Intranodal palisaded myofibroblastoma is a well-defined entity in the group of spindle-cell neoplasms of lymph nodes. The authors report 3 new cases of this unusual tumor. The nature of the proliferating cells is discussed.

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is being increasingly employed in conjunction with physical examination and mammography in the pre-surgical diagnosis of breast nodules. In the present study, we have submitted to multicenter validation an immunocytochemical test which employs monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to breast-tumor-associated antigens (BTAA) for the diagnosis of breast cancer. The results of this analysis, which has evaluated 846 FNAs, show that the immunological test has a sensitivity of 88.62%, a specificity of 97.9% and an accuracy of 92.4%. The predictive value of a positive and a negative finding were 98.4% and 85.57% respectively. Comparison between the cytological and immunocytochemical diagnosis displayed a higher sensitivity, accuracy and predictive value of a negative result with the latter method (p less than 0.01). Our findings clearly indicate that immunocytochemical methods can complement and improve the diagnostic accuracy of FNA cytology of breast nodules.

Two cases of retroperitoneal fibrosis are presented. Etiopathogenetic problems connected with various drugs are discussed, among which the methysergide is of paramount importance as well as the less known drugs such as reserpine. Histologic structures were studied by immunofluorescence which gives evidence of the antigen coloring the compound with specific γ-globulins combined with a strongly fluorescent drug (fluorescein): its positivity is clear and precise with total anti-Ig serum, as well as with anti-lgG, less weak with anti-IgA, and negative with anti-IgM. Such results advocate a tissular immunity movement and stress the theory which aims to focus retroperitoneal fibrosis within the chapter of autoimmunization diseases.