DENSITOMETRY OF PAUTRIER'S MICROABSCESS CELLS IN CUTANEOUS T CELL LYMPHOMA

Background. Epidermotropic lymphoid T cell infiltrates are part of a continuous spectrum of lesions ranging from “benign” parapsoriasis to frank cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL, mycosis fungoides). Either the clinical or histologic differentiation between these entities prove often difficult and the prognosis may be difficult to assess. Patients and Methods. We studied 15 patients, men aged 50 to 81 years, mean ± SD 68 ± 12 years, with patch-plaque CTCL. Sections from punch biopsies from active lesions were stained with Feulgen reagent, coupled with a “twin” adjacent hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained section and analyzed with a VIDAS Zeiss-Kontron Image Analyzer. At least 50 dermal infiltrating cells and 50 epidermotropic Pautrierian cells per specimen were counted and the biopsies were repeated periodically. Results. Nine patients with aneuploid Pautrierian cell DNA patterns did well after conventional phototherapy (dermal cell ploidy was irrelevant), whereas six patients with euploid Pautrierian cell DNA patterns had to be treated aggressively (IFN + retinoids, COP). Clinical and histopathologic aspects of the first group were comparable to those of the second group. Conclusions. The classical cytophotometric aphorism seems to be reversed in this sample: “The more abnormal the ploidy of epidermotropic Pautrierian cells, the better the prognosis.” Euploid epidermotropic cell prove more efficient in invading the skin and other areas and this efficiency may be reflected in more aggressive trends in the evolution of the lymphoma. Thus, DSM analysis of epidermotropic cells could prove very useful as an inexpensive tool for routine CTCL grading.     

Evaluation of Microbial Reduction in Root Canals Instrumented with Reciprocating and Rotary Systems

Objective

This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the disinfection of root canal systems carried out with Reciproc^TM and ProTaper Universal^TM systems using 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl).

Methods

Forty human single-rooted mandibular premolars were infected with Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, and twenty were not infected. The specimens were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 10): Group 1: ProTaper Universal^TM + 1% NaOCl; Group 2 (positive control): ProTaper Universal^TM + saline; Group 3 (negative control without microorganisms): ProTaper Universal^TM + saline; Group 4: Reciproc^TM + 1% NaOCl; Group 5 (positive control): Reciproc^TM + saline; Group 6 (negative control without microorganisms): Reciproc^TM + saline. Samples were collected before and after the completion of specific treatments, and plated in specific media cultures. The Fisher exact test was used for the statistical analysis of differences in terms of presence or absence of microbial growth among groups. For all tested pathogens, significant differences (p < 0.001) were verified between the instrumentation systems used.

Results

ProTaper Universal^TM associated with 1% NaOCl completely eliminated all microorganisms. Microbial growth, however, was observed when Reciproc^TM was used associated with 1% NaOCl.

Conclusion

According to the protocol executed for this study, the Reciproc^TM system associated with 1% NaOCl was not able to completely eliminate E. faecalis, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and C. albicans from the root canal systems.Key words: endodontic treatment, Enterococcus faecalis, single-file instrumentation, sodium hypochlorite     

“A Case of Autosomal Recessive Form of Cranio-Metaphyseal Dysplasia with Unusual Features and with Bone Fragility”

A case of cranio-metaphyseal dysplasia (CMD) with unusual radiographic Findings and multiple spontaneous fractures is presented. The parental consanguinity is in favour of an autosomal recessive form. The differential diagnosis of this case among the various genetic entities with metaphyseal flaring and/or cranial hyperostosis is discussed.