Current issue
Volume 39, Issue 2, 2025
Online ISSN: 3042-3511
ISSN: 3042-3503
Volume 39 , Issue 2, (2025)
Published: 12.11.2025.
Open Access
All issues
Contents
01.04.2018.
Special Session: Residents Session
Histopathological analysis of the enteric nervous system in children with constipation
Aim: Determination of frequency of patologic findings and types of pathologic findings in enteric nerve plexus (ENP) in colon biopsies in children with impaired bowel motility, specifically chronic constipation. Introduction: Chronic constipation is relatively common in children, and is most often a functional disorder that is responsive to dietary regime treatment. Rarely, some cases require biopsy and histopathologic analysis of ENP. Materials and Methods: Research consists of 299 colon biopsies taken from children with impaired bowel motility. Biopsies were analysed in Institute of pathology, Medical faculty in Belgrade, in the period of time from the year 2008 to 2018. Data analysis included standard methods of descriptive and analytic statistics. Results: Number of analysed biopsies was 588. Biopsies were taken from 184(61,5%) boys and 115(38,5%) girls. Most common referral diagnosis for biopsy was Hirschspung’s disease (HD) (153/299, 51,2%). Pathologic changes in ENP were found in 46,1% of patients (138/299). Histopathologic analysis confirmed clinical suspicion for HD in 48,4%(74/153) of patients. Most frequent pathologic finding secondary to HD were immature ganglion cells (26/299, 8,7%), ectopic position of ganglia in muscle layer of colonic wall (6/299, 2%), and unclassified dysganglioses (5/299, 1,7%). In six patients, cause of constipation was eosinophilic proctitis and/or mienteric ganglionitis. Acetilcholin esterase as diagnositic metod was applied in 29 patients. Immunohistochemical analises were used in 24 patients. Conclusion: HD and immaturity of ganglion cells are by far most frequently diagnosed causes of constipation in colon biopsies in pediatric patients. Eosinophilic proctitis and/or mienteric ganglionitis are rare causes of constipation in children.
Jovan Jevtic, Milica Skender Gazibara, Sanja Sindic Antunovic, Marija Lukac, Dragana Vujevic, Milos Lazic, Radmila Jankovic
01.04.2018.
Special Session: Residents Session
Gaucher disease in association with soft tissue sarcoma: a case report
Introduction: GD is the commonest lysosomal storage disease worldwide. The majority of the patients have Type1 GD which is the non-neuronopathic form of disease. There are data of increased risk of cancer in GD patients, such as: multiple myeloma and other haematological malignancies, hepatocellular carcinoma and renal carcinoma. Factors of cancerogenesis in GD are accumulation of bioactive lipids, alternatively activated macrophages, immune dysregulation, genetic modifiers underlying the GD, splenectomy and enzyme replacement therapy. Extra-osseous soft tissue masses are described in GD patients, like localised deposition od Gaucher macrophages (Gaucheroma). To the best of our knowledge, no other case of extra-osseous soft tissue sarcoma in association with GD has been described in literature. To present very rare case of high grade leiomiosarcoma in association with Gaucher disease (GD). Case report: The case concerns 81 years old female with leucopenia and thrombocytopenia since year 2000. In 2014 she was diagnosed with undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma with prominent inflammation on her thigh, which was not completely surgically removed. She was diagnosed with leucopenia, thrombocytopenia and splenomegaly in 2014 on control examination. Bone marrow biopsy was performed and histologically and immunohistochemically was diagnosed GD. The diagnosis was confirmed by enzyme activity test. In 2018 revision of pathohistological finding of thigh tumour was performed. High grade leiomiosarcoma was diagnosed. She is alive and refuses any treatment. Conclusion: GD is rarely diagnosed in older age. All soft tissue masses in GD should be carefully examined because of increased risk of cancer in GD patients.
Novica Boricic, Tatjana Terzic, Jelena Sopta, Nada Suvajzic-Vukovic
01.04.2018.
