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Overlap myositis (OM) associated with Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is a relatively uncommon disorder. It is more difficult to detect OM when a patient had not been previously diagnosed with SS. We report a case of OM associated SS that initially presented with dysphagia followed by proximal weakness. If proximal muscle weakness is preceded by dysphagia, the possibility of OM associated with connective-tissue disease should be considered.

The aim of this study was to clarify the nature and clinical significance of glomerular subepithelial microparticles (SMPs), located between the basal surface of the podocytes and the glomerular basement membrane. Ultrastructural morphology of 79 renal biopsy samples (obtained from 25 native and 54 transplanted kidneys), showing SMPs in the last 3 years, was reevaluated with regard to the podocyte changes and clinical condition of the patients. One hundred and nine SMPs were identified, with 32.9% of the samples having two or more per glomerulus. Overall, they were most frequently located in the open capillary loops (55%). However, in the native kidney samples with mesangial deposits, 64.3% of SMPs were present in the mesangium-bound areas. Each vesicle ranged from 46.9 to 87.1 nm, and vesicles were admixed with curved strands in larger SMPs. Diffuse effacement of the foot processes and condensation of the actin filaments were present in 56.0% and 62.4% of the samples, respectively. SMPs were associated with hematuria, proteinuria of ≥ 1 gm, and immune complex deposition in the patients with native kidneys, whereas they were related to hyperglycemia and elevated serum creatinine levels in the patients with renal allografts. Patients with native and transplanted kidneys most commonly presented with IgA nephropathy and allograft rejection, respectively. Finding SMPs in the renal biopsy samples is not rare and they may act as a footprint of podocyte injury caused by diverse etiologies. Considering their size, podocyte exosomes could be a possible source of SMPs.

Background Although various studies have been conducted to demonstrate the possibility of Raman spectroscopy (RS) as a diagnostic tool for prostate cancer (PC), it is difficult to use it in the real clinical area because of imitations in various research processes. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis about the accuracy in diagnostic use of RS for PC. Methods A literature search was done using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases in March 2019 to analyze the accuracy of RS for diagnosis of PC. The accuracy of RS for diagnosis of PC was evaluated by means of pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC). Results Five studies were included for qualitative analysis by screening the remaining articles according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria by means of a systematic review. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of RS were 0.89 (95% CI: 0.87-0.91) and 0.91 (95% CI: 0.89-0.93), respectively. The overall PLR and NLR were 9.12 (95% CI: 4.15-20.08) and 0.14 (95% CI: 0.07-0.29), respectively. The DOR of RS demonstrated high accuracy (73.32; 95% CI: 18.43-291.73). The area under the curves (AUCs) of SROC curves was 0.93. Conclusions RS is an optical diagnostic method with high potential for diagnosis and grading of PC and has advantages of real-time and convenient use. In order to consider real-time use of RS in an actual clinical setting, more studies for standardization and generalization of RS performance and analytical method must be conducted.

BACKGROUND Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has good prognosis so that the local recurrence or distant metastasis can occur later on the lifetime follow up. In this study, we report recurrence of PTC in subcutaneous area combined with lymph node metastasis. A suspicion of needle tract implantation after core needle biopsy was found. CASE SUMMARY A 66-year-old female patients who underwent right thyroid lobectomy for PTC complained of palpable nodule on anterior neck area. The location of the palpable nodule was not associated with her postoperative scar. After excision of the skin tumor, it was diagnosed as recurrence of PTC. Furthermore, results of subsequent imaging showed lymph node metastasis on her right cervical area. According to the previous medical records, the patient received core needle biopsy through the neck of the patient midline and hematoma was noted after the procedure. The time interval from the first diagnosis to local recurrence or metastasis to the skin and lymph nodes was ten years. As treatment, the patient underwent lymph node dissection in the right and completion thyroidectomy for radioisotope treatment. CONCLUSION Needle tract implantation can occur after core needle biopsy. Further studies are needed to compare core-needle biopsy and fine-needle aspiration.

