Clinical usefulness of fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 in patients with periampullary tumors

PURPOSE: The prognosis of periampullary cancer varies with its origin and early diagnosis influences outcome. Endoscopic ultrasound, computed tomography, fine needle aspiration, and fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (¹⁸FDG-PET/CT) are helpful for diagnosis. This study evaluates the diagnostic efficacy of ¹⁸FDG-PET for preoperative periampullary tumors.METHODS: A series of 100 patients undergoing ¹⁸FDG-PET/CT before surgical resection of periampullary tumors between March 2011 and February 2019 were enrolled. Maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) levels were compared with pathohistological confirmation of periampullary tumors.RESULTS: The SUVmax and uptake range varied with the origin of the periampullary tumors. The SUVmax was not available for 17 of the 42 pancreas tumors, three of 30 common bile duct tumors, and four of 18 ampulla of Vater tumors. The median SUVmax was 0.0 in benign tumors and 5.05 in malignant tumors. The mean SUVmax was 4.1±5.6 in pancreatic tumors, 3.9±2.4 in ampulla of Vater, and 6.0±3.7 in common bile duct. The SUVmax was higher in common bile duct tumors than others. CA19-9 level was of diagnostic value in pancreatic tumor patients. The median CA19-9 levels were 7.64 U/mL (range, 2.71–45.05 U/mL) in benign tumors and 91.97 U/mL (range, 26.91–276.60 U/mL) in cancers patients.CONCLUSION: Preoperative SUVmax and CA19-9 level were of diagnostic value for periampullary tumors originating in the pancreas.

Clinicopathologic analysis of 11 cases of serous microcystic adenoma of pancreas / 临床与实验病理学杂志

Purpose To study the clinicopathologic features and differential diagnosis of serous microcystic adenoma of pancreas ( SMAP) . Methods Immunohistochemical study was carried out, and the clinical and pathologic features were evaluated in 11 cases of SMAP, and review the literatures. Results The age of onset of 11 cases of SMAP ranged from 41~68 years ( average=55 years) . All of them were females. The clinical presentations were right upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and weight loss. Five tumors located in the pancreas head (45. 5%). Grossly, ten cases were solitary, one case was multiple. The boundary of tumor was clear, the cut surface of tumor was honeycomb. Histologic examination showed that the tumors were made up of small sized capsule wall lining of single-layer flat or cube epithelial cell. The cytoplasm was clear, nucleus was small and no atypical features. Immunohistochemical study showed that all of the 11 cases were positive for CK, CK7, CK18, CK19, EMA, 3 cases were positive for NSE,α-ACT, all of the 11 cases were negative for CgA, Syn, vimentin, TG, Calretinin. Ki-67<1%. Vascular vessels were positive for D2-40 and CD34. Conclusions SMAP is a very rare benign tumor of pancreas. It should be distinguished from oligo-cystic cystadenoma, pseudocyst, mucinous cystadenoma, lymphangioma and capillary hemangioma, mesothelioma.

Radiologic Findings of Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasms / 대한내과학회지

With the widespread use of radiologic modalities such as ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cystic neoplasms of the pancreas are being increasingly detected; however, developing an accurate characterization and making a differential diagnosis are difficult because of their overlapping morphologic characteristics. Serous cyst adenoma is a common benign neoplasm that is typically observed as a multi-cystic mass or lobulated cyst with or without internal septation. In comparison, mucinous cystic neoplasms appear as smooth cystic tumors with or without internal septation. Finally, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas are pleomorphic cystic lesions or clubbed fingerlike tubular structures. These typical imaging findings can help clinicians differentiate cystic neoplasms of the pancreas.

