Pathological Examination Research Articles

Unexpected right-sided sigmoid colon in laparoscopy: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND The presence of a right-sided sigmoid colon is a rare anatomical variation usually discovered incidentally during surgical interventions. This case report details an unexpected right-sided sigmoid colon identified during a laparoscopic appendectomy and examines the pertinent literature to explore its clinical importance. CASE SUMMARY A 71-year-old woman presented with acute appendicitis. A preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan showed peri-appendiceal inflammation but no significant anatomical abnormalities. During laparoscopic surgery, an unexpected finding was encountered: The sigmoid colon was situated on the right side and exhibited an abnormal relationship with the cecum and ascending colon. Postoperative pathological examination confirmed appendicitis with no additional pathological findings. The right-sided sigmoid colon anomaly was verified through intraoperative assessment and later re-evaluation with CT and colonographic imaging. The patient underwent a laparoscopic appendectomy and experienced a smooth postoperative recovery. CONCLUSION This case highlights the necessity of being attentive to anatomical variations during laparoscopic surgery, particularly when managing appendicitis. A review of the literature indicated that the occurrence of a right-sided sigmoid colon is infrequent and may be associated with anomalies in midgut rotation during embryonic development. Awareness of this variation can help prevent surgical complications and inform future clinical practice.

A Case of Nasal Dermoids Removed Via the Open Rhinoplasty Approach

Nasal dermoids are congenital midline nasal lesions that occur along with encephaloceles and gliomas. They can cause both deformity of nasal structure and intracranial infection as they grow. Treatment for these lesions is be concerned with two aspects, the complete removal of the lesions and making the surgical scar cosmetically acceptable. To that goal, many surgical approaches such as vertical incision, transverse incision, lateral rhinotomy and open rhinoplasty have been introduced. A 12-month male child presented with palpable mass at nasal root. The mass was easily movable, non-compressible and did not present fistula. A well-defined cystic mass without intracranial extension was found on the computerized tomography scans. Open rhinoplasty approach was opted for according to the guardians’ preference to avoid visible facial scar, and the lesions were completely resected. The pathologic examination confirmed the lesion to be nasal dermoids. The columellar scar was negligible and there was no recurrence at 5 year-follow up after surgery.

Solitary fibrous tumor of the gallbladder: a case report

Abstract Background Primary solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) of the gallbladder are rare. Here, we report the case of a patient who underwent surgical treatment for a primary SFT originating in the gallbladder. Case presentation A 48-mm gallbladder tumor was detected in a 70-year-old man using abdominal ultrasonography at a primary hospital, and he was subsequently referred to our department. A 50-mm enhanced tumor in the gallbladder was identified using computed tomography. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a smooth-marginated tumor with hyperintensity on T2-weighted imaging. 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography confirmed high-level fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the gallbladder tumor in the early phase without increasing uptake in the later phase. Surgical resection was planned to evaluate the tumor diagnosis. Initially, we performed open cholecystectomy with wedge resection of the gallbladder bed. Intraoperative pathological examination suggested gallbladder cancer; therefore, we performed radical surgery, including resection of the common bile duct, extended radical lymphadenectomy, and choledochojejunostomy. Ultimately, the final pathological examination revealed an SFT originating from the gallbladder with a negative surgical margin. Postoperatively, the patient developed bile leakage that was treated with tube drainage. The patient recovered satisfactorily and was discharged on postoperative day 20. At 24 months postoperatively, the patient was in good general condition without recurrence. Conclusions We report a rare case of a primary SFT originating in the gallbladder. Clinicians should be aware that SFT can be found in the gallbladder, and when it is difficult to make a preoperative diagnosis, surgical treatment should be considered.

Pathological Examination in Pilonidal Sinus Surgery: Evaluating Necessity and Cost-Effectiveness: A 10-Year Retrospective Analysis.

