Histopathology
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Three instances of invasion of nerves of the spermatic cord by benign proliferative ductules of the vas deferens following vasectomy are reported. This phenomenon occurred in association with the histopathological features of vasitis nodosa and was noted in tissue removed during vasovasostomy in two cases and from a painful lower inguinal nodule at the site of vasectomy in a third example. Such neural invasion deserves attention because, especially in association with a proliferative ductular pattern, it may be mistaken for adenocarcinoma. The lesion is also of intrinsic interest in the light of benign neural invasion at other sites.
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Case Reports
Morphological findings in idiopathic calcification of the ascending aorta and aortic valve affecting a young woman.
The pathology of a case of idiopathic calcification affecting the ascending aorta in a young woman is presented. A varying width of media throughout the aorta and extending into its proximaques of calcium, found in the acellular media, were confined to the ascending aorta. ⋯ Electron microscopically, the calcium seemed to have an affinity for elastic tissue elements of all sizes and the mode of deposition appeared to be by 'avenues' of the microfibrillar component. Possible pathogenetic mechanisms are discussed.