The inability to access brain tissue has greatly hindered our ability to study and care for individuals suffering from psychiatric and neurological conditions.Critics have questioned efforts to develop peripheral bloo...The inability to access brain tissue has greatly hindered our ability to study and care for individuals suffering from psychiatric and neurological conditions.Critics have questioned efforts to develop peripheral blood biomarkers in neurological and psychiatric disorders based on the assertion that disease pathology is limited to the brain.The discovery that all tissues,including the brain,release extracellular vesicles(Raposo and Stoorvogel,2013)and cell free DNAs(Chan et al.,2013)into various body fluids has provided a potential way to measure activity from inaccessible tissues like the central nervous system(CNS)and has given rise to the term“liquid biopsy.”The development of liquid biopsies that can diagnose and predict the course of psychiatric and neurological disorders would be transformative.The ability to predict episodic events such as mania,depression,and risk for suicide would be particularly useful for psychiatric care as it would enable the development of interventions that prevent mortality and improve outcomes.Additionally,biomarkers that are informative about drug response and aid in treatment decisions would be a significant advance in psychiatric care as it would prevent patients from having to endure multiple courses of ineffective treatments and side effects.展开更多
We propose a strategy to reduce unnecessary prostate biopsies in Chinese patients with total prostate-specific antigen(tPSA)>10 ng ml−1 and Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System(PI-RADS)scores between 1 and 3....We propose a strategy to reduce unnecessary prostate biopsies in Chinese patients with total prostate-specific antigen(tPSA)>10 ng ml−1 and Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System(PI-RADS)scores between 1 and 3.Clinical data derived from 517 patients of The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC(Hefei,China)from January 2020 to December 2023 who met the screening criteria for the study were retrospectively collected.Independent predictors were identified via univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.The diagnostic capacity of clinical variables was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves and area under the curve(AUC).A prostate biopsy strategy was developed via risk stratification.Of the 517 patients,17/348(4.9%)with PI-RADS 1–2 were diagnosed with clinically significant prostate cancer(csPCa),and 27/169(16.0%)patients with PI-RADS 3 were diagnosed with csPCa.The appropriate prostate-specific antigen density(PSAD)cut-off values were 0.45 ng ml−2 for PI-RADS 1–2 patients and 0.3 ng ml−2 for PI-RADS 3 patients.The appropriate prostate volume(PV)cut-off values were 40 ml for PI-RADS 1–2 patients and 50 ml for PI-RADS 3 patients.The prostate biopsy strategy based on PSAD and PV developed in this study can reduce unnecessary prostate biopsies in patients with tPSA>10 ng ml−1 and PI-RADS 1–3.In the study,66.5%(344/517)patients did not need to undergo prostate biopsy,at the expense of missing only 1.7%(6/344)patients with csPCa.展开更多
To evaluate the effectiveness of PSA density in distinguishing between benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer in patients with intermediate PSA levels (4 - 10 ng/ml) and to reduce unnecessary biopsies....To evaluate the effectiveness of PSA density in distinguishing between benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer in patients with intermediate PSA levels (4 - 10 ng/ml) and to reduce unnecessary biopsies. Patients and Methods: 90 patients with PSA levels in the “Gray Zone” PSA (4 - 10 ng/ml) were included. Prostate volumes were estimated using transrectal ultrasonography. Serum PSA levels were measured using an enzyme immunoassay. PSA density was calculated and compared with histopathological results. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, t-test, and Contingency Coefficient test. Results: A PSA density cutoff of 0.15 ng/ml/cm3 was used for prostate cancer detection. Mean PSA density for BPH patients: 0.0844 ng/ml/cm3. Mean PSA density for prostate cancer patients: 0.172 ng/ml/cm3. Sensitivity: 92.3%, Specificity: 93.5%, Positive Predictive Value: 70.5%, Accuracy: 93.3%. PSA density significantly reduced unnecessary biopsies (p Conclusions: PSA density can be effective in reducing unnecessary biopsies in patients with intermediate PSA levels, particularly those with organ-confined prostate cancer who are candidates for radical treatment.展开更多
We aim to evaluate prostate health index as an additional risk-stratification tool in patients with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score 3 lesions on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging.Men with bio...We aim to evaluate prostate health index as an additional risk-stratification tool in patients with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score 3 lesions on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging.Men with biochemical or clinical suspicion of having prostate cancer who underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in two tertiary centers(Queen Mary Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital,Hong Kong,China)between January 2017 and June 2022 were included.Ultrasound-magnetic resonance imaging fusion biopsies were performed after prostate health index testing.Those who only had Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score 3 lesions were further stratified into four prostate health index risk groups and the cancer detection rates were analyzed.Out of the 747 patients,47.3%had Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score 3 lesions only.The detection rate of clinically significant prostate cancer in this group was 15.0%.The cancer detection rates of clinically significant prostate cancer had statistically significant differences:5.3%in prostate health index<25.0,7.4%in prostate health index 25.0-34.9,17.9%in prostate health index 35.0-54.9,and 52.6%in prostate health index≥55.0(P<0.01).Among the patients,26.9%could have avoided a biopsy with a prostate health index<25.0,at the expense of a 5.3%risk of missing clinically significant prostate cancer.Prostate health index could be used as an additional risk stratification tool for patients with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score 3 lesions.Biopsies could be avoided in patients with low prostate health index,with a small risk of missing clinically significant prostate cancer.展开更多
We aimed to determine short-term patient-reported outcomes in men having general anesthetic transperineal （TP） prostate biopsies. A prospective cohort study was performed in men having a diagnostic TP biopsy. This w...We aimed to determine short-term patient-reported outcomes in men having general anesthetic transperineal （TP） prostate biopsies. A prospective cohort study was performed in men having a diagnostic TP biopsy. This was done using a validated and adapted questionnaire immediately post-biopsy and at follow-up of between 7 and 14 days across three tertiary referral hospitals with a response rate of 51.6%. Immediately after biopsy 43/201 （21.4%） of men felt light-headed, syncopal, or suffered syncope. Fifty-three percent of men felt discomfort after biopsy （with 95% scoring 〈5 in a 0-10 scale）. Twelve out of 196 men （6.1%） felt pain immediately after the procedure. Despite a high incidence of symptoms （e.g., up to 75% had some hematuria, 47% suffered some pain）, it was not a moderate or serious problem for most, apart from hemoejaculate which 31 men suffered. Eleven men needed catheterization （5.5%）. There were no inpatient admissions due to complications （hematuria, sepsis）. On repeat questioning at a later time point, only 25/199 （12.6%） of men said repeat biopsy would be a significant problem despite a significant and marked reduction in erectile function after the procedure. From this study, we conclude that TP biopsy is well tolerated with similar side effect profiles and attitudes of men to repeat biopsy to men having TRUS biopsies. These data allow informed counseling of men prior to TP biopsy and a benchmark for tolerability with local anesthetic TP biopsies being developed for clinical use.展开更多
