Triphasic Morphology Research Articles

Necrotizing fasciitis or acute limb ischemia? Similarities and the diagnostic tactics

The symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis (NF) and acute limb ischemia (ALI) are almost identical. We present a case of a 48-year-old male, who reported to the emergency room complaining of sudden severe pain in the right limb. The complaint was accompanied by blackish, water-filled lumps, and numbness. On examination, his femoral pulse was palpable but the pulse was weak in the common femoral artery (CFA), superficial femoral artery (SFA) and popliteal artery (POP A). No pulse was palpable in the posterior tibial artery (PTA), anterior tibial artery (ATA), and dorsalis pedis artery (DPA). SpO2 couldn’t be detected in first to fourth toes; it was 97% in the fifth toe. The laboratory investigations showed increased serum creatinine, so CT angiography could not be performed. Duplex Ultrasonography (DUS) was performed and showed triphasic morphology at the vascular level, while gas was seen in the subcutaneous tissues. Due to similar clinical appearances, it is difficult to differentiate the diagnosis of NF and ALI, while the treatments for both are very different. CT angiography, DUS examination and laboratory tests may be the first option to differentiate between the two conditions. Keyword: Necrotizing Fasciitis, Acute Limb Ischemia, Citation: Ardiana M, Putra TS, Sufiyah IM. Necrotizing fasciitis or acute limb ischemia: similarities and the diagnostic tactics. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2024;28(5):960−963; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v28i5.2237 Received: ; Reviewed: ; Accepted:

Negative central activity in extremely preterm newborns: EEG characterization and relationship with brain injuries and neurodevelopmental outcome

ObjectiveTo characterize Negative Central Activity (NCA), an overlooked electroencephalographic activity of preterm newborns and investigate its relationship with brain injuries, dysfunction, and neurodevelopmental outcome. Methods109 preterm infants (23–28 weeks) were retrospectively included. NCA were selected at the negative peak on EEG. Individual averaged NCA were automatically characterized. Brain structural data were collected from cranial ultrasounds (cUS). The neurodevelopmental outcome at two years of age was assessed by the Denver Developmental Screening Test-II. ResultsThirty-six (33%) children showed NCA: 6,721 NCA were selected, a median of 75 (interquartile range, 25/157.3) per EEG. NCA showed a triphasic morphology, with a mean amplitude and duration of the negative component of 24.6–40.0 µV and 222.7–257.3 ms. The presence of NCA on EEG was associated with higher intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) grade on the first (P = 0.016) and worst neonatal cUS (P < 0.001) and poorer neurodevelopmental outcome (P < 0.001). ConclusionsNCA is an abnormal EEG feature of extremely preterm newborns that may correspond to the functional neural impact of a vascular pathology. SignificanceThe NCA relationships with an adverse outcome and the presence/severity of IVH argue for considering NCA in the assessment of pathological processes in the developing brain network and for early outcome prediction.

Pulmonary gangliocytic paraganglioma: An under-recognized mimic of carcinoid tumor

Gangliocytic paragangliomas are rare neoplasms occurring almost exclusively in the ampullary region of the gastrointestinal tract. Although these tumors are not typically considered in the differential diagnosis of primary pulmonary neoplasia, 5 cases of primary pulmonary gangliocytic paragangliomas have been previously reported. Herein we report our experience with 3 additional examples, all referred to our Anatomic Pathology Consultation service. The patients (a 32-year-old man, a 69-year-old woman and a 55-year-old man) each presented with an endobronchial (2 cases) or upper lobe lung mass, ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 cm in maximum dimension. Biopsy and endobronchial debulking specimens demonstrated the classic triphasic morphology of gangliocytic paraganglioma, with epithelial, spindled and ganglion-like cells. By immunohistochemistry, the tumors were positive for keratin, synaptophysin and chromogranin A in the epithelial component, S100 protein and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the Schwannian spindled cells, and synaptophysin in ganglion cells. TTF1 expression was seen in the epithelial components of 2 cases. The Ki-67 labelling index was low (<2%). Primary pulmonary gangliocytic paragangliomas should be distinguished from carcinoid tumors, given the different natural histories and risk stratification approaches for these morphologically similar tumors. Awareness that gangliocytic paraganglioma may occur in the lung and appropriate immunohistochemical studies are key to correct diagnosis.

