Microscopic Colitis in a Young Male: Unveiling the Rarity

In recent decades, microscopic colitis (MC) has become increasingly recognized as a common contributor to diarrhea and lower gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly among the older demographic. The condition is distinguished by persistent diarrhea with loose watery stools, and endoscopic examination is typically normal with characteristic histopathologic findings. MC is rarely seen under 30 years of age and is less common in males. Our case highlights an exceedingly uncommon clinical setting as it involves a young male who was diagnosed with collagenous colitis. The diagnosis of MC can easily be missed by physicians during initial evaluation. Specifically in irritable bowel syndrome patients with diarrhea predominant symptoms, a colonoscopy should be performed and biopsies should be taken from the entire colon to rule out MC.

Placental inflammation and pregnancy outcomes: A prospective, observational study in South Asia: The PURPOSe study

OBJECTIVE

To examine inflammatory lesions in placentas of stillbirths, preterm neonatal deaths and term controls in India and Pakistan.

DESIGN

Prospective, observational study.

SETTING

Three hospitals in India and a large maternity hospital in Pakistan.

POPULATION

The enrolled participants with placentas available for histology evaluation included stillbirths (n = 814), preterm live births who died within 28 days of birth (n = 618) and term live birth controls (n = 201). From this same population, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis for pathogens was performed on 809 stillbirth placentas, 614 neonatal death placentas and the placentas of 201 term controls. Placentas from preterm infants who lived beyond day 28 (n = 1432) were only available from India.

METHODS

A prospective observational study of placental inflammatory lesions defined by the Amsterdam criteria and on the same placentas, multiplex PCR evaluation for 75 pathogens using TaqMan Array Cards.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Any placental inflammatory lesions, including chorioamnionitis, funisitis, villitis and intervillitis and their association with various pathogens.

RESULTS

In the Indian liveborn preterm infants, placental inflammation of any kind was present in 26.2% of those who died versus 16.6% of those who lived (p = 0.0002). Chorioamnionitis was present in 25.8% of those who died versus 16.3% of those who lived (p = 0.0002) and funisitis was present in 4.1% of those who died versus 1.5% of those who lived, (p = 0.005). Across all three sites, in the placentas of the 201 term controls, 18.9% had any inflammation, 16.9% had chorioamnionitis, 5.5% had funisitis, 0.5% had intervillitis and none had villitis. Overall, for stillbirths, any inflammation was observed in 30.2%, chorioamnionitis in 26.9%, funisitis in 5.7%, intervillitis in 6.0% and villitis in 2.2%. For the neonatal deaths, any inflammation was present in 24.9%, chorioamnionitis in 23.3%, funisitis in 8.1%, intervillitis in 1.9% and villitis in 0.5%. Compared with the placentas of term controls, in neonatal deaths, only chorioamnionitis was significantly increased (23.3% versus 16.9%, p = 0.05). Among stillbirths, the rates of any inflammation, chorioamnionitis, intervillitis and villitis were similar across the birthweight groups. However, funisitis was more common in the placentas of stillborn fetuses weighing 2500 g or more (13.8%) compared with 1.0% for those weighing less than 1000 g and 4.8% for stillborn fetuses weighing 1000-2499 g. In the PCR studies, Ureaplasma spp. were by far the most common pathogens found and generally were more commonly found in association with inflammatory lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Chorioamnionitis was the most common type of placental inflammatory lesion regardless of whether the placentas evaluated were from term controls, stillbirths or neonatal deaths. For stillbirths, inflammation in each inflammation category was more common than in the term controls and significantly more so for any inflammation, chorioamnionitis, intervillitis and villitis. For neonatal deaths, compared with the placentas of term controls, all inflammation categories were more common, but only significantly so for chorioamnionitis. Ureaplasma spp. were the most common organisms found in the placentas and were significantly associated with inflammation.

Morphological study of the placenta in deliveries with pre-eclampsia: Results from a prospective, observational study in India and Pakistan (PURPOSe)

OBJECTIVE

To compare placental findings in women with and without pre-eclampsia.

