Uterine Burkitt Lymphoma with Rare Extranodal Deposits in the Bone, Breast, and Sacral Canal: A Case Report

Burkitt lymphoma is a highly invasive non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Sporadic Burkitt's lymphoma is commonly found in the abdomen. However, Burkitt lymphoma infiltrating the uterus is uncommon in occurrence. We report the results of 18F-FDG PET/CT examination of a 36-year-old woman. The report indicates that in addition to the strong uptake of FDG imaging agent in the uterus, bilateral cervical and abdominal lymph nodes also have strong activity. At the same time, it was also found that bilateral small breast nodules, sacral canal and multiple bones in the whole body showed a radiation uptake pattern similar to that of the uterus. 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging can help determine the extent of the disease and the affected body area, which is helpful to guide the treatment decision. This case report shows the application of 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging in the diagnosis, staging and post-treatment evaluation of Burkitt lymphoma of the uterus. It provides very useful information for clinicians and helps to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment effect.

Case Report: A recurrent case of ALK-ALCL after autologous transplantation was successfully treated with BV + a modified CHEP chemotherapy containing mitoxantrone hydrochloride liposome with the addition of chidamide maintenance therapy

Background

ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALK-ALCL) is a rare heterogeneous malignancy of T-cell origin.ALK- ALCL has a poor prognosis, with more patients experiencing relapses and refractory to treatment, and its treatment remains challenging. We report a case with bone involvement as the main clinical manifestation of recurrent, and the patient achieved significant partial remission after brentuximab vedotin(BV) combined with a modified CHEP chemotherapy containing mitoxantrone hydrochloride liposome (PLM60) with the addition of chidamide maintenance therapy and received regular follow-up, with a disease-free survival of 16 months to date. A literature review of the clinical presentation and treatment of ALCL was also conducted to identify strategies for its diagnosis and management.

Conclusions

ALK-ALCL with bone involvement as the main manifestation of recurrent is relatively rare. Here, BV combined a modified CHEP chemotherapy containing mitoxantrone hydrochloride liposome was applied for the first time in a patient with relapsed ALK-ALCL, inducing remission and extending survival. However, further prospective studies with many patients are needed to determine the biological characteristics of this rare type of ALK-ALCL and relevant treatment strategies.

Frontal cutaneous and bone sarcoidosis: an example of the contiguous spread of granulomas

Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic granulomatous disease of unknown origin. It has been argued that the skin is one of the entry doors of the possible antigen that causes sarcoidosis and after entering the skin, the causal agent may progress to the underlying bone. We report four cases with development of sarcoidosis in old scars located on the forehead, and contiguous bone involvement of the frontal bone. In most cases scar sarcoidosis was the first manifestation of the disease, and in most cases it was asymptomatic. Two patients never required treatment, and in all cases the frontal problem improved or remained stable spontaneously or under sarcoidosis treatment. Scar sarcoidosis in the frontal area may have contiguous bone damage. This bone involvement does not seem to be associated with neurological extension.

Bone erosions and osteophytes in premenopausal women with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis: association with systemic bone involvement by HR-Pqct

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate premenopausal women with long-standing RA and to explore the relationship between parameters of systemic and localized bone involvement.

METHODS

Eighty consecutive RA premenopausal women were evaluated. Volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), microarchitecture and finite element analysis were performed using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) at the distal radius (DR) and tibia (DT) and compared with parameters from 160 female healthy controls matched by age and body mass index. Localized bone involvement was also analyzed using HR-pQCT in the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints to identify erosions and osteophytes.

RESULTS

The mean age of RA patients was 39.4±6.7years and disease duration 9.8±5.3years. RA patients had impaired trabecular, cortical and bone strength parameters, at DR and DT, compared with healthy controls (p<0.05). Bone erosions and osteophytes were found in 75% and 41.3% of patients, respectively. Comparing patients with and without erosions, at DR and DT, a lower cortical vBMD (DR: 980±72 versus 1021±47mgHA/cm³ , p=0.03; DT:979±47 versus 1003±34 mgHA/cm³ , p=0.04) and higher cortical porosity (DR:2.8±2.5 versus 1.8±1.6%, p=0.04; and DT:3.7±1.6 versus 2.7±1.6%, p=0.01) were observed in patients with erosions. At the DR, osteophyte volume was positively correlated with trabecular vBMD (0.392, p=0.02), trabecular number (0.381, p=0.03) and stiffness (0.411, p=0.02), and negatively with trabecular separation (-0.364, p=0.04).