Special Session
Diagnostic dilemmas in lymph node biopsies
Pathologists often have a dilemma is a lymph node biopsy reactive or corresponds to a lymphoproliferative or other malignant disease. In everyday routine work, we rely on morphologic criteria and immunohistochemical analyzes. In better-equipped labs additional cytogenetic and molecular methods are used if morphology and immunohistochemical analyzes are not sufficient for getting correct diagnoses. It is important to know clinical presentation and the opinion of a clinician who runs the case. In reactive lymph nodes general morphology is mostly preserved. Distribution of B and T cells, histiocytes, dendritic cells and proliferation is adequate. Foreign cells are not present. Ways of reaction in lymph nodes are follicular hyperplasia, paracortical expansion, sinus histiocytosis and granuloma formation. If metastases are present, most often from carcinomas and melanomas, the initial deposits are usually sub capsular or less often in sinuses. One should be careful to differentiate sinus histiocytes and metastatic tumor cells, what can easily be verified by immunohistochemical stains.If it is a lymphoma, one should decide is it a Hodgkin or a non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In non-Hodgkin lymphomas, one should decide between small cell and large cell lymphomas. In non-Hodgkin lymphomas, tumor cells are dominant and background inflammation is scant and mostly consisted of small T cells and rare histiocytes. In T cell lymphomas background inflammation can be quite various. In Hodgkin lymphomas background inflammation most often is various and almost always outnumbers tumor cells. Tumor cells are large, with lobulated or multiple nuclei and conspicuous nucleoli. The immunophenotype is usually clearly different from non-Hodgkin lymphomas. The differentiation of small cell and large cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas is easily made by comparing cell sizes. If tumor cell size is closer to size of histiocytes or endothelium it is a large cell lymphoma, but if it SPECIJALNA SESIJA: KATEDRA ZA PATOLOGIJU MEDICINSKOG FAKULTETA, UNIVERZITETA NOVI SAD, SRBIJA 31 MATERIA MEDICA • Vol. 34 • Issue 1, suplement 1 • april 2018. is closer to small lymphocytes and red blood cells it is a small cell lymphoma. Differentiation of small cell lymphomas is based on morphology, distribution of cells and on immunophenotype. Differentiation of large cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas requires immunohistochemical analyzes because morphology is often very similar among entities. Correct diagnosis is important due to application of optimal therapy and reaching the best prognosis for the patient.
Zoran Nikin
01.04.2018.
Poster session
Analysis of immunohistochemical expression of Connexin-43 in lung carcinoma
Aim: To investigate immunohistochemical expression and the localization of connexin-43 (Cx-43) in primary lung cancer and its metastases. Introduction: Connexins are transmembrane proteins forming gap junctions that allow intercellular communication. Significance of gap junctions and connexins in lung cancer are not clear enough. Material and Methods: We analyzed autopsy samples of primary and metastatic lung carcinoma from Institute of Pathology in Belgrade. There were 11 primary lung carcinomas, 7 lung cancer metastases in lymph nodes, and 12 haematogenic metastases. We performed immunohistochemical staining for connexin-43 (Cx43) and measured expression (percentage of positive cells and intensity of staining) and localization of Cx43 in primary tumor and its metastases. Results: Lymphatic and hematogenous metastases of lung cancer showed a stronger expression of connexin-43 than primary tumor itself. Unlike 9% of primary carcinoma, 28% of lymphatic metastases and 50% of hematogenous metastases had expression of connexins in more than 50% of tumor cells (p=0.11). The intensity of connexin-43 expression was statistically significantly less in primary lung cancer than in all the metastases together(p=0.04). The expression of this marker was different in different histological types, where small cell carcinoma rarely expressed connexin, while the squamous carcinoma was mostly positive to immunohistochemical staining on Cx43. Dominant localization of expression was the combined cytoplasmic-membranous. Conclusion: Our results showed that lung cancer expresses connexin-43 mostly in cytoplasm as well as on the cell membrane. Further research on a larger sample is required to establish whether Cx-43 could be used as a prognostic biomarker in lung cancer.
Ivana Savic, Petar Milovanovic
01.04.2018.
