bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of neoplastic and preneoplastic urothelia by combined scanning and transmission electron microscopy of urinary surface of human and rat bladders
Authors: NEWMAN J. , HICKS R. M.
Published: April 2007

Scanning and transmission electron microscopy reveal distinct differences between the appearance of the luminal surface membrane of normal urothelium and those of transitional cell tumours of both human and rat bladder. The luminal surface membrane of the preneoplastic rat urothelium shows features similar to those seen in the fully developed tumour. In human tumour‐bearing bladders the urothelium away from the transitional cell tumour is not recognizable as being preneoplastic by light microscopy. However, by scanning or transmission electron microscopy, the luminal membrane in some areas shows changes identical to those in the preneoplastic rat bladder. These observations are in accordance with in the clinical behaviour of the urothelium in patients with vesical transitional cell tumours which tend to recur in disparate sites. We suggest that scanning electron microscopy of the bladder urothelium away from the tumour may be of prognostic value for indicating the subsequent biological behaviour of the urothelium
Percutaneous needle biopsies of renal allografts: the relationship between morphological changes present in biopsies and subsequent allograft function
Authors: HERBERTSON B. M. , EVANS D. B. , CALNE R. Y. , BANERJEE A. K.
Published: April 2007

In the Cambridge renal transplant unit percutaneous needle biopsies of renal transplants have been extensively used to help identify the cause of impaired allograft function. During the period 1966–1973, 154 of the 269 renal allografts transplanted were biopsied at least once during the first 90 days after transplantation. In this survey the relationship between morphological changes in these biopsy specimens and allograft function I, 3 and 5 years after transplantation is assessed. A highly significant direct relationship exists between early graft failure and the presence of medial necrosis of arteries, acute glomerular lesions and interstitial haemorrhage. Less than 10% of grafts with one or more of these changes and none in which all three types of lesion were present were capable of supporting life at I year. There is a significant association between poor subsequent graft function and mononuclear cell infiltration of the intima of arteries. No clear relationship exists, however, between the function of grafts at 1 and 3 years and the degree of mononuclear cell infiltration of the interstitial tissue. Tubular necrosis was frequently observed and future graft performance is related to the extent and cause of the tubular damage.
The carotid body—a quantitative assessment in children
Authors: DINSDALE F. , EMERY J. L. , GADSDON D. R.
Published: April 2007

The volume of the glomic tissue in the carotid bodies of 100 infants between the ages of 29 weeks gestation and 9 1/2 years has been determined by serial sections and point counting. There is a 10‐fold variation in the size of the carotid body and the volume of glomic tissue at all ages studied. Forty of the infants died as unexpected deaths at home. No increase in size of the carotid body is apparent in the majority of these deaths but there is a probability that enlargement occurs in some children dying at the age of one year or older. Ranges of values and means are presented for the carotid body glomic tissue volume from birth to 9 1/2 years.
Experience in the diagnosis of glomerulonephritis using combined light microscopical, ultrastructural and immunofluorescence techniques—an analysis of 134 cases*
Authors: DISCHE F. E. , PARSONS V.
Published: April 2007

The contribution of electron and immunofluorescence microscopy to renal biopsy diagnosis is illustrated by the results obtained in a personal series of patients with various types of glomerulonephritis. Introductory notes on the ultrastructure of the glomerular capillary and on immunological processes are also included. Immunofluorescent staining has particular value in demonstrating IgG‐containing deposits in early membranous glomerulonephritis at a stage when ordinary microscopy is inconclusive. It is capable of throwing light on the mechanism of glomerular damage in severe extracapillary proliferation and in some cases of recurrent haematuria, but is less successful in separating minimal change disease from proliferative processes. Electron microscopy reveals the precise site of immune deposits and fibrin together with basement membrane changes, the microtubular structures common in SLE, and other details. It is concluded that for the accurate diagnosis of kidney disease it is essential to supplement light microscopy by one, or preferably both these methods.
Pigmented carcinoid tumour of the thymus
Authors: HO FAITH C. S. , HO JOANA C. I.
Published: April 2007

An asymptomatic thymic tumour, classified as a carcinoid tumour on the basis of its light and electron‐microscopic appearances, is described. This tumour was atypical in having foci of melanin pigmentation, the pigment being contained in dendritic melanocytes and melanophages. We suggest that the pigmented cells are not neoplastic and represent latent thymic melanoblasts stimulated in some way by the carcinoid tumour. Alternative explanations are discussed.
Idiopathic cholesterol pneumonitis
Authors: LAWLER W.
Published: April 2007

The fiftieth case of idiopathic cholesterol pneumonitis (ICP) is presented and the 49 previously reported cases have been reviewed. This review draws attention to certain features which have not previously been emphasized, including marked male predominance, single lobe involvement, the distribution of the lesions, dense pleural fibrosis, smoking history and the close histological association between giant cells and disrupted elastic fibres of the alveolar walls. The clinical and radiological similarity between ICP and primary bronchogenic carcinoma is described. Various aetiology theories are discussed, and the similarity between ICP and spontaneous lipid pneumonia in the mongoose is noted; the hypothesis is put forward that ICP, like the mongoose pneumonia, is an expression of disordered production or disposal of excessive surfactant.
Histological discrimination of malignancy in mucinous ovarian tumours
Authors: BLANCO A. AGROFOJO , GIBBS A. C. C. , LANGLEY F. A.
Published: April 2007

