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The evidence of an association between diabetes and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) remains limited and inconsistent. Thus, the study aims to delineate the role of diabetes in activation of latent tuberculosis infection. Murine model of latent tuberculosis and diabetes was developed, bacillary load and gene expression of resuscitation promoting factors (rpfA-E) along with histopathological changes in the lungs and spleen were studied. Treatment for LTBI [Rifampicin (RIF) + Isoniazid (INH)] was also given to latently infected mice with or without diabetes for 4 weeks. Diabetes was found to activate latent tuberculosis as the colony forming unit (CFU) counts were observed to be > 104in lungs and spleen. The gene expression ofhspXwas downregulated and that ofrpfBandrpfDwas observed to be upregulated in latently infected mice with diabetes compared to those without diabetes. However, no significant reduction in the CFU counts was observed after 4 weeks of treatment with RIF and INH. Diabetes helps in the progression of LTBI to active disease mainly through altered expression of resuscitation promoting factorsrpfBandrpfD, which can serve as important targets to reduce the shared burden of tuberculosis and diabetes.

Background: Syringocystadenoma papilliferum is a benign adnexal neoplasm. Contiguous squamous proliferation has been rarely described in syringocystadenoma papilliferum. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the spectrum and pathogenesis of contiguous squamous proliferation in syringocystadenoma papilliferum. Materials and Methods: All cases of syringocystadenoma papilliferum diagnosed over the past 12 years were screened for contiguous squamous proliferation. Cases with associated nevus sebaceous were excluded from the study. Immunohistochemistry for GATA3, CK7, BRAFV600E and p16 was performed. PCR for human papilloma virus, type 16 and 18, was carried out. Results: Of a total of 30 cases, 14 cases showed associated contiguous squamous proliferation which included four cases of verrucous hyperplasia, six cases with papillomatosis, two cases with mild squamous hyperplasia and one case each of Bowen’s disease and squamous cell carcinoma. In the cases with non-neoplastic contiguous squamous proliferations, the squamous component did not express CK7 or GATA3. However, the squamous component of premalignant and malignant lesions expressed CK7 and GATA3 concordant with the adenomatous component. BRAF was positive in adenomatous component in five cases while the contiguous squamous proliferation component was negative for BRAF in all but one case. p16 was negative in both components of all cases and PCR for human papilloma virus was negative in all cases. Limitations: Due to the rarity of disease, the sample size of our study was relatively small with two cases in the 2nd group, that is, syringocystadenoma papilliferum with malignant contiguous squamous proliferation. Detailed molecular studies such as gene sequencing were not performed. Conclusion: Syringocystadenoma papilliferum with contiguous squamous proliferation is underreported, and most commonly displays verrucous hyperplasia. The premalignant and malignant contiguous squamous proliferations likely arise from syringocystadenoma papilliferum while the hyperplastic contiguous squamous proliferations likely arise from the adjacent epidermis. Relationship with high-risk human papilloma virus is unlikely. However, further molecular analysis of larger number of cases is required to establish the pathogenesis.

Background: The present study evaluated the prognostic value of [99mTc]MDM (bis-methionine-DTPA) follow-up single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging for response assessment to chem...

Non-functioning pituitary tumours (NF-PitNETs) are common intracranial benign neoplasms that can exhibit aggressive behaviour by invading neighbouring structures and, in some cases, have multiple recurrences. Despite resulting in severe co-morbidities, no predictive biomarkers of recurrence have been identified for NF-PitNETs. In this study we have used high-throughput mass spectrometry-based analysis to examine the phosphorylation pattern of different subsets of NF-PitNETs. Based on histopathological, radiological, surgical and clinical features, we have grouped NF-PitNETs into non-invasive, invasive, and recurrent disease groups. Tumour recurrence was determined based on regular clinical and radiological data of patients for a mean follow-up of 10 years (SD ± 5.4 years). Phosphoproteomic analyses identified a unique phosphopeptide enrichment pattern which correlates with disease recurrence. Candidate phosphorylated proteins were validated in a large cohort of NF-PitNET patients by western blot and immunohistochemistry. We identified a cluster of 22 phosphopeptides upregulated in recurrent NF-PitNETs compared to non-invasive and invasive subgroups. We reveal significant phosphorylation of the β-catenin at Ser552 in recurrent and invasive NF-PitNETs, compared to non-invasive/non-recurrent NF-PitNET subgroup. Moreover, β-catenin pSer552 correlates with the recurrence free survival among 200 patients with NF-PitNET. Together, our results suggest that the phosphorylation status of β-catenin at Ser552 could act as potential biomarker of tumour recurrence in NF-PitNETs.

