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[Eccrine squamous syringometaplasia and cytomegalovirus infection].

BACKGROUND: Eccrine squamous syringometaplasia has been reported in some cases as an Herpeviridae complication. We report a case of eccrine squamous syringometaplasia associated with a severe cytomegalovirus infection in an immunocompromised patient, and we discuss about potential viral or drug triggering factors. METHODS: A 22 years-old man was hospitalized in an intensive care unit for rejection of a renal graft associated with a disseminated cytomegalovirus infection. A papular and papulopustular eruption appeared on the trunk and the limbs. RESULTS: Histological examination of a skin sample showed eccrine squamous syringometaplasia, with evidence of cytomegalovirus genomic sequences using PCR. Two weeks later, the patient developed toxic epidermal necrolysis, with fatal issue. CONCLUSIONS: Eccrine squamous syringometaplasia is a rare condition, without specific clinical features. Numerous local affections have been reported to induce eccrine syringometaplasia (ulcer, scar, pyoderma gangrenosum, drug injection.), drugs (cytotoxic agents, non steroidal anti inflammatory therapies) and in cases of infection due to cytomegalovirus or herpes simplex virus. The potential implication of cytomegalovirus or foscarnet as triggering factors in our case is discussed. This observation and other similar reported cases lead to the conclusion that eccrine squamous syringometaplasia may be an underestimated complication of cytomegalovirus infections in immunocompromised patients.

Adult↗

In vitro investigation on proliferative cystic keratinizing squamous lesions in the rat lung.

The proliferative cystic squamous cell lesion inducible by inhalation of particulate matter in the rat lung is characterized by the formation of keratin-filled cystic cavities of various sizes bordered by multiple layers of keratinizing squamous epithelial cells. The current investigation is primarily concerned with two points. One is whether the cells participating in this particular cystic configuration can recapitulate their specific in vivo morphogenetic behavior also in the in vitro circumstances. The other is whether these squamous epithelial cells are neoplastic in nature. Although the currently adopted cell culture system was two-dimensional, the specific morphogenetic pattern was reproduced in vitro in a corresponding manner by the squamous cells derived from the aforementioned rat lung lesions. Exposure of these cells to 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) at 100 ng/ml induced a marked polymorphism in them and also stimulated their keratinization. In soft agar culture, both TPA-exposed and unexposed cells developed colonies larger than 0.05 mm in diameter with an incidence of 0.73% and 1.12%, respectively. The lower incidence in TPA-exposed cultures can be interpreted in terms of TPA stimulation of keratinization. However, colonies larger than 0.1 mm in diameter were also developed by the TPA-exposed cells, indicating the presence of a cell population responsive to promotional effects of TPA. These results imply that the cells involved in the formation of cystic squamous epithelial cell lesions are already initiated and possess a potential for autonomous benign growth.

Animals↗

Comparison of human papillomavirus genotypes in high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and invasive cervical carcinoma: evidence for differences in biologic potential of precursor lesions.

High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions of the cervix are heterogeneous in their invasive potential. Comparison of human papillomavirus types between invasive cervical carcinoma and high-grade squamous dysplasia may provide insight into this biological variability. Liquid-based Pap specimens from 55 high-grade intraepithelial lesions and 47 invasive cervical carcinomas were analyzed by reverse line blot for 27 human papillomavirus types designated high, intermediate, or low risk. Human papillomavirus DNA was present in all high-grade intraepithelial lesions (23 different types) and in 94% (13 types) of invasive carcinomas. High-risk types were present in 81% of invasive carcinomas compared to 58% of high-grade intraepithelial lesions. Severe dysplasias harbored more (79%) high-risk human papillomaviruses as compared to moderate dysplasias (37%). In 40% of high-grade dysplasia cases (59% of moderate dysplasias; 21% of severe) and 13% of invasive carcinomas, intermediate-risk genotypes were identified in the absence of high-risk HPV types. Human papillomavirus 16 was the most common type in all categories, including 47% of high-grade squamous dysplasias (26% moderate; 68% severe) and 61% of invasive carcinomas. Both high-risk type (P=0.0004) and type 16 (P=0.0007) human papillomaviruses were positively associated with increasing severity of diagnosis. The heterogeneous nature of high-grade squamous dysplasias as compared to invasive carcinoma is evident by the wider spectrum of associated human papillomavirus types. Likewise, moderate dysplasia appears to be more heterogeneous in viral type than severe dysplasia. Moderate cases were more often associated with intermediate-risk types, while high-risk types were more prevalent in severe dysplasias and invasive cancers. Moderate dysplasia cases harboring viral types infrequently found in cancers may have a low risk for progression. Human papillomavirus genotyping of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions may be important in assessing risk for progression to invasion.

