Diagnostic Role of Bile Pigment Components in Biliary Tract Cancer

Bile pigment, bilirubin, and biliverdin concentrations may change as a results of biliary tract cancer (BTC) altering the mechanisms of radical oxidation and heme breakdown. We explored whether changes in bile pigment components could help distinguish BTC from benign biliary illness by evaluating alterations in patients with BTC. We collected bile fluid from 15 patients with a common bile duct stone (CBD group) and 63 individuals with BTC (BTC group). We examined the bile fluid’s bilirubin, biliverdin reductase (BVR), heme oxygenase (HO-1), and bacterial taxonomic abundance. Serum bilirubin levels had no impact on the amounts of bile HO-1, BVR, or bilirubin. In comparison to the control group, the BTC group had considerably higher amounts of HO-1, BVR, and bilirubin in the bile. The areas under the curve for the receiver operating characteristic curve analyses of the BVR and HO-1 were 0.832 (p<0.001) and 0.891 (p<0.001), respectively. Firmicutes was the most prevalent phylum in both CBD and BTC, according to a taxonomic abundance analysis, however the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was substantially greater in the BTC group than in the CBD group. The findings of this study showed that, regardless of the existence of obstructive jaundice, biliary carcinogenesis impacts heme degradation and bile pigmentation, and that the bile pigment components HO-1, BVR, and bilirubin in bile fluid have a diagnostic significance in BTC. In tissue biopsies for the diagnosis of BTC, particularly for distinguishing BTC from benign biliary strictures, bile pigment components can be used as additional biomarkers.

Circulating microRNAs as biomarkers in bile-derived exosomes of cholangiocarcinoma

Purpose@#In this pilot study, using next-generation sequencing and integrated messenger RNA (mRNA) sequencing, we investigated circulating microRNA (miRNA) expression profiling from bile-derived exosomes to identify dysregulated miRNA signatures and oncogenic pathways and determine their effects on targeted mRNAs in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA).Moreover, we explored the possibility that genetic analysis using bile-derived exosomes may replace gene analysis using tissue. @*Methods@#Bile was collected from a patient with perihilar CCA before curative resection. As a control, bile was collected from a patient with a common bile duct stone. Exosomes were isolated from the bile, and we performed next-generation miRNA sequencing using isolated exosomes. To evaluate miRNA-mRNA interactions, mRNA sequencing was performed using bile fluid in both patients. @*Results@#We identified 22 differentially expressed miRNAs. More than 65% of the predicted mRNA targets of those miRNAs were actually differentially expressed between control and CCA bile samples. In functional pathway analysis, targets of 22 miRNAs were primarily enriched in mitogen-activated protein kinase, platelet derived growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor receptor, and p53 signaling. In particular, in the functional assessment of miRNAmRNA interactions, RAS pathways, including downstream pathways (PI3K-AKT-mTOR and RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK), were determined to be enriched. @*Conclusion@#Circulating miRNAs in bile-derived exosomes provide new information for the development of miRNA analysis in CCA. These miRNAs may represent the oncogenic characteristics of CCA tissue, enabling them to be used instead of tissue samples for the diagnosis of CCA. Further research investigating circulating miRNAs in bile exosomes may lead to more rational, targeted approaches to treatment.

Cushing syndrome in pregnancy, diagnosed after delivery / 영남의대학술지

Cushing syndrome (CS) is rare in pregnancy, and few cases have been reported to date. Women with untreated CS rarely become pregnant because of the ovulatory dysfunction induced by hypercortisolism. It is difficult to diagnose CS in pregnancy because of its very low incidence, the overlap between the clinical signs of hypercortisolism and the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and the changes in hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis activity that occur during pregnancy and limit the value of standard diagnostic testing. However, CS in pregnancy is associated with poor maternal and fetal outcomes; therefore, its early diagnosis and treatment are important. Here, we report two patients with CS that was not diagnosed during pregnancy, in whom maternal and fetal morbidity developed because of hypercortisolism.