Research on perfusion weighted imaging and diffusion weighted imaging of pancreatic masses at 3.0 T MR / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To investigate the value of MR perfusion parameters and ADC in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and pancreatic mass at 3.0 T MR. Methods Twenty healthy volunteers and 25 patients with pancreatic cancers proven by pathological results underwent MR PWI at a 3.0 T scanner. A two-compartment model was used to quantify Ktrans, Kep and Ve in the pancreatic cancer, adjacent pancreatic tissue, distal inflammatory pancreatic tissue and normal pancreatic tissue. All parameters among different tissues were analyzed and compared with ANONA. Fifteen normal volunteers and 58 patients, including 30 patients with pancreatic cancer (proven histopathologically), 9 patients with pancreatitis pseudotumor (4 patients proven by histopathological results, 5 patients proven by follow-up after treatment), 9 patients with solid pseudopapillary tumor of pancreas (SPTP, proven histopathologically) and 10 patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PET, proven by histopathology), underwent respiratory-triggered DWI on 3.0 T. ADC values of normal pancreas and all types of pancreatic lesions were statistically analyzed and compared with ANONA. ROC curve was used to analyze the diagnostic power of ADC value. Results Ktrans of pancreatic cancer, adjacent pancreatic tissue, distal inflammatory pancreatic tissue and normal pancreatic tissue were (1.66±1.25), (3.77±2.67),(1.16±0.94) and (2.69±1.46)/min respectively(F=8.160, P＜0.01). LSD test showed that Ktrans in the pancreatic cancer was statistically lower than that in normal pancreas (P=0.011)and adjacent pancreatic tissue(P=0.002). Kep of pancreatic cancer, adjacent pancreatic tissue, distal inflammatory pancreatic tissue and normal pancreatic tissue were (2.53±1.55), (5.64±2.64), (1.70±0.91) and (4.28±1.64)/min respectively(F=4.544, P＜0.01). LSD test revealed that Kep in pancreatic cancer was statistically lower than that in normal pancreatic tissue (P=0.035)and adjacent pancreatic tissue(P=0.041). The median of Ve among the pancreatic cancer, adjacent pancreatic tissue, distal inflammatory pancreatic tissue and normal pancreatic tissue were 0.926, 0.839, 0.798 and 0.659 respectively (χ2=12.040,P＜0.01). Ve in pancreatic cancer was statistically higher than that in normal pancreatic tissue (P=0.002). ADC values of the pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis pseudotumor, SPTP, PET and normal pancreas were(1.57±0.26)×10-3,(1.19±0.15)×10-3,(1.05±0.35)×10-3,(1.62±0.41)×10-3 and (1.82±0.25)×10-3 mm2/s(F=21.681, P＜0.01). LSD test showed there were significant statistical differences in ADC values among pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis pseudotumor and normal pancreatic tissue (P＜0.01). ROC curve disclosed that the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 86.7%, 88.9%, 96.3% and 66.7% respectively, when ADC≥1.33×10-3 mm2/s was used as a cutoff value for differential diagnosis of PDCA from MLP. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 77.8%, 100.0%, 100.0% and 83.3% respectively when ADC≤1.25×10-3 mm2/s was used as a cutoff value for differential diagnosis of SPTP from PET. Conclusion Compared to normal pancreatic tissue, pancreatic cancer usually had a lower Ktrans, Kep and larger Ve. ADC values from respiratory-triggered DWI were well related to histopathological features of pancreatic entities and may be helpful in the differential diagnosis.

Expression of CD151 c-Met, integrin alpha 3, alpha 6 and the prognostic significance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma / 中华胰腺病杂志

Objective To investigate the expression and prognostic significance of CD151, c-Met and integrin alpha 3, alpha6 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Methods The expression of CD151, c-Met and integrin alpha3, alpha6 in 71 patients with PDAC and 10 samples of normal pancreas tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry, and the relationship between the expression of CD151, c-Met and integrin alpha 3, alpha 6 and the clinicopathological features, prognosis of these patients was analyzed. Results The positive expression rates of CD151, c-Met and integrin alpha 3, alpha 6 in PDAC were 81.69% (58/71) , 69.01% (49/71), 69.01% (49/71) and 84.51% (60/71) , and there was no expression in normal pancreas tissues. The expressions of CD151, c-Met were significantly associated with TNM stage and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). The expression of CD151 was positively correlated with the expressions of c-Met and integrin alpha3, alpha6 (r =0.583, P =0.000, r = 0.457;P =0.000, r = 0.671 ;P =0.000). Univariate analysis suggested the expression of CD151, c-Met and integrin alpha3, alpha6 was associated with survival (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis suggested the expression of CD151, c-Met was the independent prognostic factor for post-operative survival. Conclusions CD151, c-Met and integrin alpha3, alpha6 play a role in the development, metastasis and prognosis of PDAC, and they might be new markers to predict biological behavior and the prognosis of PDAC patients.