Eight histological features were measured quantitatively in a group of 77 ovarian mucinous carcinomas and in a group of 28 benign mucinous cystomas. These were compared with the duration of survival of the patients and the clinical staging of the tumours. Using the method of discriminant function analysis it was possible to identify a group of tumours of ‘borderline malignancy’. Although single histological features were inadequate indicators of prognosis a combination of three features proved fairly accurate.
Carcinomas of intraoral salivary glands
Authors: STENE T. , KOPPANG HANNA STRÖMME
Published: April 2007

Of 44 intraoral salivary gland tumours received by the Department of Pathology, Dental Faculty, University of Oslo over the last 20 years, 21 (approx. 48%) were classified as carcinomas. Of these, the adenocarcinomas constituted the largest group, but because some of them bore a certain likeness to adenoid cystic carcinomas and to mucoepidermoid tumours, we believe that transitions exist between these groups of neoplasms. The material is thought to reflect the daily practice of oral surgeons and general dental practitioners, and we think it important to emphasize that approximately every second tumour in this series was malignant.
Yellow‐brown spindle bodies in mesenteric lymph nodes: a possible relationship with melanosis coli
Authors: HALL M. , EUSEBI V.
Published: April 2007

Four cases are described in which spindle‐shaped, yellow‐brown bodies were seen in the mesenteric lymph nodes of patients with melanosis coli. A comparison of the staining reactions and ultrastructural appearances of the spindle bodies and melanosis pigment suggest that they are related within the broad group of lipofuscins and that the spindle bodies are formed as a result of coalescence of lysosomes containing the pigment.
The immunofluorescence characteristics of the basement membrane in squamous carcinoma of the uterine cervix
Authors: RUBIO C. A. , BIBERFELD P. , EINHORN N.
Published: April 2007

Basement membrane‐specific antigens (BMSA) were found by immunofluorescence (IFL) in 20 of 33 tumour samples from patients with squamous carcinoma of the uterine cervix. The BMSA were demonstrated to be unrelated to condensation of both reticulin and subepithelial ground substance (as evidenced by antireticulin IFL antibodies, silver stain and PAS reaction, respectively), the age of the patient, the clinical stage and the histological differentiation of the tumour. The finding that BMSA secreting and non‐secreting cervical tumours does not correlate with the degree of differentiation, was somewhat unexpected.
Big cones and little cones
Authors: RUBIO C. A. , THOMASSEN P. , SÖDERBERG G. , KOCK YVONNE
Published: April 2007

To investigate whether the amount of tissue removed at conization could influence the frequency of inadequate excision of cervical atypias, 354 cone specimens were measured. The data indicate that the frequency of lesions incompletely removed at conization increased with decreasing size (ie. length and volume) of the specimen. The parameters influencing the detection of epithelial atypias at the surgical margin of the specimens are discussed. A plea is made for international standardization in reporting results of conization (size of cone and number of sections) in order to permit objective comparison between clinics of the results of the conization procedure.
Morphological changes in the placenta and decidua after induction of abortion by extra‐amniotic prostaglandin
Authors: FOX H. , HERD M. E. , HARILAL K. R.
Published: April 2007

Seventeen placentae from second trimester abortions induced by the injection of extra‐amniotic prostaglandin have been examined. The extraplacental membranes, the chorionic plate of the placenta, the placental intervillous space and the placental villi were normal in all cases. In all but one specimen lesions were, however, noted in the decidua, these including focal decidual necrosis, intradecidual haemorrhage, thrombosis of maternal vessels and dilatation and congestion of the maternal vasculature. Similar decidual lesions were also seen in placentae from spontaneous and surgical second trimester abortions and it is concluded that prostaglandins do not produce any specific lesions in the placenta or decidua. It is suggested that the negative findings of this study indicate that prostaglandins do not induce abortion by either direct injury to the placenta or by provoking utero‐placental ischaemia.
Carcinoma in situ of the testis: frequency and relationship to invasive germ cell tumours in infertile men
Authors: SKAKKEBÆK N. E.
Published: April 2007

A light microscopical study on a total of 812 consecutive testicular biopsies from 555 infertile men revealed intratubular changes in germ cells compatible with a carcinoma in situ pattern in six oligospermic patients (1.1%); the changes were found in both testes in two of these men. Four of the six patients developed an invasive germ cell tumour within a follow‐up period of 1.3 to 4.5 years. The results confirm the malignant nature of these intratubular atypical germ cells. It is concluded that testicular biopsy may be useful for early detection and cure of germ cell carcinoma in patients at risk, i.e. patients with cryptorchidism, infertile men or patients with previous cancer of one testis.
Morphological patterns of the liver in South American blastomycosis
Authors: TEIXEIRA F. , GAYOTTO L. C. , DE BRITO T.
Published: April 2007

Histological features were semi‐quantitatively analysed in 60 livers, obtained by necropsy, from patients who died of South American blastomycosis. These findings were classified and correlated with duration of the disease and treatment. Bile‐duct lesions were prominent and a particular pattern was found in which segments of bile ducts were ‘disrupted’ and replaced by inflammatory reaction. A classification of the lesions is proposed: Class o—near normal livers; Class I—predominance of necrosis and suppuration; Class II—predominance of tuberculoid granulomas; Class III—portal fibrosis and non‐specific infiltrate. There has been no evidence that treatment could induce bile‐duct proliferation, fatty change of liver cells, or cholestasis. On the other hand, less fibrosis was found in treated patients. Pathogenesis of the bile‐duct lesions is discussed.
The ‘Scrimp’ technique—a method for the rapid diagnosis of surgical pathology specimens
Authors: ABRAHAMS C.
Published: April 2007

