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Small Blood Vessels (small + blood_vessel)
Selected AbstractsCase of acute ileus caused by a spirurina larvaPATHOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 9 2004Toshihiko Miyake A growing body of clinical cases suggests that a kind of nematode larva, type X larva of the suborder Spirurina that inhabits firefly squids (Watasenia scintillans, or ,Hotaru-ika' in Japanese), can cause acute ileus in humans. However, the larva itself has rarely been found in the wall of the obstructed intestine. We describe here a case of acute ileus, in which a type X spirurina larva was found histologically. A 60-year-old Japanese man suffered from acute abdomen, and an emergency laparotomy revealed a marked stenosis of the ileum. Histological study of the surgically resected ileum showed severe eosinophilic enteritis and a nematode larva. The morphological features of this larva were identical to those of the type X spirurina larva. Interestingly, the larva that was found existed within a small blood vessel, suggesting that the larva migrans of type X spirurina can take place via vasculature. The patient in the present case did not recall ingesting raw squids prior to the onset of his disease. Hence, this indicates that even if the ingestion of raw firefly squids is uncertain, spirurina infection should be included in the differential diagnosis of acute ileus or eosinophilic enteritis. [source] Fine-needle aspiration cytology of Castleman disease: Case report with review of the literatureDIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 12 2008Majorie Deschênes M.D. Abstract Organs involved by Castleman disease (CD) may be investigated by fine-needle aspiration cytology. No specific cytomorphological criteria are currently described for a definitive diagnosis. The cytological features of three fine-needle aspirations from three different lymph nodes of a patient with histologically confirmed CD of the hyaline-vascular type are herein reported, with a review of the literature. The fine-needle aspirations showed branching capillaries associated with fragments of germinal center. Review of the literature yielded 12 other case reports with over half describing similar findings. Because branching hyalinized small blood vessels penetrating follicular germinal center are characteristic of CD of the hyaline-vascular type on histology, this finding in fine-needle aspirates should raise that diagnostic possibility. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] PNET-like features of synovial sarcoma of the lung: A pitfall in the cytologic diagnosis of soft-tissue tumorsDIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 4 2001Pascale Hummel M.D. Abstract Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology of soft-tissue tumors is evolving. As more experience is gained, we are becoming aware of potential pitfalls. We describe 2 cases of synovial sarcoma of the lung, primary and metastatic, in patients who had FNA biopsy performed on a lung mass. The cytologic smears showed extremely cellular groups of malignant small round cells, intersected by small blood vessels, with numerous loose single cells, in a background of macrophages and mature lymphocytes. The tumors displayed monomorphic cells forming rosettes and displaying occasional mitoses. A diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumor/primitive neuroepithelial tumor (PNET) was suspected. Furthermore, this suspicion was supported by immunohistochemical stains, which showed positivity for a neuroendocrine marker, Leu 7 (case 1), and for a neural marker, CD 99 (O 13 or HBA 71) (both cases); and negativity for cytokeratins (case 1). The resection specimen of case 1 had mostly tightly packed small round cells, with occasional rosettes, similar to the FNA biopsy, and focal areas composed of spindle cells, organized in a focal fibrosarcoma-like and hemangiopericytoma-like pattern. A balanced translocation between chromosomes X and 18, demonstrated by both karyotyping and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), enabled us to make a diagnosis of synovial sarcoma, which was histologically classified as poorly differentiated. Case 2 was a metastatic biphasic synovial sarcoma of the arm, with a prominent epithelial component. Synovial sarcoma, when composed mainly of small round cells on cytologic smears, is a great mimicker of neuroendocrine/PNET tumors, with light microscopic and immunohistochemical overlap. Awareness of this potential pitfall may aid in preventing a misdiagnosis. Its recognition is of major concern, especially for the poorly differentiated variant, because it is associated with a worse prognosis. Diagn. Cytopathol. 