Publications (35)134.21 Total impact
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Article: Lymphocyte aggregates persist and accumulate in the lungs of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
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ABSTRACT: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal lung disease with no known effective therapy. It is often assumed, but has not been objectively evaluated, that pulmonary inflammation subsides as IPF progresses. The goal of this work was to assess changes in the degree of inflammatory cell infiltration, particularly lymphocytic infiltration, over the duration of illness in IPF. Sixteen patients with confirmed IPF were identified in patients whom surgical lung biopsy (SLB) was performed in early disease, and in patients whom lung transplantation was subsequently performed in end stage disease. A numerical scoring system was used to histologically quantify the amount of fibrosis, honeycomb change, fibroblastic foci, and lymphocyte aggregates in each SLB and lung explant tissue sample. Analyses of quantitative scores were performed by comparing paired, matched samples of SLB to lung explant tissue. Median time [1st, 3rd quartiles] from SLB to lung transplantation was 24 [15, 29] months. Histologic fibrosis and honeycomb change were more pronounced in the explant samples compared with SLB (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively), and most notably, higher numbers of lymphocyte aggregates were observed in the explant samples compared to SLB (P = 0.013). Immunohistochemical analyses revealed abundant CD3+ (T lymphocyte) and CD20+ (B lymphocyte) cells, but not CD68+ (macrophage) cells, within the aggregates. Contrary to the frequent assumption, lymphocyte aggregates were present in greater numbers in advanced disease (explant tissue) compared to early disease (surgical lung biopsy). This finding suggests that active cellular inflammation continues in IPF even in severe end stage disease.Journal of Inflammation Research 01/2013; 6:63-70. -
Article: From the radiologic pathology: archives cardiac lymphoma: radiologic-pathologic correlation.
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ABSTRACT: Lymphoma of the heart and pericardium is usually present as one aspect of disseminated disease and rarely occurs as a primary malignancy. It accounts for 1.3% of primary cardiac tumors and 0.5% of extranodal lymphomas. Cardiac lymphomas are most commonly diffuse large cell lymphomas and frequently manifest as an ill-defined, infiltrative mass. Atrial location is typical; the right atrium is most often affected. Pericardial thickening or effusion is often a common early feature of disease. Infiltration of atrial or ventricular walls with extension along epicardial surfaces is also a notable feature. At computed tomography, the attenuation of cardiac lymphoma may be similar to or lower than that of normal myocardium. At magnetic resonance imaging, it has variable signal intensity and contrast enhancement. Clinical manifestations may include pericardial effusion, cardiac arrhythmias, and a variety of nonspecific electrocardiographic abnormalities, notably first- to third-degree atrioventricular block. Treatment most commonly includes anthracycline-based chemotherapy and anti-CD20 treatment. Chemotherapy has been used alone or combined with radiation therapy. Palliative surgery has been performed, mainly for tumor debulking. The prognosis for patients with either primary or secondary lymphomatous heart involvement is usually poor; late diagnosis is one of the major factors affecting outcome. © RSNA, 2012.Radiographics 09/2012; 32(5):1369-80. · 2.85 Impact Factor -
Article: Expert opinion: role of percutaneous biopsy of part-solid nodules in the IASLC/ATS/ERS international multidisciplinary classification of lung adenocarcinoma.
Journal of thoracic imaging 08/2011; 26(3):189. · 1.42 Impact Factor -
Article: Centrilobular emphysema combined with pulmonary fibrosis results in improved survival.
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ABSTRACT: We hypothesized that, in patients with pulmonary fibrosis combined with emphysema, clinical characteristics and outcomes may differ from patients with pulmonary fibrosis without emphysema. We identified 102 patients who met established criteria for pulmonary fibrosis. The amount of emphysema (numerical score) and type of emphysema (centrilobular, paraseptal, or mixed) were characterized in each patient. Clinical characteristics, pulmonary function tests and patient survival were analysed. Based on the numerical emphysema score, patients were classified into those having no emphysema (n = 48), trivial emphysema (n = 26) or advanced emphysema (n = 28). Patients with advanced emphysema had a significantly higher amount of smoking in pack/years than patients with no emphysema or trivial emphysema (P < 0.0001). Median survival [1st, 3rd quartiles] of patients with advanced emphysema was 63 [36, 82] months compared to 29 [18, 49] months in patients without emphysema and 32 [19, 48] months in patients with trivial emphysema (P < 0.001). Median forced vital capacity (FVC) and total lung capacity (TLC) were higher in the advanced emphysema group compared to patients with no emphysema (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively), whereas median DLCO did not differ among groups and was overall low. Within the advanced emphysema group (n = 28), further characterization of the type of emphysema was performed and, within these subgroups of patients, survival was 75 [58, 85] months for patients with centrilobular emphysema, 75 [48, 85] months for patients with mixed centrilobular/paraseptal emphysema, and 24 [22, 35] months for patients with paraseptal emphysema (P < 0.01). Patients with advanced paraseptal emphysema had similar survival times to patients without emphysema. Patients with pulmonary fibrosis combined with advanced centrilobular or mixed emphysema have an improved survival compared with patients with pulmonary fibrosis without emphysema, with trivial emphysema or with advanced paraseptal emphysema.Fibrogenesis & Tissue Repair 02/2011; 4(1):6. -
Article: Collaborative radiologic and histopathologic assessment of fibrotic lung disease.