Background: The mTOR signaling pathway is inactivated by AMPK’s tumor-suppressing function. It is recognized that ubiquitin conjugating enzyme 2O (UBE2O), which directly targets AMPK for ubiquitination and degradation, is intensified in human cancers. Methods: This study investigated the clinical data about prostate cancer. Examination was also carried out into tissue microarrays (TMA) of human prostate cancer (n = 382) and adjacent non-neoplastic tissues around prostate cancer (n = 61). The TMA slides were incubated with antibodies against UBE2O, and the cores were scored by the pathologist blind to cancer results. Results: Very strong positive correlations were identified between the expression of UBE2O staining and high PSA and pathological stage of prostate cancer. Cox’s proportional hazard analysis established correlations between the following: (1) positive surgical margin and biochemical recurrence free survival, (2) PSA grade and clinical recurrence free survival, (3) regional lymph node positive and clinical recurrence free survival, (4) adjuvant treatment and overall survival, and (5) pathological T stage and overall survival. Conclusion: There is a positive correlation between the expression of UBE2O staining and prognosis for prostate cancer. Thus, a prostate cancer prognosis can be assessed with the expression of UBE2O staining.

Background Thoracic actinomycosis is an uncommon, chronic, and progressive infection, especially in patients with HIV. We report a case of thoracic actinomycosis presenting as an isolated pleural effusion in a patient with an HIV infection. Case presentation A 68-year-old patient with progressive dyspnea and fever was admitted. On the right side, an ipsilateral massive pleural effusion was confirmed on the chest radiograph, and an HIV infection was newly diagnosed. A pleural biopsy was performed for the further differential diagnosis of potential opportunistic infections and malignancies. The pathology findings were consistent with actinomycosis. Conclusions Active diagnostic approaches such as a pleural biopsy should be considered for indeterminate pleural effusions in immunocompromised patients.

Introduction Although several studies have been conducted to evaluate the feasibility of Raman spectroscopy (RS) for the diagnosis of bladder cancer (BCa), it is difficult to use RS in real clinical settings based on the current limited evidence. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the diagnostic accuracy of RS in BCa. Materials and methods Comprehensive literature searches were performed in the PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases up to March 2019. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, this study included reports according to the participant, intervention, comparator, outcomes, and study design approach. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated according to questionnaires and criteria suggested by the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. The quantitative outcomes included diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity and specificity). Results Fifteen studies were included for qualitative analysis and four studies (BCa cases, n = 139; control cases n = 107) were included in this analysis by screening the full text of the remaining articles based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria through a systematic review. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of RS were 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.85-0.95) and 0.93 (95% CI: 0.86-0.97), respectively. The among-study heterogeneity was statistically significant in the specificity results (Cochran Q statistic, P = 0.015; I2 statistic, 71.3%) but not in the sensitivity results (Cochran Q statistic, P = 0.189; I2 statistic, 37.2%). Conclusions RS showed the potential to be an efficient tool with high accuracy for detecting malignant bladder lesions. More studies with in vivo real-time settings are warranted to validate our results.

Background Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), a rare but serious complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is associated with poor outcomes to conventional immunosuppressive therapy. Recently, eculizumab, a humanised monoclonal antibody that blocks the complement factor 5, has been known to effectively treat atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). Here, we report a case of aHUS co-existing with lupus nephritis that was successfully treated with eculizumab. Case presentation A 23-year-old man presented with abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Initial laboratory tests have shown thrombocytopaenia, microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia, and acute kidney injury. Immunologic tests were consistent with SLE. Kidney biopsy have revealed lupus nephritis class IV-G with TMA. Genetic analysis have shown complement C3 gene mutations, which hints the co-existence of lupus nephritis with aHUS, a form of complement-mediated TMA. Although initial treatment with haemodialysis, plasma exchange, and conventional immunosuppressive therapy (steroid and cyclophosphamide) did not appreciably improve kidney function and thrombocytopaenia, the patient was able to respond to eculizumab therapy. Conclusions Due to the similar features of TMA and SLE, clinical suspicion of aHUS in patients with lupus nephritis is important for early diagnosis and prompt management. Timely administration of eculizumab should be considered as a treatment option for aHUS in lupus nephritis patients to yield optimal therapeutic outcomes.

Background A cutaneous ciliated cyst (CCC) is a rare, benign tumor in young female adults, which is usually found on the lower extremities. Case summary We found an uncommon location of CCC in the anterolateral cervical area and reviewed the literature. A 20-year-old female complained of a well-defined, painless, palpable mass that started several years ago. The mass was tense and movable and located at the anterolateral aspect of the neck. Imaging showed a non-enhancing round mass. Surgical excision biopsy was performed, and the cystic mass was revealed to be a CCC. Conclusion The rare location of CCC can be found in anterior neck area, which should be another diagnostic option for mass on anterior neck.

