Distinction of high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma/small cell carcinoma from conventional urothelial carcinoma of urinary bladder: an immunohistochemical approach.

Context: High-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas and small cell carcinomas (HGNEC/SmCC) of the urinary bladder are uncommon but aggressive neoplasms. Differentiation of HGNEC/SmCC from high-grade urothelial carcinoma (UC) is based on histomorphologic features, but can be difficult in small biopsies and cases with mixed morphology.

Objective: We attempt to identify a limited immunohistochemical panel that aids in this distinction.

A case of severe thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura with concomitant Legionella pneumonia: review of pathogenesis and treatment.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura (TTP) is a severe multisystem disorder characterized by fever, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, neurologic symptoms, and impaired renal function. Platelet counts are usually diminished, whereas the bone marrow shows a large number of megakaryocytes indicating peripheral destruction and consumption of platelets. Coagulation studies in patients with TTP are normal or slightly elevated, which helps differentiate this entity from disseminated intravascular coagulation.

P63 differentiates subtypes of nonsmall cell carcinomas of lung in cytologic samples: implications in treatment selection.

Background: Bevacizumab in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel improves overall response and survival in patients with advanced or recurrent nonsmall cell lung carcinoma. However, this drug is not recommended in patients with squamous cell carcinoma or neoplasms with a dominant squamous component. Therefore, identification of squamous cell differentiation has therapeutic implications.