RESUMEN
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is an expected and relatively common complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. It may affect different organs and typically involves the skin, liver, and gastrointestinal tract (GI-GVHD). GI-GVHD may show heterogeneous presentations with peculiar diagnostic implications. Although an endoscopic biopsy is considered the "gold standard" for the diagnosis of GI-GVHD, its broad application is limited due to the poor clinical conditions usually present in these patients, including thrombocytopenia. In the emergency department, enhanced computed tomography (CECT) has emerged as the best imaging modality for the evaluation of GI damage in frail patients. However, the role of CT in the context of either acute or chronic GI-GVHD has not been systematically investigated. Herein, we focus on the radiological features found on CECT in five patients with GI-GVHD confirmed on histology. CECT was performed for the persistence of GI symptoms in three cases (case 1, case 3, and case 4), for small bowel occlusion in one case (case 5), and for acute GI symptoms in one case (case 2). Serpiginous intestinal wall appearance with multisegmental parietal thickness and homogeneous, mucosal, or stratified small bowel enhancement were common features. Colic involvement with segmental or diffuse parietal thickness was also present. One patient (case 5) presented with inflammatory jejunal multisegmental stenosis with sub-occlusion as a chronic presentation of GI-GVHD. Regarding mesenterial findings, all five patients presented comb signs in the absence of lymphadenopathy. Extraintestinal findings included biliary tract dilatation in two cases (case 2 and case 4). These data support the utility of appropriate radiological investigation in GI-GVHD, paving the way for further serial and systematic investigations to track the appearance and evolution of GI damage in GVHD patients.
RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: The adrenocortical oncocytic neoplasms (AONs) are rare tumors of the adrenal gland, classified as oncocytoma (AO), oncocytic neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential (AONUMP) and oncocytic carcinoma (AOC). The aim of this study was to perform a review of the literature, in order to evaluate the prognosis of these rare cancers. We also reported the oldest patient with AON. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review using as key words "adrenal oncocytoma", "adrenal oncocytic neoplasm", and "adrenal oncocytic carcinoma" was performed. REPORT OF THE CASE: We report the case of an 88-year-old woman receiving a left open adrenalectomy for an AON (15 × 10 × 8 cm). The considerable size and weight together with the presence of necrosis were indicative for a lesion with an uncertain potential for malignancy, according to Weiss modified criteria. After two years, the patient was free from any sign of recurrence. RESULTS: Only 287 AONs were detected in the scientific literature, exploring OVID, MEDLINE, PubMed and SCOPUS as dataset. These tumors are usually incidentalomas with an unpredictable malignant potential. Surgical resection remains the mainstay of treatment for AON. CONCLUSION: AO and AONUMP have an excellent prognosis and a low mortality rate, with only three cases of recurrence reported in the literature and one metastatic case four years after first adrenal surgery. In contrast, AOC carries a high risk of local relapses, distant metastasis, and a significantly higher mortality rate (30%). Surgical resection remains the primary treatment for adrenal oncocytic neoplasms.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a reliable and cost-effective diagnostic tool for establishing the nature of thyroid nodules, although up to 30% of FNAs are still classified as "indeterminate." Molecular testing of FNAs could improve preoperative diagnosis, thereby reducing unnecessary surgery. In this multicenter prospective study the authors investigated, using a 7-gene assay, the distribution and diagnostic impact of BRAF, RAS, RET/PTC, and PAX8/PPARg, the most frequent genomic alterations occurring during thyroid oncogenesis. METHODS: In total, of 1172 routine FNAs from 7 centers in southern Italy were classified according to the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology. Each specimen was tested, and molecular data were compared with available histology or cytologic follow-up. RESULTS: In particular, for atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance cases, the 7-gene test confirmed the high positive predictive value of BRAFV600E and BRAF-like mutations (80%) and the moderate positive predictive value of RAS-like alterations (32.4%), suggesting different surgical management, depending on the type of mutation. The rate of mutation-positive FNAs was strictly related to the risk of malignancy of each diagnostic class, supporting the identification of prognostically relevant diagnostic categories. CONCLUSIONS: The 7-gene panel test improves the preoperative risk stratification of indeterminate thyroid FNAs, especially when considering the biologic significance of the different types of mutations. Moreover, the rate of mutation-positive FNAs is related to the risk of malignancy of each diagnostic class.
