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V Ascoli

Publications and source records attributed to V Ascoli.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Human herpes virus-8 associated primary effusion lymphoma of the pleural cavity in HIV-negative elderly men.

Human herpes virus-8 (HHV-8)-associated primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is an unusual lymphoma confined to the body cavities, which primarily affects human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive men at high risk for Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). We describe two HIV-negative elderly Italian men, who developed pleural HHV-8-positive PEL in association with other diseases (systemic hypertension, colonic carcinoma, chronic obstructive airways disease, dilated cardiomyopathy), but without KS. Thoracic computed tomography revealed unilateral pleural effusion and pleural thickening. Thoracentesis disclosed large lymphoma cells, with no T- or B-cell associated antigens, clonal rearrangement of the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene and the presence of HHV-8 but not Epstein-Barr virus deoxyribonucleic acid sequences. Our cases differ from most pleural effusion lymphomas, in that they are non-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related. This highlights the possible human herpes virus-8-associated primary effusion lymphoma risk among elderly human immunodeficiency virus-negative patients, particularly Italians, in whom human herpes virus-8 seroprevalence rates and incidence of classic Kaposi's sarcoma are high.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Familial pleural malignant mesothelioma: clustering in three sisters and one cousin.

Malignant mesothelioma is associated with asbestos, yet its occurrence in genetically-related individuals suggests a role of host predisposition. We have identified a cluster of pleural malignant mesothelioma in three sisters and one cousin (male). The women had worked in the same confectionery shop as pastry cooks and/or pastry shop assistants; the use of an asbestos-insulated oven was the putative source of exposure. The man had occupational exposure as a heating system installation worker. The family history reported malignant cancers in first-degree (larynx, brother; pleura and lung, mother), second-degree (lung, aunt and uncle) and third-degree (lung, cousin) relatives. The study reveals the potential existence of the mesothelioma risk among pastry cooks and highlights the fact that inherited factors may be involved in the development of this tumour.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Extranodal lymphomas associated with hepatitis C virus infection.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may be complicated by non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. We describe eight cases of B-cell extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma occurring during the course of chronic HCV-related hepatic disease (low-grade of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue [MALT]-type; diffuse large cell; Burkitt; diffuse small cell). Some were localized to the liver (2), liver and spleen (1), spleen (1), peritoneal cavity (1), parotid gland (1); others manifested in the nasopharynx (1) and eyelid (1) but were accompanied by nodal disease. Four lymphomatous specimens available for molecular analysis exhibited clonal immunoglobulin gene rearrangements, lacked bcl-2, bcl-6, c-myc genes and p53 alterations, and did not contain replicative intermediate HCV RNA, as documented by a strand-specific reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Low levels of positive-strand HCV RNA were detected in a single hepatic lymphoma, suggesting the presence of the virus in residual hepatocytes. The antigen-driven properties of HCV-associated B-cell malignant neoplasms may be considered for hepatic MALT-type lymphoma, which probably originated from lymphoid tissue acquired during long-standing HCV infection.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Absence of HHV-8 DNA sequences in malignant mesothelioma.

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) associated primary effusion lymphomas arise and grow in the body cavities as effusions, but it is not known whether the lining of body cavities and mesothelium derived malignancies are potential targets of HHV-8 infection. We examined a series of 13 diffuse malignant mesotheliomas and four mesothelial cell rich effusion samples of non-neoplastic aetiology from non-immunodepressed patients using the polymerase chain reaction to detect HHV-8 specific sequences. HHV-8 amplification products were absent in diffuse malignant mesotheliomas and in non-neoplastic effusions samples. These results suggest that HHV-8 has a selective tropism among body cavity based tumours, being confined to primary effusion lymphomas.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Bronchoalveolar lavage cell analysis in a child with chronic lipid pneumonia.

In an asymptomatic 4 yr old child with radiographic evidence of parenchymal lung disease, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) yielded the diagnosis of chronic lipid pneumonia caused by chronic aspiration of mineral oil given as a laxative. BAL analysis showed a marked reduction in the total number of alveolar macrophages; almost 70% of these cells contained intracytoplasmic lipid vacuoles. It also disclosed lymphocytic (cytotoxic/suppressor) alveolitis. A high percentage of lymphocytes expressed antigen markers of activation (human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-DR), CD54 and CD25). BAL analysis 18 months after mineral oil intake revealed that lymphocytes bearing antigen markers of activation had markedly decreased whereas alveolar macrophages (normal and lipid-laden) had increased. A subsequent whole lung BAL was considered unnecessarily invasive in this otherwise healthy child.

Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid↗
PubMed1998

Primary effusion lymphoma containing human herpesvirus 8 DNA in two AIDS patients with Kaposi's sarcoma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Primary effusion lymphomas (PELs) containing Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (human herpesvirus 8/HHV-8) DNA sequences represent a distinct but heterogeneous group of rare non-Hodgkin's lymphomas of null-cell phenotype/B-cell origin. We aimed to describe the clinicopathologic features of two human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related PELs occurring in homosexual men with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). DESIGN AND METHODS: Thoracentesis was followed by morphologic plus immunophenotypic studies and molecular analysis of tumor cell DNA by means of combination of polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot analysis. RESULTS: Patients developed recurrent lymphomatous effusions lacking tissue involvement, in the context of severe immunodepression (CD4 count < 60/microL) and anti-retroviral therapy. The effusions disclosed an immunoblast-like population CD45/CD30+, but B-cell- and T-cell-associated antigen negative, showing clonal immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangements and harbouring HHV-8 DNA sequences. One case contained Epstein-Barr virus genome with no evidence of c-myc, bcl-2 and bcl-6 gene alterations. Both patients had aggressive disease. INTERPRETATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS: These cases represent additional examples of PEL associated with HHV-8 and confirm that the group of HIV-positive homosexual men may be at highest risk for PEL.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1997

Primary effusion Burkitt's lymphoma with t(8;22) in a patient with hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may be complicated by non-Hodgkin's lymphoma through yet unknown pathogenetic mechanisms. We describe the case of a patient with HCV-related cirrhosis who developed a primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) of Burkitt's type confined to the peritoneal cavity, in the absence of immunodeficiency or autoimmunity. Paracentesis followed by immunophenotyping, karyotyping, and molecular studies allowed us to diagnose a small noncleaved B-cell lymphoma (CD20+, CD24+, CD10+, CD5-, CD23-, lambda+) with the t(8;22) (q24;q11) translocation and clonal rearrangement of the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene. HCV-RNA, Epstein-Barr virus and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus were not identified within lymphoma cells. The finding of HCV-RNA in the ascitic fluid suggests a link between HCV and development of lymphoma with HCV playing the role of persistent antigenic stimulation to intraperitoneal B-cell clonal expansion(s).

Ascitic Fluid↗
PubMed1997

Utility of HBME-1 immunostaining in serous effusions.

HBME-1 is an anti-mesothelial cell monoclonal antibody derived from human mesothelioma cells. We investigated 227 body cavity effusions to test its utility in differentiating mesothelioma from adenocarcinoma. HBME-1 outlined cell membranes in non-neoplastic mesothelial cells. Thick surface staining was observed on all mesotheliomas. HBME-1 reactivity was also detected in 24% of metastatic carcinomatous effusions. Most ovarian carcinomas (83%) reacted with this antibody, showing surface staining. Cytoplasmic HBME-1 immunoreactivity was observed in a small proportion of non-ovarian adenocarcinomas (14%). Despite its limited specificity, HBME-1 might be added to the battery of other markers of epithelial and/or mesothelial differentiation to be used in cases of suspected mesothelioma. Evaluation of suspicious cells should include careful study of the pattern of immunostaining.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1996

Concomitant malignant mesothelioma of the pleura, peritoneum, and tunica vaginalis testis.

We describe the cytohistological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural findings in a 55-yr-old-man with history of asbestos exposure and diffuse malignant mesothelioma (DMM) of the pleura, peritoneum, and tunica vaginalis presenting with chest pain and scrotal swelling. Pleural fine-needle aspiration (FNA) revealed mesenchymal elements and spindle-shaped epithelial-like cells, while biopsy showed pure sarcomatous tumor invading lung parenchymal. In both samples tumor cells coexpressed cytokeratin and vimentin. Peritoneal and hydrocele effusions contained aggregates of malignant mesothelial cells. Electron microscopy showed intermediate filaments, rare desmosomes and sparse microvilli. Morphological findings were consistent with a DMM, with a biphasic pattern in the pleura and an epithelial one in the peritoneum and tunica vaginalis. Although the possibility of a multicentric origin cannot be ruled out, clinical chronologic sequence suggests that the pleura was the primary involved site, followed by spread to peritoneum and tunica vaginalis.