A rapid cytological method for the diagnosis of surgical pathology specimens is reported. This procedure consists of a scrape of the tissue and an imprint of the cells and has therefore been termed the ‘Scrimp’ technique. It is simple, inexpensive and accurate and is of value in routine surgical pathology in the separation of benign and malignant lesions and particularly in the determination of the adequacy of surgical excision of skin tumours.
Chondroectodermal dysplasia (Ellis–van Creveld syndrome) with dysplasia of renal medulla and bile ducts
Authors: BÖHM N. , FUKUDA M. , STAUDT R. , HELWIG H.
Published: April 2007

A case of a 28‐month‐old boy with chondroectodermal dysplasia (Ellis‐van Creveld syndrome) is reported. Besides polydactyly, ectodermal dysplasia, acromelic dwarfism and congenital heart defect, which are characteristic morphologic features of the syndrome, additional dysplastic developmental defects were discovered in the kidneys, liver, and lungs. Detailed histopathologic studies of the growth plates of tibia, femur and ribs disclosed an irregular, partly hyperplastic, partly dystrophic appearance of the epiphyseal cartilage, which was not resorbed properly by the invading blood vessels. Focal areas of necrosis occurred and barriers of tongue‐shaped cartilaginous peninsulas persisted. Regular enchondral ossification was hindered and compensatory membrane ossification was found in the fibrosing metaphyseal bone marrow adjacent to the cartilage. Dysplasia and fibrosis of the renal medulla plus interstitial fibrosing nephritis in the cortex resulted in kidney contraction and renal failure. Hepatomegaly, portal fibrosis and bile duct hyperplasia and dysplasia were detected at autopsy, but did not have any clinical significance. These findings once again emphasize that derivatives of all three germ layers are involved in the Ellis‐van Creveld syndrome. The possibility that a single metabolic or structural abnormality of the mesenchymal tissues could be responsible for the various organ dysplasias is discussed.
Endocardial fibrosis in apparently normal infant hearts
Authors: WILLIAMS R. B. , EMERY J. L.
Published: April 2007

A classification of the histological appearance of the endocardium in infants, and observers’ reproducibility tests have been carried out. In a retrospective survey of 262 overtly normal hearts, what is considered to be abnormal thickening of the endocardium was found in 3.4%, and probably significant thickening in 20%. The changes occurred in unexpected home deaths as well as in hospital deaths and the lesions may be a contributing factor in some cot deaths, but a prospective study is required to confirm this.
Inflammatory fibroid polyp of the gastrointesthal tract
Authors: JOHNSTONE J. M. , MORSON B. C.
Published: April 2007

Details of 13 new cases of inflammatory fibroid polyp of the gastrointestinal tract and of 76 patients recorded in the literature (total 89) are described and analysed. The lesion is always benign, may occur at any age but is commonest in the sixth and seventh decades, and involves the stomach most frequently. Abdominal pain, often related to obstruction, is the principal symptom. Eosinophilia of the peripheral blood does not occur. The lesions are sessile or polypoidal, originate in the gut submucosa, vary greatly in cellularity, and have a wide range of tissue eosinophilia. Some are very vascular, many of the larger vessels having a notably broad zone of connective tissue about them. The aetiology of the condition is discussed and reasons for distinguishing it from eosinophilic gastroenteritis, with which it is frequently confused, are given. The precise nature and aetiology of the inflammatory fibroid polyp remains undetermined.
Host response and tumour biological behaviour in the two histological types of gastric carcinoma
Authors: MEHROTRA M. L. , GUPTA I. M. , KHANNA S. , VAIDYA M. P.
Published: April 2007

It appears that there is validity in categorizing gastric carcinoma into two histologic types, intestinal and diffuse. The local host tissue response in 92.5% of cases of the intestinal type of gastric carcinoma was of an exudative nature. Diffuse gastric carcinoma in 70% of cases incited a dense productive fibrosis. Pools of mucin and large number of ‘signet‐ring’ cells were mostly encountered in the intestinal type of carcinoma. Applying Dukes’ parameters the tumour was found to be more than three times more invasive in cases of diffuse carcinoma. The prognostic bearing of the two histologic types, different host tissue response, behaviour of the tumour in terms of mucous production and local extension are discussed and it is suggested that diffuse gastric carcinoma carries a worse prognosis than the intestinal type. Study of a larger series of cases and longer follow‐up with controlled treatment is essential to confirm this assessment.
Ultrastructure of airways in children with asthma
Authors: CUTZ E. , LEVISON H. , COOPER D. M.
Published: April 2007