Asunto(s)
Biomarcadores de Tumor/análisis , Toma de Decisiones Clínicas/métodos , Pruebas Genéticas/métodos , Glándula Tiroides/patología , Nódulo Tiroideo/diagnóstico , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Biomarcadores de Tumor/genética , Biopsia con Aguja Fina , Carcinogénesis/genética , Niño , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Mutación , Selección de Paciente , Cuidados Preoperatorios/métodos , Pronóstico , Estudios Prospectivos , Medición de Riesgo/métodos , Nódulo Tiroideo/genética , Nódulo Tiroideo/patología , Nódulo Tiroideo/cirugía , Tiroidectomía , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Laser capture microdissection (LCM) is a powerful tool for the isolation of specific tissue compartments. We aimed to investigate the mucosal immune response that takes place in different intestinal compartments of IBD patients, dissected by LCM, analyzing cytokines expression profile and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers. METHODS: Frozen sections of gut were obtained from patients with Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC) and from controls. Using LCM, surface epithelium (SE) and lamina propria (LP) compartments were isolated and total RNA extracted. The relative expression of Th1, Th17 and Treg cytokines was evaluated by quantitative reverse transcriptase real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), in addition to the assessment of mRNA splicing of the transcription factor X-box binding protein-1 (XBP1). Human neutrophil elastase (HNE) and the transcription factor forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) were also analyzed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The increased expression of IL-17 was observed in both intestinal compartments of IBD patients when compared to controls. IFN- γ, TNF-αâ¯, IL-10, HNE and Foxp3 were overexpressed in the LP compartment of both IBD patients as compared to controls. An upregulation of IFN-γ and an infiltration of HNE+ cells was found in the SE of patients with UC. Splicing of XBP1 mRNA was recognized in both intestinal compartments of IBD patients when compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: In IBD patients, both intestinal compartments are involved in Th17 response, whereas, LP compartment plays a prominent role in Th1 and Treg immune responses. Nevertheless, high level of IFN- γâ¯was found in the SE of UC patients, suggesting that this compartment is involved in the Th1 immune response. Our data also suggested that ER stress signalling is active in both LP and SE compartment of IBD patients, thus advocating that ER stress and immunity are intertwined.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades Inflamatorias del Intestino/inmunología , Mucosa Intestinal/inmunología , Captura por Microdisección con Láser/métodos , Células TH1/inmunología , Células Th17/inmunología , Adulto , Anciano , Citocinas/genética , Citocinas/metabolismo , Femenino , Humanos , Inmunohistoquímica , Elastasa de Leucocito/metabolismo , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
The advent of immunotherapy has recently expanded the therapeutic options in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In these patients, the recent efficacy demonstration of antibodies against immune checkpoints: the anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) and anti-programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1), has led to approval of nivolumab and pembrolizumab (anti-PD-1) in the treatment of advanced NSCLC. The mechanism of action of checkpoint inhibitors explains the development of autoimmune diseases as a side-effect of these medications. Among these, a spectrum of endocrine disorders has been also reported. This manuscript focuses particularly on endocrine disorders induced by immuno-checkpoint inhibitors employed in NSCLC, in order to suggest the strategies for their diagnosis and effective management.
