ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the morphological and functional characteristics of primary macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PMAH) nodules carrying or not carrying ARMC5 mutations and the consequences of the presence of mutations in terms of the pattern of macronodule composition and functional state. Subjects and methods The analyses were performed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, microdissection of spongiocyte tissue and RT-qPCR of histological sections from 16 patients diagnosed with PMAH with germline (5) or germline/somatic mutations (5) and without mutations (6) in the ARMC5 gene. Results Hyperplastic nodules were predominantly composed of spongiocytes in mutated and nonmutated sections. ARMC5 mRNA expression in spongiocytes was higher in ARMC5-mutated nodules than in ARMC5-nonmutated nodules, and homogenous ARMC5 protein distribution was observed. The presence of arginine-vasopressin receptor (AVP1AR) and ectopic ACTH production were observed in both cell populations regardless of ARMC5 mutations; the numbers of serotonin receptor (5HT4R)- and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells were higher in macronodules carrying ARMC5 mutations than in those without mutations. Conclusions Our results suggest that the presence of ARMC5 mutations does not interfere with the pattern of distribution of spongiocytes and compact cells or with the presence of AVP1AR, gastric-inhibitory polypeptide receptor (GIPR) and ectopic ACTH. Nevertheless, the higher numbers of PCNA-positive cells in mutated nodules than in nonmutated nodules suggest that mutated ARMC5 can be related to higher proliferation rates in these cells. In conclusion, our results provide more information about the crosstalk among abnormal GPCRs, ectopic ACTH in steroidogenesis and the ARMC5 gene, which may be relevant in understanding the pathogenesis and diagnosis of patients with PMAH.

Abstract Background: Secondary myeloid neoplasms comprise a group of diseases arising after chemotherapy, radiation, immunosuppressive therapy or from aplastic anemia. Few studies have addressed prognostic factors in these neoplasms. Method: Forty-two patients diagnosed from 1987 to 2008 with secondary myeloid neoplasms were retrospectively evaluated concerning clinical, biochemical, peripheral blood, bone marrow aspirate, biopsy, and immunohistochemistry and cytogenetic features at diagnosis as prognostic factors. The International Prognostic Scoring System was applied. Statistical analysis employed the Kaplan–Meier method, log-rank and Fisher's exact test. Results: Twenty-three patients (54.8%) were male and the median age was 53.5 years (range: 4–88 years) at diagnosis of secondary myeloid neoplasms. Previous diseases included hematologic malignancies, solid tumors, aplastic anemia, autoimmune diseases and conditions requiring solid organ transplantations. One third of patients (33%) were submitted to chemotherapy alone, 2% to radiotherapy, 26% to both modalities and 28% to immunosuppressive agents. Five patients (11.9%) had undergone autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The median latency between the primary disease and secondary myeloid neoplasms was 85 months (range: 23–221 months). Eight patients were submitted to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to treat secondary myeloid neoplasms. Important changes in bone marrow were detected mainly by biopsy, immunohistochemistry and cytogenetics. The presence of clusters of CD117+ cells and p53+ cells were associated with low survival. p53 was associated to a higher risk according to the International Prognostic Scoring System. High prevalence of clonal abnormalities (84.3%) and thrombocytopenia (78.6%) were independent factors for poor survival. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that cytogenetics, bone marrow biopsy and immunohistochemistry are very important prognostic tools in secondary myeloid neoplasms.

A doença de Castleman (DC) é uma desordem linfoproliferativa policlonal, também conhecida como hiperplasia nodular gigante ou hiperplasia angiofolicular linfoide. Esta é uma doença rara que está frequentemente associada ao vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) e ao herpes vírus 8 (HHV-8). Os achados histopatológicos encontrados na DC sugerem uma intensa resposta aos estímulos antigênicos observada em várias doenças associadas com ativação imune, como a artrite reumatoide. Um fator importante implicado na patogênese da DC é a produção autônoma da interleucina-6 (IL-6). Nessa doença, as manifestações clínicas estão relacionadas aos níveis de IL-6, e a remoção cirúrgica dos linfonodos acometidos ou a utilização de anticorpos anti-IL-6 fazem regredir os sintomas. Descrevemos um caso da DC multicêntrica em uma mulher jovem, não associada à infecção pelo vírus HHV-8 ou à imunossupressão. Uma breve revisão da literatura se segue à descrição do caso clínico.