This study describes the histopathology and ultrastructure of bronchial mucosa in lung biopsies from two children with bronchial asthma in remission, and compares them with lung samples from two children who died in status asthmaticus. Light microscopy of all samples showed changes typical of bronchial asthma, e.g. mucus plugging, goblet cell hyperplasia, ‘thickening of bronchial basement membrane’, peribronchial smooth muscle hypertrophy and eosinophilic infiltration. Electron microscopy revealed that the mucus plugs consisted of moderately electron‐dense floccular material containing degenerate epithelial cells, macrophages and cell fragments. The luminal surfaces of ciliated cells showed cytoplasmic blebs and abnormal cilia. Mast cells in various stages of degranulation were scattered between bronchial epithelial cells. The subepithelial hyaline layer, commonly referred to as “thickened basement membrane”, consisted of collagen fibrils in plexiform arrangement. The basement membrane proper appeared intact. These electron microscopic changes, particularly the presence of mast cells and subepithelial collagen deposits, were also found in autopsy samples. This combined light and electron microscopic study shows that marked, possibly irreversible changes may be present in the lungs of patients with severe bronchial asthma, even when they are asymptomatic. These pulmonary changes could be the direct consequence of mast cell activation and the release of various mediators. No evidence of immune complex deposition was found.
Idiopathic arterial calcification in infancy
Authors: MORTON R.
Published: April 2007

Three fatal cases of idiopathic arterial calcification in infancy are reported. The infants’ ages ranged from 9 days to 3 months. Death was due to cardiac failure; in two cases caused by myocardial ischaemia, and in one by pulmonary hypertension. The histological findings are described and aetiology of the condition is discussed.
The brown bowel syndrome: a possible smooth muscle mitochondrial myopathy?
Authors: FOSTER C. S.
Published: April 2007

Two cases of lipofuscinosis of the gastrointestinal tract are described, and a mitochondrial origin of the pigment is proposed. The mechanism of formation of lipofuscin is discussed, with particular reference to the maintenance of structurally and functionally intact mitochondrial membranes. The central role of vitamin E is considered, and its biochemical significance to mitochondrial metabolism is emphasized. Comparisons are drawn between the abnormalities demonstrated within the smooth muscle cells of the two cases described, and the muscle cells observed in cases of skeletal muscle myopathies of mitochondrial origin. It is proposed that lipofuscinosis of the gastrointestinal tract, otherwise known as the ‘brown bowel syndrome’, may be regarded as a smooth muscle myopathy of mitochondrial origin.
The structure of the enterocyte in relation to its position on the villus in childhood: an electron microscopical study
Authors: PHILLIPS A. D. , FRANCE N. E. , WALKER‐SMITH J. A.
Published: April 2007

An electron microscopical study of histologically normal small intestinal mucosa taken from 10 children has shown, on morphological grounds, that the mid‐region of the villus is best adapted for digestion and absorption. Microvilli in the mid‐region were tallest, and presented the maximal surface area. In contrast the upper region of the villus exhibited a reduction in microvillous surface area and some cellular damage. Cellular extrusion was observed near the base of the villus as well as near the tip. The occurrence of cellular alterations in the oldest and more exposed regions of normal mucosa in childhood may be symptomatic of a natural epithelial ageing process but may also be the result of an adverse luminal effect on the enterocytes. These findings differ from some of the observations made on adult small intestinal mucosa where it has been reported that the microvilli present a maximal surface area and the enterocytes are most active at the tips of the villi rather than in the mid‐region.
Morphological findings in idiopathic calcification of the ascending aorta and aortic valve affecting a young woman
Authors: THEMAN T. E. , SILVER M. D. , HAUST M. D. , McLOUGHLIN M. J. , WIGLE E. D. , WILLIAMS W. R.
Published: April 2007

The pathology of a case of idiopathic calcification affecting the ascending aorta in a young woman is presented. A varying width of media throughout the aorta and extending into its proximal branches was devoid of cell nuclei (medial necrosis) although elastic lamellae persisted. Plaques of calcium, found in the acellular media, were confined to the ascending aorta. No inflammatory or reparative reaction was seen in the vessel wall. Electron microscopically, the calcium seemed to have an affinity for elastic tissue elements of all sizes and the mode of deposition appeared to be by ‘avenues’ of the microfibrillar component Possible pathogenetic mechanisms are discussed.
A variant of intestinal metaplasia associated with gastric carcinoma: a histochemical study
Authors: JASS J. R. , FILIPE M. I.
Published: April 2007

Gastrectomy specimens including 32 cases of carcinoma and 35 cases of peptic ulcer were examined in detail histologically and histochemically to show the distribution of intestinal metaplasia (IM) and types of mucin secreted. A variant of IM, with extensive involvement of both antrum and body and excessive secretion of sulphomucin, was found to be associated with carcinomas showing appreciable extracellular sulphomucin secretion. The identification of such a variant of IM may help the interpretation of gastric biopsies.
Hepatoblastoma with adenomatoid renal epithelium
Authors: KNOWLSON G. T. G. , CAMERON A. H.
Published: April 2007

A case is described in which a hepatoblastoma is associated with a renal malformation where adenomatoid epithelium lines Bowman's capsule and the adjacent part of the proximal tubule. The significance of this is discussed in relation to the association of developmental malformations with neoplasia.
Temporal (granulomatous) arteritis: a histopathological study of 32 cases
Authors: MAMBO N. C.
Published: April 2007

