Genomic analysis of an aggressive hepatic leiomyosarcoma case following treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma.

A 70-year-old man undergoing treatment for immunoglobulin G4-related disease developed a liver mass on computed tomography during routine imaging examination. The tumor was located in the hepatic S1/4 region, was 38 mm in size, and showed arterial enhancement on dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography. We performed a liver biopsy and diagnosed moderately differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma. The patient underwent proton beam therapy. The tumor remained unchanged but enlarged after 4 years. The patient was diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence and received hepatic arterial chemoembolization. However, 1 year later, the patient developed jaundice, and the liver tumor grew in size. Unfortunately, the patient passed away. Autopsy revealed that the tumor consisted of spindle-shaped cells exhibiting nuclear atypia and a fission pattern and tested positive for α-smooth muscle actin and vimentin. No hepatocellular carcinoma components were observed, and the patient was pathologically diagnosed with hepatic leiomyosarcoma. Next-generation sequencing revealed somatic mutations in CACNA2D4, CTNNB1, DOCK5, IPO8, MTMR1, PABPC5, SEMA6D, and ZFP36L1. Based on the genetic mutation, sarcomatoid hepatocarcinoma was the most likely pathogenesis in this case. This mutation is indicative of the transition from sarcomatoid hepatocarcinoma to hepatic leiomyosarcoma.

A rare case of resection of a mucinous cystic neoplasm originating from the extrahepatic bile duct with cholangioscopic imaging.

A 29-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for examination of obstructive jaundice and an extrahepatic bile duct lesion. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a 20 mm cystic lesion with a thin external capsule in the common hepatic duct. Cholangioscopy revealed translucent oval masses with capillary vessels attached to the bile duct walls. The surface was mostly smooth yet partially irregular with redness, suggesting that the masses were epithelial neoplasms. Histological findings of cholangioscopy-guided targeted biopsies of the mass showed subepithelial spindle cell proliferation with no atypical epithelium. The patient underwent an extrahepatic bile duct resection to confirm the pathological diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry of surgical specimens revealed that the spindle cells were positive for estrogen and progesterone receptors. Finally, the cystic lesion with ovarian-like stroma was diagnosed as a mucinous cystic neoplasm with low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia. This is the first report of cholangioscopic imaging of a biliary mucinous cyctic neoplasm. Cholangioscopic imaging can be helpful in the differential diagnosis of biliary neoplasms and in the determination of treatment strategies.

A case report of carcinoma of the papilla of Vater associated with a hyperplasia-dysplasia-carcinoma sequence by pancreaticobiliary maljunction.

BACKGROUND: Pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM) is a known risk factor for biliary tract cancer. However, its association with carcinoma of the papilla of Vater (PVca) remains unknown. We report a case with PVca that was thought to be caused by the hyperplasia-dysplasia-carcinoma sequence, which is considered a mechanism underlying PBM-induced biliary tract cancer. CASE PRESENTATION: A 70-year-old woman presented with white stool and had a history of cholecystectomy for the diagnosis of a non-dilated biliary tract with PBM. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a tumor in the papilla of Vater, and PVca was histologically proven by biopsy. We finally diagnosed her with PVca concurrent with non-biliary dilated PBM (cT1aN0M0, cStage IA, according to the Union for International Cancer Control, 8th edition), and subsequently performed subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. Pathological findings of the resected specimen revealed no adenomas and dysplastic and hyperplastic mucosae in the common channel slightly upstream of the main tumor, suggesting a PBM related carcinogenic pathway with hyperplasia-dysplasia-carcinoma sequence. Immunostaining revealed positivity for CEA. CK7 positivity, CK20 negativity, and MUC2 negativity indicated that this PVca was of the pancreatobiliary type. Genetic mutations were exclusively detected in tumors and not in normal tissues, and bile ducts from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples included mutated-ERBB2 (Mutant allele frequency, 81.95%). Moreover, of the cell-free deoxyribonucleic acid (cfDNA) extracted from liquid biopsy mutated-ERBB2 was considered the circulating-tumor deoxyribonucleic acid (ctDNA) of this tumor. CONCLUSIONS: Herein, we report the first case of PVca with PBM potentially caused by a "hyperplasia-dysplasia-carcinoma sequence" detected using immunostaining and next-generation sequencing. Careful follow-up is required if pancreaticobiliary reflux persists, considering the possible development of PVca.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas concomitant with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas: A investigation of those clinicopathological features by analyzing 48 patients who underwent surgery for those lesions.

