Hematologic masquerade of rhabdomyosarcoma

We present the case of a 12-year-old boy admitted with the diagnosis of acute leukemia, but found to have an infiltration of the marrow by an alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) as determined by the cytogenetic demonstration of a t(2;13)(q25;q14). A primary tumor could not be found. With this case as a basis, we have tabulated features of all similar cases in the literature and discuss the possible optimal approaches to establishing the correct diagnosis in such patients.

[Transposition of great vessels in Cantrell syndrome]

A case is presented of complete transposition of great vessels with atrial and ventricular septum defect and coarctation of the pulmonary artery in Cantrell syndrome. The Cantrell syndrome consists of: congenital heart disease, defect of pericardium, diaphragm, sternum, and anterior abdomen wall. In all cases of Cantrell syndrome described as yet ventricular septum defect was present alone or in combination with other intracardiac defects. The presented case is the first report of congenital abnormality in the from of d-TGA in Cantrell syndrome.

[A case of endocardial elastosis in a 5-week old infant]

A case is presented of fulminant endocardial elastosis in a 5-week-old infant. The baby died after four days from the appearance of the first pathological symptoms with evidence of extreme circulatory insufficiency. Of main importance for intravital diagnosis was echocardiographic examination. The autopsy confirmed the diagnosis. The myocardium was hypertrophic without evidence of inflammation. The typical changes for this disease were found in parietal endocardium of both ventricles, both atria, as well as both atrioventricular valves, and aortic valve.