Scleromyxedema is a rare connective tissue disorder characterized by a generalized lichenoid eruption and sclerodermoid induration with histologic features of dermal mucin deposition. A 44-year-old man presented with a 3-year history of generalized progressive skin thickening and sclerosis. He had diffuse skin-colored to erythematous firm papules coalescing into indurated plaques over his whole body. He had been diagnosed with scleromyxedema from a skin biopsy with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) at another tertiary hospital 3 years earlier. He had been treated with systemic corticosteroids and methotrexate, but his systemic symptoms (dyspnea, dysphagia, skin swelling, and induration) had worsened over the past year, so he visited our clinic seeking further evaluation and management. The patient received high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy once a month in combination with systemic corticosteroids. After three courses of IVIG, his cutaneous symptoms and dyspnea had improved dramatically. Herein we report a case of scleromyxedema with systemic involvement with significant improvement following IVIG therapy.

Mitochondrial injury plays important roles in the pathogenesis of various kidney diseases. However, mitochondrial injury in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) remains largely unexplored. Here, we examined the associations among mitochondrial injury, IgAN, and treatment outcomes. We prospectively enrolled patients with IgAN and age-/sex-matched healthy volunteers (HVs) as controls (n = 31 each). Urinary copy numbers of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genes cytochrome-c oxidase-3 (COX3) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase subunit-1 (ND1) were measured. Urinary mtDNA levels were elevated in the IgAN group compared with that in HVs (p ND1 levels were significantly higher in the low proteinuria group than in the high proteinuria group (p = 0.027). Changes in urinary levels of ND1 and COX3 were positively correlated with changes in proteinuria (p = 0.038 and 0.024, respectively) and inversely correlated with changes in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.033 and 0.017, respectively) after medical treatment. Mitochondrial injury played important roles in IgAN pathogenesis and may be involved in early-stage glomerular inflammation, prior to pathological changes and increased proteinuria. The correlation between changes in urinary mtDNA and proteinuria suggest that these factors may be promising biomarkers for treatment outcomes in IgAN.

Adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) is a rare systemic inflammatory disease manifesting with a persistent high-spiking fever, a typical rash, and lymphadenopathy. Endogenous factors related to interleukin-1, such as S100A8/A9 and several chemokines including CXCL10, CXCR3, and CXCL13, potentially play roles in its pathogenesis. We describe the histopathological features and chemokine expression pattern in lymph nodes (LNs) of patients with AOSD. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded excisional LN tissues from 48 patients with AOSD were histologically reviewed. CXCL10, CXCR3, CXCL13, and S100A8/A9 expression was evaluated immunohistochemically. The pathology of LN was characterized by paracortical hyperplasia with proliferation of histiocyte, immunoblast, CD8-positive lymphoid cell and blood vessel. Most cases required differential diagnosis from dermatopathic lymphadenitis (n = 16, 33.3%), T cell lymphoma (n = 11, 22.9%), and histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (HNL) (n = 9, 18.8%). The expression levels of CXCL10 and CXCR3 were higher in patients with AOSD than in those with T cell lymphoma, HNL, tuberculous lymphadenitis, and reactive hyperplasia. It is important to recognize the aforementioned histopathologic findings of nodal involvement of AOSD because improper diagnosis and treatment can be avoided. Immunohistochemical staining for chemokines, CXCL10 and CXCR3, may aid in differentiating AOSD from other mimickers.

Probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) is a novel method for in vivo histological analysis of colorectal neoplasm mucosa, which provides meaningful information for the development of adequate therapeutic strategies. However, the in vivo histology of colorectal neoplasm submucosa has not been studied. We assessed the feasibility and safety of pCLE for evaluating colorectal submucosa, and identified and validated diagnostic criteria for submucosal carcinoma infiltration. From March to July 2014, 83 pCLE videos of 51 lesions in 31 patients who underwent scheduled colonoscopic procedures for the removal of colorectal neoplasms were acquired consecutively. During the procedures, pCLE videos of the lesions and biopsy samples for histopathological analysis were acquired. Final histopathological results were used as the gold standard. Based on the confocal pattern, we classified colorectal submucosa findings as negative (superficial submucosa, deep submucosa, and submucosa with fibrosis) or indicative of carcinoma infiltration. Dark and irregular cell nests with irregular cell architecture and little or no mucin were seen in submucosal carcinoma infiltration. Based on rates of correlation with pathological findings, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the classification of submucosal carcinoma infiltration by two observers were 91.7, 86.8, and 88.0 %, respectively. In addition, the results showed good interobserver agreement for the detection of submucosal carcinoma infiltration (κ = 0.757, standard error = 0.102). No adverse events occurred during the procedures. Submucosa assessment by pCLE is feasible and safe. pCLE is useful for the differentiation of normal submucosa from carcinoma infiltration, particularly when infiltration is accompanied by severe fibrosis. Large-scale prospective studies are needed to further evaluate the clinical impact of the use of pCLE during endoscopy.

