by surgery could be an alternative choice in selected patients. We enrolled 244 patients affected by LACC and treated with CT-RT followed by surgery in order to assess the prognostic role of the histological response using the Mandard scoring system. Results: A complete pathological response (TRG 0) was observed in 118 patients (48.4%), rare residual cancer cells (TRG2) were found in 49 cases (20.1%), increased number of cancer cells but fibrosis still predominating (TRG3) in 35 cases (14.3%), and 42 (17.2%) were classified as non-responders (TRG4-5). TRG was significantly associated with both OS (p < 0.001) and PFS (p < 0.001). The survival curves highlighted two main prognostic groups: TRG1-TRG2 and TRG3-TRG4-5. Main responders (TRG1-2) showed a 92% 5-year overall survival (5y-OS) and a 75% 5-year disease free survival (5y-DFS). Minor or no responders showed a 48% 5y-OS and a 39% 5y-DFS. The two-tiered TRG was independently associated with both DFS and OS in Cox regression analysis. Conclusion. We showed that Mandard TRG is an independent prognostic factor in post-CT/RT LACC, with potential benefits in defining post-treatment adjuvant therapy.

Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Prognostic Factors in High-Grade Non-Endometrioid Carcinomas of the Endometrium (HG-NECs): Is It Possible to Identify Subgroups at Increased Risk?

Endometrial cancer is an emerging disease with an increase in prevalence of aggressive histotypes in recent years.

BACKGROUND

In the present study, potential histopathological and immunohistochemical prognostic markers were investigated. Consecutive cases of high-grade non-endometrioid carcinoma (HG-NEC) of the endometrium were considered.

METHODS

Each surgical specimen was routinely processed; the most significant block was selected for immunohistochemistry and tested for ER, PR, ki67, p53, E-cadherin, β-catenin, Bcl-2 and cyclin D1. For each immunomarker, the percentage of positive tumor cells was evaluated (%) and dichotomized as low and high according to the distribution in the study population. Follow-up was collected for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Thirty-three cases were eligible: 19 resulted in FIGO I-II; 14 resulted in FIGO III-IV. Twelve patients suffered a recurrent disease (mean follow-up 24.6 months); 8 patients died of the disease (mean follow-up 26.6 months).

RESULTS

Women with recurrent disease demonstrated a significantly higher Bcl2% (35.84 ± 30.96% vs. 8.09 ± 11.56%; p = 0.0032) while DOD patients had higher ki67% (75 ± 13.09% vs. 58.6 ± 19.97%; p = 0.033) and Bcl2% of border significance (34.37 ± 34.99% vs. 13 ± 17.97%; p = 0.078). As expected, FIGO III-IV had a worse DFS (HR = 3.34; 95% CI: 1.1-10.99; p = 0.034) and OS (HR = 5.19; 95% CI: 1.27-21.14; p = 0.0217). Bcl-2-high patients (Bcl2 > 10%) demonstrated a significantly worse DFS (HR = 9.11; 95% CI: 2.6-32.4; p = 0.0006) and OS (HR = 7.63; 95% CI: 1.7-34; p = 0.0084); moreover, PR low patients (PR ≤ 10%) had significantly worse DFS (HR = 3.74; 95% CI: 1.2-11.9; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

HG-NEC represents a heterogeneous group of endometrial aggressive neoplasms with a worrisome prognosis, often at an advanced stage at presentation. Bcl-2 and PR may represent promising markers to identify a subgroup of patients having an even worse prognosis requiring a careful and close follow-up.

The Role of Plasma Cells as a Marker of Chronic Endometritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Chronic endometritis (CE) is the persistent inflammation of the endometrial lining associated with infertility and various forms of reproductive failures. The diagnosis of CE is based on the histological evidence of stromal plasma cells; however, standardized methods to assess plasma cells are still lacking. In the present paper, we aimed to determine the most appropriate plasma cell threshold to diagnose CE based on pregnancy outcomes. Three electronic databases were searched from their inception to February 2022 for all studies comparing pregnancy outcomes between patients with CE and patients without CE. The relative risk (RR) of pregnancy, miscarriage, and/or live birth rates were calculated and pooled based on the plasma cell threshold adopted. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Nine studies adopting different thresholds (1 to 50 plasma cells/10 HPF) were included. In the meta-analysis, we only found a significant association between miscarriage rate and a plasma cell count ≥ 5/10 HPF (RR = 2.4; p = 0.007). Among studies not suitable for meta-analysis, CE showed an association with worsened pregnancy only when high thresholds (10 and 50/10 HPF) were adopted. In conclusion, our study suggests that the presence of plasma cells at low levels (<5/10 HPF) may not predict worsened pregnancy outcomes. Based on these findings, a threshold of ≥5 plasma cells/10 HPF may be more appropriate to diagnose CE.

Primary Mucinous Cystadenocarcinoma of the Breast Intermixed with Pleomorphic Invasive Lobular Carcinoma: The First Report of This Rare Association

Primary mucinous cystadenocarcinoma (MCA) is a rare breast carcinoma subtype showing overlapping histopathological features with mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary and pancreas. Current literature data suggest a favorable prognosis of breast MCAs despite its immunoprofile usually revealing lack of expression of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and HER-2 and high Ki67. As far as we know, only 36 cases have been reported in the literature to date. Its ambiguous morpho-phenotypic profile makes histological diagnosis very challenging. It must be distinguished from typical mucin-producing breast carcinomas and, above all, metastases from the same histotype in other sites (ovary, pancreas, appendix). Herein, we report the case of a primary breast MCA occurring in a 41-year-old female with peculiar histological features.

What Can Trigger Spontaneous Regression of Breast Cancer?

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous regression of tumors is a rare phenomenon in which cancer volume is reduced or, alternatively, a tumor completely disappears in the absence of any pharmacological treatment. This phenomenon has previously been described in several tumors, such as neuroblastomas, testicular malignancies, renal cell carcinomas, melanomas, and lymphomas. Spontaneous remission has also been documented in breast cancer; however, it represents an extremely rare and poorly understood phenomenon, with only a few reported cases in the literature.

METHODS

We herein report two cases of breast cancer that showed spontaneous tumor regression in the surgical specimen after a pathologically confirmed diagnosis of invasive breast cancer in core needle biopsy samples.