Asunto(s)
Antineoplásicos/efectos adversos , Enfermedades del Sistema Endocrino/inducido químicamente , Inmunoterapia/efectos adversos , Anticuerpos Monoclonales/efectos adversos , Anticuerpos Monoclonales/farmacología , Anticuerpos Monoclonales/uso terapéutico , Anticuerpos Monoclonales Humanizados/efectos adversos , Anticuerpos Monoclonales Humanizados/farmacología , Anticuerpos Monoclonales Humanizados/uso terapéutico , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Antineoplásicos/uso terapéutico , Antígeno B7-H1/antagonistas & inhibidores , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/tratamiento farmacológico , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/inmunología , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/patología , Enfermedades del Sistema Endocrino/diagnóstico , Enfermedades del Sistema Endocrino/terapia , Humanos , Inmunoterapia/métodos , Neoplasias Pulmonares/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias Pulmonares/inmunología , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patología , Nivolumab , Receptor de Muerte Celular Programada 1/antagonistas & inhibidoresRESUMEN
BACKGROUND AND AIM: We aimed to validate the non-invasive criteria for the characterization of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In a prospective study, we examined the impact of arterial hypervascularity, as established by the European Association for the Study of the Liver and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases recommendations for the non-invasive diagnosis of HCC, as a criterion for characterizing macroscopic PVT (EASL/AASLD extension criteria). METHODS: A total of 96 cases of PVT detected using ultrasonography in patients with cirrhosis and HCC were included in the study. When coincidental arterial hypervascularity was detected by contrast perfusional ultrasonography and helical computed tomography, the thrombus was considered malignant according to our EASL/AASLD extension criteria. In all cases, an ultrasound-guided biopsy examination of the thrombus was performed. RESULTS: Coincidental hypervascularity was found in 54 of 96 nodules (56.2%), and all were malignant upon biopsy (100% positive predictive value). Twenty-four (25%) had negative results with both techniques (non-vascular thrombus). Biopsies showed HCC in five non-vascular thrombi (5.3% of all thrombi) and in 13 of 18 thrombi with a hypervascularity result from only one technique. CONCLUSIONS: The EASL/AASLD extension criteria for non-invasive diagnosis of malignant thrombosis were satisfied in 75.2% of malignant thrombi; thus, a biopsy is frequently required in this setting. However, in the presence of coincidental hypervascularity of a thrombus with both techniques, a biopsy is not required (absolute positive predictive value for malignancy). Relying on imaging techniques in thrombi could miss the diagnosis of malignant portal invasion in up to 24.9% of cases.
Asunto(s)
Carcinoma Hepatocelular/diagnóstico , Cirrosis Hepática/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Hepáticas/diagnóstico , Vena Porta/patología , Trombosis de la Vena/diagnóstico , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Biopsia con Aguja Fina , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/complicaciones , Distribución de Chi-Cuadrado , Medios de Contraste , Femenino , Humanos , Cirrosis Hepática/complicaciones , Neoplasias Hepáticas/complicaciones , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Invasividad Neoplásica , Vena Porta/diagnóstico por imagen , Valor Predictivo de las Pruebas , Pronóstico , Estudios Prospectivos , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Tomografía Computarizada Espiral , Ultrasonografía/métodos , Trombosis de la Vena/etiologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Factors responsible for the progression of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) are still poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the associations between the stage of PBC and the immune reaction triggered by oxidative stress; the presence of obesity, steatosis,steatohepatitis; and other toxic, metabolic, or steatogenic factors. METHODS: We studied clinical, laboratory, and histological data for 274 untreated patients with serum antimitochondrial antibody (AMA)-positive PBC. Circulating IgG against human serum albumin adducted with malondialdeyde, the major product of lipid peroxidation, was measured in these patients and in a group of 98 sex-, age and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls. RESULTS: Steatosis was present in 40.5% of all patients. Steatohepatitis was present in 14.9% of all patients. There was a significant association between the frequencies of steatosis and steatohepatitis and the worsening of PBC. Circulating IgG against lipid peroxidation products was significantly higher in the PBC patients than in the controls. Titers of lipid peroxidation-related antibodies were significantly increased in patients with steatosis and inpatients at more advanced stages. Bivariate analysis revealed a significant association between indirect evidence of oxidative stress, steatosis, steatohepatitis, age, BMI, frequency of diabetes, alcohol intake, iron grade after Perl's stain, and PBC stage. Logistic regression analysis confirmed that the titers of antibodies against lipid peroxidation products (odds ratio 4.5, p< .001, 95% confidence interval 3.914.4), the presence of steatosis (odds ratio 4.1, 95% confidence interval 2.515.4, p< .001), higher BMI (odds ratio 3.9, p< .021, 95%confidence interval 1.49.5), and alcohol intake (males ≥ 30 g/day, females ≥ 20 g/day, odds ratio 4.5,95% confidence interval 1.319.8, p< .029) were independently associated with more advanced stages of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: The immune reactions triggered by oxidative stress, steatosis, obesity, and alcohol intake are independent predictors of PBC stage progression.