Circulating microRNAs as biomarkers in bile-derived exosomes of cholangiocarcinoma

Purpose@#In this pilot study, using next-generation sequencing and integrated messenger RNA (mRNA) sequencing, we investigated circulating microRNA (miRNA) expression profiling from bile-derived exosomes to identify dysregulated miRNA signatures and oncogenic pathways and determine their effects on targeted mRNAs in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA).Moreover, we explored the possibility that genetic analysis using bile-derived exosomes may replace gene analysis using tissue. @*Methods@#Bile was collected from a patient with perihilar CCA before curative resection. As a control, bile was collected from a patient with a common bile duct stone. Exosomes were isolated from the bile, and we performed next-generation miRNA sequencing using isolated exosomes. To evaluate miRNA-mRNA interactions, mRNA sequencing was performed using bile fluid in both patients. @*Results@#We identified 22 differentially expressed miRNAs. More than 65% of the predicted mRNA targets of those miRNAs were actually differentially expressed between control and CCA bile samples. In functional pathway analysis, targets of 22 miRNAs were primarily enriched in mitogen-activated protein kinase, platelet derived growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor receptor, and p53 signaling. In particular, in the functional assessment of miRNAmRNA interactions, RAS pathways, including downstream pathways (PI3K-AKT-mTOR and RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK), were determined to be enriched. @*Conclusion@#Circulating miRNAs in bile-derived exosomes provide new information for the development of miRNA analysis in CCA. These miRNAs may represent the oncogenic characteristics of CCA tissue, enabling them to be used instead of tissue samples for the diagnosis of CCA. Further research investigating circulating miRNAs in bile exosomes may lead to more rational, targeted approaches to treatment.

Genetic features associated with ¹⁸F-FDG uptake in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

PURPOSE: In intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), genetic characteristics on ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG)-PET scans are not yet clarified. If specific genetic characteristics were found to be related to FDG uptake in iCCA, we can predict molecular features based on the FDG uptake patterns and to distinguish different types of treatments. In this purpose, we analyzed RNA sequencing in iCCA patients to evaluate gene expression signatures associated with FDG uptake patterns. METHODS: We performed RNA sequencing of 22 cases iCCA who underwent preoperative ¹⁸F-FDG-PET, and analyzed the clinical and molecular features according to the maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax). Genes and biological pathway which are associated with SUVmax were analyzed. RESULTS: Patients with SUVmax higher than 9.0 (n = 9) had poorer disease-free survival than those with lower SUVmax (n = 13, P = 0.035). Genes related to glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, phosphorylation and cell cycle were significantly correlated with SUVmax (r ≥ 0.5). RRM2, which is related to the toxicity of Gemcitabine was positively correlated with SUVmax, and SLC27A2 which is associated with Cisplastin response was negatively correlated with SUVmax. According to the pathway analysis, cell cycle, cell division, hypoxia, inflammatory, and metabolism-related pathways were enriched in high SUVmax patients. CONCLUSION: The genomic features of gene expression and pathways can be predicted by FDG uptake features in iCCA. Patients with high FDG uptake have enriched cell cycle, metabolism and hypoxic pathways, which may lead to a more rational targeted treatment approach.

Appropriate treatment modality for solitary small hepatocellular carcinoma: Radiofrequency ablation vs. resection vs. transplantation?

There has been controversy regarding the first-line treatment modality for the patients who have small solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI), surgical hepatic resection (HR) and liver transplantation (LT). For selection of treatment modality of HCC, it should be considered of hepatic reservoir function as well as the tumor stage. If the liver function is good enough, HR may be the first choice regardless of the tumor size. However, recent studies comparing RFA with resection showed comparable outcome and similar survival rates. RFA, HR and LT provide good outcome for patients who have small HCCs. RFA would be desired in patients who have below 3.0 cm in size and low alpha-fetoprotein (<200 ng/mL). However, in small HCC with high tumor marker, HR should be considered. Better patient selection for the ‘resection first’ approach and early detection of recurrence can achieve better outcomes of the salvage LT strategy. Another benefit of resection first strategy is that it make possible to do enlist of LT for patients before recurrence at high risk of HCC recurrence after resection on the basis of pathologic aggressiveness, microvascular invasion and/or satellites nodule. They should be applied appropriately according to the tumor size, location, tumor markers and underlying liver parenchymal disease.

