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Biomedical subjects

J G Lucas

Publications and source records attributed to J G Lucas.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Large colorectal adenomas. An approach to pathologic evaluation.

Adenomatous polyps are common neoplastic lesions of the large intestine. The risk of carcinoma increases with polyp size. Small polyps are typically totally embedded for histologic examination, but no standard method for sampling large, grossly benign polyps has been established. We reviewed grossly noninvasive adenomas 2.5 cm or larger to determine the percentage that contained high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and invasive cancer (IC). Based on these findings, we suggest an approach to evaluating large adenomas. Forty-three colon resections met the inclusion criteria (no previous diagnosis of cancer, no gross evidence of invasion, and totally embedded polyp). Twelve (28%) had HGD with 3% (1 of 33 slides) to 100% (4 of 4 slides) containing HGD. Five (12%) had IC with 4% (3 of 72 slides) to 42% (5 of 12 slides) containing IC. All cases with IC had HGD in other slides. Probability studies showed that in the majority of cases, polyps would need to be entirely embedded to have an estimated probability of 95% or more of detecting either HGD or IC. Therefore, grossly noninvasive adenomas should be routinely entirely embedded.

Adenoma↗

The value of second opinion in gastrointestinal and liver pathology.

OBJECTIVE: The value of routine second opinion review of liver and gastrointestinal pathologic material was evaluated to determine whether there were discrepancies in diagnoses and if these discrepancies had an impact on treatment or prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary histopathology referral diagnoses made during a 1-year period for patients being treated at Ohio State University Medical Center were compared with the outside pathologic diagnosis. All major discrepant diagnoses were reviewed by at least 2 pathologists. Diagnoses were classified as no diagnostic disagreement, diagnostic disagreement, or no diagnostic disagreement but pertinent information missing or terminology unclear. Discrepant cases were also classified according to the clinical significance of the discrepancy. RESULTS: Pathology reports from 194 hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal cases were reviewed. Of the hepatobiliary cases, 57 (64.8%) of 88 cases showed no discrepancies. Discrepancies were noted in 31 cases (35.2%), including missing information or unclear terminology in the diagnosis in 23 cases (26.1%) and diagnostic disagreement in 8 cases (9.1%). Of the cases with discrepancies, 6 (6.8%) were of major significance. Of the gastrointestinal cases, 87 (82.1%) of 106 cases showed no discrepancies. Discrepancies were noted in 19 cases (17.9%), including missing or unclear information in 3 cases (2.8%) and diagnostic disagreements in 16 cases (15.1%). The cases with discrepancies included 8 cases (7.5%) for which the change was of major clinical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Routine pathologic review of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary cases revealed notable discrepancies in diagnoses. In 14 cases (7.2%), the change in diagnosis or additional information had a significant effect on the proper treatment or a significant prognostic implication. Routine review of all pertinent pathologic material should be performed on all patients being transferred to a second institution for treatment or second opinion.

Diagnostic Errors↗

Carcinosarcoma of the urinary bladder--an aggressive tumor with diverse histogenesis. A clinicopathologic study of 4 cases and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: Carcinosarcomas of urinary bladder are rare malignant neoplasms. Seventy-eight cases have been previously described. The histologic composition of these tumors is variable, but diagnosis requires the presence of both epithelial and mesenchymal malignant components. We report 4 additional cases, with an emphasis on unusual histologic features. METHODS: Histologic and immunohistochemical examinations were performed on bladder tumors from 4 patients. Clinicopathologic features of previously reported and current cases were reviewed and summarized. RESULTS: Four patients (3 men, 1 woman) age 54 to 77 years were found to have polypoid masses in the urinary bladder. In all cases, histologic examination showed biphasic neoplasms with distinct mesenchymal and epithelial components. The morphologic and immunohistochemical characteristics of the tumors varied. One of the cases was remarkable for the presence of liposarcoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, and micropapillary urothelial carcinoma. Two of the patients died 2 years after diagnosis, which is consistent with the previously reported aggressive nature of urinary bladder carcinosarcomas. CONCLUSIONS: Carcinosarcomas of the urinary bladder are rare, aggressive malignant neoplasms. To our knowledge, a liposarcomatous component has been reported in only 1 case previously, and components of micropapillary urothelial carcinoma and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor have not been reported previously in carcinosarcomas of the urinary bladder. Because of the aggressive biologic behavior of these tumors, they should be identified promptly and treated appropriately.

Aged↗

Diffuse leiomyomatosis of the uterus: a case report with clonality analysis.

