Wednesday, 1 June 2011

Plasmablastic lymphoma in a previously undiagnosed AIDS patient: A case report.

Nagpal D, Maralingannavar M, Koshti S. 
 Vieira FO, El Gandour O, Buadi FK, Williams GB, Shires CB, Zafar N. Plasmablastic lymphoma in a previously undiagnosed AIDS patient: A case report. Head and Neck Pathol 2008;2:92-96.



Sarode SC, Sarode GS, Patil A. Plasmablastic lymphoma of the oral cavity: A review. Oral Oncol 2010;46:146-153.







Vieira F, O. et al, 2008 Nagpal D et al, 2010
The epidemiology and prognosis of AIDS has changed tremendously since the first description of disease in 1980 [1]. The introduction of effective therapy and prophylaxis for opportunistic infections has significantly reduced mortality [2, 3]. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), introduced in 1996, has not only reduced the complications associated with AIDS, but also significantly improved survival [4–6]. However, secondary malignancies continue to be a major cause of AIDS-related morbidity and mortality [5].

Recent reports have shown a significant decrease in the incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in AIDS patients on HAART [7, 8], but the incidence still remains much higher than that of the general population [3, 9, 10]. The prevalence of AIDS-related malignancies is expected to increase as AIDS patients continue to live longer [4, 5, 8]. Therefore, PBL is expected to be seen more frequently among the spectrum of AIDS-defining illness [11].
Since its first description in early 1980’s AIDS epidemiology and prognosis has changed drastically due to the effective use of HAART1. After its introduction in 1996 HAART has been demonstrating success in reducing the complications associated with AIDS thus improving the survival. But secondary malignancies are still of concern for the AIDS related morbidity and mortality 2.



Sarode SC et al, 2010 Nagpal D et al, 2010
As per the current view, PBL arising from a post-germinal centre, preterminally differentiated B-cell lineage shows an abrupt dif ferentiation arrest in the plasmablastic stage.20 Oral PBL effaces the mucosal architecture with infiltration of the submucosa and extension to the mucosal surface with ulceration. It is characterised by monomorphic cellular proliferation of large lymphoid cells in a diffuse sheet-like and cohesive growth pattern.
Thus as in other forms of NHL, it is likely that EBV has an important role in the pathogenesis of oral PBL, but a similar role for HHV8 is less certain.
PBL arising from post-germinal, preterminally differentiated B-cell lineage with abrupt arrest in the Plasmablastic stage.


It is characterized by monomorphic cellular proliferation of large lymphoid cells in a diffuse cohesive or sheet-like pattern 5.
Recent reviews have described that EBV has an important role in the pathogenesis of oral PBL, but a similar role for HHV8 is less certain 6.
Vieira FO et al, 2008 Nagpal D et al, 2010
The natural history of PBL without adequate treatment is progression from local to systemic disease and subsequent death. The natural history of PBL without adequate treatment is progression from local to systemic disease and subsequent death 2.
Vieira FO et al, 2008 Nagpal D et al, 2010
Discussion
The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies PBL as a non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma, predominantly occurring in HIV-positive patients. Originally PBL was described in the oral cavity region although, many reports of patients without HIV and outside the head and neck area have been recently presented in the literature [10, 13, 16–19].
PBL presents an aggressive behavior mostly in immunosuppressed HIV-positive patients who are co-infected by
Discussion
The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies PBL as a non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma, predominantly occurring in HIV-positive patients. Originally PBL was described in the oral cavity region although; many reports of patients without HIV and outside the head and neck area have been recently presented in the literature 7-10.
PBL has an aggressive nature especially in immunicompromised HIV-positive patients. Once antiretroviral therapy is initiated a