Malignancy in pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is rare, with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) being the most common type. This study aims to assess the incidence of malignancy in PSD and identify risk factors to guide more targeted pathological examination strategies. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1505 patients who underwent surgical excision of PSD between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2023. Patients with incomplete or missing histopathological data were excluded, and no imputation methods were used for missing data. All specimens underwent histopathological examination to detect malignancies. Two cases (0.13%) of SCC were identified, both in males aged 50 and 58 years without a history of Crohn's disease, HIV, prior radiation, or other cancers. Significant risk factors for malignancy included age over 40 years (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.1-9.5) and disease duration over 3 years (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.0-7.6). Both cases were treated surgically and received adjuvant radiotherapy, with both patients being disease-free at the 2-year follow-up. While malignancy in PSD is rare (0.13%), older age and prolonged disease duration are associated with increased risk. Selective pathological examination based on these risk factors could enhance cost-effectiveness by reducing unnecessary routine examinations.

Hepatic methotrexate-associated lymphoproliferative disease: a case report and literature review.

Methotrexate-associated lymphoproliferative disease (MTX-LPD) is a rare and life-threatening complication of MTX administration. MTX-LPD features more extranodal lesions than malignant lymphoma; however, the liver is an extremely rare organ that develops LPD. Herein, we present a case of hepatic MTX-LPD treated with surgical resection. We also reviewed the literature on hepatic MTX-LPD. A 66-year-old man with a history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was admitted to our department for the treatment of hepatic solitary liver tumor. The patient had been receiving MTX (14mg/week) for RA for 6years. MTX was withdrawn and salazosulfapyridine was prescribed 3weeks prior to admission because of mediastinal MTX-LPD. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a slightly ring-like enhanced hypovascularized mass (80mm) in the lateral section of the liver. Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (78.1U/mL) level was elevated. No evidence was observed on esophagogastroduodenoscopy or colonoscopy. The tumor was suspected to be an intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. The patient underwent hepatic lateral sectionectomy and lymphadenectomy. Pathological examination revealed that the hepatic mass was coagulative necrosis of the CD20-positive B-cell lymphocytes. These histological findings were similar to those of rapid necrotic lymphoma. MTX-LPD is known to spontaneously regress after withdrawing MTX, and the patient was diagnosed with hepatic MTX-LPD. MTX-LPD can occur in the liver. Clinician should suspect hepatic MTX-LPD when a liver mass is detected in patient who had been treating with MTX for RA.

Microglia contribute to the production of the amyloidogenic ABri peptide in familial British dementia.

Mutations in ITM2B cause familial British, Danish, Chinese, and Korean dementias. In familial British dementia (FBD), a mutation in the stop codon of the ITM2B gene (also known as BRI2) causes a C-terminal cleavage fragment of the ITM2B/BRI2 protein to be extended by 11 amino acids. This fragment, termed amyloid-Bri (ABri), is highly insoluble and forms extracellular plaques in the brain. ABri plaques are accompanied by tau pathology, neuronal cell death and progressive dementia, with striking parallels to the aetiology and pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. The molecular mechanisms underpinning FBD are ill-defined. Using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells, we show that expression of ITM2B/BRI2 is 34-fold higher in microglia than neurons and 15-fold higher in microglia compared with astrocytes. This cell-specific enrichment is supported by expression data from both mouse and human brain tissue. ITM2B/BRI2 protein levels are higher in iPSC-microglia compared with neurons and astrocytes. The ABri peptide was detected in patient iPSC-derived microglial lysates and conditioned media but was undetectable in patient-derived neurons and control microglia. The pathological examination of post-mortem tissue supports the presence of ABri in microglia that are in proximity to pre-amyloid deposits. Finally, gene co-expression analysis supports a role for ITM2B/BRI2 in disease-associated microglial responses. These data demonstrate that microglia are major contributors to the production of amyloid forming peptides in FBD, potentially acting as instigators of neurodegeneration. Additionally, these data also suggest ITM2B/BRI2 may be part of a microglial response to disease, motivating further investigations of its role in microglial activation. These data have implications for our understanding of the role of microgliaand the innate immune response in the pathogenesis of FBD and other neurodegenerative dementias including Alzheimer's disease.