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ABSTRACT: The idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) are a seemingly disconnected collection of diseases usually associated with the presence of pulmonary fibrosis. Categorization of the IIPs continues to be problematic despite recent attempts to refine the diagnostic criteria and suggests that rather than separate diseases, these pneumonias represent a spectrum of injury and abnormal repair of the alveolar wall. Although the initiating injury or injuries are unknown, the IIPs share a restricted number of final common abnormal pathways that lead to volume loss and lung distortion. The pathways include (a) alveolar collapse, (b) incorporation of fibroblastic material into alveolar walls, and (c) cigarette smoke-related inflammation and fibrosis. A collaborative diagnostic process in which data from radiologic and histologic assessments are combined allows a more reliable identification of the predominant pathways leading to pulmonary fibrosis. This approach has implications for therapy and the future direction of research.Radiology 06/2010; 255(3):692-706. · 5.73 Impact Factor -
Article: Granulomatous reaction to pneumocystis jirovecii: clinicopathologic review of 20 cases.
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ABSTRACT: To better characterize the clinical and pathologic features of granulomatous reaction to Pneumocystis jirovecii, we reviewed 20 cases of this uncommon response. Patients included 15 males and 5 females (mean age 52 y). The most common symptom was dyspnea (5 of 14). Primary medical diagnoses included human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (7 of 20), hematopoietic (6 of 20), and solid malignancies (4 of 20). Radiology findings included nodular (8 of 16) and diffuse (5 of 16) infiltrates and solitary nodules (3 of 16). Diagnostic procedures with the highest yield were open lung biopsy (13 of 20) and autopsy (5 of 20); false-negative results were most common on bronchial washings/brushings, bronchoalveolar lavage, fine needle aspiration, and transbronchial biopsy. Follow-up showed resolution of disease (6 of 13), death from disease (6 of 13), and death from unknown cause (1 of 13). Histologically, clusters of Gomori methenamine silver-positive (20 of 20) Pneumocystis organisms were identified in all cases. Organisms were identified within well (16 of 20) and poorly (4 of 20) formed necrotizing (16 of 20) and non-necrotizing (4 of 20) granulomas ranging in size from 0.1 to 2.5 cm (mean 0.5 cm); granulomas were multiple (18 of 20) or single (2 of 20). Giant cells (11 of 20), a fibrous rim (8 of 20), and eosinophils (6 of 20) were seen. Foamy eosinophilic exudates were present centrally within some granulomas (5 of 20). Cystic spaces (1 of 20) and calcification (1 of 20) were rare. Only one case demonstrated classic intra-alveolar foamy exudates containing Pneumocystis. Granulomatous P. jirovecii pneumonia occurs most commonly in males with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, hematopoietic, and solid malignancies. The diagnosis may be overlooked as conventional radiologic and pathologic features are absent. When suspected, open lung biopsy is most likely to yield diagnostic material. Attention to organism morphology avoids misdiagnosis as Histoplasma.The American journal of surgical pathology 05/2010; 34(5):730-4. · 4.06 Impact Factor -
Article: Diffuse thymic fibrosis: histologic pattern of injury or distinct entity?
