Pathomorphological Findings Research Articles

Cholangiocarcinoma: Consistent clinical, cytological, hematological, and biochemical findings and pathomorphology of the liver and kidney in five exotic dog breeds in Abeokuta, Nigeria

Background and Aim: Cholangiocarcinomas are malignant neoplasms that originate from any part of the bile duct epithelium. It is one of the most common liver tumors in dogs. This study described the clinical, cytological, hematological, biochemical, and pathomorphological findings of five cholangiocarcinoma cases in exotic breed dogs aged 2–5 years to aid in clinical diagnosis. Materials and Methods: This study used dogs presented at different times from 2012 to 2021 at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. History, clinical signs, and vital parameters were recorded. Blood samples were collected for hematology and serum chemistry. Abdominocentesis was performed for cytological diagnosis. All dogs died during treatment, and postmortem examinations were performed. At postmortem, fine needle aspirates were collected from the liver and mesenteric lymph nodes and liver and kidney samples were fixed in 10% neutral-buffered formalin. Results: The dogs showed signs of severe malnutrition, jaundice, and bloating. The hematological analysis indicated anemia, neutrophilia without band neutrophils, and lymphopenia, indicative of a stress hemogram. The serum biochemistry test revealed lower levels of total proteins, albumin, and globulin and higher levels of serum enzymes. Abdominal fluid and mesenteric lymph node cytology revealed clusters of epithelial neoplastic cells. A postmortem examination revealed the liver’s nodular enlargement with the presence of button-like ulcers. Neoplastic epithelial cells are solid masses with hyperchromatic nuclei surrounded by fibrous connective tissues. Conclusion: Cholangiocarcinoma, diagnosed over a period of time in five exotic breeds of dog, consistently presents with the same clinical and postmortem findings, aiding in clinical diagnosis. However, the diagnosis of the disease is not possible in the early stage because of the absence of specific clinical signs. In dogs and possibly other animal species presenting with emaciation, lethargy, icterus, and distended abdomen, cholangiocarcinoma should be suspected, and cytological examination of the abdominal fluid and lymph node aspirates should be performed despite the absence of advanced equipment. Keywords: biochemical indices, cholangiocarcinoma, clinical signs, cytological findings, hematological findings, histopathology, malignancy, Nigeria, postmortem finding.

Paramedullary plasma cell myeloma originating from the first cervical vertebra (C1) in an 8‐month‐old Warmblood with tetraparesis: Clinical and pathological findings

SummaryTo the authors' knowledge there is only one report in the literature describing plasma cell paramedullary myeloma in horses as so‐called ‘break out lesions’, originating from vertebral bone marrow and invading the epidural space. This report describes clinical and pathomorphological findings of such. An 8‐month‐old Warmblood colt exhibited acute tetraparesis and a cervical column spinal cord lesion was suspected. Computed tomography revealed C1 osteolytic lesions by a heterogeneous mass. By pathomorphological examination including transmission electron microscopy, a plasma cell myeloma was identified, locally compressing the spinal cord. In tetraparetic young horses traumatic spinal cord injuries, cervical vertebral malformations, and central nervous system infectious diseases represent common differentials. However, osteolytic tumours such as paramedullary (plasma cell) myelomas, as space occupying lesion due to vertebral canal intrusion, should be considered as a cause for severe neurological deficits.

Pathomorphological and Immunohistochemical Study of Fibrosarcoma in an Adult Dog: A Case Report

Aim: The objective of the present case report is to describe pathomorphological findings and immunohistochemical expression of pancytokeratin (PCK), vimentin, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Ki67 in a case of fibrosarcoma in dog. Case Presentation: A large, round ball-like growth of approximately 14 centimetres in diameter was noticed on caudal aspect of left thigh region in ten years old male bull dog. Its surface was ulcerated. It was soft in consistency and cut surface appeared pinkish-white. Giemsa-stained smears revealed spindle cells with elongated nuclei containing granular chromatin, single to multiple nucleoli and scanty cytoplasm. Histopathological examination revealed moderately to well-differentiated neoplastic fibroblasts arranged in interwoven pattern with the presence of collagenous stroma. Neoplastic cells were characterized by pleomorphic, oval to elongated nuclei with single to multiple prominent nucleoli and moderate to scanty cytoplasm. Mitotic count was 1.2/high power field. The Immunohistochemical staining revealed intracytoplasmic positive immunoreactivity for vimentin and no immunoreactivity for PCK. Proliferating neoplastic cells revealed mild to strong nuclear immunostaining for PCNA and Ki67 with 56.7% PCNA index and 4.0% Ki67 index. Conclusion: Based on histopathological findings, the case was diagnosed as fibrosarcoma. Immunopositive reactivity for vimentin and no immunoreactivity for PCK indicated the mesenchymal origin of the tumour. Histopathological features, low mitotic count and low Ki67 index suggested the less aggressive behaviour of the tumour in the present case.

Multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma against the background of liver cirrhosis of viral (hepatitis C) etiology. Cinical case

The article presents a clinical case of a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of 55‑years‑old patient with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) against the background of liver cirrhosis of viral (hepatitis C) etiology. A focal liver lesion was accidentally detected during an ultrasound examination in an asymptomatic patient. Further radiological studies (CT and MRI of the liver with contrast) revealed numerous focal lesions of the liver against the background of its cirrhotic alterations. One of the foci in S7 with dimensions 62x68 mm, had LIRADS 5 signs, so it did not require histological verification. According to the Barcelona guidelines, the patient met criteria for advanced HCC (stage B). Treatment options in this case were liver transplantation or locoregional therapy to reduce the HCC stage. The preserved portal blood flow and the preserved functional status of the patient made it possible to conduct successful transarterial chemoembolisation of the focus in S7. After two months, radiological control recorded stabilization of the focus with necrosis and absence of distant metastatic lesions. Moreover, patient had a recurrence of viral hepatitis C, which required administration of the scheme sofosbuvir + glecaprevir/pibrentasvir. After reviewing the patient’s clinical status and evaluating his radiological and serological dynamics, the possibility of liver transplantation was considered. On April 20, 2023, a successful orthotopic liver transplantation was performed. Pathomorphological findings confirmed HCC G2 in the S7 focus. Three months after transplantation, the patient developed a clinical picture of acute cellular rejection of mild severity, which was confirmed by pathomorphological examination. Appropriate correction of immunosuppressive therapy stabilized the patient’s clinical condition and liver function tests. In the future, the patient needs dynamic monitoring with careful control of laboratory parameters and radiological examinations.

Pathomorphological Findings and Infectious Diseases in Selected European Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus Pallas, 1778) Populations from Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.

In the northernmost German federal state Schleswig-Holstein, populations of European brown hares (Lepus europaeus Pallas, 1778) show diverse densities and varying courses over the years. To examine differences in pathomorphological findings and infectious diseases as possible reasons for varying population dynamics, we assessed 155 hunted hares from three locations in Schleswig-Holstein from 2016 to 2020. We investigated the association of location, year, age, and sex of animals to certain pathomorphological findings and infectious diseases. Frequent pathomorphological findings were intestinal parasites (63.9%), hepatitis (55.5%), nephritis (31.0%), steatitis (23.2%), enteritis (13.5%), and pneumonia (5.2%). Body condition differed significantly between locations, and the prevalence of pneumonia was significantly higher in females. Enteritis was not detected in 2019, when much more juveniles were sampled. Hepatitis and nephritis occurred significantly more often in 2016 and among adults. Additionally, more adults showed hepatitis with concurrent serotitre for European brown hare syndrome virus (EBHSV), while intestinal parasitosis as well as high excretion rates of coccidia were more common in juveniles. Sampled animals showed high infection rates with Eimeria spp. (96.1%), Trichostrongylus spp. (52.0%), Graphidium strigosum (41.2%), and a high seroprevalence (90.9%) for EBHSV, without severe symptoms. This study revealed a low prevalence of infectious pathogens, but a high prevalence of chronic inflammations of unknown origin in the tested brown hare populations. Overall, our results indicate a rather minor importance of infectious diseases for observed population dynamics of analysed hare populations in Schleswig-Holstein.

Influence of age, habitat elevation, and distance to a thermal power plant on pathomorphological findings in the European brown hare (Lepuseuropaeus P.)