Introduction: papillary thyroid microcarcinoma is a well-known malignant neoplasm with good prognosis. The known prognostic factors are patient’s age, multifocality, and extrathyroidal extension. CD9 and CD82, members of the tetraspanin family, are expressed in numerous cancer cells and play many roles associated with the cellular process. Material and methods: we investigated the immunohistochemical expression of CD9 and CD82 in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma and analysed the clinicopathological and prognostic significance. For the retrospective analysis, we collected the cases of 553 PTMC patients who had undergone thyroidectomy. Results: The group with lymph node metastasis showed higher immunostaining intensity for CD9 than the group without metastasis (p = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, high CD9 intensity (OR = 1.58 in 3+, p = 0.0025) correlated with lymph node metastasis. Conclusion: We suggest CD9 as a predictive prognostic factor for lymph node metastasis in PTMC.

CD44 is a marker of activated parietal epithelial cells (PECs), and is expressed in glomerular visceral epithelial cells (VECs) during development of segmental sclerosis. We explored the significance of glomerular epithelial CD44 expression in relation to segmental sclerosis in patients with mild IgA nephropathy (IgAN). A total of 126 cases of IgAN were divided into three groups based on glomerular morphology: normal (group A, n = 30), mild mesangial proliferation without segmental sclerosis or synechia (SS) (group B, n = 31), or mild mesangial proliferation with SS (group C, n = 65). The number of CD44-expressing PECs and VECs was counted in each glomerulus and expressed as the mean number per case. CD44 staining was positive in VECs in 59.5 %, in PECs in 79.4 % and in both cell types in 56.3 % of cases. The number of CD44+ PECs or VECs was significantly higher in group C than in groups A or B. Cases with >1 CD44+ cell (PECs and VECs) per glomerulus were associated with increased urine protein/creatinine ratio (UPCr) at last follow-up. The presence of >1 CD44+ VEC/glomerulus was associated with increased UPCr and serum creatinine levels, and decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) even in the absence of SS at the time of biopsy. CD44 was expressed in PECs and VECs in association with SS in IgAN. Increased CD44 expression in VECs is a sign of active glomerular injury and dysfunction in these patients.

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-associated gastric cancer (GC) and microsatellite-instability-high GC are associated with a low prevalence of regional lymph node metastasis (LNM). To evaluate the feasibility of endoscopic treatment of EBV-associated and/or microsatellite-instability-high early GC (EGC), we analyzed the risk factors for LNM using a large series (n = 756) of submucosa-invasive (SM) EGC. EBV-encoded RNA in situ hybridization (EBER ISH) and immunohistochemistry for four mismatch repair (MMR) proteins (MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, and MSH6) were performed. The clinicopathologic features and results of EBER ISH and immunohistochemistry were compared according to the LNM status. Among the cases, 146 EGCs (19.3 %) showed LNM. EBV negativity, larger tumor size (greater than 2 cm), deeper level of submucosal invasion, submucosal invasion depth greater than 500 µm, presence of ulceration, and presence of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) were associated with LNM. However, the MMR deficiency was not correlated with LNM. On multivariate regression analysis, larger tumor size (greater than 2 cm; odds ratio 1.6, p = 0.030), deeper level of submucosal invasion (odds ratio 2.9, p = 0.001), LVI (odds ratio 7.4, p

The incidence of extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is very low. An 84-year-old Korean man was treated with topical and oral medications at a local dermatologic clinic for a year, but the symptoms did not improve. He visited Severance Hospital and underwent a perianal skin biopsy and was finally diagnosed with EMPD. The authors performed a wide local excision according to a 1-cm margin around the lesion. For the skin and the soft tissue defects, bilateral inferior gluteal artery perforator flap transpositions were performed. The size of the lesion was 14 cm(2) × 9 cm(2), and the lateral and the basal margins were all disease free.

