Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine

Original Articles

Revisiting human sparganosis: a pathologic review from a single institution: Jeemin Yim, Young A Kim, Jeong Hwan Park, Hye Eun Park, Hyun Beom Song, Ji Eun Kim; J Pathol Transl Med. 2026;60(1):83-91. Published online January 9, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2025.10.14

539 View
44 Download

Abstract PDF: Background
Sparganosis is a rare parasitic infection caused by Spirometra species. Although it was relatively common in the past, it is now often overlooked. In this study, we review cases diagnosed through histopathological examination at a single institution in recent years to raise awareness of this neglected parasitic disease. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed cases of human sparganosis identified in the pathology archives of a single institution in South Korea between 2004 and 2025. A comprehensive review was conducted, including demographic data, clinical features, lesion locations, imaging findings, exposure history (such as dietary habits), and histopathologic findings. Results: A total of 15 patients were identified, including 10 females and 5 males, with a mean age of 65.1 years. Lesions were most commonly located in the lower extremities and breast. Imaging findings were largely nonspecific, with ultrasonography being the most frequently used modality. In most cases, clinical suspicion of sparganosis was absent, and excision was performed under the impression of a benign or malignant tumor. Histologically, variably degenerated parasitic structures were identified within granulomatous inflammation. However, preserved features such as calcospherules and tegumental structures facilitated definitive diagnosis. Conclusions: This study underscores the importance of recognizing the characteristic histopathological features of sparganosis, which can allow for accurate diagnosis even in the absence of clinical suspicion. Although rare, sparganosis remains a relevant diagnostic consideration in endemic regions, particularly in East Asia.

Clinicopathological implications of immunohistochemical expression of TBX21, CXCR3, GATA3, CCR4, and TCF1 in nodal follicular helper T-cell lymphoma and peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified: Bogyeong Han, Sojung Lim, Jeemin Yim, Young Keun Song, Jiwon Koh, Sehui Kim, Cheol Lee, Young A Kim, Yoon Kyung Jeon; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(2):59-71. Published online January 22, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.01.04

7,637 View
374 Download
3 Web of Science
4 Crossref

Background
The classification of nodal peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) has evolved according to histology, cell-of-origin, and genetic alterations. However, the comprehensive expression pattern of follicular helper T-cell (Tfh) markers, T-cell factor-1 (TCF1), and Th1- and Th2-like molecules in nodal PTCL is unclear.
Methods
Eighty-two cases of nodal PTCL were classified into 53 angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphomas (AITLs)/nodal T-follicular helper cell lymphoma (nTFHL)-AI, 18 PTCLs-Tfh/nTFHL–not otherwise specified (NOS), and 11 PTCLs-NOS according to the revised 4th/5th World Health Organization classifications. Immunohistochemistry for TCF1, TBX21, CXCR3, GATA3, and CCR4 was performed.
Results
TCF1 was highly expressed in up to 68% of patients with nTFHL but also in 44% of patients with PTCL-NOS (p > .05). CXCR3 expression was higher in AITLs than in non-AITLs (p = .035), whereas GATA3 expression was higher in non-AITL than in AITL (p = .007) and in PTCL-Tfh compared to AITL (p = .010). Of the cases, 70% of AITL, 44% of PTCLTfh/ nTFHL-NOS, and 36% of PTCL-NOS were subclassified as the TBX21 subtype; and 15% of AITL, 38% of PTCL-Tfh/nTFHL-NOS, and 36% of PTCL-NOS were subclassified as the GATA3 subtype. The others were an unclassified subtype. CCR4 expression was associated with poor progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with PTCL-Tfh (p < .001) and nTFHL (p = .023). The GATA3 subtype showed poor overall survival in PTCL-NOS compared to TBX21 (p = .046) and tended to be associated with poor PFS in patients with non-AITL (p = .054).
Conclusions
The TBX21 subtype was more prevalent than the GATA3 subtype in AITL. The GATA3 subtype was associated with poor prognosis in patients with non-AITL and PTCL-NOS.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

