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Background Infectious spondylodiscitis is a debilitating condition and evidence-based medicine dictates confirming the diagnosis before treatment. Computed tomography–guided spinal biopsy plays a major role and hence we would like to determine its utility in current clinical practice. Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine the percentage of confirmatory positives of CT-guided spinal biopsy in patients who were clinicoradiologically diagnosed with infectious spondylitis. Material and Methods A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent CT-guided biopsy for suspected infectious spondylodiscitis from 2017 to 2021 in a tertiary medical center was done. The data were filtered and obtained from the electronic database of the institution. Results In all, 259 patients underwent CT-guided biopsy of the spine. The procedure provided confirmatory results in 149 (57.5%) biospecimens. Histopathology examination was confirmatory in 95 (36.6%) of the 241 biospecimens sent. The Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) was confirmatory in 51 (19.9%) of the 250 biospecimens sent and drug resistance was seen in 6/51 (11.7%) biospecimens. Xpert TB provided confirmatory results in 72 (27.8%) of the 254 biospecimens sent and rifampicin resistance was seen in 16/72 (22.2%) biospecimens. Bacterial culture was confirmatory in 29 (11.2%) of the 250 biospecimens sent. The complication documented in this study was 0.3%. Conclusion CT-guided spinal biopsy for suspected vertebral osteomyelitis is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure. It demonstrates a positive yield in more than half of the patients. Knowing the outcome, the patients can be appropriately counseled prior to the procedure. CT-guided biopsy results were affected by prior administration of ATT (antitubercular therapy) in suspected tuberculous spondylitis patients.

Background The diagnosis of osteosarcoma (OSA) depends on clinicopathological and radiological correlation. A biopsy is considered the gold standard for OSA diagnosis. However, since OSA is a great histological mimicker, diagnostic challenges exist. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) can serve as an adjunct for the histological diagnosis of OSA. Special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 2 (SATB2) was recently described as a reliable adjunct immunohistochemical marker for the diagnosis of OSA. Methods We investigated the IHC expression of SATB2 in 95 OSA and 100 non-osteogenic bone and soft tissue tumors using a monoclonal antibody (clone EPNCIR30A). The diagnostic utility of SATB2 and correlation with clinicopathological parameters were analyzed. Results SATB2 IHC was positive in 88 out of 95 cases (92.6%) of OSA and 50 out of 100 cases (50.0%) of primary non-osteogenic bone and soft tissue tumors. Of the 59 bone tumors, 37 cases (62.7%) were positive for SATB2, and of the 41 soft tissue tumors, 13 cases (31.7%) were positive for SATB2. The sensitivity of SATB2 as a diagnostic test was 92.6%, specificity 50%, positive predictive value 63.8%, and negative predictive value 87.7%. Conclusions Although SATB2 is a useful diagnostic marker for OSA, other clinical, histological and immunohistochemical features should be considered for the interpretation of SATB2.

Introduction: Core needle biopsies of solid masses in children are a minimally invasive technique. It guides to a definitive diagnosis and facilitates management. Aims and Objectives: To determine the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of core needle biopsies in diagnosing pediatric solid masses. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 430 children, who underwent core needle biopsy for solid masses between January 2007 and December 2016 at CMC Vellore, was done. Results: Retroperitoneal and intra-abdominal masses constituted 66% of cases. Real-time image guidance was used in 44% of cases. An accurate diagnosis was obtained in 93.6% of cases, while results did not correlate with the final diagnosis in 3.4%. Three percent had inadequate or necrotic tissue. None of the children had postprocedure complications. Conclusion: Core needle biopsies serve as good diagnostic modality, with minimal risks, in making a conclusive diagnosis and deciding on the line of management.

