Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is an aggressive soft tissue sarcoma with limited therapeutic options and a poor prognosis. Although neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and radiation exposure have been identified as risk factors for MPNST, the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying MPNST pathogenesis have only lately been roughly elucidated. Plexiform neurofibroma (PN) and atypical neurofibromatous neoplasm of unknown biological potential (ANNUBP) are novel concepts of MPNST precancerous lesions, which revealed sequential mutations in MPNST development. This review summarized the current understanding of MPNST and the latest consensus from its diagnosis to treatment, with highlights on molecular biomarkers and targeted therapies. Additionally, we discussed the current challenges and prospects for MPNST management.

Cancer represents a major cause of death worldwide and is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells that escape immune regulation. It is now understood that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which express specific fibroblast activation protein (FAP), are critical participants in tumor development and metastasis. Researchers have developed various FAP-targeted probes for imaging of different tumors from antibodies to boronic acid-based inhibitor molecules and determined that quinoline-based FAP inhibitors (FAPIs) are the most appropriate candidate as the radiopharmaceutical for FAPI PET/CT imaging. When applied clinically, FAPI PET/CT yielded satisfactory results. Over the past few years, the utility and effectiveness of tumor detection and staging of FAPI PET/CT have been compared with FDG PET/CT in various aspects, including standardized uptake values (SUVs), rate of absorbance and clearance. This review summarizes the development and clinical application of FAPI PET/CT, emphasizing the diagnosis and management of various tumor types and the future prospects of FAPI imaging.

Tuberculosis (TB), primarily a pulmonary disease, manifests extrapulmonary involvement in 20% of cases, though concurrent infections in distant sites like the hand and abdomen are exceedingly rare. This report presents an exceptionally rare case of concurrent tuberculosis osteomyelitis of the hand and peritoneal tuberculosis in a 19-year-old male-an unusual dual presentation not commonly documented in the literature. The patient had an 8-month history of progressive right little finger swelling, initially misdiagnosed as an enchondroma, and subsequently developed acute abdominal pain and ascites, with computed tomography (CT) revealing diffuse peritoneal thickening and peritonitis. Ascitic analysis showed exudative fluid with elevated CA-125, and an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) was positive, prompting TB suspicion. Histopathology of debrided hand tissue revealed granulomatous inflammation with necrosis, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis was confirmed by acid-fast staining and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Treatment combined surgical debridement, bone grafting, and vacuum-assisted drainage for the hand lesion with a 12-month HRZE regimen. Abdominal TB resolved with medical therapy alone. The patient achieved complete recovery with restored finger function and no recurrence over 2 years. This case underscores TB's protean manifestations, emphasizing diagnostic challenges in paucibacillary disease and the utility of IGRA and molecular confirmation (FISH). Clinicians should maintain high suspicion for TB in atypical osteolytic lesions or idiopathic serositis, particularly in endemic regions, to ensure timely multidisciplinary management.

Tuberculosis (TB), primarily a pulmonary disease, manifests extrapulmonary involvement in 20% of cases, though concurrent infections in distant sites like the hand and abdomen are exceedingly rare. This report presents an exceptionally rare case of concurrent tuberculosis osteomyelitis of the hand and peritoneal tuberculosis in a 19-year-old male-an unusual dual presentation not commonly documented in the literature. The patient had an 8-month history of progressive right little finger swelling, initially misdiagnosed as an enchondroma, and subsequently developed acute abdominal pain and ascites, with computed tomography (CT) revealing diffuse peritoneal thickening and peritonitis. Ascitic analysis showed exudative fluid with elevated CA-125, and an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) was positive, prompting TB suspicion. Histopathology of debrided hand tissue revealed granulomatous inflammation with necrosis, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis was confirmed by acid-fast staining and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Treatment combined surgical debridement, bone grafting, and vacuum-assisted drainage for the hand lesion with a 12-month HRZE regimen. Abdominal TB resolved with medical therapy alone. The patient achieved complete recovery with restored finger function and no recurrence over 2 years. This case underscores TB's protean manifestations, emphasizing diagnostic challenges in paucibacillary disease and the utility of IGRA and molecular confirmation (FISH). Clinicians should maintain high suspicion for TB in atypical osteolytic lesions or idiopathic serositis, particularly in endemic regions, to ensure timely multidisciplinary management.