Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine

Case Studies

Tubular adenoma arising in tubular colonic duplication: a case report: Heonwoo Lee, Hyeong Rok An, Chan Wook Kim, Young Soo Park; Received March 27, 2024 Accepted May 31, 2024 Published online July 3, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.06.04 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF: Colonic duplication constitutes a rare congenital anomaly, characterized by the presence of hollow cystic or tubular structures exhibiting an epithelial-lined intestinal wall. Diagnostic challenges persist due to its low incidence and manifestation of nonspecific symptoms such as abdominal pain or constipation, resulting in a reluctance to pursue surgical resection. As associated malignancies in colonic duplication are rare, the inherent malignant potential of these anomalies remains undetermined. Additionally, despite reported instances of associated malignancies in colonic duplication, there is an absence of reports in the literature detailing tubular adenoma within these cases. The histologic features of the presented case are particularly noteworthy, situated at the precancerous stage, intimating potential progression towards adenocarcinoma within colonic duplication.

Intravascular schwannoma as an extremely unusual cause of vein obstruction: a case report: Luis Miguel Chinchilla-Tábora, Beatriz Segovia Blázquez, José María Sayagués, Marta Rodríguez González, Joaquín González-Rivero, José Antonio Muñoz León, Andrea Beatriz Jiménez Pérez, Idalia González Morais, Diego Bueno-Sacristán, María Dolores Ludeña; Received April 8, 2024 Accepted May 14, 2024 Published online July 3, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.05.15 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF: The blood vessel lumen is an extremely rare location for a benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor like schwannoma. Less than 10 cases have been previously reported. In this report, we present a case of a 68-year-old woman who had a soft tissue nodule at the posterior calf of her left leg during a physical examination. Pathological examination was performed after complete surgical excision. The patient underwent follow-up for 12 months after surgery without evidence of recurrence or any other complication. This is the first case of intravascular schwannoma reported as a cause of vein obstruction. Microscopically, the tumor was composed of Schwann spindle cells that were immunoreactive for S100 protein and SOX10. This tumor was surrounded by a well-defined vascular smooth muscle wall. Prospective series are required to improve the knowledge on the underlying mechanisms of intravascular schwannoma development.

Newsletter

What’s new in adrenal gland pathology: WHO 5th edition for adrenal cortex: Carol N. Rizkalla, Maria Tretiakova; Received May 13, 2024 Accepted June 7, 2024 Published online June 25, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.06.07 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF: The 5th edition of WHO Classification of Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Tumors (2022) introduced many significant changes relevant to endocrine daily practice. In this newsletter, we summarize the notable changes to the adrenal cortex based on the 5th edition of the WHO classification [1].

Case Study

Concurrent intestinal plasmablastic lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with a clonal relationship: a case report and literature review: Nao Imuta, Kosuke Miyai, Motohiro Tsuchiya, Mariko Saito, Takehiro Sone, Shinichi Kobayashi, Sho Ogata, Fumihiko Kimura, Susumu Matsukuma; Received March 8, 2024 Accepted May 7, 2024 Published online June 25, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.05.14 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF: Herein, we report a case of plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) that occurred concurrently in the large intestine. An 84-year-old female presented with a palpable rectal tumor and ileocecal tumor observed on imaging analyses. Endoscopic biopsy of both lesions revealed lymphomatous round cells. Hartmann’s operation and ileocecal resection were performed for regional control. The ileocecal lesion consisted of a proliferation of CD20/CD79a-positive lymphoid cells, indicative of DLBCL. In contrast, the rectal tumor showed proliferation of atypical cells with pleomorphic nuclei and abundant amphophilic cytoplasm, with immunohistochemical findings of CD38/CD79a/MUM1/MYC (+) and CD20/CD3/CD138/PAX5 (–). Tumor cells were positive for Epstein-Barr virus– encoded RNA based on in situ hybridization and MYC rearrangement in fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis. These findings indicated the rectal tumor was most likely a PBL. Sequencing analysis for immunoglobulin heavy variable genes indicated a common B-cell origin of the two sets of lymphoma cells. This case report and literature review provide new insights into PBL tumorigenesis.