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ABSTRACT: Thymic fibrosis in the absence of another primary thymic lesion, such as a neoplasm or cyst, is unusual. We identified 6 cases of primary extensive thymic fibrosis that developed in 3 men and 3 women, aged 28 to 60 years, mean 48 years. Patients had limited or no symptoms. Two patients had dyspnea and 1 had cough and hemoptysis. One female patient had myasthenia gravis. The lesions measured 3.5 to 17 cm in greatest dimension, mean 8 cm, and were confined to the anterior mediastinum as determined by imaging, intraoperative notes, and/or gross examination. All cases showed diffuse fibrosis with variable collagen deposition, lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates, and involution/atrophy of thymus. One case had rare IgG4-positive plasma cells and focal obliterative phlebitis. The histology showed overlap with that of IgG4-related sclerosing disease, which to our knowledge has not been documented earlier in this location. Although the etiology of the lesions is undetermined, altered immunity and/or infection may play a role.The American journal of surgical pathology 02/2010; 34(2):211-5. · 4.06 Impact Factor -
Article: Variable prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in patients with advanced interstitial pneumonia.
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ABSTRACT: Pulmonary hypertension may occur in patients with interstitial pneumonia and is associated with increased mortality. We sought to determine the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in sub-groups of patients with interstitial pneumonia and to investigate possible associations between pulmonary vascular hemodynamics and pulmonary function. The presence or absence of pulmonary hypertension was assessed in 70 patients with advanced interstitial pneumonia who underwent right heart catheterization. The associations of pulmonary hypertension with clinical characteristics and pulmonary function tests were analyzed. The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia was 29% vs 64% in patients with connective tissue disease-interstitial pneumonia (p = 0.013). African American patients had a significantly higher prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in the entire study population (81% vs 22%, p < 0.001) and in the idiopathic interstitial pneumonia group (70% vs 19%, p < 0.01). Regression analyses revealed no association between mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and forced vital capacity or mPAP and diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide in the entire cohort or in sub-groups of patients. African American patients and patients with connective tissue disease-interstitial pneumonia had a high prevalence of pulmonary hypertension. Non-African American patients with advanced idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) had a low prevalence of pulmonary hypertension.The Journal of heart and lung transplantation: the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation 02/2010; 29(2):188-94. · 3.54 Impact Factor -
Article: Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung: histologic criteria and common lesions in the differential diagnosis.
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ABSTRACT: Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung is a subset of poorly differentiated non-small cell lung cancers that are diagnostically challenging because they are uncommon, may reveal little of their parent cell of origin, and overlap morphologically with other anaplastic epithelioid and spindle cell tumors that can be primary in, or metastatic to, the lung and pleura. To review the current histologic classification and diagnostic criteria that identify the 5 subtypes of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung and to discuss the most common tumors in the differential diagnosis. Published classification systems from the World Health Organization and pertinent peer-reviewed articles indexed in PubMed (National Library of Medicine) form the basis of this review. Identification of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung requires knowledge of specific histologic criteria that define the 5 subgroups, targeted immunohistochemical studies, and correlation with chest imaging to assess distribution of disease and to avoid misdiagnosis.Archives of pathology & laboratory medicine 01/2010; 134(1):49-54. · 2.58 Impact Factor -
Article: Smoking-related lung disease.
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ABSTRACT: Dyspneic smokers who come to clinical attention demonstrate varying combinations of emphysema, airway inflammation, and fibrosis in addition to the changes of pulmonary Langerhans' cell histiocytosis. There is also growing acceptance of a link between cigarette smoke and alveolar wall fibrosis. Acute eosinophilic pneumonia is a dramatic response to recent-onset smoking seen in a small number of individuals. The interconnected pathways that lead to lung inflammation and fibrosis in cigarette smokers are slowly coming into focus.Journal of thoracic imaging 11/2009; 24(4):274-84. · 1.42 Impact Factor -
Article: Sclerosing hemangioma of the lung.
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ABSTRACT: We present a brief review of sclerosing hemangioma, an uncommon but histologically distinctive neoplasm of the lung. Based on immunohistochemical and molecular findings, sclerosing hemangioma is thought to be derived from incompletely differentiated respiratory epithelium. Sclerosing hemangiomas typically present as asymptomatic, peripheral, solitary, well-circumscribed lesions in women with a mean age at diagnosis in the fifth decade. Rare cases are reported to have regional lymph node metastases; however, metastases do not appear to affect long-term survival. Histologically, sclerosing hemangioma is characterized by a distinct constellation of findings including 2 epithelial cell types, surface cells and round cells, which form 4 architectural patterns, papillary, sclerotic, solid, and hemorrhagic. Sclerosing hemangioma of the lung is generally considered to be a benign lesion, and surgical excision is curative without the need for additional treatment.Archives of pathology & laboratory medicine 06/2009; 133(5):820-5. · 2.58 Impact Factor -
Article: Check Sample Abstracts.