DESIGN

The PURPOSe study included women with stillbirths, women with preterm births and women at term as controls. The placenta of each case was evaluated using the Amsterdam criteria.

SETTING

Two sites and five tertiary care hospitals of south Asia (Three in India and two in Pakistan).

POPULATION

Pregnancies in India and Pakistan with placental histology including women with documented hypertension and documented proteinuria and women with neither hypertension nor proteinuria.

METHODS

We compared the placental findings of the two groups using the Amsterdam criteria and further evaluated the placental findings in women with and without pre-eclampsia who had a stillbirth, preterm live birth, or term live birth (control).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The main outcome measures were the frequency of maternal and fetal vascular malperfusion and the frequency of placental inflammation and its components, chorioamnionitis, funisitis, villitis and intervillitis in women with and without pre-eclampsia.

RESULTS

A total of 733 women had pre-eclampsia and 2334 women had neither hypertension nor proteinuria. In the placentas of women with pre-eclampsia, 57.3% had maternal vascular malperfusion compared with 37.1% in women without pre-eclampsia (p < 0.0001). There was not a significant difference in the prevalence of fetal vascular hypertension between mothers with (17.1%) and without (14.8%, p = 0.6118) pre-eclampsia. When placentas were classified as 'histologically normal' or not, 61.3% of those from pre-eclamptic pregnancies were classified as abnormal, whereas if there was no pre-eclampsia, only 45.0% were classified as histologically abnormal (p < 0.0001). We also considered rates of placental maternal vascular malperfusion in women with and without pre-eclampsia with stillbirth, preterm neonatal death, and term live birth. In women at term with no pre-eclampsia, 16.7% of the placentas had features of maternal vascular malperfusion. This occurred in 79.9% of women with stillbirths with pre-eclampsia compared with 51.8% of those without pre-eclampsia. Maternal vascular malperfusion was present in 49.7% of preterm live births with pre-eclampsia compared with 33.8% without pre-eclampsia. We also evaluated the inflammatory lesions by whether the mother had or did not have pre-eclampsia. When all inflammatory lesions were considered, women with pre-eclampsia had significantly fewer inflammatory lesions than those women without pre-eclampsia (17.1% versus 23.6% p = 0.001). Each of the specific inflammatory lesions was less common in placentas of women with pre-eclampsia than those with chorioamnionitis (16.1% versus 21.9%, p = 0.004) and funisitis (1.5% versus. 5.1%, p = 0.0004).

CONCLUSIONS

Of placental lesions in women with pre-eclampsia, maternal vascular malperfusion was the most common. Inflammatory lesions were less common in women with pre-eclampsia.

Data usefulness in determining cause of stillbirth in South Asia

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the usefulness of data to determine cause of stillbirth in India and Pakistan.

DESIGN

Prospective, observational study.

SETTINGS

Study hospitals in India and Pakistan.

POPULATION

200 fetal deaths with placental evaluation and minimally invasive tissue sampling (MITS) of internal organs and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for 75 pathogens.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Data defined as useful to determine stillbirth causes.

RESULTS

Placental pathology was the most useful to determine cause of stillbirth. Comparing placental and fetal weight with standard weights was useful in 44.5% and 48.5%, respectively. Lung histology was useful in 42.5%. Most of the other findings of internal organ histology were only occasionally useful. Signs of abruption, by maternal history or placental evaluation, were always deemed useful. Placenta, brain and cord blood PCR were also useful, but less often than histology.

CONCLUSION

Based on this analysis, maternal clinical history, placental histology and fetal examination were most informative. Comparing the placental and fetal weights with recognised standards was useful in nearly half the cases. Fetal tissue histology and PCR were also informative. Of all the potential tests of MITS-obtained specimens, we would first recommend histological evaluation of the lungs, and using a multiplex PCR platform would determine pathogens in blood and brain/CSF. We recognise that this approach will not identify some causes, including some genetic and internal organ anomalies, but will confirm most common causes of stillbirth and most of the preventable causes of stillbirth in low- and middle-income countries.