Introduction: Cervical cytology has limited sensitivity to detect cervical pre-cancerous lesions. High-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) DNA testing has high sensitivity but its specificity is limited. This study was done to assess the utility of p16INK4a/ki-67 dual stained cytology in improving the predictive value for high-grade cervical (CIN2+) lesions. Aim/Objective: To assess the significance of P16/Ki-67 immunocytochemistry in improving the predictive value for high-grade cervical intraepithelial (≥CIN 2+) lesions on Pap smear. Material and Methods: This was a prospective diagnostic study that included 93 patients with ASC-US/LSIL/ASC-H and HSIL on thin prep cervical smears and who also underwent hr-HPV DNA test and colposcopy-guided biopsy. Biopsy was the gold standard against which the performance of P16INK4a/Ki-67 and hr-HPV results were compared. Results: In women of all ages, sensitivity of (96.8%) hr-HPV test and p16/Ki-67 dual immunocytochemistry (≥1 positive cell) were similar and negative predictive value (NPV) was (97.1% vs. 97.9%) but the latter test showed better specificity (69.4% vs. 53.2%) and positive predictive value (PPV, 61.2% vs. 50.8%) for ≥CIN 2 lesions. A higher cut off of at least 10 positive cells gives a higher specificity and PPV, with slightly decreased sensitivity and NPV. Conclusion: Because high-risk HPV test has a high sensitivity and NPV, whereas P16/Ki-67 dual immunocytochemistry (≥10 positive cells) has a high specificity and PPV, the latter can be recommended as an ancillary test in hr-HPV-positive women to reduce the number of women going for colposcopy and biopsies.

Background: Glomus tumors are uncommon tumors and their occurrence in the foot is even less common. Glomus tumors of the toes are often missed, causing delays in diagnosis and treatment. We report an ambispective observational study of glomus tumors of the toes that were treated at our institution. Methods: We reviewed the records of all the patients who underwent excision of toe glomus tumors in our department from January 2010 to September 2022. The follow-up data were collected from the outpatient records and by telephonic interview. Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), and the Foot Function Index (FFI) were collected. Results: Out of all the patients treated for glomus tumors, we found that 7 patients had glomus tumors of the toes. Of the 7 patients, 6 were women and 1 was a male. The mean follow-up of our patients was 66.4 months (range, 7-109 months). Of the 7 patients, 1 presented with recurrent glomus tumor 30 months following the primary operation, for which she underwent excision again, after which she was symptom free. Another patient who developed recurrent symptoms on telephonic interview refused any further treatment. Among the 6 patients who were symptom-free at follow-up (including the patient who underwent excision for the recurrent tumor), the median SANE score, and FFI were 99.5 (IQR, 96-100) and 0.5 (IQR, 0-2) respectively. The mean FAOS was 96 (SD, 3.3). Conclusion: Surgical excision of the subungual toe glomus tumors can be curative. Recurrence of toe glomus tumors was noted in 2 patients (29%), one of whom refused further surgery. Re-excision in the other patient resulted in complete resolution of symptoms. Level of Evidence: Level III, ambispective observational study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Paget's disease of bone (PDB) is uncommonly reported from India. We attempted to study the clinical and imaging features and management of participants who presented with PDB. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, clinical and imaging profile, biochemistry, and treatment outcomes of participants with PDB (n = 48) were obtained. Results: The mean age was 60 ± 11.3 years and 35% were women. Twenty percent were asymptomatic. Many (87%) had polyostotic involvement. Sixty percent (n = 29) underwent treatment with zoledronic acid and rest with oral bisphosphonates, and all achieved remission. Conclusion: Most of the pagetic participants had polyostotic disease and one-fifth were asymptomatic. All participants had disease remission following treatment.

Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study is to examine the adequacy and accuracy of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (US-FNAC) in thyroid nodules ≥1 cm and to analyze the clinical, sonological, and cytological features in predicting thyroid malignancy. Materials and Methods: US-FNAC was done on 290 patients from December 2013 to December 2014 by the radiologist. The Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) was used to record the sonological features. FNAC samples were reported by a dedicated cytopathologist. Accuracy was calculated by comparing US-FNAC, clinical features and ultrasound (US) features for those who had final histopathology till April 2017. Results: The adequacy of US-FNAC in this study was 80.2%. Thyroidectomy was performed in 128/290 (44.1%). The sensitivity and specificity of US-FNAC in this study is 83.9 and 76.3%, respectively, with a positive predictive value of 85.2%, negative predictive value of 74.4%, and an accuracy of 81% in predicting malignancy in thyroid nodules ≥1 cm. The malignancy rate in benign FNAC sample was 25% (10/40), and was 69% (8/13) in those with a follicular lesion of undetermined significance (FLUS). Around 80% of benign and 89% of FLUS had follicular variant of papillary carcinoma of thyroid (FVPTC). US-FNAC, a high TIRADS score, and US features such as marked hypoechogenicity, taller than wide, irregular margins, microcalcification, and clinical features, such as hard in consistency and significant cervical lymph nodes, were important in predicting malignancy (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The accuracy of US-FNAC in this study is 81%. The US-FNAC, a high TIRADS score, a hard thyroid nodule, and significant cervical lymph nodes are important in predicting malignancy. The accuracy rate in benign and atypia undetermined significance categories needs to improve in this study. Further research to help in decreasing false negative rates of FVPTC will help in increasing the accuracy of US-FNAC in the present study.

A 39-year-old female came for evaluation for progressive lower costochondral pain and swelling with no associated systemic or constitutional symptoms and no evidence of the involvement of any other organ system. Diagnostic thoracotomy with excision of involved rib and costochondral junction showed plasma cell-rich chronic inflammation with foci of fibrosis with no definite storiform fibrosis or obliterative phlebitis. Immunohistochemistry showed 30%–40% immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-positive cells/hpf with an IgG:IgG4 ratio of 30% with sterile cultures and no elevation of serum IgG4 levels. With a presumptive diagnosis of IgG4-related disease, she was started on steroids with which she had complete symptom relief and resolution of the lesion. This case highlights the importance of considering the diagnosis of IgG4 disease even in the absence of typical histopathological findings and elevated serum IgG4 levels. The authors have not found any prior reports in the English literature of IgG4 disease of the ribs and costochondral junction.

Tumour induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by renal phosphate wasting and hypophosphatemic osteomalacia, caused by FGF-23 (Fibroblast growth factor-23) producing mesenchymal tumours. Here, we report the case of a 40 year old lady referred by her family physician for multiple joint pains of 2 years duration. There was no evidence of inflammatory arthritis. Biochemical investigations revealed low phosphorus, with raised alkaline phosphatase and high levels of FGF-23. As a TIO was considered likely, functional imaging with a DOTATATE PET scan was done, which revealed a DOTA avid lesion in the right foot. Following surgical excision of the tumour, there was significant relief in symptoms and gradual recovery of phosphate to normal levels. It is relevant and important for family physicians as in subjects with symptom like polyarthralgia, a simple measurement of analytes like phosphate, calcium and alkaline phosphatase in primary care setting will help to arrive at a cause and referral for further evaluation as this condition is potentially treatable.

Case: Glomus tumors of the hand are rare tumors that occur predominantly in the subungual region. Though multicentric glomus tumors have been reported in the subungual region involving the nailbed, monostotic multiple intraosseous glomus tumors have not been reported so far. We report a case of a 36 year-old woman who presented with a 5-year history of intermittent thumb pain, aggravated with exposure to cold or pressure. A glomus tumor of the thumb was excised, but symptoms returned 3 months later. She ultimately underwent curettage with bone grafting of a recurrent glomus tumor at the same site, and has been free of symptoms for 1.5 years. Conclusion: Intraosseous glomus tumors may present as multiple synchronous lesions. This, to the best of our knowledge, is the first case report of monostotic multiple intraosseous glomus tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is a histopathologically distinctive neoplasm of children and young adults. According to World Health Organization (WHO) classification, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is an intermediate-grade tumor, with potential for recurrence and rare metastasis. There are no definite histopathologic, molecular, or cytogenetic features to predict malignant transformation, recurrence, or metastasis. Methods A 5-year retrospective study of histopathologically diagnosed inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors of various anatomic sites was conducted to correlate anaplastic lymphoma kinase-1 (ALK-1) expression with histological atypia, multicentric origin of tumor, recurrence, and metastasis. Clinical details of all the cases were noted from the clinical work station. Immunohistochemical stains for ALK-1 and other antibodies were performed. Statistical analysis was done using Fisher exact test. Results A total of 18 cases of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors were found during the study period, of which 14 were classical. The female-male ratio was 1:1 and the mean age was 23.8 years. Histologically atypical (four cases) and multifocal tumors (three cases, multicentric in origin) were noted. Recurrence was noted in 30% of ALK-1 positive and 37.5% of ALK-1 negative cases, whereas metastasis to the lung, liver, and pelvic bone was noted in the ALK-1 positive group only. Conclusions Overall, ALK-1 protein was expressed in 55.6% of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors. There was no statistically significant correlation between ALK-1 expression, tumor type, recurrence and metastasis. However, ALK-1 immunohistochemistry is a useful diagnostic aid in the appropriate clinical and histomorphologic context.