Castleman's disease (CD) is a polyclonal lymphoproliferative disorder also known as giant nodular hyperplasia or angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia. It is a rare disease often associated to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8). Histopathological findings in Castleman's disease suggest an exaggerated response to antigenic stimuli seen in other diseases associated with immune activation, such as rheumatoid arthritis. An important aspect of its pathogenesis is the autonomous production of interleukin-6 (IL-6). In this disease, the clinical manifestations are associated to IL-6 serum levels, and surgical removal of the compromised lymph nodes or use of anti-IL-6 antibodies can slow down the symptoms. We describe a multicentric Castleman's disease in a young woman not associated to HHV-8 virus infection or immunosuppression. A short review of the literature follows the description of this clinical case.

A Classificação da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) para os tumores do tecido hematopoético e linfoide (4ª edição, 2008)¹ representa uma atualização da 3ª edição, 2001². Apresentamos a seguir um resumo dessas alterações nos grupos das doenças mieloproliferativas, mileodisplásicas, leucemias mieloides agudas, neoplasias de células precursoras B e T, e neoplasias de células B, T e NK maduras. O entendimento das alterações genético-moleculares e os resultados alcançados com propostas terapêuticas inovadoras nesses grupos de doenças demandam constante reavaliação de sua classificação, justificando as alterações importantes aqui discutidas1,3-5.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of tumors of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues (4th edition, 2008)¹ presents an updated version of the 3rd edition published in 2001². A summary of these changes relates to the groups of chronic myeloproliferative disorders, myelodisplasia, acute myeloid leukemias, neoplasms of precursor B and T cells and neoplasms derived of mature B, T and NK cells. A better understanding of molecular genetic changes and results achieved with innovative therapeutic approaches in these groups of diseases requires constant reassessment of the classifications, supporting the major changes discussed here, including interesting comments from literature1, 3-5.

O Tumor de Células Gigantes (TGC), é um tumor benigno, com ocorrência de recidiva em cerca de 20-34% dos casos. A localização habitual é na epífise dos ossos longos. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar um caso de TGC em vértebra, com diagnóstico inicial de Cisto Ósseo Aneurismático (COA), e discutir os diagnósticos diferenciais possíveis, correlacionando-os com as características dos exames de imagens. Paciente com 37 anos, do sexo feminino, com quadro clínico de dor na coluna e paraparesia há 2 meses. O diagnóstico inicial foi de COA. Na radiografia a lesão era lítica, com, erosão e destruição da cortical..A tomografia e ressonância evidenciavam lesão cística e hemorrágica, com extensão para partes moles. A revisão das lâminas e análise do espécime cirúrgico ressecado, submetido à coloração HE e imunoistoquímica com marcador para p53, permitiram o diagnóstico de TGC. Muitas lesões, benignas apresentam células gigantes multinucleadas. Os exames de imagem nem sempre permitem um diagnóstico conclusivo. O diagnóstico definitivo de TGC depende do exame anatomopatológico, com avaliação cuidadosa do componente estromal e a imunoexpressão positiva para a proteína p53. O tratamento é a ressecção cirúrgica, com margens amplas seguida por instrumentação nos casos de tumor localizados na coluna vertebral.

Giant Cell Tumor (GCT) is a benign tumor, with a recurrence rate of about 20% - 34% of the cases. It is usually located at long bone epiphysis. The objective of this study is to report a GCT case in a vertebra, which was early diagnosed as Aneurysmal Bone Cyst (ABC), and to discuss potential differential diagnosis, correlating them to patterns shown on imaging tests. This patient is a 37 year-old female, with clinical picture of pain in spine and paraparesis that started two months earlier. An early diagnosis of ACB was delivered. At X-ray, the injury was lithic, with erosion and cortical destruction. Tomography and resonance showed a cystic and hemorrhagic injury, extending to soft parts. Slides review and the analysis of dried surgical matter submitted to HE and immunohistochemical staining with p53 marker allowed for GCT diagnosis. Many benign lesions present with multi-nucleated giant cells. Imaging tests not always enable a conclusive diagnosis. A definite GCT diagnosis depends on anatomicopathological test, with careful evaluation of the stromal component and positive immunoexpression for p53 protein. Treatment is delivered as surgical resection, with wide margins, followed by instrumentation in cases of tumors located at spine.