Evoked compound action potential (ECAP)-controlled closed-loop spinal cord stimulation in an experimental model of neuropathic pain in rats

BackgroundPreclinical models of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) are lacking objective measurements to inform translationally applicable SCS parameters. The evoked compound action potential (ECAP) represents a measure of dorsal column fiber activation. This measure approximates the onset of SCS-induced sensations in humans and provides effective analgesia when used with ECAP-controlled closed-loop (CL)-SCS systems. Therefore, ECAPs may provide an objective surrogate for SCS dose in preclinical models that may support better understanding of SCS mechanisms and further translations to the clinics. This study assessed, for the first time, the feasibility of recording ECAPs and applying ECAP-controlled CL-SCS in freely behaving rats subjected to an experimental model of neuropathic pain.MethodsAdult male Sprague–Dawley rats (200–300 g) were subjected to spared nerve injury (SNI). A custom-made six-contact lead was implanted epidurally covering T11-L3, as confirmed by computed tomography or X-ray. A specially designed multi-channel system was used to record ECAPs and to apply ECAP-controlled CL-SCS for 30 min at 50 Hz 200 µs. The responses of dorsal column fibers to SCS were characterized and sensitivity towards mechanical and cold stimuli were assessed to determine analgesic effects from ECAP-controlled CL-SCS. Comparisons between SNI rats and their controls as well as between stimulation parameters were made using omnibus analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests and t-tests.ResultsThe recorded ECAPs showed the characteristic triphasic morphology and the ECAP amplitude (mV) increased as higher currents (mA) were applied in both SNI animals and controls (SNI SCS-ON and sham SCS-ON). Importantly, the use of ECAP-based SCS dose, implemented in ECAP-controlled CL-SCS, significantly reduced mechanical and cold hypersensitivity in SNI SCS-ON animals through the constant and controlled activation of dorsal column fibers. An analysis of conduction velocities of the evoked signals confirmed the involvement of large, myelinated fibers.ConclusionsThe use of ECAP-based SCS dose implemented in ECAP-controlled CL-SCS produced analgesia in animals subjected to an experimental model of neuropathic pain. This approach may offer a better method for translating SCS parameters between species that will improve understanding of the mechanisms of SCS action to further advance future clinical applications.

New pattern of atypical advanced interatrial block

IntroductionInteratrial block (IAB) is defined as prolonged P-wave duration (≥ 120 ms) due to delayed conduction in the Bachmann bundle. This is readily identifiable using surface electrocardiogram (ECG). Advanced IAB can be classified as typical and atypical. Atypical IAB can be further categorized by (i) duration or (ii) morphology. In this report, we have identified a new pattern of atypical IAB with triphasic morphology of the P-wave in the inferior leads. MethodsTwo clinical cases were evaluated including surface ECGs. P-wave durations and amplitudes were measured with digital calipers using ECG analysis software (MUSE, GE HealthCare). Comparisons were made using prior data to evaluate IAB and P-wave duration and morphology. ResultsA new pattern of atypical advanced IAB shows prolonged P-wave duration (P wave >160 ms) and triphasic morphology in all inferior leads with P +/+/− and P +/−/+, respectively. We speculate that triphasic P-waves in the inferior leads represent three moments of atrial depolarization; from right to left. ConclusionThis study describes a novel pattern of atypical advanced IAB. Further investigation regarding the increased risk of atrial fibrillation and stroke associated with this new pattern is warranted in the future.

Cefepime-induced encephalopathy

Cefepime is a fourth-generation cephalosporin antibiotic widely used in clinical practice for various organ systems pathology treatment. The article describes the clinical observation of a patient who, 3 days after cefepime administration, had a decrease in the level of consciousness, regarded as encephalopathy. Cefepime-induced neurotoxicity is characterized by toxic encephalopathy, which manifests 2–6 days after the start of the treatment with this drug and disappears 1–3 days after its withdrawal. Electroencephalography (EEG) abnormalities include generalized periodic discharges (GPR) of triphasic morphology or a pattern corresponding to the criteria for non-convulsive status epilepticus (BSES). In our observation, the EEG recorded stimulus-induced GPRs of triphasic morphology with a frequency of 1.5 Hz; a test with intravenous administration of an antiepileptic drug (levetiracetam) was negative. A day after the withdrawal of cefepime, the patient’s level of consciousness returned to the initial level, and on the EEG periodic discharges completely regressed. Thus, cefepime may cause encephalopathy in patients with rhythmic or intermittent EEG activity, especially in the presence of a stimulus-induced component. In some cases, the use of cefepime may develop epileptic seizures and BSES.