Seminal vesicle （SV） amyloidosis is a well-documented histological entity, but it is observed infrequently. Its incidence is on the rise, which is probably related to the increasing use of prostate biopsies to inves...Seminal vesicle （SV） amyloidosis is a well-documented histological entity, but it is observed infrequently. Its incidence is on the rise, which is probably related to the increasing use of prostate biopsies to investigate patients with elevated serum prostate-specific antigen levels. Here, we report seven cases of incidental SV amyloidosis over a 3-year period and consider their relationship to the previously suggested aetiological factors. Based on our series, we conclude that incidental localized SV amyloidosis observed in diagnostic prostate biopsies does not warrant formal investigations for systemic amyloidosis.展开更多
Lack of investment for magnetic resonance(MR)fusion systems is an obstacle to deliver targeted prostate biopsies within the prostate cancer diagnostic pathway.We developed a coordinate-based method to support cognitiv...Lack of investment for magnetic resonance(MR)fusion systems is an obstacle to deliver targeted prostate biopsies within the prostate cancer diagnostic pathway.We developed a coordinate-based method to support cognitive targeted prostate biopsies and then performed an audit on cancer detection and the location of lesions.In each patient,the prostate is considered as two separate hemiprostates,and each hemiprostate is divided into 4×4×4 units.Each unit is therefore defined by a three-dimensional coordinate.We prospectively applied our coordinates approach to target 106 prostatic lesions in 93 men.Among 45(of 106;42.5%)lesions positive for cancer,27 lesions(60.0%)harbored clinically significant disease.PSA density was significantly higher in patients with proven cancer(median:0.264 ng ml^(-2))when compared to the noncancer group(median:0.145 ng ml-2;P=0.003,Wilcoxon ranksum test).Lesions with Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System(PIRADS)score of 5 were found to have a cancer incidence of 65.2%,while PI RADS 4 and 3 lesions have a lower risk of cancer detection,as expected,at 37.3%and 31.3%,respectively.The probability of a lesion being cancerous in our series significantly decreases as we go from the“apex-to-base”dimension(odds ratio[OR]:2.62,95%confidence interval[Cl]:1.55-4.44,P=0.00034).Our analysis also indicates that the probability of cancer decreases as the prostate volume increases(OR:1.03,95%Cl:1.01-1.05,P=0.00327).Based on this feasibility study,the use of coordinates to guide cognitive targeted prostate biopsies warrants future validation study in additional centers.展开更多
Fine-needle aspiration(FNA) cytology is an important diagnostic tool in patients with thyroid lesions.Several systems have been proposed for the cyropathologic diagnosis of the thyroid nodules.However cases with indet...Fine-needle aspiration(FNA) cytology is an important diagnostic tool in patients with thyroid lesions.Several systems have been proposed for the cyropathologic diagnosis of the thyroid nodules.However cases with indeterminate cytological findings still remain a matter of debate.In this review we analyze all literature regarding Thyroid Cytopathology Reporting systems trying to identify the most suitable methodology to use in clinical practice for the preoperative diagnosis of thyroid nodules.A review of the English literature was conducted,and data were analyzed and summarized and integrated from the authors' perspective.The main purpose of thyroid FNA is to identify patients with higher risk for malignancy,and to prevent unnecessary surgeries for benign conditions.The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology is the most widely used system for the diagnosis of thyroid FNA specimens.This system also contains guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of indeterminate or suspicious for malignancy cases.In conclusion,patients who require repeated FNAs for indeterminate diagnoses will be resolved by repeat FNA in a percentage of 72%-80%.展开更多
AIM: To assess the diagnostic yield and safety of adeep and large biopsy technique under the guidance of endoscopic ultrasound(EUS) for diagnosis of gastric infiltrating tumors with negative malignant endoscopy biopsi...AIM: To assess the diagnostic yield and safety of adeep and large biopsy technique under the guidance of endoscopic ultrasound(EUS) for diagnosis of gastric infiltrating tumors with negative malignant endoscopy biopsies.METHODS: From January 2009 to March 2014, 36 patients in whom gastric infiltrating tumors had been diagnosed by EUS received negative results for malignancy after endoscopic biopsies. The deep and large biopsy technique combined bite-on-bite technique with or without endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR) to obtain submucosal tissue from lesions. EUS was used to select the appropriate biopsy sites. If the lesion protruded into the cavity, EMR was performed for removal of the overlying mucosa and then bite-onbite technique was conducted in the resected area to obtain submucosal tissue. If the lesion appeared to be flat or was difficult to lift by injection, the bite-on-bite technique was directly used.RESULTS: Twenty-eight of the 36 patients were treated by EMR followed by bite-on-bite technique, while 8 patients only underwent bite-on-bite technique. Histological results showed 23 of the 36 lesions were poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas, 2 diffuse large B cell lymphomas, 4 mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue-type lymphomas, and 7 undiagnosed. The deep and large biopsy technique provided a definitive and conclusive diagnosis in 29(80.6%) of the 36 patients. The 12 gastric linitis plastica and 6 lymphoma patients received chemotherapy and avoided surgery. Minor oozing of blood in 2 mucosal resection wounds was managed by argon plasma coagulation and in 5 cases after deep biopsies by epinephrine(0.001%). Neither severe hemorrhage nor perforation occurred in any patient.CONCLUSION: The deep and large biopsy technique is superior to ordinary endoscopic biopsy for achieving an accurate diagnosis of gastric infiltrating tumors.This procedure guided by EUS is an effective and safe diagnostic method for gastric infiltrating tumors in which endoscopic biopsy results were negative for malignancy.