V Srinivas

Intraventricular cystic meningioma

We report a case of a 45-year-old male patient with intraventricular cystic meningioma located in the left lateral ventricle. He presented with complaints of global headache, progressively increasing loss of memory, and frequent episodes of abnormal behavior, of 1 month duration. At the time of hospital admission, his general and neurological examination was normal. Neuroimaging studies showed a left lateral ventricular enhancing mass, composed of mixed solid and cystic areas. The tumor was completely excised via the anterior transcallosal approach. A histological examination revealed a meningothelial meningioma without any atypia. The aim of this report is to present the occurrence of an intraventricular cystic meningioma.

Correlation of microvessel parameters in invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast and fibroadenomas: a morphometric study

Modifications of microvascular configuration are essential features encountered during the progression of breast tumors. Our objectives were to correlate morphometrically evaluated microvessel parameters (microvessel density [MVD], microvessel caliber [VC], microvessel cross-sectional area [VCSA], percentage of total VCSA [%TVCSA], and total microvessel boundary density [TVBD]) with histologic grades of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) of the breast and benign breast lesions. Sixty cases of IDC presented with modified radical mastectomy, and 20 benign breast fibroadenomas were evaluated for various microvessel parameters, using CD34-immunostained histologic sections by computerized image morphometry. Samples were divided into 4 histologic groups: benign, grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3; mean with SD and range was evaluated for each group. Histologic grades showed a strong positive correlation with %TVCSA (ρ=0.773) and TVBD (ρ=0.811) and a moderate positive correlation with MVD (ρ=0.607), VC (ρ=0.609), and VCSA (ρ=0.616) when analyzed for all samples of the 4 groups. Except MVD, all parameters including age was the lowest (P<.001) for the benign group. Among the IDCs, differences of mean VC and VCSA were not significant; MVD, %TVCSA, and TVBD were the lowest in grade 1 and the highest in grade 3. Upper cutoff value of benign lesions for MVD was 155mm-2; VC, 9.94μm; VCSA, 94.42 μm2; %TVCSA, 1.33; and TVBD, 4.37mm-1. Total microvessel boundary density included the information of microvessel concentration and size showed the best correlation with grades. Microvessel density showed a positive correlation with grades in the IDCs, but for the differentiation of benign from malignant, VC, VCSA, %TVCSA, and TVBD showed excellent area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (area under the curve > 0.990), unlike MVD (area under the curve = 0.797).

Dermoid cysts of maxillofacial region

The dermoid cyst is an uncommon clinicopathological lesion of developmental origin. The term dermoid cyst is used to describe 3 cysts that are closely related histologically: dermoid cyst, epidermoid cyst, and teratoma. Epidermoid and dermoid cysts are benign nature, which may occur anywhere in the body, but most predominantly in the ovary and scrotal regions. Only about 7% are found in the head and neck. The occurrence of such cysts in the oral cavity is extremely rare, with approximately 1.6% located in this area. The floor of the mouth is one of the most commonly affected area, however, these cysts can also be found in the tongue, lips, buccal mucosa and jaw bones. There is always a difficulty of making a correct diagnosis of these lesions with clinical examinations and conventional radiography. To achieve a diagnosis and to develop correct surgical strategy specialized imaging examinations such as ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and histopathological examination should be carried out. Treatment comprises total surgical excision the approach remains dictated logically by the cysts location. Ample understanding and vigilance about this slow growing painless mass is essential not only because of the symptoms it produces but also due to its malignant potential. When dermoid cysts occur on the floor of the mouth, they may enlarge to such an extent that they can interfere with deglutition and produce respiratory obstruction. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for these cystic entities.

Morphometric study of nuclei and microvessels in gliomas and its correlation with grades

INTRODUCTION Modifications of nuclear morphology in conjunction with alteration in microvascular configuration are essential features encountered during the progression of glial tumors. In order to gain more insight into tumor biology of gliomas, objectives of the study were selected (a) to correlate morphometrically evaluated nuclear parameters [nuclear area (NA), nuclear perimeter (NP), nuclear density (ND), percentage of total nuclear area (%TNA)] and microvessel parameters [microvessel density (MVD), microvessel caliber (VC), microvessel cross sectional area (VCSA), total microvessel boundary density (TVBD), percentage of total VCSA (%TVCSA)] with WHO grading; (b) extend such correlations to the ratio parameters: ratio of MVD to ND (MDV/ND), ratio of TVBD to %TNA (TVBD/%TNA) and ratio of %TVCSA to %TNA (%TVCSA/%TNA); and (c) to correlate microvessel and ratio parameters with NP and ND. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of thirty gliomas managed at this institute during 2009-2012 were evaluated for various nuclear and microvessel parameters by image morphometry using a computerized digital photomicrograph system. For assessment of microvessel parameters CD34-immunostained sections were used while nuclear morphometry was performed on routine hematoxylin-eosin-stained sections. Appropriate statistical analysis was performed in correlation studies. RESULTS All nuclear morphometric parameters showed strong positive correlation with tumor grades (r>0.7). In contrast, though all microvessel parameters exhibited positive correlation with grades, the parameters TVBD and %TVCSA showed strong positive correlation. The ratio parameters (MVD/ND) and (TVBD/%TNA) showed negative correlation with grades, whereas (%TVCSA/%TNA) did not exhibit meaningful correlation with grades. Further, while all microvessel parameters showed positive correlation with NP and ND; ratio parameters showed negative correlation with them. CONCLUSION This study indicates that the parameters related to tumor growth (NA, NP, ND, %TNA), and angiogenesis showed increasing trend with tumor grades simultaneously; whereas the parameters related to supply of nutrients per nucleus showed decreasing trends with tumor grades, nuclear size and nuclear density. Thus, the former accounts for increased cellularity, mitosis, and vascular proliferation, while the latter culminates in tumor necrosis, all of which are essential components for grading of gliomas. The present study will therefore have a vital role as surrogate markers of grading of tumor.