CHANTER Syndrome: A Rare Cause of Encephalopathy and Ischemic Lesions (P2-5.017)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To present a rare case of Cerebellar Hippocampal and Basal Nuclei Transient Edema with Restricted Diffusion (CHANTER) Syndrome. <h3>Background:</h3> CHANTER syndrome is a recently recognized constellation of clinical and radiologic findings. The clinical features include acutely depressed consciousness with obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to cerebellar edema. MRI findings are restricted diffusion in the cerebellar cortex, hippocampi, and basal nuclei. CHANTER is distinguished from ischemic stroke by lack of distribution in a specific vascular territory or vascular occlusion present on angiographic imaging. Etiology may be a primary metabolic or mitochondrial failure of the gray matter with anoxic injury precipitated by opiates or other drugs of abuse. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> N/A <h3>Results:</h3> A 70-year-old right-handed hypertensive woman with HIV, end-stage renal failure, and lymphoma in remission was in respiratory distress. Seizures of unclear duration were noted on ambulance arrival and midazolam was administered. She was intubated and loaded with levetiracetam for status epilepticus. Norepinephrine was given during a hypotensive episode. Neurological examination was remarkable for lack of motor response to noxious stimuli and present brainstem reflexes consistent with coma. Opiates were detected in urine. MRI brain showed multiple small foci of restricted diffusion involving bilateral cerebellar hemispheres, hippocampi, basal ganglia, and in the right parietal cortex. MR angiography of the head and neck was normal. Video EEGs showed severe diffuse slowing, generalized periodic discharges that became blunted with triphasic morphology after lorazepam and levetiracetam administration. Cardiac monitoring and echocardiogram were unremarkable. Her alertness improved and withdrew minimally all extremities to painful stimuli. She was discharged to a long-term skilled nursing facility. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> This case highlights a rare clinical manifestation suggestive of CHANTER syndrome. Unlike other cases previously described, the cerebellar lesions were not sufficiently large to cause hydrocephalus. However, the clinical recovery was very limited. Status epilepticus and transient hypotension may have played a role in the poor recovery. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Hiana has nothing to disclose. Dr. Soh has nothing to disclose. Dr. Marchidann has stock in Eli Lilly. Dr. Marchidann has stock in Pfizer. Dr. Marchidann has stock in Merck. Dr. Marchidann has stock in Illumina. Dr. Marchidann has stock in Aeterna Zentaris. Dr. Marchidann has stock in Abbot. Dr. Marchidann has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Dr. Marchidann has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care.

Arterial spin labeling MR perfusion image in differentiating metabolic encephalopathy from non-convulsive status epilepticus in a patient with generalized periodic discharges with triphasic morphology

Arterial spin labeling MR perfusion image in differentiating metabolic encephalopathy from non-convulsive status epilepticus in a patient with generalized periodic discharges with triphasic morphology

TFG::MET-rearranged soft tissue tumor: A rare infantile neoplasm with a distinct low-grade triphasic morphology.

This article presents 2 cases of TFG::MET-rearranged mesenchymal tumor, an extremely rare molecular subset among an emerging group of mesenchymal neoplasms with kinase gene (NTRK, BRAF, RET and others) alterations. Both tumors were congenital, occurred in female patients and presented as huge masses on the trunk and thigh, measuring 18 and 20 cm in the largest dimension. Both cases showed identical areas with a distinctive triphasic morphology resembling fibrous hamartoma of infancy (FHI), consisting of haphazardly arranged ovoid to spindled cells traversed by variably cellular and hyalinized fascicles admixed with (most likely non-neoplastic) adipose tissue. In other areas, a high-grade infantile fibrosarcoma/malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor-like (IFS/MPNST-like) morphology was present in both cases. While the first case co-expressed CD34 and S100 protein, the other case did not. When combined with the three previously reported MET-rearranged cases (of which two harbored TFG::MET fusion), 3/5 and 3/4 of MET-rearranged and TFG::MET fusion-associated tumors, respectively exhibited similar triphasic FHI-like low-grade morphology. This points toward the existence of a relatively distinct morphological subset among kinase-fusion-associated tumors which seems to be strongly associated with MET fusions. It seems some of these low-grade cases may transform into a high-grade variant with IFS/MPNST-like morphology as has been observed in other tumors with kinase gene fusions. While most cases seem to follow an indolent clinical course, the recognition of these tumors is clinically relevant as MET tyrosine kinase inhibitors might represent an effective treatment option for clinically aggressive or unresectable cases.

