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Harry P W Kozakewich

Publications and source records attributed to Harry P W Kozakewich.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Myogenic markers in the evaluation of embryonal botryoid rhabdomyosarcoma of the female genital tract.

Rhabdomyosarcoma presents special diagnostic problems when it involves the uterine cervix in young children because tumor cells may lack marked atypia and may blend with the normal, immature, condensed, cellular stroma, rendering diagnosis difficult. Myogenic makers are a valuable ancillary technique for establishing a diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma. However, desmin positivity has been reported in cervical stromal cells, which can confound diagnosis. To determine whether immunohistochemical markers of skeletal muscle differentiation are helpful in the diagnosis of uterine botryoid rhabdomyosarcoma, we compared the immunohistochemical staining pattern of cervical rhabdomyosarcoma from 3 patients with that of normal uteri from age-matched autopsy controls by using antibodies for desmin, smooth muscle actin, muscle-specific actin, myoD1, myogenin, and WT-1. All tumors demonstrated at least focal immunopositivity for desmin, muscle-specific actin, smooth muscle actin, myoD1, and WT-1, and 1 tumor was also positive for myogenin. Autopsy controls showed only scattered subepithelial stromal immunoreactivity for desmin, muscle-specific actin, smooth muscle actin, and WT-1 and showed cytoplasmic, but not nuclear, immunopositivity for myoD1 and myogenin. Myometrium was diffusely positive for desmin and muscle-specific actin. We conclude that desmin, muscle-specific actin, smooth muscle actin, and WT1 are not specific for discriminating embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma from normal subepithelial cells in the female genital tract of children, although the number of immunopositive cells is consistently larger in rhabdomyosarcoma. Nuclear staining for myoD1 and myogenin appears not to occur in normal tissue, but it may be absent or sparse in embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Our findings indicate that, in this anatomic site, the diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma and in particular determination of tumor margins remain very reliant on histomorphology.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗
PubMed2005

Cutaneovisceral angiomatosis with thrombocytopenia.

We describe 10 children with multiple vascular lesions of the skin and gastrointestinal tract associated with sustained, minor thrombocytopenia. In some children, there was involvement of the lung (n = 5), bone (n = 2), liver (n = 1), spleen (n = 1), and muscle (n = 1). The cutaneous lesions were congenital, multifocal, discrete, red-brown and variably blue macules and papules; in 3 children, a large dominant plaque was also present. All children developed hematemesis and/or melena and endoscopic evaluation revealed several to numerous small mucosal lesions that involved all levels of the gastrointestinal tract. Three of 5 children with pulmonary nodules had cough and 1 also had hemoptysis. Biopsies of cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and pulmonary lesions showed thin-walled, blood-filled vascular channels and variable endothelial hyperplasia. The endothelial nuclei were elongated, round, crescentic, or hobnailed. Cytoplasmic and extracellular periodic acid-Schiff positive deposits were often present in the zones of endothelial hyperplasia. The platelets were small in some children, suggesting a primary defect, possibly accounting for the thrombocytopenia. Gastrointestinal hemorrhage and hemoptysis required antiangiogenic therapy. The constellation of findings defines a congenital proliferative disorder of blood vessels with a distinctive microscopic appearance. We have termed this relatively indolent or slowly progressive disorder cutaneovisceral angiomatosis with thrombocytopenia because this designation incorporates its major clinical and histopathologic features.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors↗
PubMed2005

Myogenic markers in the evaluation of embryonal botryoid rhabdomyosarcoma of the female genital tract.

