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R Achten

Publications and source records attributed to R Achten.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

Ultrasound features of different histopathological subtypes of borderline ovarian tumors.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the gray-scale sonographic and color Doppler imaging features of the most common histopathological subtypes of borderline ovarian tumors. METHODS: We analyzed retrospectively the preoperative transvaginal sonographic reports of patients with a histological diagnosis of borderline ovarian tumor. All patients were scanned consecutively by two of the investigators using transabdominal and transvaginal gray-scale imaging to assess the morphology and color Doppler to obtain indices of the blood flow. Sonographic findings were compared to histopathological data. RESULTS: A total of 113 consecutive cases were reviewed from two referral centers for gynecological oncology. At histological examination 50 tumors (44%) were classified as being serous borderline ovarian tumors (SBOT), 61 (54%) were mucinous borderline ovarian tumors (MBOT) (42 intestinal type and 19 endocervical type), and two patients (2%) presented with borderline endometrioid tumors. SBOTs and endocervical-type MBOTs had very similar sonographic features and a smaller diameter, fewer locules (usually unilocular-solid lesions) and a higher color score than intestinal-type MBOTs. Intestinal-type MBOTs were characterized by a significantly higher percentage of lesions with > 10 locules when compared with the endocervical-type MBOTs. CONCLUSION: Intestinal-type MBOTs have different sonographic features from other common borderline ovarian tumors.

Adult↗

Additional prognostic value of bone marrow histology in patients subclassified according to the International Prognostic Scoring System for myelodysplastic syndromes.

PURPOSE: The most recent and powerful prognostic instrument established for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS), which is primarily based on medullary blast cell count, number of cytopenias, and cytogenetics. Although this prognostic system has substantial predictive power in MDS, further refinement is necessary, especially as far as lower-risk patients are concerned. Histologic parameters, which have long proved to be associated with outcome, are promising candidates to improve the prognostic accuracy of the IPSS. Therefore, we assessed the additional predictive power of the presence of abnormally localized immature precursors (ALIPs) and CD34 immunoreactivity in bone marrow (BM) biopsies of MDS patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cytogenetic, morphologic, and clinical data of 184 MDS patients, all from a single institution, were collected, with special emphasis on the determinants of the IPSS score. BM biopsies of 173 patients were analyzed for the presence of ALIP, and CD34 immunoreactivity was assessable in 119 patients. Forty-nine patients received intensive therapy. RESULTS: The presence of ALIP and CD34 immunoreactivity significantly improved the prognostic value of the IPSS, with respect to overall as well as leukemia-free survival, in particular within the lower-risk categories. In contrast to the IPSS, both histologic parameters also were predictive of outcome within the group of intensively treated MDS patients. CONCLUSION: Our data confirm the importance of histopathologic evaluation in MDS and indicate that determining the presence of ALIP and an increase in CD34 immunostaining in addition to the IPSS score could lead to an improved prognostic subcategorization of MDS patients.

Adolescent↗

T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma: a distinct clinicopathologic entity.

PURPOSE: Although it has proven difficult to delineate diagnostically reproducible and clinically relevant subgroups, the heterogeneity of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) is widely acknowledged. In 1992, we reported on six cases that suggested that large B-cell lymphoma rich in stromal histiocytes and T cells may be identified as a distinct clinicopathologic entity within DLBCL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An integrated clinicopathologic study of 40 cases of this DLBCL subtype is presented. RESULTS: Distinguishing a DLBCL rich in histiocytes and reactive T cells, designated T-cell/histiocyte--rich large B-cell lymphoma (THR-BCL), may be justified from a clinical point of view. The disease typically affects middle-aged male patients who usually present with advanced-stage disease that is not adequately managed with current therapeutic strategies. Whereas proliferation fraction and p53 overexpression, in addition to the clinical variables incorporated in the International Prognostic Index (IPI), significantly correlate with response to treatment and survival in a univariate analysis, only the IPI score identifies relevant prognostic THR-BCL subpopulations in a multivariate model. The morphologic and immunophenotypic profile of the neoplastic B cells in THR-BCL suggests that they may originate from a germinal center ancestor. CONCLUSION: THR-BCL constitutes a distinct clinicopathologic entity that is characterized by an aggressive behavior. Experimental therapeutic strategies may be indicated to obtain a more favorable response to treatment in this disease.