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the progression of hepatic histopathology in serial liver biopsies from Wilson disease(WD)patients.METHODS:We report a group of 12 WD patients treated with zinc and/or penicillamine who underwent mu...AIM:To investigate the progression of hepatic histopathology in serial liver biopsies from Wilson disease(WD)patients.METHODS:We report a group of 12 WD patients treated with zinc and/or penicillamine who underwent multiple follow-up liver biopsies.Demographic,clinical and laboratory data were gathered and all patients underwent an initial biopsy and at least one repeat biopsy.RESULTS:Time to repeat biopsy ranged from 2 to 12 years.Six patients(non-progressors)showed stable hepatic histology or improvement.In one case,we observed improvement of fibrosis from stage 2 to 0.Six patients(progressors)had worsening of fibrosis.There was no significant correlation between the histological findings and serum aminotransferases or copper me-tabolism parameters.The hepatic copper concentration reached normal levels in only two patients:one from the non-progressors and one from the progressors group.The estimated rate of progression of hepatic fibrosis in the entire group was 0 units per year in the time frame between the first and the second liver biopsy(4 years),and 0.25 between the second and the third(3 years).In the progressors group,the rate of progression of liver fibrosis was estimated at 0.11 fibrosis units per year between the first and second biopsy and,0.6 fibrosis units between the second and third biopsy.CONCLUSION:The inability of clinical tools to detect fibrosis progression in WD suggests that a liver biopsy with hepatic copper quantification every 3 years should be considered.展开更多
Circulating free nucleic acids; cell free DNA and circulating micro-RNA, are found in the plasma of patients with hematologic and solid malignancies at levels higher than that of healthy individuals. In patients with ...Circulating free nucleic acids; cell free DNA and circulating micro-RNA, are found in the plasma of patients with hematologic and solid malignancies at levels higher than that of healthy individuals. In patients with hematologic malignancy cell free DNA reflects the underlying tumor mutational profile, whilst micro-RNAs reflect genetic interference mechanisms within a tumor and potentially the surrounding microenvironment and immune effector cells. These circulating nucleic acids offer a potentially simple, non-invasive, repeatable analysis that can aid in diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic decisions in cancer treatment.展开更多
Pancreatic cancer is a disease that carries a poor prognosis. Accurate tissue diagnosis is required. Tumours contain a high content of stromal tissue and therefore biopsies may be inconclusive. Circulating tumour cell...Pancreatic cancer is a disease that carries a poor prognosis. Accurate tissue diagnosis is required. Tumours contain a high content of stromal tissue and therefore biopsies may be inconclusive. Circulating tumour cells(CTCs) have been investigated as a potential "liquid biopsy" in several malignancies and have proven to be of prognostic value in breast, prostate and colorectal cancers. They have been detected in patients with localised and metastatic pancreatic cancer with sensitivities ranging from 38%-100% using a variety of platforms. Circulating tumour DNA(ct DNA) has also been detected in pancreas cancer with a sensitivity ranging from 26%-100% in studies across different platforms and using different genetic markers. However, there is no clear consensus on which platform is the most effective for detection, nor which genetic markers are the most useful to use. Potential roles of liquid biopsies include diagnosis, screening, guiding therapies and prognosis. The presence of CTCs or ct DNA has been shown to be of prognostic value both at diagnosis and after treatment in patients with pancreatic cancer. However, more prospective studies are required before this promising technology is ready for adoption into routine clinical practice.展开更多
AIM:To analyze cases of obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct which creates a fertile environment for secondary bacterial Infection and can result in dacryocystitis,which is a constant threat to cornea and orbital soft...AIM:To analyze cases of obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct which creates a fertile environment for secondary bacterial Infection and can result in dacryocystitis,which is a constant threat to cornea and orbital soft tissue and a potential source of endophthalmitis following intraocular surgery.The majority of obstructions of the lacrimal excretory outflow system are acquired ones occurring in adulthood and involving the distal parts of the system.Acquired obstruction may be primary/idiopathic or secondary to a wide variety of infectious,inflammatory,traumatic,mechanical,toxic or neoplastic causes mimicking idiopathic inflammation.These cases are treated by dacryocystorhinostomy(DCR).METHODS:The present study was conducted to determine the histopathologic,immunohistochemical and current microbiologic characteristics of lacrimal sac specimens in patients undergoing external dacryocystorhinostomy.RESULTS:Non-specific lacrimal sac pathology was present in all 33 cases and 81.8%of the cases showed moderate chronic inflammation with a chronic inflammatory score(CIS)ranging between 4 and 6,whereas 12.12%showed severe inflammatory changes with a CIS of 7.Mild degree of inflammation was seen in6.06%with a CIS of 3.The total prevalence of grampositive,gram-negative,and culture-negative samples were 59.4%,37.5%,and 3%respectively.CONCLUSION:Non-specific chronic inflammation withfibrosis is indeed the most commonly reported histopathological finding in lacrimal sac wall biopsy specimens.展开更多
Sentinel lymph node biopsy （SLNB） is a new surgical technique for local axillary lymph nodes （ALNs） of breast cancer. Large-scale clinical trials have confirmed that undergoing SLNB and ALN dissection （ALND） sho...Sentinel lymph node biopsy （SLNB） is a new surgical technique for local axillary lymph nodes （ALNs） of breast cancer. Large-scale clinical trials have confirmed that undergoing SLNB and ALN dissection （ALND） showed no significant difference for sentinel lymph node （SLN）-negative patients in terms of disease-free survival, overall survival and recurrence-free survival. However, false-negative results are still the main concern of physicians as well as patients who undergo SLNB instead of ALND. The American Society of Breast Surgeons established a task force to suggest acceptable standards for SLNB. In 2000, the task force recommended that the identification rate for SLNB be 85% or higher and the false-negative rate be 5% or lower. This review focuses on clinical factors （tumor volume, multifocal/multi-center cancers, neoadjuvant chemotherapy and skip metastasis）, tracer techniques and pathological factors affecting SLNB and explores methods for reducing the false-negative rate.展开更多
AIM: To introduce a computer-aided morphometric method for quantifying the necro-inflammatory phase in liver biopsy specimens using fractal geometry and Delaunay's triangulation.METHODS: Two-micrometer thick biops...AIM: To introduce a computer-aided morphometric method for quantifying the necro-inflammatory phase in liver biopsy specimens using fractal geometry and Delaunay's triangulation.METHODS: Two-micrometer thick biopsy sections taken from 78 chronic hepatitis C virus-infected patients were immunohistochemically treated to identify the inflammatory cells. An automatic computer-aided image analysis system was used to define the inflammatory cell network defined on the basis of Delaunay's triangulation,and the inflammatory cells were geometrically classified as forming a cluster (an aggregation of a minimum of three cells) or as being irregularly distributed within the tissue. The phase of inflammatory activity was estimated using Hurst's exponent.RESULTS: The proposed automatic method was rapid and objective. It could not only provide rigorous results expressed by scalar numbers, but also allow the state of the whole organ to be represented by Hurst's exponent with an error of no more than 12%.CONCLUSION: The availability of rigorous metrical measures and the reasonable representativeness of the status of the organ as a whole raise the question as to whether the indication for hepatic biopsy should be revised by establishing clear rules concerning the contraindications suggested by its invasiveness and subjective interpretation.展开更多