CONCLUSION

Our findings showed that premenopausal women with long-standing RA had systemic bone fragility at peripheral sites. Moreover, erosions were associated mainly with cortical bone fragility at the DR and DT, and osteophytes correlated with repair of trabecular bone at the radius.

Systemic Treatment of Fabry Disease Using a Novel AAV9 Vector Expressing α-Galactosidase A

Fabry disease is a rare X-linked disorder affecting α-galactosidase A, a rate-limiting enzyme in lysosomal catabolism of glycosphingolipids. Current treatments present important limitations, such as low half-life and limited distribution, which gene therapy can overcome. The aim of this work was to test a novel adeno-associated viral vector, serotype 9 (AAV9), ubiquitously expressing human α-galactosidase A to treat Fabry disease (scAAV9-PGK-GLA). The vector was preliminary tested in newborns of a Fabry disease mouse model. 5 months after treatment, α-galactosidase A activity was detectable in the analyzed tissues, including the central nervous system. Moreover, we tested the vector in adult animals of both sexes at two doses and disease stages (presymptomatic and symptomatic) by single intravenous injection. We found that the exogenous α-galactosidase A was active in peripheral tissues as well as the central nervous system and prevented glycosphingolipid accumulation in treated animals up to 5 months following injection. Antibodies against α-galactosidase A were produced in 9 out of 32 treated animals, although enzyme activity in tissues was not significantly affected. These results demonstrate that scAAV9-PGK-GLA can drive widespread and sustained expression of α-galactosidase A, cross the blood brain barrier after systemic delivery, and reduce pathological signs of the Fabry disease mouse model.

Effect of Substrate Reduction Therapy in Comparison to Enzyme Replacement Therapy on Immune Aspects and Bone Involvement in Gaucher Disease

Gaucher disease (GD) is caused by mutations in the GBA gene, leading to deficient activity of the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase. Among all the symptoms across various organ systems, bone disease is a major concern as it causes high morbidity and reduces quality of life. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is the most accepted treatment; however, there are still unmet needs. As an alternative, substrate reduction therapy (SRT) was developed using glucosylceramide synthase inhibitors. In the current study, the effects of ERT vs. SRT were compared, particularly the immunological and bone remodeling aspects. GD subjects were divided into three cohorts based on their treatment at initial visit: ERT, SRT, and untreated (UT). Immunophenotyping showed no significant immune cell alterations between the cohorts. Expression of RANK/RANKL/Osteoprotegerin pathway components on immune cells and the secreted markers of bone turnover were analyzed. In the ERT cohort, no significant changes were observed in RANK, RANKL or serum biomarkers. RANKL on T lymphocytes, Osteopontin and MIP-1β decreased with SRT treatment indicating probable reduction in osteoclast activity. Other secreted factors, Osteocalcin and RANKL/Osteoprotegerin did not change with the treatment status. Insights from the study highlight personalized differences between subjects and possible use of RANK pathway components as markers for bone disease progression.

18F-FDG PET Response of Skeletal (Bone Marrow and Bone) Involvement After Induction Chemotherapy in Pediatric Hodgkin Lymphoma: Are Specific Response Criteria Required?

To determine whether the current ¹⁸F-FDG PET response criterion for skeletal involvement in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is suitable, we performed a systematic evaluation of the different types of skeletal involvement and their response on PET after 2 cycles of chemotherapy (PET-2). A secondary objective was to observe the influence of the initial uptake intensity (measured as qPET) and initial metabolic tumor volume (MTV) of skeletal lesions on the PET-2 response. Methods: The initial PET scans of 1,068 pediatric HL patients from the EuroNet-PHL-C1 trial were evaluated for skeletal involvement by central review. Three types of skeletal lesions were distinguished: PET-only lesions (those detected on PET only), bone marrow (BM) lesions (as confirmed by MRI or BM biopsy), and bone lesions. qPET and MTV were calculated for each skeletal lesion. All PET-2 scans were assessed for residual tumor activity. The rates of complete metabolic response for skeletal and nodal involvement on PET-2 were compared. Results: Of the 1,068 patients, 139 (13%) showed skeletal involvement (44 PET-only, 32 BM, and 63 bone). Of the 139 patients with skeletal involvement, 101 (73%) became PET-2-negative in the skeleton and 94 (68%) became PET-2-negative in the lymph nodes. The highest number of PET-2-negative scans in the skeleton was 42 (95%) in the 44 PET-only patients, followed by 22 skeletal lesions (69%) in the 32 BM patients and 37 (59%) in the 63 bone patients. Lesions that became PET-2-negative showed a lower initial median qPET (2.74) and MTV (2 cm³) than lesions that remained PET-2-positive (3.84 and 7 cm³, respectively). Conclusion: In this study with pediatric HL patients, the complete response rate for skeletal involvement on PET-2 was similar to that for nodal involvement. Bone flare seemed to be irrelevant. Overall, the current skeletal PET response criterion-comparison with the local skeletal background-is well suited. The initial qPET and MTV of skeletal lesions were predictive of the PET-2 result. Higher values for both parameters were associated with a worse PET-2 response.