RESULTS

Macroscopically, both the surgical samples revealed a whitish, fibrous area with a rubbery consistency. On histological examination, diffuse fibrous tissue, hemosiderin deposition, and chronic inflammation were observed. The first case showed the complete disappearance of the tumor, whereas the second case showed just a small (3 mm), residual nest of neoplastic cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Although spontaneous regression of breast cancer is a rare event, it is important to know that it might happen. It is also of great importance to try to better explain, over time, its underlying mechanism. This knowledge could help us to further develop cancer prevention methods and predict the clinical course of these kinds of neoplasms.

Endometrial carcinomas with dyshesive, eosinophilic, and vacuolated (histiocyte-like) tumor cells: a reactive-like phenotype associated with aggressive behavior

Herein, we present a clinicopathological and molecular analysis of four cases of endometrial carcinoma (EC) diffusely exhibiting dyshesive cells with wide eosinophilic and vacuolated cytoplasm (histiocyte-like tumor cells, HLTCs). We compared these HLTCs to similar cells found in microcystic, elongated and fragmented (MELF) pattern (n = 20) or after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) (n = 5). The four cases were endometrioid, serous, clear cell, and gastric-type; all were at FIGO stage ≥ III. HLTCs showed an epithelial Müllerian phenotype and at least focal CK20, HNF1β, and CK5/6 expression, with aberrant e-cadherin and β-catenin expression; two cases were MMR-deficient, and one was p53-abnormal; all were POLE wild type. MELF-associated and NAC-associated HLTCs showed similar morphological/immunophenotypical features. However, MELF-associated HLTCs were mainly intraglandular and inflammation-associated, did not form a distinct tumor component, and showed no relationship with lymph node metastases. In conclusion, different histotypes of EC may show a prominent HLTC component, which shows peculiar morphological/immunophenotypical features and appears associated with aggressive behavior.

Recent Advances in Cervical Cancer Management: A Review on Novel Prognostic Factors in Primary and Recurrent Tumors

BACKGROUND

Several pathological parameters, including tumor size, depth of stromal invasion, lympho-vascular space invasion and lymph node status, have been proposed as prognostic predictors in cervical cancer. However, given the high mortality and recurrence rate of cervical cancer, novel parameters that are able to provide additional prognostic information are needed in order to allow a better prognostic stratification of cervical cancer patients.

METHODS

A search was conducted on PubMed to identify relevant literature data regarding prognostic factors in cervical cancer. The key words "cervical cancer", "prognostic factors", "pathology", and "outcome" were used.

RESULTS

The novel pathological grading system based on tumor budding and cell nest size appeared the most relevant prognostic factor in primary neoplasms. Moreover, other potentially useful prognostic factors were tumor size, depth of stromal invasion, lympho-vascular space invasion, perineural invasion, tumor-free distance and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Prognostic factors related to advanced-stage cervical cancer, including lymph-nodes status, endometrial and cervical involvement as well as distant metastases, were also taken into consideration.

CONCLUSIONS

According to our findings, tumor budding and cell nest size grading system, depth of stromal invasion, lympho-vascular space invasion, perineural invasion, tumor-free distance and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes appeared the most relevant factors included in the pathology report.

Pilomatrix-like High-Grade Endometrioid Carcinoma of the Ovary: Case Report, Literature Review, and Differential Diagnosis

Pilomatrix-like high-grade endometrioid carcinoma (PiMHEC) has recently been described as an aggressive variant of endometrial carcinoma. Herein, we described a case of ovarian PiMHEC, comparing it to endometrial PiMHEC and assessing previously published cases of putative ovarian PiMHEC. A 65-year-old woman underwent hysterectomy for an ovarian tumor characterized by solid nests of basaloid cells with prominent ghost cell keratinization. Immunohistochemistry showed nuclear β-catenin and CDX2 expression and loss of estrogen and progesterone receptors and PAX8. These features were consistently observed in all previously published cases and may represent diagnostic criteria of PiMHEC. Other frequent features were geographic necrosis and a low-grade endometrioid component. CK7, neuroendocrine, and basal/squamous markers were inconsistently expressed. All cases with available follow-up showed poor prognosis. PiMHEC should be distinguished from mimickers, such as high-grade endometrioid carcinoma with geographic necrosis, low-grade endometrioid carcinoma with ghost cell keratinization, and undifferentiated/dedifferentiated carcinoma. In conclusion, PiMHEC can also occur in the ovary and shows several consistent clinical, morphological, and immunophenotypical features. These features support that PiMHEC is a distinct entity requiring an aggressive management.

Prognostic role of perineural invasion in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The prognostic role of perineural invasion (PNI) in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) has not been fully established since few studies on this topic are currently available in the literature. In the present study, we conducted a systematic review and metanalysis of literature data in order to determine if PNI could be an independent prognostic predictor of patient's survival in VSCC. Four electronic databases (PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar) were searched from their inception to December 2021 for all studies assessing the prognostic value of PNI in VSCC. Multivariate hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and progression-free survival (PFS) were pooled. Six studies with 1048 patients were included. PNI was significantly associated with decreased OS (HR = 2.687; p < 0.001), DSS (HR = 2.375; p = 0.014) and PFS (HR = 1.757; p = 0.001), with no statistical heterogeneity among studies and no significant risk of bias across studies. The present meta-analysis highlights that PNI is independently associated with unfavorable prognosis in patients with VSCC. Therefore, PNI should be included in the pathological report of VSCC and considered in combination with other risk factors as a possible criteria for prognostic assessment adjuvant treatment planning inclusion.

Use of Laparoscopic and Laparotomic J-Plasma Handpiece in Gynecological Malignancies: Results From A Pilot Study in A Tertiary Care Center

Introduction

The J-Plasma has recently been introduced into the surgical community with different intrinsic characteristics aimed to further reduce the thermal effect and enhance precision when compared to standard radiofrequency. This study aimed to investigate the role of this new technology in different conditions of gynecological carcinomatosis characterized by the indication for regional peritonectomy and/or ablation, either in laparotomy (LPT) or in laparoscopy (LPS), in the context of a modern personalized approach to the surgical management of gynecological malignancies.

