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Eble JN, Sauter G., Epstein JI, Sesterhenn IA - iarc

Eble JN, Sauter G., Epstein JI, Sesterhenn IA - iarc

Eble JN, Sauter G., Epstein JI, Sesterhenn IA - iarc

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melanocytic and smooth muscle markers in<br />

myoid-appearing and lipid-distended cells<br />

supports the unitary nature of AML being a<br />

neoplasm with ability for phenotypic and<br />

immunotypic modulation.<br />

Ultrastructure<br />

Ultrastructurally, AMLs show spindle<br />

cells with features of smooth muscle<br />

cells. Some spindle cells contain lipid<br />

droplets indicating transition forms<br />

between smooth muscle cells and<br />

adipocytes {1103}. Ultrastructural evidence<br />

of melanogenesis is reported, and<br />

intracytoplasmic membrane-bound<br />

dense bodies, crystals and granules<br />

(rhomboid and spherical) have been<br />

linked to renin and premelanosomes<br />

without conclusive or consistent evidence<br />

{1825,2796,2913}.<br />

Precursor lesions<br />

Small nodules with some features of AML<br />

are often present in the kidney bearing<br />

AMLs, suggesting that these lesions may<br />

be the source of AMLs. The smallest<br />

nodules are often composed predominantly<br />

of epithelioid smooth muscle cells,<br />

and the proportion of spindle cells and<br />

adipocytes increase as the lesions<br />

become larger {459}.<br />

Intraglomerular lesions with features<br />

Fig. 1.98 Angiomyolipoma of the kidney. LOH of<br />

TSC2 gene locus in both sporadic and tuberous<br />

sclerosis-associated tumours.<br />

overlapping those of AML have been<br />

reported in patients with and without TS<br />

{1315,1632,1865}.<br />

Somatic genetics<br />

Two genes are known to cause TS. The<br />

TSC1 gene is located on chromosome<br />

9q34, consists of 23 exons and<br />

encodes hamartin, a 130 kDa protein<br />

{2704}. The TSC2 gene is located on<br />

chromosome 16p13, consists of 41<br />

exons and encodes tuberin, a 180 kDa<br />

GTPase-activating protein for RAP1<br />

and RAB5 {2604}. Tuberin and<br />

hamartin interact with each other, forming<br />

a cytoplasmic complex {1878,<br />

2088}. AML frequently shows loss of<br />

heterozygosity (LOH) of variable portions<br />

of TSC2 gene locus in both sporadic<br />

and TS-associated tumours {370,<br />

1078}. TSC1 gene is involved occasionally<br />

in LOH.<br />

Prognosis and predictive factors<br />

The classic AMLs are benign. A very<br />

small minority are associated with<br />

complications and morbidity and mortality<br />

{1936}. Haemorrhage into the<br />

retroperitoneum, usually in tumours<br />

greater than 4.0 cm or in pregnant<br />

patients, may be life threatening. Renal<br />

cysts and multiple AMLs in TS patients<br />

can lead to renal failure {2321}.<br />

Fig. 1.99 Intraglomerular lesion associated with angiomyolipoma of the kidney. Focal positive immunoreactivity to actin in a glomerulus containing a group of smooth<br />

muscle epithelioid cells. SMA expression.<br />

Angiomyolipoma<br />

67

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