Objectives: 68Ga-Pentixafor positron emission tomography (PET) imaging targets CXCR4 expression which is overexpressed in multiple myeloma (MM). In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic utility of 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT for imaging CXCR4 expression in MM and compared results with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT. Methods: 34 (21M; 13F; median age = 57.5 years) treatment naive multiple myeloma patients were recruited. All the patients underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT and 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT imaging. Freshly prepared 68Ga-Pentixafor (148–185 MBq) was injected intravenously and whole-body PET/CT (low-dose CT) was acquired at 1 h post-injection. The pattern of uptake (diffuse, focal or mixed) and the mean SUVmax value of all the lesions (when lesions were ≤5) or of the five most tracer avid lesions (when lesions was >5) were evaluated. Tumor to background ratio (TBRmax) was calculated for both the tracers. Durie Salmon plus staging (DSPS) was used for disease staging on PET and the results were compared with International staging system (ISS) Results: 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT showed higher disease extent than seen on 18F-FDG PET/CT in 23/34 patients (68.0%), lesser disease extent in 2/34 (6%) and similar disease extent in 9/34 (26%) patients. Significantly (p < 0.001) higher TBRmax values (5.7; IQR 8.8) were observed on 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT as compared to 18F-FDG PET/CT values (2.9; IQR = 4.0). Both the techniques detected extramedullary lesions in six patients. On the other hand, 68Ga-Pentixafor detected medullary lesions in five, whereas, 18F-FDG PET in three patients. Further, only 68Ga-Pentixafor TBRmax correlated significantly (ρ = 0.421; 0.013) with bone marrow plasma cell percentage. 68Ga-Pentixafor PET upstaged more number (9/29) of patients as compared to (4/29) 18F-FDG PET imaging. On the other hand, 18F-FDG PET down-staged 9/29, whereas 68Ga-Pentixafor PET downstaged only 3/29 patients. Conclusion: 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT evaluated the whole-body disease burden of CXCR4 receptors non-invasively which is not possible by tissue sampling methods. This novel PET tracer has also implication for disease staging. Dual 68Ga-Pentixafor/18F-FDG PET/CT imaging may help in determining the tumor heterogeneity in MM. Advances in knowledge: This CXCR4 targeting PET tracer has a promising role in the development of CXCR4 targeting theranostics and also for response assessment to these therapies including the conventional treatment.

Palmoplantar involvement has been infrequently reported in leprosy and is an easily misdiagnosed entity. The institutional database of leprosy clinic from 2015 to 2018 was accessed. Details pertaining to demography, clinical presentation, comorbidities (if any), treatment received, and outcome were analyzed in leprosy patients with palmoplantar involvement. Among the 520 patients studied, the involvement of palms and/or soles was reported in 49 (9.4%) patients. Isolated palm involvement was the most frequent (26/49, 53.1%), followed by both palm and sole involvement (12/49, 24.5%) and sole involvement alone (11/49, 22.4%). A higher incidence of lepra reactions and disabilities was noted in patients with palmoplantar involvement than in those without (P < 0.0001). Palmoplantar involvement in leprosy, although uncommon, is associated with a higher risk of reactions and disabilities. A knowledge of this aspect of leprosy can help in maintaining a high index of suspicion and reduce misdiagnosis.