The Transition From Localized to Metastatic: A Case Report of Adult TFE3-Positive Xp11.2 Translocation Renal Cell Carcinoma

Xp11.2 translocation renal cell carcinoma (Xp11.2 RCC) is a rare tumor, occurring more frequently in childhood than in adulthood. It results from Xp11.2 chromosome translocations and the fusion of the transcription factor E3 (TFE3) gene. In this context, we present a case report of an 18-year-old female who was diagnosed with Xp11.2 RCC following open radical nephrectomy and lymph node dissection on the left side. The histopathological analysis indicated stage T3aN1Mx disease, which was confirmed through immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). The patient remained under observation until March 2023 when systemic scans uncovered the presence of ascites, peritoneal carcinomatosis, and left supraclavicular lymphadenopathy. A subsequent biopsy reaffirmed the primary disease, leading to the planning of systemic treatment involving tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immunotherapy. However, due to financial constraints, the patient's treatment options were limited to sunitinib initially. The current plan involves reevaluation after three months using scans to determine the subsequent course of treatment. Our case report offers crucial insights into the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of this rare malignancy. This enhances medical understanding, guides research, and improves the management of similar cases. Case reports like this share practical experiences, shaping future studies and patient care.

Locally Aggressive Mixed Epithelial and Stromal Tumour of Kidney Leading to Nephron Loss

Mixed epithelial and stromal tumour (MEST) is a rare benign renal tumour. It is mainly found in perimenopausal women. We present a case of a 42-year female with no known comorbid who was presented in the outpatient clinic for the right flank pain. Contrast-enhanced CT scan revealed a complex renal cyst with internal septations. Considering a large symptomatic cyst and the presence of internal septations, she was planned for cyst excision. Peroperatively, significant disease progression and loss of renal parenchyma were noted contrary to preoperative scan. Histopathology of the specimen revealed MEST. We demonstrate that MEST of the kidney may have an aggressive local behaviour leading to nephron loss. Key Words: Mixed epithelial and stromal tumour, Kidney, Benign, Renal neoplasm.

Rydberg energies and transition probabilities of Li I for np–ms (m ≤ 5) transitions

Background

Mathematical modeling provides grounds for understanding scientific systems theoretically. It serves as a guide for experimentalists in determining directions of investigation. Recently, the Covid-19 pandemic has caused disturbances in almost every walk of life. Scientists have played their role and have continued research on the effects of the pandemic. Various mathematical models have been used in different branches of science (Djilali et al. in Phys Scr 96 12 124016, 2021; Math Biosci Eng 18(6):8245–8256, 2021; Zeb et al. in Alex Eng J 61(7):5649–5665). Well-established mathematical models give results close to those obtained by experiments. The Weakest Bound Electron Potential Model is one such model, which explains hydrogen-like atoms and ions. This model has been used extensively for hydrogen-like atoms and ions to calculate energies of Rydberg levels and ionization energies. This model has been used extensively for hydrogen-like atoms and ions to calculate energies of Rydberg levels and ionization energies.

Results

This paper presents the energies of the Rydberg series, 2s2ns, and 2s2np of Li I, calculated using WBEPM. The energies are used to calculate transition probabilities from np to 2s, 3s, 4s, and 5s levels. The transition probabilities are compared with corresponding values in published data where available. The agreement with known values is good; most of the transition probabilities calculated in this work are new. A computer program was developed to find the value of the dipole matrix element. The calculations were further verified by calculating the lifetimes of some low-lying levels.

Conclusions

Four series of Li I have been studied, and energies of the Rydberg levels in the series were calculated. The energies then are used to calculate transition probabilities from np to ms transitions, where m = 2, 3, 4, & 5 and n = 1–15. The results are compared where available. An excellent agreement with previously published data shows the reliability of calculations. Most of the transition probabilities are new.