Molecular alterations influencing the prognostic outcome in small pancreatic cancer (≤ 2 cm)

Abstract Purpose Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the most lethal cancer. The prognosis of small PC (tumor smaller than 20 mm) is better than that of larger PC tumors, indicating the importance of detecting early-stage PC for patient outcome. The aim of this study was to elucidate the molecular features in small PC (≤ 20 mm). Methods This study included 79 PC tumors (≤ 20 mm in pathological examination) resected between 2004 and 2022. c-Myc, Caveolin-1, Smad4, and Thrombospondin-1 were examined by immunostaining. These molecular alterations were compared in PC patients with tumor size ≤10 mm (n = 11) (14%) and 10 mm < tumor size ≤20 mm (n = 68) (86%). Mutation analyses of KRAS, PIK3CA, and BRAF were performed by pyrosequencing in 22 PCs. Results PC with 10 mm < tumor size ≤20 mm showed significantly worse overall survival and disease-free survival than PC with tumor size <10 mm (P = 0.024 and P = 0.028). Tumor c-Myc and stromal Caveolin-1 expressions were significantly increased in tumors larger than 10 mm (P = 0.02 and P = 0.04). c-Myc and Caveolin-1 expressions were associated with poor disease-free survival and overall survival. KRAS, PIK3CA, and BRAF mutation status did not differ between the two groups. Conclusions Tumor c-Myc and stromal Caveolin-1 overexpressions were detected in tumors larger than 10 mm. Their overexpressions were associated with worse prognosis even in small PC. These molecular alterations in small PC may be a clue for the detection of early-stage PC.

Pancreatic Heterotopia in the Biliary Cyst Wall of a Pregnant Patient and Literature Review.

Pancreatic heterotopia is the presence of pancreatic tissue in a different anatomical location with no connection to the main pancreas. The most common locations in the gastrointestinal system are duodenum, stomach, and Meckel diverticulum. However, it is quite rare in the hepatobiliary system. Here we present a patient with pancreatic heterotopia who we treated with left hemihepatectomy and extrahepatic bile duct resection for Todani type 4a bile duct cyst. Heterotopic pancreatic tissue was present in dilated cystic bile ducts on pathological examination. A 22-year-old 26-week pregnant patient presented to the emergency department with right upper quadrant pain. There was massive dilatation of the left lobe bile ducts and common bile duct, and multiple stones were observed distal to the common bile duct. The patient was hospitalized for definitive surgical treatment 4 months after giving birth. The patient underwent left hemihepatectomy, extrahepatic bile duct resection, and hepaticojejunostomy. The postoperative course was uneventful. Pathological examination of the specimen showed heterotopic pancreatic tissues in the wall of the dilated cystic intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts. One of the most accepted hypotheses in the etiology of biliary tract cysts involves the abnormal union of the pancreatic duct and common bile duct. This lesion is unique in the absence of pancreaticobiliary junction anomaly. We think that cystic dilation of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts is likely secondary to recurrent inflammation due to the release of digestive enzymes by heterotopic pancreatic tissue in the biliary tract. It is also the first example in the literature diagnosed during pregnancy.

Selective uterine artery embolization is a valid adjuvant treatment of choriocarcinoma: a case report and literature review

BackgroundCervical choriocarcinoma is an extremely rare malignancy that is often misdiagnosed due to its nonspecific symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding.Case reportA 39-year-old female presented to the emergency department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University with vaginal bleeding and a serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) level of 229,386 mIU/mL. Initially, she was misdiagnosed with cervical pregnancy and subsequently underwent selective uterine artery embolization and cervical mass excision. However, pathological examination revealed the diagnosis of cervical choriocarcinoma.ConclusionThis case highlights the propensity for misdiagnosis of cervical choriocarcinoma. Selective uterine artery embolization proves to be an efficient measure to manage hemorrhage and potentially avoid unnecessary hysterectomy.