Fibrous hamartoma of infancy. Radiologic-pathologic study of 21 cases: 8 with predominant pseudoangiomatous pattern

Fibrous hamartoma of infancy (FHI) is a very rare benign soft tissue lesion that principally affects the axilla, trunk, and upper extremities of children younger than 2 years. It is usually cured by local excision. Histologically, these lesions have a triphasic morphology in an organoid pattern: mature adipose tissue, fibroblastic/myofibroblastic trabeculae, and small round cell nests in a myxoid matrix. However, morphologic variants have recently been described. Focal areas with a pseudoangiomatous pattern have been found in some FHI, but few cases with predominant pseudoangiomatous areas have been previously described in the medical literature. We report 21 new cases of FHI, 8 of them with a predominant pseudoangiomatous pattern. Our cases with a predominant pseudoangiomatous pattern did not present specific radiological findings.

Continuous EEG monitoring detects nonconvulsive seizure and Ictal-Interictal Continuum abnormalities in moderate to severe ICANS following systemic CAR-T therapy.

Immune Cell Effector Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS) is common amongst patients receiving CD19 targeted Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy. The purpose of this study is to characterize the incidence of seizures and ictal-interictal continuum (IIC) abnormalities in patients with ICANS. Retrospective review of consecutive patients treated with axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) for recurrent high-grade systemic lymphoma at Stanford Medical Center between 2/2016-6/2019. Electronic medical records (EMR) were reviewed for clinical features, treatment information, EEG data, CRS (cytokine release syndrome)/ICANS severity, and clinical outcomes. Fifty-six patients met inclusion criteria. 85.7% of patients developed CRS, and 58.9% developed ICANS. Twenty-eight patients had EEG monitoring, of whom 26 had ICANS. Median duration of EEG monitoring was 30 hours (range .5-126 hours). Four patients (7.1%) had seizures (1 patient had a clinical generalized seizure, 2 patients had clinical and nonconvulsive seizures, and 1 patient had an isolated non-convulsive seizure). Ictal-interictal continuum abnormalities were common, of which generalized periodic discharges (GPDs) with triphasic morphology and GPDs with epileptiform morphology were most frequently seen. Generalized periodic discharges with triphasic wave morphology were found across Grade 2-3 peak ICANS severity, however the majority (86%) of patients with epileptiform GPDs had Grade 3 peak ICANS severity. Among patients receiving axi-cel, seizure occurred in 7.1% of the total cohort, representing 12% of patients with ICANS. Ictal-interictal continuum abnormalities are also seen in patients with ICANS, most commonly GPDs. 75% of patients with seizures had nonconvulsive seizures supporting the use of continuous video EEG monitoring in this population.

New-Onset Non-convulsive Status Epilepticus in Previously Healthy COVID-19 Patient

The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) virus has spread rapidly worldwide in the last several year. COVID-19 presentation ranges widely from asymptomatic to acute respiratory failure. Interestingly, although neurological manifestations of COVID-19 have often been described in the literature, only a few cases reports describe status epilepticus associated with COVID-19 patients.This is a case of a 52-year-old previously healthy woman who presented to the emergency department with fever, worsening cough, shortness of breath, and hypoxia. She was found to be COVID-19-positive. She developed a bilateral tonic-clonic seizure 16 days after her first symptoms appeared. Continuous video encephalogram (CEEG) showed a generalized periodic pattern with triphasic morphology. This finding is suggestive of non-convulsive status epilepticus which resolved after valproic acid loading as given. The patient is fully recovered at 6 months follow-up and seizure-free on levetiracetam 750 mg twice daily.This case demonstrates a new onset of bilateral tonic-clonic seizure followed by non-convulsive status epilepticus associated with COVID-19 infection. As the spectrum of COVID-19 neurological manifestation has yet to be established, healthcare providers should be cognizant of the possibility of non-convulsive status epilepticus in COVID-19 patients in order to provide timely workup and management.