The B-type Raf kinase (BRAF) V600E mutation is a useful diagnostic marker for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). We developed a testing algorithm for the BRAF mutation using BRAF immunohistochemistry (IHC) in PTC. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded PTC tissues from 91 patients were immunostained with a BRAF V600E mutation-specific antibody. The immunostaining results were interpreted semiquantitatively by adding the scores of the proportion of positive cells (scored 0 to 5) and staining intensity (score 0 to 3). To validate BRAF IHC, 4 molecular methods were used: direct sequencing, pyrosequencing, peptide nucleic acid clamping polymerase chain reaction, and real-time polymerase chain reaction. The cut-off score of BRAF IHC for predicting the BRAF mutation was 5.5. In 68 cases, where the BRAF IHC score was 6 or more, 89.7% were positive for the BRAF mutation by 2 or more molecular methods and 97.1% by one or more methods. In 13 cases, where the IHC score was between 4 or more and less than 6, 61.5% were positive for the BRAF mutation by 2 or more methods and 69.2% by at least one method. In 10 cases, where the IHC score was less than 4, BRAF mutation was noted in one case only by one molecular method. BRAF V600E IHC scores of less than 4 or 6 or more should not require confirmation by additional tests. However, BRAF V600E IHC scores of 4 or 5 may require confirmation of the BRAF V600E mutation. In addition, BRAF IHC scores 6 or more were more sensitive than any single molecular method; therefore, BRAF IHC may overcome the limitations of using a single type of molecular method.

Asia has the highest incidence of Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP). Although 50% to 75% of patients with HSP manifest gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, endoscopic, and pathologic findings of HSP have been rarely reviewed in Asia.Patients diagnosed with HSP who had undergone endoscopic biopsy from GI tract (GIT) in Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital from 2000 to 2018 were evaluated and 25 cases with 44 biopsies from upper GI tract (U-GIT) or lower GI tract (L-GIT) were enrolled. Their clinical and endoscopic findings and histologic findings of endoscopic biopsy were reviewed.Of the 25 patients, 15 were males and 10 were females. There were 6 children and 19 adults. The most common GI symptom was abdominal pain (20/25), followed by loose stool or diarrhea (9/25). Biopsied sites included 19 from U-GIT (9 stomach and 10 duodenum) and 25 from L-GIT (7 terminal ileum, 1 cecum, 4 ascending, 1 transverse, 2 descending, 7 sigmoid, and 3 rectum). Erythema/petechia was the most common endoscopic finding in U-GIT, while erosion/ulceration was the most common one in L-GIT. In U-GIT, extravasted red blood cell (RBC) (14/19) was the most common histologic finding, while leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV)/capillarities were identified in 7 specimens, including 5 duodenum samples. In endoscopic investigations of L-GIT, erosion/ulceration (9/14) was predominantly identified. The most common histologic finding was also extravasted RBC (22/25), while LCV/capillarities were noted in 10 specimens, including 5 specimens from terminal ileum.The HSP commonly involves GIT. Histologic findings of our cases were not significantly different from results of previous studies in Western countries. However, endoscopic and pathologic characteristics of HSP have been rarely reviewed in Asia. Herein, we share experience of endoscopic biopsy of GIT in patients with HSP.

Extra-ovarian yolk sac tumor arising in the omentum is extremely rare. As yolk sac tumor originated from the omentum has been rarely reported, its clinical information is very limited. The authors encountered a case of yolk sac tumor originated from the omentum, and reported the case herein. A 32-year-old woman was presented with developed low abdominal distension for a month. Magnetic resonance imaging findings were suggestive of ovarian malignancy with ascites and peritoneal seeding nodules. Explorative laparotomy was performed and then the findings from frozen biopsy of omentum were suggestive of poorly differentiated tumor though whether it was primary or metastatic was uncertain. Thus, staging laparotomy were performed. Histopathology confirmed that the tumor was a yolk sac tumor of omentum origin. Then, 6 cycles of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy at intervals of 3 weeks were performed using bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin regimen. Four-year outpatient follow-up thereafter showed no relapse.

