Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Demonstration of the muscle type of intermediate filament protein, desmin, as a diagnostic aid.

Abstract

Three cases of soft-tissue sarcomas with the characteristic histologic features of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, but lacking cytoplasmic cross-striations, were studied ultrastructurally and immunohistochemically to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the histogenesis. The results showed that it was not possible to judge the skeletal muscle derivation of the cells at the ultrastructural level. However, immunohistochemically, the results of every case were positive for desmin-the muscle type of the intermediate filament protein. The results suggest that demonstration of desmin may be a helpful adjunct tool in the diagnosis of poorly differentiated alveolar rhabdomyosarcomas.

• Authors: M Miettinen, V P Lehto, R A Badley, I Virtanen
• Journal: The American journal of pathology (Am J Pathol) Vol. 108 Issue 2 Pg. 246-51 (Aug 1982) ISSN: 0002-9440 [Print] United States
• PMID: 6765734 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Desmin

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Child
• Desmin (analysis)
• Female
• Humans
• Immunohistochemistry
• Microscopy, Electron
• Muscles (analysis, ultrastructure)
• Rhabdomyosarcoma (analysis, diagnosis, ultrastructure)
• Soft Tissue Neoplasms (analysis, diagnosis, ultrastructure)