BACKGROUND: Differences between pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) concomitant with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) (C-PDACs), those without IPMN (NC-PDACs) and invasive cancers derived from IPMN (IC-Ds) have not been fully clarified. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with C-PDAC were included to investigate the differences in 1) clinicopathological features and 2) post-operative courses among the three invasive cancer groups. RESULTS: 1) Characteristics of C-PDACs were mostly similar to those of NC-PDACs; whereas, between C-PDACs and IC-Ds, the rate of mucinous carcinoma (2%/25%, p = 0.003) and pathological stage (IA, 15%/36%, p = 0.033; III, 31%/4%, p = 0.015) significantly differed. Most C-PDACs coexisted with small, multifocal IPMNs without mural nodules. 2) Cumulative 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate related to extra-pancreatic recurrence was significantly worse in C-PDACs than in IC-Ds (35%/69%, p = 0.008) and was not significantly different between C-PDACs and NC-PDACs (35%/18%). This related to intra-pancreatic recurrence tended to be poor in the order of IC-Ds, C-PDACs, and NC-PDACs (69%/82%/93%). CONCLUSIONS: Because characteristics of IPMNs remarkably differed between C-PDACs and IC-Ds, another algorithm specific to the early detection of C-PDACs is necessary. Appropriate post-operative managements according to the two types of recurrences may contribute to the improvement in the prognoses of C-PDACs/IC-Ds.

Suprapapillary placement of plastic versus metal stents for malignant biliary hilar obstructions: a multicenter, randomized trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The efficacy of the suprapapillary placement of inside plastic stents (iPSs) for unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstructions (MHOs) is unknown compared with that of uncovered inside metal stents (iMSs). This randomized controlled trial was designed to evaluate the outcomes of endoscopic placement of these stents for unresectable MHOs. METHODS: This open-label, randomized study was conducted at 12 Japanese institutions. The enrolled patients with unresectable MHOs were allocated to iPS and iMS groups. The primary outcome was defined as the time to recurrent biliary obstruction in patients for whom the intervention was both technically and clinically successful. RESULTS: Among 87 enrollments, 38 patients in the iPS group and 46 patients in the iMS group were analyzed. Technical success rates were 100% (38 of 38) and 96.6% (44 of 46), respectively (P = 1.00). After transferring 1 unsuccessful iMS-group patient to the iPS group (since iPSs were deployed), the clinical success rates were 90.0% (35 of 39) for the iPS group and 88.9% (40 of 45) for the iMS group from a per-protocol analysis (P = 1.00). Among the patients with clinical success, the median times to recurrent biliary obstruction were 250 (95% confidence interval, 85-415) and 361 (95% confidence interval, 107-615) days (log-rank test, P = .34). No differences were detected in rates of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: This Phase II randomized trial did not show any statistically significant difference in stent patency between suprapapillary plastic versus metal stents. Considering the potential advantages of plastic stents for malignant hilar obstruction, these findings suggest that suprapapillary plastic stents could be a viable alternative to metal stents for this condition.

A case of hepatocellular carcinoma with long-term survival by multidisciplinary treatment for cranial and skeletal muscle metastases.

We report a case in which multidisciplinary treatment was effective for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with cranial and skeletal muscle metastases. A 55-year-old male with HCC received sorafenib for lung metastases. He was admitted to our hospital due to the skull metastasis detected by fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). The patient underwent resection for skull metastasis. After the surgical treatment, he was treated with sorafenib again. Eight months after craniectomy, FDG-PET showed FDG uptake in the semimembranosus and semitendinosus muscles. Histopathological examination of the muscle biopsy revealed HCC muscle metastasis. Sorafenib treatment was discontinued. The investigational new drug (tegafur-gimeracil-oteracil) and tegafur-uracil were used for the treatment. These treatments proved to be ineffective as the lung metastases enlarged and new metastases appeared on the mediastinal lymph nodes and dura cava. The patient was unable to walk due to the enlarged thigh muscle metastases. Sorafenib was re-administered, which reduced the enlargement of the lung and mediastinal lymph nodes. Dural metastases were treated with resection and radiotherapy. Additional radiation therapy to the thigh muscles relieved the patient from pain experienced during walking. Sorafenib treatment was continued for the next 3 years. The patient survived for 4 years after the skull resection.

Sustained Eosinophilic Cholangitis Due to a Mite Allergy Mimicking Sclerosing Cholangitis.

Eosinophilic cholangiopathy (EC) presents with thickening and stenosis of the bile duct wall that is histologically characterized by eosinophil infiltration. The diagnosis is often difficult. We herein report a patient who had been followed up with a diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis but had a final diagnosis of EC based on eosinophilia, histological findings of bile duct and liver biopsy specimens, and a review of a previous surgical specimen of the gallbladder. Antigen tests, isolation from her house, and accidental re-exposure to the antigen revealed that the causative antigen was the mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus.

Mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasm of the gallbladder complicated by a pancreaticobiliary maljunction of a non-dilated biliary duct: A case report.