Rhabdomyosarcoma presents special diagnostic problems when it involves the uterine cervix in young children because tumor cells may lack marked atypia and may blend with the normal, immature, condensed, cellular stroma, rendering diagnosis difficult. Myogenic makers are a valuable ancillary technique for establishing a diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma. However, desmin positivity has been reported in cervical stromal cells, which can confound diagnosis. To determine whether immunohistochemical markers of skeletal muscle differentiation are helpful in the diagnosis of uterine botryoid rhabdomyosarcoma, we compared the immunohistochemical staining pattern of cervical rhabdomyosarcoma from 3 patients with that of normal uteri from age-matched autopsy controls by using antibodies for desmin, smooth muscle actin, muscle-specific actin, myoD1, myogenin, and WT-1. All tumors demonstrated at least focal immunopositivity for desmin, muscle-specific actin, smooth muscle actin, myoD1, and WT-1, and 1 tumor was also positive for myogenin. Autopsy controls showed only scattered subepithelial stromal immunoreactivity for desmin, muscle-specific actin, smooth muscle actin, and WT-1 and showed cytoplasmic, but not nuclear, immunopositivity for myoD1 and myogenin. Myometrium was diffusely positive for desmin and muscle-specific actin. We conclude that desmin, muscle-specific actin, smooth muscle actin, and WT1 are not specific for discriminating embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma from normal subepithelial cells in the female genital tract of children, although the number of immunopositive cells is consistently larger in rhabdomyosarcoma. Nuclear staining for myoD1 and myogenin appears not to occur in normal tissue, but it may be absent or sparse in embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Our findings indicate that, in this anatomic site, the diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma and in particular determination of tumor margins remain very reliant on histomorphology.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗
PubMed2005

Expression of Wilms tumor 1 gene distinguishes vascular malformations from proliferative endothelial lesions.

BACKGROUND: Vascular malformations and hemangiomas, which are endothelial lesions of childhood, may result in considerable morbidity because they can cause discomfort and functional impairment and have a negative affect on the patient's appearance. Although vascular malformations may initially appear very similar to hemangiomas, they have distinct clinical courses. Infantile hemangiomas progress through 3 stages: proliferative, involuting, and involuted. The proliferative phase is characterized by clinical growth. Once hemangiomas reach their maximum size, they begin to regress or involute. Histologically, this stage is characterized by endothelial apoptosis. Finally, the involuted stage of the hemangioma occurs when the original lesion is replaced by a connective tissue remnant. In contrast to hemangiomas, vascular malformations do not involute but continue to enlarge as the patient grows. OBSERVATIONS: The biochemical differences between hemangiomas, which involute, and vascular malformations, which do not involute, are not well understood. We found that the transcription factor encoded by the Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) gene is expressed in the endothelium of hemangiomas but not in vascular malformations. CONCLUSIONS: Defects in WT1 signaling may underlie the inability of malformation endothelial cells to undergo physiologic apoptosis and remodeling. The availability of WT1 staining in hospital laboratories may allow the clinician to distinguish hemangiomas from vascular malformations and thus to give appropriate therapy to the patient.

Apoptosis↗
PubMed2005

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma without Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon.

Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon is a serious coagulopathy associated with kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE), tufted angioma, and possibly other vascular neoplasms. KHE presenting in the absence of Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon is rare, although tufted angioma frequently occurs without thrombocytopenia. We retrospectively reviewed 10 cases of KHE without Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon. The tumors appeared as soft tissue masses with the overlying skin being either normal, erythematous, or violaceous. There were no radiologic or microscopic differences in noncoagulopathic KHE as compared with coagulopathic KHE. Evidence of platelet trapping and hemosiderin deposition was seen histologically, despite normal serum platelet levels. All KHE were less than 8 cm in diameter, suggesting that tumors that grow no larger than this size are less likely to trap platelets in sufficient quantity to cause thrombocytopenia. Our series confirms that KHE appears with a wide spectrum of behavior and response to treatment. The decision as to whether or not to treat a noncoagulopathic KHE should be based on the size and location of the tumor and the possible side effects of therapy.

Child↗
PubMed2005

An injectable tissue-engineered embolus prevents luminal recanalization after vascular sclerotherapy.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Sclerotherapy for vascular malformations is often limited by luminal recanalization. This study examined whether an injectable tissue-engineered construct could prevent this complication in a rabbit model of venous sclerotherapy. METHODS: Ethanol sclerotherapy of a temporarily occluded jugular vein segment was performed in 46 rabbits, which were then divided into 3 groups. Group I (n = 16) had no further manipulations. In groups II (n = 15) and III (n = 15), 0.5 mL collagen hydrogel was injected intraluminally, respectively, devoid of and seeded with autologous fibroblasts. At 1, 4, and 20 to 24 weeks postoperatively, vein segments were examined for patency and resected for histological evaluation. Statistical analysis was by Fisher's Exact test. RESULTS: All vein segments were occluded at 1 and 4 weeks in all groups, despite histological evidence of progressive endothelial ingrowth. However, at 20 to 24 weeks, angiography demonstrated restoration of vessel patency in groups I (3/6) and II (3/5), but not in group III (0/6; P = .043), in which histology confirmed an obliterated lumen for all vessels. CONCLUSION: An injectable, fibroblast-based, engineered construct prevents midterm to long-term recanalization in a leporine model of vascular sclerotherapy. This novel therapeutic approach may prevent recurrence of vascular malformations after sclerotherapy, thus reducing the need for repeated procedures and morbid operative resections.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Iliac artery stenosis in a child with cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita.

Cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita (CMTC) is a rare congenital disorder. We describe an 8-year-old boy with CMTC who presented with symptomatic claudication and diminished distal pulses. Imaging showed severe stenosis of the right common iliac artery, and the child underwent uncomplicated ilio-iliac bypass using prosthetic graft. This is the first report of a patient with CMTC and major vessel stenosis, successfully treated with a prosthetic graft bypass.

Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation↗
PubMed2005

D2-40 immunohistochemical analysis of pediatric vascular tumors reveals positivity in kaposiform hemangioendothelioma.

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma is a distinctive vascular neoplasm affecting predominantly children and neonates. In neonates it needs to be differentiated from common infantile hemangioma and other vascular lesions of infancy. Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma immunoreacts with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3, and partial lymphothelial differentiation of this lesion has been suggested. D2-40 has been recently proposed as a selective marker of lymphatic endothelium. We performed immunohistochemical analysis with the D2-40 antibody on 24 kaposiform hemangioendotheliomas and 48 other pediatric vascular lesions including common infantile hemangioma (n=10), rapidly involuting congenital hemangioma (n=10), non-involuting congenital hemangioma (n=9), verrucous hemangioma (n=9), and pyogenic granuloma (n=10) to define whether this marker can be applied in the diagnosis of vascular lesions of infancy. In all, 23 of 24 (96%) kaposiform hemangioendotheliomas exhibited a distinct staining, while none of the other lesions immunoreacted with D2-40. D2-40 stained the neoplastic spindled cells and lymphatic channels adjacent to vascular lobules of kaposiform hemangioendothelioma. These findings support D2-40 as a new determinate marker for kaposiform hemangioendothelioma, useful in differentiating it from other vascular lesions of infancy and suggest lymphothelial differentiation of the neoplastic component of kaposiform hemangioendothelioma. Further studies are necessary to define the identity of the D2-40 antigen and to elucidate the biologic significance of its selective lymphothelial reactivity..

Actins↗
PubMed2005

Cytogenetic aberrations in perineurioma: variation with subtype.

Only two karyotypes of perineurioma have previously been reported, 46XX,del(10)(q22q24),der(10),del(22)(q11-12q?)/47, idem,+der(10) (in a sclerosing perineurioma of the finger) and 45,XX,add(14)(p13),-22,add(22)(q11.2) (in an intraneural perineurioma). We investigated the clinicopathologic and cytogenetic findings in four consecutive perineuriomas in children, including two small (< or =1 cm) digital sclerosing perineuriomas, a 2-cm intraneural perineurioma, and a 16-cm abdominal soft tissue perineurioma. All lesions showed plump perineurial cells in a complex whorled configuration. Immunohistochemical (strong EMA immunostaining in all cases) and ultrastructural (in three of three lesions examined) evidence of perineurial differentiation was present. The sclerosing perineuriomas showed 46,XY,t(2;10)(p23;q24) and 47,XX,add(3)(q23),add(6)(q21),-5,-9,-10,-22,+mar1,+mar2,+mars; the intraneural tumor showed 46,XX,add(2)(q11.2),add(3)(q12); and the abdominal soft tissue perineurioma showed 46,XX,t(8;9)(q13;q22). Metaphase FISH analysis for an ALK gene rearrangement in the sclerosing perineurioma with t(2;10) was negative; the ALK signal remained on the der(2). We conclude that perineuriomas display mostly simple karyotypes, characterized by one or few chromosomal rearrangements or numerical changes. In conjunction with the previously published sclerosing perineurioma karyotypes, the findings of chromosome 10 aberrations, t(2;10)(p23;q24) and monosomy 10 in two sclerosing perineuriomas, indicate that rearrangements and/or deletions of 10q are a consistent finding in this variant of perineurioma. The findings also expand previous assertions that chromosome 22 abnormalities are pathogenetic in perineurioma and suggest that diverse genetic tumorigenic mechanisms may exist, possibly depending on the subtype.