Thirty‐two cases of temporal arteritis were reviewed. AH patients were adults with a mean age of 69.6 years, and no sex predominance. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was raised and there was a good response to steroid therapy in the 29 patients who were adequately documented and followed up. Detailed histopathological study of the temporal artery biopsies showed three main histopathological variants; 12 cases (37.5%) had predominantly intimal proliferative changes, four cases (12.5%) had granulomatous inflammation without giant cells and 16 (50%) had granulomatous inflammation with giant cells. The predominantly intimal change variant, consisting of a cellular proliferation of fibroblasts and myointimal cells with little or no changes in the media represent an active pathological process and not a healed disease as has been previously suggested. The internal elastic lamina showed abnormal features in all three morphological variants. The need to recognize this variant, the temporal relationship between these variants and the need to study multiple sections are discussed. Biopsy of clinically normal temporal arteries in patients suspected of having temporal arteritis is recommended as some of these vessels may show disease. No correlation was observed between the clinical picture and the histopathological findings.
The non‐specific nature of the myocardial wavy fibre
Authors: DERIAS N. W. , ADAMS C. W. M.
Published: April 2007

Wavy myocardial fibres were found in about half each of a series of 28 normal and 31 infarcted human hearts, as well as in the normal heart of an infant. Such fibres were also seen in rather more than half of a series of normal rat hearts. Thus, the wavy fibre is not a specific feature of acute ischaemic heart disease. Some experimental evidence was obtained that patchy loss or preservation of ATP promotes the formation of wavy fibres.
New findings of a lamina densa in relation to plasma cells
Authors: EL‐LABBAN N. G.
Published: April 2007

In an ultrastructural study of oral lesions in lichen planus, it was found that some plasma cells have an associated lamina densa. Subsequently, similar appearances have been found in pemphigus vulgaris, in the inflammatory cell infiltrates in dental granulomas and cysts and in a patient with Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome. The lamina densa was mainly present adjacent to those parts of the membrane of the plasma cell that were invested with fibrillar connective tissue. The lamina was similar in thickness and electron density to that surrounding Schwann cells and endothelial cells. It is believed that lamina densa has not previously been reported in relation to plasma cells. It is of interest that in all other situations in which lamina densa has been described, the cells are considered to be part of the normal cell population of the tissue, whereas plasma cells are not regarded as part of the resident population of connective tissue.
Paneth cell‐rich papillary adenocarcinoma and a mucoid adenocarcinoma occurring synchronously in colon: a light and electron microscopic study
Authors: SHOUSHA S.
Published: April 2007

A 71‐year‐old man who presented with iron deficiency anaemia and weight loss was found to have two colonic tumours: a mucoid adenocarcinoma at the splenic flexure and a papillary adenocarcinoma rich in Paneth cells in the ascending colon. The light and ultrastructural features of the neoplastic cells are described, and the significance of the presence of neoplastic Paneth cells is discussed.
Quantitative analysis of histological parameters in giant cell lesions of the jaws and long bones
Authors: FRANKLIN C. D. , CRAIG G. T. , SMITH C. J.
Published: April 2007

Stereological techniques have been used to compare histological parameters of the giant cell component in Io giant cell tumours of long bones, 10 central giant cell granulomas of the jaws and 10 peripheral giant cell granulomas of the jaws. The giant cell parameters investigated were: mean profile diameter, mean diameter, mean profile axial ratio, volume‐to‐surface ratios, nuclear numerical density, profile area and cell volume. Serial sections were cut at 4 μm from routinely fixed, paraffin‐embedded specimens of each case and two sections, separated by 100 μm, were stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Random fields were photographed until at least 25 giant cell profiles had been recorded from each of the two sections of each lesion. The processed film was projected for point and intersect counting, the entire procedure ensuring double‐blind assessment of the cases under investigation. In general there was no significant difference for any of the parameters between the giant cells of central and peripheral jaw lesions. There was a significant difference, however, between the giant cells of central jaw lesions and long bone tumours in respect of both nuclear numerical density and mean absolute cell volume.
Legionnaires' disease: case report with special emphasis on electron microscopy and potential risk of infection at autopsy
Authors: VAN DEN BERGEN H. A. , MEENHORST P. L. , RUITER D. J. , MAUW B. J. , MEIJER C. J. L. M.
Published: April 2007

A case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) is presented in which the diagnosis was made initially by EM and later confirmed by specific immunofluorescence of formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded lung tissue. The possibility of an infection with Legionella pneumophila during autopsy is suggested by the fact that the pathologist who performed the post‐mortem examination developed signs and symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection 2 weeks afterwards. Approximately 4 weeks after the onset of his illness a significant antibody titre against L. pneumophila was found in his serum, whereas 6 months later the antibody titre was insignificant.
The ultrastructure of benign and malignant fibrous histiocytomas
Authors: HARRIS M.
Published: April 2007

Five benign histiocytomas of varying pattern and three malignant fibrous histiocytomas have been studied ultrastructurally. An essentially biphasic pattern of histiocytes and fibroblasts was present. In addition fibrohistiocytes, myofibroblasts and undifferentiated cells were present in some of the tumours. The histogenesis of this group of tumours is discussed. The value of electron microscopy in establishing the diagnosis in difficult cases is emphasized, but it is not considered useful in distinguishing benign from malignant cases.
Cytophotometric investigation of the Feulgen‐DNA content of cell nuclei of fibrous histiocytomas
Authors: EECKHAUT W. , ROELS H. , MACKENZIE D.H.
Published: April 2007

