Aim: The aim of our study was to evaluate status of estrogen and progesteron hormone receptors (ER and PR), and HER2 receptors in diagnostic core biopsy specimens, compared to surgical resection specimens of the same patients after NAC regimens all including trastuzumab. Introduction: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is associated with phenotypic alteration in breast carcinoma, especially with the change of molecular phenotype through the modulation of hormone and HER2 receptors expression. Material and Methods: The study included 35 patients with HER2-amplified locally advanced breast carcinoma that were treated with NAC regimens that included trastuzumab, and which had receptors status determined on pre-NAC core biopsy, and on surgical specimen after the completion of the therapy. Results: Pathological complete response (pCR) was observed in 4 cases (11.4%), while partial response to therapy was noted in 31 cases (88.6%). Invasive breast carcinoma of no special type (NST) was the most common histological type in 27 cases (87.1%), while the most common histological grade (HG) was HG3 in 27 cases (87.1%). There were no noted changes in histological type or grade of the carcinoma. The rates of ER and PR receptors positivity on diagnostic core biopsy compared to post-NAC surgical resection specimens were 61.29% to 67.74% and 48.39% to 64,52%, respectively. HER2 receptors status changed from positive to negative in 2 cases (6,45%). Conclusion: Changes in status of the receptors in breast carcinoma after NAC is significant due to implications in tailored therapy approach, and subsequent modification of adjuvant therapy regimens.

Aim: We present a case of a patient with pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema as the first manifestation of miliary tuberculosis. Introduction: Miliary tuberculosis is the result of hematogenous dissemination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in patients with weak immuno-defensive mechanisms. Pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema are possible complications of miliary tuberculosis. Case report: A woman aged 64 years old reported to the regional institution because of breathing difficulties. On the radiograph of the chest, pneumothorax was observed left, and the left thoracic drain was placed. Subcutaneous emphysema and global respiratory insufficiency were reported an hour later after which the patient was transferred to our facility. At the admission the patient was in poor general condition, intubated, hemodynamically unstable, markers of inflammation were elevated with the presence of electrolyte imbalance and severe anemia. On the chest radiogram, there was recorded: pneumothorax left, pneumonia right and generalized subcutaneous emphysema, and thoracal drain that was placed. Intensive therapy had improved the condition of the patient, after which she was extubated. Progression of respiratory insufficiency and lethal outcome occurred on the second day of admission. An autopsy was performed. A macroscopic examination and pathohistological analysis found: massive subcutaneous emphysema in the chest, well-placed thoracal drain, bilateral pleural effusion, bilateral acute tuberculous caverns in the lungs and necrotizing granulomas in: the lungs, liver, spleen and larynx which have led to asphyxiation and aviation outcome. Conclusion: In poorly-fed patients with the development of pneumothorax, subcutaneous emphysema and severe respiratory disorders, it is necessary to suspect tuberculosis.