RATIONALE: Mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasm (MiNEN) is a rare tumor. MiNEN of the gallbladder (GB) with pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PMJ) is extremely rare. The origin of MiNEN of the GB remains unknown; the biliary tract normally lacks neuroendocrine cells. MiNEN of the GB has a poor prognosis; because of its rarity, no treatment or management guidelines have been established yet. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 47-year-old male presenting with right hypochondrial pain and malaise for 3 months was referred to our hospital for further management. DIAGNOSIS: The neuron-specific enolase level was increased. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a mass of 70 mm in size with unclear boundaries in the liver. The GB was surrounded by this mass, narrowing the lumen of the GB. Many swollen lymph nodes were observed in the hepatoduodenal ligament. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography revealed a PMJ with a non-dilated biliary duct. A percutaneous biopsy was performed on the liver mass, and the pathological findings were neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) (small cell type). We diagnosed a NEC of the GB, T3N1M0, stage IIIB (Union for International Cancer Control, 7th edition). INTERVENTIONS: Because of advanced lymph node metastasis, we considered this tumor difficult to cure solely by surgical intervention. After initial chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin and irinotecan, a marked reduction in both tumor and lymph node sizes enabled conversion surgery. The pathological diagnosis of the resected tumor was MiNEN consisting of NEC and adenocarcinoma. The primary lesion was the adenocarcinoma occupying the luminal side of the GB. As a postsurgical treatment, the patient received additional irradiation therapy to the common hepatic duct and liver stump because of positive surgical margins. OUTCOMES: At 13 months postoperatively, computed tomography findings revealed the appearance of a hypervascular liver tumor, and laboratory data showed increased serum neuron-specific enolase levels. Chemotherapy was unsuccessful, leading to the death of the patient 36 months from the date of diagnosis. LESSONS: There are several reports on the development of MiNEN of the GB. In our case, a PMJ-related adenocarcinoma of the GB transdifferentiated into NEC. Further accumulation of cases is necessary to establish a treatment strategy for MiNEN of the GB.

[A case of mediastinal pancreatic pseudocyst diagnosed and treated successfully by endoscopic procedure].

A 60-year-old man was admitted for investigation of a mediastinal cystic lesion. During endoscopic retrograde pancreatography, the contrast medium leaked from the head of the main pancreatic duct, and the cystic fluid collected with endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) -guided aspiration showed high levels of pancreatic enzymes. Therefore, we diagnosed mediastinal pancreatic pseudocyst. The pseudocyst shrank as a result of EUS-guided drainage, and an endoscopic nasopancreatic drainage tube was then placed to close the fistula of the pancreatic duct. This case suggests that endoscopic procedures could be useful for the diagnosis and treatment of mediastinal pancreatic pseudocyst. We review 48 case reports of mediastinal pancreatic pseudocyst and discuss the usefulness of endoscopic procedures for diagnosis and treatment.

Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle biopsy.

We demonstrate a case, in which endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) was useful for determining the diagnosis of lesions of retroperitoneal fibrosis. In our case, accessing the retroperitoneal lesions by conventional percutaneous biopsy procedures was not feasible due to the difficulty of avoiding the inferior vena cava and ureter. We believe that our case demonstrates a unique approach for performing histological analysis in a challenging case.

Successful treatment with endoscopic transpapillary drainage for gallbladder perforation associated with steroid treatment for interstitial pneumonia (with video).

This case report highlights the clinical efficacy of endoscopic transpapillary drainage for gallbladder perforation in a high-risk surgical patient with a history of steroid treatment for interstitial pneumonia. The usefulness of endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage in high-risk surgical patients with acute cholecystitis has not been established. In difficult cases of emergent surgery, such as described here, endoscopic transpapillary drainage is a promising method to manage gallbladder perforation and acute cholecystitis recurrence.

A unique cause of chronic abdominal pain.

The images presented here demonstrated how we arrived at the diagnosis of Ascaris lumbricoides infection in a 54-year-old man with chronic abdominal pain by capsule endoscopy (CE). In this case, computed tomography (CT) images were not representative, and further investigation with CE was required to confirm the diagnosis. The combination of CT and CE was useful for diagnosing Ascaris lumbricoides infection in this patient.

Arteriovenous malformation in pancreas mimicking hypervascular tumor.

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is defined as a disease that causes blood flow abnormality due to anastomoses of the arteries and veins. AVM can occur in any gastrointestinal tract, but pancreatic AVM (P-AVM) is very rare. Previous reports demonstrated that contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) typically showed abnormal vascular network in pancreas. We present a 58-year old man with a history of acute pancreatitis. He was referred to our hospital for examination of pancreatic mass. CECT showed a round-shaped hypervascular lesion with a diameter of 8 mm in the head of the pancreas. Selective angiography showed vascular network and early visualization of superior mesenteric vein. We finally diagnosed this case as P-AVM. He underwent duodenum preserving pancreatic head resection. Histological findings confirmed the preoperative diagnosis of P-AVM.