Validation of the 8th AJCC Cancer Staging System for Pancreas Neuroendocrine Tumors Using Korean Nationwide Surgery Database / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: The 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET) included several significant changes. We aim to evaluate this staging system compared to the 7th edition AJCC staging system and European Neuroendocrine Tumors Society (ENETS) system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used Korean nationwide surgery database (2000-2014). Of 972 patients who had undergone surgery for PNET, excluding patients diagnosed with ENETS/World Health Organization 2010 grade 3 (G3), only 472 patients with accurate stage were included. RESULTS: Poor discrimination in overall survival rate (OSR) was noted between AJCC 8th stage III and IV (p=0.180). The disease-free survival (DFS) curves of 8th AJCC classification were well separated between all stages. Compared with stage I, the hazard ratio of II, III, and IV was 3.808, 13.928, and 30.618, respectively (p=0.007, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001). The curves of OSR and DFS of certain prognostic group in AJCC 7th and ENETS overlapped. In ENETS staging system, no significant difference in DFS between stage IIB versus IIIA (p=0.909) and IIIA versus IIIB (p=0.291). In multivariable analysis, lymphovascular invasion (p=0.002), perineural invasion (p=0.003), and grade (p < 0.001) were identified as independent prognostic factors for DFS. CONCLUSION: This is the first large-scale validation of the AJCC 8th edition staging system for PNET. The revised 8th system provides better discrimination compared to that of the 7th edition and ENETS TNM system. This supports the clinical use of the system.

The optimal surgical resection approach for T2 gallbladder carcinoma: evaluating the role of surgical extent according to the tumor location

PURPOSE: The clinical behavior of T2 gallbladder cancer varies among patients. The aims of this study were to identify prognostic factors for survival and recurrence, and to determine the optimal surgical strategy for T2 gallbladder cancer. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 78 patients with T2 gallbladder cancer who underwent surgical resection for gallbladder cancer. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (35.9%) underwent simple cholecystectomy and 50 (64.1%) underwent extended cholecystectomy. Among 56 patients without LN metastasis (n = 20) or unknown LN status (no LN dissection, n = 36), the 5-year disease-free survival rates were 81.6%, and 69.8% (P = 0.080). In an analysis according to tumor location, patients with tumors located on the hepatic side (n = 36) had a higher recurrence rate than patients with tumors located on the peritoneal side only (n = 35) (P = 0.043). On multivariate analysis, R1 resection and lymph node metastasis were significant, independent prognostic factors for poor disease-free and overall survival. CONCLUSION: R0 resection and LN dissection are an appropriate curative surgical strategy in patients with T2 gallbladder cancer. Tumors located on the hepatic side show worse prognosis than tumors located on the peritoneal side only, hepatic resection should be considered.

Single Center Experiences of Conversion from Twice-daily Tacrolimus (Prograf) to Once-daily Tacrolimus (Advagraf) in Stable Liver Transplant Recipients / 대한이식학회지

BACKGROUND: Patient adherence to immunosuppressant regimens after organ transplant is crucial to preserve graft function, and simplifying the regimen improves adherence. In this study, our experience of conversion from twice-daily (b.i.d.) to once-daily (q.d.) tacrolimus (TAC) in stable liver transplant recipients is reviewed and the proper conversion regimen is investigated. METHODS: Between November 2011 and August 2012, the regimen was converted in 32 stable liver transplant recipients, and data on the conversions gathered retrospectively from medical records. TAC trough level, dose, and laboratory findings were evaluated at preconversion and 1 to 12 months after conversion. RESULTS: Conversion from b.i.d. to q.d. regimen was based on 1:1 proportion in 16 patients and dose escalation in 16 patients. The mean conversion time after transplant was 56.8 months (range; 21~94). Reconversion to b.i.d. regimen was needed in nine patients. Among these patients, seven patients needed titration due to elevated liver enzyme. The trough level decreased significantly after conversion (from 4.7 to 3.1 ng/mL) in patients with conversion at 1:1 proportion, while increasing slightly without statistical significance (3.7 to 4.0 ng/mL) in patients with dose escalation. At 1 year after conversion, dose adjustment was required to preserve trough level and graft function in 14 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, TAC q.d. formulation can be a useful option to improve adherence in stable liver transplant recipients. However, dose titration should be considered for preserving proper trough level in case of low TAC level or TAC single regimen.