Chromosome Aberrations↗
PubMed2005

Heterotopic neural nodules of the scalp.

Congenital lesions of the scalp must be approached with caution because of the possibility of intracranial extension. Heterotopic neural nodules, a type of neuroectodermal malformation, are particularly dangerous. They manifest in the newborn as a small lump, are often confused with dermoid cysts, and may have a rudimentary stalk that communicates intracranially. The authors retrospectively reviewed the demographic, clinical, and histopathologic records of 11 infants with 12 heterotopic neural nodules of the scalp seen over the previous two decades. All lesions were located in the parietal or occipital region. All but one patient had an overlying area of alopecia surrounded by a ring of long, coarse hair (the "hair collar sign"), and nine of 11 children had a capillary stain surrounding the lesion. Preoperative imaging correctly identified calvarial defects in five patients. Excision was performed at an average age of 8.6 months. Histopathologic examination showed that nine lesions (nine patients) were heterotopic leptomeningeal tissue and three lesions (two patients) contained glial tissue. Heterotopic neural nodules of the scalp are rare congenital lesions with recognizable clinical and histologic features. Preoperative imaging is essential to document possible intracranial involvement and thus minimize possible penetration of the dura during resection.

Alopecia↗
PubMed2005

Childhood asymmetric labium majus enlargement: mimicking a neoplasm.

We report a distinctive lesion of the labium majus resected in 14 girls from 3.9 to 13.2 years of age. All presented with enlargement of 1 or occasionally both labia majora. Radiographic imaging and surgical exploration showed expansion of the labium majus without definable borders. Grossly, specimens consisted of fibro-fatty tissue from 2 to 8 cm in greatest dimension. Microscopic examination revealed the usual constituents of vulvar soft tissue, with expansion of the fibrous component. Sparsely to moderately cellular interconnected bands encircled lobules of fat, blood vessels, and nerves. The bands consisted of plump and occasionally stellate or round fibroblasts immersed in an abundant pale myxoid matrix containing thin collagen fibers. These fibrous bands merged with thinner denser fibrous septa simlar to those seen in the vulva from age-matched controls. Elastic stains showed variably abundant thin parallel elastic fibers. Fibroblasts were immunohistochemically positive for estrogen and progesterone receptors. Electron microscopy showed fibroblasts with dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum cisternae and prominent nuclear fibrous laminae; extracellular matrix contained precollagen, collagen, elastic fibers, and numerous proteoglycan granules. Cytogenetic analysis of 3 lesions revealed a normal karyotype. Recurrence was observed in 7 (50%) patients, and regression was observed in 1 whose recurrence was not reexcised. Over an 11-year period at Children's Hospital (Boston, MA), these lesions represented 22% of all pediatric vulvar soft tissue masses and 3% of all vulvar lesions biopsied. We conclude that "childhood asymmetric labium majus enlargement" is a distinctive clinicopathologic entity of pre- and early puberty. Recognition of this fairly common lesion is important, since it may clinically, radiographically, and histologically mimic an infiltrative neoplasm. Its occurrence at an age roughly coincident with the time of breast budding, capacity for spontaneous regression, histologic architecture and composition of elements native to the vulva, expression of hormone receptors, and normal karyotype suggest that it is an asymmetric physiologic enlargement in response to hormonal surges of pre- and early puberty.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Pathology of human metapneumovirus infection: insights into the pathogenesis of a newly identified respiratory virus.

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a recently discovered human virus that causes significant respiratory infections. Pathologic features of hMPV infection have not been described. A total of 1257 pediatric respiratory samples submitted for routine clinical virologic testing were additionally tested for hMPV by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Pathology specimens, available in 6 of 53 hMPV-positive patients, were examined by light and electron microscopy and included 6 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and 3 lung biopsy specimens from 6 patients (3 girls and 3 boys) ranging in age from 1 to 16 years. BAL from three patients performed within 4 days of the positive hMPV assay showed epithelial degenerative changes and eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusions within epithelial cells, multinucleate giant cells, and histiocytes. Inclusions were not seen in three patients with BAL performed = 1 month from the time of their positive assay. Lung biopsy, performed in three patients, all = 1 month from the time of their positive assay, showed chronic airway inflammation and intraalveolar foamy and hemosiderin-laden macrophages; all three patients had an underlying pulmonary/systemic disorder. Our findings delineate the clinicopathologic features in hMPV-infected patients undergoing anatomic sampling, which may provide diagnostic guidance to a practicing pathologist. Further, they contribute toward understanding the pathogenesis of hMPV infection.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Urachal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor with ALK gene rearrangement: a study of urachal remnants.