EBV. Interestingly, once antiretroviral therapy is initiated a more favorable and indolent response is observed. more favorable and indolent response is observed 11.
Sarode SC et al, 2010 Nagpal D, 2010
Oral PBL effaces the mucosal architecture with infiltration of the
submucosa and extension to the mucosal surface with ulceration.
It is characterised by monomorphic cellular proliferation of large
lymphoid cells in a diffuse sheet-like and cohesive growth pattern. The sheets of tumor cells are interspersed with macrophages, resulting in a ‘starry-sky’ appearance on low power examination. The tumor cells are reminiscent of immunoblasts and plasmablastic differentiation in the form of a round to oval shape with either centrally or eccentrically placed nuclei and abundant eosinophilic. cytoplasm (Fig. 2). Dutcher and Russell bodies characteristic of plasma cells are not seen.4 Usually, a single prominent nucleoli is located in the center of the nucleus. Brisk mitotic index, apoptotic bodies and sometimes necrosis has also been reported.
On light microscopy oral PBL shows infiltration of submucosa and extension to mucosal surface with ulceration, this was not found in the present case. It is characterized by monomorphic cellular proliferation of large lymphoid cells in diffuse sheet like and cohesive growth pattern. The sheets of tumor cells are interspersed with macrophages resulting in a ‘starry-sky’ appearance on low power examination. The tumor cells are reminiscent of immunoblasts and Plasmablastic differentiation in the form of round to oval shape with either centrally or eccentrically placed nuclei and abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm. Usually, single prominent nucleolus is located in the center of the nucleus. Brisk mitotic index, apoptotic bodies and sometimes necrosis has also been reported 5.
Vieira FO et al, 2008 Nagpal D et al, 2010
Once PBL is confirmed, work-up tests for HIV should be included due to this strong association [4, 6, 11–13, 20– 22]. In case the test results confirmed PBL-AIDS associated, there is evidence that initiating HAART improves prognosis, decreases incidence of systemic complications, and improves survival [4, 14, 19, 20, 23]. Once PBL is confirmed, work-up tests for HIV should be included due to this strong association 12,13 . In case the test results confirmed PBL-AIDS association, there is evidence that initiating HAART improves prognosis, decreases incidence of systemic complications, and improves survival 4, 10, 14-16.
Sarode SC et al, 2010 Nagpal D et al, 2010
Treatment may consist of chemotherapy, using prednisolone, cyclophosphamide, adriamycin and/or vincristine, or local excision followed by radiation. The final course of therapy is considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the stage of the disease, the presence of systemic symptoms or the association with HIV infection.7 Local radiotherapy has proven successful
Treatment may consist of chemotherapy, local excision followed by radiation. The final course of therapy is considered on case-by-case basis depending on the stage of the disease, the presence of systemic symptoms or the association with HIV infection. Local radiotherapy has proven successful only on gingival lesions. Multidrug chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy is




when only gingival lesions are present. Multi-drug chemotherapy with or without radiation treatment is generally recommended for the disseminated disease. recommended for disseminated disease 17.
Vieira FO et al, 2008 Nagpal D et al, 2010
Currently there is agreement that HIV-positive patients with PBL must commence HAART [14, 19, 20, 23, 24], since it has shown improvement in survival rates. Currently there is agreement that HIV-positive patients with PBL must commence HAART since it has shown to improve the survival rate 2,5,14.
Sarode SC et al, 2010 Nagpal D et al, 2010
Conclusion
Oral PBL is an uncommon, recently described B-cell derived
lymphoma most commonly seen in patients with HIV infection. It is characterised by a diagnostic triad of predilection for gingivo-buccal complex mucosa, classical plasmablastic morphology with the lack of neoplastic plasma cells and a limited immunohistochemical panel consisting of CD20 negativity, LCA (+/_), CD138/ VS38c diffuse positivity, light chain restriction and high Mib-1 index.
Conclusion
Oral PBL is not uncommon among HIV-positive individuals, classified under non-hodgkin’s type of lymphoma derived from the B cells 1,2. It is characterized by a diagnostic triad of predilection for gingiva-buccal complex mucosa, classical Plasmablastic morphology with lack of neoplastic plasma cells and limited immunohistochemical panel consisting of CD20 negativity, LCA (+/-), CD138 positivity and high Mib-1 index 5.


Plasmablastic lymphoma in a previously undiagnosed AIDS patient: A case report. International Journal of Contemporary Dentistry 2010;1(3):7-10.