Adult↗

Are adenocarcinomas and adenosquamous carcinomas different from squamous carcinomas in stage IB and II cervical cancer patients undergoing primary radical surgery?

The aim of this study was to define clinicopathologic features and to investigate prognostic factors in early-stage cervical adenocarcinomas and adenosquamous carcinomas in patients undergoing primary radical surgery. One hundred thirty-four patients with stage IB or II cervical adenocarcinoma or adenosquamous carcinomas treated at a single institution were reviewed and compared to squamous carcinomas (N = 757) treated in the same period. Among adeno-adenosquamous carcinomas, stage II disease, parametrial extension, and deep cervical stromal invasion (>2/3) were associated with increased risk of pelvic lymph node metastases, while only clinical stage II, DNA index >1.3 (by flow cytometry), and pelvic node metastases were significantly associated with decreased survival by multivariate analyses. The five-year recurrence-free and overall survival rates of patients with adeno-adenosquamous vs squamous carcinoma were 72.2% vs 81.2% (P = 0.0109), and 74.1% vs 82.8% (P = 0.0136), respectively by Mantel-Cox test. After controlling confounding factors, histologic type (adeno-adenosquamous vs squamous) was confirmed as an independent prognostic factor for recurrence-free survival [relative risk (RR): 1.2792; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0628-1.5399, P = 0.0092) and overall survival (RR: 1.2594, 95% CI: 1.0467-1.5155, P = 0.0146) in the whole series (N = 891). Although pattern of relapse by histologic type was not significantly different, patients with recurrent adeno-adenosquamous carcinoma did significantly worse than those with recurrent squamous carcinoma. In conclusion, the prognosis of adeno-adenosquamous carcinoma of the cervix is slightly worse than squamous tumors. Since salvage of recurrent adeno-adenosquamous carcinoma after primary radical surgery is generally ineffective using conventional treatment, innovative strategies are necessary for the high-risk group after primary surgery and all recurrent adeno-adenosquamous carcinomas regardless of size or site.

Journal Article↗

Managing atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS): human papillomavirus testing, ASCUS subtyping,or follow-up cytology?

OBJECTIVE: This study related morphologic subtype, human papillomavirus status, and a second cytologic examination to the follow-up biopsy-proven high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL; grade II or III cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) after a cytologic diagnosis of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS). STUDY DESIGN: Seven hundred four liquid-based cervical cytology specimens were classified as normal, "ASCUS, favor reactive" (AFR), "ASCUS, not otherwise specified," "ASCUS, favor low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion," "ASCUS, favor HSIL" (AFHS), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, and HSIL. Human papillomavirus typing used polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. A longitudinal review of the cytologic and histologic records of ASCUS cases with > or =1 follow-up test or biopsy ascertained the frequency of a follow-up diagnosis of biopsy-proven HSIL (grade II or III cervical intraepithelial neoplasia). RESULTS: Three hundred eighty-six cases (208 ASCUS, 68 normal, 86 with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, and 24 with HSIL) were evaluated. High-risk human papillomavirus (HRHPV positive) was lowest with normal cytology (13%), highest with HSIL (71%), and was present in 29.8% of ASCUS cases, ranging from 22.2% (AFR) to 75% (AFHS). Most ASCUS tests (64%) were followed by a negative cytologic or histologic examination. Overall, 3.8% and 11% of ASCUS and HRHPV-positive ASCUS had histologic outcomes of HSIL. AFHS had the highest (25%) and AFR had the lowest (1.1%) proportion of HSIL outcomes. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values of human papillomavirus testing for biopsy-proven HSIL were 87.5%, 72.5%, and 11.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: HSIL and AFHS are distinguished by the highest frequency of HRHPV types and higher rates of HSIL outcome. The remaining categories of ASCUS are heterogeneous with respect to human papillomavirus type and HSIL risk, and the value of subclassification of these entities is dependent on the practice. A human papillomavirus detection system based on polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism identifies a smaller percentage of high-risk human papillomaviruses than mixed probe-based methods, probably because of the more precise exclusion of cross-reacting low-risk human papillomavirus. Negative HRHPV findings by either system show a markedly reduced risk of an HSIL outcome. However, the relative advantage of human papillomavirus testing over follow-up cytology will be influenced by the frequency of negative follow-up cytologic examination and sensitivity of liquid-based preparations in a given practice.