Diffuse uterine leiomyomatosis is a rare condition distinguished from the common uterine leiomyomata by involvement of the entire myometrium by innumerable, ill-defined, often small and confluent, histologically benign smooth-muscle nodules. Fourteen cases have been previously described in the literature. We report a case of diffuse leiomyomatosis in a 39-year-old woman. Several microscopic foci of the process were microdissected for clonality analysis. All samples showed a non-random X-chromosome inactivation pattern, and thus were consistent with a monoclonal neoplastic population of cells. However, in different foci of tumor, different X chromosomes were inactivated, supporting the independent origin of neoplastic clones and rejecting the possibility of a single clonal origin of all tumor cells. The results of the molecular analysis suggest that diffuse uterine leiomyomatosis may be an exuberant example of diffuse and uniform involvement of the entire myometrium by multiple leiomyomata. HUM PATHOL 31:1429-1432.

Adult↗

A half a node or a whole node: a comparison of methods for submitting lymph nodes.

For many neoplasms, the status of regional lymph nodes is a critical prognostic factor with direct therapeutic implications. Despite the importance of lymph node status, there is no consensus on whether lymph nodes from node dissections should be submitted in their entirety. To study this issue, for a 4-month period, all lymph nodes from node dissections were submitted in their entirety. The larger nodes were submitted systematically to determine whether the additional tissue blocks contained metastases that were not identified in the initial tissue block. We also analyzed the cost of submitting, processing, and interpreting these extra blocks. During the study period, 149 patients underwent lymph node dissections, yielding a total of 2,915 lymph nodes. Submitting the larger nodes in their entirety resulted in processing 808 additional tissue blocks that demonstrated a total of 9 additional metastases in 7 patients. In 2 of these patients, the additional metastases changed the stage of the neoplasm and may have contributed to an alteration in therapy. By using median salary figures, the estimated cost for submitting, processing, and interpreting the additional blocks was $5,935.62. Whether the additional positive nodes justify this cost should be determined by individual pathology practices.

Costs and Cost Analysis↗

To freeze or not to freeze. A comparison of methods for the handling of breast biopsies with no palpable abnormality.

Recently there have been several editorials suggesting that breast biopsies with small or nonpalpable lesions should not be subjected to frozen section examination. In this study, the approach of routinely performing frozen sections on all breast biopsies was compared to the recommended approach of performing frozen sections only on cases with gross lesions < 1.0 cm. From July 1, 1992 through June 30, 1993, there were 444 breast biopsies submitted. Nearly all of these (98%) had frozen sections performed. Among these cases, there were 14 false-negative frozen section diagnoses equating to a frozen section sensitivity of 84%, and a frozen section false-negative rate of 3.3%. From July 1, 1994 through June 30, 1995, there were 601 breast biopsies submitted. Of these cases, 310 contained a gross lesion > 1.0 cm and were subjected to frozen section examination. The remaining 291 cases contained either no distinct lesion or a gross lesion < 1.0 cm. These cases were not frozen. Among the 310 cases that were frozen, there were 3 false-negative frozen section diagnoses equating to a frozen section sensitivity of 96%, and a frozen section false-negative rate of 1.0%. These findings indicate that careful gross examination combined with selective freezing of only cases containing a gross lesion > 1.0 cm improves frozen section accuracy. This study provides statistical support for previous recommendations that frozen section examination should be limited to cases with distinct gross lesions > 1.0 cm.

Biopsy↗

Rapid analysis of mandibular margins.

Evaluating surgical margins during composite resection of carcinoma is limited by analysis of the bone margins. The standard pathologic evaluation of bone is by decalcification. A method of analysis was devised based on histologically proven methods of cortical invasion and subsequent spread. Frozen section analysis (FSA) of the cancellous bone was investigated as a rapid method of evaluating adequacy of the mandibular resection. Subjects consisted of 29 patients undergoing full-thickness mandibular resection, with 16 cases of histologically proven mandibular invasion qualifying for evaluation. Results of FSA were then compared to the permanent section analysis of the cancellous bone and to the decalcified specimen. Complete correlation was found between frozen and permanent section results. Frozen section analysis was able to correctly predict adequacy of resection in 32 (97%) of 33 margins.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

Gastric mucosal calcinosis. Calcified aluminum phosphate deposits secondary to aluminum-containing antacids or sucralfate therapy in organ transplant patients.