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ABSTRACT: The following abstracts are compiled from Check Sample exercises published in 2008. These peer-reviewed case studies assist laboratory professionals with continuing medical education and are developed in the areas of clinical chemistry, cytopathology, forensic pathology, hematology, microbiology, surgical pathology, and transfusion medicine. Abstracts for all exercises published in the program will appear annually in AJCP.American Journal of Clinical Pathology 03/2009; 131(2):286-299. · 2.60 Impact Factor -
Article: Lung tumors with neuroendocrine morphology: essential radiologic and pathologic features.
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ABSTRACT: Tumors with neuroendocrine morphology are a distinct subset of lung neoplasms sharing characteristic histologic, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, and molecular features. To review the current histologic classification and the diagnostic criteria for the major categories of neuroendocrine tumors of the lung. Published classification systems from the World Health Organization and pertinent peer-reviewed articles indexed in PubMed (National Library of Medicine) form the basis of this review. Accurate classification of the neuroendocrine tumors of the lung requires knowledge of specific criteria separating the major categories, which is essential for determining prognosis and treatment.Archives of pathology & laboratory medicine 08/2008; 132(7):1055-61. · 2.58 Impact Factor -
Article: Idiopathic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia: report of an American Thoracic Society project.
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ABSTRACT: The 2002 American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society classification of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias identified nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) as a provisional diagnosis. Concern was expressed that NSIP was a "wastebasket" category, difficult to distinguish from other idiopathic interstitial pneumonias. The following questions were addressed: (1) Is idiopathic NSIP a distinct entity? 2) If so, what are its clinical, radiologic and pathologic characteristics? (3) What is the role of radiology and pathology in establishing the diagnosis? (4) To make a diagnosis of idiopathic NSIP, what other disorders need to be excluded and how should this be done? Investigators who had previously reported cases of idiopathic NSIP were invited to submit cases for review (n = 305). After initial review, cases with complete clinical, radiologic, and pathologic information (n = 193) were reviewed in a series of workshops. Sixty-seven cases were identified as NSIP. Mean age was 52 years, 67% were women, 69% were never-smokers, and 46% were from Asian countries. The most common symptoms were dyspnea (96%) and cough (87%); 69% had restriction. By high-resolution computed tomography, the lower lung zones were predominantly involved in 92% of cases; 46% had a peripheral distribution; 47% were diffuse. Most showed a reticular pattern (87%) with traction bronchiectasis (82%) and volume loss (77%). Lung biopsies showed uniform thickening of alveolar walls with a spectrum of cellular to fibrosing patterns. Five-year survival was 82.3%. Idiopathic NSIP is a distinct clinical entity that occurs mostly in middle-aged women who are never-smokers. The prognosis of NSIP is very good.American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine 07/2008; 177(12):1338-47. · 11.08 Impact Factor -
Article: Alveolar airspace and pulmonary artery involvement by extramedullary hematopoiesis: a unique manifestation of myelofibrosis.
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ABSTRACT: Pulmonary extramedullary hematopoiesis is a rare manifestation of myelofibrosis. We encountered a unique case of pulmonary extramedullary hematopoiesis occurring in a 59-year-old white man, where in addition to the typical foci of interstitial hematopoietic cells, a surgical lung biopsy showed airspace and arterial wall involvement. Airspace foci were associated with acute and organizing alveolar hemorrhage, while within arteries the hematopoietic elements had a striking predilection for the vascular intima. The hematopoietic foci included erythroid precursors, myeloid precursors, and megakaryocytes, which were immunoreactive with hemoglobin, myeloperoxidase, and CD61, respectively. Whether extramedullary hematopoiesis represents in situ embryonic stem cell differentiation or a compensatory seeding of hematopoietic cells from the bone marrow remains to be elucidated. However, familiarity with these findings in the lung could be helpful in uncovering occult hematological disorders accompanied by extramedullary hematopoiesis. Extramedullary hematopoiesis should also be considered as a cause of pulmonary hemorrhage, especially in the setting of myelofibrosis.Archives of pathology & laboratory medicine 02/2008; 132(1):99-103. · 2.58 Impact Factor -
Article: Primary pulmonary and mediastinal synovial sarcoma: a clinicopathologic study of 60 cases and comparison with five prior series.