Comparison of Laparoscopic and Open Distal Pancreatectomy with Focus on the Development of Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula / 대한내시경복강경외과학회지

PURPOSE: To assess the technical feasibility of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) focusing on the development of postoperative complications including pancreatic fistula (POPF). METHODS: From March 2001 to April 2010, 57 patients underwent a distal pancreatectomy. The patients were divided into two groups, LDP group (L group, n=15) and open distal pancreatectomy group (O group, n=42). The clinicopathological characteristics, surgical variables and postoperative outcomes of these 2 groups were compared retrospectively. RESULTS: Patients with a malignancy constituted 7% of the L group and 31% of the O group (p=0.084). The tumor size was significantly larger in the O group (2.6 vs. 5.3 cm). The body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in the L group (24.9 vs. 22.9 kg/m2). One case of a pancreas pseudocyst in the L group was converted to open surgery due to intraoperative bleeding. The L group showed significantly less intraoperative bleeding, earlier start of solid meals and shorter hospital stay. There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications and POPF between the 2 groups. POPF of ISGPF grade B developed in 0 and 2 patients in the L group and O group, respectively. One intestinal obstruction and 1 fluid collection that required intervention was encountered in the O group. One patient with adenocarcinoma who underwent LDP was alive 25 months after surgery without recurrence. CONCLUSION: LDP provides the advantages of minimal access surgery with a comparable rate of POPF to ODP. LDP is considered suitable for benign and borderline-malignant pancreatic lesions.

Diagnosis and treatment of mutinous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas: an analysis of 20 cases / 中华胰腺病杂志

Objective To summarize the experience in the diagnosis and treatment of mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCN) of the pancreas. Methods The clinical data of 20 cases who were diagnosed as MCN of the pancreas in the affiliated hospital of Qingdao university from January, 2003 to June, 2008 were collected, data including clinical manifestations, pathological features, treatment and survival were analyzed retrospectively. Results The clinical manifestations mainly included abdominal pain or discomfort, nausea, vomiting; 11 patients had abdominal tenderness, 6 patients had palpable abdominal mass. All the patients underwent ultrasound and CT scan examinations, 13 patients were diagnosed as having benign MCN of the pancreas, 4 were serous cystadenoma, 3 were mucinous cystadenocarcinoma. The tumors were located in the body and tail of the pancreas, with a mean diameter of 4 - 14 cm. All the 20 cases received surgical treatment. The procedures mainly included pancreaticoduodenectomy and resection of pancreatic body and tail. Pathological examinations confirmed there were 10 patients with benign MCN of the pancreas, 3 were borderline mucinous cystadenomas and 7 mucinous cystadenocarcinomas. After a mean follow-up of 26 months, patients with benign MCN of the pancreas or borderline mucinous cystadenomas were still alive without recurrence, the three year survival of patients with mucinous cystadenocarcinomas was 50%. Conclusions MCN of the pancreas mainly occurred in female, and there was no specific clinical features, preoperative ultrasound and CT scan examinations could help to diagnose this disease. Surgical resection was the only effective method to cure MCN with good prognosis.

Diagnosis and treatment of metastatic pancreatic tumor with a case series of 10 patients / 中华胰腺病杂志

Objective To describe the diagnosis and treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer. Methods The clinical data of 10 cases of metastatic pancreatic tumor in the first affiliated hospital of China Medical University from July 1997 to July 2007 were analyzed retrospectively. Results The etiologies of primary tumors were lung cancer(n=3), colonic carcinoma(n=2), stomach cancer(n=2), renal cell carcinoma(n=2), nasopharyngeal carcinoma(n=1). The median interval between the diagnosis of primary tumor and pancreatic metastases was 40 months (range:0~192 months). All the metastases were located in the pancreatic heed and neck, and solitary metastasis was detected in one ease, while other 9 cases were multiple metastases. The mean maximum tumor size was 3.03 cm. The main clinical manifestations were abdominal pain, bloating, anorexia and jaundice. 2 cases underwent pancreaticoduodeneetomy, 1 case underwent arterial pancreatic perfusion chemotherapy, 1 case underwent percutaneous biliary stenting and 2 cases received systematic chemotherapy, 1 case received radiotherapy, 3 patients did not accept any therapy. 7 patients were followed-up, the median survival was 10.6 months (range:2~44 months). Conclusions Metastatic pancreatic cancer was rare and the clinical manifestation was non-specific, lndividuaized treatment should be selected on a case-by-case basis. Aggressive surgical resection should be offered to some selected patients.

