Possible therapeutics for Pseudomyxoma peritonei: a rare, lethal, and the least investigated disease

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) refers to a growth disorder characterized by glycoprotein neoplasm in the peritoneum, where mucin oversecretion occurs. The tumors of the appendix region are well associated with PMP; however, ovarian, colon, stomach, pancreas, and urachus tumors have also been linked to PMP. Other mucinous tumors in the pelvis, paracolic gutters, greater omentum, retrohepatic space, and Treitz ligament can be the reason for PMP. Despite being rare and having a slow growth rate, PMP can be lethal without treatment. It is treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy with the option of cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy. In the current study, we hypothesize that there may be novel gentle ways to inhibit or eliminate the mucin. Dr. David Morris has used mucolytics - such as bromelain and N-acetyl cysteine to solubilize mucin. In the present review, we aimed to study the regulation of mucin expression by promoter methylation, and drugs that can inhibit mucin, such as boldine, amiloride, naltrexone, dexamethasone, and retinoid acid receptors antagonist. This review also explored some possible pathways, such as inhibition of Na + , Ca2+ channels and induction of DNA methyltransferase along with inhibition of ten-eleven translocation enzymes, which can be good targets to control mucin. Mucins are strong adhesive molecules that play great roles in clinging to cells or cell to cell. Besides, they have been greatly involved in metastasis and also act as disease markers for cancers. Diagnostic markers may have exclusive roles in disease initiation and progression. Therefore, the present review explores various drugs to control and target mucin in various diseases, specifically cancers. (AU)

The ability of different formulations of artificial saliva to protect dentin from erosive wear / Ação protetora de diferentes formulações de saliva artificial no desgaste erosivo

Objective: Evaluate the protective effect of artificial saliva formulations associated or not with mucin on dentin. Materials and Methods: Bovine dentin specimens were randomly allocated to 10 groups (n = 20) according to the artificial saliva tested and the presence or absence of mucin: Amaechi et al. (1998); Klimek et al. (1982); Vieira et al. (2005) and Eisenburger et al. (2001) and deionized water (control). Samples were submitted to an erosive cycle consisting of two immersions of 120 min in the saliva, followed by 1 min in hydrochloric acid solution, and new storage in saliva for 120 min. Surface loss (µm) was measured before and after the cycle. Data were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p < 0.05). Results: A significant difference was observed for the saliva formulation but not for the presence of mucin. The deionized water provided the highest surface loss and the Eisenburger's saliva formulation the lowest. The groups testing the Amaechi, Klimek, and Vieira saliva did not present significant differences. Conclusion: Eisenburger's saliva formulation provides a higher protective effect against dentin erosion. The presence of mucin did not increase the erosion-preventive effect of artificial saliva formulations. (AU)

Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito protetor de formulações de saliva artificial associadas ou não à mucina sobre a dentina submetida a erosão. Material e Métodos: Espécimes de dentina bovina foram alocados em 10 grupos (n = 20) de acordo com a saliva testada e a presença ou ausência de mucina: . Amaechi et al. (1998); Klimek et al. (1982); Vieira e cols. (2005), Eisenburger et al (2001) e agua deionizada (controle). As amostras foram submetidas a um ciclo erosivo composto por duas imersões de 120 min na saliva, seguidas de 1 min em solução de ácido clorídrico e novo armazenamento na saliva por 120 min. A perda de superfície (µm) foi medida antes e depois do ciclo. Os dados foram analisados usando ANOVA 2 fatores e teste de Tukey (p <0,05). Resultados: Foi observada diferença significativa para a formulação de saliva, mas não para a presença de mucina. A água deionizada proporcionou a maior perda de superfície e a formulação de saliva de Eisenburger a menor. Os grupos que testaram a saliva Amaechi, Klimek e Vieira não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre si. Conclusão: A formulação de saliva de Eisenburger fornece o maior efeito protetor contra a erosão dentinária e a presença de mucina não aumentou o efeito preventivo de erosão de formulações de saliva artificial (AU).