The lifespan of the European hare (Lepus europaeus P.) is affected by a number of negative factors, including pollutants. In this paper, the individual and joint influence of age and habitat (elevation and distance from the thermal power plant - TPP) on pathomorphological findings of hares shot during three hunting seasons was investigated. Pathomorphological changes were found in 95.12% of hares. In hares up to 1 year of age, the changes were predominant in the lungs, and in older hares, in the kidneys. Degenerative changes in kidneys and liver and inflammatory changes in kidneys and lungs were considered important most in discussing the influence of chemical pollution. The proximity of TPP influenced the type of changes in the liver. A significant joint effect of age and elevation on the type of changes in the lungs of adult hares and on the heart of young hares was found. Elevation and distance from TPP had a joint effect on the occurrence of changes in the lungs, intestines, and heart in hares from the field farther from TPP. The results indicate that the hares were highly exposed to chemical pollutants that may affect their immunity, and lifespan.

Difficulties in Diagnosing Volumetric Formations of the Spleen: an Example of a Clinical Case

Differential diagnosis of bulk splenic neoplasms, despite proper visualization in ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the abdominal cavity, is challenging due to the lack of a unified classification, the extremely rare occurrence of some tumors and difficulty of preoperative morphological identification. The paper discusses a case of making an erroneous preoperative diagnosis in a spleen mass: the instrumental study findings determined the presence of multiple cysts. The latter among all the neoplasms of this organ are the most common and are represented by a variety of forms, subdivided by origin, histogenesis and content features. According to some classifications, cysts are classified as tumors or tumor-like diseases, other sources classify them as non-tumor formations of the spleen. It is not often possible to fully exclude the parasitic origin of the cyst before the morphological study of the removed organ. Surgeons of the Voronezh Regional Clinical Hospital No. 1 encountered this problem during the treatment of a 34-year-old patient with the spleen neoplasm. A diagnosis of lymphangioma was made based on surgical treatment and pathomorphological findings. The analysis of this clinical case demonstrates relevance of splenectomy both as a method of final diagnosis and as the final stage of treatment for benign tumors; it allows avoiding misdiagnosis in case of a malignant tumor.

Clinico-Pathogenic Similarities and Differences between Infection-Related Glomerulonephritis and C3 Glomerulopathy.

Recently, the comprehensive concept of "infection-related glomerulonephritis (IRGN)" has replaced that of postinfectious glomerulonephritis (PIGN) because of the diverse infection patterns, epidemiology, clinical features, and pathogenesis. In addition to evidence of infection, hypocomplementemia particularly depresses serum complement 3 (C3), with endocapillary proliferative and exudative GN developing into membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN); also, C3-dominant or co-dominant glomerular immunofluorescence staining is central for diagnosing IRGN. Moreover, nephritis-associated plasmin receptor (NAPlr), originally isolated from the cytoplasmic fraction of group A Streptococci, is vital as an essential inducer of C3-dominant glomerular injury and is a key diagnostic biomarker for IRGN. Meanwhile, "C3 glomerulopathy (C3G)", also showing a histological pattern of MPGN due to acquired or genetic dysregulation of the complement alternative pathway (AP), mimics C3-dominant IRGN. Initially, C3G was characterized by intensive "isolated C3" deposition on glomeruli. However, updated definitions allow for glomerular deposition of other complement factors or immunoglobulins if C3 positivity is dominant and at least two orders of magnitude greater than any other immunoreactant, which makes it challenging to quickly distinguish pathomorphological findings between IRGN and C3G. As for NAPlr, it was demonstrated to induce complement AP activation directly in vitro, and it aggravates glomerular injury in the development of IRGN. A recent report identified anti-factor B autoantibodies as a contributing factor for complement AP activation in pediatric patients with PIGN. Moreover, C3G with glomerular NAPlr deposition without evidence of infection was reported. Taken together, the clinico-pathogenic features of IRGN overlap considerably with those of C3G. In this review, similarities and differences between the two diseases are highlighted.

Pathomorphological findings in a cat after suspected electrocution in a water pool

Pathomorphological findings in a cat after suspected electrocution in a water pool

Status of Infectious Diseases in Free-Ranging European Brown Hares (Lepus europaeus) Found Dead between 2017 and 2020 in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.

