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Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
Incidental mesonephric remnant hyperplasia of the jejunal mesentery: A diagnostic challenge
José-Fernando Val-Bernal1, Marta M Mayorga2, Adriana K Calapaquí-Terán2
1Pathology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Cantabria and IDIVAL Research Institute, Santander, Spain.
Abstract:
Mesonephric remnants are embryonic vestiges of the mesonephric (Wolffian) ducts which regress during normal development. These remnants have been uncommonly reported in the female and male reproductive tract as a spectrum of morphologic lesions that can be misdiagnosed as carcinoma. One case of mesonephric remnant hyperplasia of the jejunal mesentery incidentally found in a 47-year-old man is herein reported. This is the first description of mesonephric hyperplasia arisen in the mesentery. The presence of ducts, tubules, and cysts lined by bland, epithelial, cuboidal cells with scant cytoplasm, and diffuse pseudoinfiltrative growth pattern can raise the possibility of neoplasia. Immunohistochemically, mesonephric epithelia have a characteristic staining. CD10 highlights the apical-luminal aspect of the cells. Besides, intense reactivity is showed for high-molecular-weight cytokeratin (CK), CK7, bcl2, and vimentin. The main differential diagnosis includes mesothelial hyperplasia, epithelial mesothelioma, well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor, and infiltration due to acinar adenocarcinoma of the prostate. However, a detailed microscopic study with the aid of immunohistochemistry helps separate mesonephric remnants from malignant processes. The mesonephric hyperplasia of the mesentery we have reported adds to the spectrum of mesonephric remnants a new location. Familiarity with this lesion is indispensable to avoid overdiagnosis.
Insights
Mesonephric remnants, embryonic vestiges, can appear in the jejunal mesentery, a new location. Immunohistochemistry is key to distinguishing these benign lesions from carcinoma, preventing misdiagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Embryonic development and pathology
- Surgical pathology and diagnostic challenges
- Gastrointestinal and reproductive system anatomy
Background:
- Mesonephric (Wolffian) ducts are embryonic structures that typically regress during development.
- Remnants can persist and form lesions, uncommonly reported in reproductive tracts.
- These lesions can mimic malignancy, leading to diagnostic difficulties.
Observation:
- A case of mesonephric remnant hyperplasia in the jejunal mesentery of a 47-year-old male is reported.
- This represents the first documented instance of mesonephric hyperplasia occurring in the mesentery.
- The lesion presented as ducts, tubules, and cysts with bland epithelial cells, exhibiting a pseudoinfiltrative pattern.
Findings:
- Immunohistochemical analysis revealed characteristic staining patterns for mesonephric epithelia.
- CD10 highlighted the apical-luminal aspect of the cells.
- Intense reactivity for high-molecular-weight cytokeratin (CK), CK7, bcl2, and vimentin was observed.
Implications:
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial to avoid overdiagnosis of neoplasia.
- Differential diagnoses include mesothelial hyperplasia, mesothelioma, neuroendocrine tumors, and prostate adenocarcinoma infiltration.
- Familiarity with mesonephric remnants in new locations, like the mesentery, is essential for pathologists.
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