The cytologic findings of a synovial sarcoma are described. A 60 year old male had felt a slowly growing tumor in his right sole for three years. From the first fine-needle aspiration biopsy a fibrosarcoma or other mesenchymal tumor was suggested; but the second biopsy showed both fibrosarcoma and mesothelial-like cells in contact with each other, and the diagnosis of synovial sarcoma was made. Histologic and electron microscopic sections confirmed the diagnosis. In the differential diagnosis of this case, fibrosarcoma and other malignant mesenchymal tumors were considered. The applicability of fine-needle aspiration biopsy in mesenchymal lesions is discussed.

Biopsy, Needle↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Cytology of malignant hemangiopericytoma.

Fine-needle aspiration findings in five cases of malignant hemangiopericytoma are described. The cytologic material in three cases showed clearly malignant cells with large, oval to spindle-shaped, hyperchromatic nuclei, scanty cytoplasm and many mitoses. One case had neoplastic cellular findings, but malignancy was only suspected. One case showed cytologically benign neoplastic cells. In all the cases the cytologic material contained capillaries with benign endothelial cells and some knob-like formations of neoplastic cells lined by endothelium. The diagnosis was verified from ordinary histologic sections and from semithin epoxy resin sections stained by a modified silver impregnation method to demonstrate the basal membrane and reticulin fibers. Three cases were studied electron microscopically. In our experience the described cytologic features are common but not necessarily characteristic of malignant hemangiopericytoma, since other mesenchymal tumors may also have similar features.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Coronary endothelial damage after crystalloid cardioplegia.

There is considerable clinical experience to suggest that damage to the myocardium during ischaemic arrest can be prevented by cardioplegic solutions. However, very little is known about the effects of these cardioplegic solutions on the coronary endothelium. The effects of three different cardioplegic solutions on the coronary endothelium are reported here. Preservation of the myocardium was studied with biochemical assays. Blood cardioplegia did not damage the coronary endothelium. Crystalloid cardioplegia caused disappearance of the endothelial cells and gross deformity of the flow surface. The addition of albumin to the crystalloid solution preserved most of the endothelial lining. Preservation of the myocardial high energy compounds seemed to be dependent only on the cooling effect of the cardioplegia and not on the composition of the solution. There was no correlation between high energy compounds and endothelial changes. The present study favours the use of cold blood cardioplegia which preserves both the coronary endothelium and the myocardial energy sources during ischaemic cardiac arrest.

Albumins↗