Asbestos↗
PubMed1995

Utility of cytokeratin 20 in identifying the origin of metastatic carcinomas in effusions.

Using a commercially available monoclonal antibody (Ks20.1) and the avidin-biotin peroxidase method on cytospins and cell blocks, we analyzed cytokeratin (CK) 20 expression in 169 serous effusions. Cytoplasmic staining was observed in 44/151 malignant fluids. Colon, gastric, and pancreatic adenocarcinomas and mucinous ovarian tumors were most frequently positive. Single cases of transitional-cell and squamous cell carcinomas were reactive as well. Lung and breast cancers were mostly negative. Nonmucinous ovarian tumors were invariably unlabeled as were mesotheliomas and normal mesothelial cells. The study shows that CK 20 is valuable in distinguishing tumor cell origin in effusions. In particular, it identifies a set of carcinomas with the majority arising from the gastrointestinal tract, and represents a highly characteristic marker for colorectal cancer.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

The diagnostic value of thrombomodulin immunolocalization in serous effusions.

OBJECTIVE: To test the value of an antithrombomodulin monoclonal antibody as a diagnostic tool in detecting mesothelial cells and in differentiating mesothelioma from other malignant effusions. DESIGN: Thrombomodulin is a thrombin receptor that is distributed on surfaces where an anticoagulant activity is expected, including mesothelium. Antigen expression was studied by immunocytochemistry in 226 peritoneal and pleural exudates. RESULTS: The antigen was found in 33 of 33 mesotheliomas, 35 of 35 reactive effusions, 57 of 145 carcinomatous fluids, and in one case of angiosarcoma among seven metastatic nonepithelial tumors. Three distinct staining patterns were demonstrated: (1) thin cell membranes in benign mesothelial cells; (2) thick cell membranes in mesotheliomas; and (3) cytoplasm in carcinomas. All squamous cell carcinomas had demonstrable thrombomodulin, suggesting that antigen expression likely correlates with squamous differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: Thrombomodulin is of diagnostic utility in distinguishing mesothelioma from adenocarcinoma, provided the characteristic "thick membrane" pattern is present, but it should be used in panels with other markers of mesothelial and/or epithelial differentiation.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1994

Cytodiagnosis of a primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of bone.

We report fine-needle aspiration cytology and histologic findings of a primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of bone involving the rib and iliac bones. Smears contained abnormal lymphoid cells and abundant lymphoglandular bodies, suggesting a malignant lymphoproliferative disease. However, histologic sections showed nests of tumor cells with extensive cytoplasmic clearing surrounded by sclerosis, thus mimicking a carcinoma. Clinical data, radiographic findings, and cytohistological correlation led to a final diagnosis of primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the bone, confirmed by immunopositive staining for leukocyte common antigen CD45 and B-cell associated antigen CD20. It is concluded that finding numerous lymphoglandular bodies in bone tumor specimens allows an accurate diagnosis of lymphoid tissue. The rarity of bone lymphoma and the misleading histologic features can cause considerable difficulty in diagnosing this entity. The importance of identifying lymphoglandular bodies and the appropriate use of immunochemistry are emphasized.

Aged↗
PubMed1993

Sialadenosis of the parotid gland: report of four cases diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration cytology.

Four patients presented with a history of recurrent bilateral swellings of parotid glands. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) specimens showed highly cellular smears containing clusters of enlarged acini and numerous naked nuclei. A diagnosis consistent with sialadenosis was made considering the distinct morphologic appearance: micrometric measurements in all cases, in addition to histology and electron microscopy in two cases confirmed this hypothesis. A review of clinical histories revealed hormonal, nutritional and neurogenic disorders, which are known to be associated with sialadenosis. In the work-up of salivary gland swellings, it is important to recognize cytologically this underestimated entity, which does not necessarily require surgical treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

C-erbB-2 oncoprotein immunostaining in serous effusions.