Original Article

Immunohistochemical expression in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies at a single center in Vietnam: Dat Quoc Ngo, Si Tri Le, Khanh Hoang Phuong Phan, Thao Thi Phuong Doan, Linh Ngoc Khanh Nguyen, Minh Hoang Dang, Thien Thanh Ly, Thu Dang Anh Phan; Received January 3, 2024 Accepted April 29, 2024 Published online June 25, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.05.02 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF: Background
The identification of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) requires a comprehensive analysis involving clinical manifestations and histological findings. This study aims to provide insights into the histopathological and immunohistochemical aspects of IIMs.
Methods
This retrospective case series involved 56 patients diagnosed with IIMs at the Department of Pathology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, from 2019 to 2023. The histology and immunohistochemical expression of HLA-ABC, HLA-DR, C5b-9, Mx1/2/3, and p62 were detected.
Results
We examined six categories of inflammatory myopathy, including immunemediated necrotizing myopathy (58.9%), dermatomyositis (DM; 23.2%), overlap myositis (8.9%), antisynthetase syndrome (5.4%), inclusion body myositis (IBM; 1.8%), and polymyositis (1.8%). The average age of the patients was 49.7 ± 16.1 years, with a female-to-male ratio of 3:1. Inflammatory cell infiltration in the endomysium was present in 62.5% of cases, perifascicular atrophy was found in 17.8%, and fiber necrosis was observed in 42 cases (75.0%). Rimmed vacuoles were present in 100% of cases in the IBM group. Immunohistochemistry showed the following positivity rates: HLA-ABC (89.2%), HLA-DR (19.6%), C5b-9 (57.1%), and Mx1/2/3 (10.7%). Mx1/2/3 expression was high in DM cases. p62 vacuole deposits were noted in the IBM case. The combination of membrane attack complex and major histocompatibility complex I helped detect IIMs in 96% of cases.
Conclusions
The diagnosis of IIMs and their subtypes should be based on clinical features and histopathological characteristics. Immunohistochemistry plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and differentiation of these subgroups.

Case Study

Primary epithelioid inflammatory myofibroblastic sarcoma of the brain with EML4::ALK fusion mimicking intra-axial glioma: a case report and brief literature review: Eric Eunshik Kim, Chul-Kee Park, Koung Mi Kang, Yoonjin Kwak, Sung-Hye Park, Jae-Kyung Won; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(3):141-145. Published online May 14, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.04.12

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Abstract PDF: An aggressive subtype of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, epithelioid inflammatory myofibroblastic sarcoma occurs primarily inside the abdominal cavity, followed by a pulmonary localization. Most harbor anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements, with RANBP2 and RRBP1 among the well-documented fusion partners. We report the second case of primary epithelioid inflammatory myofibroblastic sarcoma of the brain, with a well-known EML4::ALK fusion. The case is notable for its intra-axial presentation that clinico-radiologically mimicked glioma.

Original Articles

The importance of histomorphological features and ERG expression in the diagnosis of malignancy in cases with atypical small acinar proliferation: Gizem Teoman, Ayten Livaoglu, Hatice Kucuk, Afs ¸ın Rahman Murtezaoglu; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(3):134-140. Published online May 14, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.03.18

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Abstract PDF: Background
Atypical small acinar proliferation (ASAP) cases typically require rebiopsy, which are invasive and associated with increased risk of complications. Our aim in this study was to determine the importance of laboratory and histological findings and E-26 transformation-specific-related gene (ERG) expression in the diagnosis of malignancy.
Methods
Between March 2016 and March 2022, 84 patients who were diagnosed with ASAP on biopsy or rebiopsy were included in the study. Clinical-laboratory features of age, serum prostate-specific antigen level, and histopathological features were compared and included multifocality, number of suspicious acini, nuclear enlargement, nucleolar prominence, hyperchromasia, cytoplasmic amphophilia, luminal amorphous acellular secretion, crystalloid presence, infiltrative appearance, inflammation, atrophy, α-methyl acyl-CoA racemase, p63, and/or high molecular weight cytokeratin were analyzed. In addition, ERG expression was evaluated immunohistochemically.
Results
Statistically significant correlation was found between nucleolar prominence, nuclear hyperchromasia, crystalloid presence, infiltrative pattern, and prostate cancer (p < .001). In 19 of 84 cases (22.6%) ERG was positive in the nucleus. Prostate cancer was diagnosed at rebiopsy in 15 of the 19 ERG-positive cases (78.9%). A statistically significant correlation was found between ERG positivity and prostate cancer (p= .002).
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that evaluation of these markers during initial transrectal ultrasound biopsies may decrease and prevent unnecessary prostate rebiopsy.