Poster session
Activity of the Parathyroid Glands in Patients with Hyperparathyroidism: An immunohistochemical analysis
Aim: Determining the immunohistochemical characteristic of parathyroid glands (PG) proliferative activity in patients with primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) using cell cycle and proliferation immunohistochemical markers, Ki -67 and PCNA. Introduction: A few studies results have shown A few studies results have shown significant detection of Ki-67 in hyperplasia due to secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT), whereas it s demonstrated only in adenomas in primary HPT (pHPT). The highest PCNA expression is detected in hyperplastic PG in sHPT and in adenoma in pHTP, but in pHTP hyperplasia it s extremely low. Material and Methods: We analyzed the surgically removed PG of 96 patients with HPT. In POSTER SESIJA 64 MATERIA MEDICA • Vol. 34 • Issue 1, suplement 1 • april 2018. addition to standard histopathological parameters the results of immunohistochemical reaction of Ki-67 and PCNA in 23 normal, 73 hyperplastic PG and 23 adenoma were analyzed. Results: 41 (42.7%) patients had pHPT, and 55 (57.3%) sHPT. Within pHPT adenoma was diagnosed in 23 (56.1%) patients and hyperplasia in 18 (43.9%). Detection of PCNA was 94.4% in pHPT hyperplasia, 91% in sHPT hyperplasia, and 83% in adenoma. 22 (98%) of the normal PG didn t have PCNA expression. The expression of Ki-67 was found in 13 (56.5%) adenomas and in 11 (18.3%) nodular hyperplasia. The high statistical significance for Ki-67 (p <0.0001) was found between adenoma and pHPT and sHPT. Conclusion: The results of our analysis showed high Ki-67 and PCNA expression in parathyroid adenomas. Increased Ki-67 expression corresponds with increased cellular proliferation and contributes to tumorigenesis in many organs, but doesn t distinguish accurately benign from malignant PG tumors.
Snezana Cerovic, Bozidar Kovacevic, Sanja Dugonjic, Milena Jovic, Jelena Dzambas
01.04.2018.
Poster session
Metastasis of gastric signet ring cell carcinoma to the ureter
Aim: We present an interesting case of unexpected metastatic deposit “signet ring cell” of the gastric cancer in the ureter. Introduction: Ureteral obstruction caused by gastric cancer may occur by any of the following three mechanisms: direct extension from the primary site, peritoneal deposit or lymph node metastasis. Material and Methods: We report the case of a patient with ureteral metastasis as the first and sole manifestation of gastric cancer dissemination two years after he was first diagnosed with gastric cancer. Results: A 52-year old male patient was admitted to the Department of Urology, Clinical Hospital Centre Zvezdara in Belgrade, with a 5-day history of right colic flank pain and high temperature. He had a partial gastrectomy for gastric cancer two years ago and received 8 cycles of chemotherapy. Routine blood test results were normal except elevated creatinine and C-reactive protein levels. An abdominal ultrasound examination and computed tomography revealed grade 3 hydronephrosis and hydroureter. Cystoscopy indicated a tumor measuring 2 cm in size which involved left ureteral orifice. A left nephroureterectomy and transurethral resection of bladder tumor were performed. Histopathological examination of surgical POSTER SESIJA 65 MATERIA MEDICA • Vol. 34 • Issue 1, suplement 1 • april 2018. specimen revealed signet ring cell carcinoma infiltrating lamina propria and tunica muscularis of the left lower ureter. Histopathological examination of the bladder specimen revealed signet ring cell carcinoma identical to those of the ureteral tumor. Conclusion: Ureteral metastases from gastric cancer are extremely rare. Shimoyama reviewed 27 cases of the true ureteral metastasis from gastric cancer. The prognosis is generally poor and the survival for more than 2 years has not been reported in literature.
Marija Milic Perovic, Aleksandra Paunovic Markovic, Nata a Djurdjevic, Marija Cubrilo, Jelena Kuzmanovic, Jovan Juloski, Lidija Vuckovic Hardi
01.04.2018.
