Traditionally, pathologists have used human biological material primarily for diagnostic purposes. More recently, advances in biomedical technology and changes in the research environment have placed new demands on pathologists and their handling of human materials. Moreover, these technological advances have required pathologists to be not only experts in diagnosis, but also managers of biobanks storing human biological material. Consequently, pathologists might now be confronted with unanticipated legal and ethical questions. We investigated seven examples of South Korean legislation concerning human biological material, including "The Bioethics and Safety Act" (2005), and we considered possible conflicts of interest between donors and researchers. We also reviewed international bioethical guidelines and legal precedents from several countries with special regard to pathologic glass slides, paraffin blocks, remaining specimens and other guidelines. We conclude that a better understanding of the legal and ethical questions concerning human biological material leads pathologists to safer and more conscientious management of these samples.
Bioethics ; Biological Specimen Banks ; Biomedical Technology ; Glass ; Handling (Psychology) ; Humans ; Law Enforcement ; Paraffin ; Tissue Donors

BACKGROUND: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a well-known neoplastic disorder of Langerhans cells which has characteristic findings, however, LCH has not been adequately studied in Korea. METHODS: We analyzed the clinicopathologic features of 20 patients with LCH who were diagnosed between 1997 and 2006 at the Korea University Guro and Anam Hospitals. RESULTS: The M:F ratio was 3:1 and the age ranged from 2-60 years (mean, 23.8 years [4 in 1st decade, 6 in 2nd decade, 2 in 3rd decade, 5 in 4th decade and 3> or =40 years of age). The cases were classified as unifocal unisystemic in 13 patients, multifocal unisystemic in 4 patients, and multifocal multisystemic in 3 patients. The bone was the most commonly involved organ (14), followed by lymph node (5), lung (2), skin (2) and ureter (1). The Langerhans cells were immunohistochemically stained with Langerin, CD1a, S-100 protein, and CD68. Langerin and CD1a were specific for Langerhans cells. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution of the involved organs in patients with LCH was similar to the distribution in Western countries, but lymph node involvement was more frequent, whereas lung involvement was less common. Langerin is considered to be a specific marker for Langerhans cells.
Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell ; Humans ; Korea ; Langerhans Cells ; Lung ; Lymph Nodes ; S100 Proteins ; Sensitivity and Specificity* ; Skin ; Ureter

Carcinosarcoma of the colon is rare. Seventeen cases have been reported in the English literature. Most cases occurred in the left side of the colon. Indeed, there is only one reported case of cecal carcinosarcoma. Carcinosarcoma has a tendency to distantly metastasize and shows dismal prognosis. We report a case of carcinosarcoma in the cecum and review the literature describing colonic carcinosarcoma.
Carcinosarcoma ; Cecum ; Colon ; Colon, Ascending ; Prognosis

No abstract available.

In a unique case of neurocysticercosis in Korea, a 73-year-old woman previously treated with steroids for rheumatoid arthritis exhibited neurological symptoms following steroid cessation. Magnetic resonance imaging findings confirmed vesicular stage neurocysticercosis, and subsequent antiparasitic treatment led to symptom resolution. The immunopathology of neurocysticercosis involves intricate interactions between the cyst’s immune evasion mechanisms and host inflammatory responses. The parasites’ strategy of inducing Th2- mediated anti-inflammatory responses for survival suggests potential therapeutic options for autoimmune disorders.

T-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma is an aggressive condition with frequent involvement of the mediastinum, occurring most frequently in older children, adolescents, and young adults. The involvement of extranodal sites is less common, and abdominal dissemination is unusual, but when present it primarily involves the liver and spleen. However, primary lymphoma of the adrenal glands is rare. The majority of reported cases presented with a B-cell immunophenotype. Herein, we report the case of a patient with T-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma who presented predominantly with bilateral adrenal masses without lymphadenopathy, and whose clinical course deteriorated rapidly.
Adolescent ; Adrenal Glands ; B-Lymphocytes ; Child ; Humans ; Liver ; Lymphatic Diseases ; Lymphoma ; Mediastinum ; Spleen ; T-Lymphocytes ; Young Adult

Q fever is a zoonotic infection caused by Coxiella burnetti, which has been previously regarded as an uncommon infectious disease in Korea but is sporadically reported recently. Common manifestations of acute Q fever usually present as influenza-like illness, pneumonia and occasionally hepatitis. Herein, we report 4 cases of acute Q fever as a cause of acute hepatitis and fever. All patients had fever and non-specific symptoms, and laboratory test showed acute hepatitis. Antibody surveys for many virus infections and bacterial cultures were negative. Finally, they were diagnosed acute Q fever by an indirect microimmunofluorescence test. Liver biopsy in 3 patients revealed granuloma including one with typical fibrin-ring. All patients had complete resolution of symptoms and signs with doxycycline treatment. Q fever should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with fever of unknown origin with acute hepatitis in Korea.
Acute Disease ; Adult ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use ; Coxiella burnetii/isolation & purification ; Doxycycline/therapeutic use ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect ; Hepatitis/*diagnosis/etiology/pathology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Q Fever/complications/diagnosis/drug therapy ; Rifampin/therapeutic use