The spectrum of microvascular patterns in adult diffuse glioma and their correlation with tumor grade: Soni , Vaishali Walke, Deepti Joshi, Tanya Sharma, Adesh Shrivastava, Amit Agrawal; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(3):127-133. Published online May 14, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.03.11

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Abstract PDF: Background
Primary brain tumors constitute the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Among them, adult diffuse gliomas are the most common type, affecting the cerebral hemispheres and displaying a diffuse infiltrative pattern of growth in the surrounding neuropil that accounts for about 80% of all primary intracranial tumors. The hallmark feature of gliomas is blood vessel proliferation, which plays an important role in tumor growth, tumor biological behavior, and disease outcome. High-grade gliomas exhibit increased vascularity, the worst prognosis, and lower survival rates. Several angiogenic receptors and factors are upregulated in glioblastomas and stimulate angiogenesis signaling pathways by means of activating oncogenes and/or down-regulating tumor-suppressor genes. Existing literature has emphasized that different microvascular patterns (MVPs) are displayed in different subtypes of adult diffuse gliomas.
Methods
We examined the distribution and biological characteristics of different MVPs in 50 patients with adult diffuse gliomas. Haematoxylin and eosin staining results, along with periodic acid–Schiff and CD34 dual-stained sections, were examined to assess the vascular patterns and correlate with different grades of diffuse glioma.
Results
The present observational study on adult diffuse glioma evaluated tumor grade and MVPs. Microvascular sprouting was the most common pattern, while a bizarre pattern (type 2) was associated with the presence of a high-grade glioma. Vascular mimicry was observed in 6% of cases, all of which were grade 4 gliomas.
Conclusions
This study supplements the role of neo-angiogenesis and aberrant vasculature patterns in the grading and progression of adult diffuse gliomas, which can be future targets for planning treatment strategies.

Revisiting the utility of identifying nuclear grooves as unique nuclear changes by an object detector model: Pedro R. F. Rende, Joel Machado Pires, Kátia Sakimi Nakadaira, Sara Lopes, João Vale, Fabio Hecht, Fabyan E. L. Beltrão, Gabriel J. R. Machado, Edna T. Kimura, Catarina Eloy, Helton E. Ramos; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(3):117-126. Published online April 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.03.07

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Abstract PDF: Background
Among other structures, nuclear grooves are vastly found in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Considering that the application of artificial intelligence in thyroid cytology has potential for diagnostic routine, our goal was to develop a new supervised convolutional neural network capable of identifying nuclear grooves in Diff-Quik stained whole-slide images (WSI) obtained from thyroid fineneedle aspiration.
Methods
We selected 22 Diff-Quik stained cytological slides with cytological diagnosis of PTC and concordant histological diagnosis. Each of the slides was scanned, forming a WSI. Images that contained the region of interest were obtained, followed by pre-formatting, annotation of the nuclear grooves and data augmentation techniques. The final dataset was divided into training and validation groups in a 7:3 ratio.
Results
This is the first artificial intelligence model based on object detection applied to nuclear structures in thyroid cytopathology. A total of 7,255 images were obtained from 22 WSI, totaling 7,242 annotated nuclear grooves. The best model was obtained after it was submitted 15 times with the train dataset (14th epoch), with 67% true positives, 49.8% for sensitivity and 43.1% for predictive positive value.
Conclusions
The model was able to develop a structure predictor rule, indicating that the application of an artificial intelligence model based on object detection in the identification of nuclear grooves is feasible. Associated with a reduction in interobserver variability and in time per slide, this demonstrates that nuclear evaluation constitutes one of the possibilities for refining the diagnosis through computational models.