Material and Methods

From January 2019 to April 2019, 12 patients were selected for this prospective pilot study at the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS in Rome. In this single surgeon experience, the inclusion criteria were: histologically proven advanced ovarian/endometrial cancer, primary or interval debulking surgery, and intraoperative indication for regional peritonectomy. Six patients were treated by LPS (Group 1) and 6 by LPT (Group 2).

Results

In Group 1 the indication for debulking surgery was in 4 cases an interval debulking surgery and 2 advanced endometrial cancer. All patients in Group 2 underwent primary debulking surgery for advanced ovarian cancer. The whole cohort achieved a complete tumor excision after surgery. The median OT and median EBL were 195 min and 100 ml in Group 1, and 420 min and 500 ml in Group 2. The median hospital stay was 4 days in Group 1 and 13 days in Group 2, respectively. No intra and postoperative complications were registered within 60 days after surgery.

Conclusions

J-Plasma allows to approach delicate maneuvers on viscera, mesentery, and blood vessels with a high degree of safety and precision thanks to its limited vertical and lateral thermal spread, favoring the surgeon to push ever higher the cytoreduction/morbidity tradeoff. The use of J-Plasma in cytoreductive surgery could also increase the range of possible minimally invasive procedures, narrowing the technical distance with the open technique and thus contributing to designing a personalized surgical strategy for each patient in different scenarios of peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Biomarker characterization in endometrial cancer in Italy: first survey data analysis

Objective

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is the most common gynecological malignant disease in high income countries. The 2020 edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Tumors of the Female Genital Tract underlines the important clinical implications of the new integrated histo-molecular classification system, in order to correctly define the specific prognostic risk group. This survey analysis will focus on the most commonly adopted immunohistochemical and molecular biomarkers used in daily clinical characterization of a diagnosed endometrial carcinoma in Italian labs.

Methods

An evaluation questionnaire was distributed to 41 Italian pathology laboratories. Normal habits in EC evaluation, especially regarding mismatch repair status (MMR) and microsatellite instability (MSI), were collected. A summary and a descriptive statistical analysis were used to show the current practice of each laboratory.

Results

The analysis of MMR status by immunohistochemistry (IHC) is carried out on the majority of all EC samples. The most frequent strategy for the analysis of MMR status in EC is IHC of four proteins (PMS2, MSH6, MSH2, MLH1). MSI analysis by molecular method in endometrial cancer is rarer and more restricted to some circumstances. Hypermethylation of the MLH1 promoter by methylation-specific PCR and pyrosequencing was analyzed in case of negative expression of MLH1/PMS2. Also, the analysis of p53 in EC is performed in the majority of cases. POLE mutational profiling is adopted only in a limited number of laboratories. Fifty-five percent of Italian laboratories refer to national/international guidelines when analyzing biomarkers in EC (among those, 45% use the ESGO Guidelines, 18% ASCO-CAP, 18% AIOM, 14% WHO, 5% British Association of Gynaecological Pathologist, 5% ESMO, 5% NCCN).

Conclusions

Adoption of guidelines and standardization of pre-analytical and analytical procedures are effective tools for adequate EC prognostic risk stratification and high quality standard of care.

Prognostic Value of Chemotherapy Response Score (CRS) Assessed on the Adnexa in Ovarian High-Grade Serous Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: chemotherapy response score (CRS) is widely used to assess the response of ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) to chemotherapy and is based on pathological examination of omental specimens. We aimed to assess the prognostic value of CRS assessed on the uterine adnexa. Methods: a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed by searching three electronic databases from 2015 inception to September 2021. We included all studies reporting either hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for progression-free survival (PFS) or primary PFS data, for both adnexal and omental CRS in HGSC. HRs with 95% CI were extracted and pooled by using a significant p-value < 0.05. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed by using Higgins’ I2. Results: six studies with 691 HGSC patients were included. Adnexal CRS3 vs. CRS1-2 significantly stratified PFS, with a HR of 0.572 (0.447−0.733; p < 0.001). Omental CRS3 vs. CRS1-2 significantly stratified PFS with a similar HR (HR = 0.542; 95% CI 0.444−0.662; p < 0.001). Statistical heterogeneity was 0% in both analyses. Conclusions: adnexal CRS significantly stratifies PFS in HGSC and might be used when omental CRS is not assessable.

Assessing Post-Treatment Pathologic Tumor Response in Female Genital Tract Carcinomas: An Update

In the last decades, several new therapeutic strategies have been introduced in the field of gynecologic oncology. These include neoadjuvant chemotherapy for high-grade serous tubo-ovarian carcinoma, hormonal fertility-sparing strategies for endometrial cancer, pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) for surgically incurable peritoneal metastasis, and neoadjuvant treatments for locally advanced cervical carcinomas. All these recent advances lead to the development of novel scoring systems for the evaluation of pathological response related to specific treatments. In this regard, pathological evaluation of the morphological modifications related to these treatments and the definition of a tumor regression grading score have been introduced in clinical practice in order to achieve a more efficient prognostic stratification of patients affected by gynecological malignancies. The aim of the present paper is to provide a detailed review on the post-treatment pathological scoring systems in patients affected by gynecological malignancies.

Intestinal-type mucinous ovarian carcinoma arising from a seromucinous precursor lesion

OBJECTIVE

Mucinous ovarian carcinoma is a tumor with gastrointestinal differentiation, which is not associated with endometrial-type (endometriotic or seromucinous) precursors. Here, we describe a peculiar case of mucinous ovarian tumor with intestinal differentiation arising in a seromucinous lesion, which may represent a distinct entity.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 58-year woman underwent surgery due to a 14.5-cm ovarian mass with lymph nodal, peritoneal, omental and colorectal involvement. Histological examination with ancillary immunohistochemical analysis has been performed. Histologically, the mass was a carcinoma with intestinal differentiation and expansile growth pattern, arising in a seromucinous cystadenoma with intestinal metaplasia. Both the carcinoma and the metaplasia showed loss of Müllerian markers (estrogen and progesterone receptors, PAX8) and positivity for intestinal-type markers (cytokeratin 20, CDX2).

CONCLUSIONS

Our case may represent the ovarian counterpart of endometrial gastrointestinal-type carcinoma, which is an aggressive entity developing from gastrointestinal metaplasia of the endometrial epithelium. Acknowledging the existence of such entity might be relevant in terms of diagnosis and patient management.

