Nephroblastoma in a black-tufted marmoset (Callithrix penicillata)

ABSTRACT: A renal nephroblastoma is described in a free-living black-tufted marmoset (Callithrix penicillata) in Central Brazil. The monkey was found dead and subjected to necropsy. Gross anatomic changes consisted of a ruptured left kidney, which was almost completely effaced by a white to yellow, partially encapsulated friable mass. The left ureter was distended due to obstruction by a red, spherical, 2mm in diameter friable mass. The urinary bladder was also distended. Histologically the renal and ureteral masses consisted of a triphasic embryonal neoplasm composed of embryonic epithelium forming glomeruli and tubules, polygonal blastemal cells, and a mesenchymal stroma. The embryonic epithelium exhibited rare nuclear immunoreactivity for WT-1, whereas blastemal cells exhibited robust cytoplasmic and rare nuclear immunoreactivity for WT-1; blastemal cells were also immunoreactive for vimentin. No immunoreactivity was detected for pan-cytokeratin (AE1/AE3), actin, and desmin. Morphological and immunohistochemical features of the present neoplasm are consistent with those described for renal nephroblastoma.

Airway obstruction with stridor due to nasal secretions

Two cases of non-fatal airway obstruction by nasal secretions are described. The diagnosis was made after laryngoscopy and the features which suggested this previously undescribed aetiology were: depression of conscious level: poor oral hygiene; and irregular friable mass with mucoid areas obstructing the airway. The diagnosis was confirmed by histological examination of the obstructing material which was composed of laminated fragments of squamous epithelium, keratin debris and mucus. It is suggested that these masses form in the post-nasal space and then become dislodged descending into the larynx, where they cause partial laryngeal obstruction and stridor.In patients whose conscious level is depressed and who have poor oral hygiene, nasal secretions should be considered as a cause of sudden unexplained airway obstruction and stridor.