RESUMO
Computer tomography colonography (CTC) is an increasingly utilized diagnostic modality in Australia. CTC aims to image the entire colon, and is often used in higher risk patient populations. Colonic perforation following CTC is a rare complication, with only 0.008% of patients undergoing CTC requiring surgical intervention. Most published cases of perforation following CTC are due to identifiable causes, often involving the left colon or rectum. We present a rare case of caecal perforation following CTC, requiring right hemicolectomy. This report highlights the need for high suspicion for CTC complications, despite their rarity, and the utility of diagnostic laparoscopy for diagnosis in atypical presentations.
RESUMO
A 71-year-old woman was referred with abdominal pain and weight loss. An abdominal CT showed a 5-cm heterogeneous mass in the head of the pancreas with involvement of the superior mesenteric vein and artery. Her carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CA 19-9 were normal. Two endoscopic ultrasound/fine needle aspirates (EUS/FNAs) of the mass diagnosed her with a mesenchymal tumour of myogenic origin but did not show features of malignancy. Frozen section analysis of laparoscopic core biopsies also failed to show malignant features, hence requiring an open biopsy which confirmed the diagnosis of pancreatic leiomyosarcoma (PLMS). She was eventually treated with radiotherapy. To our knowledge this is the only case in recent English literature of inoperable locally advanced PLMS that has required an open biopsy to formalise the diagnosis despite prior EUS FNAs. We include a review of the literature, highlighting the deficiencies of various biopsy techniques.
