Vascular embolization of benign granulosa cells

Objective(s). Most conditions involving sex cord-stromal cells can be diagn osed on morphologic criteria alone. We describe a case of vascular emboliza tion of benign granulosa cells in which immunohistochemistry was of value a s a diagnostic tool. Methods. We reviewed the clinical history and gross pathologic findings fro m a 48-year-old patient who presented,vith abdominal pain and fullness. For malin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections mere examined by routine H&E and imm unohistochemical stains. Results. Histologic examination of a grossly enlarged and cystic ovary reve aled nests of cells within angiolymphatic spaces. Although the cells were c ohesive and atypical, they were morphologically similar to the nearby graaf ian follicle. Immunohistochemistry showed positive labeling with antibodies to inhibin-alpha and cytokeratin in a pattern consistent with benign granu losa cells. Conclusion(s). Immunohistochemical stains for inhibin-alpha and cytokeratin are useful tools to help confirm granulosa cell origin, as demonstrated in this case involving an atypical histomorphologic picture of "embolization. " (C) 2000 Academic Press.