Immunology of a unique biological structure: the Echinococcus laminated layer

The larval stages of the cestode parasites belonging to the genus Echinococcus grow within internal organs of humans and a range of animal species. The resulting diseases, collectively termed echinococcoses, include major neglected tropical diseases of humans and livestock. Echinococcus larvae are outwardly protected by the laminated layer (LL), an acellular structure that is unique to this genus. The LL is based on a fibrillar meshwork made up of mucins, which are decorated by galactose-rich O-glycans. In addition, in the species cluster termed E. granulosus sensu lato, the LL features nano-deposits of the calcium salt of myo-inositol hexakisphosphate (Insp6). The main purpose of our article is to update the immunobiology of the LL. Major recent advances in this area are (i) the demonstration of LL "debris" at the infection site and draining lymph nodes, (ii) the characterization of the decoy activity of calcium Insp6 with respect to complement, (iii) the evidence that the LL mucin carbohydrates interact specifically with a lectin receptor expressed in Kupffer cells (Clec4F), and (iv) the characterization of what appear to be receptor-independent effects of LL particles on dendritic cells and macrophages. Much information is missing on the immunology of this intriguing structure: we discuss gaps in knowledge and propose possible avenues for research.

Histochemical assessment of mucin-secreting cells in the stomach of domestic rabbit / Evaluación histoquímica de células secretoras de mucina en el estómago de conejo doméstico

SUMMARY: The mucous substances of the stomach in mammals are important not only for the protection of the gastric epithelium from the acid environment and grinding actions, but it facilitates some other functions of the stomach such as antibacterial, antimetastatic, and immunological roles. The goal of the study is to highlight the distribution of mucin-secreting cells in the gastric mucosa in domestic rabbits, including the type of mucus synthesized. The gastric samples collected from ten individual rabbits were fixed in 10 % buffered formalin and underwent later standard paraffin tissue sample processing, which included dehydration, clarification, and embedding in paraffin. The tissue sections were eventually stained histochemically by PAS reaction and by Alcian blue method (pH 2.5) for neutral and acidic mucins detection, respectively. The quantification of mucins in the cytoplasm of mucus-secreting cells was performed by grading the gastric tissue samples from negative (-) to intensely positive (++). The mucus elaboration was observed in all the regions of the stomach (i.e., cardial, fundic, and pyloric regions), but only for the neutral mucin. The acidic mucin synthesis occurred only in the secretory units of the gastric glands from the cardial region in the stomach. Pyloric glands synthesized the largest amounts of neutral mucins, followed by moderate amounts elaborated by cardial glands, while the fundic region does not synthesize it at all. The description of new microscopic features of the stomach in rabbits is fundamental not only for comprehending species-related physiological features but gastric pathological processes.

RESUMEN: Las sustancias mucosas del estómago en los mamíferos son importantes no solo para la protección del epitelio gástrico del ambiente ácido y las acciones de trituración, sino que facilitan además otras funciones del estómago, como son las funciones antibacterianas, antimetastásicas e inmunológicas. El objetivo del estudio fue resaltar la distribución de las células secretoras de mucina en la mucosa gástrica de conejos domésticos, incluido el tipo de moco sintetizado. Las muestras gástricas recolectadas de diez conejos se fijaron en formalina tamponada al 10 % y se sometieron a un procesamiento que incluyó deshidratación, clarificación e inclusión en parafina. Las secciones de tejido finalmente se tiñeron histoquímicamente mediante la reacción de PAS y el método del azul de Alcian (pH 2,5) para la detección de mucinas neutras y ácidas, respectivamente. La cuantificación de mucinas en el citoplasma de las células secretoras de moco se realizó clasificando las muestras de tejido gástrico desde negativas (-) hasta intensamente positivas (++). La elaboración de moco se observó en todas las regiones del estómago (es decir, cardias, fúndica y pilórica), pero solo para la mucina neutra. La síntesis de mucina ácida ocurrió solo en las unidades secretoras de las glándulas gástricas de la región correspondiente al cardias del estómago. Las glándulas pilóricas sintetizaron la mayor cantidad de mucinas neutras, seguidas de cantidades moderadas elaboradas por las glándulas cardiales, mientras que la región fúndica no las sintetizó en abso- luto. La descripción de nuevas características microscópicas del estómago en conejos es fundamental no solo para comprender las características fisiológicas relacionadas con las especies sino también para entender los procesos patológicos gástricos.

Aberrant Expression and Glycosylation of Mucins in Gastric Mucosal Disease / 中国医学科学院学报

Mucins,a family of heavily glycosylated proteins,present mainly in epithelial cells.They function as essential barriers for epithelium and play important roles in cellular physiological processes.Aberrant expression and glycosylation of mucins in gastric epithelium occur at pathological conditions,such as Helicobacter pylori infection,chronic atrophic gastritis,intestinal metastasis,dysplasia,and gastric cancer.This review addresses the major roles played by mucins and associated O-glycan structures in normal gastric epithelium.Further,we expound the alterations of expression patterns and glycan signatures of mucins at those pathological conditions.