Correlation between Overactive Bladder Syndrome and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in Women / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: Overactive bladder syndrome is characterized by urinary urgency, usually accompanied by Frequent urination and nocturia, with or without urgent urinary incontinence. There must be the absence of causative infection or pathological conditions. Overactive bladder syndrome is related to mental disorders, particularly depression and anxiety. However, obsessive-compulsive symptoms are investigated much less frequently. The purpose of the present study was thus to assess obsessive-compulsive symptoms in overactive bladder syndrome patients. METHODS: Fifty-seven women patients with overactive bladder syndrome and fifty-seven women without it (age matched control group) were prospectively enrolled. They completed the overactive bladder syndrome-validated 8-question screener and the Korean version of the Maudsley Obsessional-Compulsive Inventory Questionnaire at the same time they visited the clinic. Patients were compared with controls on the Korean version of the Maudsley Obsessional-Compulsive Inventory Questionnaire and its checking, tidiness, doubting, and fear of contamination components. RESULTS: Patients showed more obsessive traits than controls on the Korean version of the Maudsley Obsessional-Compulsive Inventory Questionnaire total score (P=0.006) and on the checking subscale (P=0.001). Odds ratio for the overactive bladder syndrome group's obsessive-compulsive symptoms traits (score> or =14) was 5.47 (P=0.001). The Korean version of the Maudsley Obsessional-Compulsive Inventory Questionnaire total score was associated with the overactive bladder syndrome-validated 8-question screener score in patients (P=0.03). CONCLUSION: Obsessive-compulsive symptoms may constitute an important aspect of the psychiatric profile of overactive bladder syndrome patients. The severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms seems to be related to the degree of the overactive bladder syndrome severity. Clinicians may consider screening women with overactive bladder syndrome for obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

Prognostic factors after hepatic resection for the single hepatocellular carcinoma larger than 5 cm

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine which factors affect the prognosis of hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) larger than 5 cm, including the prognostic difference between tumor sizes from 5–10 cm and larger than 10 cm. METHODS: The medical records of 114 patients who underwent hepatectomy for single HCC larger than 5 cm were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: In the analysis of the entire cohort of 114 patients, the 5-year overall and diseases-free survival rates were 50% and 29%, respectively. In a comparison of survival rates between groups, tumor sizes of 5 to 10 cm and larger than 10 cm, the overall and disease-free survival rates were not significantly different, respectively (54% vs. 41%, P = 0.433 and 33% vs. 23%, P = 0.083). On multivariate analysis, positive hepatitis B, high prothrombin induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II levels over 200 mIU/mL, and vascular invasion (micro- and macrovascular invasion) were independent prognostic factors for recurrence after hepatic resection. However, tumor size larger than 10 cm was not significant for recurrence after resection. CONCLUSION: This study shows that surgical resection of solitary HCC larger than 5 cm showed favorable overall survival. And there is no survival difference with tumors between 5–10 cm and larger than 10 cm.

Prognostic factors after hepatic resection for the single hepatocellular carcinoma larger than 5 cm

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine which factors affect the prognosis of hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) larger than 5 cm, including the prognostic difference between tumor sizes from 5–10 cm and larger than 10 cm. METHODS: The medical records of 114 patients who underwent hepatectomy for single HCC larger than 5 cm were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: In the analysis of the entire cohort of 114 patients, the 5-year overall and diseases-free survival rates were 50% and 29%, respectively. In a comparison of survival rates between groups, tumor sizes of 5 to 10 cm and larger than 10 cm, the overall and disease-free survival rates were not significantly different, respectively (54% vs. 41%, P = 0.433 and 33% vs. 23%, P = 0.083). On multivariate analysis, positive hepatitis B, high prothrombin induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II levels over 200 mIU/mL, and vascular invasion (micro- and macrovascular invasion) were independent prognostic factors for recurrence after hepatic resection. However, tumor size larger than 10 cm was not significant for recurrence after resection. CONCLUSION: This study shows that surgical resection of solitary HCC larger than 5 cm showed favorable overall survival. And there is no survival difference with tumors between 5–10 cm and larger than 10 cm.