A Case of Primary Paraganglioma that Arose in the Pancreas: the Color Doppler Ultrasonography and Dynamic CT Features

Paragangliomas rarely originate from the pancreas and they are characterized on imaging studies as well-marginated, hypervascular masses with cystic areas. We herein report on a case report of pancreatic paraganglioma in a 57-year-old woman, which was confirmed on pathology. Color Doppler ultrasonography and dynamic CT demonstrated a well-demarcated, extremely hypervascular mass with prominent intratumoral vessels and early contrast filling of the draining veins from the mass. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography showed that the main pancreatic duct was displaced and mildly dilated.

Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Pancreas: Imaging Findings

We report here a case of a pathologically proven solitary fibrous tumor of the pancreas. A 54-year-old man was referred to our hospital for further evaluation of a pancreatic mass that was found incidentally. CT, MR imaging, and endoscopic ultrasonography showed a well-defined, enhancing mass with cystic portions of the pancreas body. MR cholangiopancreatography showed no pancreatic duct dilatation. A solitary fibrous tumor of the pancreas is a very rare lesion.

Gemcitabine and Infusional 5-Fluorouracil in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: A Clinical Benefit Response-Oriented Phase II Study / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: Gemcitabine and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) are two compounds with reproducible activity against advanced pancreatic carcinomas. To evaluate the activity and feasibility of this combination chemotherapy, a multi-institutional phase II study was performed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients (male: female 15: 5, median age: 60.5 years), with histologically verified locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic carcinomas, were enrolled between April 2000 and March 2002. Gemcitabine was administered by intravenous injection at the doses of 1, 000 mg/m2 on days 1, 8 and 15, and 5-FU 800 mg/m2/day, was given by continuous intravenous infusion on days 1~5. The treatment was repeated every 4 weeks. The clinical benefit response (CBR) was a composite of the pain, Karnofsky performance status and body weight change measurement. RESULTS: Nineteen of the twenty patients were assessable for response. The median follow-up duration was 4.6 months (0.4~15.2 months). Five patients achieved a partial response and eight a stable disease. The overall response rate was 25.0%. The CBR was assessable in 12 patients. The overall CBR was 41.7% (5/12). The median survival of all the patients was 8.0 months. Grade 3~4 toxicities included neutropenia (9.3%) and thrombocytopenia (5.3%). CONCLUSION: This study suggested that gemcitabine, combined with infusional 5-FU, was well tolerated, and produced modest antitumor activity and symptomatic relief in advanced pancreatic cancer patients.

Phase II Trial of Gemcitabine, UFT-E, Leucovorin Combination Chemotherapy in Advanced Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of a Gemcitabine, UFT-E, Leucovorin combination chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients <=70 years, with no prior chemotherapy and with bidimensionally measurable advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma, ECOG performance status <=2, and adequate bone marrow, kidney, and liver function were eligible for this trial. Eligibility criteria for clinical benefit assessment were pain with at least a daily analgesic consumption of two nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or a Karnofsky performance status between 50 and 70. Treatment consisted of 1,000 mg/m2 of Gemcitabine on days 1, 8 and 15, repeated every 4 weeks, with UFT-E administered orally 500 mg-700 mg by body surface area (BSA). Leucovorin was administered 45 mg/day orally. Dosages of UFT-E and Leucovorin were divided and administered three times per day from day 1 to day 21. After 7 days of rest, UFT-E and Leucovorin were administered repeatedly. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were enrolled between April 1999 to April 2000. Eighty two cycles (median, four cycles) were delivered to all patients. The objective response rate was 15.8% in 19 assessable patients and 13.0% in the intent-to-treat population. Twelve patients (57.9%) displayed stable disease. Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia occurred in 30.4% of patients, nausea/vomiting in 8.3%, diarrhea in 4.3%, and mucositis in 4.3%. The median time to progression was 8 months. The median survival was 8 months in the assessable population and 6 months in the intent-to-treat population Clinical benefit was achieved in 11 (57.9%) of 19 assessable patients. CONCLUSION: Gemcitabine, UFT-E, Leucovorin combination chemotherapy is a well-tolerated and safe regimen in cases of advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Although the response rate is low, it shows a survival benefit and clinical benefit and deserves further evaluation in a phase III trial.