Caecal amebic colitis mimicking obstructing right sided colonic carcinoma with liver metastases: a rare case.

Intestinal Entamoeba Histolytica infection can lead to colitis, abscess formation, colonic perforation and rarely amoeboma. We report a case of colonic amoebiasis, in which the presenting symptoms and radiological findings closely resembled an obstructing right-sided colonic carcinoma, with liver metastases.

Dengue: A Clinicohaematological Profile

BACKGROUND Fifty cases of fever, clinically suspected to be dengue were studied. METHODS Complete clinical, haematological evaluation and IgM capture assay was done. RESULT 54% of patients clinically suspected to have dengue were positive for IgM antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The commonest clinical feature was fever with rash (85%). Thrombocytopenia was seen in 19% of patients only. One patient died of dengue shock syndrome (DSS). CONCLUSION Out of the 27 cases of seropositive dengue there was one death due to dengue shock syndrome. Thrombocytopenia may not always be a feature of dengue.

Biomarkers of malignant ascites—a myth or reality

BACKGROUND Ascitic fluid aspirate cytology, although reasonably specific is not a good screening tool for malignant ascites due to poor sensitivity. Simple test(s) on ascitic fluid or serum which can help differentiate between benign and malignant causes of ascites will be a boon. Ascitic fluid lactate dehydrogenase, cholesterol, and ferritin are the candidate markers evaluated in this study. METHODS Ascitic fluid cytology was done on 30 patients of malignant ascites. The modalities used for diagnosing malignant ascites were positive peritoneal biopsy or CT scan evidence of hepatic metastases. Ascitic fluid biochemistry was done in all these 30 patients as well as 30 cases of non-malignant ascites. The parameters analysed were cholesterol, lactate dehydrogenase, and ferritin. The biochemical parameters were estimated in serum as well. RESULTS Cytology had a sensitivity of 40% for the diagnosis of malignant ascites. Ascitic fluid cholesterol, lactate dehydrogenase, and ferritin had sensitivities of 70%, 74%, and 100%, respectively. Serum cholesterol, lactate dehydrogenase, and ferritin had sensitivities of 57%, and 91%, respectively. CONCLUSION Hence, these biochemical markers in ascitic fluid as well as serum can be good screening tools for the diagnosis of malignant ascites.

Metastatic Amelanotic Malignant Melanoma with Unknown Primary - A Case Report

Malignant melanoma is a relatively common neoplasm of melanocytes. The lesion is classically pigmented although amelanotic melanomas are known to occur. The tumour is prone to metastasize early with lymph node metastases presenting earlier than haematogenous metastases [1]. Melanomas presenting with unknown primaries are rare. We describe a case of a metastatic amelanotic melanoma with an unknown primary in a young woman.

A morphometric and immunohistochemical study of melanocytes in periorbital hyperpigmentation

BACKGROUND An increase in number of melanocytes in the basal cell layer of the epidermis is an important feature in many disorders of hyperpigmentation. In this study, we attempted an objective evaluation of the linear density of melanocytes and keratinocytes, along with other epidermal characteristics, in periorbital hyperpigmentation using immunohistochemistry and morphometric techniques. METHODS Melanocytes and epidermal parameters were assessed by digital morphometry in 30 newly diagnosed cases of periorbital hyperpigmentation and 14 controls from the post-auricular region. Melanocytes were labelled with the immunohistochemical stains, Melan-A and tyrosinase. We studied the linear keratinocyte density, mean linear melanocyte density, ratio of melanocytes to keratinocytes, the ratio between inner and outer epidermal length, maximum epidermal thickness and minimum epidermal thickness. RESULTS Melan-A expression of melanocytes showed strong positive correlation (r=0.883) with the tyrosinase expression. Mean linear melanocyte density was 24/mm (range: 13-30/mm) in cases and 17/mm (13-21/mm) in controls and this difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The mean ratio of melanocyte to keratinocyte was 0.22 (0.12-0.29) in cases and 0.16 (0.12-0.21) in controls; again, this difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). There was a mild negative correlation with linear keratinocyte density (r=-0.302) and the ratio between inner and outer epidermal length (r=-0.456). However, there were no differences in epidermal thicknesses. LIMITATIONS There were fewer control biopsies than optimal, and they were not taken from the uninvolved periorbital region. CONCLUSION Mean linear melanocyte density and the ratio of melanocytes to keratinocytes is increased in cases with periorbital hyperpigmentation. It is, therefore, likely that increased melanocyte density may be the key factor in the pathogenesis of periorbital hyperpigmentation.

Myxofibroma of the soft tissue of face.

Myxoma is described by WHO as a locally invasive neoplasm usually involving the jaw bones, typically occurs between the second and fourth decades and is more common in females.1 This tumor may comprise 3%–6% of odontogenic tumors.2 It is locally aggressive, infiltrating in nature and is a non-encapsulated benign tumor essentially of the jaw bones with two thirds of the cases occurring in the mandible and one third in the maxilla. Myxomas of the soft tissue of the face are very rare.1,2 We present an unusual case of myxofibroma occurring in a 63-year-old lady involving the soft tissue of the face.