Pancreatic metastasis from papillary thyroid cancer: a case report and literature review

Pancreatic metastasis from papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is extremely rare; only 18 cases have been reported in the literature. However, several reviews have highlighted similar characteristics between metastatic and primary pancreatic tumors. The patient was a 51-year-old male with a history of total thyroidectomy, modified radical neck dissection, and radioactive iodine ablation for PTC in 2014. Nodules suspected of metastasis were found in both lungs on chest computed tomography (CT). However, after 6 months, a follow-up chest CT showed no increase in size; thus, a follow-up observation was planned. Six years after his initial diagnosis, abdominal CT and pancreas magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 4.7 cm cystic mass with a 2.5 cm enhancing mural nodule in the pancreas tail. We diagnosed the pancreatic lesion as either metastatic cancer or primary pancreas cancer. The patient underwent distal pancreato-splenectomy. After surgery, the pathological report revealed that the mass was metastatic PTC. Pancreatic metastasis from PTC indicates an advanced tumor stage and poor prognosis. However, pancreatectomy can increase the survival rate when the lesion is completely resectable. Therefore, surgical resection should be considered as a treatment for pancreatic metastasis from PTC.

Synchronous Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor and Ampullary Neuroendocrine Tumor in Association with Neurofibromatosis Type 1: A Report of Three Cases / 대한소화기병학회잡지

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant hereditary disorder. The pathogenesis of NF1 is suggested to be an alteration of the NF-1 gene, which normally functions as a tumor suppressor. A mutation of NF-1 causes the development of viable tumors in various sites. On the other hand, the synchronous manifestation of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and neuroendocrine tumor (NET) in the background of NF1 is extremely rare. This paper reports three cases treated with surgical intervention along with the long-term follow-up results. Three patients showed synchronous ampullary NET and GIST in association with NF1 supported by postoperative histopathologic analysis. Surgical treatments, such as pancreatoduodenectomy and local excision were applied. No recurrence occurred during the postoperative follow-up period of 10, 9, and 2.7 years. Synchronous GIST and NET in the background of NF1 is extremely rare, but the possible coexistence of other tumors in NF1 patients is relatively higher than that in the general population. Furthermore, both NETs and GISTs occurring in NF1 patients tend to be smaller in size compared to that in the general population. Therefore, when NF1 patients present with vague abdominal discomfort, close attention must be paid to identifying the coexistence of other neoplasms.

Synchronous Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor and Ampullary Neuroendocrine Tumor in Association with Neurofibromatosis Type 1: A Report of Three Cases / 대한소화기학회지

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant hereditary disorder. The pathogenesis of NF1 is suggested to be an alteration of the NF-1 gene, which normally functions as a tumor suppressor. A mutation of NF-1 causes the development of viable tumors in various sites. On the other hand, the synchronous manifestation of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and neuroendocrine tumor (NET) in the background of NF1 is extremely rare. This paper reports three cases treated with surgical intervention along with the long-term follow-up results. Three patients showed synchronous ampullary NET and GIST in association with NF1 supported by postoperative histopathologic analysis. Surgical treatments, such as pancreatoduodenectomy and local excision were applied. No recurrence occurred during the postoperative follow-up period of 10, 9, and 2.7 years. Synchronous GIST and NET in the background of NF1 is extremely rare, but the possible coexistence of other tumors in NF1 patients is relatively higher than that in the general population. Furthermore, both NETs and GISTs occurring in NF1 patients tend to be smaller in size compared to that in the general population. Therefore, when NF1 patients present with vague abdominal discomfort, close attention must be paid to identifying the coexistence of other neoplasms.