Usefulness of the Helical CT in the Diagnosis of Periampullary Malignant Tumors

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of the helical CT in the differentiation of periampullary malignanttumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-five periampullary carcinoma patients (pancreatic head carcinoma (n=18);distal CBD carcinoma (n=17) ; carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater(n=16) ; periampullary duodenal cancers,(n=4), alldiagnosed by histopathologic study] underwent helical CT with 5mm scan thickness and 5mm/sec table speed. Afterscanning, retrospective reconstruction was performed at 2mm intervals, followed by multiplanar reformation. Inboth retrospective reconstructed axial and multiplanar reformation images, the authors analyzed the detection rateand size of the mass, and associated findings including invasion of peripancreatic fat, dilatation of CBD and itsnarrowing pattern, dilatation of the pancreatic duct and its degree of dilatation, wall thickening of CBD,extension of dilated bile duct into the ampulla, and of protruding mass into the duodenal lumen, and lymph nodemetastasis all according to the origin sites of tumors. Differential points were thus determined. RESULTS: Thedetection rate of the masses was 96% (53/55). Their size was 1-5cm, with a mean size of 2.4 +/-0.5cm in carcinomaof of ampulla of Vater and 3.5 +/-1.0cm in pancreatic head carcinoma. Invasion of peripancreatic fat was mostcommonly observed in pancreatic head carcinoma (100%, 18/18) (P >0 . 0 5 ), dilatation of CBD was observed in allcases except one of periampullary duodenal cancer (98%, 54/55), and abrupt termination of dilated bile duct wasnoted in all cases except one of the pancreatic head carcinoma (98%, 53/54). Dilatation of pancreatic duct wascommonly observed in pancreatic head carcinoma (94%, 17/18) and carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater (75%, 12/16).Its degree of dilatation was mostly moderate in pancreatic head carcinoma (56%, 10/18) and mostly mild incarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater (63%, 10/16) ( P >0.05). Wall thickening of the distal CBD was most commonlyobserved in distal CBD carcinoma (76%, 13/17). Extension of dilated bile duct into the ampulla was commonlyobserved in the carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater (81%, 13/16) and periampullary duodenal cancer (75%, 3/4) (P>0.05). A mass protruding into the duodenal lumen was commonly observed in periampullary duodenal cancer (100%,4/4) and carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater (94%, 15/16) (P >0.05). Lymph node meatastasis was observed inpancreatic head carcinoma (17%, 3/18) and distal CBD carcinoma (6%, 1/17). CONCLUSION: Because of improvement inthe rate at which the mass is detected, and a clear demonstration of associated findings, helical CT is useful inthe differentiation of periampullary carcinomas.

Acinar Cell Carcinoma of the Pancreas: A Case Report

Acinar cell carcinoma(ACC) of the pancreas is rare and usually presents as a metastasizing tumor with poorprognosis in elderly patients with non-specific symptoms. We describe a case of pancreatic acinar cell carcinomawith peritoneal spread and multiple liver metastases. Abdominal sonography showed a well-marginated echogenic masswith a large central anechoic necrotic portion; CT scanning showed a large mildly enhanced lobulated mass with alow attenuation center and thin rim-like capsular enhancement. Irregular peritumoral peritoneal extension withmultiple small low attenuation necrotic areas was also noted. Multiple small well-defined metastatic nodulesshowing low attenuation were scattered in the liver.

3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy plus arterial infusion chemotherapy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective To improve the therapeutic response and survival of locally advanced pancreatic cancer treated with radiochemotherapy. Methods Fifty nine patients with stage Ⅱ Ⅲ pancreatic cancer were divided into two groups: 33 patients were treated with three dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) plus regional intra arterial infusion chemotherapy (CT)and 26 patients received 3DCRT alone.Results The response (pain alleviating) rates were 78.8% in 3DCRT+CT group and 80.8% in 3DCRT group,while the overall response (CR+PR) rates were 78.8% and 42.3% (P