Mucina salival en pacientes obesos en relación al tratamiento de la enfermedad periodontal / Salivary mucin in obese patients in relation to the treatment of periodontal disease

Introducción: La mucina salival (Ms) modula otras proteínas salivales que participan en múltiples funciones fisiológicas de la cavidad oral. Los niveles de Ms pueden proporcionar información sobre el estado de inflamación de los tejidos periodontales. Por tanto, el objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar los niveles Ms en pacientes obesos y no obesos, antes y después del tratamiento periodontal. Material y métodos: Un total de 60 pacientes fueron distribuidos en seis grupos, de acuerdo al índice de masa corporal (IMC) y la gravedad de la enfermedad periodontal (EP). Valores del IMC superiores a 27 correspondían a obesidad. La EP en el momento del diagnóstico se designó como leve, moderada o severa. Se recolectaron muestras de saliva completa, antes (MU-A) y después (MU-D) del tratamiento periodontal. Se evaluaron los niveles de Ms utilizando el método de Azul Alcian. Los resultados se analizaron con el Software InfoStat, mediante estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Resultados: Los valores de MU-A fueron superiores a los contenidos de MU-D (p < 0.0001). Las variaciones entre los pacientes no obesos y obesos fueron mínimas. A medida que aumentó el nivel de la EP, las variables MU-A y MU-D mostraron una disminución progresiva (p = 0.0032). Conclusiones: El nivel de Ms fue mayor en la saliva de los pacientes con EP no tratada. Ms se puede utilizar como marcador inflamatorio para la detección de EP (AU)

Introduction: Salivary mucin (sM) modulates other salivary proteins that participate in multiple physiological functions of the oral cavity. sM levels can provide information on the state of inflammation of the periodontium. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate sM levels in obese and non-obese patients, before and after periodontal treatment. Material and methods: A total of 60 patients were distributed into six groups, according to the body mass index (BMI) and the severity of the periodontal disease (PD). BMI values higher than 27 corresponded to obesity. PD at the time of diagnosis was designated as mild, moderate, or severe. Complete saliva samples were collected before (MU-B) and after (MU-A) the periodontal treatment. sM levels were evaluated using the Alcian Blue method. The results were analyzed with the InfoStat Software, using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: MU-B values were higher than MU-A contents (p < 0.0001). Variations between non-obese and obese patients were minimal. As the level of PD increased, the variables MU-A and MU-D showed a progressive decrease (p = 0.0032). Conclusions: The level of sM was higher in the saliva of patients with untreated PD. sM can be used as an inflammatory marker for the detection of PD (AU)

Concentración de mucina salival en pacientes con enfermedad periodontal / Concentração de mucina salivar em pacientes com doença periodontal / Salivary mucin concentration in patients with periodontal disease

Resumen El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar la relación entre la concentración de mucina salival y la enfermedad periodontal. La muestra se dividió en tres grupos de 20 individuos cada uno: Grupo 1 sin enfermedad periodontal; Grupo 2 con gingivitis; y Grupo 3 con periodontitis. En todas las muestras salivales se confirmó la presencia de mucina, el Grupo 1 presentó un valor promedio de 1,27 mg/ml. En el Grupo 2 se registró un promedio de 1,93 mg/ml. En el Grupo 3 se observó un promedio de 3,01 mg/ml. El Análisis de la Variancia y posterior prueba de F (F = 25,01, p < 0,0001) confirman diferencias significativas en los contenidos de mucina entre grupos. El aumento de la concentración de mucina salival en pacientes periodontales podría representar un marcador químico de utilidad como coadyuvante en el diagnóstico clínico de esta enfermedad.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a relação entre a concentração de mucina salivar e a doença periodontal. A amostra foi dividida em três grupos de 20 indivíduos cada: Grupo 1 sem doença periodontal; Grupo 2 com gengivite; e Grupo 3 com periodontite. Em todas as amostras salivares foi confirmada a presença de mucina, o Grupo 1 apresentou valor médio de 1,27 mg / ml. No Grupo 2, foi registrada uma média de 1,93 mg / ml. No Grupo 3 foi observada uma média de 3,01 mg / ml. A Análise de Variância e o teste F subsequente (F = 25,01, p <0,0001) confirmam diferenças significativas nos conteúdos de mucina entre os grupos. O aumento da concentração de mucina salivar em pacientes periodontais pode representar um marcador químico útil como adjuvante no diagnóstico clínico desta doença.