Outcomes of Laparoscopic Left Lateral Sectionectomy vs. Open Left Lateral Sectionectomy: Single Center Experience

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic surgery has become the mainstream surgical operation due to its stability and feasibility. Even for liver surgery, the laparoscopic approach has become an integral procedure. According to the recent international consensus meeting on laparoscopic liver surgery, laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy (LLS) might be a new standard of care for left lateral surgical lesions. This study was designed to compare open LLS to laparoscopic LLS. METHODS: In total, 82 patients who had undergone LLS at Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital between 2008 and 2015 were enrolled in this study. Among them, 59 patients underwent open LLS and 23 underwent laparoscopic LLS. These two groups were compared according to general characteristics and operative outcomes. RESULTS: The data analysis results showed that laparoscopic liver resection is superior to open liver resection in terms of the amount of bleeding during the operation and the duration of hospital stay. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of operation time (p value=0.747). The amount of bleeding during the operation was 145.5±149.4 ml on average for the laparoscopic group and 320±243.8 ml on average for the open group (p value=0.005). The mean duration of hospital stay was 10.7±5.8 days for the laparoscopic surgery group and 12.2±5.1 days for the open surgery group (p value=0.003). CONCLUSION: This study showed that laparoscopic LLS is safe and feasible, because it involves less blood loss and a shorter hospital stay. For left lateral lesions, laparoscopic LLS might be the first option to be considered.

Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation of Liver Tumors: How We Do It Safely and Completely

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation has become one of the most promising local cancer therapies for both resectable and nonresectable hepatic tumors. Although RF ablation is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of liver tumors, the outcome of treatment can be closely related to the location and shape of the tumors. There may be difficulties with RF ablation of tumors that are adjacent to large vessels or extrahepatic heat-vulnerable organs and tumors in the caudate lobe, possibly resulting in major complications or treatment failure. Thus, a number of strategies have been developed to overcome these challenges, which include artificial ascites, needle track ablation, fusion imaging guidance, parallel targeting, bypass targeting, etc. Operators need to use the right strategy in the right situation to avoid the possibility of complications and incomplete thermal tissue destruction; with the right strategy, RF ablation can be performed successfully, even for hepatic tumors in high-risk locations. This article offers technical strategies that can be used to effectively perform RF ablation as well as to minimize possible complications related to the procedure with representative cases and schematic illustrations.

A comparison between surgical resection and radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic effects of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and hepatic resection (HR) with regards to procedural morbidity, mortality, overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. METHODS: Retrospective studies were performed based on the medical records of 129 patients who underwent curative HR, and 57 who patients received RFA for HCC, between 2005 and 2009. The inclusion criteria of HCC were the presence of three or fewer nodules 3 cm or less in diameter or a single nodule of 5 cm or less. RESULTS: The 1-, 3- and 5-year OS rates in the HR group were 91.3%, 78.8%, and 64.9%, compared to 94.4%, 74.0%, and 74.0% in the RFA group, with no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.725). The estimated 1- and 3-year DFS rates were 70.0% and 53.0% in the HR group and 65.2% and 24.7% in the RFA group, respectively. The DFS rates of HR group were significantly higher than RFA group (P = 0.015). Multivariate analysis identified that recurrence (P = 0.036) and portal hypertension (P = 0.036) were associated with OS and that portal hypertension (P = 0.048) and increased serum alpha-FP (P = 0.008) were the factors significantly associated with DFS. CONCLUSION: HCC within Milan criteria should consider hepatectomy as the primary treatment if the patient's liver function and general conditions are good enough to undergo surgical operation. But in that RFA revealed similar overall survival to HR, RFA can be an alternative therapy for patients who are eligible for surgical resection.

Rapidly Progressive Hepatocellular Carcinoma Mimicking Benign Portal Vein Thrombosis: A Case Report

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is commonly associated with liver cirrhosis, irrespective of the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Given that malignant PVT is a poor prognostic factor in patients with HCC, it is important to differentiate malignant PVT from benign PVT. Because malignant PVT has been reported to be contiguous with parenchymal HCC, in most cases, the presence of PVT alone indicates a benign entity. We report the case of a patient with rapid progression of malignant PVT mimicking benign PVT but without definite parenchymal HCC on imaging modalities.

