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Biomedical subjects

Anna Batistatou

Publications and source records attributed to Anna Batistatou.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Chondrosarcoma of the spine: a rare case with unusual presentation.

Chondrosarcoma is the third most common primary malignancy of bone, affecting primarily the pelvic and shoulder girdles and being extremely rare in the spine. Herein, we present a case of a 65-year-old woman with a rare chondrosarcoma of the spine, who presented with clinical symptoms from the lung metastasis. The neoplasm was grade II and exhibited overexpression of the p53 tumor suppressor protein. The latter has been associated with a high propensity for distant metastases.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2006

Melanosis intestini: case report.

The term melanosis in the gastrointestinal tract refers to the accumulation of pigment deposits in the mucosa. Melanosis of the colon is not uncommon and has been associated with certain conditions, however melanosis of the small intestine is extremely rare. Herein, we describe a case in which we observed melanosis not only in the colon, but in the terminal ileum as well, associated with the use of anthraceneline laxatives. The clinical significance of this condition is not clear, however Gastroenterologists and Pathologists should be aware of its existence.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2006

Expression patterns of dysadherin and E-cadherin in lymph node metastases of colorectal carcinoma.

Reduction/loss of E-cadherin is associated with the development and progression of many epithelial tumors, while in a limited number of neoplasms, E-cadherin is re-expressed in metastases. Dysadherin, recently characterized by members of our research team, has an anti-cell-cell adhesion function and downregulates E-cadherin in a posttranscriptional manner. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common tumors in the developed world, and lymph node metastases are harbingers of aggressive behavior. The aim of the present study was to examine the dysadherin and E-cadherin expression patterns in lymph node metastases vs primary CRC. Dysadherin and E-cadherin expression was examined immunohistochemically in 78 patients with CRC, Dukes' stage C in the primary tumor and in one lymph node metastasis. Dysadherin was expressed in 42% while E-cadherin immunoreactivity was reduced in 45% of primary tumors. In lymph nodes, 33 and 81% of metastatic tumors were positive for dysadherin and E-cadherin, respectively. Dysadherin expression was not correlated with E-cadherin expression in the primary tumor with a reverse correlation evident in the lymph node metastases. Our results suggest that different mechanisms govern E-cadherin expression in the primary tumor and the corresponding lymph node metastases.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2006

Rare association of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis with dermatomyositis.

Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) has been associated with other autoimmune diseases such as chronic urticaria, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, Sjøgren's syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, and dermatomyositis (DM). AITD is a common disorder affecting primarily women, and both genetic and environmental factors are included in its pathogenesis. DM is considered an autoimmune disease of the muscles and skin. Although AITD is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, to the best of our knowledge, only three cases of DM and AITD in the same patient have been reported in the last 40 years. We consider that both are developed from the same autoimmune background. Herein, we present a case of a 30-year-old man with a 4-year history of AITD who was diagnosed as suffering as well from DM.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Dysadherin expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: association with lymphangiogenesis and prognostic significance.

Dysadherin is a recently characterized cancer-associated cell membrane glycoprotein that has a crucial role to cell-cell adhesiveness. The aim of this study was to examine dysadherin expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). A total of 108 tissue specimens of patients with HNSCC were examined using immunostaining for dysadherin, E-cadherin, and the specific lymphatic endothelium marker D2-40. We quantified dysadherin and E-cadherin expression, assessed intratumoral (ILD) and peritumoral lymphatic density (PLD), and examined the possible associations of all the above parameters with clinicopathologic features and outcome. Finally, we used double staining with dysadherin and D2-40 to examine the expression pattern of dysadherin simultaneously with the lymphovasculature environment of HNSCC. High dysadherin expression was correlated with higher clinical stage (chi2, P = 0.01), with the presence of lymph node metastasis at the time of diagnosis (chi2, P = 0.02), and with increased ILD (chi2, P = 0.001). We observed an impressive reverse association between increased dysadherin expression and decreased E-cadherin expression (chi2, P < 0.001). Surprisingly, dysadherin-positive cancer cells usually gathered around areas of high intratumoral lymphatic vessel concentration, surrounding and invading small intratumoral lymphatics. Higher clinical stage and increased dysadherin expression were found to be the only significant independent prognostic factors for overall survival (hazard ratio, 3.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-14.27 for clinical stage; hazard ratio, 3.92; 95% confidence interval, 1.46-10.51 for dysadherin). The loss of intercellular adhesiveness and increased dysadherin expression seems to be related to lymphangiogenesis in HNSCC, but this should be confirmed by additional studies. Dysadherin expression might be a promising prognostic marker for separation of patients at higher risk.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Cubital tunnel syndrome due to giant cell tumour of tendon sheaths.

