Stelow, Edward B.

Abstract Rationale High-attenuation area (HAA) is a computed tomography (CT) tool that correlates with lung inflammation and fibrosis. Systemic molecular correlates of HAA (e.g., plasma proteins) may inform biological processes involved in interstitial lung disease. Objectives To identify plasma proteins that associate with HAA and correlate with a higher probability of developing new-onset fibrotic or subpleural interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs). Methods Plasma protein levels were measured using a semiquantitative aptamer-based platform in MESA (the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis; N = 5,486) and SPIROMICS (Subpopulations and Intermediate Outcome Measures in COPD Study; N = 1,781). Linear regression models identified HAA-associated proteins after adjustment for demographic and socioeconomic factors, CT scanner parameters, study center, and batch. Associations of HAA-related proteins with new-onset fibrotic or subpleural ILAs were examined in MESA participants with ILA assessments on full-lung CT 10 years later. Immunohistochemical staining of select proteins was performed in lung tissue from pulmonary fibrosis cases. Measurements and Main Results There were 75 proteins detected that were significantly associated with HAA in MESA and SPIROMICS. Gene Ontology analysis of these proteins identified processes involved in immune cell chemotaxis and cellular growth and apoptosis. Seven proteins were associated with a higher probability of new-onset fibrotic or subpleural ILAs in MESA, and two of these, junctional adhesion molecule-like protein and GTP cyclohydrolase 1 feedback regulatory protein, stained in areas of fibrosis in lung tissue from patients with interstitial lung disease. Conclusions Plasma proteins associated with more HAA are involved in immune and cellular processes and associate with new-onset fibrotic-subpleural ILA.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)–related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma (HMSC), originally known as HPV-related carcinoma with adenoid cystic carcinoma-like features, is a peculiar neoplasm that is restricted to the sinonasal tract, exhibits features of both a surface-derived and salivary gland carcinoma (particularly adenoid cystic carcinoma), and is associated with high-risk HPV. Given the limited number of published cases, the full clinicopathologic spectrum of this neoplasm is unclear. Here, we present an updated experience of 49 cases. All cases of HMSC were obtained from the authors’ files. Immunohistochemistry for p16, c-kit, and myoepithelial cell markers (S100, actin, calponin, p63, and/or p40) was performed along with RNA in situ hybridization for HPV (type 33-specific as well as a high-risk cocktail). Fluorescence in situ hybridization studies for fusions ofMYB,NFIB, andMYBL1was performed on a subset of cases. Clinical follow-up was obtained from medical records. A total of 49 cases of HMSC were collected. Twenty-eight (57%) were from women and 18 (43%) from men, ranging in age from 28 to 90 years (mean, 54 y). Of 40 cases with detailed staging information, 43% of HMSCs presented with a high T-stage (T3 or T4). Histologically, most grew predominantly as solid nests of basaloid cells exhibiting high mitotic rates and frequent necrosis, with histologic and immunohistochemical evidence of myoepithelial differentiation. Most cases also demonstrated foci of cribriform and/or tubular growth, along with an inconspicuous population of ducts. Thirty-four (69%) cases demonstrated an unusual pattern of surface involvement where markedly atypical squamous cells colonized tracts of the sinonasal mucosa. Less consistent histologic features included squamous differentiation within the invasive tumor (n=6), sarcomatoid transformation (n=5) including overt chondroid differentiation (n=3), and prominent epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma-like growth (n=3). All cases were positive for p16 by immunostaining and HPV by RNA in situ hybridization. Thirty-three (67%) were positive for HPV 33. No cases tested forMYB,MYBL1, orNFIBgene fusions were positive. In the 38 cases with follow-up data, (mean follow-up, 42 mo) 14 recurred locally and 2 metastasized (lung, finger). There were no regional lymph node metastases, and no tumor-related deaths. HMSC is a distinct sinonasal neoplasm characterized by myoepithelial differentiation, frequent surface epithelial involvement, and the presence of high-risk HPV (especially type 33). Although it classically exhibits a cribriforming pattern that closely resembles adenoid cystic carcinoma, our expanded series highlights a histologic spectrum that is much broader than previously recognized, warranting a change in terminology. HMSC usually presents as a large and destructive sinonasal mass with high-grade histologic features, but it paradoxically behaves in a relatively indolent manner, underscoring the importance of distinguishing HMSC from true adenoid cystic carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and other histologic mimickers.