Abstracts
Vulvar Paget disease and Fish tank granuloma -diagnostic challenge
The skin is the largest organ in our body.Receiving information from the environment allows the role barrier between the human organism and the environment. The histological structure of the skin is variable depending on the part of the organism. The diseases of skin also vary depending on the region. The reason is the local immune status and the external physical, chemical and microbiological environment. The histopathological diagnosis of skin lesions request detailed clinical information. On the other side the histopathological diagnosis of skin lesions provides information on local disease , as well as potential other associated pathological conditions.˝ Extramammary Paget‘s vulvar disease is rare. The pathology of the skin of the vulva is specific both for specific localization, as well as for specific friction and microbiological flora. It is clinically presented as erythematosus or eczematous lesion. It can be local or extensive. Histopathologically, it is characterized by relatively large glandular atypical Paget cells, which are pathognomonic for this disease. These cells have abundant cytoplasm that is granular or vacuolated. Tumor cells are typically localized individually or in groups in the basal and parabasal layers. Immunochemical analyzes are necessary in the diagnosis of Paget‘s disease. The main reason is that Paget‘s disease can be a primary skin disease or associated with non-cutaneous carcinoma primarily of the urothelial or rectal carcinoma . Therefore, it is necessary to recommend that a detailed clinical trial of a patient be conducted in all diagnosed cases of vulvar Paget‘s disease. Mycobacterium marinum is etiological factor of Fish tank granuloma.This Mycobacterium more often causes diseases of fish, both marine and river fish. The humans become infected with Mycobacterium marinuim after contact with skin after micro/trauma Infection is usually localized to the skin.In immunocompromised patients the infection may disseminate or spread to the subcutis and bone. After incubation of few weeks after infection the lesion appear as solitary nodules or plaques.In some cases the disease progresses like suppurative ulcers. Histopathologically there is a wider range of histopathological presentations. Most often you can see abscess, necrosis of wheat and fatty tissue. However, granuloma inflammation is a key morphological substrate. After granuloma inflammation, fibrosis occurs. Since the microscopic image may be somewhat non-specific, clinical data are of great importance for the diagnosis. Multidisciplinarity in the final diagnosis includes microbiological confirmation of the presence of Mycobacterium marinum.
Biserka Vukomanovic-Djurdjevic
01.04.2018.
Abstracts
Diagnostic challenges in pulmonary pathology: between morphology and immunohistochemistry
Aim: The aim of this paper is to point out the importance and the role of immunohistochemistry in diagnosing rare benign epithelial tumours of the lung and a very similar malignant tumour of well-differentiated lepidic adenocarcinoma. Introduction: In pulmonary pathology diagnostic dilemmas are frequent. One of the most complex challenges is to differentiate between benign tumours of pneumocytes and other forms of similar tumours. In particular, it is difficult to differentiate between the tumours of the same or similar histogenetic origin and morphological characteristics. However, dilemmas can also be related to whether a tumour has benign or malignant potential. In order to be able to have proper diagnostics, we need to have a detailed insight in the morphological and immunohistochemical features of these tumours. One of the best KRATKI KURSEVI APSTRAKTI 85 MATERIA MEDICA • Vol. 34 • Issue 1, suplement 1 • april 2018. examples of this are two very rare and morphologically very similar benign epithelial tumours: sclerosing pneumocytoma (according to the 2015 World Health Organisation Classification of Lung Tumours; new terms changed or entities added since 2004; the 2004 World Health Organisation Classification called it sclerosing haemangioma)1 and alveolar adenoma on the one hand; and well-differentiated lepidic adenocarcinoma on the other hand. These are most often cited as the most problematic in terms of their differential diagnostics. When it comes to first two tumours, as it can be concluded from their original names, they were considered to be the tumours of completely different histogenetic origin. However, their immunohistochemical profile and all current data show that they have identical structure and origin. Immunohistochemical diagnostics enabled the demystification of neoplastic processes, as is the case with rare benign tumours of pneumocytes. This diagnostics can also point out the biological potential and help differentiate between benign and malign tumours. Additional dilemma is posed by the fact that sclerosing pneumocytoma may even give metastases into regional lymph nodes, which do not affect disease prognosis 2,3. Histopathological differential diagnosis includes, apart for the above mentioned, other benign epithelial tumors, hemangioma, primary and metastatic carcinoma4. Materials and methods: We analysed two very rare and morphologically very similar benign epithelial tumours, (sclerosing pneumocytoma and alveolar adenoma) and welldifferentiated lepidic adenocarcinoma. It was also performed their immunohistochemical analysis using the following markers: Cytokeratin 7 (CK7), Thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1), Epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), Pan-cytokeratin (CK), Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), FVIII, Ki67 and