The cytophotometric determination of the Feulgen‐DNA content of cell nuclei was performed on 72 fibrous histiocytomas. From the histograms, three variants of this neoplasm could be delineated and there was a fairly good correlation between the type of histogram and prognosis. With the exception of the benign dermal fibrous histiocytomas there was no correlation with the histological sub‐types.
Retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma: a light and electron microscopic study
Authors: SEO I.S. , WARNER T.F.C.S. , GLANT M.D.
Published: April 2007

Retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma arising in a spermatic blood vessel is described. In addition to typical leiomyosarcoma, areas of atypical histiocyte‐like cells and storiform pattern bearing a close resemblance to malignant fibrous histiocytoma, were seen. Ultrastructurally, cells with features of smooth muscle, partially differentiated cells with marginal densities and basal lamina and histiocyte‐like giant cells were present. Phagocytosis of inflammatory cells by tumour cells with marginal densities and an investment of basal lamina was observed. It is suggested that the precursor cell in this lesion was a primitive mesenchymal cell showing varying degrees of smooth muscle differentiation and giant cell formation.
Histiocytic endometritis
Authors: BUCKLEY C.H. , FOX H.
Published: April 2007

Two cases of histiocytic endometritis are described, both characterized by total replacement of the endometrium with sheets of lipid‐containing histiocytic cells. This condition appears to be a rare complication of cervical occlusion and it is suggested that the histiocytic reaction occurs as a response to a haematometra.
Ovarian sex cord tumours with annular tubules
Authors: ANDERSON M.C. , GOVAN A.D.T. , LANGLEY F.A. , WOODCOCK A.S. , TYAGI S.P.
Published: April 2007

Five cases of ovarian sex cord tumours with annular tubules are presented. The ages of the patients ranged from 8 to 45 years and the size of the tumours varied from 1 to over 18 cm in diameter. All patients presented with evidence of hormonal disturbance and two appeared to have excess gonadotrophin production. The Peutz‐Jeghers syndrome was not described in any patient. The possible origin of the tumour is discussed.
Cerebral damage in paraquat poisoning
Authors: GRANT HELEN C. , LANTOS P.L. , PARKINSON CONSTANCE
Published: April 2007

This is the first report on cerebral changes in eight patients who died of paraquat poisoning. These included generalized oedema, haemorrhages (both subependymal and subarachnoid), glial reactions (microglial activity and astrocytic response) and meningeal inflammation. Oedema and haemorrhage were the most consistent and significant findings: they suggest that paraquat may damage the cerebral blood vessels. The distribution of haemorrhages was unusual and resembled that seen in thiamine deficiency.
Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia involving skeletal muscle
Authors: BUCHANAN R. , SWORN M.J. , MOUSLEY J.M.
Published: April 2007

A vascular tumour involving the trapezius muscle is described. In addition to proliferating blood vessels with perithelial cuffing, there was a distinctive stroma of lymphoid aggregates, plasmacytoid cells, some mast cells and large numbers of eosinophils, many with a perivascular distribution. This solely intramuscular lesion was considered to be an example of angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia. The aetiology and pathogenesis are discussed.
Sweat‐gland carcinomas: prognosis related to histological type
Authors: DISSANAYAKE R. V. P. , SALM R.
Published: April 2007

A series of 10 sweat‐gland carcinomas is reported. The ages of the patients at presentation ranged from 12 to 79 years. Three of the tumours had shown long latent periods with a mass present for up to 20 years. Prognosis proved to be related to the histological subtype. Thus, two papillary syringocystadeno‐carcinomas, one recurring cylindroma, one hybrid cylindroma/adenoid cystic carcinoma and two mucoid carcinomas were apparently all cured by surgery. Two mucoepidermoid carcinomas and one histologically malignant chondroid syringoma were not only histologically, but also clinically, malignant. The last case, a chondroid syringoma of benign histology, proved nevertheless to be malignant clinically.
Hepatic fibrosis and collapse: histological distinction by orcein staining
Authors: SCHEUER P. J. , MAGGI G.
Published: April 2007

Collapse of liver parenchyma, as seen in acute hepatitis with bridging necrosis, can be distinguished from new fibre formation in chronic liver disease by orcein staining. This shows abundant elastic fibres in association with fibrosis, but not in areas of collapse.
Reticulin impregnation in the diagnosis of malignant melanoma
Authors: BRIGGS J. C.
Published: April 2007

Reticulin patterns were examined in 25 consecutive malignant melanomas, 25 benign cellular naevi and 10 Spitz (benign juvenile) naevi. Absolute features were that a completely intact basement membrane was a strong indicator of benignity and that pericellular reticulin was evidence of subsequent benign behaviour. In routine circumstances, however, the stain was of little diagnostic use, as the borderline cases on haematoxylin and eosin staining were not made any easier to categorize by reticulin stain.
Rapidly fatal lymphangioma‐like Kaposi's sarcoma
Authors: LEIBOWITZ M. R. , DAGLIOTTI M. , SMITH E. , MURRAY J. F.
Published: April 2007

A 34‐year‐old black South African male was treated for lymphangioma‐like clinical Kaposi's sarcoma. The disease followed a rapidly fatal course and was characterized by unexplained recurrent pleural effusions and severe refractory anaemia due to the presence of dilated vascular channels in the bone marrow. Definitive diagnosis was only made at autopsy. Lymphangiomatous changes in the skin without spindle cell formation caused diagnostic difficulties.
Mucus‐secreting ‘alveolar‐cell’ tumour of the lung: a histochemical comparison of tumours arising within and outside the lung
Authors: FOSTER C. S.
Published: April 2007