Maternal and fetal vascular lesions of malperfusion in the placentas associated with fetal and neonatal death: results of a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Fetal death is one of the major adverse pregnancy outcomes and is common in low- and middle-income countries. Placental lesions may play an important role in the etiology of fetal and neonatal deaths. Previous research relating placental lesions to fetal death causation was hindered by a lack of agreement on a placental classification scheme. The Amsterdam consensus statement that was published in 2016 focused its attention on malperfusions in the maternal and fetal placental circulations.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the relationships of placental maternal and fetal vascular malperfusions in fetal and neonatal deaths, focusing on the most important maternal clinical conditions in the pathway to fetal and neonatal deaths, such as maternal hypertension, antepartum hemorrhage, and decreased fetal growth.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a prospective, observational cohort study conducted at 2 Asian sites. The data collected included clinical history, gross and histologic evaluations of the placenta, and several other investigations and were used to determine the cause of death. The placenta was evaluated at both sites using the Amsterdam consensus framework. We estimated the risk of placental maternal and fetal vascular malperfusions in fetal and neonatal deaths.

RESULTS

Between July 2018 and January 2020 in India and Pakistan, 1633 women with placentas available for the study provided consent. Of these women, 814 had fetal deaths, 618 had preterm live births and subsequent neonatal deaths, and 201 had term live births. The prevalence of maternal vascular malperfusion was higher in the placentas associated with fetal deaths (58.4%) and preterm neonatal deaths (31.1%) than in the placentas associated with term live births (15.4%). Adjusting for site, maternal vascular malperfusion had a relative risk of 3.88 (95% confidence interval, 2.70-5.59) in fetal deaths vs term live births and a relative risk of 2.07 (95% confidence interval, 1.41-3.02) in preterm neonatal deaths vs term live births. Infarcts and distal villous hypoplasia were the most common histologic components of maternal vascular malperfusion. Compared with maternal vascular malperfusion (58.4%), fetal vascular malperfusion was less common in the placentas associated with fetal deaths (19.0%). However, there were higher frequencies of fetal vascular malperfusion in the placentas associated with fetal deaths (19.0%) than in placentas associated with neonatal deaths (8.3%) or term live birth (5.0%). Adjusting for site, fetal vascular malperfusion had a relative risk of 4.09 (95% confidence interval, 2.15-7.75) in fetal deaths vs term live births and a relative risk of 1.77 (95% confidence interval, 0.90-3.49) in preterm neonatal deaths vs term live births. Furthermore, there was a higher incidence of maternal vascular malperfusion in cases of maternal hypertension (71.4%), small for gestational age (69.9%), and antepartum hemorrhage (59.1%) than in cases of fetal deaths with none of these conditions (43.3%). There was no significant difference in the occurrence of fetal vascular malperfusion in the 4 clinical categories.

CONCLUSION

Histologic examination of the placenta, especially for malperfusion disorders, is crucial in elucidating pathways to fetal and neonatal deaths in preterm infants. In particular, focusing on placental maternal and fetal vascular malperfusions during pregnancy is a means to identify fetuses at risk of fetal death and is an important strategy to reduce the risk of fetal death early delivery. We hope that the increased risk of fetal and neonatal deaths in these pregnancies can be reduced by the development of an intervention that reduces the likelihood of developing maternal and fetal vascular malperfusion.

Primary synchronous malignancies of the breast and the kidney

Synchronous primary malignancies are most frequently seen with cancers of the stomach and oesophagus, mainly attributed to the similar genetic mutations. Most of these multiple malignancies turn out to be metastatic or metachronous lesions. Multiple synchronous malignancies are rarer than metachronous ones. Primary synchronous breast and renal cancer is even rare. These patients require extensive workup to exclude all possible metastases. The nature of the primary tumours must also be confirmed, prior to any treatment strategy. We report the case of a healthy, middle-aged woman who initially presented with a lesion suspicious for breast carcinoma, and further workup revealed the presence of an asymptomatic, synchronous primary renal cell cancer, which is a very rare presentation.

Leiomyoma Urinary Bladder, Mimicking Urothelial Cancer

Leiomyoma of the urinary bladder is a rare bladder tumour, which is benign in nature. On presentation, it resembles urothelial cancer but it has an excellent prognosis. We reported two cases of urinary bladder leiomyoma. Both the patients presented with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and the patient in the second case also had painless haematuria. Bladder mass was detected initially on ultrasound and confirmed on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). Transurethral resection of bladder tumour was performed in both cases and no recurrence was found on initial follow-up. But the second case had haematuria and recurrence on subsequent follow-up and managed by performing a partial cystectomy. Endoscopic management of bladder leiomyoma is a safe treatment option for bladder leiomyoma and if multiple recurrences noted with symptoms, then partial cystectomy can be considered. Histopathology is the only definitive way of establishing the diagnosis. These patients can be followed up initially with cystoscopy, and if no recurrence is detected, subsequent follow-up can be carried out with ultrasound.