Abstract This work aimed to study the relationship between salivary mucin concentration and periodontal disease. The sample was divided into three groups of 20 individuals each: Group 1 with no periodontal disease, Group 2 with gingivitis, and Group 3 with periodontitis. Mucin was detected in all the saliva samples. Group 1 had an average value of 1.27 mg/ml. Group 2 had an average value of 1.93 mg/ml. Group 3 had an average value of 3.01 mg/ml. The analysis of variance and subsequent F test (F = 25.01, p < 0.0001) confirmed significant differences in mucin content between the groups. Increased salivary mucin concentration in periodontal patients could be a useful chemical marker for the clinical diagnosis of periodontal disease.

Mucina y Enfermedad Periodontal / Mucin and periodontal disease

La enfermedad periodontal (EP) es una patología que afecta principalmente los tejidos que rodean a la pieza dentaria (PD) y se caracteriza, en la mayoría de los casos, por una exposición bacteriana que favorece una respuesta destructiva e inflamatoria del huésped, que conduce a la pérdida de inserción periodontal de la PD, provocando una marcada reabsorción ósea y la posible pérdida de las PD. El diagnóstico de EP implica evaluaciones clínicas y radiográficas, en la actualidad se están realizando diversas investigaciones para evaluar posibles compuestos en los fluidos orales a través de lo cual puede ser posible evaluar la presencia y gravedad de estas enfermedades, como así también el riesgo en los pacientes. Hay evidencias de la interacción de macromoléculas salivales, como las mucinas, con microorganismos específicos. De esta manera las mucinas, junto con otros productos de la saliva, ayudan a modular tanto el número como el tipo de proliferación de ciertos organismos y provocar la disminución de otros. La revisión de la literatura actual concluye que las mucinas salivales pueden servir como un parámetro bioquímico de la inflamación del periodonto (AU)

Periodontal disease (PD) is a pathology that mainly affects the tissues surrounding the tooth (PD) and is characterized, in most cases, by a bacterial exposure that favors a destructive and inflammatory response of the host, which leads to the loss of periodontal insertion of the PD, causing a marked bone resorption and the possible loss of the PD. The diagnosis of PD involves clinical and radiographic evaluations, at present several investigations are being carried out to evaluate possible compounds in oral fluids through which it may be possible to evaluate the presence and severity of these diseases, as well as the risk in patients. There is evidence of the interaction of salivary macromolecules, such as mucins, with specific microorganisms. In this way, mucins, together with other saliva products, help modulate both the number and type of proliferation of certain organisms and cause the decrease of others. The review of the current literature concludes that salivary mucins can serve as a biochemical parameter of inflammation of the periodontium (AU)

Biomarcadores para la evaluación y diagnóstico del síndrome de ojo seco: una revisión / Biomarkers for the evaluation and diagnosis of the dry eye syndrome: a review

Resumen Introducción: El síndrome de ojo seco es una enfermedad en la que se generan signos y síntomas que conducen a alteraciones oculares prolongadas, por lo tanto, es relevante establecer con precisión la etiología de la enfermedad con la finalidad de establecer el tratamiento más efectivo, de allí, la importancia del desarrollo de exámenes innovadores como son los biomarcadores, los cuales permiten identificar con mayor precisión el cuadro clínico. Por esta razón, el presente trabajo pretende describir los principales avances de los biomarcadores de la superficie ocular y reconocer su aplicación clínica para el diagnóstico de ojo seco entre los años 2013 a 2018. Metodología: Se analizó literatura sobre biomarcadores empleados para el diagnóstico del ojo seco, mediante una revisión sistemática tipo narrativa de 2013 a 2018 por medio de los descriptores controlados "Dry Eye Syndrome" "biomarkers" "tear proteins" "eye proteins" seleccionados en DeCS y Pubmed; la búsqueda arrojó 48 estudios, de los cuales seleccionamos 21 para el análisis. Resultados: Son diversas las proteínas lagrimales que pueden ser relacionadas con la presencia y ausencia de la enfermedad, es vital que los biomarcadores sean valorados como una herramienta alternativa para diagnosticar con facilidad y precisión la enfermedad del ojo seco. Discusión: Los biomarcadores permiten reconocer los procesos patógenos y biológicos del síndrome de ojo seco, al reflejar el estado de la superficie ocular en presencia o ausencia de signos y síntomas, facilitando el diagnóstico precoz, seguimiento, tratamiento y control de la enfermedad.