SATB2 is expressed in neuroendocrine carcinoma of the uterine cervix

Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) of the uterine cervix is less characterized than neuroendocrine neoplasms of other sites such as of the digestive system and the lung. Special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 2 (SATB2) recently emerged as a marker of well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors of the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Among NECs, SATB2 is more frequently expressed in cutaneous Merkel cell carcinoma than in NEC of other anatomical sites. In our study, we performed an immunohistochemical study of SATB2 in 16 NECs of the uterine cervix, where the expression of these markers is still undefined. SATB2 was expressed in 12/16 cervical NECs (75%), with 7/16 cases (44%) showing SATB2 positivity in ≥ 50% of cells. In 7 cervical NECs associated with a non-neuroendocrine component, the expression of SATB2 was restricted to the neuroendocrine component. SATB2 was positive in all cases that expressed CDX2 (n = 7) and TTF1 (n = 5), with no evident association with p16 and p53. Our study demonstrated that SATB2 is often expressed in NECs of the uterine cervix. This information should be taken into account when assessing the origin of a NEC.

Endometrial Metaplastic/Reactive Changes Coexistent with Endometrial Hyperplasia and Carcinoma: A Morphological and Immunohistochemical Study

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between endometrial metaplastic/reactive changes (EMRCs) and endometrial neoplastic lesions. Twenty cases of “simple” (without architecture complexity) EMRCs coexistent with endometrial malignant/premalignant lesions, twenty cases of neoplasia-unassociated EMRCs, and eight cases of complex metaplastic lesions were assessed by immunohistochemistry. EMRCs coexisted with endometrioid carcinoma (n = 12), atypical endometrial hyperplasia (n = 3), serous carcinoma (n = 2), and clear cell carcinoma (n = 3). Neoplasia-associated EMRCs showed a mean Ki67 labeling index of 12.6% (range 0–30%); with nuclear atypia in 16/20 (80%) cases; diffuse p16 expression in 15/20 (75%) cases; and heterogeneous ER, PR, and vimentin expression. Compared to the associated neoplasia, EMRCs showed a lower Ki67 expression (p < 0.001) and higher p16 expression (p < 0.001). No EMRC case showed mitotic activity, PTEN loss, MMR deficiency, nuclear β-catenin, p53-mutant pattern, Napsin A, or AMACR expression. No significant differences were found between neoplasia-associated and neoplasia-unassociated EMRCs. Complex metaplastic lesions showed a lower Ki67 expression than EMRCs (p = 0.044) and PTEN loss in 5/8 cases, even in the absence of nuclear atypia. In conclusion, neoplasia-associated simple EMRCs may show evident atypia and a worrisome immunophenotype, but no data support their involvement in endometrial carcinogenesis. Architectural complexity appears as a crucial factor to identify precancerous lesions.

Clear cell endometrial carcinoma precursors: presentation of two cases and diagnostic issues

BACKGROUND

The precursors of clear cell endometrial carcinoma (CC-EC) are still undefined. Here, we deal with the diagnostic issues related to CC-EC precursors by presenting a morphological, immunophenotypical and molecular study of two representative cases and discussing the relevant literature.

CASE PRESENTATION

Our and previous cases suggest that clear cell endometrial intraepithelial carcinoma (CC-EIC) is a real entity, which may be distinguished from metaplastic/reactive changes and from its serous counterpart. CC-EIC appears associated with atrophic polyps and may be diagnosed based on morphological and immunophenotypical features of CC-EC in the absence of invasive disease. We described a p53-mutant putative precursor characterized by high-grade nuclei in the absence of other distinctive features. Two putative low-grade precursors resembled atypical tubal metaplasia and endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia, although immunohistochemistry could not support their relationship with CC-EC.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, pathologists should be aware of the existence of CC-EIC, since its correct diagnosis may be crucial for a correct patient management. Although several putative earlier precursors have been described, they does not show univocal features that allow their recognition in the common practice. Further studies are necessary in this field.

Depth of Stromal Invasion as the Most Prognostically Relevant Regression System in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer after Neoadjuvant Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Grading

Background: several different criteria have been proposed to categorize the pathological response in cervical cancer after neoadjuvant therapy; although it is unclear what the most prognostically valuable one is. Objective: to assess the prognostic value of pathological criteria for categorizing the response in cervical cancer after neoadjuvant therapy, through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: four electronic databases were searched from January to December 2020 for all studies, assessing the prognostic value of pathological response in cervical cancer after neoadjuvant therapy. Hazard ratio (HR) for overall survival (OS) was calculated with a significant p-value < 0.05. A meta-analysis was performed for each criteria assessed in at least three studies. Results: sixteen studies were included. Criteria for pathological response included (i) residual stromal invasion < vs. >3 mm; (ii) complete response vs. any residual; (iii) proportion of viable cells; (iv) residual tumor diameter; and (v) intracervical vs. extracervical residual. Criteria (i) and (ii) were suitable for meta-analysis. The presence of a residual tumor with stromal invasion > 3 mm showed a HR of 4.604 (95% CI; 3.229–6.565; p < 0.001), while the presence of any residual showed a HR of 1.610 (95% CI; 1.245–2.081; p < 0.001); statistical heterogeneity was absent in both analyses. Conclusions: dichotomizing the pathological response in cervical cancer after neoadjuvant therapy as < vs. >3 mm stromal invasion is more prognostically valuable than dichotomizing as complete response vs. any residual. Further studies are necessary to evaluate other systems.

Prognostic value of the TCGA molecular classification in uterine carcinosarcoma

Background

The TCGA molecular groups of endometrial carcinoma are “POLE‐mutated” (POLEmut), “microsatellite‐instable/mismatch repair‐deficient” (MSI/MMRd), “TP53‐mutated/p53‐abnormal” (TP53mut/p53abn), and “no specific molecular profile” (NSMP).

Objective

Prognostic assessment of the TCGA groups in uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS).

Search strategy

Systematic review from January 2000 to January 2021.

Selection criteria

Studies assessing the TCGA groups in UCS.

Data collection and analysis

Progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed by Kaplan–Meier and Cox analyses (reference: TP53mut/p53abn group) and compared with endometrioid and serous carcinomas (original TCGA cohort), with a significant P < 0.050.