OBJECTIVES: Abnormalities of the urachus are rare among children and include a patent tract and cyst formation. These structures can also be affected by infection and abscess development. They are usually diagnosed during infancy and treated by surgical resection. Involvement of this remnant by either benign or malignant tumors is very infrequent. A few cases of mesenchymal tumors, such as desmoid tumor and leiomyoma, involving the urachus have been described in published reports. METHODS: We studied an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor arising from the urachus in a 10-year-old boy. In addition, we reviewed 101 cases of urachal remnants retrieved from the surgical pathology and autopsy files in the Department of Pathology at the Children's Hospital Boston diagnosed in the past 82 years. RESULTS: The urachal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor showed anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement by immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization techniques. No other neoplasms were diagnosed in the analyzed population. CONCLUSIONS: We describe an example of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor involving the urachus. Involvement of the urachus by tumors is rare, but these should be considered in the differential diagnosis of urachal lesions.

Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase↗
PubMed2004

Distinct chromosomal rearrangements in subungual (Dupuytren) exostosis and bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation (Nora lesion).

BACKGROUND: Proliferative lesions of the bone surface, such as subungual (Dupuytren) exostosis and bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation (BPOP, Nora lesion) are currently classified as reactive, proliferative processes that mimic primary neoplasms of bone. METHODS: Cytogenetic analysis was performed on 3 subungual exostoses of the great toe and 2 BPOP lesions of the radius and ulna. RESULTS: A balanced translocation t(X;6) was identified in all cases of subungual exostoses. The chromosomal rearrangements observed in 1 case of BPOP differed from those seen in subungual exostosis. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of chromosomal abnormalities in subungual exostosis and BPOP suggests that these lesions are neoplastic, with a different molecular pathogenesis, and that each is a distinct clinicopathologic entity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Abnormal distribution and hyperplasia of thyroid C-cells in PTEN-associated tumor syndromes.

INTRODUCTION: Cowden's disease (CD) and Bannayan-Ruvalcaba-Riley syndrome (BRRS) are allelic disorders characterized by multiple hamartomatous overgrowths of the thyroid, breast, skin, and gastrointestinal tract, and an increased risk of developing benign and malignant tumors of the breast and thyroid gland, secondary to germline point mutations in the PTEN gene. In contrast to thyroid epithelial lesions, abnormalities of the C-cells are currently not considered part of the spectrum of manifestations seen in PTEN-associated syndromes. METHODS: The thyroid glands from two patients with overlapping CD/BRRS phenotypes, and with distinct PTEN mutations, were entirely submitted for histopathological examination, calcitonin immunostaining and C-cell mapping. RESULTS: Multiple follicular adenomas and adenomatous nodules were present in the thyroid glands from both patients. A microscopic focus of papillary carcinoma was also present in one gland. C-cell hyperplasia was documented in both cases by calcitonin immunostaining. CONCLUSIONS: PTEN-associated tumor syndromes should be considered in the differential diagnosis of C-cell hyperplasia of the thyroid.

Adenocarcinoma, Follicular↗
PubMed2002

Angiographic features of rapidly involuting congenital hemangioma (RICH).

Rapidly involuting congenital hemangioma (RICH) is a recently recognized entity in which the vascular tumor is fully developed at birth and undergoes rapid involution. Angiographic findings in two infants with congenital hemangioma are reported and compared with a more common postnatal infantile hemangioma and a congenital infantile fibrosarcoma. Congenital hemangiomas differed from infantile hemangiomas angiographically by inhomogeneous parenchymal staining, large and irregular feeding arteries in disorganized patterns, arterial aneurysms, direct arteriovenous shunts, and intravascular thrombi. Both infants had clinical evidence of a high-output cardiac failure and intralesional bleeding. This congenital high-flow vascular tumor is difficult to distinguish angiographically from arteriovenous malformation and congenital infantile fibrosarcoma.

Angiography, Digital Subtraction↗