T-bet: biological functions, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic applications: a systematic review
Xiaowen Yang, Min Sun, Xinyi Tang, Xiaoyuan Zhang, Wenzhi Shen
Frontiers in Immunology.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
CXCR Family and Hematologic Malignancies in the Bone Marrow Microenvironment
Yanquan Liu, Huanwen Tang
Biomolecules.2025; 15(5): 716. CrossRef
Diagnostic and therapeutic pathways for lymphoma patients: expert consensus through Nominal Group Technique and Delphi methodology
Attilio Guarini, Valentina Bozzoli, Sabino Ciavarella, Michele Cimminiello, Francesca Donatelli, Angelo Fama, Vincenza Fernanda Fesce, Vincenzo Fraticelli, Francesco Gaudio, Giuseppina Greco, Augusto Martellini, Francesca Merchionne, Rosanna Maria Miccoli
Frontiers in Oncology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Prognostic Significance of TBX21 and GATA3 Subtype Classification in Indolent Adult T‐Cell Leukemia‐Lymphoma With Cutaneous Lesions
Kazuhiro Kawai, Youhei Uchida, Takuro Kanekura
The Journal of Dermatology.2025; 52(11): 1674. CrossRef

Case Study

Primary Peripheral Gamma Delta T-Cell Lymphoma of the Central Nervous System: Report of a Case Involving the Intramedullary Spinal Cord and Presenting with Myelopathy: Jeemin Yim, Seung Geun Song, Sehui Kim, Jae Won Choi, Kyu-Chong Lee, Jeong Mo Bae, Yoon Kyung Jeon; J Pathol Transl Med. 2019;53(1):57-61. Published online October 1, 2018; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2018.08.21

7,345 View
159 Download
5 Web of Science
4 Crossref

Abstract PDF

Primary central nervous system lymphoma of T-cell origin (T-PCNSL) is rare, and its clinicopathological features remain unclear. Peripheral T-cell lymphoma of γδ T-cell origin is an aggressive lymphoma mainly involving extranodal sites. Here, we report a case of γδ T-PCNSL involving the intramedullary spinal cord and presenting with paraplegia. A 75-year-old Korean woman visited the hospital complaining of back pain and lower extremity weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multifocal enhancing intramedullary nodular lesions in the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord. An enhancing nodular lesion was observed in the periventricular white matter of the lateral ventricle in the brain. There were no other abnormalities in systemic organs or skin. Laminectomy and tumor removal were performed. The tumor consisted of monomorphic, medium-to-large atypical lymphocytes with pale-to-eosinophilic cytoplasm. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were CD3(+), TCRβF1(-), TCRγ(+), CD30(-), CD4(-), CD8(-), CD56(+), TIA1(+), granzyme B(+), and CD103(+). Epstein-Barr virus in situ was negative. This case represents a unique T-PCNSL of γδ T-cell origin involving the spinal cord.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

B-Cell Lymphoma Intramedullary Tumor: Case Report and Systematic Review
Daniel Gregório Gonsalves, Paulo Eduardo Albuquerque Zito Raffa, Gabriela Gerenutti de Sousa, Melissa Esposito Gomes Rigueiral, Iracema Araújo Estevão, Cesar Cozar Pacheco, Roger Thomaz Rotta Medeiros, Paulo Roberto Franceschini, Paulo Henrique Pires de A
Asian Journal of Neurosurgery.2023; 18(02): 231. CrossRef
Primary intramedullary spinal cord lymphoma misdiagnosed as longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis: a case report and literature review
Huizhen Ge, Li Xu, Huajie Gao, Suqiong Ji
BMC Neurology.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Clinicopathologic and Genetic Features of Primary T-cell Lymphomas of the Central Nervous System
Jeemin Yim, Jiwon Koh, Sehui Kim, Seung Geun Song, Jeong Mo Bae, Hongseok Yun, Ji-Youn Sung, Tae Min Kim, Sung-Hye Park, Yoon Kyung Jeon
American Journal of Surgical Pathology.2022; 46(4): 486. CrossRef
Peripheral T-Cell Lymphomas Involving the Central Nervous System: A Report From the Czech Lymphoma Study Group Registry
Heidi Mocikova, Robert Pytlík, Katerina Benesova, Andrea Janikova, Juraj Duras, Alice Sykorova, Katerina Steinerova, Vit Prochazka, Vit Campr, David Belada, Marek Trneny
Frontiers in Oncology.2022;[Epub] CrossRef

First
Prev
Page of 1
Next
Last

Search