Main results

Five studies with 263 UCS were included. Compared with TP53mut/p53abn UCS, MSI/MMRd UCS showed significantly better PFS (P < 0.001) but similar OS (P = 0.788), whereas NSMP UCS showed similar PFS (P = 0.936) and OS (P = 0.240). Compared with their endometrioid/serous counterparts, NSMP and TP53mut/p53abn UCS showed significantly worse PFS (P < 0.001 and P = 0.004) and OS (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001), while MSI/MMRd UCS showed similar PFS (P = 0.595) but significantly worse OS (P < 0.001). The POLEmut group showed neither recurrences nor deaths in both the UCS and the endometrioid/serous carcinoma cohorts.

Conclusion

POLEmut UCS show excellent prognosis, whereas TP53mut/p53abn and NSMP UCS show a prognosis even worse than that of TP53mut/p53abn endometrioid/serous carcinomas. The prognosis of MSI/MMRd UCS remains to be defined.

POLEmut UCS show the same excellent prognosis as POLEmut endometrioid carcinomas, while TP53mut/p53abn and NSMP UCS show a prognosis even worse than TP53mut/p53abn endometrioid/serous carcinomas.

TCGA molecular subgroups of endometrial carcinoma in ovarian endometrioid carcinoma: A quantitative systematic review

BACKGROUND

Ovarian endometrioid carcinoma (OEC) shares morphological and molecular features with endometrial endometrioid carcinoma (EEC). Several studies assessed the four TCGA groups of EEC, i.e. POLE-mutated (POLEmut), mismatch repair-deficient (MMRd), no specific molecular profile (NSMP) and p53-abnormal (p53abn), in OEC; however, it is unclear whether the TCGA groups have the same distribution and clinicopathological features between OEC and EEC.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the distribution and clinicopathological features of the TCGA groups in OEC.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out by searching 7 electronic databases from January 2013 to April 2021 for studies assessing the TCGA classification in OEC. Prevalence of each TCGA group in OEC and of FIGO grade 3 and stage>I was pooled using a random-effect model. Prevalence of TCGA groups was compared between OEC and EEC, extracting EEC data from a previous meta-analysis. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression survival analyses were performed for progression-free survival (PFS). A significant p-value<0.05 was adopted.

RESULTS

Four studies with 785 patients were included. The frequency of the TCGA groups in OEC vs EEC was: POLEmut = 5% vs 7.6% (p = 0.594); MMRd = 14.6% vs 29.2% (p < 0.001); p53abn = 14% vs 7.8% (p = 0.097); NSMP = 66.4% vs 55.4% (p = 0.002). The pooled prevalence of FIGO grade 3 was: POLEmut = 19.2%; MMRd = 18.3%; p53abn = 38.1%; NSMP = 14.5%. The pooled prevalence of FIGO stage >I was: POLEmut = 31.6%; MMRd = 42.8%; p53abn = 48.5%; NSMP = 24.6%. Two-, 5- and 10-year PFS was: POLEmut = 100%, 100%, and 100%; MMRd = 89.1%, 82.2% and 73.3%; p53abn = 61.7%, 50.2% and 39.6%; NSMP = 87.7%, 79.6% and 65.5%. The hazard ratio for disease progression (reference = NSMP) was: POLEmut = not estimable (no events); MMRd = 0.825 (p = 0.626); p53abn = 2.786 (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The prognostic value of the TCGA groups was similar between OEC and EEC, despite the differences in the frequency and pathological features of each group.

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus: an overview with an histologic diagnostic approach

The first part of this overview on non-neoplastic esophagus is focused on gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Barrett’s esophagus. In the last 20 years much has changed in histological approach to biopsies of patients with gastro-esophageal reflux disease. In particular, elementary histologic lesions have been well defined and modality of evaluation and grade are detailed, their sensitivity and specificity has been evaluated and their use has been validated by several authors. Also if there is not a clinical indication to perform biopsies in patient with GERD, the diagnosis of microscopic esophagitis, when biopsies are provided, can be performed by following simple rules for evaluation which allow pathologists to make the diagnosis with confidence. On the other hand, biopsies are required for the diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus. This diagnosis is the synthesis of endoscopic picture (which has to be provided with the proper description on extent and with adequate biopsies number) and histologic pattern. The current guidelines and expert opinions for the correct management of these diagnosis are detailed.

Diagnostic impact of safety protocols for processing peritoneal washing specimens during the global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019: A comparative study from 195 cytological samples

Background

The global pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 represents a major concern for health services worldwide, and has also induced major changes in cytopathology practice.

Aim

We aimed to verify the diagnostic performance of cytological evaluation under a new safety protocol during the pandemic compared to the standard pre‐pandemic procedure. We also aimed to assess how cytological diagnoses and sampling were impacted during the pandemic period compared to the pandemic‐free period in 2019.

Materials and methods

Cytological samples of peritoneal washings taken during the first 10 months of the pandemic emergency in Italy (March 11, 2020 to January 11, 2021) were compared to samples from the preceding 10‐month time frame (May 11, 2019 to March 10, 2020).

Results

One hundred ninety‐five specimens were analysed in the present study. We observed no noticeable differences in cytological diagnoses during the pandemic period compared to the pre‐pandemic period. The case numbers by diagnostic category for the pre‐pandemic vs pandemic periods, respectively, were as follows: non‐diagnostic, 0 vs 0 cases; negative for malignancy, 86 vs 52 cases; atypia of uncertain significance, 7 vs 1 cases; suspicious for malignancy, 0 vs 2 cases; malignant, 42 vs 4 cases.

Conclusion

While a consistent reduction in the number of cytological examinations has been observed during the COVID‐19 period, our institutional safety protocol for processing cytological samples did not affect the diagnostic reliability of peritoneal washing cytology.

Clear cell endometrial carcinomas with mismatch repair deficiency have a favorable prognosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

In the ESGO/ESTRO/ESP guidelines for endometrial carcinoma management, the risk category of clear cell carcinoma (CCC) is not well defined. In fact, while p53-abnormal (p53abn) CCC are known to be aggressive, the prognosis of mismatch repair-deficient (MMRd) and p53-wild-type (p53wt) CCCs is less clear.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prognostic value of the MMRd and p53wt groups in CCC through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched from their inception to February 2021. All studies reporting p53 expression, MMR proteins expression and survival outcomes in endometrial CCC (either pure or mixed) were included. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression survival analyses with hazard ratio (HR) for overall survival (OS) were performed by using the p53abn group as reference; a significant p-value<0.05 was adopted.