The European brown hare (Lepus europaeus) is a quite adaptable species, but populations have been decreasing for several decades in different countries, including Germany. To investigate infectious diseases as possible influences on observed population decline in the German federal state Schleswig-Holstein, 118 deceased free-ranging European brown hares were collected between 2017 and 2020 and underwent detailed postmortem examination with extended sampling. Infectious diseases were a major cause of death (34.7%). The number of juveniles found exceeded the adult ones. The main pathomorphological findings were hepatitis (32.8%), pneumonia (22.2%), nephritis (19.1%), liver necrosis (12.9%), and enteritis (40.7%). An unusual main finding was steatitis (20.9%) of unknown origin. Animals were mainly emaciated and showed high infection rates with Eimeria spp. (91.3%) and Trichostrongylus spp. (36.2%). European Brown Hare Syndrome Virus reached an epidemic status with few fatal infections (4.2%) and high seroprevalence (64.9%), whereas the prevalence of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 was very low (0.8%) in hares in Schleswig-Holstein. Pathogens such as Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (5.9%), Pasteurella multocida (0.8%), and Staphylococcus aureus (3.4%) only caused sporadic deaths. This study illustrates the wide distribution of various infectious pathogens with high mortality and even zoonotic potential. Infectious diseases need to be considered as an important influence on population dynamics in Schleswig-Holstein.

Squamous cell carcinoma as a primary pleural tumor – case report

The differential diagnosis of primary pleural tumors is a very difficult challenge. The clinical symptoms are insufficient to make a clear and definitive diagnosis. This report presents the case of a 63-year-old male patient who was admitted to Department of Pulmonology due to evidence of increasing respiratory failure due to COVID-19 infection. The X-ray showed massive infiltrate on the left pleural cavity. A bronchofiberoscopy was performed with material removal for histopathological examination. No tumor cells were found in the first pathomorphology report. A videothoracoscopy was performed, in which excerpts from the wall and pleura of the lungs were taken. Pathomorphologic findings excluded mesotheliomas and adenocarcinomas, and after additional reactions a low-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma with adenomatoid differentiation features. The final diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma. This case highlights that the diagnosis of tumors of the pleura requires cooperation between pathomorphologists and clinicians. Further studies are needed to associate COVID-19 infection with the occurrence of rare pleural tumours.

Differential diagnosis of the complicated course of COVID-19 pneumonias and infectious lung destruction

BACKGROUND. At present radiological criteria for diagnosis of viral pneumonia associated with SARS-CoV-2 have been defined. However, with the further course of the pandemic, physicians began to observe more and more often destructive processes developing in the lungs of patients with non-hospital pneumonia of viral etiology (COVID-19). Due to the development of surgical complications (pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, vanishing lung syndrome) the question of their differential diagnostics with purulent-destructive lung diseases became actual.
 OBJECTIVE. To show the possibilities of differential diagnostics of infectious lung destruction (ILD) with cyst-like changes in the lungs at COVID-19 using clinical examples and data of computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest and pathomorphological study.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS. CT of the patients with ILD (lung abscess) and 90 patients with non-hospital pneumonia of viral etiology (COVID-19), who were treated in the National Institute of Phthisiology and Pulmonology named after F.G. Yanovsky of the NAMS of Ukraine were analyzed.
 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. There were analyzed 90 CT scans of the whole body of patients with non-hospital pneumonia of viral etiology (COVID-19); among them 27 cases (15 male and 12 female, aged from 23 to 78 years) with radiological signs of vanishing lung syndrome were revealed, which made 30 % of all patients with a complicated course of the disease. Chest CT findings and pathomorphologic findings in cyst-like changes in patients with COVID-19 were compared with those in patients treated for lung abscess.
 CONCLUSIONS. Clinical picture, pathogenesis and pathomorphological changes of pulmonary parenchyma at ILD differ greatly from non-hospital pneumonia of viral etiology (COVID-19) and form specific changes, which are revealed by chest CT. Necessary development of indications for surgical treatment in vanishing lung syndrome which occurs in patients with complicated course of COVID-19.

Mycobacteriosis in Various Pet and Wild Birds from Germany: Pathological Findings, Coinfections, and Characterization of Causative Mycobacteria.