This study reports a rare case of cryptococcoma of the brain and review the related literature. An intracranial lesion, in a healthy, middle-aged adult who underwent surgery with a preoperative diagnosis of neoplastic/metastatic lesion, which turned out to be cryptococcoma, is being reported. Histopathological examination revealed that this immunocompetent patient had cryptococcoma of the cerebellum. He responded to antifungal chemotherapy (amphotericin B initially for 2 weeks and later oral fluconazole for 10 weeks) very well. Occurrence of cryptococcomas in immunocompetent patients is rare and responds to antifungal chemotherapy very well. Only six cases (including this) have been reported in literature till now.

Extraskeletal mesenchymal chondrosarcoma (MCS) of the central nervous system (CNS) is extremely rare. Herein, we present the clinicopathological features of five CNS extraskeletal MCS.Over the past 10 years, five cases of CNS MCS have been retrieved from in the archives of histopathology department. All biopsies were stained with vimentin, S-100, CD99, desmin, GFAP, INI1, WT1, STAT6, and EMA.There were four males and one female patient in the age group of 1.5-35 years. The clinical and radiological impression was meningioma in three cases, glomus jugulare and primitive neuroectodermal tumor in one case each. All showed classic biphasic morphology, areas of undifferentiated small blue round cells sharply demarcated from the island of cartilage. Three patients experienced multiple recurrences and died subsequently.Extraskeletal MCS of CNS is rare and favors children and young adults. They show aggressive behavior and tend to recur despite surgery and radiotherapy.

Background NFPTs are the most common operated pituitary tumours and can present with visual field defects, hormone deficiencies and headache. Surgery is treatment of choice but recurrence rate is high ranging from 10-50%, depending on the extent of tumour removal. No confirmed predictive biomarkers for NFPT recurrence have been identified, apart from Ki-67. We applied high-throughput mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomic approach to explore the phosphorylation pattern of proteins in NFPTs in order to identify predictive markers of invasion and recurrence. Methods Based on radiological, histopathological, and surgical features, NFPTs were sub-grouped into three groups: non-invasive (n=5), invasive (n=10) and recurrent (n=5) subtypes. Invasiveness was determined by radiology (Knosp classification 3&4), histopathological invasion (bone, dura and mucosa) and intraoperative findings. Tumour recurrence was based on radiological data for a mean±SD follow-up of112±39 months. Fresh-frozen pituitary tumour tissues were used for protein extraction and phosphopeptides were enriched using TiO 2 and labelled with tandem mass tags and subjected tomass spectrometry (Orbitrap)for quantification. Candidate hyper-phosphorylated proteins were validated by immunohistochemistry in 200 additional tumour samples by immunoblotting (n=36). Results In total, we identified 3185 phosphopeptides and observed significant difference in phosphorylation levels of invasive and recurrent groups. Compared to non-invasive cases, in invasive group we found, 452 hyper and 93 hypo phosphorylated proteins, while in the recurrent group there were 790 hyper and 307 hypo phosphorylated proteins. Phospho-serine showed the highest level of difference (90.3%) among the groups, followed by threonine (8.9%) and tyrosine (0.8%). One of the top differentially phosphorylated proteins was Ser552 of β-catenin showing significant hyper-phosphorylation in recurrent (p Conclusions our study has identified hyper-phosphorylation of β-catenin at the Ser552 in recurrent and invasive NFPT subgroups. The H-score of β-catenin p552 correlates with tumour recurrence free survival in a large cohort of NFPT patients, which supports that β-catenin pSer552 could be used as predictive biomarker for NFPT recurrence. Presentation: No date and time listed

