Pigmented medulloepithelioma of the optic nerve: A challenging diagnostic entity

Because of its rarity, the diagnosis of optic nerve medulloepithelioma poses a real diagnostic challenge. Medulloepithelioma is a congenital tumor that derives from the primitive medullary epithelium present in the neural tube and the optic vesicle. Its classical location is the ciliary body. Cases of retinal or optic nerve locations have been rarely reported in the literature. Only 11 cases have been published in the English literature. Herein, we report the case of a 2-year-old boy who underwent enucleation of the right eye for a presumed diagnosis of right-eye retinoblastoma, based on the presence of leukocoria on ophthalmological examination. Pathological examination showed an optic nerve medulloepithelioma. A review of the literature is also discussed in our work.

Radiation-induced angiosarcoma of the breast: a case report

Introduction

Breast angiosarcoma is a rare, aggressive tumour affecting adult women. It can occur in two forms, primary form and secondary forms or radiation-induced breast angiosarcoma affecting patients with history of breast or chest radiotherapy.

Case presentation

The authors report a new case of breast angiosarcoma in 52-year-old women, with history of invasive ductal carcinoma, and reporting a discoloration of her breast skin. The patient did undergo a mastectomy of right breast and adjuvant chemotherapy.

Conclusion/discussion

Surgery with total excision associated or not to adjuvant chemotherapy remains the treatment of choice in breast angiosarcoma.

[A tumor of the vagina not to overlook, the mesonephric adenocarcinoma: about a case report and review of literature]

L'adénocarcinome mésonéphrique du vagin est une tumeur maligne extrêmement rare avec uniquement trois cas publiés dans la littérature jusqu’à maintenant. Il dérive des reliquats embryonnaires des canaux mésonéphriques au niveau du vagin. Nous rapportons un cas d'adénocarcinome mésonéphrique du vagin survenant chez une femme de 50 ans, et révélé par une masse polyploïde du vagin. L'IRM a montré un envahissement du périnée et de la branche inférieure du pubis. L’étude anatomo-pathologique était en faveur d'un adénocarcinome mésonéphrique dont les cellules tumorales expriment la pancytokératine et le CD10. Elles ne sont pas marquées par les anticorps anti récepteurs ostrogéniques et progestatifs. La patiente a été adressée pour radiothérapie avant la prise en charge chirurgicale. Les auteurs soulignent à travers cette observation les aspects étiopathogéniques, histologiques et thérapeutiques de cette tumeur rare.

Preparation and characterisation of Punica granatum pericarp aqueous extract loaded chitosan-collagen-starch membrane: role in wound healing process

Engineered scaffolds made from natural biomaterials are crucial elements in tissue engineering strategies. In this study, biological scaffold like chitosan-collagen-starch membrane (CCSM) loaded with the antibacterial agent, Punica granatum pericarp aqueous extract was explored for enhanced regeneration of epithelial tissue during wound healing. Collagen was extracted from Rachycentron canadum fish skin. Membranous scaffold was prepared by mixing collagen, starch and chitosan in a fixed proportion, loaded with aqueous extract of P. granatum and its anti-pseudomonal activity was studied. Morphological characterization by SEM and mechanical property like tensile strength of the membrane were studied. Excision wound of 2 cm(2) size was induced in Guinea pig and the effect of P. granatum extract loaded CCSM in wound healing was studied. The SEM image showed deep pores in the membrane and also possessed good tensile strength. Wound surface area was reduced prominently in the experimental group with P. granatum extract loaded CCSM when compared to the group with unloaded membrane and the one with no membrane. Punica granatum extract loaded CCSM has antipseudomonal property and supported enhanced epithelial cell proliferation without leaving a scar after wound healing. This has significant therapeutic application in membranous scaffold mediated skin repair and regeneration.

A rare primary tumor of the thyroid gland: report a new case of leiomyosarcoma and literature review

Primary leiomyosarcomas of the thyroid gland are extremely rare. we report a case of a 72 year-old women with a painful growing mass of the left neck with skin fistula. The patient underwent a lobectomy. The tumor histology showed spindle-shaped cells arranged in interlacing fascicles that expressed desmine and Hcaldesmone, but were negative for cytokeratins and thyroglobulin. Total body CT scan didnt show any other tumor. The patient died two months after surgery. Primary thyroid leiomyosarcoma may be mistaken for other tumors, such as anaplastic or medullary carcinomas. Therefore, the diagnosis is difficult and requires numerous clinical, radiological, and pathological investigations.