Citations

Abstract Aims Aortic stenosis (AS) induces characteristic changes in left ventricular (LV) mechanics that can be reversed after aortic valve replacement (AVR). We aimed to comprehensively characterize LV mechanics before and after AVR in patients with severe AS and identify predictors of short-term functional recovery and long-term survival. Methods and results We prospectively performed comprehensive strain analysis by 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography in 88 patients with severe AS and LV ejection fraction ≥50% (mean age 71 ± 12 years, 42% female) prior to and within 7 days after AVR. Patients were followed for up to 5.2 years until death from any cause or last encounter. Within days after AVR, we observed an absolute increase in global longitudinal strain (GLS) (−16.0 ± 2.0% vs. −18.5 ± 2.1%, P<0.0001) and a decrease in apical rotation (10.5 ± 4.0° vs. 8.3 ± 2.8°, P = 0.0002) and peak systolic twist (18.2 ± 5.0° vs. 15.5 ± 3.8°, P = 0.0008). A baseline GLS is less negative than −16.2% was 90% sensitive and 67% specific in predicting a ≥ 20% relative increase in GLS. During a median follow-up of 3.8 years, a global circumferential systolic strain rate (GCSRs) less negative than −1.9% independently predicted lower survival. Conclusion In patients with severe AS, a reversal in GLS, apical rotation, and peak systolic twist abnormalities towards normal occurs within days of AVR. Baseline GLS is the strongest predictor of GLS recovery but neither was associated with long-term survival. In contrast, abnormal baseline GCSRs are associated with worse outcomes.

Context.— Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare aggressive lymphoma, usually positive for CD138 and frequently occurring in the oral cavity of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients. Up to 10% of cases are negative for CD138 and diagnostically very challenging. Objective.— To investigate the appropriate approach to diagnose CD138− plasmablastic lymphoma and avoid misdiagnosis. Design.— We studied 21 cases of CD138− PBL from multiple large institutes in the United States and 21 cases from the literature. Results.— CD138− PBLs were positive for different B/plasma cell markers at various percentages: MUM1 (94.4%; 34 of 36), OCT2 (70.6%; 12 of 17), immunoglobulin light chains (68.8%; 22 of 32), CD38 (68.4%; 13 of 19), CD79a (34.2%; 13 of 38), and PAX5 (15.6%; 5 of 32), suggesting that MUM1, OCT2, immunoglobulin light chains, and CD38 are useful markers to help establish the lineage. A total of 83% of cases (30 of 36) were extraoral lesions. Extraoral lesions showed much lower Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection rates (16 of 30; 53.3%) and had worse prognosis. MYC was positive in 80% (8 of 10) of EBV+ cases and 40% (2 of 5) EBV− cases, indicating the importance of MYC in pathogenesis, especially in EBV+ cases. Conclusions.— Our study emphasizes that CD138− PBLs tend to be extraoral lesions, with much lower EBV infection rates, and diagnostically very challenging. Accurate diagnosis requires a thorough investigation and workup by using appropriate markers.