Sustainable effect of a symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti on nodulation and photosynthetic traits of four leguminous plants under low moisture stress environment

Sustainable effect of a nitrogen-fixing bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti on nodulation and photosynthetic traits (phenomenological fluxes) in four leguminous plants species under low moisture stress (20-25% soil moisture content) environment was studied. Sinorhizobium  meliloti was isolated from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) root nodules, and later, it was cultured and purified. Nodulation and photosynthetic ability in the presence of S.  meliloti were tested in four leguminous plant species, that is, kidney bean (cv. lobia-2000), black bean (cv. NM-97), mung bean (cv. NM-2006) and chickpea (cv. Pb-2008). Plants of each species were grown in sterilized soil that was previously treated with 25 ml suspension containing S.  meliloti at 41 × 10⁶  CFU ml^-1  kg^-1 pot. One-month-old plants were subjected to low soil moisture stress conditions for 15 days, and soil moisture contents were maintained to 20-25% throughout the experimental period. The ability to fix nitrogen, nodule formation, and their subsequent effect on phenomenological fluxes in low moisture treated legumes were studied.

Comparison Of Recurrence Rate Between "EN BLOC" Resection Of Bladder Tumour And Conventional Technique For Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer

BACKGROUND

Conventional transurethral resection of urinary bladder tumour (TURBT) using a wire loop diathermy violates the basic principle of oncological surgery, i.e. dissection through normal tissue. However, in the en bloc technique, the tumour is removed as a single specimen. We compared the quality of specimen and recurrence rate at three months (first check cystoscopy) in both the en bloc and conventional resection techniques.

METHODS

The subject accrual was done from June 1st, 2017 till June 30th, 2019 at a tertiary care hospital. Patients with newly diagnosed bladder tumour, solitary or multiple ≤3 cm were included in the study. Patients with carcinoma in situ, prior TURBT, or muscle-invasive bladder cancer were excluded. Eighty-two patients were available for final analysis, 41 in each group.

RESULTS

Mean age, gender ratio, tumour features (grade, stage, median number, and size) were comparable in the two groups. Median Operative time [interquartile range- (IQR)] was 30 (25-39.5) minutes in the en bloc group as compared to 45 (33-63.5) minutes in the conventional group (p < 0.001). The detrusor muscle was seen at the base of the primary tumour in all 41 (100%) en bloc cases as compared to 23 (56 %) cases in the conventional group (p<0.001). Overall recurrence at the first surveillance cystoscopy was 17%, with an insignificant difference between the groups. Recurrence at primary site was 19.5% in conventional TURBT compared to en bloc resection (n=1, 2.4%), (p = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

En bloc resection decreases the recurrence rate at the primary site. En bloc TURBT is a safe technique, providing high-quality specimens for histopathological evaluation and reducing the need for the second TURBT.

Bilateral Gonadoblastoma With Dysgerminoma in a Phenotypically Normal Female With 46XX Karyotype: Report of a Rare Case and Literature Review

Gonadoblastoma is a rare ovarian neoplasm which belongs to “germ cell-sex cord-stromal tumor” category. This tumor is frequently associated with invasive germ cell malignancy. It commonly arises in dysgenetic gonads of young individuals who are phenotypically females but possess 46XY karyotype. It has been rarely reported in females with normal phenotype and genotype.

We herein describe a case of 10-year-old female who presented with abdominal pain, abdominal distention and fever. CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealed bilateral ovarian masses, ascites and pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenopathy. Serum lactate dehydrogenase levels were also elevated. She underwent left salpingo-oophorectomy, right ovarian biopsy, omentectomy and para-aortic lymphadenopathy.