Adult↗

Squamous cell carcinoma arising in a hepatic forgut cyst.

We report the second case of squamous cell carcinoma arising in a hepatic foregut cyst (CHFC) in a 40-year-old woman. Microscopically, the lining of the cyst was composed of ciliated columnar epithelium, gastric and squamous epithelium. The squamous epithelium showed areas with dysplastic changes and other areas with carcinomatous transformation. In this congenital lesion, it was not surprising to find squamous and gastric mucosa because oesophagus, stomach, and tracheobronchic tree derive from the embryologic foregut. Squamous carcinoma might develop in a context of inflammation as in biliary cyst. In agreement with the first case described in the literature, this report also suggests that a large-sized symptomatic hepatic cyst should be excised.

Adult↗

Retinoic acid depletion induces keratinizing squamous differentiation in human middle ear epithelial cell cultures.

OBJECTIVE: The pathogenesis of cholesteatoma behind an intact tympanic membrane remains controversial. Squamous metaplasia of the middle ear mucosa is thought to be a possible mechanism in such cases. However, to date, no definitive experimental results have proved this association. This study was undertaken to investigate whether normal human middle ear epithelial (NHMEE) cells undergo keratinizing squamous differentiation in a retinoic acid (RA)-deficient culture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined the morphological differences between RA-deficient and -sufficient cultures, and determined the expressions of the mucin gene and cornifin-alpha mRNAs as indicators of mucous and squamous differentiation, respectively. RESULTS: Histomorphologically, the NHMEE cells differentiated into a keratinizing squamous epithelium in RA-deficient cultures. In addition, the expressions of mucin gene 5AC (MUCSAC) and MUC8 mRNAs were suppressed, and the expression of cornifin-alpha mRNA increased progressively as a function of differentiation in RA-deficient cultures. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that RA depletion induces keratinizing squamous differentiation in NHMEE cell cultures. This finding supports the hypothesis that middle ear cholesteatoma originates from metaplastic middle ear mucosa.

Cell Differentiation↗

Ovariectomy increases squamous metaplasia of the uterine horns and survival of SENCAR mice fed a vitamin A-deficient diet.

BACKGROUND: Retinoic acid is necessary for the growth and differentiation of organisms and exerts its molecular actions by binding to specific nuclear receptors that belong to the thyroid-steroid hormone receptor superfamily. Steroids and retinoids control the differentiation of the female reproductive epithelia: estrogen maintains the squamous differentiation of vaginal and ectocervical epithelia, whereas retinoic acid maintains the simple columnar endocervical and uterine epithelia. These lining epithelia transform into a squamous metaplastic phenotype in vitamin A-deficient animals. Furthermore, mortality due to vitamin A deficiency is usually attributed to infection resulting in part from dysfunction of the protective epithelia. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to test the hypothesis that estrogen depletion might change the squamous metaplastic response to vitamin A deficiency and affect animal survival. DESIGN: We used female SENCAR mice maintained on a purified vitamin A-deficient diet containing either 0 or 3 microg retinoic acid/g diet. Mice were either ovariectomized or intact. Squamous cells arising in the normally simple columnar epithelium of the endocervix and uterine cavity were monitored by keratin 5 expression with immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Ovariectomy did not change the time to onset of vitamin A deficiency. It increased the number of squamous metaplastic cells and prolonged survival in mice consuming a vitamin A-deficient diet by as much as 40%. CONCLUSIONS: Factors other than epithelial differentiation per se control survival outcome of vitamin A-deficient mice. The results also show a significant increase in longevity of vitamin A- deficient mice when ovariectomized.

Animals↗

Pemphigus foliaceus antibodies and a monoclonal antibody to desmoglein I demonstrate stratified squamous epithelial-specific epitopes of desmosomes.

Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is a human autoimmune disease in which autoantibodies are directed against the cell surface of epidermal cells. Using an immunoblotting technique, we recently demonstrated that a subgroup of PF patients have autoantibodies to the desmosomal core glycoprotein, desmoglein I (DGI). There are desmosomes in all epithelia and in heart, yet PF affects only stratified squamous epithelia. One explanation for this finding might be that there are tissue-specific differences in desmosomes. Thus, to determine whether certain epitopes of DGI are tissue-restricted, we performed immunofluorescence studies on various monkey tissues with the following antibodies: a rabbit polyclonal antiserum against whole desmosomes, which demonstrated the desmosomes in all tissues tested; a mouse monoclonal antibody against DGI, MmDGI-1; and PF sera that bound DGI on immunoblotting (PF IB+). In addition, we tested the tissues with PF sera that did not bind DGI by immunoblotting (PF IB-) to determine if these sera were different from PF IB+ sera in their tissue specificity. PF IB+, PF IB-, and MmDGI-1 antibodies stained all stratified squamous epithelia tested, including skin, tongue, upper esophagus, conjunctiva, and cornea; however, they did not stain heart or any nonstratified squamous epithelia, including gall bladder, small intestine, liver, ureter, and bladder. These results indicate that there is tissue heterogeneity of desmosomes, and that epitopes on DGI defined by both PF antibodies and a monoclonal antibody are present only in stratified squamous epithelia. In addition, PF IB- sera had the same tissue specificity as PF IB+ sera. These results may partially explain why PF involves only stratified squamous epithelia.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Penile hybrid verrucous-squamous carcinoma associated with a superficial inguinal lymph node metastasis.

A 62-year-old Japanese man who presented with penile carcinoma is reported. The initial exophytic neoplasm excised from the coronal sulcus and prepuce on the abdominal side of the penis was diagnosed histologically as verrucous carcinoma. Twenty-six months after the primary operation, an epithelial neoplasm recurred within the scar of the primary operation. The neoplasm histologically showed verrucous carcinoma and multiple invasive foci of conventional squamous cell carcinoma in the advancing edge of the tumor, as such representing a hybrid verrucous-squamous carcinoma. A lymph node metastasis in the left superficial inguinal lymph node occurred 4 months after the second operation. A total bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy was performed and revealed no other lymph node metastases. The patient is alive without local recurrence or evidence of metastases in pelvic lymph nodes or visceral organs 2 years after the resection of the hybrid verrucous-squamous carcinoma. The initial verrucous carcinoma, recurrent hybrid verrucous-squamous carcinoma, and metastatic lymph node were negative for human papillomavirus DNA type 6, 11, 16, 18, and 33 sequences by dot blot hybridization of polymerase chain reaction products. The characteristics of hybrid verrucous-squamous carcinoma and importance of lymph node metastasis in penile carcinoma are discussed.

Carcinoma, Verrucous↗

Diagnostic Accuracy of Cervical Low-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions Is Improved With MIB-1 Immunostaining.

There is considerable interobserver variation in the diagnosis of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion that involves mature squamous epithelium. Our aim was to evaluate the utility of MIB-1 immunostaining as an adjunct test to increase diagnostic accuracy. Consecutive cervical biopsies originally diagnosed as normal (n = 26) or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (n = 23) were reviewed by three pathologists to obtain a consensus diagnosis. MIB-1 immunostaining was performed, and positive staining was defined as a cluster of at least two stained nuclei in the upper two thirds of the epithelial thickness. Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA detection was performed using a polymerase chain reaction assay. All cases were subsequently reclassified as low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) or normal (NL) when two or three of three gold standard criteria were satisfied (LSIL gold standard criteria = consensus diagnosis of LSIL, HPV+, MIB-1+; NL gold standard criteria = consensus diagnosis of NL, HPV-, MIB-1-). Using the gold standard diagnoses, we have identified that 14 normal cases (36%) were originally overdiagnosed as LSIL, and one LSIL case (10%) was originally underdiagnosed as normal. All MIB-1-positive cases were HPV+ and identified as LSIL in the consensus review. All MIB-1-negative cases were NL by gold standard criteria. The sensitivity (1.0) and the specificity (1.0) of MIB-1 staining for identifying LSIL were superior to the sensitivity (0.9) and the specificity (0.8) of HPV testing. In conclusion, MIB-1 is a highly sensitive and specific marker for identifying low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and is helpful in verifying the diagnosis of equivocal cases.

Antigens, Nuclear↗

Postpartum evolution of cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions with respect to the route of delivery.