24:283,288, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] FRNK, the autonomously expressed C-terminal region of focal adhesion kinase, is uniquely regulated in vascular smooth muscle: Analysis of expression in transgenic miceJOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2005Haruko Hayasaka Abstract FRNK, the autonomously expressed carboxyl-terminal region of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), is expressed in tissues that are rich in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Here we report the generation of transgenic mice harboring the putative FRNK promoter fused to LacZ and examine the promoter activity in situ via expression of ,-galactosidase. The transgenic mice exhibited expression of ,-galactosidase predominantly in arterial VSMCs in large and small blood vessels of major organs. Upregulation of ,-galactosidase activity was observed in tunica media following carotid injury, indicating that the FRNK promoter is activated in VSMCs in response to injury. Robust expression of ,-galactosidase in blood vessels was also detected in the developing embryo. However, expression was also observed in the midline, the nose and skin epidermis, indicating distinct transcriptional regulation of the FRNK promoter in embryogenesis. To analyze FRNK expression in vitro, we identified a 116 bp sequence in the FRNK promoter that was sufficient to function as an enhancer when fused to the minimal actin promoter and expressed in cultured smooth muscle cells. Mutation of AP-1 and NF-E2 binding consensus sequences within this element abrogated enhancer activity, supporting the involvement of this promoter element in VSMC expression of FRNK. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Hobnail hemangiomas (targetoid hemosiderotic hemangiomas) are true lymphangiomasJOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 5 2004Folker E. Franke Background:, Hobnail hemangioma (targetoid hemosiderotic hemangioma) is a small benign vascular tumor of the superficial and mid-dermis. In contrast to its well-characterized histology, it has been unclear whether this tumor arises from blood vessel endothelial cells (BECs) or lymphatic vessel endothelial cells (LECs). Methods:, We analyzed 10 hobnail hemangiomas by immunohistochemistry, using the recently described lymphatic endothelial cell marker, D2-40. For comparison, CD31, CD34, and ,-smooth muscle actin expression were studied in consecutive sections of the paraffin-embedded tissues. Results:, In all analyzed vessels, D2-40 labeled exclusively LECs, whereas BECs were consistently negative. In contrast to capillary BECs, either neighboring the tumors or intermingled, neoplastic endothelial cells of all 10 hobnail hemangiomas were strongly labeled by D2-40. Conclusions:, The results suggest a lymphatic origin for hobnail hemangiomas. This view is further supported by the CD34 negativity of endothelial cells and the lack of actin-labeled pericytes in hobnail hemangiomas, both characteristic of lymphatic vessels. Moreover, our analysis revealed that microshunts between neoplastic lymphatic vascular channels and small blood vessels occur, explaining some features of hobnail hemangiomas, such as aneurysmatic microstructures, erythrocytes within and beneath neoplastic vascular spaces, inflammatory changes, scarring, and interstitial hemosiderin deposits. [source] An update on Behçet's diseaseJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 1 2007A Kalayciyan Abstract Behçet's disease (Adamantiades-Behçet's disease, ABD) is a multisystemic inflammatory disease, the pathogenesis of which is still a mystery. Many questions are still to be answered and the available diverse data need to be brought together to be compared and analysed. There is at least consensus on the effect of possible, but currently unknown, environmental triggering factor(s) against a background of genetic susceptibility. The possible aetiological factors form a broad spectrum, with infectious agents being the most probable ones. Whatever the stimulus is, the target tissue seems to be the small blood vessels, with various consequences of either vasculitis and/or thrombosis in many organ systems. The endothelium seems to be the primary target in this disease; however, it may just be the subject of the bizarre behaviour of the immune system. The diverse existing data could be interpreted in favour of either explanation. A similar confusion exists about the thrombotic tendency in Adamantiades-Behçet's disease, in terms of whether a primary hypercoagulability is present or whether it is secondary to inflammation. Recent interesting immunological data promise a way out of the existing dilemma. These findings will be outlined within the context of possible hypotheses and attention will be paid to further investigations that are needed. [source] Phlebosclerotic colitis coincident with carcinoma in adenomaPATHOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 10 2003Yasuhiko Kimura Phlebosclerosis of the colon is a rare disease characterized by a thickening of the wall of the colon with fibrosis, hy-alinization and calcification to the affected veins. These symptoms result in a type of ischemic colitis known as phlebosclerotic colitis. A case of phlebosclerotic colitis coincident with carcinoma in adenoma is reported. A 74-year-old Japanese woman was admitted to hospital because of a mass in her right lower abdomen. Abdominal computed tomography examination revealed linear