Review

Interpretation of PD-L1 expression in gastric cancer: summary of a consensus meeting of Korean gastrointestinal pathologists: Soomin Ahn, Yoonjin Kwak, Gui Young Kwon, Kyoung-Mee Kim, Moonsik Kim, Hyunki Kim, Young Soo Park, Hyeon Jeong Oh, Kyoungyul Lee, Sung Hak Lee, Hye Seung Lee; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(3):103-116. Published online April 25, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.03.15

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Nivolumab plus chemotherapy in the first-line setting has demonstrated clinical efficacy in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative advanced or metastatic gastric cancer, and is currently indicated as a standard treatment. Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression is an important biomarker for predicting response to anti–programmed death 1/PD-L1 agents in several solid tumors, including gastric cancer. In the CheckMate-649 trial, significant clinical improvements were observed in patients with PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) ≥ 5, determined using the 28-8 pharmDx assay. Accordingly, an accurate interpretation of PD-L1 CPS, especially at a cutoff of 5, is important. The CPS method evaluates both immune and tumor cells and provides a comprehensive assessment of PD-L1 expression in the tumor microenvironment of gastric cancer. However, CPS evaluation has several limitations, one of which is poor interobserver concordance among pathologists. Despite these limitations, clinical indications relying on PD-L1 CPS are increasing. In response, Korean gastrointestinal pathologists held a consensus meeting for the interpretation of PD-L1 CPS in gastric cancer. Eleven pathologists reviewed 20 PD-L1 slides with a CPS cutoff close to 5, stained with the 28-8 pharmDx assay, and determined the consensus scores. The issues observed in discrepant cases were discussed. In this review, we present cases of gastric cancer with consensus PD-L1 CPS. In addition, we briefly touch upon current practices and clinical issues associated with assays used for the assessment of PD-L1 expression in gastric cancer.

Newsletter

What’s new in thyroid pathology 2024: updates from the new WHO classification and Bethesda system: Andrey Bychkov, Chan Kwon Jung; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(2):98-101. Published online March 13, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.03.06

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1 Crossref

Abstract PDF

In line with the release of the 5th edition WHO Classification of Tumors of Endocrine Organs (2022) and the 3rd edition of the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (2023), the field of thyroid pathology and cytopathology has witnessed key transformations. This digest brings to the fore the refined terminologies, newly introduced categories, and contentious methodological considerations pivotal to the updated classification.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Cytologic and Clinicopathologic Features of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma with Prominent Hobnail Features on FNAC
Deepali Saxena, Ravi Hari Phulware, Prashant Durgapal, Arvind Kumar, Amit Kumar Tyagi
Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Case Study

Malignant potential of neuroendocrine microtumor of the pancreas harboring high-grade transformation: lesson learned from a patient with von Hippel-Lindau syndrome: Jongwon Lee, Kyung Jin Lee, Dae Wook Hwang, Seung-Mo Hong; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(2):91-97. Published online March 13, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.02.13

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Abstract PDF: Pancreatic neuroendocrine microtumor (PNEMT) is a neuroendocrine tumor (NET) < 0.5 cm in diameter, and it is considered benign. We report a PNEMT with high-grade transformation (HGT). A man in his 60s with von Hippel-Lindau syndrome underwent surgical resection of a NET. A second sub-centimeter nodule with a nodule-in-nodule pattern was discovered. The 0.4 cm outer nodule contained clear columnar cells with round nuclei and indistinct nucleoli, while the 0.1 cm inner nodule had eosinophilic cells with an increased nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio, vesicular nuclei, and prominent nucleoli. Tumor cells in the outer and inner nodules were synaptophysin and chromogranin positive. Only the inner nodule was p53 positive, while the outer nodule was exclusively positive for carbonic anhydrase 9 and vimentin. The Ki-67 labeling indices for the outer and inner nodules were 2.1% (grade 1) and 44.3% (grade 3), respectively. This nodule was determined to be a PNEMT with HGT. Our findings suggest that a PNEMT may not always be benign and can undergo HGT.