p53. Results: The first tumour, at the microscopic level, showed sclerosing and haemorrhagic arrangement, with ectatic spaces filled by blood and solid areas and papillary-like formations. Basic cell population was epithelial cells, dominantly with eosinophilic and partially with granular cytoplasm. The nucleus was in the centre, round, without prominent nucleoli and mitoses. Stroma was moderately pronounced and centrally it was denser and composed of bundles of oval and spindle-shaped fibroblasts. Some of the cavities within the tumour had wide, cavernous space, lined with endothelium-like attenuated cells. Mainly in the middle part of the tumour, we could see the areas of hyalinisation of connective tissue. The tumour borders were expansive. The tumour did not infiltrate the pleura. On the final histopathological slides, the second tumour had a microcystic appearance. In central parts there was pale amorphous, homogenous content. Spaces were lined with cylindrical cells containing acidophilic and clear cytoplasm. Stroma was scarcely developed and sometimes with more pronounced parts and composed of groups of elongated spindle-like fibrocytes and fibroblasts. Immunohistochemical analysis of both tumours showed very similar reactivity: Ck7, TTF-1, EMA and CK showed diffuse positivity, k67 showed low proliferation index <1%. Cea in the major part of sclerosing pneumocytoma was negative and focally individual cells had reactivity, while alveolar adenoma was negative in its entirety. P53 and FVIII in both cases showed negative results. After all analyses, the definitive diagnosis of the first tumour is pneumocytoma and for the second one alveolar adenoma. The third tumour showed similar morphology as the previous two. At the microscopic hematoxylin eosin stain, it was dominantly composed of alveolar-adenoid formations. Tumour cells were bulky, cubic or polygonal; foamy, pale acidophilic, with homogenous cytoplasm and hyperchromatic roundish nuclei without prominent nucleoli. The immunohistochemical analysis of the third tumour showed positive reactivity with Ck7, TTF-1, CK, Cea, EMA, k67 proliferation index > 32%, while p53 proliferation index ≥1%, while the FVIII had a negative result. Final diagnosis for this tumour is well-differentiated lepidic adenocarcinoma. Conclusion: Due to almost identical histopathological and immunohistochemical characteristic, there may be a diagnostic dilemma: are these two separate tumours or this is the same tumour. Taking into consideration that sclerosing pneumocytoma give positive epithelial immunohistochemical reaction, their earlier name is wrong. Previous examples are good indicators of how we should adapt the names of tumours to their real nature and this is a good recommendation in terms of how we should organise future classifications. All of the above mentioned points to the fact that with these tumours it is necessary to have immunohistochemical evaluation and that we have to introduce new immunohistochemical predictive and prognostic markers. It is necessary to determine the cut off values for proliferative markers.
Mileta Golubovic, Ljiljana Vuckovic, Filip Vukmirovic
01.12.2017.
Review Article
Möbius syndrome redefined
Moebius syndrome is rare and complex disorder which due to clinical expression poses a great challenge for pediatric anesthesiologist. The most significant problem for anesthesia, due to craniofacial malformations, is difficulties to provide a safe airway. The need for anesthesia is imposed sometime in the age of the newborn and later in childhood because of necessary diagnostic and surgical procedures. We present the case of a two-month old infant with Moebius syndrome, potential anesthetic implications, as well as the safe application of the caudal block as an anesthetics technique for operations of Achilles tendons and correction of congenital deformities of both feet.
Vesna Stevanović, Maja Šujica, Ana Mandraš
01.12.2017.
Review Article
Intensity modulated radiation therapy vs 3D conformal radiotherapy in the radical treatment prostate cancer: Analysis of acute and late toxicity
Implementation of IMRT offers possibility to escalate radiation therapy dose without increased acute and late toxicity. The aim of this study is to compare acute and late genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicity in patients treated with IMRT and 3DCRT technique. This study included 35 patients in study group A treated with IMRT technique, and 35 patients in study group B treated with 3DCRT technique. Patients were selected and referred to radical radiotherapy treatment prostate cancer. Acute genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicity was evaluated during radiotherapy treatment according to recommendation of RTOG group. Late gastrointestinal and genitourinary toxicity was evaluated during regular control exams after radical radiotherapy treatment for six months. Based on the results χ2 test there was no statistical significant difference (p>0,05) between study group A i B in terms of acute gastrointestinal and genitourinary despite escalated radiotherapy dose in study group B treated with IMRT technique. Based on the results χ2 test there was no statistical significant difference (p>0, 05) between study group A i B in terms of late gastrointestinal and genitourinary toxicity. Intensity modulated radiation therapy is optimal technique in the radical treatment prostate cancer. This technique allows clinical benefit compared with 3D conformal radiotherapy-escalation of radiotherapy dose without increased toxicity in patients treated with IMRT technique.
Slavica Marić, Ljiljana Tadić-Latinović, Branislava Jakovljević, Milan Žigić, Pavle Banović, Aleksandar Kostovski, Goran Kolarević