calcifications in the wall of the cecum and the ascending colon. Colonoscopy revealed dark purple mucosa with multiple ulcers in the cecum and the ascending colon. Biopsy specimens showed a marked hyalinous thickening of the wall of small blood vessels in the mucosa. Phlebosclerotic colitis was suspected because of negative results with amyloid stain. Alternative ileocolic angiography showed the serpentine of the peripheral nature blood vessels and pooling at the late venous phase. Microscopic examination of the surgically resected colon revealed mucosal and submucosal fibrosis, and a thickening of the venous wall with fibrosis, hyalinization and calcification from the mucosa to the serosa, which caused a marked luminal narrowing. A small polypoid lesion was also found in the affected region and was diagnosed histologically as carcinoma in adenoma. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of phlebosclerotic colitis complicated by carcinoma. [source] Strategic Localization of Toll-like Receptor 4 in the Digestive Tract of Blunt Snout Bream (Megalobrama amblycephala)ANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 6 2009G. Y. Zhang Summary This study was performed to determine the localization strategies of Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) in digestive tract (oesophagus, bulbodium, foregut, midgut and hindgut) of Blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) using immunohistochemical staining method. TLR4 positive cells were observed throughout the digestive tract. In the oesophagus, some positive reactions in lamina propria were found around small blood vessels and there were also some positive cells within the stratified squamous epithelium. Lots of positive cells were observed in the muscular layer of the oesophagus. In bulbodium, foregut and hindgut, the expression of TLR4 was mainly restricted to the apical surface of epithelial cells located at the bottom of the mucosal folds and the mesenchymal cells in lamina propria. It was very interesting that epithelial cells in the midgut, but none in other parts, had many TLR4 positive cytoplasmic granular structures which were also periodic acid Schiff positive. These findings suggested that TLR4 was expressed in a compartmentalized manner in the Blunt snout bream (M. amblycephala) digestive tract and provided novel information about the in vivo localization of pattern recognition receptors. [source] Localization of Hyaluronic Acid in the Seminal Vesicles of the Miniature PigANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 1 2007A. Sakairi Summary We studied the detailed localization of hyaluronic acid in the seminal vesicles of the miniature pig, using hyaluronic acid-binding protein as a specific histochemical probe at the ultrastructural level. According to the results, the basolateral surface of the plasma membrane of the glandular epithelial cells, was found to contain hyaluronan. However, abundantly present was hyaluronan in the subepithelial connective tissue, in particular, in the extracellular matrix surrounding the fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, small blood vessels and capillaries. The substance was also observed in the surface coat of the plasma membrane of the fibroblasts, but not in that of the smooth muscle cells. The findings suggest that hyaluronan in the seminal vesicles of the miniature pig is synthesized onto the surface coat of the plasma membrane of the fibroblasts, is contributed to the extracellular matrix, and consequently concentrates in the subepithelial connective tissue. The substance may particularly be involved in a variety of cellular functions to maintain morphological organization as well as to regulate physiological homeostasis in the reproductive organ of this species, rather than participate in sperm functions. [source] A novel autoantibody recognizing 200-kd and 100-kd proteins is associated with an immune-mediated necrotizing myopathyARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 9 2010Lisa Christopher-Stine Objective Myofiber necrosis without prominent inflammation is a nonspecific finding in patients with dystrophies and toxic or immune-mediated myopathies. However, the etiology of a necrotizing myopathy is often obscure, and the question of which patients would benefit from immunosuppression remains unanswered. The aim of this study was to identify novel autoantibodies in patients with necrotizing myopathy. Methods Muscle biopsy specimens and serum samples were available for 225 patients with myopathy. Antibody specificities were determined by performing immunoprecipitations from 35S-methionine,labeled HeLa cell lysates. Selected biopsy specimens were stained for membrane attack complex, class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC), and endothelial cell marker CD31. Results Muscle biopsy specimens from 38 of 225 patients showed predominantly myofiber necrosis. Twelve of these patients had a known autoantibody association with or other etiology for their myopathy. Sixteen of the remaining 26 sera immunoprecipitated 200-kd and 100-kd proteins; this