Adult↗

Among diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, T-cell-rich/histiocyte-rich BCL and CD30+ anaplastic B-cell subtypes exhibit distinct clinical features.

BACKGROUND: The EORTC clinical trial 20901, activated in 1990, was designed to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) of intermediate/high-grade malignancy according to the Working Formulation. Established in 1994, the R.E.A.L. Classification on NHL has now replaced all former classifications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reanalysed all cases (n = 273) documented by material available for review according to the R.E.A.L. Classification. In addition, we subdivided cases recognised as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) into three morphologically distinct categories, namely, large cleaved DLBCL (LC-DLBCL), T-cell-rich/histiocyte-rich B-cell lymphoma (T-cell-rich/histiocyte-rich BCL) and CD30+ DLBCL with anaplastic cell features (CD30+ DLBCL). Finally, T/NULL anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) cases were subdivided into ALK+ and ALK- lymphomas. Review was performed independently by two pathologists from two different centres. RESULTS: DLBCL (61%), T/NULL ALCL (15%) and mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL, 50%) were the main NHL categories represented in the study. Fifty-seven of one hundred sixty DLBCL cases were further subclassified as LC-DLBCL (33 cases), T-cell-rich/histiocyte-rich BCL (13 cases) or CD30+ DLBCL (11 cases). The remaining cases were indicated as unspecified DLBCL. A clinico-pathological correlation confirmed the findings of previous studies suggesting that MCL, DLBCL and ALCL represent distinct entities with MCL being characterised by a short survival, in contrast with the longer survival and less frequent progression typical of ALK+ compared to ALK- ALCL. Within DLBCL, T-cell-rich/histiocyte-rich BCL showed distinctive features at presentation whereas CD30+ DLBCL showed a trend towards a more favourable prognosis, that might be comparable to that of ALK+ ALCL. CONCLUSIONS: Our data further support the usefulness of the R.E.A.L. Classification and illustrate the feasibility of DLBCL subtyping. Moreover, our results demonstrate the distinct clinical characteristics of T-cell-rich/histiocyte-rich BCL and CD30+ DLBCL with anaplastic cell features suggesting that they may represent clinico-pathologic entities.

Adolescent↗

gammadelta T-cell lymphomas: a homogeneous entity?

gammadelta T-cells comprise an immunologically distinct lymphoid population, characterized by specific morphological, phenotypical and functional properties. Therefore it seems reasonable to speculate that neoplasms derived from this particular T-cell subset display distinct features. Indeed, the prototype gammadelta T-cell lymphoma, hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma constitutes a unique clinicopathological entitity which is intimately associated with a gammadelta T-cell phenotype. However, gammadelta T-cell lymphomas have also been described in other extranodal sites where, unlike reactive gammadelta T-cells and hepatosplenic gammadelta T-cell lymphomas, they display an important morphological heterogeneity. Moreover, these nonhepatosplenic gammadelta T-cell lymphomas are essentially not that different from their alphabeta T-cell receptor for antigen (TCR)-expressing counterparts and thus may be incorporated in the established T-cell lymphoma subclasses. However, subtle differences regarding their histopathological appearance as well as their biological behaviour indicate that further studies to determine the exact significance of TCR expression are required. Such inquiries may contribute to the general understanding of T-cell lymphomagenesis in general, which is still obscure.

Animals↗

Evaluation of B cell lymphoid infiltrates in bone marrow biopsies by morphology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular analysis.

AIMS: Morphological criteria to distinguish between reactive and neoplastic B cell lymphocytoid infiltrates in trephines have been defined but are not always reliable. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of the CDR3 region of the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) gene which, by demonstrating monoclonality, can provide additional arguments in favour of lymphoid malignancy is now frequently used for the detection and follow up of B cell lymphoma (NHL). The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of morphological findings in bone marrow biopsies in comparison with data obtained by PCR analysis. METHODS: Eighty nine bone marrow biopsies displaying lymphoid infiltrates were evaluated by morphology and immunohistochemistry as well as by CDR3-PCR using consensus framework 3 (FRW3) and JH primers. RESULTS: The presence of a clonal B cell proliferation was demonstrated by PCR analysis in 45 biopsies, including 21 samples considered to be positive, 17 to be suspicious, and seven to be negative by morphology. In the remaining 44 trephines we found no evidence of clonality, although 12 of these trephines were thought to be positive by morphology. CONCLUSIONS: These results, revealing an incomplete correlation between CDR3-PCR data and immunomorphological findings, indicate that molecular analysis may be more sensitive and specific in general. However, false negative PCR results do occur, which emphasises the necessity to combine both diagnostic tools in the evaluation of lymphoid infiltrates.