Integrated surgical intervention for intradural extramedullary hemangioblastoma of the cervical spine: a case report and literature review

IntroductionThe incidence of hemangioblastoma is low, constituting only 1-5% of all spinal cord tumors. Specifically, intradural extramedullary hemangioblastoma without Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome represents an exceedingly rare condition.MethodsWe report the first documented case of cervical intradural extramedullary hemangioblastoma in China. A 53-year-old male patient presented with a 3-year history of mild right hemiplegia, segmental muscle strength and sensation impairment, and a positive pyramidal tract sign. MRI showed an abnormal oval signal focus in the intradural and extramedullary region at the C6-C7 vertebral level. Before surgery, angiography was performed to identify the supplying arteries and draining veins. Subsequent interventional therapy achieved over 90% occlusion of blood vessels, creating optimal conditions for complete resection of the spinal tumor.ResultsThe patient demonstrated satisfactory postoperative recovery with significant restoration of sensory and motor functions. Pathological examination showed a significant upregulation of CD31 in tumor cells and a substantial presence of the neuro-specific marker S100 in the tumor stroma, consistent with the diagnostic criteria for spinal hemangioblastoma.ConclusionThe rarity of cervical intradural extramedullary hemangioblastoma without Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome was reaffirmed by a comprehensive review of the existing literature. Complete tumor resection remains the optimal approach for managing this uncommon condition, generally resulting in a favorable prognosis. Traditional open fenestration surgery is linked to elevated risks of bleeding and trauma. Meanwhile, endovascular injection of embolic agents may lead to residual lesions and an increased risk of recurrence. Therefore, we recommend a one-time combined treatment conducted in a hybrid operating room to achieve complete resection and effectively reduce intraoperative bleeding risk. Despite presenting challenges and requiring high proficiency, we still recommend this type of combined surgery as a suitable therapeutic option for such diseases.

SURG-04. DEVELOPMENT OF MICROSURGICAL FORCEPS EQUIPPED WITH HAPTICS TECHNOLOGY FOR IN SITU DIFFERENTIATION OF BRAIN TUMORS DURING MICROSURGERY

Abstract BACKGROUND The stiffness of human cancers is correlated with their pathology, and can be used as a biomarker for diagnosis, malignancy prediction, molecular expression, and postoperative complications. Neurosurgeons perform tumor resection based on tactile sensations. However, it takes years of surgical experience to appropriately distinguish brain tumors from surrounding parenchymal tissue. Haptics is a technology that can amplify, transmit, record, and reproduce real tactile sensation, and the physical properties (e.g., stiffness) of an object can be quantified. METHODS glioblastoma (SF126-FmC, U87-FmC, U251-FmC) and malignant meningioma (IOMM-Lee-FmC, HKBMM-FmC) cell lines were transplanted into nude mice, and the stiffness of tumors and normal brain tissues were measured using our newly developed surgical forceps equipped with haptic technology (haptic forceps). Furthermore, pathological examination was performed to explore the correlation between stiffness and histological characteristics. RESULTS We found that all five brain tumor tissues were stiffer than normal brain tissue (p<0.001), and that brain tumor (three types of glioblastomas and two types of malignant meningioma) was significantly stiffer than normal brain tissue (p<0.001 for all). The stiffness among glioblastomas was not statistically significant (p=0.468) however, among the 2 malignant meningiomas, IOMM-Lee-FmC was significantly stiffer than HKBMM-FmC (p=0.032). Upon pathological examination, no significant differences were observed in the expression of collagen fibers. However, HKBMM-FmC demonstrated a higher prevalence of necrotic changes compared to IOMM-Lee-FmC. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that tissue stiffness could be a marker not only to distinguish brain tumors from surrounding parenchymal tissue but also to distinguish pathology and malignancy of tumors. It is also suggested that the stiffness perceived during actual surgery and the stiffness quantified using haptic forceps may correlate with histological differences. Haptic forceps may help neurosurgeons to sense minute changes in tissue stiffness.