OBJECTIVE.: To analyze the effect of the mode of delivery on the evolution of cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS.: A chart review was performed of all pregnant women referred to the Northwestern Memorial Hospital Colposcopy Clinic between January 1990 and December 1998. Postpartum changes in the Pap smear and in a combined cytologic, histologic, and colposcopic impression of cervical status were evaluated. Data were analyzed using the chi, Fisher exact test, or Student t test. RESULTS.: Antepartum cytology was atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance in 23 women (7.1%), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in 226 women (69.3%), and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in 77 women (23.6%). Vaginal delivery occurred in 300 women (92.0%); 6 women (1.8%) had an elective cesarean section, and 20 women (6.1%) underwent a cesarean section after laboring. Of 306 women who had postpartum Pap smears, 37.9% had no change, 58.8% had improvement, and 3.3% had worsening of their cervical cytology. The rates of improvement of postpartum Pap smears were 164/285 (57.5%) following a vaginal delivery and 16/21 (76.2%) after a cesarean section (p = .81). Similarly, using a combined histologic, colposcopic, and cytologic evaluation of the cervix, the route of delivery did not affect postpartum cervical status (p = .68). CONCLUSION.: The route of delivery did not appear to influence the evolution of cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions during pregnancy and the puerperium.

Journal Article↗

Differential expression of human cornifin alpha and beta in squamous differentiating epithelial tissues and several skin lesions.

Cornifins/small proline-rich proteins (SPRRs) belong to a family of proline-rich proteins that function as cornified envelope precursors. We report here an immunohistochemical analysis of human cornifin-alpha and -beta expression in several stratified squamous epithelia. In normal human skin, cornifin-alpha was expressed in the granular layer of the epidermis of palmoplantar skin, in the inner lining cells of the follicular infundibulum, and in the inner root sheath of the hair follicle. It was also expressed in the upper squamous layers of the oral, esophageal, and vaginal epithelia. Cornifin-beta was detected in oral, esophageal, and vaginal epithelia, but not in normal skin. Immunoblot analysis revealed quantitative differences in cornifin-alpha expression in skin from different regions. Studies of specimens from various skin diseases showed that (i) cornifin-alpha was upregulated in inflammatory skin diseases, hyperplastic lesions, and in well-differentiated squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), (ii) the expression of cornifin-beta was absent in inflammatory skin but was detected in highly differentiated keratinocytes in well-differentiated SCCs of the skin and some other hyperproliferative skin lesions, and in SCCs of the oral mucosa and esophagus. Northern blot analysis revealed that cornifin-alpha mRNA was present in all the squamous epithelial tissues studied, whereas cornifin-beta mRNA was expressed in oral mucosal epithelia and verrucous carcinoma of the skin but neither in normal nor in psoriatic skin. These results indicate that (i) the amount of cornifin alpha/SPRR1 expression in normal human skin depends on the body region, (ii) cornifin-alpha/SPRR1, but not cornifin-beta, contributes to the integrity of the hair follicle, and (iii) the expression of cornifin-beta is induced in some hyperplastic skin diseases only when the keratinocytes undergo extensive squamous differentiation.

Blotting, Northern↗

Cytokeratin expression in squamous metaplasia of the human uterine cervix.

The expression of cytokeratin polypeptides in squamous metaplasia of the human uterine cervix was investigated by immunocytochemical labeling with polypeptide-specific antibodies against cytokeratins. Immunofluorescence microscopic examination of cervical tissues using various monoclonal antibodies indicated that squamous cervical metaplasia expresses a unique set of cytokeratin polypeptides, this being distinctively different from that expressed by all of the normal epithelial elements of the exo- and endocervix. The development of metaplastic foci was accompanied by the expression of cytokeratin polypeptide no. 13, which is commonly detected in stratified epithelia, and by a reduction in the level of polypeptide no. 18, which is typical of simple epithelia. The 40-kilodalton cytokeratin (no. 19) described by Moll et al., which is abundant in the columnar and reserve cells of the endocervix, was found throughout the metaplastic lesions. Only in 'well-differentiated' metaplasias did we detect polarity of cytokeratin expression reminiscent of the staining patterns in the exocervix. This was manifested by the exclusive labeling of the basal cell layer(s) with antibodies KB 8.37 and KM 4.62, which stain the basal cells of the exocervix. Furthermore, a comparison of cervical metaplasia with squamous areas occurring within endometrial adenocarcinomas pointed to a close similarity in the cytokeratin expression of the two. We discuss the use of cytokeratins as specific markers of squamous differentiation, the relationships between squamous metaplasia and cervical neoplasia, and the involvement of reserve cells in the metaplastic process.

Adult↗

Syringometaplasia: mucinous and squamous variants.