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is the most common leukemia presenting with priapism. Due to social stigma or shyness, the real incidence of priapism in our population is difficult to estimate. Since the successful development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, the life expectancy of CML-chronic phase (CML-CP) has been comparable to the healthy population, and the importance of priapism has further magnified. As of now, the long-term outcome and fertility issues are not very well known. We present the case of a 24-year-old previously healthy gentleman who presented with priapism and was diagnosed as CML-CP. He achieved major molecular response at 18 months. On follow-up at 2 years since the diagnosis, he offers no complaint except moderate erectile dysfunction (International Index of Erectile Function score 11), compromising his quality of life.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare histiocytic disorder characterized by clonal proliferation of neoplastic Langerhans cells (LCs). LC proliferation can also be seen in different reactive dermatosis. CyclinD1 is a downstream marker of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway, which is often activated in LCH. This study aimed to evaluate the role of cyclinD1 to differentiate reactive LC proliferation from LCH. All cases of cutaneous LCH diagnosed by biopsy in the past 3 years (n = 13) were immunostained with CD1a, p53, CD31, and cyclinD1. Seven cases each of discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and lichen planus (LP) were taken as control. Presence of p53, CD31, and cyclinD1-positive LCs (CD1a-positive) were compared in the dermis. In all LCH cases, dermal neoplastic LCs showed diffuse CD1a positivity and 12 cases (92.3%) showed variable (30%-70%) cyclinD1 expression. Weak p53 and CD31 expression were seen in 61.5% and 46.1% of LCH cases, respectively. In the control group, 5 cases of LP and 4 cases of DLE showed variable LC proliferation, highlighted by CD1a positivity. However, no case of reactive dermatosis showed cyclinD1 or p53 expression by the reactive LCs. Weak and patchy CD31 expression by the reactive LCs were found in 1 (25%) and 2 (40%) cases of DLE and LP, respectively. To conclude, cyclinD1 is frequently expressed in neoplastic LCs in LCH. It is an efficient marker to differentiate neoplastic from reactive LC proliferation, and can be used as a surrogate marker in LCH.

INTRODUCTION Pineal parenchymal tumor of intermediate differentiation (PPTID) is an uncommon tumor of the pineal gland. Although this behaves as a grade II/III tumor, the exact clinical behavior is not well known. There is no well-established pathologic factor that can predict the behavior of PPTID. AIM AND OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the pathologic prognostic factors in PPTID. MATERIALS AND METHODS All PPTID cases diagnosed between 2006 and 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. Immunohistochemistry for synaptophysin, neurofilament protein (NFP), glial fibrillar acid protein, NeuN, and Ki-67 were performed in all cases. Cases were classified arbitrarily into low grade (mitosis

Introduction. Histopathological examination (HPE) of tissue helps in the diagnosis of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) but cannot identify the fungus to the genus/species level Gap Statement Available protocols for the molecular identification of fungi from formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues have limitations in terms of extraction and target selection, and standardisation. Aim. Development of sequence-based fungal identification protocol after extraction of DNA from formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. Methodology. A total of 63 FFPE tissues from histopathology proven IFI cases were used to standardize the DNA extraction (commercial QIAamp kit-based extraction and conventional phenol-chloroform-isoamyl alcohol [PCI] method) and sequence-based fungal identification protocols. The PCR targeted different ribosomal DNA (rDNA) regions including complete internal transcribed spacer (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2), separate ITS1 and ITS2, 18S and D1/D2 of 28S regions. Semi-nested PCR targeting Mucorales-specific 18S rDNA region was performed in tissues having aseptate hyphae. The optimized ITS1-PCR protocol was evaluated in 119 FFPE tissues containing septate hyphae or yeast, and Mucorales-specific semi-nested PCR in 126 FFPE tissues containing aseptate hyphae. Results. The DNA yield by conventional PCI method was significantly higher (P Conclusion. Conventional PCI-based DNA extraction from thick tissue (50 µm) may be used until optimal commercial fungal DNA extraction kit is developed. Subsequent ITS1-PCR for septate fungi and yeast, and semi-nested PCR targeting 18S rDNA for Mucorales are recommended to identify the fungus in FFPE tissues.