PATH-01. SELLAR SOLITARY FIBROUS TUMORS WHO GRADE II AND III: MIMICS OF NON-FUNCTIONING PITUITARY ADENOMAS

Abstract Solitary fibrous tumors WHO grade II and III (SFTs II/III) are rare mesenchymal neoplasia accounting for 0.4% of primary central nervous system tumors. SFTs II/III located in the sella turcica region are even rarer and, since the first case described in 1983, only 21 case reports of sellar/suprasellar SFTs II/III (ssSFTs II/III) have been described to this day. We aim to analyze ssSFTs II/III and to demonstrate that can be differentiated from non-functioning pituitary adenomas through pathological examination alone. We analyzed 20 case reports of ssSFTs II/III identified through PubMed and Google searches and a new unpublished case presented at Emory University. ssSFTs II/III are equally represented in both sexes, with 11 cases over 21 occurring in females and the mean age of onset at 46 years old. Clinically, ssSFTs II/III present with compression symptoms related to the tumor location. Headache, visual field defects, and anterior hypopituitarism-related symptoms are frequent chief complaints. As such, almost all cases of ssSFTs II/III had a pre-biopsy working diagnosis of non-functioning pituitary adenomas. The differentiation between SFTs II/III and pituitary adenomas based on imaging findings remains challenging, and surgical biopsies are necessary for a definitive diagnosis. ssSFTs II/III surgical reports describe a unifying trait of a highly vascular tumor adherent to the dura that bleeds profusely after resection. These characteristics are less consistent with a pituitary adenoma. The genetic hallmark of SFTs at all anatomical sites is paracentric inversions at 12q13, fusing the NAB2 and STAT6 genes, with consequent overexpression of STAT6. Pituitary adenomas lack this genetic signature. ssSFTs II/III have an overlapping presentation and similar imaging findings of pituitary adenomas, but different management and prognosis. Hence, it is crucial to include ssSFTs II/III among the pre-biopsy differential of sellar/suprasellar masses identified on imaging. Pathology confirmation is required to guide therapy.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic hepatectomy for liver metastasis from clitoral malignant melanoma: a case report.

Malignant melanomas occur most commonly in the skin, mucous membranes, or choroid. Clitoral malignant melanomas are extremely rare. Stage IV malignant melanomas have a poor prognosis, and molecularly targeted agents or immune checkpoint inhibitors are recommended. However, surgical resection is reportedly a valid option for improving the prognosis of patients with oligometastases, defined as a small number of metastases that can be completely resected. In this report, we describe hepatic resection for a recurrent liver metastasis in a patient who had undergone removal of a clitoral malignant melanoma 9years previously. An 82year-old woman presented with a black nodule on her clitoris. Total resection of the nodule resulted in a diagnosis of clitoral malignant melanoma (pT4bN0M0, pStage IIC; UICC 8th edition). A follow-up computed tomography scan 4years later revealed a single 5mm mass in the lower lobe of the right lung, prompting partial resection of the right lung. Pathological examination of the operative specimen revealed a pulmonary metastasis of malignant melanoma. The patient was treated with pembrolizumab monotherapy as adjuvant chemotherapy for 1year. A follow-up computed tomography scan 9years after surgical removal of the primary lesion revealed an 18mm mass in segment II of the liver, prompting robot-assisted laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy. The provisional diagnosis of metastatic malignant melanoma in the liver was confirmed by histopathological examination of the operative specimen. The patient was treated with pembrolizumab monotherapy as postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for 1year. No further recurrence was detected at the 1.5year follow-up. We performed hepatectomy for oligometastasis of clitoral malignant melanoma, an extremely rare entity. Surgery has the potential to prolong the prognosis of patients with oligometastasis.

An unusual late complication of peridural anesthesia: The case of a subdural spinal epidermoid cyst: A case report and literature review

The peridural approach is primarily used today to provide analgesia in obstetrics and postoperative care. Peridural analgesia is not only more effective than systemic analgesia, but it also has benefits in terms of morbidity, particularly regarding postoperative respiratory complications and the shortened duration of postoperative ileus. Unlike dural tears, immediate and severe neurological complications such as hematomas or abscesses are very rare. Long-term sequelae are less well known because the relationship with epidural analgesia performed several months or years earlier is not always well established. We report a rare case of a 35-year-old patient with a history of epidural anesthesia five years ago during childbirth, who was admitted with cauda equina syndrome. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the lumbar spine showed a subdural lesion at the level of L3. The patient underwent resection of the lesion, and the pathological examination of the surgical specimen concluded it was an epidermoid cyst.