Impact of lymph node ratio as a valuable prognostic factor in gallbladder carcinoma, focusing on stage IIIB gallbladder carcinoma / 대한외과학회지

PURPOSE: It is increasingly being recognized that the lymph node ratio (LNR) is an important prognostic factor for gallbladder carcinoma patients. The present study evaluated predictors of tumor recurrence and survival in a large, mono-institutional cohort of patients who underwent surgical resection for gallbladder carcinoma, focusing specifically on the prognostic value of lymph node (LN) status and of LNR in stage IIIB patients. METHODS: Between 2004 and 2011, 123 patients who underwent R0 radical resection for gallbladder carcinoma at the Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were staged according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer 7th edition, and prognostic factors affecting disease free survival, such as age, sex, comorbidity, body mass index, presence of preoperative symptoms, perioperative blood transfusion, postoperative complications, LN dissection, tumor size, differentiation, lymph-vascular invasion, perineural invasion, T stage, presence of LN involvement, N stage, numbers of positive LNs, LNR and implementation of adjuvant chemotherapy, were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: LN status was an important prognostic factor in patients undergoing curative resection for gallbladder carcinoma. The total number of LNs examined was implicated with prognosis, especially in N0 patients. LNR was a powerful predictor of disease free survival even after controlling for competing risk factors, in curative resected gallbladder cancer patients, and especially in stage IIIB patients. CONCLUSION: LNR is confirmed as an independent prognostic factor in curative resected gallbladder cancer patients, especially in stage IIIB gallbladder carcinoma.

Comparison of remnant to total functional liver volume ratio and remnant to standard liver volume ratio as a predictor of postoperative liver function after liver resection

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: The future liver remnant (FLR) is usually calculated as a ratio of the remnant liver volume (RLV) to the total functional liver volume (RLV/TFLV). In liver transplantation, it is generally accepted that the ratio of the graft volume to standard liver volume (SLV) needs to be at least 30% to 40% to fit the hepatic metabolic demands of the recipient. The aim of this study was to compare RLV/TFLV versus RLV/SLV as a predictor of postoperative liver function and liver failure. METHODS: CT volumetric measurements of RLV were obtained retrospectively in 74 patients who underwent right hemihepatectomy for a malignant tumor from January 2010 to May 2013. RLV and TFLV were obtained using CT volumetry, and SLV was calculated using Yu's formula: SLV (ml)=21.585 x body weight (kg)0.732 x height (cm)0.225. The RLV/SLV ratio was compared with the RLV/TFLV as a predictor of postoperative hepatic function. RESULTS: Postheptectomy liver failure (PHLF), morbidity, and serum total bilirubin level at postoperative day 5 (POD 5) were increased significantly in the group with the RLV/SLV 30% (p=0.002, p=0.004, and p<0.001, respectively). But RLV/TFLV was not correlated with PHLF and morbidity (p=1.000 and 0.798, respectively). RLV/SLV showed a stronger correlation with serum total bilirubin level than RLV/TFLV (RLV/SLV vs. RLV/TFLV, R=0.706 vs. 0.499, R2=0.499 vs. 0.239). CONCLUSIONS: RLV/SLV was more specific than RLV/TFLV in predicting the postoperative course after right hemihepatectomy. To determine the safe limit of hepatic resection, a larger-scaled prospective study is needed.

Collision tumor of the ampulla of Vater - Coexistence of neuroendocrine carcinoma and adenocarcinoma: report of a case

Herein, we present a case of coexisting neuroendocrine carcinoma and conventional adenocarcinoma (collision tumor) in the ampulla of Vater, which has seldom been reported in the literature. A 51-year-old man presented with a month history of jaundice. MRCP disclosed about 1.9x1.8 cm sized heterogeneously enhancing mass in ampulla of Vater, causing obstructions of distal common bile duct. He underwent pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy under the diagnosis on ampulla of Vater cancer. Pathologically, sections on the ampulla of Vater showed conventional ductal adenocarcinoma extended and collided with poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma. In conclusion, we hereby presented a case of coexisting neuroendocrine carcinoma and conventional adenocarcinoma in the ampulla of Vater.