Microvesicular pneumatosis intestinalis, also called 'pseudolipomatosis' for resembling fatty infiltration, is characterized by the presence of small gas voids in the gastrointestinal wall, especially in mucos...Microvesicular pneumatosis intestinalis, also called 'pseudolipomatosis' for resembling fatty infiltration, is characterized by the presence of small gas voids in the gastrointestinal wall, especially in mucosa. These voids are not lined with epithelia. There are few reported cases about colon, duodenum and skin. Because there is only one case report about pseudolipomatosis in the stomach, we reevaluated 909 endoscopic biopsies taken from gastric corpus to check the presence of pseudolipomatosis. We determined pseudolipomatosis foci in 3 percent (n=27) of biopsies. In two cases there were pseudolipomatosis foci in endoscopic biopsies having otherwise normal histologic findings, while there were pseudolipomatosis foci in endoscopic biopsies of 25 patients with gastritis. H pylori was found in 85 % of biopsies having pseudolipomatosis foci. In this study, we presented some histopathologic characteristics of pseudolipomatosis seen in gastric mucosa.展开更多
Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)-targeted prostate biopsy is the recommended investigation in men with suspicious lesion(s)on MRI.The role of concurrent systematic in addition to targeted biopsies is currently unclear....Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)-targeted prostate biopsy is the recommended investigation in men with suspicious lesion(s)on MRI.The role of concurrent systematic in addition to targeted biopsies is currently unclear.Using our prospectively maintained database,we identified men with at least one Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System(PI-RADS)≥3 lesion who underwent targeted and/or systematic biopsies from May 2016 to May 2020.Clinically significant prostate cancer(csPCa)was defined as any Gleason grade group≥2 cancer.Of 545 patients who underwent MRI fusion-targeted biopsy,222(40.7%)were biopsy naïve,247(45.3%)had previous prostate biopsy(s),and 76(13.9%)had known prostate cancer undergoing active surveillance.Prostate cancer was more commonly found in biopsy-naïve men(63.5%)and those on active surveillance(68.4%)compared to those who had previous biopsies(35.2%;both P<0.001).Systematic biopsies provided an incremental 10.4%detection of csPCa among biopsy-naïve patients,versus an incremental 2.4%among those who had prior negative biopsies.Multivariable regression found age(odds ratio[OR]=1.03,P=0.03),prostate-specific antigen(PSA)density≥0.15 ng ml^(−2)(OR=3.24,P<0.001),prostate health index(PHI)≥35(OR=2.43,P=0.006),higher PI-RADS score(vs PI-RADS 3;OR=4.59 for PI-RADS 4,and OR=9.91 for PI-RADS 5;both P<0.001)and target lesion volume-to-prostate volume ratio≥0.10(OR=5.26,P=0.013)were significantly associated with csPCa detection on targeted biopsy.In conclusion,for men undergoing MRI fusion-targeted prostate biopsies,systematic biopsies should not be omitted given its incremental value to targeted biopsies alone.The factors such as PSA density≥0.15 ng ml^(−2),PHI≥35,higher PI-RADS score,and target lesion volume-to-prostate volume ratio≥0.10 can help identify men at higher risk of csPCa.展开更多
To evaluate a step up approach: Taking macrobiopsies and performing excision biopsies in patients with suspected rectal cancer in which biopsies taken though the flexible endoscope showed benign histology. METHODSPati...To evaluate a step up approach: Taking macrobiopsies and performing excision biopsies in patients with suspected rectal cancer in which biopsies taken though the flexible endoscope showed benign histology. METHODSPatients with a rectal neoplasm who underwent flexible endoscopy and biopsies were included. In case of benign biopsies rigid rectoscopy and macrobiopsies were employed. If this failed to prove malignancy, transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) was used in a final effort to establish a certain preoperative diagnosis. The preoperative results were compared with the findings after surgical excision and follow up to calculate the reliability of this algorithm. RESULTSOne hundred and thirty-two patients were included. One hundred and ten patients with a carcinoma and 22 with an adenoma. Seventy-five of 110 carcinomas were proven malignant after flexible endoscopy. With the addition of rigid endoscopy and taking of macrobiopsies, this number increased to 89. Performing TEM excision biopsies further enlarged the number of proven malignancies to 100. CONCLUSIONThe step-up approach includes taking macrobiopsies through the rigid rectoscope and performing excision biopsies using transanal endoscopic microsurgery in addition to flexible endoscopy. This approach, reduced the number of missed preoperative malignant diagnoses from 32% to 9%.展开更多
AIMTo describe the technique of immunofluorescence on paraffin embedded tissue sections and discuss the po-tential pitfalls with an in depth review of literature.METHODSImmunofluorescence is integral to diagnostic ren...AIMTo describe the technique of immunofluorescence on paraffin embedded tissue sections and discuss the po-tential pitfalls with an in depth review of literature.METHODSImmunofluorescence is integral to diagnostic renal pa-thology. Immunofluorescence on paraffin embedded renal biopsies （IF-P） after enzyme treatment has been described in literature, however has not found widespread use in renal pathology laboratories. In our laboratory proteinase K digestion of paraffn embedded renal biopsy material was standardized and applied prospectively in cases where immunofuorescence on fresh frozen tissue was non contributory or not possible. Diagnostic utility was assessed and in a cohort of cases comparison of intensity of staining with routine immunofuorescence was performed.RESULTSOver the 5-year study period, of the 3141 renal biopsies received IF-P was performed on 246 cases （7.7%） and was interpretable with optimal digestion in 214 cases （6.8%）. It was of diagnostic utility in the majority of cases, which predominantly included glomerular disease. Non-diagnostic IF-P was found in membranous nephropathy （2 of 11 cases）, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis （2 of 32 cases）, lupus nephritis （1 of 25 cases）, post infectious glomerulonephritis （1 of 11 cases） and chronic glomerulonephritis （3 of 8 cases）. Comparing cases with both routine IF and IF-P, 35 of 37 showed either equal intensity or a minor difference in intensity of staining（1＋） for the diagnostic immunoglobulin/complement. Technically assessment of immunofluorescence on the paraffin embedded tissue was found to be easier with clearly observed morphology, however a false positive staining pattern was observed in under-digested tissue. CONCLUSIONAs a “salvage” technique, immunofuorescence on paraffn embedded renal biopsies is of great diagnostic utility, however not without pitfalls.展开更多
基金supported by Department of Defense grant HT9425-24-1-0030 a grant from the Stanley Medical Research Institute(to SS).