SURG-13. PATHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF MENINGIOMA RECURRENCE AFTER ABSORBABLE ARTIFICIAL DURA MATER RECONSTRUCTION

Abstract INTRODUCTION In meningioma surgery, the removal of the tumor and tumor-attached dura mater is essential. Due to its high affinity, absorbable artificial dura mater is used for the reconstruction of dural defects. In this study, we report a pathological examination of dural-like tissue in a case of meningioma that recurred at the same site after the use of absorbable artificial dura mater during initial surgery. METHOD We investigated two cases in which absorbable artificial dura mater was used for dural reconstruction during meningioma resection, and subsequently, a recurrent lesion was identified at the site of the dural reconstruction. We examined MRI images and surgical and pathological findings at the time of recurrence in these cases. RESULT All patients underwent total resection, and the pathological diagnosis was atypical meningioma. MRI images at the time of recurrence revealed multiple meningiomas along the artificial dura site. Gross findings during recurrent surgery indicated that the absorbable dura had been replaced by dura-like tissue, with the tumor also attached to the same site. Pathological findings showed bundles of fibrous tissue within the dura-like tissue, albeit with a sparser density compared to autologous dura mater. Meningioma cell invasion and angiogenesis were also observed in the dural-like tissue. DISCUSSION In all cases, multiple meningiomas were found along the dural-like tissue. This suggests that meningioma cells invading the dural-like tissue may have used it as a scaffold for meningioma recurrence. Future studies are necessary to determine the appropriateness of absorbable artificial dura mater for dural defect sites during malignant meningioma surgery.

The comparison of clinicopathological characteristics of two distinct manifestations of gastric signet ring cell carcinoma under EUS

ABSTRACT Background and Objectives There are two different endoscopic ultrasonographic manifestations of gastric signet ring cell carcinoma (GSRCC). No studies have been reported on the differences in the clinical profiles of patients based on EUS examination. We aim to study the variations in clinicopathological characteristics between two distinct endoscopic ultrasonographic manifestations of GSRCC. Methods A total of 302 patients with GSRCC confirmed by pathological examination who underwent EUS were enrolled in the study. Based on the endoscopic ultrasonographic features, patients were categorized into two groups: type 1, where the entire layer structure disappeared, and type 2, where the layer structure was still present and appeared lymphomatoid. Clinicopathologic features were collected retrospectively and analyzed. Results Compared with type 2 patients, type 1 patients tended to develop GSRCC at an older age (P = 0.033) and had higher serum levels of tumor markers and were more likely to experience anemia (P < 0.001) and weight loss (P < 0.001) during the disease progression. Significant increases in the tumor size (P < 0.001), thickness of the affected gastric wall (P < 0.001), and depth of tumor invasion (P < 0.001) were observed in type 1 patients. Furthermore, type 1 patients had higher prevalence of affected blood vessels (P < 0.001), nerves (P < 0.001), lymph nodes (P < 0.001), and peritoneal metastasis (P < 0.001). However, no difference was found in the duration of disease between the two groups, and all deficient mismatch repairs were observed in type 1 patients. Conclusions The two distinct endoscopic ultrasonographic manifestations of GSRCC exhibited different clinicopathological characteristics, suggesting that they may represent different subtypes of the disease that require special attention in management strategies.

Rare atypical type a thymoma: a case report and literature review

BackgroundAn atypical type A thymoma variant was recently added to the World Health Organization classification of type A thymoma in 2015. This novel form of type A thymoma presents with hypercellularity, increased mitotic activity, and necrosis. In particular, necrosis seems to be related to postoperative recurrence and metastasis, but the clinical significance of these changes still needs to be studied.Case presentationA 76-year-old man underwent thoracoscopic surgery for tumour resection due to an anterior mediastinal mass. Pathological examination revealed that the tumour invaded the surrounding thymic tissue. Cells were arranged in nest-like and whirl-like patterns, accompanied by prominent comedo-like necrosis, increased cell density, mild atypia, and a mitotic count of 4–6 per 10 high-power fields. Immunohistochemistry revealed positive expression of cytokeratin 19 and P63 in the tumour cells. Lymphocytes in the background were positive for CD3 and CD5, did not express terminal deoxynucleotide transferase, CD20, or CD117, and had an MIB-1 labelling index(LI) value of 15%. On the basis of these findings, the tumour was finally diagnosed as an atypical type A thymoma variant.ConclusionsWe report a case of atypical type A thymoma and review the literature to enhance our understanding of and provide accumulated pathological data on this rare disease.