specificity was observed in only 1 of 187 patients without necrotizing myopathy. Patients with the anti-200/100 autoantibody specificity had proximal weakness (100%), high creatine kinase levels (mean maximum 10,333 IU/liter), and an irritable myopathy on electromyography (88%). Sixty-three percent of these patients had been exposed to statins prior to the onset of weakness. All patients responded to immunosuppressive therapy, and many experienced a relapse of weakness when the medication was tapered. Immunohistochemical studies showed membrane attack complex on small blood vessels in 6 of 8 patients and on the surface of non-necrotic myofibers in 4 of 8 patients. Five of 8 patients had abnormal capillary morphology, and 4 of 8 patients expressed class I MHC on the surface of non-necrotic myofibers. Conclusion An anti,200/100-kd specificity defines a subgroup of patients with necrotizing myopathy who previously were considered to be autoantibody negative. We propose that these patients have an immune-mediated myopathy that is frequently associated with prior statin use and should be treated with immunosuppressive therapy. [source] Decreased lymphatic vessel counts in patients with systemic sclerosis: Association with fingertip ulcersARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 5 2010Alfiya Akhmetshina Objective Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease that is characterized by microvascular disease and tissue fibrosis. Progressive loss and irregular architecture of the small blood vessels are well characterized, but the potential involvement of the lymphatic vessel system has not been analyzed directly in SSc. This study was undertaken to assess whether the lymphatic vascular system is affected in SSc, and whether changes to the lymphatic vessels are associated with dystrophic changes and tissue damage in patients with SSc. Methods Lymphatic endothelial cells in skin biopsy samples from patients with SSc and age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers were identified by staining for podoplanin and prox-1, both of which are specifically expressed in lymphatic endothelial cells but not in blood vascular endothelial cells. CD31 was used as a pan,endothelial cell marker. Statistical analyses were performed using Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and Spearman's rank correlation tests. Results The numbers of podoplanin- and prox-1,positive lymphatic vessels were significantly reduced in patients with SSc as compared with healthy individuals. The number of podoplanin-positive lymphatic precollector vessels was significantly lower in SSc patients with fingertip ulcers than in SSc patients without ulcers. Moreover, the number of lymphatic vessels correlated inversely with the number of fingertip ulcers at the time of biopsy and with the number of fingertip ulcers per year. The inverse correlation between lymphatic precollector vessel counts and fingertip ulcers remained significant after statistical adjustment for the blood vessel count, age, and modified Rodnan skin thickness score. Conclusion These results demonstrate a severe reduction in the number of lymphatic capillaries and lymphatic precollector vessels in patients with SSc. Patients with decreased lymphatic vessel counts may be at particularly high risk of developing fingertip ulcers. [source] Arterial remodelling in Fabry diseaseACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 2002P Boutouyrie Aim: The enzymatic defect in Fabry disease results in the slow systemic deposition of uncleaved glycosphingolipids in the lysosomes of vascular endothelium and smooth muscle cells, leading to ischaemic strokes, cardiomyopathy and renal failure. Whereas it is known that Fabry disease affects small blood vessels, little is known about its effects on peripheral large arteries. We therefore set out to compare parameters of arterial wall structure and function in a cohort of patients with Fabry disease and an age-matched control group. Methods: Large artery phenotype was non-invasively investigated in 21 hemizygous patients with Fabry disease and 24 age-matched male controls. Common carotid and radial artery diameter, intima-media thickness (IMT) and distensibility were determined with high-definition echotracking systems and aplanation tonometry. Results: Patients with Fabry disease had a significant twofold increase in radial artery IMT and distensibility, independent of body surface area, age and mean blood pressure. In both groups, older age at the time of examination was significantly associated with larger radial artery IMT. The relationship between age and radial IMT was 2.3-fold higher in patients with Fabry disease than in controls (p > 0.01). Carotid IMT was mildly but significantly increased in patients with Fabry disease (+18%), whereas distensibility was unchanged. Conclusion: This study presents evidence of a major increase in arterial wall thickness and distensibility, measurable at the site of a medium-sized artery, in a cohort of patients with classic Fabry disease. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||