Five cases of mucus‐secreting ‘alveolar cell carcinoma’ are described, two of primary pulmonary origin and three metastatic from breast or pancreas. Mucin histochemistry demonstrated qualitative and quantitative differences between the mucopolysaccharides produced by these two groups of tumours. Hyaluronic acid production was restricted to the primary lung tumours. Greater quantities of acid sulphomucins were found in the two tumours arising in the lung and more neutral mucins in the three tumours metastatic from extra pulmonary primaries. It is proposed that mucus‐secreting alveolar cell carcinomas represent an unusual, and saprophytic relationship between the metastatic cells of well‐differentiated adenocarcinomas and the lung. As the malignancy of the tumour cells increases, so the ability to produce specific mucins decreases and, simultaneously, the tumours cease to maintain their alveolar pattern.
Immunoblastic sarcoma after thymus epithelial graft in an immunodeficient child
Authors: DICTOR M.
Published: April 2007

A 3 1/2‐year‐old girl with severe combined immunodeficiency received a thymus epithelial graft. After transient clinical and in vitro immunologic improvement, she developed fever, lung infiltrates and, terminally, massive gastrointestinal bleeding only 2 1/2 months after transplantation. Autopsy revealed widespread immunoblastic sarcoma involving both transplantation sites in the mesentery and thigh, lymph nodes, lung, liver, spleen and gastrointestinal tract. This B cell lymphoma was likely induced by the grafted thymus epithelium.
Mesenchymal tumours of the uterus. VII. A clinicopathological study of 60 endometrial stromal nodules*
Authors: TAVASSOLI F. A. , NORRIS H. J.
Published: April 2007

Endometrial stromal nodules are well‐circumscribed neoplasms composed of cells identical to those in low‐grade endometrial stromal sarcoma and proliferative endometrium. The clinical and pathologic features of 60 endometrial stromal nodules were studied to determine their characteristics and behaviour. A follow‐up of up to 16 years revealed that none of the 60 patients developed recurrences or died of her disease, indicating that circumscribed endometrial stromal tumours are benign. A number of specific features such as irregularities in the margin, high mitotic counts, and a glandular trend did not seem to alter the benign course of this lesion.
‘Crystalline’ collagen production by an unusual benign soft tissue tumour (‘amianthioma’)
Authors: CONNOLLY C. E.
Published: April 2007

The morphology of a benign soft tissue tumour producing nodules of collagen in ‘crystalline’ form is investigated by light and electron microscopy. The distinctive and peculiar arrangement of collagen fibres into bundles of radiating ‘crystals’ is described. This appearance has not been documented in the literature on soft tissue tumours before, as far as the author has been able to ascertain.
Persistent neonatal normoinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia
Authors: BARRESI G. , INFERRERA C. , DE LUCA F. , GEMELLI M. , BUSSOLATI G.
Published: April 2007

A case is recorded of persistent neonatal hypoglycaemia characterized by early onset, normoinsulinaemia and improvement following glucagon therapy. The pancreatic A cells were very few in number and were mainly degranulated. There was a slight increase of B cells, but changes in cells producing somatostatin and human pancreatic polypeptide were not encountered. The differential diagnosis is discussed with the conclusion that the most probable causative factor was the deficiency of A cells.
Mediastinal and hilar fibrosis
Authors: SOBRINHO‐SIMÕES M. A. , VAZ SALEIRO J. , WAGENVOORT C. A.
Published: April 2007

A case is described of mediastinal and hilar fibrosis in a woman aged 22 years. The fibrotic mass compressed the lobar arteries as well as the veins of various lobes of both lungs. These large vessels as well as numerous smaller arteries and veins were to a large extent obstructed by organized thrombi. It seems likely that 3 years after the beginning of symptoms the fibrosing process was still active. The case provides some support for an immunopathological aetiology of this condition.
Differential diagnosis of spindle cell tumours by electron microscopy—personal experience and a review
Authors: HARRIS M.
Published: April 2007

Electron microscopy has its value and its limitations in refining the histogenetic diagnosis of certain spindle cell tumours. The ultrastructural diagnostic features of neural tumours, muscle tumours, fibrous histiocytomas, fibrosarcomas, monophasic synovial sarcoma and spindle‐cell squamous carcinoma are reviewed and illustrated.
Ultrastructural and histochemical identification of sclerosing liposarcoma
Authors: LAZARUS S. S. , TROMBETTA L. D.
Published: April 2007

A paratesticular tumour by light microscopy showed large amounts of partly hyalinized collagenous stroma, spindle shaped fibroblast‐like cells, pleomorphic cells with foamy cytoplasm, multinucleated tumour type giant cells and lipid inclusions. By light microscopy, there was a problem as to whether the tumour should be classified with the liposarcomas or with the fibrous histiocytic group. Ultrastructurally, spindle shaped cells resembled fibroblasts and, in a few cells, intracellular collagen fibres were seen. Histochemical studies revealed the presence of mannose‐rich glycoprotein which is characteristic for collagen producing cells, but frequently these cells also showed numerous lipid inclusions. The foamy cytoplasmic areas of pleomorphic cells were shown to consist of dilated ergastoplasmic sacs and large vacuoles lined by smooth endoplasmic reticulum negating the possibility that these cells were of histiocytic origin. This is supported further by the dearth of lysosomes and absence of lysozyme (muramidase) in the tumour cells. The presence of numerous lipid inclusions in many of the tumour cells, which are otherwise ultrastructurally similar to fibroblasts, suggests that these cells represent precursors of lipoblasts. The above findings taken together allowed the tumour to be categorized as a sclerosing liposarcoma.
Oestrogen receptor values and histological grade in human breast cancer
Authors: THORESEN S. , TANGEN M. , STOA K. F. , HARTVEIT F.
Published: April 2007