The prediction of biologic behavior of poorly cohesive early gastric carcinoma (EGC) is an important issue in the selection of the treatment modality. To elucidate the risk factors for lymph node metastasis (LNM) of poorly cohesive EGC, we focused on the histologic purity of the poorly cohesive component and evaluated the impact of this factor on LNM. We divided poorly cohesive EGC into (1) pure signet ring cell (SRC) carcinoma, which was defined as composed only of signet ring cells or poorly cohesive cells and (2) mixed SRC carcinoma, defined as poorly cohesive carcinoma with minor tubular components. We reviewed the clinicopathologic features, including age, sex, location, size, depth, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), LNM, ulceration, and intestinal metaplasia between the two groups in a large series of poorly cohesive, submucosa-invasive EGC (n = 317). LNM was found in 58 cases (18.3 %). Mixed SRC carcinoma histologic type (p

Cases of simultaneously occurring medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and lymphoma are extremely rare. An 84-year-old woman visited the hospital due to dyspnea, resulting from rapidly aggravated enlarged neck mass. Ultrasonography revealed two lesions in the thyroid and they were diagnosed as concurrent medullary thyroid carcinoma and diffuse large B cell lymphoma after total thyroidectomy. A few cases simultaneously diagnosed with MTC and systemic lymphoma have been reported. However, the coexistence of MTC and primary thyroid lymphoma is extremely rare.

The simultaneous occurrence of achalasia and esophageal diverticula is rare. Here, we report the case of a 68-year-old man with multiple esophageal diverticula associated with achalasia who was later diagnosed with early esophageal cancer. He initially presented with dysphagia and dyspepsia, and injection of botulinum toxin to the lower esophageal sphincter relieved his symptoms. Five years later, however, the patient presented with worsening of symptoms, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) was performed. The endoscopic findings showed multifocal lugol-voiding lesions identified as moderate dysplasia. We decided to use photodynamic therapy to treat the multifocal dysplastic lesions. At follow-up EGD 2 months after photodynamic therapy, more lugol-voiding lesions representing a squamous cell carcinoma in situ were found. The patient ultimately underwent surgery for the treatment of recurrent esophageal multifocal neoplasia. After a follow-up period of 3 years, the patient showed a good outcome without symptoms. To manage premalignant lesions such as achalasia with esophageal diverticula, clinicians should be cautious, but have an aggressive approach regarding endoscopic surveillance.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the difference in expression of metabolism-related proteins in invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) compared to those of the invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). Tissue microarray was manufactured for 114 cases of ILC and 692 cases of IDC. Immunohistochemical stains were performed as follows: glycolysis (Glut-1, hexokinase II, CAIX, MCT4), glutaminolysis (GLS1, GDH, ASCT2), mitochondria (ATP synthase, SDHA, SDHB), and serine/glycine metabolism (PHGDH, PSAT1, PSPH, SHMT1, GLDC) related proteins. Pleomorphic type (n = 12) of ILC revealed higher expression in hexokinase II, SDHB, and GLDC than classic type (n = 102) (p

The aim of this study is to compare the expression of autophagy related proteins in invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) with that of autophagy related proteins in invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), and to determinate its implication. Tissue microarray containing 114 ILC and 692 IDC was constructed, and immunohistochemistry was performed for autophagy related protein (beclin-1, LC3A, LC3B, p62) and Ki-67. No significant difference in expression of autophagy-related proteins between pleomorphic type (n = 12) and classic type (n = 102) of ILC was observed, whereas ILC and IDC showed distinguished features that tumoral beclin-1, stromal LC3A, tumoral LC3B, tumoral p62 were highly expressed in IDC and tumoral BNIP3 was highly expressed in ILC (P < 0.001). Beclin-1 expression was correlated with ER negativity (P = 0.016) and TNBC type (P = 0.024). BNIP3 expression was correlated with ER positivity (p = 0.040). Using multivariate Cox analysis, shorter overall survival was associated with tumoral beclin-1 positivity (hazard ratio: 21.19, 95% CI: 1.098-409.1, P = 0.043). In conclusion, ILC and IDC showed different expression pattern of autophagy-related proteins in tumor and stroma that demonstrated by higher expression of tumoral beclin-1, stromal LC3A, tumoral LC3B, tumoral p62 in IDC, and higher expression of tumoral BNIP3 in ILC.