Radiofrequency Ablation Combined with Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization for the Treatment of Single Hepatocellular Carcinoma of 2 to 5 cm in Diameter: Comparison with Surgical Resection

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) with surgical resection in patients with a single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranging from 2 to 5 cm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study participants were enrolled over a period of 29 months and were comprised of 37 patients in a combined therapy group and 47 patients in a surgical resection group. RFA was performed the day after TACE, and surgical resection was performed by open laparotomy. The two groups were compared with respect to the length of hospital stay, rates of major complication, and rates of recurrence-free and overall survival. RESULTS: Major complications occurred more frequently in the surgical resection group (14.9%) than in the combined therapy group (2.7%). However, there was no statistical significance (p = 0.059). The rates of recurrence-free survival at 1, 2, 3 and 4 years were similar between the combined therapy group (89.2%, 75.2%, 69.4% and 69.4%, respectively) and the surgical resection group (81.8%, 68.5%, 68.5% and 65%, respectively) (p = 0.7962, log-rank test). The overall survival rates at 1, 2, 3 and 4 years were also similar between groups (97.3%, 86.5%, 78.4% and 78.4%, respectively, in the combined therapy group, and 95.7%, 89.4%, 84.3% and 80.3%, respectively, in the surgical resection group) (p = 0.6321, log-rank test). CONCLUSION: When compared with surgical resection for the treatment of a single HCC ranging from 2 to 5 cm, RFA combined with TACE shows similar results in terms of recurrence-free and overall survival rates.

Hepatic abscess mimicking hepatocellular carcinoma in a patient with alcoholic liver disease

No abstract available.

Peribiliary cysts developed in normal underlying liver: report of a case

Peribiliary cysts, known as cystic dilatation, of the extramural peribiliary glands of the bile duct are rare, and are usually detectable under conditions of pre-existing hepatobiliary diseases such as liver cirrhosis. Preoperative diagnosis is often difficult, because they are usually asymptomatic. Distinction of peribiliary cysts from premalignant or malignant cystic lesions is mandatory. Herein, we report a case of peribiliary cyst, which was preoperatively assumed as unilobar Caroli's diseases in healthy young patients and briefly discuss the management of the condition.

Peripheral eosinophilia - is it a predictable factor associated with eosinophilic cholecystitis?

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of peripheral eosinophilia as a predictable factor associated with Eosinophilic cholecystitis (EC) compared with other forms of cholecystitis in patients who underwent a cholecystectomy. METHODS: Between January 2001 and May 2011, the histopathologic features of 3,539 cholecystectomy specimens were reviewed retrospectively. EC was diagnosed in 30 specimens (0.84%). Data from 30 consecutive patients with EC (eosinophilic cholecystitis group [E-group]) were compared with a retrospective control group of 60 patients (other cholecystitis group [O-group]) during the same period. The two groups were matched for age, gender, and the presence of cholelithiasis. RESULTS: The median absolute eosinophil count 1 day post-operatively was 144 cells/mm3 (range: 9-801 cells/mm3) in the E-group and 93 cells/mm3 (range: 0-490 cells/mm3) in the O-group (p=0.036). Pre-operative peripheral eosinophilia was more common in the E-group than the O-group (20% vs. 3.3%, p=0.015). Multivariate analysis revealed that pre-operative peripheral eosinophilia was an independent significant predictable factor associated with EC (odds ratio=7.250, 1.365 <95% confidence interval<38.494, p=0.020). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, pre-operative peripheral eosinophilia was shown to be an independent predictable factor associated with EC. Further researches seem to be necessary to confirm this finding.

Pancreatic hamartoma diagnosed after surgical resection / 대한외과학회지

A pancreatic hamartoma is a rare benign lesion that may be mistaken for malignancy. A pancreatic hamartoma can present with vague, non-specific symptoms, which can be difficult to diagnose despite modern diagnostic tools. We report here a pancreatic hamartoma diagnosed after surgical resection. A 52-year-old female presented with postprandial abdominal discomfort. Abdominal computed tomography and pancreatic magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 2.2 x 2.5-cm cystic mass in the pancreatic head. The patient underwent a pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. The histopathological and immunohistochemical studies helped make the diagnosis of pancreatic hamartoma. Here, we report a case of pancreatic hamartoma and review the relevant medical literature.

Hepatic metastases from hepatoid adenocarcinoma of stomach mimicking hepatocellular carcinoma

No abstract available.