Background Diabetes aggravates the risk of tuberculosis (TB) through impairment of immunity which may lead to the activation of latent tuberculosis (LTBI). LTBI serves as a homeostatic state where host does not develop any symptoms of the disease as host immune system assist in the containment of infection leading to granuloma formation. However, the compromised immunity imbalances this equilibrium which further leads to reactivation of LTBI. The aim of this study was to assess if hyperglycemia like conditions contribute towards activation of latent tuberculosis. Material/methods In vitro granuloma model was developed using peripheral blood monocytic cells (PBMCs) under normal and high glucose conditions and the characteristics of dormancy i.e. tolerance towards rifampicin, loss of acid fastness were monitored. Further, activation was assessed by expression analysis of various resuscitation promoting factors rpfA-E. Results Granuloma formation was not observed in the presence of high glucose. The gene expression of hspX was downregulated whereas the expression of rpfA-E genes was upregulated under high glucose conditions after 48 h of glucose treatment. The expression of rpfD gene remained upregulated till 72 h of glucose treatment. Conclusion High glucose concentrations impede the granuloma formation and may lead to activation of latent tubercle bacilli through resuscitation promoting factors. Thus, rpfs represent an important targets for new interventions that can abate the burden from co-pathogenesis of tuberculosis and diabetes.

OBJECTIVE To characterize glioma preoperatively using quantitative 99mTc-methionine SPECT and comparison with MR-perfusion/spectroscopy and histopatholgical/Ki-67 scoring. METHODS Twenty-nine patients (21M: 8F; mean age 42.3 ± 10.5 years) with clinical and radiological suspicion of glioma assessed by 99mTc-MDM/SPECT and ceMRI. Additionally, 12/29 patients underwent dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced (DSCE) MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) examination. Three patients with benign pathologies were recruited as controls. Histopathological tumor analysis was done in all (n = 29) the patients, and the Ki-67 index was evaluated in 20/29 patients. The target-to-nontarget (T/NT) methionine tumor uptake ratios, normalized cerebral blood volume (nCBV) and metabolites [choline/N-acetyl aspartate (Cho/NAA), Cho/creatine (Cr), Cr/NAA and Cr/Cho) ratios were measured in tumor areas. RESULTS On histopathological analysis, 26/29 patients had glioma (G IV-13; G III-04; G II-09). The mean T/NT ratio in G-II was significantly lower (2.46 ± 2.3) than in G-III (7.13 ± 2.2) and G-IV (5.16 ± 1.2). However, the mean ratio was highest (15.9 ± 6.8) in meningioma (n=3). The T/NT cutoff ratio of 3.08 provided 100% sensitivity, 87.5% specificity for discriminating high-grade glioma (HGG) from low-grade glioma (LGG) disease. Likewise, the nCBV cutoff of 2.43 offered 100% sensitivity and 80% specificity. Only the Cho/NAA cutoff value of greater than 3.34 provided reasonable sensitivity and specificity of 85.7% and 80.0% respectively for this differentiation. T/NT ratio correlated significantly with nCBV and Cho/NAA, Cho/Cr ratios but not with Ki-67. CONCLUSION Quantitative 99mTc-MDM -SPECT provided high sensitivity and specificity to differentiate HGG versus LGG preoperatively and demonstrated a potential role for the differential diagnosis of glial versus nonglial tumors.

Background Defect in internal elastic lamina, defect in tunica media, and the amount of collagen and elastin play a role in vessel wall weakening leading to aneurysm formation. A similar picture may be found in connective tissue disorders, such as Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), neurofibromatosis type 1, and Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS), where there is a predominant disorder of collagen formation/maturation. Methods Histopathology of skin and the superficial temporal artery (STA) was done. All specimens were obtained during craniotomy for ruptured aneurysm clipping or other indicated procedures (for control subjects). Parameters in skin biopsy seen were epithelial thickness, dermal collagen thickness, and so forth. For the STA, parameters such as intimal thickness, intimal proliferation, thickness of media, and so forth were studied. Results Twenty cases and twenty control subjects were studied. The mean age of the study population was 40.5 years. Salient findings on skin biopsy in patients of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) (cases) were haphazard orientation of collagen, inflammation in the subepidermal layer, increased dermal collagen thickness, and reduced and/or fragmented elastic fibers. Prominent findings on vessel wall biopsy were intimal proliferation, reduplication of internal elastic lamina, reduced and/or fragmented elastin, and vacuolation of smooth muscle cells. The average number of aberrations per patient was significantly higher in cases than control subjects. Conclusions The histologic changes seen in skin and the STA in cases of IAs signify a weak connective tissue. Some of these findings are also seen in known connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome, EDS, neurofibromatosis type 1, and LDS. The connective tissue abnormalities found in patients with IAs may be congenital, which gets further accentuated by known risk factors leading to weak vessel wall and subsequent aneurysm formation.