Asunto(s)
Hígado Graso/inmunología , Cirrosis Hepática Biliar/fisiopatología , Obesidad/complicaciones , Estrés Oxidativo/inmunología , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas/efectos adversos , Anticuerpos/inmunología , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Progresión de la Enfermedad , Hígado Graso/etiología , Femenino , Humanos , Inmunoglobulina G/inmunología , Peroxidación de Lípido/inmunología , Cirrosis Hepática Biliar/inmunología , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Prospectivos , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: Interstitial laser photocoagulation (ILP) is a recently proposed therapeutic procedure for the ablation of benign thyroid nodules, which has already proven to be safe and effective. However, results supporting the routine use of ILP are still limited. DESIGN: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ILP treatment in benign nonfunctioning thyroid nodules and to establish whether the therapeutic outcome may be predicted by any clinical parameter at baseline. Twenty-three patients with either a solitary nodule or a dominant nodule within a multinodular goiter underwent ILP and were evaluated 1 and 3 months later. In order to assess the efficacy of low-energy ILP, the procedure was performed with an output power of 3 W, delivering a mean energy of 33.4 +/- 12.7 Joule/mL of nodule volume, which is much lower than previously reported. MAIN OUTCOME: Nodule volume significantly decreased after ILP as assessed after 1 and 3 months (analysis of variance; F = 5.37; p = 0.007). Patients with multinodular goiter showed a greater reduction at 3 months compared with patients bearing a solitary thyroid nodule (38.6 +/- 5.3 vs. 30.9 +/- 6.5%; p < 0.01). Age, sex, ultrasound pattern (isoechogenous/hypoechogenous), pretreatment volume, number of ILP treatments, and total energy delivered did not show any significant correlation with treatment outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that ILP can produce a significant reduction of thyroid nodule volume even when a much lower energy than previously reported is delivered. ILP constitutes a minimally invasive technique, which can be carried out on an outpatient basis and could represent a valid nonsurgical alternative for thyroid nodule management. Dominant nodules within a multinodular goiter appear to be more responsive to ILP compared with solitary thyroid nodules.
Asunto(s)
Carcinoma/radioterapia , Coagulación con Láser/métodos , Rayos Láser , Glándula Tiroides/efectos de la radiación , Nódulo Tiroideo/radioterapia , Adulto , Femenino , Bocio Nodular/radioterapia , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Pacientes Ambulatorios , Glándula Tiroides/patología , Neoplasias de la Tiroides/radioterapia , Tirotropina/metabolismo , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
Overexpression of HER-2/neu in breast cancer has been associated with more aggressive disease and poor overall survival. Trastuzumab, a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody with high affinity for the HER-2 protein, inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells overexpressing HER-2. Trastuzumab showed, as second-line treatment, 15% of objective response in metastatic breast cancer. Bone marrow metastases are detectable in 23% of the patients with advanced breast cancer at first relapse and this rate increases in patients with metastatic disease. We report a case of a complete response of bone marrow metastases from breast cancer using a 3-weekly trastuzumab schedule, in a heavily pretreated patient with severe symptomatic pancytopenia.