AROS Is a Significant Biomarker for Tumor Aggressiveness in Non-cirrhotic Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Despite a low risk of liver failure and preserved liver function, non-cirrhotic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a poor prognosis. In the current study, we evaluated an active regulator of SIRT1 (AROS) as a prognostic biomarker in non-cirrhotic HCC. mRNA levels of AROS were measured in tumor and non-tumor tissues obtained from 283 non-cirrhotic HCC patients. AROS expression was exclusively up-regulated in recurrent tissues from the non-cirrhotic HCC patients (P=0.015) and also in tumor tissues irrespective of tumor stage (P<0.001) or BCLC stage (P<0.001). High mRNA levels of AROS were statistically significantly associated with tumor stage (P<0.001), BCLC stage (P=0.007), alpha fetoprotein (AFP) level (P=0.013), microvascular invasion (P=0.001), tumor size (P=0.036), and portal vein invasion (P=0.005). Kaplan-Meir curve analysis demonstrated that HCC patients with higher AROS levels had shorter disease-free survival (DFS) in both the short-term (P<0.001) and long-term (P=0.005) compared to those with low AROS. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that AROS is a significant predictor for DFS along with large tumor size, tumor multiplicity, vascular invasion, and poor tumor differentiation, which are the known prognostic factors. In conclusion, AROS is a significant biomarker for tumor aggressiveness in non-cirrhotic hepatocellular carcinoma.

A Case of Upper Gastrointestinal Obsturction Caused by Huge Intraluminal Duodenal Diverticulum / 계명의대학술지

Intramural duodenal diverticulum is a rare congenital anomaly. A 31-year-old woman presented for abdomianl pain and vomiting. She had several episodes of acute pancreatitis in the past several years. On physical examination, although she complained epigastric area abdominal pain, but there was no tenderness. Laboratory investigations showed that highly increased serum level of amylase and lipase (10540 U/L and 12620 U/L, respectively). Enhanced abdominal computed tomography demonstrated an blind-ended tube with thick wall and hydroaeric content, localized within the proximal jejunum and distension of 3-4th portion of duodenum. Upper gastrointestinal series showed complete duodenal obstruction on 3rd portion. The patient underwent surgery and 10 cm sized intramural duodenal diverticulum was found at junction of 3rd and 4th duodenum and completely obstructed duodenal lumen. It was resected. The patient recovered quickly and remained healthy after a one-year follow-up. When intramural duodenal diverticulum was occurs at distal duodenum, surgical resection is necessary.

Improved severe hepatopulmonary syndrome after liver transplantation in an adolescent with end-stage liver disease secondary to biliary atresia

Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a serious complication of end-stage liver disease, which is characterized by hypoxia, intrapulmonary vascular dilatation, and liver cirrhosis. Liver transplantation (LT) is the only curative treatment modality for patients with HPS. However, morbidity and mortality after LT, especially in cases of severe HPS, remain high. This case report describes a patient with typical findings of an extracardiac pulmonary arteriovenous shunt on contrast-enhanced transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and clubbing fingers, who had complete correction of HPS by deceased donor LT. The patient was a 16-year-old female who was born with biliary atresia and underwent porto-enterostomy on the 55th day after birth. She had been suffered from progressive liver failure with dyspnea, clubbing fingers, and cyanosis. Preoperative arterial blood gas analysis revealed severe hypoxia (arterial O2 tension of 54.5 mmHg and O2 saturation of 84.2%). Contrast-enhanced TEE revealed an extracardiac right-to-left shunt, which suggested an intrapulmonary arteriovenous shunt. The patient recovered successfully after LT, not only with respect to physical parameters but also for pychosocial activity, including school performance, during the 30-month follow-up period.

The Value of Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in Patients Who will be Performed Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the value of preoperative MRCP prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy by analysis of postoperative outcomes. METHODS: Between 2009.12~2010.12, 283 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for treatment of benign biliary disease. Among these patients, 125 underwent preoperative MRCP and were classified as the MRCP group. The remaining 158 patients who did not undergo MRCP were classified as the non MRCP group. We compared perioperative data, including the rate of bile duct injury, operative complication, conversion rate, hospital stay, and hospital cost between the two groups. In addition, we analyzed preoperative MRCP findings, including common bile duct (CBD) stones and bile duct anomaly. RESULTS: Findings on pre-operative MRCP scan revealed silent CBD stones in five patients (4.0%) and bile duct anomalies were identified in 17 patients (13.6%). Three cases of bile duct injury occurred in the non MRCP group, whereas, no bile duct injury occurred in the MRCP group. No significant statistical difference in postoperative complication was observed in either group. Mean duration of operation was 50.5 (+/-30.4) minutes in the MRCP group, and 52.2 (+/-29.9) minutes in the non MRCP group (p=0.630). Post operative hospital stay was 2.1 (+/-1.4) days (mean) in the MRCP group, and 2.5 (+/-2.5) days in the non MRCP group. No statistical difference was observed between the two groups (p=0.110). CONCLUSION: MRCP may be useful for evaluation of bile duct anomaly and identification of hidden bile duct stones. However, this modality did not show statistical benefits for postoperative outcomes in patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Liver Transplantation for the Curative Treatment of Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma: Model of the Mayo Clinic / 대한이식학회지