Microscopically, tumor showed in situ and invasive components. In situ component was arranged in nests and lobules formed by immature sertoli cells forming acini and encircling large polygonal primitive germ cells. Immature sertoli cells were positive for immunohitochemical (IHC) stains cytokeratin AE1/AE3, inhibin and calretinin, while germ cells were positive for SALL4, Oct 3/4, placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) and CD117. Invasive component was arranged in sheets of large-sized, polygonal-shaped primitive germ cells which were also positive for SALL4, Oct 3/4, PLAP and CD117 IHC stains. Hence, the diagnosis of “gonadoblastoma with dysgerminoma” was made. The tumor was limited to both ovaries. Cytogenetic analysis of peripheral blood revealed normal female 46XX karyotype. The patient received two cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy and was then lost to follow-up.

We conclude that gonadoblastoma, although rare, should be considered as a differential diagnosis in ovarian tumors of young females. Invasive germ cell component should always be carefully searched for as it guides about treatment and predicts prognosis.

Incidentally Found Metastatic Prostatic Carcinoma In A Therapeutic Orchiectomy Specimen

Metastatic tumour involving the testis is a rare event. Incidental discovery of metastatic cancer in a therapeutic orchiectomy is even rarer. We report a case of metastatic adenocarcinoma prostate found incidentally in one of the bilateral therapeutic orchiectomy specimens. The patient was a 55-year-old man presenting with back ache and generalized body aches. Clinical examination showed malignant feel of prostate. Bone scan revealed metastatic disease and a serum PSA level of >100 ng/ml. Clinical diagnosis of carcinoma prostate was established and subsequent bilateral orchiectomy for hormonal deprivation was performed. On gross examination of left testis, there was a small 0.7 X 0.6 cm suspicious area. Microscopically, this area showed an infiltrating tumour in the interstitium with entrapped seminiferous tubules. Focal intravascular tumour deposit was also noted. Immunohistochemical stain for prostate-specific antigen was positive in the tumour, which confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma.

Synchronous and Metachronous Malignant Epithelial and Lymphoid Tumors: a Clinicopathologic Study of 10 Patients from a Major Tertiary Care Center in Pakistan

Case reports and case series documenting unfortunate patients with more than one malignant neoplasm are rare but well established. While majority of such patients have two malignancies, cases with three or even four malignant neoplasms in the same patient have been published in literature. A number of factors influencing carcinogenesis have been implicated in such cases including exposure to large amounts of radiation, chemotherapy for the original malignancy; prolonged history of heavy smoking and exposure to other environmental carcinogens; aging; and underlying genetic alterations. Concomitant multiple malignant neoplasms may be synchronous-two or more malignant neoplasms histologically distinct from each other, arising in the same site and detected simultaneously (for example during the same hospital admission) or detected one after the other in sequence in a period less than 6 months; or metachronous-two or more malignant neoplasms of similar or distinct histologic type detected at different times (after an interval of greater than 6 months) in different anatomic sites. Any combination of malignant tumors can occur in the same patient for example carcinomas with other carcinomas, carcinomas with Non-Hodgkin or Hodgkin lymphomas, carcinomas with mesotheliomas, carcinomas with sarcomas etc. We have reported several cases with multiple malignancies during our practice, and these cases were composed of the different combinations described above. The aim of the present study is to document 10 such cases of combined carcinoma and Non Hodgkin lymphoma in the same patient which were diagnosed in our section.

Pilocytic astrocytoma: A rare presentation as intraventricular tumor

Background:

Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is the most prevalent central nervous system (CNS) tumor in pediatric population and accounts for an approximate of 5–6% of all gliomas. This neoplasm can occur at all levels of the neuraxis, with majority (67%) arising in the cerebellum and optic pathway. PAs are World Health Organization Grade I tumors and are the most benign of all astrocytomas characterized by an excellent prognosis. Other differentials include subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA), ependymoma, meningioma, and low-grade gliomas such as pilocytic or diffuse astrocytoma; calcification is more commonly regarded as a feature of benign or slow-growing tumors.

Case Description:

We present a case of a 17-year-old female presenting with an unusual cause of hydrocephalus, a rare case of a calcified pilocytic astrocytoma as an intraventricular tumor.