文摘The inability to access brain tissue has greatly hindered our ability to study and care for individuals suffering from psychiatric and neurological conditions.Critics have questioned efforts to develop peripheral blood biomarkers in neurological and psychiatric disorders based on the assertion that disease pathology is limited to the brain.The discovery that all tissues,including the brain,release extracellular vesicles(Raposo and Stoorvogel,2013)and cell free DNAs(Chan et al.,2013)into various body fluids has provided a potential way to measure activity from inaccessible tissues like the central nervous system(CNS)and has given rise to the term“liquid biopsy.”The development of liquid biopsies that can diagnose and predict the course of psychiatric and neurological disorders would be transformative.The ability to predict episodic events such as mania,depression,and risk for suicide would be particularly useful for psychiatric care as it would enable the development of interventions that prevent mortality and improve outcomes.Additionally,biomarkers that are informative about drug response and aid in treatment decisions would be a significant advance in psychiatric care as it would prevent patients from having to endure multiple courses of ineffective treatments and side effects.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82072807)the Scientific Research Project of Universities of the Department of Education of Anhui Province(No.2022AH040182)the Anhui Province Key Clinical Specialties Construction Project(2023).
文摘We propose a strategy to reduce unnecessary prostate biopsies in Chinese patients with total prostate-specific antigen(tPSA)>10 ng ml−1 and Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System(PI-RADS)scores between 1 and 3.Clinical data derived from 517 patients of The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC(Hefei,China)from January 2020 to December 2023 who met the screening criteria for the study were retrospectively collected.Independent predictors were identified via univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.The diagnostic capacity of clinical variables was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves and area under the curve(AUC).A prostate biopsy strategy was developed via risk stratification.Of the 517 patients,17/348(4.9%)with PI-RADS 1–2 were diagnosed with clinically significant prostate cancer(csPCa),and 27/169(16.0%)patients with PI-RADS 3 were diagnosed with csPCa.The appropriate prostate-specific antigen density(PSAD)cut-off values were 0.45 ng ml−2 for PI-RADS 1–2 patients and 0.3 ng ml−2 for PI-RADS 3 patients.The appropriate prostate volume(PV)cut-off values were 40 ml for PI-RADS 1–2 patients and 50 ml for PI-RADS 3 patients.The prostate biopsy strategy based on PSAD and PV developed in this study can reduce unnecessary prostate biopsies in patients with tPSA>10 ng ml−1 and PI-RADS 1–3.In the study,66.5%(344/517)patients did not need to undergo prostate biopsy,at the expense of missing only 1.7%(6/344)patients with csPCa.
文摘To evaluate the effectiveness of PSA density in distinguishing between benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer in patients with intermediate PSA levels (4 - 10 ng/ml) and to reduce unnecessary biopsies. Patients and Methods: 90 patients with PSA levels in the “Gray Zone” PSA (4 - 10 ng/ml) were included. Prostate volumes were estimated using transrectal ultrasonography. Serum PSA levels were measured using an enzyme immunoassay. PSA density was calculated and compared with histopathological results. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, t-test, and Contingency Coefficient test. Results: A PSA density cutoff of 0.15 ng/ml/cm3 was used for prostate cancer detection. Mean PSA density for BPH patients: 0.0844 ng/ml/cm3. Mean PSA density for prostate cancer patients: 0.172 ng/ml/cm3. Sensitivity: 92.3%, Specificity: 93.5%, Positive Predictive Value: 70.5%, Accuracy: 93.3%. PSA density significantly reduced unnecessary biopsies (p Conclusions: PSA density can be effective in reducing unnecessary biopsies in patients with intermediate PSA levels, particularly those with organ-confined prostate cancer who are candidates for radical treatment.
文摘We aim to evaluate prostate health index as an additional risk-stratification tool in patients with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score 3 lesions on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging.Men with biochemical or clinical suspicion of having prostate cancer who underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in two tertiary centers(Queen Mary Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital,Hong Kong,China)between January 2017 and June 2022 were included.Ultrasound-magnetic resonance imaging fusion biopsies were performed after prostate health index testing.Those who only had Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score 3 lesions were further stratified into four prostate health index risk groups and the cancer detection rates were analyzed.Out of the 747 patients,47.3%had Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score 3 lesions only.The detection rate of clinically significant prostate cancer in this group was 15.0%.The cancer detection rates of clinically significant prostate cancer had statistically significant differences:5.3%in prostate health index<25.0,7.4%in prostate health index 25.0-34.9,17.9%in prostate health index 35.0-54.9,and 52.6%in prostate health index≥55.0(P<0.01).Among the patients,26.9%could have avoided a biopsy with a prostate health index<25.0,at the expense of a 5.3%risk of missing clinically significant prostate cancer.Prostate health index could be used as an additional risk stratification tool for patients with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score 3 lesions.Biopsies could be avoided in patients with low prostate health index,with a small risk of missing clinically significant prostate cancer.
