A Diagnostic Dilemma: Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Mimicking Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Carcinoid syndrome arises from neuroendocrine tumors, characterized by the presence of neurosecretory granules. The diagnosis of carcinoid syndrome involves biochemical testing and various imaging techniques. We report the case of a 62-year-old man with Parkinson's Disease who was found to have new-onset cirrhosis and multiple hepatic lesions with necrosis on CT imaging. These findings were concerning for metastatic malignancy of unknown primary origin. Subsequent MRI characterization of the liver lesions indicated hepatocellular carcinoma as the most likely diagnosis. However, a transthoracic echocardiogram, performed for anasarca and dyspnea on exertion, revealed a thickened tricuspid leaflet, highly suspicious for carcinoid valvulitis. A biopsy of one of the hepatic lesions was consistent with neuroendocrine tumor, confirming the diagnosis of carcinoid syndrome. This case highlights the limitations of diagnostic imaging approaches in distinguishing hepatocellular carcinoma from neuroendocrine tumors.

An update on the use of cryoablation and immunotherapy for breast cancer.

The use of cryoablation, a minimally-invasive image-guided technique to target and kill cancer cells, continues to gain traction within the medical field and with patients. This includes the use of cryoablation for the treatment of small breast cancers and focal sites of metastatic disease. In comparison to open surgical approaches, length of hospital stay and recovery time are decreased with the use of cryoablation. Research studies have also found that cryoablation may actually enhance tumor susceptibility to immunotherapy agents. Immunotherapy enhances a person's own immune system to identify and attack cancer cells. It is proposed that after cryoablation there is increased expression of tumor specific antigens which the body can recognize as foreign invaders and with the combination of immunotherapy, result in an even more robust and efficient attack on the cancer cells. In this review we aim to highlight some of the recent advances in cryoablation which support the potential for cryoablation to induce these tumor-specific immune responses and thus supporting the use of combining cryoablation and immunotherapy for the treatment of breast cancer.

Role of Steroids in Post-streptococcal Glomerulonephritis Without Crescents on Renal Biopsy.

Steroid is usually indicated in patients with post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) with more than 30% crescents on renal biopsy. The role of steroids in patients without crescentic glomerulonephritis is not clear. We present a 19-year-old male patient who was diagnosed with PSGN three weeks after a sore throat infection. He developed acute renal and respiratory failure requiring hemodialysis and mechanical ventilation. The renal biopsy confirmed PSGN, but did not show severe histological features such as crescents formation. Due to lack of clinical improvement, trials of pulse dose methylprednisolone were initiated with prompt improvement in renal and respiratory function. Our case suggested the potential role of high dose steroids in select patients of PSGN with progressive renal failure, development of multi-organ system deterioration, and failed conservative management irrespective of histological findings.