The eccrine sweat ducts are normally lined by cuboidal epithelial cells which may rarely undergo metaplasia, i.e. syringometaplasia. Two lesions were observed in which eccrine sweat ducts displayed the mucinous and squamous variants of syringometaplasia. The first lesion clinically and histologically appeared to be a plantar wart. Microscopically, it consisted of a central invagination surrounded by marked epidermal acanthosis and hyperkeratosis. The invagination was lined by keratinocytes admixed with mucin-filled goblet cells. The mucin was positive by the Alcian blue (pH 2.5) and mucicarmine stains. Numerous eccrine sweat ducts led into the invagination and were focally lined by the mucin-laden cells. Recognition of mucinous syringometaplasia is important since it may be confused with primary or metastatic adenocarcinoma of the skin. The second lesion occurred on the outer ear and was clinically believed to be chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis. Microscopically, there were many islands of atypical squamous cells within the papillary and reticular dermis. These epithelial islands represented squamous syringometaplasia since many contained central lumina with eosinophilic cuticles and blended with normal ductal structures. It is important not to confuse this metaplastic change with invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous syringometaplasia may be analogous to necrotizing sialometaplasia, a recently described phenomenon which occurs in minor salivary glands.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Squamous cell metaplasia of the bladder urothelium. A retrospective study of 36 patients.

In a retrospective study of 28 women and eight men with squamous cell metaplasia in different parts of the bladder, including the trigone, no histopathological differences were observed among the regions. All the five (female) patients with parakeratosis had a concomitant invasive bladder tumour. Thirty-eight% of all the patients had a simultaneous neoplastic tumour. The metaplastic lesions were investigated for keratin in 13 patients, and all were positive. In seven out of eight patients, the urothelium adjacent to the squamous cell metaplasia was also positive for keratin, indicating a direct transformation of the urothelium to squamous cell epithelium. The metaplastic cells were investigated for oestrogen receptors in five men and five women, and all were negative, suggesting no relationship between estrogens and squamous cell metaplasia of the bladder. Squamous cell metaplasia in the bladder is not considered a premalignant condition. However, metaplasia and neoplastic tumours are often associated with chronic tissue damage, and the presence of metaplasia may give a warning of conditions that can also cause cancer.

Adult↗

Intramucosal adenocarcinoma arising under squamous re-epithelialisation of Barrett's oesophagus.

BACKGROUND: Eradication of Barrett's mucosa by thermal or photoablation combined with high doses of proton pump inhibitors is a potentially attractive strategy in the management of this preneoplastic condition. However, major concerns of this method are the persistence of residual metaplastic glands beneath the new squamous epithelium and the absence of any knowledge of its impact on long term outcome. CASE REPORT: The case of an intramucosal adenocarcinoma diagnosed 18 months after apparently complete squamous re-epithelialisation achieved using argon plasma coagulation and high dose omeprazole (40 mg/daily) is reported in a 68 year old patient presenting initially with a Barrett's oesophagus without dysplasia. Intramucosal adenocarcinoma was located under the new squamous layer and presented as a bulging area covered by the squamous epithelium. It probably originates from residual metaplastic glands after therapy although a pre-existing tumour cannot be definitely excluded. CONCLUSION: This observation might question future application of this experimental endotherapy in non-dysplastic Barrett's oesophagus. It suggests that the residual glands might still be premalignant and that the early diagnosis of neoplastic changes might be compromised by the squamous re-epithelialisation.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Histological changes in the oesophageal squamous mucosa: correlation with ambulatory 24 hour pH monitoring.

AIMS: To determine the value of squamous mucosal histology in the assessment of patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms. METHODS: Sixty six patients with reflux symptoms underwent endoscopy with oesophageal biopsy, manometry, and 24 hour oesophageal pH testing. The following histological features were assessed in squamous mucosa: the degree of basal cell hyperplasia, the degree of papillary zone elongation, and the density of neutrophil and eosinophil infiltration. Comparisons were made between the histological findings and the oesophageal function tests. RESULTS: The correlation between the traditionally accepted histological markers of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in squamous mucosa and 24 hour pH testing was predominantly negative, with the exception of neutrophil inflammation in the squamous mucosa of patients with complicated reflux disease. CONCLUSIONS: This study was unable to confirm the value of the Ismail-Beigi criteria as histological markers of acid reflux. By inference, biopsy of the oesophageal squamous mucosa is of limited value in the assessment of patients with reflux symptoms.

Adult↗