Biopsy↗

Guidelines for subtyping small B-cell lymphomas in bone marrow biopsies.

In this review, we summarise the patterns of bone marrow involvement by small B-cell lymphomas. Both our own experience and the literature reports on the subject show that each subtype of lymphoma can be recognised from a distinct combination of a suggestive growth pattern and a particular cytological composition. A predominantly paratrabecular infiltrate composed of centrocytes is characteristic of follicle centre cell lymphoma. In mantle cell lymphoma, prominent intertrabecular nodules, each consisting of a monotonous proliferation of small to intermediate-sized lymphoid cells with an irregular nucleus, are the most frequent finding. Marginal zone cell lymphoma displays similar intertrabecular nodules, but the infiltrates are rather loose and polymorphic, whereas the lymphoid cells exhibit monocytoid features. Diffuse infiltrates composed of small lymphocytes with clumped chromatin, of plasma cells with Dutcher bodies and of mast cells are observed in most cases of lymphoplasmacytoid lymphoma/immunocytoma. Although chronic lymphocytic leukaemia / small lymphocytic lymphoma can present with a comparable pattern of bone marrow involvement, an interstitial infiltrate of small lymphoid cells is usually observed. A comparable interstitial pattern also prevails in hairy cell leukaemia. This lymphoma subtype, however, can be readily identified by the abundant clear cytoplasm of the neoplastic cells, erythrocyte extravasation and associated abnormalities in the haematopoietic series.

Algorithms↗

Imaging of colorectal carcinoma.

The authors present a short overview on the state of the art of detection, diagnosis, operative staging and post-operative follow-up of colorectal carcinoma by barium studies, echography, CT and MR. Current concepts about these matters are briefly described and discussed according to the author's experience.

Barium Sulfate↗

Radioisotopic transit parameters in obstruction of pelviureteral junction.

Cortical and whole kidney radionuclide transit parameters were studied in 16 patients who underwent a pyeloplasty for unilateral pelviureteral junction (PUJ) obstruction. As expected, the whole kidney mean transit time was found to be very sensitive but, due to the low specificity, not very helpful in the distinction between obstructed and nonobstructed kidneys. The cortical transit reflected, in some cases, the favorable surgical outcome. In other cases, however, it could not be considered as a reliable parameter of the clinical status, since it was found to be normal preoperatively and prolonged postoperatively in patients whose parenchymal function improved significantly after surgery and who had their clinical symptoms relieved.

Humans↗

Pubic osteomyelitis.

A case of pubic osteomyelitis in a child is presented. A well localized hyperactive area on a Tc-99m MDP bone scan provided the correct diagnosis. This scintigraphic localization of osteomyelitis seldom has been reported.

Child↗

Language activation distributions revealed by fMRI in post-operative epilepsy patients: differences between left- and right-sided resections.

OBJECTIVE: To reveal differences of cerebral activation related to language functions in post-operative temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients. METHODS: Right (RTL) and left temporal lobe (LTL) resected patients, and healthy controls were studied using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Only patients with complete left-hemispheric language dominance according to the intracarotid amytal procedure (IAP) were included. Language-related activations were evoked by performing word generation and text reading language tasks. Activation lateralization and temporo-frontal distribution effects were analysed. RESULTS: For word generation, only LTL patients showed reduced left lateralized activation compared to controls, due to a decrease in activation in the left prefrontal cortex and an increase in the right prefrontal cortex. For reading, the left-hemispheric lateralization in RTL patients increased because of enhanced activity in the left prefrontal cortex, whereas for LTL patients the activation became bilaterally distributed over the temporal lobes. Lateralization results between pre-operative IAP and post-operative fMRI were highly discordant. Significant temporo-frontal distribution changes manifested from the reading but not from the word generation task. CONCLUSION: The cerebral language representation in post-operative LTL epilepsy patients is more bi-hemispherically lateralized than in controls and RTL patients. Post-operative temporo-frontal and interhemispheric redistribution effects, involving contralateral homologous brain areas, are suggested to contribute to the cerebral reorganisation of language function.

Adult↗