Pityriasis rosea-like cutaneous eruption as the presenting symptom of Hodgkin lymphoma. Case report and review of the literature.

Background: Cutaneous involvement by Hodgkin lymphoma is extremely rare and usually follows extensive involvement of the lymph nodes. Cutaneous manifestations of Hodgkin lymphoma may be divided into specific and non-specific. Generalized pruritus is one of the most common non-specific presentations of Hodgkin lymphoma as is cutaneous granulomas.

Detection of small abnormal B-Lymphoblast populations at diagnosis of chronic myelogenous leukemia, BCR-ABL1+: Incidence, phenotypic features, and clinical implications.

Background: According to the 2008 World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Tumors of the Haematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues, the finding of B lymphoblasts in the blood or bone marrow of a patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia, BCR-ABL1+ (CML) should raise a concern for progression of the disease to B-lymphoblastic blast phase. Data addressing the incidence and phenotypic features of abnormal B lymphoblasts in CML, and whether the detection of B lymphoblasts inexorably heralds blast phase in CML, though, are limited.

Methods: We reviewed a consecutive series of patients with newly diagnosed CML who had undergone bone marrow examination with flow cytometric immunophenotyping.

Improving blood transfusion practice by educational emphasis of the Blood Utilization Committee: experience of one hospital.

Aim: The aim of this study was to reduce crossmatch to transfusion ratio through development of a new Blood Utilization Committee.

Background: Blood utilization hinges on the cooperation between transfusion services, medical staff, nursing and administration. Transfusion committees have attempted to bring about better oversight and bridge the gap between departments but in our institution this did not work until we had a catalyst to drive the effort.

Can SOX-10 or KBA.62 Replace S100 Protein in Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Sentinel Lymph Nodes for Metastatic Melanoma?

Background: Microscopic evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes for metastatic melanoma relies, in part, on the use of immunohistochemical analysis to identify minute metastatic deposits that may be overlooked on routine microscopy. At present S100 protein is widely used in this role, in large part for its superior sensitivity; however, interpretation is hampered by the presence of benign S100 protein-positive cellular elements present in every lymph node, leading to reduced specificity and consequent difficulties in interpretation. In recent years, multiple melanocytic markers have emerged that promise superior sensitivity and specificity, including KBA.