Hydatid disease caused by the larval form of the parasitic tapeworm, Echinococcus granulosus, commonly affects the liver and lungs. Bone involvement by Hydatid is extremely uncommon and is reported in 1-3% of cases. It is often a dormant disease, presenting at a late stage with non-specific clinical and radiological findings. Usually they occur as an isolated entity without liver/lung involvement and a clinical suspicion of this disease is not possible. We report a rare case of Hydatid cyst of femur in a 25-year-old female, with unresolving non-union of fracture for five years. The occurrence of this disease in atypical locations and lack of a specific radiological sign makes the diagnosis challenging and it is important for the orthopaedicians and pathologists to be aware of this entity for a precise diagnosis.

Paraneoplastic Pemphigus (PNP) is an autoimmune bullous disease characterized by severe stomatitis, polymorphous skin eruptions, and underlying neoplasms. Diagnosis of cutaneous paraneoplastic disorders requires high index of suspicion. We describe a patient with PNP associated with follicular dendritic cell (FDC) tumor in the mediastinum, a rare neoplasm originating from follicular dendritic cells. Its management requires identification of underlying malignancy and treatment of the same. Our patient showed remission of PNP upon excision of the tumor and remained disease-free for 8 years.

Purpose. To evaluate the time required for effective action of phenol against the giant cell tumour (GCT) cells. Methods. Fresh GCT cells were harvested from 9 patients with primary GCT of the distal femur (n=4), proximal tibia (n=4), and proximal humerus (n=1), with the Campanacci tumour grades 3 (n=6), 2 (n=2), and 1 (n=1). Specimens were immersed in 80 % phenol for one, 3, 6, and 10 minutes, and were assessed by a single pathologist for irreversible cell death and the depth of phenol penetration. Results. Phenol caused consistent GCT cell death in 6 of the 9 specimens after 3 minutes and in all 9 specimens after 6 minutes, compared to none in controls (p

Objectives: The aim of this multicentre retrospective study was to review the clinical data, outcomes and histopathological features of cats that had been treated for ocular surface dermoids. Methods: Thirteen cats from various private practices in France with a clinical diagnosis of ocular surface dermoid were included in the study. Results: The mean age of the study population at the time of diagnosis was 5 months. There were nine males and four females. Three different breeds were domestic shorthair (n = 7), Birman (n = 4) and Havana Brown (n = 2). Two of the four Birmans were related (same sire). The two Havana Browns were also related (same sire). All of the dermoids were unilateral. Five of the dermoids were strictly conjunctival. Four affected both the conjunctiva and the cornea. Three affected both the conjunctiva and the eyelid, and one was strictly corneal. They were located in various positions: temporal (n = 9), inferonasal (n = 1), dorsonasal (n = 1) and dorsotemporal (n = 1). The last dermoid was heterogeneous and involved the nasal, dorsal and temporal quadrants. Concurrent eye diseases were observed in five patients: four cats exhibited associated eyelid agenesis and one cat exhibited persistent iris-to-iris pupillary membranes. Ten dermoids were surgically excised with no recurrences. Surgery was not performed for three cats: one cat died a few days after diagnosis and two cats were lost to follow-up after initial presentation. Conclusions and relevance: Ocular surface dermoids are a rare condition in cats that can be treated successfully by surgical excision. Although our study reports only a small number of cases, the observation of ocular surface dermoids in two related cats in two different breeds indicates that genetic transmission is likely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]