文摘We aimed to determine short-term patient-reported outcomes in men having general anesthetic transperineal （TP） prostate biopsies. A prospective cohort study was performed in men having a diagnostic TP biopsy. This was done using a validated and adapted questionnaire immediately post-biopsy and at follow-up of between 7 and 14 days across three tertiary referral hospitals with a response rate of 51.6%. Immediately after biopsy 43/201 （21.4%） of men felt light-headed, syncopal, or suffered syncope. Fifty-three percent of men felt discomfort after biopsy （with 95% scoring 〈5 in a 0-10 scale）. Twelve out of 196 men （6.1%） felt pain immediately after the procedure. Despite a high incidence of symptoms （e.g., up to 75% had some hematuria, 47% suffered some pain）, it was not a moderate or serious problem for most, apart from hemoejaculate which 31 men suffered. Eleven men needed catheterization （5.5%）. There were no inpatient admissions due to complications （hematuria, sepsis）. On repeat questioning at a later time point, only 25/199 （12.6%） of men said repeat biopsy would be a significant problem despite a significant and marked reduction in erectile function after the procedure. From this study, we conclude that TP biopsy is well tolerated with similar side effect profiles and attitudes of men to repeat biopsy to men having TRUS biopsies. These data allow informed counseling of men prior to TP biopsy and a benchmark for tolerability with local anesthetic TP biopsies being developed for clinical use.
文摘Seminal vesicle （SV） amyloidosis is a well-documented histological entity, but it is observed infrequently. Its incidence is on the rise, which is probably related to the increasing use of prostate biopsies to investigate patients with elevated serum prostate-specific antigen levels. Here, we report seven cases of incidental SV amyloidosis over a 3-year period and consider their relationship to the previously suggested aetiological factors. Based on our series, we conclude that incidental localized SV amyloidosis observed in diagnostic prostate biopsies does not warrant formal investigations for systemic amyloidosis.
文摘Lack of investment for magnetic resonance(MR)fusion systems is an obstacle to deliver targeted prostate biopsies within the prostate cancer diagnostic pathway.We developed a coordinate-based method to support cognitive targeted prostate biopsies and then performed an audit on cancer detection and the location of lesions.In each patient,the prostate is considered as two separate hemiprostates,and each hemiprostate is divided into 4×4×4 units.Each unit is therefore defined by a three-dimensional coordinate.We prospectively applied our coordinates approach to target 106 prostatic lesions in 93 men.Among 45(of 106;42.5%)lesions positive for cancer,27 lesions(60.0%)harbored clinically significant disease.PSA density was significantly higher in patients with proven cancer(median:0.264 ng ml^(-2))when compared to the noncancer group(median:0.145 ng ml-2;P=0.003,Wilcoxon ranksum test).Lesions with Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System(PIRADS)score of 5 were found to have a cancer incidence of 65.2%,while PI RADS 4 and 3 lesions have a lower risk of cancer detection,as expected,at 37.3%and 31.3%,respectively.The probability of a lesion being cancerous in our series significantly decreases as we go from the“apex-to-base”dimension(odds ratio[OR]:2.62,95%confidence interval[Cl]:1.55-4.44,P=0.00034).Our analysis also indicates that the probability of cancer decreases as the prostate volume increases(OR:1.03,95%Cl:1.01-1.05,P=0.00327).Based on this feasibility study,the use of coordinates to guide cognitive targeted prostate biopsies warrants future validation study in additional centers.
文摘Fine-needle aspiration(FNA) cytology is an important diagnostic tool in patients with thyroid lesions.Several systems have been proposed for the cyropathologic diagnosis of the thyroid nodules.However cases with indeterminate cytological findings still remain a matter of debate.In this review we analyze all literature regarding Thyroid Cytopathology Reporting systems trying to identify the most suitable methodology to use in clinical practice for the preoperative diagnosis of thyroid nodules.A review of the English literature was conducted,and data were analyzed and summarized and integrated from the authors' perspective.The main purpose of thyroid FNA is to identify patients with higher risk for malignancy,and to prevent unnecessary surgeries for benign conditions.The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology is the most widely used system for the diagnosis of thyroid FNA specimens.This system also contains guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of indeterminate or suspicious for malignancy cases.In conclusion,patients who require repeated FNAs for indeterminate diagnoses will be resolved by repeat FNA in a percentage of 72%-80%.
文摘AIM: To assess the diagnostic yield and safety of adeep and large biopsy technique under the guidance of endoscopic ultrasound(EUS) for diagnosis of gastric infiltrating tumors with negative malignant endoscopy biopsies.METHODS: From January 2009 to March 2014, 36 patients in whom gastric infiltrating tumors had been diagnosed by EUS received negative results for malignancy after endoscopic biopsies. The deep and large biopsy technique combined bite-on-bite technique with or without endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR) to obtain submucosal tissue from lesions. EUS was used to select the appropriate biopsy sites. If the lesion protruded into the cavity, EMR was performed for removal of the overlying mucosa and then bite-onbite technique was conducted in the resected area to obtain submucosal tissue. If the lesion appeared to be flat or was difficult to lift by injection, the bite-on-bite technique was directly used.RESULTS: Twenty-eight of the 36 patients were treated by EMR followed by bite-on-bite technique, while 8 patients only underwent bite-on-bite technique. Histological results showed 23 of the 36 lesions were poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas, 2 diffuse large B cell lymphomas, 4 mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue-type lymphomas, and 7 undiagnosed. The deep and large biopsy technique provided a definitive and conclusive diagnosis in 29(80.6%) of the 36 patients. The 12 gastric linitis plastica and 6 lymphoma patients received chemotherapy and avoided surgery. Minor oozing of blood in 2 mucosal resection wounds was managed by argon plasma coagulation and in 5 cases after deep biopsies by epinephrine(0.001%). Neither severe hemorrhage nor perforation occurred in any patient.CONCLUSION: The deep and large biopsy technique is superior to ordinary endoscopic biopsy for achieving an accurate diagnosis of gastric infiltrating tumors.This procedure guided by EUS is an effective and safe diagnostic method for gastric infiltrating tumors in which endoscopic biopsy results were negative for malignancy.