ABSTRACTA total of 50 birds diagnosed with mycobacteriosis were examined for pathomorphological lesions, coinfections, and causative agents. Mycobacterial species were identified and isolates differentiated using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and mycobacterial interspersed repetitive-unit variable-number of tandem-repeat (MIRU-VNTR) analysis. Possible associations between mycobacterial species, pathomorphological findings, coinfections, bird orders, and husbandry conditions were evaluated statistically. Mycobacteria were isolated from 34 birds (13 of 22 Psittaciformes, 12 of 18 Passeriformes, five of six Columbiformes, and four other orders) belonging to 26 species in total. Mycobacterium genavense (Mg) was cultured from 15 birds, Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium (Maa) from 20 birds, and Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis (Mah) from three birds; hence, four birds had mixed infections. About equal numbers of psittacines and passerines were infected with Ma and Mg. The genetic diversity differed; Mg isolates belonged to one MLST type, Maa to six, and Mah to three combined genotypes. Several coinfections were detected; viruses and/or endoparasites affected 44%, fungi 38%, and bacteria 29% of the birds. Pathological findings and mycobacteriosis-affected organs were independent of coinfections. Overall, gross pathological findings were more often seen in mycobacteriosis caused by Ma (95%) compared with Mg (66%). Organ distribution of mycobacteriosis was independent of the mycobacterial species. Pathomorphological changes were seen in the small intestine of 71% and the lung of 65% of the birds, suggesting oral or pulmonal ingestion of mycobacteria. There were no associations between mycobacterial species and bird orders or bird husbandry conditions. Not only Mg, but also Maa and Mah, were clearly identified as primary cause of mycobacteriosis in pet birds.IMPORTANCE In this study, the causative agents and confounding factors of mycobacteriosis in a set of pet and some wild birds from Germany were examined. Not only Mycobacterium genavense, but also M. avium subsp. avium and M. avium subsp. hominissuis, contributed to mycobacteriosis in these birds. Various coinfections did not affect the manifestation of mycobacteriosis. Due to different gross necropsy findings, however, a different pathogenicity of the two species was assumed. New strains of M. avium subsp. hominissuis originating from birds were identified and characterized, which is important for epidemiological studies and for understanding the zoonotic role of this pathogen, as the subsp. hominissuis represents an increasing public health concern. The study provides some evidence of correlation between M. avium subsp. avium genotypes and virulence which will have to be confirmed by broader studies.

A Case Report of Pulmonary Aspergillosis in an Adult Ostrich (Struthio camelus)

Aspergillosis is an infectious systemic mycotic disease characterized by respiratory system lesions in birds. This report briefs the pathomorphological findings and molecular studies of aspergillosis in a male adult ostrich in Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Park, Lucknow. The clinical signs exhibited by the succumbed bird were anorexia, dullness and sluggish movement before death. Detailed necropsy examination revealed multiple greenish yellow caseo-necrotic nodules in both the surface and inside the parenchyma of the lungs and air sacs along with vascular changes in other visceral organs. Microscopically, multiple granulomas characterised by caseation and necrotic debris in the centre with disintegrated fungal elements surrounded by inflammatory cells including few giant cells were noticed. Isolation and molecular techniques confirmed the infection due to Aspergillus fumigatus in the lung and air sac samples. Based on the pathomorphology, culture isolation and PCR, the disease was diagnosed as chronic pulmonary aspergillosis in ostrich.

Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease in a Cat with Lymphoma

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) is an uncommon disease in humans and animals caused by pulmonary hypertension (PH). The aim of this study was to investigate pathomorphological findings of PVOD in a cat. A mass was detected in the right atrium with echocardiography in an 11-year-old male cat. Following treatments, necropsy of the cat was performed after death due to respiratory failure. Macroscopically, masses were detected in mesenteric lymph node, mediastinal lymph node and, heart. Congestion and consolidated areas with edema were seen in the examination of the lung. Histopathologically, neoplastic lymphoid cells were observed in intestine, lymph nodes and heart. In lung, vein lumens were almost completely occluded by mostly loose intimal fibrosis. Near affected veins, increasing in number of the capillaries was observed. While intimal fibrosis was detected by Masson’s trichrome staining, the occluded veins were demonstrated by Verhoeff-van Gieson staining. In this case report, pathomorphological evaluation of PVOD was performed and as a result of clinicopathological examinations; PVOD, intestinal lymphoma, and cardiac metastasis were described in a male cat.