Cubital tunnel syndrome is one of the most common entrapment neuropathies in adults. It is mainly caused by the depression of ulnar nerve from normal structures at the elbow area. Despite the fact that several pathgological entities can be potential mechanisms of the syndrome, the pathogenesis due to benign or malignant neoplasms is extremely rare. In the present report we describe the first case of cubital tunnel syndrome due to giant cell tumour of the tendon sheaths.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Ectopic modified sebaceous glands in human penis.

The balanopreputial sulcus is believed to be the most frequent site of the so-called Tyson's glands. The intriguing feature of these anatomical structures is their mere existence, which has been doubted. Herein, the authors present a case of a 24-year-old man who underwent surgical treatment of his phimosis. On microscopic examination of the specimen, glands with morphological features similar to those described by Tyson were noted.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Lung and 'end organ' injury due to mechanical ventilation in animals: comparison between the prone and supine positions.

INTRODUCTION: Use of the prone position in patients with acute lung injury improves their oxygenation. Most of these patients die from multisystem organ failure and not from hypoxia, however. Moreover, there is some evidence that the organ failure is caused by increased cell apoptosis. In the present study we therefore examined whether the position of the patients affects histological changes and apoptosis in the lung and 'end organs', including the brain, heart, diaphragm, liver, kidneys and small intestine. METHODS: Ten mechanically ventilated sheep with a tidal volume of 15 ml/kg body weight were studied for 90 minutes. Five sheep were placed in the supine position and five sheep were placed in the prone position during the experiment. Lung changes were analyzed histologically using a semiquantitative scoring system and the extent of apoptosis was investigated with the TUNEL method. RESULTS: In the supine position intra-alveolar hemorrhage appeared predominantly in the dorsal areas, while the other histopathologic lesions were homogeneously distributed throughout the lungs. In the prone position, all histological changes were homogeneously distributed. A significantly higher score of lung injury was found in the supine position than in the prone position (4.63 +/- 0.58 and 2.17 +/- 0.19, respectively) (P < 0.0001). The histopathologic changes were accompanied by increased apoptosis (TUNEL method). In the supine position, the apoptotic index in the lung and in most of the 'end organs' was significantly higher compared with the prone position (all P < 0.005). Interestingly, the apoptotic index was higher in dorsal areas compared with ventral areas in both the prone and supine positions (P < 0.003 and P < 0.02, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the prone position appears to reduce the severity and the extent of lung injury, and is associated with decreased apoptosis in the lung and 'end organs'.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) protein expression correlates with BAG-1 and prognosis in brain glial tumours.

Estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) is an important mediator of estrogen function in a variety of tissues. Its expression declines in breast, ovarian, prostatic and colon carcinomas as well as in astrocytic tumours. BAG-1 is a multifunctional protein with an important role in neoplasia and is possibly regulated by estrogen receptors. One of the direct targets of BAG-1 is HSP70. The purpose of this study was to analyse the expression pattern of these proteins in two distinct types of glial neoplasms, to investigate their possible correlation and probe their impact on prognosis. ERbeta, BAG-1 and HSP70 protein expression was monitored immunohistochemically in 66 cases of astrocytomas and 20 oligodendrogliomas. In astrocytic tumours low ERbeta expression correlated significantly with high grade (P < 0.001), higher expression of cytoplasmic BAG-1 (P < 0.001) and worse survival (log rank P = 0.02). Multivariate analysis revealed that ERbeta expression had a prognostic value for overall survival in these patients (Cox P = 0.03), which was not dependent on grade. There was also statistically significant association of BAG-1 nuclear expression with HSP70 cytoplasmic expression. Our results strengthen the hypothesis that ERbeta, BAG-1 and HSP70 play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of glial neoplasms. Moreover, ERbeta expression in astrocytic tumors might be an important prognostic factor for survival.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Prognostic significance of VEGF immunohistochemical expression and tumor angiogenesis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Tumor angiogenesis is crucial for both the growth of the primary tumor and the development of metastases. Among the factors causing tumor angiogenesis, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is considered as a leading candidate. We aimed to assess the prognostic significance of VEGF and tumor angiogenesis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 69 patients with HNSCC, in order to investigate whether VEGF immunohistochemical expression and tumor angiogenesis correlate with clinicopathological parameters and outcome. Tumor angiogenesis was estimated by determining microvessel density (MVD), and VEGF expression was assessed quantitatively. RESULTS: Vascular endothelial growth factor and MVD correlated statistically significant with the clinical stage, but not with the presence of lymph node metastasis at the time of diagnosis. Tumors located in the oral cavity and larynx more often expressed high VEGF immunostaining compared with tumors located in the lower lip. High VEGF expression was associated with higher clinical stage and worse overall survival in this cohort of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular endothelial growth factor expression may have prognostic significance for patients with HNSCC.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Hypoxia-induced tumor angiogenic pathway in head and neck cancer: an in vivo study.