Abstract Introduction: Dry eye syndrome is a disease in which signs and symptoms that lead to prolonged ocular alterations occur, therefore, it is relevant to accurately establish the etiology of the disease with the configuration of establishing the most effective treatment, hence the development of innovative exams such as biomarkers selected with greater precision the clinical picture. For this reason, the present work aims to describe the main advances of biomarkers of the ocular surface and to recognize their clinical application for the diagnosis of dry eye between 2013 and 2018. Metodology: Literature on biomarkers used for the diagnosis of dry eye was analyzed, by means of a systematic narrative review from 2013 to 2018 by means of the controlled descriptors "Dry Eye Syndrome" "biomarkers" "tear proteins" "eye proteins" selected in DeCS and Pubmed; The search yielded 48 studies and 21 studies were selected for the analysis. Results: There are several tear proteins that can be related to the presence and absence of the disease, it is vital that biomarkers are evaluated as an alternative tool to easily and accurately diagnose dry eye disease. Discussion: Biomarkers allow to recognize the pathogenic and biological processes of dry eye syndrome, reflecting the state of the ocular surface in the presence or absence of signs and symptoms, facilitating early diagnosis, monitoring, treatment and control of the disease.

A prospective study of discrepancy between clinical and pathological diagnosis of appendiceal mucinous neoplasm

PURPOSE: Appendiceal tumoral lesions can occur as benign, malignant, or borderline disease. Determination of the extent of surgery through accurate diagnosis is important in these tumoral lesions. In this study, we assessed the accuracy of preoperative CT and identified the factors affecting diagnosis.METHODS: Patients diagnosed or strongly suspected from July 2016 to June 2019 with appendiceal mucocele or mucinous neoplasm using abdominal CT were included in the study. All the patients underwent single-incision laparoscopic cecectomy with the margin of cecum secured at least 2 cm from the appendiceal base. To compare blood test results and CT findings, the patients were divided into a mucinous and a nonmucinous group according to pathology.RESULTS: The total number of patients included in this study was 54 and biopsy confirmed appendiceal mucinous neoplasms in 39 of them. With CT, the accuracy of diagnosis was 89.7%. The mean age of the mucinous group was greater than that of the nonmucinous group (P = 0.035). CT showed that the maximum diameter of appendiceal tumor in the mucinous group was greater than that in the nonmucinous group (P < 0.001). Calcification was found only in the appendix of patients in the mucinous group (P = 0.012). Multivariate analysis revealed that lager tumor diameter was a factor of diagnosis for appendiceal mucinous neoplasm.CONCLUSION: The accuracy of preoperative diagnosis of appendiceal mucinous neoplasms in this study was 89.7%. Blood test results did not provide differential diagnosis, and the larger the diameter of appendiceal tumor on CT, the more accurate the diagnosis.

JL1 Antigen Expression on Bone Marrow Lymphoma Cells from Patients With Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

BACKGROUND: JL1, a CD43 epitope and mucin family cell surface glycoprotein, is expressed on leukemic cells. An anti-JL1 antibody combined with a toxic substance can have targeted therapeutic effects against JL1-positive leukemia; however, JL1 expression on bone marrow (BM) lymphoma cells has not been assessed using flow cytometry. We investigated JL1 expression on BM lymphoma cells from patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) to assess the potential of JL1 as a therapeutic target. METHODS: Patients with BM involvement of mature B-cell (N=44) or T- and natural killer (NK)-cell (N=4) lymphomas were enrolled from May 2015 to September 2016. JL1 expression on BM lymphoma cells was investigated using flow cytometry. Clinical, pathological, and cytogenetic characteristics, and treatment responses were compared according to JL1 expression status. RESULTS: Of the patients with NHL and BM involvement, 37.5% (18/48) were JL1-positive. Among mature B-cell lymphomas, 100%, 38.9%, 33.3%, 100%, and 25.0% of Burkitt lymphomas, diffuse large B-cell leukemias, mantle cell leukemias, Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, and other B-cell lymphomas, respectively, were JL1-positive. Three mature T- and NK-cell NHLs were JL1-positive. JL1 expression was associated with age (P=0.045), complete response (P=0.004), and BM involvement at follow-up (P=0.017), but not with sex, performance status, the B symptoms, packed marrow pattern, cytogenetic abnormalities, or survival. CONCLUSIONS: JL1 positivity was associated with superior complete response and less BM involvement in NHL following chemotherapy.