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ABSTRACT: Primary pulmonary and mediastinal synovial sarcoma is rare and poses a diagnostic challenge particularly when unusual histological features are present. We present 60 cases of primary pulmonary and mediastinal synovial sarcoma (29 male and 27 female subjects; mean age, 42 years) and compare our results with five prior series to better define unusual histological features. Clinically, patients with mediastinal synovial sarcoma were younger with a male gender bias. Radiologically, tumors were well delineated with distinctive magnetic resonance imaging features and little vascular enhancement. In all, 21/46 patients died of disease within 5 years. Histologically, all tumors had dense cellularity, interlacing fascicles, hyalinized stroma, and mast cell influx. Hemangiopericytoma-like vasculature (48/60), focal myxoid change (30/60), and entrapped pneumocytes (23/60) were seen. Calcification was not prevalent (10/60). Unusual histological features included Verocay body-like formations (7/60), vague rosettes (6/60), well-formed papillary structures (3/60), adenomatoid change (3/60), and rhabdoid morphology (2/60). Immunohistochemistry demonstrated expression of pancytokeratin (39/58), epithelial membrane antigen (29/53), cytokeratin 7 (26/40), cytokeratin 5/6 (5/7), calretinin (15/23), CD99 (19/23), bcl-2 (24/24), CD56 (11/11), S-100 (9/51), and smooth muscle actin (8/32). In total, 92% (36/39) of primary pulmonary and mediastinal synovial sarcomas studied were positive for t(x;18). In conclusion, our study confirms the clinical, histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular data from previous large series of primary pulmonary and mediastinal synovial sarcoma. Compared with soft tissue synovial sarcoma, primary pulmonary and mediastinal synovial sarcoma has less calcification, less obvious mast cell influx, and less radiologic vascularity, but similar magnetic resonance imaging features, percentage of poorly differentiated tumors, and number of t(x;18)-positive tumors. Awareness of focal unusual histology can prevent misdiagnosis particularly in t(x;18)-negative tumors.Modern Pathology 08/2007; 20(7):760-9. · 4.79 Impact Factor -
Article: Virtual autopsy: two- and three-dimensional multidetector CT findings in drowning with autopsy comparison.
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ABSTRACT: To retrospectively determine the multidetector computed tomographic (CT) virtual autopsy findings of death by drowning in comparison with autopsy findings. The institutional review board of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology approved this HIPAA-compliant study and did not require informed consent by the next of kin. Total-body multidetector CT was performed, immediately prior to routine autopsy, in 28 consecutive male subjects (mean age, 24.2 years) who died of drowning and a control group of 12 consecutive male subjects (mean age, 50.8 years) who died of sudden death from atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. Images were evaluated for the presence of fluid and sediment in the paranasal sinuses and airways, mastoid air cell fluid, frothy fluid in the airways, pulmonary opacity (ground-glass opacity or airspace consolidation), interlobular septal thickening, and gastric distention and contents (fluid or sediment). Image findings were compared with findings from autopsy reports and photographs. All drowning subjects had fluid in the paranasal sinuses and mastoid air cells and had ground-glass opacity within the lungs. Twenty-six subjects (93%) had fluid in the subglottic trachea and main bronchi. Fourteen subjects (50%) had high-attenuation sediment in the subglottic airways. Frothy fluid in the airways was present in six subjects (21%). Twenty-five (89%) of the drowning subjects had pulmonary ground-glass opacity with septal lines, which was mild with apical and perihilar distribution in 12 subjects, severe and diffuse in nine, posterior and basilar in three, and limited to the apices in one (not assessed in three of 28 subjects because of decomposition). Control subjects showed mastoid cell fluid (25%), sinus fluid (83%), subglottic airway fluid (92%), and pulmonary ground-glass opacity (100%) but did not have evidence of frothy airway fluid or high-attenuation sediment in the airways. The multidetector CT finding of frothy airway fluid or high-attenuation airway sediment is highly suggestive of drowning; multidetector CT findings of pan sinus fluid, mastoid cell fluid, subglottic tracheal and bronchial fluid, and ground-glass opacity within the lung at multidetector CT are supportive of drowning in the appropriate scenario.Radiology 07/2007; 243(3):862-8. · 5.73 Impact Factor -
Article: Occult primary parotid gland acinic cell adenocarcinoma presenting with extensive lung metastasis.