Primary cutaneous acral CD8 positive T-cell lymphoma with extra-cutaneous involvement: A long-standing case with an unexpected progression

Primary cutaneous acral CD8+ T-cell lymphoma (acral CD8+ TCL) is a new provisional entity characterized by acral skin lesions and an indolent course. We describe an extraordinary case characterized by relapsed nodules with CD8+ cytotoxic infiltrates on the left ear. After 35 years, the skin lesions spread to other acral sites, and a mass with the same histological features as the other skin lesions appeared on the nose. Multiple courses of chemotherapy led to stable disease. Histological examinations carried out at different times showed the gradual transformation of the neoplastic cells, with an increased proliferation index. Genomic analysis revealed losses in the regions harboring the genes involved in cell cycle control. This is the first case of an acral CD8+ TCL with a very long history of indolent nodular lesions progressing to extra-cutaneous sites.

Rituximab Restores IFN-γ-STAT1 Function and Ameliorates Disseminated Mycobacterium avium Infection in a Patient with Anti-Interferon-γ Autoantibody

A 67-year-old Japanese female with back pain and severe cachexia visited our hospital. The diagnosis was disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex infection (dMAC) with multiple bone involvement. Anti-mycobacterial chemotherapy was started, but fever persisted and dislocation of cervical vertebrae has made her bedridden. Because anti-interferon (IFN)-γ autoantibody was positive, four doses of rituximab 375 mg/m², every 7 day, were administered. Soon after treatment, progression of osteolytic lesions and wasting has stopped. We proved that rituximab has recovered IFN-γ signaling as shown by IFN-γ-induced STAT1 phosphorylation. It can be a promising option for dMAC cases with anti-IFN-γ autoantibody.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis mimicking lichen nitidus with bone involvement

We report the case of a 6-month-old Hispanic boy with a 4-month history of widespread pruritic hypopigmented papules mimicking lichen nitidus. The final diagnosis was multisystem non-risk-organ Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), with cutaneous and multiple bone involvement. With this patient and others previously reported in the literature, we suggest an early biopsy of the hypopigmented rash in children.

ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma with prominent bone involvement in a 13-year-old boy

Introduction

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive (ALK+) anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which has strong expression of cluster of differentiation (CD)-30 and ALK. ALCL sometimes can involve the bone marrow, and in advanced stages, it can produce destructive bone lesions. But ALK+ ALCL with prominent bone involvement is very rare, especially in children.

Case report

A 13-year-old boy presented with waist pain and low-grade fever for 8 months. The biopsy of soft tissue lesions around the thoracic spine showed that these cells were positive for ALK-1, CD30, leukocyte common antigen, CD3, CD4, and CD8, as well as being negative for epithelial membrane antigen and pan-cytokeratin, which revealed ALCL. After six cycles of a regimen consisting of hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone/methotrexate and cytarabine (hyper-CVAD/MA) and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, he achieved complete remission (CR).

Conclusion

It is generally believed that the regimen consisting of cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin (doxorubicin), vincristine, and prednisolone (CHOP) is also applicable to ALCL. Because of the tendency of rapid progression and the frequency of B symptoms, ALCL in children and young adults is treated with high-grade chemotherapy such as hyper-CVAD/MA.

The clinical spectrum and pathophysiology of skeletal complications in lysosomal storage disorders

Lysosomal storage disorders affect multiple organs including the skeleton. Disorders with prominent skeletal symptoms are type 1 and 3 Gaucher disease, the mucopolysaccharidoses, the glycoproteinoses and pycnodysostosis. Clinical manifestations range from asymptomatic radiographical evidence of bone pathology to overt bone crises (Gaucher), short stature with typical imaging features known as dysostosis multiplex (MPS), with spine and joint deformities (mucopolysaccharidoses, mucolipidosis), or osteopetrosis with pathological fractures (pynodysostosis). The pathophysiology of skeletal disease is only partially understood and involves direct substrate storage, inflammation and other complex alterations of cartilage and bone metabolism. Current treatments are enzyme replacement therapy, substrate reduction therapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, effects of these interventions on skeletal disease manifestations are less well established and outcomes are highly dependent on disease burden at treatment initiation. It is now clear that adjunctive treatments that target skeletal disease are needed and should be part of future research agenda.