Lichen myxedematosus: a rare group of cutaneous mucinosis

Abstract: Cutaneous mucinoses are a heterogeneous group of dermatoses in which excess deposition of mucin in the dermis gives the skin a waxy appearance, with papules and plaques that can vary from self-healing mucinosis to even disrupting the normal shape of a patient's face, conferring a leonine facies, or be part of life threatening diseases like scleromyxedema. This review will describe the most recent classification on lichen myxedematosus in the generalized (scleromyxedema) and the localized forms, as well as the different organ systems involved in scleromyxedema, diagnostic workup, current management, and prognosis.

Clinical, dermoscopic, and histologic aspects of two cases of cutaneous focal mucinosis

Abstract: Cutaneous mucinoses are a complex and diverse group of connective tissue disorders characterized by the accumulation of mucin and/or glycosaminoglycan in the skin and adnexa. Cutaneous focal mucinosis appears as a solitary, asymptomatic, skin-colored to white papule, nodule, or plaque located anywhere on the body or in the oral cavity. It presents mainly in adults and is characterized on histopathology by mucin throughout the upper and mid dermis. We describe the dermoscopy of two cases of cutaneous focal mucinosis. Both lesions presented a nonspecific homogenous whitish pattern; the first case also exhibited a sharply demarcated yellow border.

Coexisting Mucinous Cystic Neoplasm of the Pancreas and Type 1 Autoimmune Pancreatitis

Type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP1) is an IgG4-related systemic disease that mimics tumors. We report a rare case of AIP1 accompanied by mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN). A pancreatic lesion was incidentally detected in a woman in her 60s. After 6 years of follow-up, the lesion abruptly increased in size. Computed tomography showed a 3.5 cm unilocular cyst in the tail of the pancreas and distal pancreatectomy was performed. On microscopic examination, the cyst was lined by mucinous and non-mucinous epithelial cells with mild cytologic atypia. The surrounding stroma comprised ovarian-type spindle cells with progesterone receptor positivity. The pericystic pancreas exhibited multifocal lymphoid follicles, lymphoplasmacytic infiltrations, obliterative phlebitis, and storiform fibrosis. IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltration (215 cells high-power field) and the IgG4/IgG ratio (57%) were increased. Cases of MCN coexisting with AIP1 are extremely rare; only two such cases have been reported in the English-language literature. This third case featured low-grade MCN with AIP1.

Long-term Risk of Malignancy in Branch Duct Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms / 대한소화기병학회잡지

No abstract available.

Cystic Degeneration of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Mimicking Mucinous Cystic Neoplasm / 대한소화기병학회잡지

Spontaneous regression of tumors is an extremely rare event in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with only a few reports available. With the accumulation of clinical information and tumor immunogenetics, several mechanisms for the cystic changes of HCC have been suggested, including arterial thrombosis, inflammation, and rapid tumor growth. This paper reports an uncommon case of the partial regression of HCC, which was initially misdiagnosed as a mucinous cystic neoplasm of the liver due to the unusual radiologic findings. A 78-year-old female with the hepatitis B virus and liver cirrhosis presented with an approximately 5 cm-sized cystic mass of the liver. From the radiologic evidence of a papillary-like projection from the cyst wall toward the inner side, the initial impression was a mucinous cystic neoplasm of the liver. The patient underwent a surgical resection and finally, cystic degeneration of HCC, in which approximately 80% necrosis was noted. This case suggests that if a cystic neoplasm of liver appears in a patient with a high risk of HCC on a hepatobiliary imaging study, it is prudent to consider the cystic degeneration of HCC in a differential diagnosis.

Mucinous Non-neoplastic Cyst of the Pancreas / 대한소화기학회지

Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas consist of a wide range of pathological entities and are being detected more frequently due to advances in cross-sectional imaging modalities and increasing numbers of periodic health checkups. The majority of pancreatic cystic neoplasms are intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, serous neoplasms, and mucinous cystic neoplasms, but recently, rare cases of mucinous non-neoplastic cyst of the pancreas (MNCP) have been reported, and despite the availabilities of modern imaging systems, such as MRI and CT, the differentiation of non-neoplastic and neoplastic cysts remains challenging. Herein, we report our experience of a 65-year-old male case with an MNCP.