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ABSTRACT: Acinic cell adenocarcinoma is a malignant salivary gland neoplasm with a relatively low rate of lymphangitic spread to regional lymph nodes. Distant metastases are rare and their occurrence typically indicates an unfavorable outcome. We encountered an unusual example of acinic cell adenocarcinoma that initially presented in the lung, whereas the primary parotid carcinoma, despite extensive clinical evaluation, only became apparent 1 year after initial diagnosis. The histologic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural features of the tumor in the parotid gland and lung were similar. The tumor displayed an aggressive behavior resulting in death within 2 years of the initial presentation. This presentation is unique, showing that peripheral lung tumors of salivary gland type are likely to be metastatic, and careful clinical evaluation is warranted in establishing their primary site of origin.Archives of pathology & laboratory medicine 07/2007; 131(6):970-3. · 2.58 Impact Factor -
Article: Inhalational anthrax.
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ABSTRACT: Inhalational anthrax is a lethal infection acquired from the inhalation of Bacillus anthracis, a pathogen classified as a Category A bioterrorist agent by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The recent 2001 attack in which weaponized spores were delivered by mail to several US cities exposed our vulnerability to bioterrorism, and taught us important lessons in the timely diagnosis of this devastating disease. It is clear that patient mortality is significantly decreased by early recognition and immediate administration of antibiotic therapy. Unfortunately, the nonspecific clinical presentation is often misinterpreted as a flu-like illness and confirmatory microbiologic tests may take up to 24 hours. Radiologic manifestations, however, are distinctive and may prove essential in directing appropriate clinical care in the critical early hours of inhalational anthrax.Journal of Thoracic Imaging 12/2006; 21(4):252-8. · 0.98 Impact Factor -
Article: Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma and lung adenocarcinoma: the clinical importance and research relevance of the 2004 World Health Organization pathologic criteria.
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ABSTRACT: Advances in the pathology and computed tomography (CT) of lung adenocarcinoma and bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) have demonstrated important new prognostic features that have led to changes in classification and diagnostic criteria. The literature and a set of cases were reviewed by a pathology/CT review panel of pathologists and radiologists who met during a November 2004 International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer/American Society of Clinical Oncology consensus workshop in New York. The group addressed the question of whether sufficient data exist to modify the 2004 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of adenocarcinoma and BAC to define a "minimally invasive" adenocarcinoma with BAC. The problems of diffuse and/or multicentric BAC and adenocarcinoma were evaluated. The clinical concept of BAC needs to be reevaluated with careful attention to the new 2004 WHO criteria because of the major clinical implications. Existing data indicate that patients with solitary, small, peripheral BAC have a 100% 5-year survival rate. The favorable prognostic impact of the restrictive criteria for BAC is already being detected in major epidemiologic data sets such as the Surveillance Epidemiology and End-Results registry. Most lung adenocarcinomas, including those with a BAC component, are invasive and consist of a mixture of histologic patterns. Therefore, they are best classified as adenocarcinoma, mixed subtype. This applies not only to adenocarcinomas with a solitary nodule presentation but also to tumors with a diffuse/multinodular pattern. The percentage of BAC versus invasive components in lung adenocarcinomas seems to be prognostically important. However, at the present time, a consensus definition of "minimally invasive" BAC with a favorable prognosis was not recommended by the panel, so the 1999/2004 WHO criteria for BAC remain unchanged. In small biopsy specimens or cytology specimens, recognition of a BAC component is possible. However, it is not possible to exclude an invasive component. The diagnosis of BAC requires thorough histologic sampling of the tumor. Advances in understanding of the pathology and CT features of BAC and adenocarcinoma have led to important changes in diagnostic criteria and classification of BAC and adenocarcinoma. These criteria need to be uniformly applied by pathologists, radiologists, clinicians, and researchers. The 2004 WHO classification of adenocarcinoma is readily applicable to research studies, but attention needs to be placed on the relative proportion of the adenocarcinoma subtypes. Other recently recognized prognostic features such as size of scar, size of invasive component, or pattern of invasion also seem to be important. More work is needed to determine the most important prognostic pathologic features in lung adenocarcinoma.Journal of thoracic oncology: official publication of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer 12/2006; 1(9 Suppl):S13-9. · 4.55 Impact Factor
Top co-authors
Top Journals
Institutions
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2012–2013
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University of Maryland-School of Medicine
Baltimore, MD, USA
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2009–2011
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University of Maryland, Baltimore
- Department of Medicine
Baltimore, MD, USA -
Madigan Army Medical Center
Tacoma, WA, USA
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2002–2010
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Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
Rāwalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan
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2008
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Akdeniz University
Antalya, Antalya, Turkey
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2006–2007
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American Institute for Radiologic Pathology
Silver Spring, MD, USA
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2005–2006
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Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
- Department of Pathology
New York City, NY, USA -
National Cancer Institute (USA)
- Laboratory of Population Genetics
Bethesda, MD, USA
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