We have noticed calcium deposits (gastric mucosal calcinosis, or GMC) in the superficial gastric mucosa of 28 organ transplant patients (OTPs) (11 liver, seven bone marrow, four kidney, three kidney/pancreas, two heart, and one each of liver and kidney transplant) who underwent endoscopic biopsies. The deposits were tinctorially similar to cytomegalovirus inclusions, ranged from 40 to 250 mu in diameter, and were present just beneath the surface epithelium at the tips of the foveolae. An x-ray microanalysis showed that these mucosal deposits contained the elements aluminum, phosphorus, calcium, and chlorine. Clinical chart review showed that all OTPs with GMC were taking aluminum-containing antacids or sucralfate. Review of biopsies from gastric ulcer patients found GMC in a significantly smaller percentage than in transplant patients (32.7% vs. 5.1%, p < 0.0002). In addition, all three ulcer patients with calcified deposits were chronic renal failure patients on long-term aluminum-containing antacid therapy. Gastric mucosal calcinosis appears to be caused by aluminum phosphate accumulation secondary to antacid or sucralfate therapy in organ transplant patients. The presence of GMC in OTPs and chronic renal failure patients rather than other gastric ulcer patients is most likely due to the longer duration of therapy with aluminum-containing compounds in the former two patient groups. The clinical relevance of GMC remains to be seen. In theory, however, accelerated bone demineralization via loss of phosphates and absorption of aluminum in the gastrointestinal tract may be a consequence of long-term aluminum-containing antacid or sucralfate therapy.

Aluminum↗

Magnetic resonance imaging detection of early experimental periostitis. Comparison of magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and plain radiography with histopathologic correlation.

This study characterizes the appearance of periosteal reaction by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and evaluates the efficacy of MRI versus computed tomography (CT), and plain film radiography (PF) in detecting early, experimentally induced periostitis. Acute Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis was induced in 30 legs of 20 New Zealand white rabbits. The rabbits were then imaged with MR, contrast-unenhanced CT, and PF 4 days after infection. Histologically, periosteal elevation was present in 27 cases. Periosteal ossification was seen in 23 cases, and cellular reaction without ossification in 4 cases. Periosteal reaction was demonstrated by PF in 21 (78%) and by CT in 20 (74%) cases. Evidence of periostitis was seen by MR in all 27% (100%) cases. MR resulted in two false-positive diagnoses. Multiple concentric, alternating high and low signal arcs demonstrated by MR in 19 (70%) cases represented periosteal ossification surrounded by fibrous or granulation tissue. These findings demonstrate the ability of MR to detect periostitis despite the absence of periosteal ossification. MR was more sensitive than CT (P less than .05) or PF (P less than .05) in the detection of experimentally induced periostitis.

Acute Disease↗

Distinguishing malignant mesothelioma from pulmonary adenocarcinoma: an immuno-histochemical approach using a panel of monoclonal antibodies.

A panel of six monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) was employed to evaluate antigen expression in pulmonary adenocarcinomas and mesotheliomas. Monoclonal anti-human milk fat globulin (HMFG-2), anti-carcinoembryonic antigen (NP-2), anti-epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), anti-cytokeratin (PKK-1), anti-tumor-associated antigen 72 (B72.3), and anti-human myelomonocytic antigen (Leu M-1) antibodies were used to localize their respective antigens in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumors by using the avidin-biotin-complex immunoperoxidase technique. In all, 28 mesotheliomas obtained from Ohio State University Anatomic Pathology files and from a Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) protocol were compared to 22 pulmonary adenocarcinomas by using this MAb panel. None of the mesotheliomas demonstrated positive staining with MAbs NP-2 (anti-CEA) or Leu M-1. However, 95% (21/22) of adenocarcinomas stained with one of these two antibodies. Although neither of these two MAbs stained all adenocarcinomas, each antibody demonstrated positive immunostaining in more than 90% of the adenocarcinomas studied. Therefore, MABs NP-2 and Leu M-1 are, individually, quite useful for distinguishing mesothelioma from adenocarcinoma. However, in our study, no single MAb could be used to distinguish these two tumor types in every case. MAb B72.3 stained 91% (20/21) adenocarcinomas but also stained 7% (2/28) of mesotheliomas. MAb HMFG-2 reacted positively with 95% of adenocarcinomas, but also stained 39% of the mesotheliomas, usually in a membranous pattern. MAbs EMA and PKK-1 were not found useful in distinguishing mesothelioma from adenocarcinoma. We conclude that MAbs Leu M-1 and NP-2 were both useful in distinguishing mesothelioma from pulmonary adenocarcinoma in that positive staining was demonstrated in adenocarcinomas and not mesotheliomas.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Colon carcinoma associated with ureterosigmoidostomy.