The incidence and pathophysiology of neurological symptoms in COVID-19

The central nervous system seems to be quite vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2, leading to a variety of alteration pathways, high incidence and variability of the neurological symptoms of COVID-19. The COVID-19 symptoms, possibly associated with alteration to the central nervous system, include hyperthermia, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, dizziness, dysphonia, dysphagia, hyposmia and anosmia, hypogeusia and ageusia, impairment of consciousness. The impairment of olfaction and gustation are the most common symptoms of the nervous system alteration (98% and 70%, respectively), which is most likely a consequence of the alteration of the receptors. Presumably the pathogenesis of dysphonia and dysphagia may involve neurodegenerative mechanisms or may be associated with a predominantly demyelinating alteration of the caudal cranial nerves. Pathomorphological findings in the brain of the COVID-19 patients include diffuse hypoxic and focal ischemic injuries of various sizes up to ischemic infarctions (in thrombosis of large arteries); microangiopathy; vasculitis; diapedetic and confluent hemorrhages with possible progression to hemorrhagic infarctions and rarely intracerebral hematomas. Acute cerebrovascular accident worsens the course of COVID-19 and can worsen the clinical outcome, taking into account the mechanisms of the central nervous system alteration in highly contagious coronavirus infections (SARS-CoV, MERS, SARS-CoV-2), including embolism, hypoxia, neurodegeneration, systemic inflammatory response and immune-mediated alteartion to the nervous tissue. A fairly rare complication of coronavirus infection, however, acute myelitis requires attention due to the severity of neurological disorders. The literature data show high incidence and polymorphism of the symptoms of the central nervous system alteration, as well as the important role of the cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative pathogenesis of brain alteration in COVID-19, which is taken into account in examining and treating the patients with new coronavirus infection. (1 figure, bibliography: 61 refs)

First molecular description of Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus in wild boars from Italy with pathomorphological and epidemiological insights.

Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus is a zoonotic parasite affecting suids worldwide which are the definitive hosts for this helminth species. Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus is of significant economic and management concern due to its pathogenicity, causing intestinal obstruction and perforation in the definitive hosts. Current study is the preliminary investigation from Sardinia, Italy, reporting the pathomorphological findings and molecular characterization of M. hirudinaceus in the wild boars (Sus scrofa meridionalis). A total of 59 wild boars were examined showing acanthocephalan infection in 8 (13.6%) animals. In total, 49 parasites were collected with a mean intensity of 6.1. Comparatively higher infection levels were observed for males (16.7%) and young boars (14.3%); however, these epidemiological differences were statistically non-significant. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of a variable number of nodules (∼5 mm) in the intestine of M. hirudinaceus infested animals surrounded by a hyperemic-hemorrhagic halo. Several parasites were recovered from the intestinal lumen attached by the means of characteristic hooks showing necrosis in muscle layers. A moderate number of plump reactive fibroblasts and lesser numbers of fibrocytes were embedded with and at the borders of the inflammatory nodules in a moderate amount of homogeneous intensely eosinophilic fibrillary material rupturing the cell membrane. For molecular characterization, six isolated worms were amplified for the partial mitochondrial cox1 gene showing distinct interindividual variations. This first pathological and molecular description from southern Europe provided new knowledge about the diffusion of M. hirudinaceus in wild boars, furthering the research into the origin and transmission status of M. hirudinaceus in endemic localities.

Pathomorphological findings of Mortellaro disease in dairy cattle

Mortellaro disease is an infection caused by mostly spirochete bacteria in dairy cows, sheep, and goats. The aim of the present study was to define to Mortellaro disease pathomorphologically and immunohistochemically and investigate whether cell-cell adhesion connections are lost in cell proliferation. Tissue samples were collected from underfoots of Holstein (n: 6) and Swiss Brown (n: 15) dairy cattle. The sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and Warthin-Starry (WS) for isolation of spirochetes histopathologically and with β-catenin and PCNA primary antibodies immunohistochemically. Histopathologically, number of the cells in the stratum spinosum layer increased excessively, and it gave finger-like extensions to the dermis. Black stained spirochetes were detected among enlarged keratinocytes and inflammatory cells in WS staining. β-catenin was strongly positive in the cell membranes of epithelial cells in all slides. PCNA also gave positive reaction moderately (n: 18) and strongly (n: 3) in nuclei of epithelial cells. It was observed that β-catenin cell-cell adhesion connections did not impair in the disease, so this is thought to positively affect the prognosis of the disease. The high expression of PCNA showed that the mitotic activity was high and explained the formation of wart-like. As a result, while the disease does not have a poor prognosis, the disease has a negative economic impact, and the economical results of this disease might be much greater than the treatment costs. It is still seen in our country and causes in loss of yield for the economy of country.