文摘AIM:To investigate the progression of hepatic histopathology in serial liver biopsies from Wilson disease(WD)patients.METHODS:We report a group of 12 WD patients treated with zinc and/or penicillamine who underwent multiple follow-up liver biopsies.Demographic,clinical and laboratory data were gathered and all patients underwent an initial biopsy and at least one repeat biopsy.RESULTS:Time to repeat biopsy ranged from 2 to 12 years.Six patients(non-progressors)showed stable hepatic histology or improvement.In one case,we observed improvement of fibrosis from stage 2 to 0.Six patients(progressors)had worsening of fibrosis.There was no significant correlation between the histological findings and serum aminotransferases or copper me-tabolism parameters.The hepatic copper concentration reached normal levels in only two patients:one from the non-progressors and one from the progressors group.The estimated rate of progression of hepatic fibrosis in the entire group was 0 units per year in the time frame between the first and the second liver biopsy(4 years),and 0.25 between the second and the third(3 years).In the progressors group,the rate of progression of liver fibrosis was estimated at 0.11 fibrosis units per year between the first and second biopsy and,0.6 fibrosis units between the second and third biopsy.CONCLUSION:The inability of clinical tools to detect fibrosis progression in WD suggests that a liver biopsy with hepatic copper quantification every 3 years should be considered.
文摘Circulating free nucleic acids; cell free DNA and circulating micro-RNA, are found in the plasma of patients with hematologic and solid malignancies at levels higher than that of healthy individuals. In patients with hematologic malignancy cell free DNA reflects the underlying tumor mutational profile, whilst micro-RNAs reflect genetic interference mechanisms within a tumor and potentially the surrounding microenvironment and immune effector cells. These circulating nucleic acids offer a potentially simple, non-invasive, repeatable analysis that can aid in diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic decisions in cancer treatment.
文摘Pancreatic cancer is a disease that carries a poor prognosis. Accurate tissue diagnosis is required. Tumours contain a high content of stromal tissue and therefore biopsies may be inconclusive. Circulating tumour cells(CTCs) have been investigated as a potential "liquid biopsy" in several malignancies and have proven to be of prognostic value in breast, prostate and colorectal cancers. They have been detected in patients with localised and metastatic pancreatic cancer with sensitivities ranging from 38%-100% using a variety of platforms. Circulating tumour DNA(ct DNA) has also been detected in pancreas cancer with a sensitivity ranging from 26%-100% in studies across different platforms and using different genetic markers. However, there is no clear consensus on which platform is the most effective for detection, nor which genetic markers are the most useful to use. Potential roles of liquid biopsies include diagnosis, screening, guiding therapies and prognosis. The presence of CTCs or ct DNA has been shown to be of prognostic value both at diagnosis and after treatment in patients with pancreatic cancer. However, more prospective studies are required before this promising technology is ready for adoption into routine clinical practice.
文摘AIM:To analyze cases of obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct which creates a fertile environment for secondary bacterial Infection and can result in dacryocystitis,which is a constant threat to cornea and orbital soft tissue and a potential source of endophthalmitis following intraocular surgery.The majority of obstructions of the lacrimal excretory outflow system are acquired ones occurring in adulthood and involving the distal parts of the system.Acquired obstruction may be primary/idiopathic or secondary to a wide variety of infectious,inflammatory,traumatic,mechanical,toxic or neoplastic causes mimicking idiopathic inflammation.These cases are treated by dacryocystorhinostomy(DCR).METHODS:The present study was conducted to determine the histopathologic,immunohistochemical and current microbiologic characteristics of lacrimal sac specimens in patients undergoing external dacryocystorhinostomy.RESULTS:Non-specific lacrimal sac pathology was present in all 33 cases and 81.8%of the cases showed moderate chronic inflammation with a chronic inflammatory score(CIS)ranging between 4 and 6,whereas 12.12%showed severe inflammatory changes with a CIS of 7.Mild degree of inflammation was seen in6.06%with a CIS of 3.The total prevalence of grampositive,gram-negative,and culture-negative samples were 59.4%,37.5%,and 3%respectively.CONCLUSION:Non-specific chronic inflammation withfibrosis is indeed the most commonly reported histopathological finding in lacrimal sac wall biopsy specimens.
文摘Sentinel lymph node biopsy （SLNB） is a new surgical technique for local axillary lymph nodes （ALNs） of breast cancer. Large-scale clinical trials have confirmed that undergoing SLNB and ALN dissection （ALND） showed no significant difference for sentinel lymph node （SLN）-negative patients in terms of disease-free survival, overall survival and recurrence-free survival. However, false-negative results are still the main concern of physicians as well as patients who undergo SLNB instead of ALND. The American Society of Breast Surgeons established a task force to suggest acceptable standards for SLNB. In 2000, the task force recommended that the identification rate for SLNB be 85% or higher and the false-negative rate be 5% or lower. This review focuses on clinical factors （tumor volume, multifocal/multi-center cancers, neoadjuvant chemotherapy and skip metastasis）, tracer techniques and pathological factors affecting SLNB and explores methods for reducing the false-negative rate.
基金Supported by the "Michele Rodriguez" Foundation, Institute for Quantitative Measures in Medicine, Milan, Italy
文摘AIM: To introduce a computer-aided morphometric method for quantifying the necro-inflammatory phase in liver biopsy specimens using fractal geometry and Delaunay's triangulation.METHODS: Two-micrometer thick biopsy sections taken from 78 chronic hepatitis C virus-infected patients were immunohistochemically treated to identify the inflammatory cells. An automatic computer-aided image analysis system was used to define the inflammatory cell network defined on the basis of Delaunay's triangulation,and the inflammatory cells were geometrically classified as forming a cluster (an aggregation of a minimum of three cells) or as being irregularly distributed within the tissue. The phase of inflammatory activity was estimated using Hurst's exponent.RESULTS: The proposed automatic method was rapid and objective. It could not only provide rigorous results expressed by scalar numbers, but also allow the state of the whole organ to be represented by Hurst's exponent with an error of no more than 12%.CONCLUSION: The availability of rigorous metrical measures and the reasonable representativeness of the status of the organ as a whole raise the question as to whether the indication for hepatic biopsy should be revised by establishing clear rules concerning the contraindications suggested by its invasiveness and subjective interpretation.