A patient developing a colonic adenoma 38 years following ureterosigmoidostomy is presented. The mechanisms of neoplastic transformation associated with ureterosigmoidostomy is now better understood. This knowledge is being applied to develop modifications both of the surgical technique and the management of patients with this form of urinary diversion, and is a subject of discussion.

Adenoma↗

Phase II evaluation of recombinant interferon-beta (IFN-beta ser) in patients with diffuse mesothelioma: a Southwest Oncology Group study.

Fourteen evaluable patients with diffuse malignant mesothelioma were treated with a once-a-day for 5 days out of 7 for 6 weeks regimen of recombinant interferon-beta (IFN-beta ser). No responses were noted. The major toxicities included fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and anorexia. IFN-beta ser at this dose and schedule does not appear to be an active single agent for patients with refractory malignant mesothelioma.

Drug Evaluation↗

Validity of bronchoalveolar lavage in acute lung injury: recovered cells accurately reflect changes in the lung parenchyma.

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) has come into widespread use as a tool to diagnose and manage various lung diseases. However, the usefulness of BAL is based on the assumption that the cells recovered in BAL fluid accurately reflect cellular populations in the lung parenchyma. To test this hypothesis, random source (n = 16) dogs were given intravenous phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) to produce acute, diffuse lung inflammation. Dogs were divided into three groups. Group I animals (n = 2) underwent BAL and open lung biopsy at time zero. Group II (n = 7) animals underwent hourly BAL after PMA with open lung biopsy at 3 h. Group III (n = 7) animals underwent hourly BAL after PMA with open lung biopsy at 6 h. When BAL cell populations were compared with the corresponding biopsies, there was a direct correlation (r = 0.67) between BAL neutrophil percentages and neutrophils present in histologic sections. These findings suggest BAL accurately reflects changes in the lung parenchyma in acute lung disease.

Acute Disease↗

Hyperreactio luteinalis. Benign disorder masquerading as an ovarian neoplasm.

Hyperreactio luteinalis (HL) refers to moderate to marked cystic enlargement of the ovaries due to multiple benign theca lutein cysts and is most often associated with hydatidiform mole or choriocarcinoma. The cause of this condition is unknown, but is believed to be related to elevated levels of, or abnormal ovarian response to, human chorionic and pituitary gonadotropins. Only 47 cases of HL unassociated with trophoblastic disease have been previously reported in the English-language literature, mostly before 1974, and almost exclusively in the gynecologic literature. We present two additional cases of HL unassociated with trophoblastic disease and review the literature. One of our case reports documents the unusual occurrence of unilateral HL. Of the 49 cases described, 11 occurred with fetal hydrops (8 immunologic; 3 non-immunologic), 8 with multiple pregnancies, and 30 in otherwise normal single pregnancies. Hyperreaction luteinalis is most often bilateral and found incidentally at the time of cesarean section. However, HL may present during any trimester as an abdominal mass or acute abdomen. The natural course is postpartum regression. Recognition of HL is important, since misinterpretation at laparotomy or erroneous histologic diagnoses have resulted in unnecessary surgery, often with sterilization in 16 of the cases. A conservative approach is indicated with wedge biopsy and frozen section diagnosis. Oophorectomy is necessary only to remove infarcted tissue or to control hemorrhage.

Adult↗

Chondrolipoma of the breast.

Benign cartilage-containing mesenchymal tumors of the breast are extremely rare. We describe a patient with chondrolipoma of the breast who presented with a breast mass that was detected by routine mammography. Although the mammographic features of chondrolipoma are not specific, the histologic features are diagnostic and show a well-circumscribed mass composed of benign adipose tissue and lobules of mature cartilage. We also discuss the differential diagnosis of benign mesenchymal tumors of the breast.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Absence of Campylobacter-like organisms in Barrett's esophagus.

Barrett's esophagus is a chronic condition in which the normal squamous mucosal lining is replaced by columnar mucosa. Campylobacter-like organism (CLOs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of gastritis and peptic ulcer disease and have been identified in Barrett's esophagus. The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence of CLOs in Barrett's esophagus and to consider their role, if any, in the pathogenesis of the disease. None of the bacteria were identified in 38 specimens obtained from 34 patients with Barrett's esophagus. It is concluded that the incidence of CLOs in Barrett's esophagus must be low and that CLOs do not contribute to the natural history of the disease.

Adult↗