Fibrous hamartoma of infancy: a clinicopathological and molecular genetic analysis of 33 cases

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features, immunophenotypic and molecular genetic characteristics and differential diagnosis of fibrous hamartoma of infancy (FHI). Methods: Thirty-three cases of surgically removed FHI were collected from the Department of Pathology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital from October 2011 to December 2020, the clinical and pathologic data with follow-up were collected and analyzed. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) were used to study the molecular genetics. Results: The FHI cases occurred in 21 males and 12 females (mean age 16.7 months, range 6 months to 6 years). The sites included trunk (n=21), limb (n=11), and neck (n=1). All patients had painless solitary superficial soft tissue masses, the size was 1.5-9.0 cm (mean 3.8 cm). Microscopically, they were composed of mature adipose tissue, fibroblast/myofibroblast bundle and primitive mesenchymal cells in different proportions; giant cell fibroblastoma-like areas were seen in 14 cases. Immunohistochemistry showed variable expression of EGFR in the spindle cells and primitive mesenchymal components. In most cases, the spindle cells were positive for CD34 and SMA; giant cell fibroblastoma-like areas were strongly positive for CD34; and S-100 protein was expressed by adipocytes in all cases. Ki-67 labeling index ranged 1%-5%. There were recurrent somatic EGFR exon 20 insertion/duplication mutations in six cases tested by NGS, and there were three different mutation types: p.Asn771_His773dupAsnProHis, p.Pro772_His773insProProHis, and p.His773_Val774insThrHis. All the above 6 and another 15 tested cases showed EGFR exon 20 insertion/duplication mutations by q-PCR. Conclusions: FHI is a rare benign fibroblast/myofibroblast tumor. The characteristic histologic feature is organoid triphasic morphology, and the molecular feature is somatic mutation of EGFR exon 20 (insertion/duplication).

Electrically Evoked Compound Action Potentials in Spinal Cord Stimulation: Implications for Preclinical Research Models

ObjectivesThe study aimed to assess the feasibility of recording electrically evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs) from the rat spinal cord. To achieve this, we characterized electrophysiological responses of dorsal column (DC) axons from electrical stimulation and quantified the relationship between ECAP and motor thresholds (ECAPTs and MTs). Material and MethodsNaïve, anesthetized, and freely behaving rats were implanted with a custom-made epidural spinal cord stimulation (SCS) lead. Epidural stimulation and recordings were performed on the same lead using specifically designed equipment. ResultsThe ECAPs recorded from the rat spinal cord demonstrated the expected triphasic morphology. Using 20 μsec pulse duration and 2 Hz frequency rate, the current required in anesthetized rats to generate ECAPs was 0.13 ± 0.02 mA, while the average current required to observe MT was 1.49 ± 0.14 mA. In unanesthetized rats, the average current required to generate ECAPs was 0.09 ± 0.02 mA, while the average current required to observe MT was 0.27 ± 0.04 mA. Thus, there was a significant difference between the ECAPT and MT in both anesthetized and unanesthetized rats (MT was 13.39 ± 2.40 and 2.84 ± 0.33 times higher than ECAPT, respectively). Signal analysis revealed average conduction velocities (CVs) suggesting that predominantly large, myelinated fibers were activated. In addition, a morphometric evaluation of spinal cord slices indicated that the custom-made lead may preferentially activate DC axons. ConclusionsThis is the first evidence demonstrating the feasibility of recording ECAPs from the rat spinal cord, which may be more useful in determining parameters of SCS in preclinical SCS models than MTs. Thus, this approach may allow for the development of a novel model of SCS in rats with chronic pain that will translate better between animals and humans.

Discharges With Triphasic Morphology as Marker of the Risk of Death in Acute Encephalopathy.

Introduction. In clinical practice, it is difficult to define the prognosis of patients with acute encephalopathy; a syndrome characterized by cognitive dysfunction and altered sensorium. Discharges with triphasic morphology (DTM) are an electroencephalographic pattern that might be useful to establish the risk of death. The aim of this study was to define the prognostic value of DTM regarding mortality in patients with acute encephalopathy. Methods. We conducted an observational retrospective cohort study including patients with acute encephalopathy with and without DTM paired by age and gender in a 1:2 ratio. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) to determine the association between DTM and mortality. In addition, we calculated sensibility, specificity, and predictive values. Results. We included 72 patients, 24 with DTM and 48 without DTM. Mortality was higher in patients with DTM (41.6% vs 14.5%, P = .01). Factors associated with a higher risk of death were DTM (OR = 4.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3-13, P = .01) and sequential organ failure assessment score (OR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.04-1.67, P = .02). A higher Glasgow coma scale score was associated with a lower risk of death (OR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.51-0.83, P = .001). The sensibility and specificity of DTM were 59% and 75%, respectively. Positive and negative likelihood ratios were 2.36 and 0.55. Discussion. Our results revealed high mortality in patients with acute encephalopathy and DTM. This electroencephalographic pattern was associated with 4 times higher risk of death. However, its usefulness for predicting death was limited.