Conclusion:

PA rarely presents as an intraventricular tumor and should be included in the differential diagnosis of a large mass with massive intratumoral calcification.

Complete Hydatidiform Mole Coexisting with Three Viable Fetuses in a Quadruplet Pregnancy

We hereby report a case of quadruplet pregnancy with delivery of 3 viable infants and a complete mole. This was an induced conception with clomiphene citrate. At 22 weeks, cystic structures were noticed in one of the placentae and a suspicion of co-existant molar pregnancy was made. The case discussed with oncologist and pregnancy was continued with close monitoring of &amp;beta;-hCG and Ultrasound. Her &amp;beta;-hCG at 23 weeks was 748 mIU/ml, which continued to rise until the 29th week of gestation to a level of 305881.68 mIU/ml and declined gradually thereafter. Similarly, hydropic change in placenta also continued to increase progressively. She was given steroid cover at 32 weeks and delivery was aimed at 34 weeks of gestation. The patient went into preterm labour at 33 weeks and 3 female infants delivered by lower segment cesarean section (LSCS) followed by removal of 3 placentae along with copious molar tissue at the end. The newborns were kept in the nursery, non-requiring assisted ventilation and discharged in satisfactory condition. The histopathologyand immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of a quadruplet pregnancy comprising of one complete mole with 3 normal placentae.

Unusual metastases of hepatocellular carcinoma (hcc) to bone and soft tissues of lower limb

Hepatocellular carcinoma metastasizing to bones and soft tissues of extremities is an unusual occurrence. The present report describes two such cases, where this unusual happening was the presenting feature. Role of immunohistochemistry for diagnosis is emphasized.

Invasive micropapillary carcinoma of breast: an under-recognized entity. a series of eight cases

Invasive micropapillary carcinoma (IMPC) of breast is a morphologically distinct and relatively uncommon variant of invasive ductal carcinoma. It is characterized by small clusters of tumor cells with surrounding clear stromal spaces; a tendency for vascular permeation and therefore, an aggressive clinical course. This morphologic pattern can be easily missed especially in a small biopsy specimen because pathologists may disregard the clear spaces as artifactual. With a tendency of presenting at a higher stage, this morphological pattern needs to be mentioned in the histopathology report whenever it is encountered, either in its pure form or admixed with conventional ductal carcinoma. We describe eight cases of IMPC of breast along with their variable clinical presentations.

PEComa in a 12-year-old boy

PEComas (perivascular epithelioid cell tumours) are rare mesenchymal tumours, characterised by epithelioid, clear cell morphology with coexpression of melanocytic and smooth muscle markers. They are usually seen in adult females in a variety of anatomical locations, of which, kidney, lung and the gynaecologic tract are the most common. We present a case of PEComa arising from the kidney of a 12-year-old boy.

Clear cell carcinoma of ovary with associated mucinous cystadenoma and endometriosis

A 45 year old woman presented with right sided ovarian mass with multiple omental deposits and liver metastases. The right ovary was enlarged and showed a partly cystic partly solid cut surface. Histological picture showed clear cell carcinoma with areas of mucinous cystadenoma and endometriosis. Clear cell carcinoma is known to be associated with endometriosis. To the best of author's knowledge, it's association with mucinous cystadenoma has been described only once in the literature, where clear cell carcinoma was shown to be associated with mucinous cystadenoma without any evidence of endometriosis.

Normal proliferative responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to streptococcal preparation OK-432 in patients with pustulosis palmaris et plantaris constitute a distinct feature from the reduced responses observed in those with psoriasis vulgaris, pustular psoriasis, and acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau

It was previously reported that peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from the patients with psoriasis vulgaris (PV) showed a reduced proliferative response in vitro to the stimulation of a lyophilized preparation of penicillin-treated low virulence Su-strain of Streptococcus pyogenes group 3, OK-432. In this study, at first it was examined whether OK-432 acts as a superantigen. By analyzing the usage of Vbeta T-cell receptor (TCR) of proliferating T cells stimulated with OK-432, it was found that OK-432 stimulated preferentially Vbeta2 TCR-bearing T cells. Next, to find differences in in vitro responses of PBMC among various types of sterile pustular dermatoses such as pustulosis palmaris et plantaris (PPP), acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau (AC), and generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP), the proliferative responses of PBMC obtained from these patients under the stimulation of OK-432 were compared. When the PBMC was stimulated with interleukin (IL)-2, no significant difference was found in their proliferative responses among those obtained from the patients with these sterile pustular dermatoses, PV or healthy controls. However, like those from PV patients, PBMC from AC and GPP patients showed significantly smaller responses to OK-432 than those from the healthy controls. In contrast, the proliferative responses of PBMC from the patients with PPP to OK-432 was comparable to those from healthy controls. These results, in addition to its unique clinical and histopathological characteristics, suggest that PPP has a different pathogenetic background from that underlying PV, AC, or GPP.

Creating a hospital-community infrastructure: challenges and benefits

With rising public expectations and demands for increased accountability, hospitals will be even more challenged by their local communities to implement strategies such as those developed at SMH to enable community participation that assists the hospital in serving its local population into the future. In response to unique health needs of its local community, SMH created an Inner City Health (ICH) Program in the early 1990s to provide comprehensive inpatient, ambulatory, and community outreach services. To build on its philosophy to reduce barriers to health for disadvantaged populations, the ICH Research Program, the only one of its kind in Canada, was also established. This paper will describe and explore the formalised infrastructure between SMH and the community; its evolution, as well as SMH's involvement with its community in context of the hospital's relationships with its Board of Directors, the Toronto teaching hospital system, media and advocacy groups. The role of ICH research in influencing evidence-based clinical practice, innovations in health science education and government policy will also be discussed as part of the SMH's hospital-community infrastructure.

Troponin I sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction

This article describes the sensitivity and specificity of troponin I when compared to creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and electrocardiography (ECG) for diagnosing acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Two different lower levels for defining positive results with troponin I were evaluated. A retrospective study of 153 patients who presented to the emergency department of a community hospital supplied the pool of patients for this study. Patients included in this study were those for whom a CK-MB was ordered. The majority of these patients were evaluated for chest pain or symptoms suggesting an acute cardiac event. Of the 153 patients studied, CK-MB results were positive in 91 (59%) patients; ECG revealed AMI in 72 (47%) patients. There were 103 (67%) patients who had either positive CK-MB or ECG results. Ninety (59%) patients had a troponin I level greater than 2.0 ng/mL, and 18 (12%) patients had a troponin I level between 0.6 and 2.0 ng/mL. Seven patients whose troponin I level was between 0.6 and 2.0 ng/mL had negative CK-MB and ECG results. Therefore, 11 patients with troponin I between 0.6 and 2.0 ng/mL had AMI. Five patients with positive troponin I results (> 2.0 ng/mL) had negative CK-MB and ECG results. When a troponin I level greater than 0.6 ng/mL was used as a positive value, compared to CK-MB and ECG using either time zero or time 6 hours, the sensitivity was 94% and specificity was 81%. When troponin I greater than 2.0 ng/mL was used to define a positive test, the sensitivity was 85% and specificity was 91% when compared to CK-MB and ECG.

Public-private partnerships in the Canadian environment: options for hospital pharmacies

This brief report explores the direction being pursued by hospitals interested in outsourcing non-core activities within the pharmacy department. Private sector logistics companies are looking to position themselves in the drug product supply chain to facilitate seamless transfers of drug products, ordering information and payments between drug manufacturers and hospitals. Opportunities for implementing consolidated purchasing, unit dosing, just-in-time inventory and electronic commerce systems are discussed.

Public-private management partnerships in the Canadian environment: options for medical imaging

Health services restructuring demands that hospitals consider innovative ways of providing patient care, including services within the clinical support departments such as medical imaging, diagnostic laboratories and pharmacy. This Brief Report describes the result of work carried out a St. Michael's Hospital to explore options for public-private management partnerships within the Department of Medical Imaging. Various partnership models and opportunities for cost containment, revenue generation and strategic positioning are discussed.