Tahya Sellami-Boudawara

Pigmented lipofibromatosis in unusual location: case report and review of the literature.

Dear Editor, Lipofibromatosis is a rare, recently reported, fibrofatty pediatric tumour which affects mainly extremities [1, 6]. Histopathological features of this tumour must be distinguished from fibrous hamartoma of child, fibromatosis, calcifying aponevrotic fibroma and lipoblastoma [1]. Pigmented lipofibromatosis is a rare histological variant of lipofibromatosis which is not yet clearly distinguished. We describe a case of pigmented lipofibromatosis in an unusual location (back). We report the case of a 14-year-old female who presented with several years history of a slowly enlarging, painless mass of the back. Physical examination demonstrated a subcutaneous, firm, nodule measuring 3.5 × 2.5cm. The nodule seems to be fixed at deep tissues without abnormality of the overlying skin. She was otherwise healthy and no family history of cutaneous abnormalities was noted. Any radiological exam was done. An excisional biopsy was performed. A 4 × 3 × 3cm ill-defined mass was excised. Grossly, the tumour presented an adipose appearance without encapsulation. The cut surface presented some black pigmented areas. Hematoxylin and eosin stained sections showed small lobules of mature adipose tissue, dissected by moderately cellular bundles, of spindle elements without atypia (Fig. 1). Some scattered cells were pigmented (Fig. 2) and Fontana–Masson stain was positive on these pigmented cells. On immunohistochemistry study, spindle cells were diffusely positive for vimentin and α smooth muscle actin (Fig. 3). Pigmented cells were positive for S100 protein and Melan A and negative for human melanoma black (HMB)-45 (Fig. 4). At 15 months of follow-up, there was no evidence of recurrence. Lipofibromatosis is a distinctive entity of rare benign lesion recently described by Fetsch et al. [1, 4] in 2000 and recognised as a distinctive fibrofatty tumour of childhood in the World Health Organisation classification of tumours in 2002. Since this report, which includes 45 cases, only four other cases of lipofibromatosis were published [1–6]. Lipofibromatosis is different and must be equally distinguished from the entity designated as “lipofibromatosis,” observed in cases of congenital macrodactyly and local gigantism [1]. The tumour commonly occurs in the extremities, rarely in the hands, arms, legs and feet [1, 6]. Chest, abdomen or head and neck are rarely affected [1–5]. The present observation is the first report of lipofibromatosis in the back. There is an over 2:1 male predominance. The median age for initial surgery is 1 year (range from 11 days to 12 year) [1]. The lesion is typically ill defined, painless and slow growing [1]. Macroscopically, it is yellowish or tan–whitish in appearance with a prominent fatty component. Very rare tumour have exceeded 5 cm [1, 3–6]. Histologically, the tumour is poorly marginated, often composed of more than 70% of adipose tissue. Fascicles of Virchows Arch (2008) 452:465–467 DOI 10.1007/s00428-007-0565-6

Cystic undifferentiated sarcoma of liver in children: a pitfall diagnosis in endemic hydatidosis areas

Undifferentiated (embryonal) sarcoma (UES) of the liver is a very rare pediatric neoplasm with an aggressive behavior. Multimodal treatment including complete surgical resection and chemotherapy has improved survival. We report a case of UES occurring in a 15-year-old female. Radiographic findings showed a multicystic mass appearance. The diagnosis of hydatid cyst was initially presumed. A complete tumor resection after 3 cycles of chemotherapy was performed. Histologically, only 20% of tumor necrosis was noted. Adjuvant chemotherapy was instituted. She remained well at 11 months of follow-up. Cystic appearance is a usual finding in UES. Differential diagnosis with hydatid cyst may be problematic in endemic hydatidosis areas.

Hidradénocarcinome développé sur un hidradénome préexistant

ne femme, âgée de 60 ans, avait depuis deux ans, ur le genou droit, un petit nodule non douloureux, ans signes inflammatoires locaux. Elle consultait devant ’augmentation récente de la taille du nodule (4 cm de iamètre) et l’apparition d’une ulcération cutanée en egard. L’échographie des parties molles montrait le caracère solide et kystique du nodule. L’étude histologique e la pièce d’exérèse chirurgicale montrait une proliféraion cellulaire intradermique disposée en nappes lobulées ar de fins septa fibreux, hyalinisées et creusées de avités pseudoglandulaires parfois dilatées kystiques. Les ellules tumorales étaient de taille moyenne, cuboïdes, à ytoplasme faiblement éosinophile ou clarifié et à noyau égulier sans atypie. D’autres cellules étaient plus grandes,

Plasmacytoid Melanoma of the Urinary Bladder and Lymph Nodes with Immunohistochemical Expression of Plasma Cell Markers Revealing Primary Esophageal Melanoma

Plasmacytoid variant of melanoma is reported in only rare cases. We present the case of a 54-years-old man admitted for enlarged lymph nodes in the lumbar region. Initial diagnosis of plasmablastic lymphoma/plasma cell myeloma was considered. At our institute, a bladder polyp was removed. Microscopic exam demonstrated dense plasmacytoid cells infiltration with pigment deposits. Immunohistochemical study showed strong expression of HMB45, Melan A, and vimentin. There was focal positivity with S100 protein and CD138/syndecan-1. The diagnosis of metastatic plasmacytoid melanoma was finally established. Clinical exam revealed an esophageal melanoma with melanosis supporting its primary location. Although rarely, melanoma especially plasmacytoid variant may express plasma cell markers which may lead to erroneous diagnosis of plasma cell proliferation. Careful morphological examination for melanin pigment and the use of panel of melanocytic markers are helpful for diagnosis.

