On the question of cognitive limits in diagnostic histopathology.

From a solely morphological point of view, histopathological diagnosis is subject to interpretation variables that may be investigated from an epistemological aspect. On the basis of the most suitable ways of approach, the authors examine some theoretical aspects involved in writing a histopathological report. In particular, the following are considered: problems regarding the perception of shapes, induction, deduction, abduction and some aspects of formal logic connected with the evaluation of immunohistochemical investigations.

Correlation between gingival phenotype and Schneiderian membrane thickness.

Purpose: The most common complication during sinus graft surgery is tearing or perforation of the Schneiderian membrane. Perforations are most likely to occur if the sinus membrane is thin. Preoperative prediction of the antral membrane thickness may be of practical importance during maxillary sinus augmentation procedures.

CagA and VacA Helicobacter pylori antibodies in gastric cancer.

Background: Infection with different genotypes of virulent Helicobacter pylori strains (cytotoxin-associated gene A [CagA]- and/or vacuolating cytotoxin A [VacA]-positive) can play a role in the development of atrophic gastritis, duodenal ulcer (DU) and gastric cancer (GC).

Objective: To determine whether patients with GC and H pylori-negative histological staining had previously been infected with H pylori CagA- and/or VacA-positive virulent strains.

Methods: Twenty-three GC patients with a mean (+/- SD) age of 68.

Gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia changes 8 years after Helicobacter pylori eradication. A blind, randomised study.

Background: Chronic atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia are regarded as predisposing factors for gastric cancer associated with Helicobacter pylori infection, and their severity appears to influence gastric cancer risk. Our purpose was to determine the outcome of chronic gastritis after H. pylori eradication in a long-term follow-up.

Gastric carcinoma risk index, type III intestinal metaplasia and Helicobacter pylori status on antrum and body biopsies in a prospective general population study.

Background: To evaluate the utility of 2 biopsies of antrum and gastric body on routinary endoscopy for the assessment of type III intestinal metaplasia (IM-3) and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) status, 1750 patients (pts) (895 males and 855 females, mean age 60.2) were considered from June 1998 to June 2000.

Methods: Specimens were graded 0 to 3 for atrophy, IM-3 and Hp status.

Helicobacter pylori antibodies (CagA and VacA) detection. The link between cancer and infection.

Background: Infection with different genotypes of virulent Helicobacter pylori (Hp) strain, CagA and/or VacA positive, can play a role in the development of atrophic gastritis, duodenal ulcer (DU), and gastric carcinomas (GC). This study was undertaken to investigate if patients with GC with Hp negative histological Giemsa staining had a past infection by virulent strains of Hp CagA and/or VacA positive.

Methods: Twenty GC, (average age +/- SD) 68.

Effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on bulbitis and duodenal gastric metaplasia.

Background/aims: Duodenal gastric metaplasia seems to be linked to infection by Helicobacter pylori, to the extent of acid secretion and to bulbitis. An investigation was made of the relationship between bulbitis and duodenal gastric metaplasia, or whether bulbitis can arise along with duodenal gastric metaplasia after Helicobacter pylori eradication in an average of six years.

Methodology: We compared 22 patients with duodenal ulcers [male/female 16/6; (mean age+/-SD) 55+/-12 years] Helicobacter pylori-negative after eradication, with 23 Helicobacter pylori-positive patients free from active duodenal ulcers [male/female 17/6; (mean age+/-SD) 59+/-12 years].

[Auto-transplantation of tooth germs. Discussion and presentation of 3 treated cases].

The authors examine the theoretical possibilities of human dental transplants: autologous, homologous and heterologous. They, then discuss-with reference to autologous transplants-an autotransplant as an alternative to prosthodontic treatment. This would apply both to traditional prosthodontic treatment and on implants or orthodontic treatment aiming at filling dental gaps.

Helicobacter pylori-positive duodenal ulcer: a long-term double-blind randomized study in patients healed with H2-receptor antagonists.