Background: Pre-existing non-neoplastic renal diseases or lesions may influence patient renal function after tumor removal. However, its description is often neglected or omitted in pathologic reports. To determine the incidence and clinical significance of non-neoplastic lesions, we retro spectively examined renal tissues obtained during 85 radical nephrectomies for renal cell carcinoma. Methods: One paraffin-embedded tissue block from each case containing a sufficient amount of non-tumorous renal parenchyma was cut and processed with hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-Schiff methods. Non-neoplastic lesions of each histological compartment were semi-quantitatively and quantitatively evaluated. Results: Among the various histologic lesions found, tubular atrophy, arterial intimal thickening, and glomerulosclerosis were the most common (94.1%, 91.8%, and 88.2%, respectively). Glomerulosclerosis correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate at the time of surgery, as well as at 1- and 5-years post-surgery (p = .0071), but tubulointerstitial fibrosis or arterial fibrous intimal thickening did not. Post-hoc analysis revealed that glomerulosclerosis of more than 20% predicted post-operative renal function. However, its significance disappeared when gender and age were considered. Conclusions: In conclusion, non-neoplastic lesions, especially with regard to glomerulosclerosis percentage, should be described in pathology reports to provide additional information on renal function decline.

An analytical method for the compositional and quantitative analysis of photoactive compounds (PACs) in positive photoresist (Posi PR) has been developed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Under optimum HPLC conditions, various types of PACs consisting of a mixture of isomers were satisfactorily separated with no interference. This method was applied to the quantitative analysis of PACs in Posi PR. All correlation coefficients were better than or equal to 0.998. The precision and accuracy showed no significant deviation and were measured with acceptable values. The intra-batch precision and accuracy (%) of quality control samples ranged from 0.80 to 1.46% and from 101.7 to 102.8%. Consequently, the method was demonstrated to be acceptable for the analysis of PACs in Posi PR. We believe that the HPLC method developed in this work can be used for the compositional and quantitative analysis of PACs in Posi PR.

Angiofibroma is a benign vascular tumor that usually occurs in the nasopharynx, and extranasopharyngeal angiofibromas are rarely reported. We report the first case of an angiofibroma arising from the inferior turbinate after CO2 laser turbinoplasty. Endoscopic excisional biopsy was performed, but the tumor recurred after 2 months of surgery. The mass was excised by endoscopic approach including surrounding normal mucosal tissue. Histologic examination suggested the diagnosis of angiofibroma. The patient was asymptomatic, and there was no evidence of recurrence after 1 year of the second surgery.

Primary amyloidosis has unfavorable prognosis, particularly with organ involvement. Here, we report a case of clinical remission of renal amyloidosis after autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation. A 51-year-old female patient visited our hospital due to generalized edema. Initial evaluation showed hyperlipidemia, hypoalbuminemia, and heavy proteinuria, which were consistent with nephrotic syndrome. However, IgM lamda type monoclonal gammopathy was detected in serum and urine electrophoresis studies. Renal biopsy showed Congo red-positive amyloid deposition in mesangial area, glomerular capillary walls, and arterioles and amyloid fibers were confirmed by electron microscopy. Immunohistochemial study of the biopsy tissue demonstrated systemic light-chain amyloidosis (AL amyloidosis). Multiple myeloma was not evident on bone marrow examination. She received autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation after high dose melphalan treatment. Complete remissions were achieved after the treatment, respectively. Our findings suggest the potential role of autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in treatment of AL amyloidosis. (Ewha Med J 2013;36(Suppl):S25-S29)

Background: Examination of urine for decoy cells (DCs) is a useful screening test for polyomavirus (PV) activation. We explored the significance of the amount of DCs in persistent shedding, PV nephropathy and acute rejection. Methods: A case-controlled study was performed in 88 renal allograft patients who had DCs detected at least once in four or more urine samples. Results: Fifty one patients were classified into the high-grade shedding group (HG) and 37 patients into the low-grade shedding group (LG) according to DC shedding ( ≥ 10 or < 10 DCs/10 high power field [HPF]). DC shedding of more than three consecutive months was significantly more prevalent in the HG as compared with their LG counterparts (p< 0.0001). Urinary DCs were present for more than one year in 29.4% of the HG and 8.1% of the LG. Real-time polymerase chain reaction for PV was higher in both urine (51.4% vs. 11.1%) and plasma (9.1% vs. 0%) of the HG than the LG. The prevalence of PV nephropathy was higher in the HG than the LG (p= 0.019). However, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of acute rejection. Conclusions: Shedding of ≥ 10 DCs/10 HPF is associated with sustained shedding, polymerase chain reaction positivity and PV nephropathy, but not a predictor of acute rejection.