Liver transplantation for treating cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) has potential benefits in terms of accomplishing radical resection even in patients with unresectable tumor and treating underlying disease such as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Despite this ideal rationale, the initial results of liver transplantation alone for CCA have been uniformly poor. Because of a high recurrence rate and a poor survival rate, CCA has been viewed as an absolute contraindication for transplantation. However, from the 1990s, liver transplantation following high dose neoadjuvant radiotherapy with chemotherapy has achieved excellent results, in a few medical centers, for selected patients with unresectable hilar CCA arising in the setting of PSC. Especially, the Mayo Clinic reported a 5-year survival rate of 73% for 120 patients in 2010 by performing neoadjuvant therapy and liver transplantation. We reviewed the results of liver transplantation in patients with hilar CCA and the protocol of the Mayo Clinic to consider the feasibility of liver transplantation for Korean patients with hilar CCA. Although liver transplantation with neoadjuvant therapy cannot be applied to most Korean patients due to the different disease entities and the good results with performing radical surgical resection, it can be considered as an alternative curative treatment option for selected patients with anatomically unresectable hilar CCA or CCA arising in the setting of PSC.

Laparoscopic Resection for the Treatment of Symptomatic Remnant Huge Cystic Duct with Stone after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

During laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the cystic duct is frequently divided closer to the gallbladder to avoid iatrogenic injury to the common bile duct. Postcholecystectomy syndrome can be considered if the patient complains of right upper abdominal discomfort after cholecystectomy. We report a case of a laparoscopic resection for the treatment of a symptomatic remnant huge cystic duct with stones after a previous laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A 46-year-old male was admitted to our hospital due to right upper quadrant abdominal pain. Five years earlier, the patient had undergone a laparoscopic cholecystectomy under the diagnosis of acute calculous cholecystitis but he subsequently suffered from intermittent right upper abdominal pain and fever. An abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a stone in a dilated remnant cystic duct. A laparoscopic remnant cystic duct resection was performed and apathologic diagnosis was made with chronic calculus cystic duct inflammation. The patient was discharged without complications and has been doing well without recurrent symptoms.

An Imported Case of Cystic Echinococcosis in the Liver

A 25-year-old Uzbek male presented with right upper abdominal pain for 20 days. On radiologic studies, a huge cystic mass was noticed in the right liver which was suspected as parasitic. The patient received right hepatic segmentectomy (segment 7), and the surgically resected mass was confirmed as cystic echinococcosis (CE), measuring 10.5 cm in its diameter. The inner surface of the cyst was bile-stained. The patient was discharged on the 8th hospital day, and was rechecked 6 months after the surgical intervention without any evidence of recurrence. The present report describes findings of an imported case of CE which represented ultrasound images of the 'ball of wool'.

The impact of old age on surgical outcomes after pancreaticoduodenectomy for distal bile duct cancer

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: To compare surgical results and survival of two groups of patients, age > or =70 vs. age <70, who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy and to identify the safety of this procedure for elderly patients for the treatment of distal common bile duct (CBD) cancer. METHODS: Between January 2003 and December 2009, 55 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for the treatment of distal CBD cancer at Keimyung University Dong San Medical Center were enrolled in our study. RESULTS: Of 55 patients, 28 were male and 27 female. Nineteen were over 70 years old (older group) and 36 were below 70 years (younger group). The mean ages of the two groups of patients were 73.5 years and 60.5 years respectively. Although patients of the older group had significantly more comorbid diseases, perioperative results including operation time, amount of intraoperative bleeding, duration of postoperative hospital stay and postoperative complications were not significantly different. A higher level (more than 5 mg/dl) of preoperative initial bilirubin showed significant correlations with operative morbidity by univariate analysis, and age was not an independent risk factor of operative morbidity. Overall 5 year survival of older and younger groups were 45.9% and 39.5% respectively (p=0.671) and disease-free 5-year survival were 31.7% and 31.1%, respectively (p=0.942). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical outcomes of elderly patients were similar to those of younger patients, despite a higher incidence of comorbid disease. This results shows that pancreaticoduodenectomy can be applied safely to elderly patients.