Review

Exploring histological predictive biomarkers for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy response in non–small cell lung cancer: Uiju Cho, Soyoung Im, Hyung Soon Park; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(2):49-58. Published online February 26, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.01.31

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Abstract PDF: Treatment challenges persist in advanced lung cancer despite the development of therapies beyond the traditional platinum-based chemotherapy. The early 2000s marked a shift to tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting epidermal growth factor receptor, ushering in personalized genetic-based treatment. A further significant advance was the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), especially for non–small cell lung cancer. These target programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4, which enhanced the immune response against tumor cells. However, not all patients respond, and immune-related toxicities arise. This review emphasizes identifying biomarkers for ICI response prediction. While PD-L1 is a widely used, validated biomarker, its predictive accuracy is imperfect. Investigating tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, tertiary lymphoid structure, and emerging biomarkers such as high endothelial venule, Human leukocyte antigen class I, T-cell immunoreceptors with Ig and ITIM domains, and lymphocyte activation gene-3 counts is promising. Understanding and exploring additional predictive biomarkers for ICI response are crucial for enhancing patient stratification and overall care in lung cancer treatment.

Original Article

TRPS1 expression in non-melanocytic cutaneous neoplasms: an immunohistochemical analysis of 200 cases: Yi A. Liu, Phyu P. Aung, Yunyi Wang, Jing Ning, Priyadharsini Nagarajan, Jonathan L. Curry, Carlos A. Torres-Cabala, Doina Ivan, Victor G. Prieto, Qingqing Ding, Woo Cheal Cho; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(2):72-80. Published online February 26, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.01.23

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
Although trichorhinophalangeal syndrome type 1 (TRPS1) was initially thought to be highly sensitive and specific for carcinomas and mesenchymal tumors of mammary origin, more recent data suggest its expression is not limited to breast neoplasms but also can be seen in other cutaneous neoplasms, such as extramammary Paget disease and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in situ.
Methods
Two-hundred cases of non-melanocytic cutaneous neoplasm, including basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) (n = 41), SCCs (n = 35), Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs) (n = 25), and adnexal neoplasms (n = 99), were tested for TRPS1 expression using a monoclonal anti- TRPS1 rabbit anti-human antibody.
Results
TRPS1 expression was present in almost all cases of SCC (94%), with a median H-score of 200, while it was either absent or only focally present in most BCCs (90%), with a median H-score of 5. The difference between BCCs and SCCs in H-score was significant (p < .001). All MCCs (100%) lacked TRPS1 expression. TRPS1 expression was frequently seen in most adnexal neoplasms, benign and malignant, in variable intensity and proportion but was consistently absent in apocrine carcinomas. All endocrine mucin-producing sweat gland carcinomas (EMPSGCs) (100%, 6/6) showed diffuse and strong TRPS1 immunoreactivity, with a median H-score of 300, which was significantly different (p < .001) than that of BCCs.
Conclusions
Our study shows that TRPS1 may be an effective discriminatory marker for BCCs and SCCs. It also has a role in distinguishing BCCs from EMPSGCs.

Case Study

Fibrin-associated large B-cell lymphoma arising in an endovascular graft: first case report in Korea: Min Gyoung Pak, Mee Sook Roh; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(2):87-90. Published online January 24, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2023.12.28

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Abstract PDF: Fibrin-associated large B-cell lymphoma (FA-LBCL) is an extremely rare subtype of LBCL that consists of microscopic aggregates of atypical large B cells in the background of fibrin. Here, we report the first case of FA-LBCL in Korea. A 57-year-old male presented with a large amount of thrombus in the thoracic aorta during follow-up for graft replacement of the thoracoabdominal aorta 8 years prior. The removed thrombus, measuring 4.3 × 3.1 cm, histologically exhibited eosinophilic fibrinous material with several small clusters of atypical lymphoid cells at the periphery. The atypical cells were positive for CD20 by immunohistochemistry and for Epstein-Barr virus by in situ hybridization. The Ki-67 proliferation rate was 85%. The patient was still alive with no recurrence at the 7-year follow-up after thrombectomy. Although the diagnosis can be very difficult and challenging due to its paucicellular features, pathologists should be aware of FALBCL, which has likely been underestimated in routine evaluations of thrombi.

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