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BackgroundInflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is a histopathologically distinctive neoplasm of children and young adults. According to World Health Organization (WHO) classification, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is an intermediate-grade tumor, with potential for recurrence and rare metastasis. There are no definite histopathologic, molecular, or cytogenetic features to predict malignant transformation, recurrence, or metastasis.MethodsA 5-year retrospective study of histopathologically diagnosed inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors of various anatomic sites was conducted to correlate anaplastic lymphoma kinase-1 (ALK-1) expression with histological atypia, multicentric origin of tumor, recurrence, and metastasis. Clinical details of all the cases were noted from the clinical work station. Immunohistochemical stains for ALK-1 and other antibodies were performed. Statistical analysis was done using Fisher exact test.ResultsA total of 18 cases of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors were found during the study period, of which 14 were classical. The female-male ratio was 1:1 and the mean age was 23.8 years. Histologically atypical (four cases) and multifocal tumors (three cases, multicentric in origin) were noted. Recurrence was noted in 30% of ALK-1 positive and 37.5% of ALK-1 negative cases, whereas metastasis to the lung, liver, and pelvic bone was noted in the ALK-1 positive group only.ConclusionsOverall, ALK-1 protein was expressed in 55.6% of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors. There was no statistically significant correlation between ALK-1 expression, tumor type, recurrence and metastasis. However, ALK-1 immunohistochemistry is a useful diagnostic aid in the appropriate clinical and histomorphologic context.

Introduction:Although pulmonary hydatid cysts can be diagnosed on computed tomography (CT), sometimes findings can be atypical. Other hypodense infective or neoplastic lesions may mimic hydatid cysts. We proposed that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may act as a problem-solving tool, aiding the definite diagnosis of hydatid cysts and differentiating it from its mimics. The aim of this study is to assess the findings of pulmonary hydatid cysts on CT and MRI and the additional contribution of MRI in doubtful cases.Materials and Methods:This is a retrospective study of 90 patients with suspected hydatid cysts. CT and MRI findings were noted and role of MRI in diagnosing hydatid cysts and its mimics was studied. Descriptive statistics for CT findings and sensitivity and specificity of MRI were calculated using surgery or histopathology as gold standard.Results:Of the 90 patients with suspected pulmonary hydatid cysts, there were 52 true-positive and 7 false-positive cases on CT. Commonest CT finding was unilocular thick-walled cyst. In the 26 patients who had additional MRI, based on T2-weighted hypointense rim or folded membranes, accurate preoperative differentiation of 14 patients with hydatid cysts from 10 patients with alternate diagnosis was possible. There was one false-positive and one false-negative case on MRI.Conclusion:Although hydatid cyst can be diagnosed on CT on most occasions, sometimes there are challenges with certain mimics and atypical appearances. T2-weighted MRI can act as a problem solving tool to conclusively diagnose hydatid cyst or suggest an alternate diagnosis.

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Ectopic anterior mediastinal parathyroid adenoma is a rare cause of Primary Hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Imaging studies such as Technetium-99m ((99m)Tc) sestamibi parathyroid scan along with a Single Photon Emission Computerized Tomogram (SPECT), and contrast enhanced Computerized Tomogram (CT) of the neck and thorax can precisely localize the ectopic mediastinal parathyroid adenoma. We report a 40-year-old gentleman who presented with persistent pain in the right shoulder following trivial trauma. His biochemical investigations showed an elevated serum calcium of 11.6mg% (Normal: 8.3-10.4 mg%) along with an elevated iPTH of 1443 pg/ml (normal: 8-70 pg/ml) which were suggestive of primary hyperparathyroidism. The localization studies revealed an ectopic cystic parathyroid adenoma in the anterior mediastinum that was not accessible from the neck. He underwent a Video Assisted Thoracoscopic (VAT) excision procedure with normalization of serum calcium and an uncomplicated recovery. The VAT approach is a successful minimally invasive technique for mediastinal parathyroidectomy.