Solitary Nodular Invasive Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the Lung: Imaging Diagnosis Using the Morphologic-Metabolic Dissociation Sign

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of the morphologic-metabolic (M-M) dissociation sign based on computed tomography (CT) and fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET)/CT in discriminating invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma (IMA) from invasive non-mucinous adenocarcinomas (ADCs) of the lung. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Institutional Review Board approved this retrospective study. Among surgically resected solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN)-type ADCs (< 3 cm in diameter), 35 patients with IMAs and 329 with invasive non-mucinous ADCs were included. Morphologic malignancy was established if the tumor with lobulated or spiculated margin on CT presented a tumor shadow disappearance rate of < 0.5. The M-M dissociation sign was determined when a malignant-morphologic nodule on CT showed maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) < 3.5 on PET/CT. RESULTS: Among 35 IMAs (size: 21 ± 7 mm, SUVmax: 1.8 ± 2.0) and 329 invasive non-mucinous ADCs (size: 21 ± 6 mm, SUVmax: 4.6 ± 4.2), the M-M dissociation sign was observed in 54% of IMAs (19/35) and 10% of invasive non-mucinous ADCs (34/329) (p < 0.001). The diagnostic performance of the sign in discriminating IMA from invasive non-mucinous ADCs showed a sensitivity of 54.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 36.7–71.2), specificity 89.7% (95% CI, 85.9–92.7), positive predictive value 35.8% (95% CI, 26.5–46.5), and negative predictive value 94.9% (95% CI, 92.8–96.4). Multivariate analyses revealed metabolic benignity (odds ratio [OR] 2.99; 95% CI, 1.01–8.93; p = 0.047) and M-M dissociation sign (OR 6.35; 95% CI, 2.76–14.62; p < 0.001) to be significant predictors of SPN-type IMAs. CONCLUSION: Identification of the absence of M-M dissociation sign is an accurate indicator for excluding IMA from SPN-type lung ADCs.

Cytopathologic Features of Secretory Carcinoma of Salivary Gland: Report of Two Cases

Secretory carcinoma of the salivary gland (SC) is a newly introduced rare salivary gland tumor that shares histological, immunohistochemical, and genetic characteristics with secretory carcinoma of the breast. Here, we report the cytologic features of two cases of SC confirmed by surgical resection. In these two cases, SC was incidentally detected in a 64-year-old female and a 56-yearold male. Fine needle aspiration cytology revealed nests of tumor cells with a papillary or glandular structure floating in mucinous secretions. The tumor cells demonstrated uniform, round, smooth nuclear contours and distinct nucleoli. Multiple characteristic cytoplasmic vacuoles were revealed. Singly scattered tumor cells frequently showed variable sized cytoplasmic vacuoles. The cytopathologic diagnosis of SC should be considered when characteristic cytological findings are revealed. Further immunohistochemistry and gene analyses are helpful to diagnose SC.

Mucinous carcinoma is a predictive factor for the risk of open conversion from laparoscopic colectomy in colorectal cancer

PURPOSE: Although laparoscopic surgery is widely accepted in the treatment of colorectal cancer, conversion to open surgery is associated with the rate of unfavorable outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with open conversion from laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer.METHODS: A total of 3,002 patients who underwent laparoscopic colectomy as an initial plan for the treatment of colorectal cancer located from the sigmoid colon to the rectum were retrospectively evaluated between January 2009 and December 2018 at Samsung Medical Center in Korea. Risk factors significantly associated with open conversion were determined using univariate and multivariate regression models.RESULTS: Among the 3,002 patients, open conversion was performed in 120 patients (4%). Age >60 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.370), preoperative bowel obstruction (AOR, 2.348), clinical T4 stage (AOR, 2.201), and serum carcinoembryonic antigen level >5 ng/mL (AOR, 2.289) were significantly associated with open conversion. Moreover, mucinous carcinoma was a significantly more frequent histopathologic type than adenocarcinoma (10.0% vs. 3.2%, P<0.001) in the open conversion group with an AOR of 2.549 (confidence interval, 1.259–5.159; P=0.009).CONCLUSION: The present study presented a novel finding, i.e. mucinous carcinoma as the histopathologic type could be an independent predictive factor for conversion from laparoscopic colectomy to open surgery. Identifying patients with mucinous carcinoma will help stratify the risk of open conversion preoperatively.