Friday, 20 May 2011

Assessment of pulps vitality for children and adolescents.


Text Similarity
Noy AF, Fuks A. Assessment of pulps vitality for children and adolescents. Refuat Hapeh Vehashinayim 2010 27;13-6.73
Gopikrishna V, Pradeep G, Venkateshbabu N. Assessment of pulp vitality: a review. Int J Paediartr Dent 2009;19:3-15.
Accurate assessment of pulp status is one of the greatest diagnostic challenges in clinical practice. This may be further complicated in children and adolescent where the practitioner is faced with different situations such as: primary teeth, developing permanent dentition, traumatized teeth, patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. In addition, the dentist is frequently faced with young children who have limited ability to recall a pain history or cooperate with the test itself. A variety of pulp testing approaches exist, and there may be a confusion as to their validity in different clinical situations. Sensitivity tests include thermal testing and Electric Pulp Test. Their limitation is the possibility to get false positive or false negative results. Their primary limitation lies in the fact that they test the sensory response of the tooth, which can be temporarily lost after dental trauma. A more accurate assessment of pulp vitality would be made by determining the presence of a functioning blood supply with the use of Laser Doppler Flowmetry or Pulse Oximetry. This paper provides the clinician with a comprehensive review of current pulp testing methods and allow greater insight into the interpretation of pulp testing results, especially in young patients.

One of the greatest diagnostic challenges in clinical practice is the accurate assessment of pulp status. This may be further complicated in paediatric dentistry where the practitioner is faced with a developing dentition, traumatized teeth, or young children who have a limited ability to recall a pain history for the tooth in question. A variety of pulp testing approaches exist, and there may be confusion as to their validity or appropriateness in different clinical situations.
Aim.The aim of this paper is to provide the clinician with a comprehensive review of current pulp testing methods. A key objective is to highlight the difference between sensitivity testing and vitality testing. A biological basis for pulp testing is also provided to allow greater insight into the inter- pretation of pulp testing results. The rationale for, and methods of, assessing pulpal blood flow are described.




Friday, 13 May 2011

Wiley policy on plagiarism

Plagiarism - what to be done.


"The only way that practices such as plagiarism and other forms of scientifi c misconduct will be stamped out once and for all is if exposure is certain and condign punishment assured." [Gillman MA. Checking for plagiarism, duplicate publication, and text recycling. Lancet 2011;377:1403.]

Wednesday, 11 May 2011

Pulp vitality - The tale of two conclusions


The unreliability of testing tooth pulp nerve response is well documented. When nervous sensations are inhibited or abolished in the tooth, for example following trauma, tooth transplantation procedures or during a general anaesthetic, conventional tests are of little value. However, a method based on the vascular response of the pilip need not be restricted under such conditions. Recording the pulpal blood flow would be an objective assessment of the status of the pulpal blood circulation, a true indicator of pulp vitality. Optical devices that exploit the various absorbance properties of different substances within the dental pulp are being studied to determine pulsation and blood volume. They offer the advantages of being objective, noninvasive and atraumatic testing modalities, which result in greater patient acceptance and co-operation. Currently, the significance and reliability of these methods are being studied. It is hoped that newer technology will enable a more thorough study of the pulpal vasculature and define its role in pulp vitality testing.
The unreliability of testing tooth pulp nerve response is well-documented. When nervous sensations are inhibited or abolished in the tooth, for example, following trauma, tooth transplantation procedures or during a general anaesthetic, conventional tests are of little value. However, a method based on the vascular response of the pulp need not be restricted under such conditions. Recording the pulpal blood flow would be an objective assessment of the status of the pulpal blood circulation, a true indicator of pulp vitality. Optical devices that exploit the various absorbance properties of different substances within the dental pulp are being studied to determine pulsation and blood volume. They offer the advantages of being objective, noninvasive, and atraumatic testing modalities, which result in greater patient acceptance and cooperation. Currently, the significance and reliability of these methods are being studied. It is hoped that newer technology will enable a more thorough study of the pulpal vasculature and define its role in pulp vitality testing.