Recurrent Goodpasture's syndrome.

Goodpasture''s syndrome was diagnosed in a 17-year-old boy with glomerulonephritis and hemoptysis. He was successfully treated with cyclophosphamide, prednisone and courses of plasmapheresis. The syndrome recurred 3 1/2 years later and was again successfully treated.     

An unusual pulmonary and renal presentation of echinococcosis. Report of a case

Echinococcosis, although relatively rare in North America, is becoming more prevalent. The rapid diagnosis of hydatid disease, using a noninvasive approach, is highly desirable. This paper describes a rare case of simultaneous pulmonary and renal echinococcosis, without demonstrable liver involvement, diagnosed by cytologic examination of a bronchial aspirate and sputum. This case emphasizes the importance of cytologic evaluation of a variety of body fluids to diagnose multiorgan infection by Echinococcus granulosus.     

Retroperitoneal extramedullary anaplastic plasmacytoma masquerading as sarcoma: Report of a case with an unusual presentation and imprint smears

BACKGROUND: Extramedullary plasmacytoma of the retroperitoneum is rare. Furthermore, plasmacytoma with anaplastic features can be confused with high grade sarcoma clinically and histologically, particularly when the initial immunohistochemical tumor markers are negative. However, paying attention to cytologic imprint smears can give valuable clues to the correct diagnosis. CASE: A 73-year-old male was admitted to our hospital with a recent history of back pain. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a large retroperitoneal mass (6.8 x 5.1 cm). The initial pathologic evaluation revealed a high grade pleomorphic neoplasm that failed to express multiple epithelial, mesenchymal, lymphoid and melanoma immunohistochemical markers. Subsequent fresh tissue evaluation with touch imprints and immunophenotypic characterization confirmed the plasma cell origin of the tumor. Thorough retrospective review of the touch imprint smears clearly showed the plasmacytic cytologic features. Features of multiple myeloma were essentially absent. CONCLUSION: Performing cytologic imprint smears on fresh tissue material may help in making the correct diagnosis and is highly recommended.     

Oxalosis associated with an Aspergillus niger fungus ball. Report of a case

During a seventeen day period an A. niger fungus ball evolved within a healed tuberculous cavity of a patient. Symptoms were a cough with a chocolate brown expectoration and dyspnea. The patient died and necropsy was performed. Crystals of calcium oxalate were deposited in the cavity lining and in the adjacent tissue of the lung. Fibrosis, mononuclear infiltration and intraalveolar purulent exudate were seen in these tissues. Some small vessels presented recent thrombosis and deposition of calcium oxalate. The bronchus connected with the cavity presented a disrupted epithelial layer, edema, polymorphonuclear infiltration and birefringent crystals. Scattered areas of tubular atrophy, glomerular sclerosis and lymphoid infiltration were seen in the cortex of the kidney. Oxalate crystals were also seen within the renal tubuli.Bolsistas do CNPq (Brazil).