The product of c-erbB-2 gene is detected in a proportion of carcinomas from various sites and is generally associated with a high degree of malignancy. A series of 58 effusions containing malignant cells and 16 cytologically negative serous effusions was assessed by immunocytochemical methods for c-erbB-2 expression using the monoclonal antibody NCL-B11, which recognizes the internal domain of the c-erbB-2 oncoprotein. Both alcohol-fixed smears and cell blocks from formalin-fixed specimens were used. A crisp, clear cut membrane-associated positive staining was evident in 51% (30/58) malignant effusions and was restricted to metastatic adenocarcinomas. Breast and ovarian cancers showed the highest incidence of positivity. Mesotheliomas as well as non-neoplastic effusions were consistently negative. Paraffin blocks from formalin-fixed cells displayed a weak immunoreactivity when compared with their alcohol-fixed counterparts. The study shows that the c-erbB-2 oncoprotein can be easily identified in standard cytological smears: it can be of assistance in differentiating adenocarcinomas from mesotheliomas, and in selected cases it can provide a further prognostic indicator, replacing tissue immunohistochemistry.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1990

Hydatid cyst: primary diagnosis by fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

Two cases of soft-tissues echinococcosis are presented in which the definitive diagnosis was established by identifying laminated layer remnants on fine-needle aspiration smears. Large polygonal pieces of acellular material with delicate parallel striations were seen, while neither scolices nor hooklets were found. The cases reported most likely represent the occurrence of sterile hydatid cysts. A diagnosis of echinococcosis should be considered when fragments suggestive of laminated layer are identified on smears, even in unusual sites and without evidence of hooklets and/or scolices.

Biopsy, Needle↗
PubMed1990

Silver staining of interphase nucleolar organizer regions in cytologic smears previously stained by the Papanicolaou and May-Grünwald-Giemsa techniques.

Malignant cells are known to display a distinctive argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region (Ag-NOR) protein distribution compared with distribution in their benign counterparts. In this study, Ag-NOR staining was applied to smears from reactive and malignant serous effusions. The smears were either unstained or had been previously stained with the Papanicolaou or May-Grünwald-Giemsa (MGG) technique. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and usefulness of Ag-NOR staining in diagnostic cytopathology and to set up a procedure that could be used on prestained smears in retrospective studies. The one-step silver staining method was applied to prestained smears after a weak destaining step in trichloracetic acid and to unstained smears after a postfixation step in Carnoy's fluid. Positive results were observed on both destained and unstained preparations, MGG-stained smears showing a better visualization of the silver deposits than Papanicolaou-stained smears. Major differences in size, shape, and distribution patterns of the Ag-NOR-positive granules were observed between neoplastic and reactive cells. Furthermore, the mean number of silver-stained dots per cell was significantly higher in malignant cells (33.32 +/- 2.23) than in reactive mesothelial cells (9.71 +/- 0.66). These data indicate that this Ag-NOR technique can be profitably applied to prestained cytologic smears to assist in the diagnosis of malignancy and that the technique has the advantage that cellular morphology and silver staining can be evaluated on the same slide.

Ascitic Fluid↗
PubMed1990

Nucleolar organizer regions in the fine needle aspirates of lung tumours.

Nucleolar organizer region associated proteins (AgNOR proteins) have been identified by means of an argyrophil technique in smears of 60 consecutive fine needle aspirates from lung tumours. AgNOR proteins were visualized as silver-positive granules distributed in loose, intranuclear aggregates. Variations in the number as well as differences in the distribution pattern of AgNOR granules were found among different types of tumours. Except for small cell lung carcinoma, the count of AgNOR granules increased when the differentiation of tumours decreased. In particular well differentiated tumours had relatively few AgNOR granules, distributed in cohesive aggregates. Poorly differentiated tumours had many AgNOR granules organized in loose clusters and small cell lung carcinoma had relatively few granules dispersed throughout the nucleoplasm, showing characteristics unique among all lung neoplasms. The application of the AgNOR technique in cyto-preparations is useful in discriminating between small cell and non-small cell lung carcinomas. Moreover, the pattern of distribution of AgNOR proteins may be of diagnostic value in the assessment of tumours displaying overlap in AgNOR counts.

Adenocarcinoma↗