Archives of pathology & laboratory medicine
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Arch. Pathol. Lab. Med. · Jan 1998
Comparative StudyDiagnostic implication of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus with special reference to the distinction between spindle cell hemangioendothelioma and Kaposi's sarcoma.
To assess the diagnostic utility of recently identified Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV, also referred to as human herpesvirus 8) in distinction between Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) and other types of vascular lesion, especially spindle cell hemangioendothelioma (SCH). ⋯ Our data support the previous finding that KSHV is confined almost exclusively to KS, irrespective of human immunodeficiency virus infection, and suggest that KSHV is a reliable diagnostic marker to differentiate KS from other vascular lesions, including those with KS-like morphology, such as SCH.
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Arch. Pathol. Lab. Med. · Nov 1997
Review Case ReportsAdult-onset nemaline myopathy: a case report and review of the literature.
Nemaline (rod) myopathy is a congenital muscle disease with a wide spectrum of phenotypes, ranging from forms with neonatal onset and fatal outcome to asymptomatic forms. An adult-onset variant is characterized by large numbers of rod-containing myofibers, numerous rods per affected myofiber, and the absence of specific structural abnormalities typical of other muscle diseases. Few cases fulfilling these criteria have been described in the literature. ⋯ A modified trichrome stain of the right biceps muscle revealed granular, basophilic, centrally located rods in the atrophic myofibers. Ultrastructurally, these myofibers contained osmiophilic rectangular structures with a latticelike appearance typical of nemaline myopathy. This case illustrates that adult-onset nemaline myopathy, although rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an inflammatory myopathy.
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Arch. Pathol. Lab. Med. · Nov 1997
Mucinous tumors of the ovary: interobserver diagnostic variability and utility of sectioning protocols.
To determine the interobserver variability of the subclassification of ovarian mucinous tumors and the utility of different sectioning protocols. ⋯ We conclude that extensive sectioning of ovarian mucinous tumors has limited benefit.
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Arch. Pathol. Lab. Med. · Nov 1997
The nature and extent of training activities in clinical pathology required for effective consultation on laboratory test selection and interpretation.
The goal of this study was to identify the activities in clinical pathology training and the length of time required in each to effectively train residents as consultants on laboratory test selection and interpretation. ⋯ For all of the major subspecialties in clinical pathology, the residents gained significant confidence by 4 weeks of intense training, and by 8 weeks participants were very confident in answering consultation questions. Even after 8 weeks, however, fewer than 10% of the residents felt absolutely confident in their own decisions regarding laboratory test use and interpretation prior to discussion with senior residents and faculty. Thus, acquisition of expertise to effectively provide advice on laboratory test selection and interpretation required up to 8 weeks of focused training in each clinical laboratory subspecialty. Gaining confidence in multiple areas requires a significant commitment of full-time training. This study provides an understanding of the type and extent of training required to attain the skills necessary to effectively provide consultation in clinical pathology.
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Arch. Pathol. Lab. Med. · Oct 1997
The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. A potential hazard for autopsy pathologists.
The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is an implantable electronic device that has been proven to be safe and effective in treating various malignant tachyarrhythmias in susceptible individuals. As the use of ICDs becomes more widespread, more individuals with the implanted devices will be encountered at autopsy. ⋯ These devices can also provide valuable information that may be helpful in determining the cause and mechanism of death. Herein, we present information regarding the appropriate guidelines and safeguards for pathologists confronted with an activated ICD.