The pituitary function is regulated by a complex system involving the hypothalamus and biological networks within the pituitary. Although the hormones secreted from the pituitary have been well studied, comprehensive analyses of the pituitary proteome are limited. Pituitary proteomics is a field of postgenomic research that is crucial to understand human health and pituitary diseases. In this context, we report here a systematic proteomic profiling of human anterior pituitary gland (adenohypophysis) using high-resolution Fourier transform mass spectrometry. A total of 2164 proteins were identified in this study, of which 105 proteins were identified for the first time compared with high-throughput proteomic-based studies from human pituitary glands. In addition, we identified 480 proteins with secretory potential and 187 N-terminally acetylated proteins. These are the first region-specific data that could serve as a vital resource for further investigations on the physiological role of the human anterior pituitary glands and the proteins secreted by them. We anticipate that the identification of previously unknown proteins in the present study will accelerate biomedical research to decipher their role in functioning of the human anterior pituitary gland and associated human diseases.

We present the case of a 36-year-old woman who underwent (18)F-FDG PET/CT with suspicion of a primary breast malignancy. However, PET/CT detected an occult renal cell carcinoma with metastases to the thyroid, breast, lungs and lymph nodes. Thyroid and breast metastases are atypical metastatic sites of renal cell carcinoma. Breast metastases from extra mammary tissue are extremely rare, more so from renal cell carcinoma. Histopathologic confirmation of the breast lesions is imperative to avoid unnecessary mastectomy and imaging can help in raising the suspicion of metastatic involvement versus primary breast malignancy.

Convexity subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) represents 6% to 7% of all cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage, with cerebral amyloid angiopathy and reversible cerebral vasospasm accounting for 55% to 70% of all cases.

Background: Previous studies have tried to relate magnetic resonance (MR) characteristics of meningiomas with its intraoperative features and histopathology with varying results. This is a prospective study to assess the independent predictive value of conventional MR signals [T1, T2, and fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR)] in relation to consistency, vascularity, operative plane, Simpson excision, and histopathology of intracranial meningiomas in a multivariate model. Materials and Methods: Seventy patients underwent T1, T2, FLAIR, postcontrast sequences followed by excision of their meningiomas. Tumor signal intensity in various sequences was studied in relation to the above-mentioned variables. Multivariate analysis to find their independent association was performed. Results: T1 images showed no correlation with any of the variables. FLAIR hypointensity and inhomogeneous enhancement had significant association with tumor hardness. FLAIR hypointense tumors were associated with low vascularity. FLAIR hypointensity, skull base location, and recurrence were significantly related to the subpial or mixed operative plane. The meningioma–brain interface on T2 sequence was significantly related to the operative plane. Only skull base location had significant impact on the extent of excision. T2 and FLAIR hypointensity had significant association with fibroblastic or psammomatous meningiomas. On multivariate analysis, FLAIR hypointensity and skull base location had a significant independent relationship with suboptimal operative plane, while skull base location had association with the extent of excision. Among MRI sequences, FLAIR hypointensity showed high specificity (94%) in predicting the suboptimal operative plane. Conclusions: FLAIR hypointensity of meningiomas appears to have a significant independent association with the suboptimal operative plane with high specificity.