RESULTS

Six studies with 136 CCC (114 pure and 22 mixed) were included. Five-year OS was 95.7 ± 4.3% in the MMRd group, 48.4 ± 8.4% months in the p53wt group and 40.6 ± 10.4% in the p53abn group. The hazard of death was significantly lower in the MMRd group than in the p53abn group (HR = 0.062; p = 0.007), while it did not significantly differ between the p53wt and the p53abn group (HR = 0.673; p = 0.222). The POLEmut group could not be analyzed due to the absence of deaths. Similar results were observed in the pure CCC and mixed CCC subgroups.

CONCLUSION

MMRd CCCs seem to have a favorable prognosis and might be lumped together with MMRd endometrioid carcinoma for management purpose. On the other hand, p53wt CCCs appear prognostically more similar to p53abn CCCs.

Steroids receptors immunohistochemical expression in different sites of endometriosis

BACKGROUND

A better characterization of steroid intracrine pathways in endometriosis lesions may lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease and insights on the mechanism of resistance to medical therapy. The study aims to evaluate the expression of steroid receptors in endometriosis lesions, including for the first-time androgen receptors, both in glandular and stromal tissue, and to describe the differences, in any, in receptor expression in the different subtypes.

BASIC PROCEDURES

This is a retrospective analysis of 76 specimens from 51 women, that underwent laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis at a tertiary hospital between 2015 and 2019. Immunohistochemical detections of estrogen, progesterone and androgen receptors positive cells was performed and the results described in terms of both density and intensity. The density and intensity scores were combined to obtain a final Histological Score (HS). Non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test or Mann-Whitney U-test were used to compare continuous data, chi square test for categorical data.

MAIN FINDINGS

Estrogen receptor α expression was moderate/high in almost all specimens, regardless of the site. Samples from endometriomas presented lower progesterone receptor expression in the epithelium, compared to pelvic sites. Androgen receptor density was higher in stromal cells compared to epithelial cells and in pelvic sites compared to ovarian ones.

CONCLUSIONS

The roles of nuclear receptors in endometriosis, including differences in their expression, could help in defining the pathogenesis of the disease and in explaining different responsivity to therapies. The intracrine regulation of steroids plays a relevant role in the metabolic and inflammatory pathogenetic paths of endometriosis: if better understood, its manipulation could be a relevant therapeutic target for treatment.

Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix: A Clinicopathologic and Immunohistochemical Study with Focus on Novel Markers (Sst2-Sst5)

BACKGROUND

Gynecological neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are extremely rare, accounting for 1.2-2.4% of the NENs. The aim of this study was to test cervical NENs for novel markers of potential utility for differential diagnosis and target therapy.

METHODS

All cases of our center (n = 16) were retrieved and tested by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for 12 markers including markers of neuroendocrine differentiation (chromogranin A, synaptophysin, CD56), transcription factors (CDX2 and TTF1), proteins p40, p63, p16INK4a, and p53, somatostatin receptors subtypes (SST2-SST5) and the proliferation marker Ki67 (MIB1).

RESULTS

All cases were poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs), 10 small cell types (small cell-neuroendocrine carcinomas, SCNECs) and 6 large cell types (large cell-neuroendocrine carcinomas, LCNECs); in 3 cases a predominant associated adenocarcinoma component was observed. Neuroendocrine cancer cells expressed at least 2 of the 3 tested neuroendocrine markers; p16 was intensely expressed in 14 (87.5%) cases; SST5 in 11 (56.25%, score 2-3, in 9 cases); SST2 in 8 (50%, score 2-3 in 8), CDX2 in 8 (50%), TTF1 in 5 (31.25%), and p53 in 1 case (0.06%). P63 and p40 expressions were negative, with the exception of one case that showed moderate expression for p63.

CONCLUSIONS

P40 is a more useful marker for the differential diagnosis compared to squamous cell carcinoma. Neither CDX2 nor TTF1 expression may help the differential diagnosis versus potential cervical metastasis. P16 expression may suggest a cervical origin of NEC; however, it must be always integrated by clinical and instrumental data. The expression of SST2 and SST5 could support a role for SSAs (Somatostatin Analogues) in the diagnosis and therapy of patients with cervical NECs.

Isolation of Gram-positive n-alkane degraders from a hydrocarbon-contaminated Mediterranean shoreline

AIMS

To investigate the petroleum hydrocarbon (HC)-degrading potential of indigenous micro-organisms in a sandy Mediterranean coast, accidentally contaminated with petroleum-derived HCs.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using culturable methods, a population of Gram-positive n-alkane degraders was detected in the contaminated soil. Five isolates, identified as one Nocardia, two Rhodococcus and two Gordonia strains, were able to degrade medium- and long-chain n-alkanes up to C(36) as assessed by growth assays and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Diverging alkane hydroxylase-encoding genes (alkB) were detected by PCR, using degenerated primers, in all the strains; multiple sequences were obtained from the Nocardia strain, while only one alkB gene was detected in the Rhodococcus and Gordonia strains. The majority of the alkB sequences were related to Rhodococcus alkB2, but none was identical to it.

CONCLUSIONS

Actinomycetes might have a key role in bioremediation of n-alkane-contaminated sites under dry, resource-limited conditions, such as those found in the Mediterranean shorelines.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

To our knowledge, this is the first study on the bioremediation potential in Mediterranean contaminated beaches.

Long-acting octreotide as rescue therapy in chronic bleeding from gastrointestinal angiodysplasia

BACKGROUND

Octreotide has shown to be effective against rebleeding from gastrointestinal angiodysplasias, but a long-term daily parenteral administration is recommended. Long-acting octreotide (LAR-OCT) could overcome such a limitation, but it has not been studied extensively.

AIM

To investigate the usefulness of long-acting octreotide in the control of chronic bleeding from gastrointestinal angiodysplasias.

METHODS

Thirteen patients with chronic gastrointestinal bleeding because of angiodysplasias were enrolled. Diagnosis was made by endoscopy and wireless video capsule. Long-acting octreotide was administered intramuscularly at a dosage of 10 mg/monthly for 1 year. Patients were followed up for a minimum period of 1 year, and haemoglobin levels, blood transfusions, iron supplementation and hospitalizations were recorded 1 year before and after starting long-acting octreotide therapy.