Numerous studies indicate the importance of hypoxia-induced pathway in tumor angiogenesis, but in vivo studies examining the importance of this mechanism in prognosis of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma present conflicting results. We performed a retrospective analysis of 81 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in order to investigate whether hypoxia-inducible factor 1a (HIF-1a) immunohistochemical expression correlates with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and clinicopathologic parameters or prognosis. Our results showed a statistically significant association between HIF-1a and VEGF expression in tumors located in the lower lip and in larynx, but not in those located in the oral cavity. HIF-1a expression had no impact on prognosis, while VEGF expression correlated significantly with adverse prognosis. These findings support the hypothesis that tumor angiogenesis is close related, but not strictly dependent, on the hypoxic conditions of tumor's microenvironment.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Evidence for lymphangiogenesis and its prognostic implications in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Lymph node metastasis is a frequent reason for adverse clinical outcome in many epithelial neoplasms, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The mechanisms underlying the capability of epithelial neoplasms to metastasize via lymphatic vessels have not yet been fully elucidated. There is great debate about whether cancer cells can metastasize by expansion and invasion of pre-existing peritumoral lymphatics or by the formation and invasion of new lymphatics within tumours (lymphangiogenesis). In order to investigate this issue, we examined 81 tissue specimens from patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, using immunostaining for the specific lymphatic endothelium marker podoplanin, and assessed intratumoral and peritumoral lymphatic density. We also quantified lymphatic invasion and examined the possible associations of all the above parameters with clinicopathological features and outcome. Finally, we used double staining with podoplanin and the cell proliferation marker Ki-67 in order to evaluate lymphangiogenesis. High intratumoral and peritumoral lymphatic density were both significantly associated with the presence of lymph node metastasis at the time of diagnosis (chi2 test, p < 0.001 and p = 0.007, respectively) and there was a significant correlation between high intratumoral lymphatic density and lymphatic invasion. Patients with higher intratumoral lymphatic density exhibited shorter overall survival (log rank p < 0.001) and this correlation remained significant after multivariate analysis (Cox p = 0.04), indicating that intratumoral lymphatic density is an independent prognostic factor for mortality. Peritumoral lymphatic density had no influence on outcome. Double staining revealed the existence of proliferating intratumoral lymphatics, in which tumour emboli were occasionally observed. These results indicate that lymphangiogenesis indeed occurs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma; that newly formed vessels are targets of invasion by cancer cells; and that intratumoral lymphatic density might be used as a criterion to separate patients at higher risk of an adverse clinical outcome.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Sudden death from contusion of the right atrium after blunt chest trauma: case report and review of the literature.

Occult cardiac injury following blunt trauma is more common than generally suspected. Myocardial lesions range from myocardial contusion to cardiac rupture. Myocardial contusion is not uncommon, it is usually a benign disorder which often remains undiagnosed. We report the case of a previously healthy 29-year-old man who was involved in a fight and suffered from blunt heart injury leading to contusion of the right atrium. The patient died soon after the injury and before admission to the Hospital. The diagnosis was made at autopsy. The present case is of special interest because of the unusual eliciting event and the rarity of the contusion site (right atrium). It is reported in order to raise the index of suspicion in physicians treating patients involved in a fight and aid in prompt diagnosis of myocardial contusion.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

The art of science: transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder and Golconda.

Science and art are, surprisingly, intimately linked to each other. Over the centuries, artists used their talent in order to depict with the greatest detail possible the human anatomy and later the histology of tissues, helping scientists comprehend better the world and human nature. From the opposite perspective, scientific images coming from observation or experimentation can constitute art since they can have form and beauty. An example is mitotic figures, particularly the atypical ones observed in cancer. The affinity between art and science is demonstrated herein, by their harmonic coexistence in one figure, and also by the ease and naturalness by which the phrases used by Magritte in order to describe one of his paintings, the famous "Golconda" can be paraphrased to describe a neoplasm, a transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

Art↗