Low-grade epithelial tumor of pituitary region with dominant papillary architecture is extremely rare. We describe a case of 20-year female who had a recurrent nonfunctioning pituitary tumor. Histologic examination revealed a low-grade epithelial tumor with predominant papillary architecture, lined by cuboidal to columnar epithelial cells. The tumor cells were immunpositive for cytokeratin (CK), CK7, epithelial membrane antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen and showed diffuse and strong nuclear positivity for thyroid transcription factor 1. They were negative for neuroendocrine markers and pituitary hormones. Ki-67 proliferation index was low (1%). Ultrastructural examination revealed presence of microvilli, intercellular tight junctions, and keratin filaments within the tumor cells and lack of neurosecretory granules. No lesion was identified in thyroid or lung on systemic evaluation. On the basis of the morphology, immunophenotype, ultrastructural findings, and diffuse thyroid transcription factor 1 positivity, this tumor may represent an epithelial variant of pituicytoma with dominant papillary architecture. This type of differentiation is extremely rare, and to the best of our knowledge, has not been described previously in the literature.

Background Granulomatous dermatitis due to noncontiguous involvement of Crohn disease (CD) of the gut has been described as metastatic CD (MCD). MCD is the rarest form of cutaneous manifestations of CD. This study aims to analyze the clinicohistological features of MCD in a tertiary care center of India. Materials and methods A retrospective review of patients diagnosed clinically and histologically with MCD over past 5 years was performed. Data on cutaneous features, histological findings, and response to treatment were collected. Results Twelve patients (3 men and 9 women) with a mean age of 29 years were identified. All women had vulval involvement in the form of edema (80%), ulceration (60%), and fistula (20%). Among the 3 men, 2 had perineal and scrotal swelling and ulcer, whereas the third patient presented with leg ulcer. Intestinal CD was already diagnosed in 50% patients (5/10) at cutaneous presentation, whereas it was diagnosed subsequently in 30% (3/10) cases. Histological examination revealed nonnecrotizing granulomatous inflammation in the dermis in 11 patients (92%). Additional histological features included eosinophilic infiltrate (58%), panniculitis (33%), and vasculitis (33%). The patients were treated with various combinations of oral prednisolone, metronidazole, minocycline, azathioprine, and subcutaneous adalimumab with partial relief. Conclusion MCD shows a wide spectrum of clinical presentation, with anogenital involvement being the most common. Histology reveals nonnecrotizing granulomas in the dermis in majority of the cases. The diagnosis is extremely challenging in patients without gastrointestinal involvement at presentation, and thus, a high index of suspicion is imperative.

Nevoid hyperkeratosis of the nipple and/or areola (NHNA) is an uncommon disease with no definite etiology. NHNA of the male breast is rare in clinical practice. Despite being a benign disease, it is distressing for patients and therapeutically challenging for clinicians. We report a male patient with NHNA who responded favorably to minocycline treatment.

Background Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare disorder described mostly in adolescents and young adults. It is a great mimicker, has a diverse clinic-laboratory profile and appears to be an under-recognized disease entity, especially in children. Methods We report 6 children who presented with fever and lymphadenopathy and had findings on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and/or histopathology that were compatible with a diagnosis of KFD. Two amongst these 6 patients developed lupus. Results Case 1: A 7 year old boy was admitted with complaints of high-grade fever and left submandibular lymph node swelling for 2 weeks. A possibility of suppurative lymphadenitis was kept and he was treated with antimicrobials. He was the youngest born to a consanguineously married couple who had lost two children previously to a lupus-like illness. The striking family history suggested the possibility of a monogenic form of lupus (early complement deficiency). C1q levels were found to be significantly low (C1q level: 0.27 mg/L; normal (102–170 mg/L)) Genetic analysis revealed a nonsense mutation in the C1QA gene (c.622C>T Q208X). Investigations revealed mild anemia (hemoglobin:107 gm/L) and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR:68 mm) in 1 st hour and C-reactive protein (CRP:8 mg/dl). An excision biopsy of the lymph node showed necrotizing histiocytic lymphadenitis consistent with KFD. Immunological work-up revealed Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) 2+speckled pattern on immunofluorescence; no anti ds-DNA antibodies; no antiphospholipid antibodies. He was treated with immunosuppressants and twice-daily fresh frozen plasma. Fever subsided in 5 days and lymph nodes regressed in 2 weeks. Case 2: A 12-year-old boy presented with fever of 7 months duration and generalized seizures followed by altered sensorium. He was treated in lines of subacute meningo-encephalitis. As there was no response to treatment he was referred to our institute. On examination, he had malar rash, frontal alopecia and bilateral, multiple enlarged cervical lymph nodes. Laboratory investigations revealed anemia, elevated ESR, high CRP and low levels of C3 and C4. ANA was positive (3+speckled); anti-dsDNA titers were 130 IU/ml (normal- Conclusions The association of KFD with childhood onset lupus is unusual. Early recognition of this entity can prevent diagnostic and therapeutic errors Funding Source(s): nil. Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease in childhood onset lupus: a case series from a tertiary care center in North India

