Fetal and Pediatric Pathology

Embryonal tumor with abundant neuropil and true rosettes (ETANTR) is a rare variant of central nervous system primitive neuroectodermal tumor occurring exclusively in the pediatric population. We report a unique case of a 6-month male child presenting with a large intraventricular lesion. Histological examination revealed a tumor composed of primitive neuroectodermal cells in dense aggregates, interspersed by hypocellular areas containing small round cells widely dispersed in neuropil-like material. Few ependymal and occasional ependymoblastic rosettes were appreciated...

Studies indicate a close relationship between Yersinia and Crohn's disease in adults. Our study tested 77 colonic specimens from children with Crohn's disease for the presence of Yersinia DNA using a validated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Control cases included specimens from 45 ulcerative colitis patients and 10 appendicitis patients. The presence of Yersinia in Crohn's specimens was significant compared to the control specimens (9% vs. 0%; p = 0.0055). While our study supports the medical literature, future studies are needed to determine if the relationship between Crohn's disease and Yersinia is an initiating or mediating factor in the pathogenesis of pediatric Crohn's disease...