RESULTS

Follow-up ranged from 12 to 60 months. Nine of 13 patients (69%) did not need blood transfusions and iron supplementation any longer; a partial improvement was observed in one patient; no effect was found in the others. No side effect was recorded in any patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-acting octreotide for 1 year may be beneficial as a rescue therapy for controlling chronic bleeding from gastrointestinal angiodysplasias in patients not eligible for surgery. Its monthly administration represents an advantage, which makes such a formulation the choice when a long-term treatment is mandatory.

Bradyrhizobium sp. nodulating the Mediterranean shrub Spanish broom (Spartium junceum L.)

AIMS

The molecular diversity of 25 strains of rhizobia, isolated in Sicily from root nodules of the Mediterranean shrubby legume Spanish broom (Spartium junceum L.), is presented in relation to the known rhizobial reference strains.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Our approach to the study of the S. junceum rhizobial diversity combined the information given by the 16S and the intergenic spacer (IGS) 16S-23S rDNA polymorphic region by obtaining them in a single polymerase chain reaction (PCR) step. The PCR fragment size of the S. junceum isolates was 2400-2500 bp and that of the reference strains varied from 2400 in Bradyrhizobium strains to 2800 in Sinorhizobium strains. Inter- and intrageneric length variability was found among the reference strains. Restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) analysis allowed us to identify eight genotypes among the S. junceum rhizobia that were clustered into two groups, both related to the Bradyrhizobium lineage. Sequencing of representative strains of the two clusters confirmed these data. The 16S-IGS PCR-RFLP approach, when applied to rhizobial reference strains, allowed very close species (i.e. Rhizobium leguminosarum/R. tropici) to be separated with any of the three enzymes used; however, cluster analysis revealed inconsistencies with the 16S-based phylogenesis of rhizobia.

CONCLUSIONS

Rhizobia nodulating S. junceum in the Mediterranean region belong to the Bradyrhizobium lineage. Our results confirm the resolution power of the 16S-23S rDNA in distinguishing among rhizobia genera and species, as well as the usefulness of the PCR-RFLP method applied to the entire 16S-IGS region for a rapid tracking of the known relatives of new isolates.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The present paper is, to our knowledge, the first report on rhizobia nodulating a Mediterranean wild woody legume.

The prognostic value, in active ulcerative colitis, of an increased intensity of colonic perivisceral fat signal on magnetic resonance imaging with ferumoxil

OBJECTIVE

In active ulcerative colitis (UC), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with ferumoxil, a superparamagnetic oral contrast agent, accurately evaluates, in our experience, the increased wall thickness and frequently shows a stronger perivisceral fat signal intensity (PFSI). The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical significance of these MRI findings in active UC.

METHODS

Twenty-four consecutive patients affected by moderate pancolitis were enrolled. At entry, each patient underwent MRI with ferumoxil to evaluate wall thickness and PFSI. Two groups of patients were individuated: group A (increased PFSI) and group B (normal PFSI). After obtaining remission, the number of relapses and, at each flare-up, the clinical activity index (CAI) were evaluated in all patients in a 2-yr follow-up period. The mean CAI was calculated at the end of the follow-up in each patient. Where there was colectomy, a complete histological examination of the colon was performed.

RESULTS

PFSI was increased in 16 patients (group A) and was normal in the remainder (group B). There was a significant difference of wall thickness, number of relapses/yr, and mean CAI between the two groups of patients. No difference was observed with regard the duration of disease. Six patients of group A and no patient of group B underwent colectomy. The histological evaluation showed an increased thickness of the entire colonic wall with significant changes of the perivisceral fat structures.

CONCLUSIONS

An increased

Allergy and mucosal eosinophil infiltrate in ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

Data on allergy in ulcerative colitis (UC) have led to conflicting conclusions without proving any causal association. In this report we have investigated the presence of allergy and its possible relation with chronic colonic inflammation in patients with UC.

METHODS

Fifty UC patients underwent clinical, endoscopic, and histologic evaluations. The allergologic study included family/personal history; prick/patch exposition to airborne, food, and contact allergens; total serum IgE; and quantification of eosinophils in peripheral blood and intestinal mucosa. Diagnosis of rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma was confirmed by specific provocation tests. Fifty healthy subjects were studied as control group.

RESULTS

A higher prevalence of allergic symptoms was found in patients (56%) and their first-degree relatives (52%) than in controls (18% and 26%) (P < 0.0001; P = 0.008). In patients skin tests showed increased rates of immediate (54%) and delayed-type (20%) hypersensitivity compared with controls (30% and 6%) (P= 0.01; P= 0.03). Diagnosis of allergic IgE-mediated disease was made in 19 cases and 6 controls (P= 0.01), and allergic contact dermatitis in 10 and 3, respectively (P= 0.03). IgE levels were higher in UC patients than in controls (P=0.02). No dose-response relationship was found between degree of colonic tissue eosinophilia and clinical. endoscopic, and histologic disease severity. The degree of colonic tissue eosinophilia was higher in the presence of skin reactivity to food allergens.

CONCLUSIONS

UC patients frequently show several markers of allergy. In particular, our data suggest an association between ulcerative colitis, tissue eosinophilia, and type-I allergy.

Magnetic resonance imaging with ferumoxil, a negative superparamagnetic oral contrast agent, in the evaluation of ulcerative colitis

OBJECTIVE

The introduction of new oral contrast agents that enhance image quality has increased the importance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the management of ulcerative colitis. The aim of our study was to investigate the usefulness of a new negative superparamagnetic oral contrast (ferumoxil) alone or in association with gadolinium i.v. in the assessment of the disease.

METHODS

Twenty-eight patients with clinically active ulcerative colitis and 10 control subjects entered the study. In each patient a clinical, endoscopic, histological, and MRI evaluation was performed. In particular, in 14 patients affected by ulcerative colitis (group A) and in five controls, magnetic resonance images were acquired 1 h after the oral administration of 900 ml of ferumoxil, while the remaining 14 patients (group B) and five controls were submitted to double-contrast MRI (ferumoxil and gadolinium). In both groups, wall thickness, length of affected bowel segments, and, in group B, also percent contrast enhancement were calculated.