Fiche thématique/HistologieHidradénocarcinome développé sur un hidradénome préexistantHidradenocarcinoma arising from pre-existing hidradenoma

ne femme, âgée de 60 ans, avait depuis deux ans, ur le genou droit, un petit nodule non douloureux, ans signes inflammatoires locaux. Elle consultait devant ’augmentation récente de la taille du nodule (4 cm de iamètre) et l’apparition d’une ulcération cutanée en egard. L’échographie des parties molles montrait le caracère solide et kystique du nodule. L’étude histologique e la pièce d’exérèse chirurgicale montrait une proliféraion cellulaire intradermique disposée en nappes lobulées ar de fins septa fibreux, hyalinisées et creusées de avités pseudoglandulaires parfois dilatées kystiques. Les ellules tumorales étaient de taille moyenne, cuboïdes, à ytoplasme faiblement éosinophile ou clarifié et à noyau égulier sans atypie. D’autres cellules étaient plus grandes,

Mullerian Adenosaroma of the Cervix with Sarcomatous Overgrowth and Heterologous Elements Presenting as a Recurrent Cervical Polyp

Mullerian adenosarcoma of the cervix is a rare tumor composed of benign epithelial and malignant stromal components. Sarcomatous overgrowth and heterologous elements in cervical adenosarcoma are extremely infrequent. We report the case of a 26-year-old woman admitted at the gynaecology department for a painless mass protruding from her vagina. The initial pathological exam concluded to endocervical polyp. Six months later, the patient was readmitted with a recurrence of the polyp. The pathological exam demonstrated interlacing fascicles of elongated spindle cells with few mitotic activity and no glandular formation. After reviewing of the initial polyp the diagnosis of mullerian adenosarcoma was suggested. A second recurrence of the polyp was noted one month later. Histopathological exam of the recurrent polyp confirmed the diagnosis of adenosarcoma with sarcomatous overgrowth and heterologous elements. The patient was lost for follow-up. Cervical adenosarcoma with sarcomatous overgrowth and heterologous element is a rare tumor that occurs in younger age in contrast to endometrium/corpus uterin mullerian adenosarcoma. In young women with recurrent cervical polyp, mullerian adenosarcoma must be considered and should be excluded by careful histopathological exam. Sarcomatous overgrowth and myometrial invasion are the most important prognostic factors. Treatment strategy is still unclear.

Sarcomatoid Collecting-Duct Carcinoma of the Kidney

Collecting duct carcinoma is a distinct entity among renal cell carcinoma, which is characterized by an aggressive behavior. Sarcomatoid variants of this tumor are rarely described. We report the case of a 62-year-old woman who presented with a left kidney tumor. A radical nephrectomy was performed. The tumor was firm with a white appearance, located in the medulla with infiltrating margins. Pathological examination showed a biphasic tumor with carcinomatous areas consisting of a collecting-duct carcinoma and sarcomatous areas with malignant fibrous histiocytoma-like appearance. Immunohistochemical studies confirmed the diagnosis of sarcomatoid collecting-duct carcinoma. The patient died 8 months after the diagnosis.

New food from a potato somatic hybrid: nutritional equivalence and safety assessment by a feeding study on rats.

BACKGROUND Potato tubers from the STBd somatic hybrid line that exhibited improved tolerance to salinity and resistance to fungal and PVY infections were characterised. They were compared for their chemical composition to the Spunta variety produced by conventional agronomic practices. This study aimed to compare nutritional value and safety by feeding rats with STBd or commercial tubers added to the standard diet (20/80 w/w). RESULTS The analysis of soluble sugar, fat, fibre and ash content of tubers did not reveal any significant differences between the hybrid line and the control Spunta variety. Small differences were observed in dry matter, starch and protein content of hybrid potatoes in comparison to controls. However, all values were within normal ranges reported in the literature. The feeding study on rats showed that overall health, weight gain, food consumption, morphological aspects and weights of organs were comparable between rat groups fed the STBd hybrid and the Spunta variety. CONCLUSION Taken together, 28 days of consumption of STBd hybrid potato did not exert any adverse effect on rats compared with commercial Spunta potato. The STBd potato line was therefore considered to be as safe for food utilisation as the commercial variety.

Nutritional quality assessment of two potato intraspecific somatic hybrid lines

The nutritional quality of new potatoes from intraspecific somatic hybrids called CN1 and CN2 was investigated and compared to that of the conventional Nicola and BF15 varieties. The chemical composition of tubers was determined to ascertain substantial equivalence. No significant difference in ash and mineral levels was noticed between all the potato samples. However, some differences were observed in dry matter, starch, soluble sugar, protein and lipid contents between hybrid potatoes and commercial varieties, but all values were within the normal ranges reported in the literature. The hybrid potatoes as well as the Nicola and BF15 varieties were then separately added to rat diet at a level of 30% (w/w). Animals were divided into five groups of 5 rats each. The rat group fed the standard diet served as control. The responses of rats fed diets containing hybrid potatoes were compared to those fed conventional potato varieties. Overall health, weight gain, food consumption and digestibility, aspects and r...