Predictive values of cervix length measurement based on transvaginal ultrasonography

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy is an important process in women’s life, which is widely concerned by women. In recent years, the incidence of premature delivery (PTD) becomes more and more higher due to the development of auxiliary reproduction and ovulation induction technologies and the changes of pregnant women’s lifestyle and physical quality. PTD not only affects postpartum recovery and causes great physical pains, but it also has adverse effects on the birth state of neonates and even leads to neonatal death OBJECTIVE: The predictive values of cervix length (CL) measurement based on transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) and pathological examination of placenta for premature delivery (PTD) were investigated and the correlation between PTD and infection was analyzed. METHODS: 120 pregnant women with PTD or high-risk factors for PTD admitted to The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University between February 2020 and March 2022 were included as the subjects and underwent pathological examination of placenta and TVUS for CL measurement. The final gestational age was set as the standard for the evaluation on the predictive values of pathological examination of placenta and TVUS. What’s more, 36 subjects in PTD group and 84 in normal delivery group (control group) underwent pathological examination of placenta for the analysis of the correlation between PTD and infection. RESULTS: The joint inspection method showed significantly better sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV compared to single CL or pathological examination of the placenta (P< 0.05). Among pregnant women, those with CL ⩽ 30 mm and positive placental pathology had a higher proportion compared to those with CL > 30 mm and negative placental pathology (P< 0.05). Furthermore, the incidence of Ureaplasma Urealyticum (UU), Chlamydia Trachomatis (CT), and Chorioamnionitis (CA) in vaginal discharge of the preterm delivery (PTD) group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: The combination of CL ⩽ 30 mm and positive placental pathology could effectively predict PTD and placental infection was notably correlated with the occurrence of PTD.

Focal classic intradural extramedullary ependymoma near the conus medullaris: A case report and literature review

Rationale: To enhance clinicians’ comprehension of conus medullaris region ependymomas and elevate their diagnostic accuracy. Patient concerns: A 26-year-old female patient had 10 months of low back pain and right lower limb pain. Diagnoses: Lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan revealed a circular abnormal signal in the spinal canal at the level of L2. Pathological examination confirmed classic ependymoma. Interventions: The patient underwent tumor resection surgery. Outcomes: Postoperatively, the patient’s right lower limb soreness improved, and no new neurological deficits were observed. Lessons: Focal classic intradural extramedullary ependymomas near the conus medullaris are rare. Close follow-up with MRI of the craniospinal axis is necessary. Hormonal factors may influence the development of ependymomas in this unusual location. The appearance of these tumors on MRI and contrast-enhanced MRI scans is variable.

Progress in the Study of Diabetic Nephropathy Markers

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the principal consideration of end-stage diabetic nephropathy in China, second only to chronic glomerulonephritis. It is the most common complication of diabetes and the cause of death in diabetic patients. The clinical manifestations of DN are proteinuria, edema, hypertension, and progressive renal damage, and its continuous development can turn into nephrotic syndrome and uremia. It has been reported that urinary microalbumin, cystatin C and homocysteine are related to the diagnosis of renal diseases. In addition, pathological examination of renal biopsy, as the golden standard, plays a vital role in clinical diagnosis of DN. In the meantime, with the rise of biomarkers research, such as Genetic Markers, miRNAs and AGEs, we can evaluate the renal function of diabetic patients by detecting these markers as early as possible. Taking into account the above information, we focus on research advances in the association of microalbuminuria, urinary inhibitory C, serum homocysteine, renal biopsy and biomarkers with DN.