Biomedical subjects

Z M Metafratzi

Publications and source records attributed to Z M Metafratzi.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

A single pulmonary rheumatoid nodule masquerading as malignancy.

We present a 54-year-old man, a heavy smoker, with clinical and laboratory evidence of familial hypercholesterolemia and an asymptomatic solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) increasing in size on follow-up chest X-ray. Laboratory work-up revealed high titers of rheumatoid factor and the presence of acute phase reactants. Because of the patient's age and history of smoking, open lung biopsy was performed to rule out malignancy. The biopsy showed histological features compatible with a rheumatoid nodule. Identical features were noted in the histological examination of the subcutaneous nodule. Usually, rheumatoid nodules occur in patients with active, long-standing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with other extra-articular manifestations. The presence of a single pulmonary rheumatoid nodule as the first manifestation of RA is extremely rare. Histologic proof is often required since pulmonary carcinoma can present an identical clinical and radiological pattern. The diagnostic work-up and the differential diagnosis of an SPN, particularly in a heavy smoker, is a common clinical request and remains a diagnostic challenge.

Decision Trees↗

PubMed2004

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the thymus: a case presentation and a literature review.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the thymus is an unusual, but well-recognized variant of thymic malignant tumors. Its biologic behavior generally depends on the degree of differentiation and the amount of cellular atypia. High grade tumors can be aggressive neoplasms with a tendency to invade and develop metastases. We report on a case of a 53-year-old man, who presented chest discomfort, dyspnea, and weakness. As heart function tests were normal, the patient underwent radiologic examination, which showed a well-demarcated mass in the anterior mediastinum. Histologic examination of the surgically resected mass showed features of a mucoepidermoid carcinoma with associated infiltration of the pleural tissue. Postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy were performed, and the patient died two months after initial diagnosis. In case of the absence of metastatic disease or other common primary neoplasms of the thymus, the diagnosis of a mucoepidermoid thymic carcinoma should be taken into consideration, although this tumor is rare.

Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid↗

PubMed2004

Sinus histocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy (Rosai-Dorfman disease) in a patient with primary Sjogren's syndrome.

Sinus histocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy is a rare disease that has been described by Rosai and Dorfman. It is characterized by massive, cervical lymphadenopathy, with extranodal manifestations in about 40% of patients. It occurs as a distinct entity, never associated with other diseases, and in most cases the prognosis is good. Lymphadenopathy is also a frequent sign of patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome (SS), usually associated with disease activity or concurrent infection. However, excessive lymphadenopathy in SS patients is a sign of lymphoproliferative disorder development. In this report, we describe a patient with primary SS, and excessive lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly who developed Rosai-Dorfman disease, and we discuss the possible aetiopathophysiological mechanism linking these two entities.

Biopsy, Needle↗