Histological grading of 126 oestrogen receptor positive and 81 oestrogen receptor negative breast carcinomas, using the WHO system, showed that some tumours in all grades had high receptor values, others low. There was no correlation between the receptor values and histological grade. It is suggested that factors other than the degree of dedifferentiation of the tumour may be responsible for the consistent tendency for receptor negative tumours to be placed in a high histological grade.
The prognostic significance of morphometry in T1 bladder tumours
Authors: OOMS E. C. M. , ESSED E. , VELDHUIZEN R. W. , ALONS C. L. , KURVER P. , BOON MATHILDE E.
Published: April 2007

Only 3% of patients with T1 bladder tumours die of bladder carcinoma within 5 years (Williams, Hammonds & Saunders 1977), therefore these patients are initially treated conservatively. There would however be benefits from being able to predict which patients should be treated more aggressively. Morphometry was applied to quantitate characteristic microscopical features of the removed T1 tumours in 16 patients who had survived for five years and in seven patients dead from the tumour, in order to evaluate the prognostic value of this method. The measurements of nuclear and cytoplasmic areas were made on routine H & E sections with a graphic tablet (ASM, Leitz). Statistical analysis of the obtained data revealed that there were significant differences between the two groups. It indicated that morphometric parameters of T1 bladder tumours can have prognostic as well as therapeutic significance which will be further tested in a prospective study.
Histological study of the bone marrow in chronic granulocytic leukaemia in blast transformation. I. Serial observations before and after autografting
Authors: ISLAM A. , CATOVSKY D. , GOLDMAN J. M. , GALTON D. A. G.
Published: April 2007

Sixteen patients with chronic granulocytic leukaemia (CGL) in blast cell transformation (BT) were studied by means of serial bone marrow trephine biopsies (BMB). The BMB were performed during the following stages of the disease: 1 at diagnosis of BT, 2 following ablative therapy and 3 during haematological recovery following autografting. In 10 of the 16 patients, BT was recognized by the presence of a distinctive infiltration with blast cells with a single large hyperchromatic nucleolus. In four of the 16 patients, the diagnosis of BT could only be made by BMB since simultaneous marrow aspiration yielded either a dry tap or no marrow fragments; in two of these four patients the BT was focal in the BMB specimen. Following ablative therapy and during haematological regeneration after autografting, BM aspirates were unsatisfactory in most cases and they were inadequate to assess cellularity or the presence of residual blasts. In contrast, sections of BMB showed clearly whether a decrease in cellularity took place or, in some, residual blasts were still present. BMB samples obtained 2 weeks after autografting showed haemopoietic regeneration consisting of discrete foci of either erythroid, granulocytic or megakaryocytic precursor cells. We conclude that BMB is essential for diagnosiing CGL in BT, for monitoring the progress of these patients after therapy and in assessing the haemopoietic regeneration following autografting.
Quantitation of borderline and malignant mucinous ovarian tumours
Authors: BAAK J. P. A. , BLANCO A. AGRAFOJO , KURVER P. H. J. , LANGLEY F. A. , BOON M. E. , LINDEMAN J. , OVERDIEP S. H. , NIEUWLAAT A. , BREKELMANS E.
Published: April 2007

Discrimination between borderline and malignant mucinous ovarian tumours is a well‐known diagnostic problem. In order to obtain objective reproducible and consistent features for differential diagnosis, 32 quantitative microscopical features were assessed in 10 benign, 10 borderline and 22 malignant mucinous ovarian tumours. There were many significant differences between the three groups, but using multivariate analysis there was 93% agreement between the histopathological assessment of these sections and the qualitative analyses. The following features were useful in the quantitative classification: the mean area, the mean perimeter and the mean of the short axis of the nucleus; the volume percentage of the epithelium; the mitotic activity. In three cases, there was a difference between the original histopathological and computer classification. It was debatable whether the original diagnosis was correct, and therefore, all the cases were independently reassessed blind by three pathologists. Their diagnoses lend strong support to the computer classification in two of the three cases. The computer classification seems therefore to be even better than 93%. The present quantitative techniques are inexpensive, relatively easy to use, and, we believe, have a useful place in diagnostic histopathology.
Carcinoma of the oesophagus with spindle cell features
Authors: DU BOULAY C. E. H. , ISAACSON P.
Published: April 2007

There is considerable confusion surrounding the histogenesis and nomenclature of squamous cell carcinomas of the oesophagus with spindle cell elements. These tumours, many of which are polypoid, have been variously called carcinosarcoma, pseudosarcoma and polypoid carcinoma of the oesophagus. A study of three recent cases strongly supports the theory that these tumours are squamous cell carcinomas with spindle cell metaplasia. They are not necessarily polypoid and adenocarcinomatous elements may also be present.