Glioblastoma is a highly prevalent and aggressive form of primary brain tumor. It represents approximately 56% of all the newly diagnosed gliomas. Macrophages are one of the major constituents of tumor-infiltrating immune cells in the human gliomas. The role of immunosuppressive macrophages is very well documented in correlation with the poor prognosis of patients suffering from breast, prostate, bladder and cervical cancers. The current study highlights the correlation between the tumor-associated macrophage phenotypes and glioma progression. We observed an increase in the pool of M2 macrophages in high-grade gliomas, as confirmed by their CD68 and CD163 double-positive phenotype. In contrast, less M1 macrophages were noticed in high-grade gliomas, as evidenced by the down-regulation in the expression of CCL3 marker. In addition, we observed that higher gene expression ratio of CD163/CCL3 is associated with glioma progression. The Kaplan-Meier survival plots indicate that glioma patients with lower expression of M2c marker (CD163), and higher expression of M1 marker (CCL3) had better survival. Furthermore, we examined the systemic immune response in the peripheral blood and noted a predominance of M2 macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells and PD-1+ CD4 T cells in glioma patients. Thus, the study indicates a high gene expression ratio of CD163/CCL3 in high-grade gliomas as compared to low-grade gliomas and significantly elevated frequency of M2 macrophages and PD-1+ CD4 T cells in the blood of tumor patients. These parameters could be used as an indicator of the early diagnosis and prognosis of the disease.

Background: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)-secreting pituitary adenoma (TSHoma) is the rarest functioning pituitary adenoma. Methods: A retrospective analysis of eight patients of TSHomas to highlight the presentations, diagnostic challenges, and treatment outcomes. Results: Median age at diagnosis was 42 years, median latency to diagnosis was 2.5 years, and thyrotoxic and compressive symptoms were the most common presenting symptoms. At presentation, three cases were plurihormonal, six cases were on medical treatment including thyroxine, and two cases were incidentally discovered. Imaging revealed macroadenoma in all cases. Seven cases underwent pituitary surgery, after which three achieved remission. Another case entered remission after adjunctive radiotherapy. Thyrotropin (TSH) immunostaining was demonstrated in six out of seven adenomas. Conclusion: TSHoma is a rare functioning pituitary tumor with both silent and symptomatic presentations. Diagnosis can be established with biochemical and imaging features, even without dynamic tests.

IgG4-related disease is relatively new disease entity and a rare one, and our knowledge of this entity continues to evolve. It was first described in the pancreas and since then has been described in virtually every organ. Spinal involvement resulting in pachymeningitis is rare, and there are only 8 reported cases of the same to date, with the cervicothoracic spine being the most commonly affected region. The authors describe 2 cases in which the patients presented with spinal compression resulting in myeloradiculopathy (Case 1) and radiculopathy (Case 2). Imaging of spine in both cases revealed an ill-defined contrast-enhancing lesion at the lumbar level. Preoperatively, a diagnosis of spinal tumor was made, but intraoperatively no spinal tumor was found. The diagnosis was established histopathologically. The disease has no particular defining features clinically or radiologically and can mimic common spinal tumors. It is important to accurately diagnose this rare entity because of its multisystem involvement and progressive course. Strict treatment guidelines have yet to be formulated. Although histologically this disease can mimic other inflammatory conditions, the presence of storiform fibrosis and an increased number of IgG4-positive plasma cells can help in clarifying the diagnosis.