RESULTS

The comparison of endoscopic and MRI extent of disease was statistically significant. Wall thickness and, in group B, also percent contrast enhancement were significantly correlated with clinical and endoscopic activities. In each group wall thickness was significantly different in the activity phases of the disease.

CONCLUSIONS

MRI with negative superparamagnetic oral contrast is comparable to endoscopy in the assessment of ulcerative colitis. The double-contrast imaging does not provide more information than single oral contrast, so we concluded that the latter is preferable in the follow-up of the disease and in patients unable or with a poor compliance to undergo endoscopy.

Prognostic value of progressive decrease in serum cholesterol in predicting survival in Child-Pugh C viral cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

The identification of cirrhotic patients with low life expectancy is an open clinical problem. Hypocholesterolemia is frequently found in severe chronic hepatic insufficiency because the liver is the most active site of cholesterol metabolism, but poor information is available on its precise prognostic value. We evaluated the prognostic role of hypocholesterolemia in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis.

METHODS

Serial serum cholesterol concentrations of 34 patients with virus-induced cirrhosis, from the first appearance of Child-Pugh class C to death, were considered. To compare survival functions, we established three base-line cholesterol cut-off points (150, 125, and 100 mg/dl) and stratified patients into groups A and B, with base-line cholesterol levels lower and higher than each cut-off value, respectively.

RESULTS

Cholesterolemia decreased progressively in all patients. At the 100 mg/dl cut-off point all group-A patients died within 17 months, whereas 75% of group-B patients were alive at 24 months (P < 0.0001). Moreover, cholesterolemia was significantly correlated with cholinesterase, indirect bilirubin, and total bilirubin at entry time and immediately before death. No correlation was observed between cholesterol and these variables when stratified for the Child-Pugh score.

CONCLUSIONS

Base-line serum cholesterol levels lower than 100 mg/dl identify a subgroup of Child-C cirrhotic patients with high mortality risk within a 2-year follow-up. The prognostic importance of cholesterolemia may also be deduced by the significant correlation with other well-established indicators of survival.

Beclomethasone dipropionate (3 mg) enemas combined with oral 5-ASA (2.4 g) in the treatment of ulcerative colitis not responsive to oral 5-ASA alone

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Beclomethasone dipropionate is one of the topical corticosteroids which appear to have minimal systemic effects. We evaluated whether combined therapy with Beclomethasone dipropionate enemas and oral 5-aminosalicylic acid could be effective in patients suffering from ulcerative colitis not responsive to oral 5-aminosalicylic acid as monotherapy.

PATIENTS

In twenty patients, non responders to 5-aminosalicylic acid treatment (2.4-3.6 g/day) given for at least 6 weeks, Beclomethasone dipropionate enemas (3 mg/60 ml/day) were added for 4 weeks.

METHODS

Efficacy of the combination was evaluated before and at the end of the treatment using a clinical, endoscopic and histological score.

RESULTS

After a four-week treatment period, a significant clinical improvement in stool frequency (p < 0.01), stool consistency (p < 0.001), blood (p < 0.001) and mucus in stools (p < 0.05), was observed. Endoscopy and biopsy confirmed an improvement in the activity score at the end of the treatment (p < 0.001). Six patients (30%) achieved remission, ten patients showed an improvement (50%) and four (20%) showed no benefits. No adverse event was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Beclomethasone dipropionate enemas combined with oral 5-aminosalicylic acid may be a safe and useful therapeutic approach in the treatment of ulcerative colitis not responsive to oral 5-aminosalicylic acid alone.

Reemergence of Shigella dysenteriae type 2 in Sicily: an epidemiological evaluation

Three strains of Shigella dysenteriae type 2 were isolated from a small household outbreak which occurred in Palermo, Sicily, during summer 1990. Two isolates were recovered from hospitalized patients and one from an asymptomatic carrier. The infection could not be associated with travel to foreign countries or contact with travellers returned from abroad. Since 1953 S. dysenteriae has been never isolated in Southern Italy. The isolates from dysentery cases were susceptible to antibiotics and carried a plasmid of 120 MDa associated with a small cryptic plasmid; in contrast, the strain isolated from the healthy carrier contained an additional plasmid of approximately 40 MDa, which codified for resistance to ampicillin, streptomycin, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. All strains showed some atypical biochemical properties, but their rRNA-DNA patterns of hybridization were closely similar to that of the reference strains of type 2 and easily distinguishable from those of the other types of non-Shiga bacillus reference strains. Epidemiological isolation features of these strains suggest a possible circulation of this Shigella species in Sicily. Genetic characterization of these strains may be useful for surveillance of infections by this organism.

New perspectives for the therapeutic management of recurrent immunological abortion

Up to now the only effective therapy for recurrent abortion syndrome due to the absence of the so-called blocking-factor has been active immunotherapy with partner or third-party donor mononucleates. The Authors report their in vivo and in vitro experience with high-dose intravenous gammaglobulin (i IV Ig) in order to treat women with recurrent abortion syndrome. In the Authors opinion there are sufficient experimental reasons for continuing this research with IV Ig obtained from multiparous women plasma pools.

Immunological problems in the recurrent abortion syndrome

The recurrent abortion syndrome has been considered a serious obstetrical problem, since it was not possible to diagnose the causes in over 40% of the cases. Great progress has now been made with the knowledge of the immunological mechanisms involved in the maintenance of pregnancy. The disorders of such immunological mechanisms, both due to auto- or alloimmune problems, are demonstrated in about 40% of the cases of recurrent abortions. The Authors have studied a group of 56 patients with recurrent abortion syndrome in a complex diagnostic work-up involving: 1) The research of an autoimmune cause; 2) The research of the presence of the Blocking-factors by means of one-way mixed lymphocyte cultures; 3) The research of an altered antipaternal lymphocytotoxic activity or of an excessive HLA-sharing. According to the results of the investigations, several forms of therapeutic management have been used: 1) Steroids-aspirin-calcic heparin for Autoimmune cases. 2) Active immunotherapy for the cases due to the lack of blocking factors. 3) Calcic heparin for the altered antipaternal lymphocytotoxic activity. At the moment it is difficult to evaluate the results of pregnancy rate with this type of therapeutic management because of the too short follow-up.