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* Context.--Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are very common, and their detection is increasing with the advances in imaging techniques. Because of the major implications for management, distinguishing between neoplastic and nonneoplastic PCLs is critical. Neoplastic cysts with potential to progress into cancer include mucinous PCLs (intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms and mucinous cystic neoplasms) and nonmucinous cysts (solid pseudopapillary tumors, serous cystic neoplasms, and neuroendocrine tumors with cystic degeneration). Nonneoplastic cysts with no risk of malignant transformation include pseudocysts, retention cysts, lymphoepithelial cysts, cystic pancreatic lymphangioma, and duplication cyst/ciliated foregut cysts. The role of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) cytology with cyst fluid analysis in the diagnosis of PCLs has evolved during the last decade; however, a definitive diagnosis on cytologic specimens is hampered by the sparse cellularity and can be challenging. EUS-FNA can play an important role to differentiate low-risk from high-risk pancreatic cysts and to distinguish between patients with cysts who need clinical follow-up versus those who require surgery. Objective.--To provide an integrative approach to diagnose pancreatic cystic lesions using EUS-FNA cytology and cyst fluid analysis, along with clinical, radiologic, histologic, genetic, and molecular characteristics. Data Sources.--The review and analysis of the latest literature describing pancreatic cystic lesions. Conclusions.--Accurate diagnosis of PCLs requires a multidisciplinary and multimodal team approach, including the integration of clinical findings, imaging, cytology, cyst fluid analysis, and molecular testing. (Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2020;144:47-61; doi: 10.5858/arpa.2019-0308-RA), Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) comprise a broad spectrum of entities and can be categorized into neoplastic and nonneoplastic. They differ greatly in their clinical behavior and malignant potential. Neoplastic cystic [...]

Objectives: To determine outcomes following relocation of frozen section services (FSS) and the implementation of a dedicated gastrointestinal frozen service.Methods: We reviewed our FSS 6 months prior to and following FSS relocation. Satisfaction surveys were sent to surgeons and pathologists. Survey feedback resulted in a pilot of gastrointestinal subspecialist frozen section coverage.Results: There were 1,607 and 1,472 specimens from 667 and 602 patients pre- and post-FSS relocation, respectively. There was a decline in median specimen delivery time to pathology (12 vs 10 minutes, P < .001) and an increase in median time from receipt in pathology to intraoperative diagnosis (20 vs 22 minutes, P = .008) in cases with intrapathology consultation but no change without consultation (median, 19 minutes). Intrapathology consultation decreased from 19.7% (317/1,607) to 11.5% (169/1,472) (P < .001). Discordance rates between frozen section and permanent section remained low and similar (2.0% [33/1,607] vs 2.7% [40/1,472], P = .24). There was no significant change in discordance with dedicated gastrointestinal subspecialty frozen section interpretation.Conclusions: Relocation of FSS and dedicated subspecialty interpretation may improve surgeon satisfaction but can also create workflow challenges. Pathology departments need to achieve a balance between satisfaction and adequacy to establish best frozen section coverage models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Second opinion review of pathology cases can identify diagnostic errors that impact patient care.Objective: We sought out to determine discrepancy rates and clinical impact of review of pathology cases to reassess our policy of review on all second opinion cases.Methods: All second opinion pathology cases over 1 year (2018) were retrospectively reviewed for discrepancy, multiple pathologist review and clinicopathologic features via chart and slide review. Cases were categorized as no significant discordance, major discordance without management change and major discordance with management change.Results: Among 4239 second opinion cases, 3.7% (156/4239) had major discordance with no change in management and 1% (42/4239) had major discordance with change in management. Discordance was significantly associated with multiple pathologist review at our institution (P < 0.001). Highest rates of discordance were observed for thyroid fine needle aspiration (15.3%, 26/170), tissue biopsy of bone/soft tissue (9.6%), endocrine (8.8%), genitourinary (6.7%), gynecologic (6.2%), hematopathology (4%), gastrointestinal/liver (3.7%) and thoracic (3%) sites.Conclusions: Our study showed a 1% major discordance rate with resulting significant change in clinical management, spread across nearly all subspecialties. Thus, we support recommendations for review of relevant outside pathology material for all patients for which review has the potential to illicit management change such as instituting a major medical or surgical therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies have suggested that oncocytic variant papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) may