Perfusion CT in Colorectal Cancer: Comparison of Perfusion Parameters with Tumor Grade and Microvessel Density

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to prospectively compare pre-operative computed tomography (CT) perfusion parameters with tumor grade from colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC) and to correlate pre-operative CT perfusion parameters with microvessel density (MVD) to evaluate angiogenesis in CRC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pre-operative perfusion CTs were performed with a 64-channel multidetector row CT in 27 patients (17 women and 10 men; age range 32-82 years) who were diagnosed with CRC involving the sigmoid and rectum between August 2006 and November 2007. All patients underwent surgery without pre-operative chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Dynamic perfusion CTs were performed for 65 seconds after intravenous injection of contrast medium (100 mL, 300 mg of iodine per mL, 5 mL/sec). Before surgery, blood flow (BF), blood volume, mean transit time (MTT), and permeability-surface area product were measured in the tumor. After surgery, one gastrointestinal pathologist evaluated tumor grade and performed immunohistochemical staining using CD 34 to determine MVD in each tumor. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare CT perfusion parameters with tumor grade, and Pearson's correlation analysis was used to correlate CT perfusion parameters with MVD. RESULTS: In 27 patients with CRC, tumor grading was as follows: well differentiated (n = 8); moderately differentiated (n = 15); and poorly differentiated (n = 4). BF was higher in moderately differentiated CRC than well differentiated and poorly differentiated CRCs (p = 0.14). MTT was shorter in moderately differentiated than well differentiated and poorly differentiated CRCs (p = 0.039). The MVD was greater in poorly differentiated than well differentiated and moderately differentiated CRCs (p = 0.034). There was no significant correlation between other perfusion parameters and tumor grade. There was no significant correlation between CT perfusion parameters and MVD. CONCLUSION: BF and MTT measurement by perfusion CT is effective in predicting moderately differentiated CRCs. However, perfusion CT is limited in distinguishing well differentiated and poorly differentiated CRCs. Pre-operative perfusion CT does not reflect the MVD of CRCs.

Undifferentiated carcinoma of the pancreas with osteoclast-like giant cells / 대한외과학회지

Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells is a rare neoplasm of the exocrine pancreas. Some similar cases have been reported, but the histogenesis of these tumors varies and is controversial. We report here on a case of undifferentiated carcinoma of the pancreas with osteoclast-like giant cells. A 77-year old woman presented with abdominal pain and anorexia. Abdominal computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed an approximately 10 x 5 cm highly attenuated mass arising from the tail of the pancreas and invading the spleen and adjacent bowel loop. The initial impression was a malignant endocrine tumor or solid-pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas. The patient underwent a distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy and left hemicolectomy. The histopathology and immunohistochemistry helped make the diagnosis that of an undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells of the pancreas.

Cystic lymphangioma of the pancreas mimicking pancreatic pseudocyst / 대한외과학회지

Lymphangiomas are rare congenital benign tumors arising from the lymphatic system, and are mostly encountered in the neck and axillary regions of pediatric patients (95%). Lymphangioma of the pancreas is extremely rare accounting for less than 1% of these tumors. We report here on a case of pancreatic cystic lymphangioma. A 54-year-old woman presented with intermittent postprandial abdominal discomfort and radiating back pain. Abdominal computed tomography scan revealed 8 x 6.5 cm hypodense cystic mass arising from the tail of the pancreas without septa or solid component. The initial impression was a pancreatic pseudocyst. The patient underwent distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy. The histopathologic and immunohistochemical study helped make the diagnosis of a pancreatic cystic lymphangioma. Herein, we report a case of pancreatic cystic lymphangioma mimicking pancreatic pseudocyst and review the relevant medical literature.

Primary leiomyosarcoma of the pancreas / 대한외과학회지

Primary sarcomas of the pancreas are extremely rare, accounting for 0.1% of malignant pancreatic (non-islet) neoplasms. Pancreatic leiomyosarcoma is a highly aggressive malignancy that spreads in a similar manner to gastric leiomyosarcoma, i.e., by adjacent organ invasion, hematogenous spread, and lymph node metastasis. These tumors are large at the time of diagnosis and are usually found at an advanced stage. We report a case of a 70-year-old female with intermittent right upper quadrant abdominal discomfort. Radiological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical studies revealed the tumor to be a primary leiomyosarcoma of the pancreas. Herein, we describe a patient with a primary leiomyosarcoma of the pancreas who presented with clinical and radiological findings indicative of a mass in the pancreatic head.