Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to G G Vergara.
Cytogenetic analysis of an extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma revealed a der(16)t(1;16)(q21;q13) in addition to the t(9;22)(q22;12) described as characteristic for this chondrosarcoma clinicohistopathologic subtype. An identical der(16) has been identified as the most common secondary structural aberration in Ewing's sarcoma and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma.
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A 20-year-old white male was initially suspected clinically and pathologically of having an acute lymphoblastic leukemic process because of fatigue, severe anemia, thrombocytopenia, a leuko-erythroblastic peripheral blood picture, and a diffusely infiltrated bone marrow. Subsequent review of the bone marrow material indicated cytologic features consistent with either an embryonal, undifferentiated small cell mesenchymal malignancy or reticulo-endothelial malignancy. Ultimately, the electron microscopic (EM) study of the tumor proved to be diagnostic of rhabdomyosarcoma. An extensive search for a primary site of rhabdomyosarcoma did not show any lesion, although the genitourinary region was clinically suspected. The clinical course was a rapidly downhill one with extensive bone and CNS involvement. The patient died 5 months later. An autopsy permit was not obtained. This case emphasizes the occasional tendency of rhabdomyosarcoma to masquerade as a hematopoietic malignancy at the time of presentation and the usefulness of EM study in confirming a diagnosis.
A case of cerebellar astrocytoma with unusual growth pattern in an 8-year-old boy is reported. The tumor had some histological hallmarks of malignancy (focally high cellularity, mitotic figures, necroses, and calcifications) and, 17 months after subtotal removal, recurred as a nuchal mass in the area of the incision, infiltrating first the skeletal musculature and later other soft tissues of the neck, including lymph nodes. Although cerebellar astrocytomas may recur locally and some may even seed through the cerebrospinal fluid, this is the first reported case of a tumor of this group to infiltrate skeletal muscle and other soft tissues of the neck. The patient underwent five operations to relieve the cervical organs from pressure.
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A case of hepatic veno-occlusive disease manifested by massive ascites is described in a 35-year-old female. She had consumed an herbal tea containing a Crotalaria plant species for 6 months prior to evaluation. Inferior vena cava and hepatic veins were patent by angiography. Liver biopsy showed histological changes typical of hepatic veno-occlusive disease, consisting of centrilobular congestion and sublobular hepatic vein obstruction. Complete clinical, biochemical, and histological recovery was documented 1 year after ingestion of the brew was discontinued. This is the first case known to be reported from Ecuador and the first to be diagnosed in the United States.
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