文摘Microvesicular pneumatosis intestinalis, also called 'pseudolipomatosis' for resembling fatty infiltration, is characterized by the presence of small gas voids in the gastrointestinal wall, especially in mucosa. These voids are not lined with epithelia. There are few reported cases about colon, duodenum and skin. Because there is only one case report about pseudolipomatosis in the stomach, we reevaluated 909 endoscopic biopsies taken from gastric corpus to check the presence of pseudolipomatosis. We determined pseudolipomatosis foci in 3 percent (n=27) of biopsies. In two cases there were pseudolipomatosis foci in endoscopic biopsies having otherwise normal histologic findings, while there were pseudolipomatosis foci in endoscopic biopsies of 25 patients with gastritis. H pylori was found in 85 % of biopsies having pseudolipomatosis foci. In this study, we presented some histopathologic characteristics of pseudolipomatosis seen in gastric mucosa.
文摘Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)-targeted prostate biopsy is the recommended investigation in men with suspicious lesion(s)on MRI.The role of concurrent systematic in addition to targeted biopsies is currently unclear.Using our prospectively maintained database,we identified men with at least one Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System(PI-RADS)≥3 lesion who underwent targeted and/or systematic biopsies from May 2016 to May 2020.Clinically significant prostate cancer(csPCa)was defined as any Gleason grade group≥2 cancer.Of 545 patients who underwent MRI fusion-targeted biopsy,222(40.7%)were biopsy naïve,247(45.3%)had previous prostate biopsy(s),and 76(13.9%)had known prostate cancer undergoing active surveillance.Prostate cancer was more commonly found in biopsy-naïve men(63.5%)and those on active surveillance(68.4%)compared to those who had previous biopsies(35.2%;both P<0.001).Systematic biopsies provided an incremental 10.4%detection of csPCa among biopsy-naïve patients,versus an incremental 2.4%among those who had prior negative biopsies.Multivariable regression found age(odds ratio[OR]=1.03,P=0.03),prostate-specific antigen(PSA)density≥0.15 ng ml^(−2)(OR=3.24,P<0.001),prostate health index(PHI)≥35(OR=2.43,P=0.006),higher PI-RADS score(vs PI-RADS 3;OR=4.59 for PI-RADS 4,and OR=9.91 for PI-RADS 5;both P<0.001)and target lesion volume-to-prostate volume ratio≥0.10(OR=5.26,P=0.013)were significantly associated with csPCa detection on targeted biopsy.In conclusion,for men undergoing MRI fusion-targeted prostate biopsies,systematic biopsies should not be omitted given its incremental value to targeted biopsies alone.The factors such as PSA density≥0.15 ng ml^(−2),PHI≥35,higher PI-RADS score,and target lesion volume-to-prostate volume ratio≥0.10 can help identify men at higher risk of csPCa.
文摘To evaluate a step up approach: Taking macrobiopsies and performing excision biopsies in patients with suspected rectal cancer in which biopsies taken though the flexible endoscope showed benign histology. METHODSPatients with a rectal neoplasm who underwent flexible endoscopy and biopsies were included. In case of benign biopsies rigid rectoscopy and macrobiopsies were employed. If this failed to prove malignancy, transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) was used in a final effort to establish a certain preoperative diagnosis. The preoperative results were compared with the findings after surgical excision and follow up to calculate the reliability of this algorithm. RESULTSOne hundred and thirty-two patients were included. One hundred and ten patients with a carcinoma and 22 with an adenoma. Seventy-five of 110 carcinomas were proven malignant after flexible endoscopy. With the addition of rigid endoscopy and taking of macrobiopsies, this number increased to 89. Performing TEM excision biopsies further enlarged the number of proven malignancies to 100. CONCLUSIONThe step-up approach includes taking macrobiopsies through the rigid rectoscope and performing excision biopsies using transanal endoscopic microsurgery in addition to flexible endoscopy. This approach, reduced the number of missed preoperative malignant diagnoses from 32% to 9%.
文摘AIMTo describe the technique of immunofluorescence on paraffin embedded tissue sections and discuss the po-tential pitfalls with an in depth review of literature.METHODSImmunofluorescence is integral to diagnostic renal pa-thology. Immunofluorescence on paraffin embedded renal biopsies （IF-P） after enzyme treatment has been described in literature, however has not found widespread use in renal pathology laboratories. In our laboratory proteinase K digestion of paraffn embedded renal biopsy material was standardized and applied prospectively in cases where immunofuorescence on fresh frozen tissue was non contributory or not possible. Diagnostic utility was assessed and in a cohort of cases comparison of intensity of staining with routine immunofuorescence was performed.RESULTSOver the 5-year study period, of the 3141 renal biopsies received IF-P was performed on 246 cases （7.7%） and was interpretable with optimal digestion in 214 cases （6.8%）. It was of diagnostic utility in the majority of cases, which predominantly included glomerular disease. Non-diagnostic IF-P was found in membranous nephropathy （2 of 11 cases）, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis （2 of 32 cases）, lupus nephritis （1 of 25 cases）, post infectious glomerulonephritis （1 of 11 cases） and chronic glomerulonephritis （3 of 8 cases）. Comparing cases with both routine IF and IF-P, 35 of 37 showed either equal intensity or a minor difference in intensity of staining（1＋） for the diagnostic immunoglobulin/complement. Technically assessment of immunofluorescence on the paraffin embedded tissue was found to be easier with clearly observed morphology, however a false positive staining pattern was observed in under-digested tissue. CONCLUSIONAs a “salvage” technique, immunofuorescence on paraffn embedded renal biopsies is of great diagnostic utility, however not without pitfalls.