Periodic discharges with triphasic morphology: a differential diagnosis and therapeutic approaches

The article presents two clinical cases of intensive care unit (ICU) patients with periodic discharges. Examination according to the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society (ACNS) protocol with the use of electroencephalography and functional probes allows differential diagnosis of periodic discharges, which makes it possible to conduct early pathophysiological treatment, to assess its effectiveness in dynamics and to avoid unjustified prescription of antiepileptic drugs. At the same time, the prognosis of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment are largely determined by the etiology of the disease. Evaluation of periodic discharges of three-phase morphology in ICU, considering its nosological nonspecificity, is rational to carry out according to the ACNS recommendations, indicating the ictal genesis, background activity, response to antiepileptic drugs.

Triphasic Waves: Historical Overview of an Unresolved Mystery.

Triphasic waves are a fascinating and mysterious EEG feature. We now have to accept that, at times, epileptiform discharges may have a blunted "triphasic morphology," and that there may be great difficulty in distinguishing between these often similar forms. The aim of this review was to describe the evolution in our understanding of triphasic waves that has occurred regarding the pathophysiology of triphasic waves, their most frequent causes, and the diagnostic difficulties involved in interpretation and differentiation from nonconvulsive status epilepticus.

Status Triphasicus Versus Status Epilepticus?

Generalized periodic patterns with triphasic wave morphology, long referred to as triphasic waves [TWs], had been associated with metabolic encephalopathies, although other neurologic and systemic causes have since been identified. In a recent classification of periodic patterns, TWs were formally grouped with the generalized periodic discharges, which are often associated with ictal activity. The interpretation of generalized periodic patterns with TWs as nonictal can have significant implications in the management of comatose patients in nonconvulsive status epilepticus. Electrographic characteristics that help distinguish nonictal periodic patterns with TWs from generalized periodic discharge ictal patterns include (1) TWs in long runs of periodic bilaterally synchronous and symmetric discharges, maximal in frontocentral or posterior head regions with and without a frontal-to-occipital lag or posterior-to-anterior lag, respectively; (2) recurrent spontaneous and/or low-dose benzodiazepine-induced attenuation and/or suppression of the periodic pattern and replacement with a diffuse slow wave activity throughout a prolonged EEG recording; and (3) stimulation-induced activation and/or increase in frequency and/or organization of TWs. We coined the term of status triphasicus to describe the electrographic periodic pattern of TWs with these three distinct characteristics. In this article, we discuss the advantages and limitations of keeping the status triphasicus pattern as a distinct electrographic entity different from periodic ictal generalized periodic discharge patterns. We discuss the circumstances in which a status triphasicus pattern can be associated with ictal activity and propose a simple pragmatic classification of status triphasicus that encompasses the different clinical scenarios it can be associated with.

Generalized periodic discharges with triphasic morphology: to treat or not to treat?

Generalized periodic discharges with triphasic morphology: to treat or not to treat?

Fibrous Hamartoma of Infancy: A Series of 21 Cases and Review of the Literature

BackgroundFibrous hamartoma of infancy (FHI) is a rare soft-tissue tumor usually seen in infants and young children. Histologically, the tumor is characterized by a triphasic morphology, and the clinical course is benign. MethodsWe described the histopathologic and immunohistochemical features in a series of 21 cases of FHI and reviewed the main entities to consider in differential diagnosis. ResultsMost patients in the series were male. The mean age was 3.7 years (range, 5 months–24 years), and lesions were found in locations that have been previously reported. Histopathologically, the tumors were composed of variable proportions of fibroblastic, mesenchymal, and mature adipose tissue. Three of the 13 immunohistochemically stained biopsies (14%) contained hyalinized zones with cracking artifacts, mimicking giant cell fibroblastoma. Eight of the 13 stained with smooth-muscle actin (61%) were positive in the fibroblastic component, 6 of the 8 stained with CD34 (75%) were positive in the immature mesenchymal and fibroblastic components, and all 7 stained with S100 were positive (100%) in adipose tissue. ConclusionsOur histopathologic findings are consistent with those described in larger series. However, in order to reach a precise diagnosis and plan treatment, clinical heterogeneity obliges us to become familiar with variations in the characteristic triphasic histology of FHI.