be more aggressive, with higher rates of recurrent disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate characteristics and outcomes of patients with oncocytic variant PTC compared to classical PTC. Methods: Patients with oncocytic variant PTC were retrospectively identified from 519 patients who underwent thyroidectomy for PTC between January 2009 and August 2015. Data collected included patient demographics, laboratory and pathology findings, imaging studies, treatment, and follow-up. Patients were matched 1:1 by age, sex, and TNM stage with patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for classical PTC during the same time period. Results: The cohort included 21 patients, of whom 18 (86%) were female, with a median age of 53 years (range 23–68 years). All patients underwent total thyroidectomy, and 17 (81%) had a central compartment neck dissection (8 [38%] prophylactic). The median tumor size was 2.0 cm (range 0.9–6.5 cm), and four (19%) patients had extrathyroidal extension. There was no significant difference in histopathologic characteristics, including extrathyroidal extension and lymphovascular invasion, between the two groups except for an increased incidence of thyroiditis in oncocytic variant PTC (90.5% vs. 57%; p = 0.01). In oncocytic variant PTC patients who underwent central compartment neck dissection, malignant lymph nodes were found in 12 (57%) patients compared to 13 (62%) classical (p = 0.75). Lateral neck dissection was performed in 5 (24%) oncocytic variant and classical PTC patients, with metastatic lymphadenopathy found in four (a median of four malignant lymph nodes; range 1–6) and five (a median of 2.5 malignant lymph nodes; range 1–9), respectively. Radioactive iodine was administered to 18 (86%) oncocytic variant PTC and 18 (86%) classical PTC patients. At a median follow-up of 51 months (interquartile range 38–61), one oncocytic variant PTC patient had recurrent disease and underwent reoperation at 24 months. In classical PTC patients with a median follow-up time of 77 months (range 56–87 months), two (9.5%) patients had detectable thyroglobulin levels indicating early recurrence, but neither has undergone reoperation. Conclusions: Oncocytic variant PTC was present in 5% of PTC patients. Most (95%) patients remain disease-free at four years, similar to classical PTC outcomes, suggesting that oncocytic variant may not represent a more aggressive variant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Although oropharyngeal neoplasia can often lead to dysphagia, salivary gland tumors rarely grow within the tongue base. We present the case of a 75-year-old man with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the base of the tongue cause in profound dysphagia and weight loss, and provide a current literature review and update on the management of these rare tumors. Methods: We present a case report and a literature review. Results: Physical examination performed at the initial visit revealed a firm right base-of-tongue mass with no palpable lymphadenopathy. Flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy confirmed a large submucosal mass at the right base of the tongue that obscured the right vallecula. Histopathologic analysis of the operative biopsy specimens revealed the classic feature of adenoid cystic carcinoma. Treatment included radical pharyngotomy with wide local excision and primary closure followed by postoperative radiation treatment. Conclusions: We demonstrate the clinical examination findings and histopathologic characteristics of this disease, and review the literature for clinical treatment recommendations for this rare cause of dysphagia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Cardiac fibrosis complicates SARS-CoV-2 infections and has been linked to arrhythmic complications in survivors. Accordingly, we sought evidence of increased HSP47 (heat shock protein 47), a stress-inducible chaperone protein that regulates biosynthesis and secretion of procollagen in heart tissue, with the goal of elucidating molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac fibrosis in subjects with this viral infection. Methods and Results Using human autopsy tissue, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry, we quantified Hsp47 + cells and collagen α 1(l) in hearts from people with SARS-CoV-2 infections. Because macrophages are also linked to inflammation, we measured CD163 + cells in the same tissues. We observed irregular groups of spindle-shaped HSP47 + and CD163 + cells as well as increased collagen α 1(I) deposition, each proximate to one another in "hot spots" of ≈40% of hearts after SARS-CoV-2 infection (HSP47 + P <0.05 versus nonfibrotics and P <0.001 versus controls). Because HSP47 + cells are consistent with myofibroblasts, subjects with hot spots are termed "profibrotic." The remaining 60% of subjects dying with COVID-19 without hot spots are referred to as "nonfibrotic." No control subject exhibited hot spots. Conclusions Colocalization of myofibroblasts, M2(CD163 + ) macrophages, and collagen α 1(l) may be the first evidence of a COVID-19-related "profibrotic phenotype" in human hearts in situ. The potential public health and diagnostic implications of these observations require follow-up to further define mechanisms of viral-mediated cardiac fibrosis.