Background: The NIH Consensus Conference in 1994 (1) concluded that all patients with peptic ulcer disease should be tested and treated for Helicobacter pylori and that further evaluation was needed for patients in remission.

Materials And Methods: We evaluated in a double blind randomization 30 patients whose duodenal ulcers had been healed with H2-receptor antagonists and who remained in remission on maintenance therapy. After ulcer healing and the presence of H.

Long-term histopathologic findings in tooth germs autotransplantation. Analysis of a series.

Tooth germ autotransplantation, a surgical technique based upon extraction of a germ followed by reimplantation in the same individual, is indicated in tooth agenesis or loss as an alternative to traditional methods of treatment. The success of autotransplantation relies on several factors, and clinical studies indicate that results are excellent if correct surgery is carried out. This work offers a morphological contribution to the understanding of post-transplantation changes of the pulp, periodontal ligament and root cementum.

[Diffuse pulmonary ossification and diabetes mellitus. An association not previously described].

Diffuse pulmonary ossification is a relatively rare, well recognized condition, of which a number of reports exist in the literature. While the histologic picture of diffuse pulmonary ossification, with its nodular and dendritic forms, is well know, the pathogenesis is not yet fully clarified; a number of diseases have been claimed to be responsible for, or associated to diffuse pulmonary ossification, but the association with diabetes mellitus is so far undescribed. That's why we report this case, along with the discussion of some pathogenetic hypotheses and differential diagnosis.

[Pheochromocytoma and sudden death: a case of hyperacute myocardial ischemia].

Pheochromocytoma is the most frequent cause of adrenal sudden death, which is the unique sign in 1.5% of cases. After a short review of the literature, we report a case of a 36 years old asymptomatic woman, who died suddenly and unexpectedly while receiving preoperative treatment.

Collagenous spherulosis of the breast. Case report.

We report a case of collagenous spherulosis of the breast, a very rare underinvestigated lesion which must not be misinterpreted as a malignant epithelial tumour, such as adenoid cystic or signet-ring cell intraductal carcinoma, on histologic slides. The lesion is typically found in association with benign proliferative breast diseases. Prognosis is excellent.

[A case of anatomo-clinical diagnosis of balloon cell melanoma metastasis].

The authors present a case of balloon cell melanoma which was not diagnosed on the skin. The diagnosis was later carried out both on matter from pleural effusion and on lymph node metastases. The cytological examination of the fluid obtained from pleural effusion revealed the presence of abundant neoplastic cells belonging probably to a malignant epithelial lung tumor.

[Histopathologic aspects of gingival hyperplasia caused by cyclosporin].

The paper analyses a series of patients treated with Cyclosporine-A causing varying gingival degrees of hyperplasia and discusses the histopathological aspects.

[Role of direct immunofluorescence in the diagnosis of oral lichen planus].

A series of 25 cases with clinical signs indicative of oral lichen planus was examined. Samples stained with haematoxylin-eosin as for traditional histology and others for DIF were taken in each case. The results obtained by both techniques were then compared with the clinical picture.

[Keratotic lesions of the oral cavity. Notes on histopathologic differential diagnosis in leukoplakia, lichen planus, lupus erythematosus. Cases investigation].

A series of 24 white mouth lesions variously diagnosed as leukoplakia, lichen planus and discord lupus erythematosus is examined. A number of histological parameters were investigated using samples stained with haematoxylin-eosin and orcein and by Wohlgemulh's test. The 24 cases were also assessed by direct immunofluorescence (DIF) using the standard techniques.

[Structural aspects of degenerative disease of the temporomandibular articulation].

The authors, after having considered some structural aspects of the temporomandibular joint, examine the histologic features of the degenerative disease (arthrosis, remodelling, deviation in form).

[Morphologic characteristics of leukoplakias of the oral cavity and review of case material].

Cases of oral mucosa leukoplakias are presented. The authors discuss histologic features, clinical and prognostic findings.