Features of Morphogenesis of Aortic Aneurysms on the Background of Hypertension and Associated Risk Factors

The aim. To investigate the role of hypertension and associated risk factors in the formation of aortic aneurysms.
 Material and methods. Retrospective analysis of 196 case histories of patients who were successively operated on for ascending aortic aneurysm at the National Amosov Institute of cardiovascular surgery. The history was analyzed, the duration and degree of hypertension were recorded, as well as other factors that may have influenced the development of ascending aortic aneurysm in some way. A pathomorphological examination of fragments of the aortic wall that were excised during the operation was performed.
 Out of all 294 examined patients operated for ascending aortic aneurysm, hypertension was reported in 196 (66.7%) patients. The incidence of ascending aortic aneurysm positively correlated with the duration of hypertension. The ma-jority of patients (118 [60.2%]) had signs of hypertension for more than five years. Additional ethiopathogenetic fac-tors were identified in patients with ascending aortic aneurysm and hypertension, with atherosclerosis ranking first (66 [33.6%]). The next factors that demonstrated the same incidence were the inflammatory process in the aorta and AV, and smoking: 45 cases each (22.9%). Then, in descending order, were: xenobiotics exposure (43 [21.9%]), rheumatic stenosis of AV (40 [20.4%]), chest injury (33 [16.8%]), dysplasia of AV (28 [14.3%]), alcohol abuse (13 [6.6%]), Marfan syndrome (9 [4.6%]), other (8 [4.1%]).
 The results of comparison of the history and pathomorphological findings allowed to develop a scheme of ascending aortic aneurysm pathogenesis in hypertension. The scheme of ascending aortic aneurysm pathogenesis in hypertension is discussed in the work. The results of morphological examination show that hypertension is associated with the dam-age to the aortic endothelium, which leads to fibromuscular proliferation of the intima with subsequent hypoxic damage to the inner layer of the media. Hypoxic damage to the media, which is associated with vasa vasorum remodeling due to hypertension, is also observed in the subventricular layer. Weakening of the aortic wall at elevated pressure causes dila-tation of the aorta, i.e. the formation of an aortic aneurysm. This process may be exacerbated by additional factors, with atherosclerosis being the most common (33.6%)

Clinical, haematological and pathomorphological findings in Mycoplasma suis infected pigs

BackgroundMycoplasma suis (M. suis) belongs to the group of haemotrophic mycoplasmas and is known as the causative agent of infectious anaemia in pigs. In the last few years valuable insights into the mechanism of adhesion and invasion, shedding patterns and cell tropism of M. suis were gained by the use of new molecular techniques. However, details on M. suis induced lesions as well as the distribution of M. suis in different organs are still lacking. Therefore, seven splenectomised pigs were experimentally infected and clinical and laboratory investigations as well as a detailed histopathological examination were performed. Detection and quantification of M. suis DNA in blood and various tissue samples was done using a quantitative real-time PCR.ResultsDuring the course of experimental infection, periodically occurring signs of infectious anaemia of pigs including severe icteroanaemia, fever, apathy and anorexia were observed. In addition, dermatological manifestations such as haemorrhagic diathesis presenting as petechiae occurred. The most important haematological alterations were normochromic, normocytic anaemia, hypoglycaemia as well as increased bilirubin and urea concentrations. Necropsy revealed predominant evidence of haemolysis with consecutive anaemia, as well as disseminated intravascular coagulation. M. suis was found in all investigated tissues with the highest copy numbers found in the kidneys. In Giemsa stained sections M. suis was only detected red blood cell (RBC)-associated.ConclusionIn the present study, no RBC independent sequestration of M. suis was detected in organs of experimentally infected pigs. Pathological findings are most likely resulting from haemolysis, consecutive anaemia as well as from disseminated intravascular coagulation and subsequent organ impairments.