Visceral Fat Associated with Worsening of Recurrent Esophageal Varices in Alcoholic/Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis-Related Liver Cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: Alcoholic steatohepatitis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-related liver cirrhosis (ASH/NASH-LC) are major causes of esophageal varices (EVs). However, the association between high visceral fat and exacerbation of EVs remains unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify the association of visceral fat and recurrence rate of EVs in ASH/NASH-LC and to identify independent predictors associated with recurrence. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated data from 94 patients who underwent endoscopic injection sclerotherapy for EVs with ASH/NASH-LC. Using the receiver operating characteristic curve for the cut-off value of visceral fat index (VFI; 46.4 cm2/m2), we classified patients as having a high VFI (n = 53) or low VFI (n = 41). Propensity score matching was used to align for background factors, and the recurrence rate of EVs was compared between the two groups. Predictors associated with esophageal variceal recurrence were identified by multivariate analysis. The recurrence rate in patients with viral LC was also investigated. RESULTS: In the overall analysis, the recurrence rate was significantly higher in the high VFI group than in the low VFI group (P = 0.023). The recurrence rate was also higher in the high VFI group than in the low VFI group after propensity score matching, in which 19 patients were matched in each group (P = 0.048). VFI and Child-Pugh score were independently associated with recurrence. Recurrence rates were comparable between the two groups in viral LC patients. CONCLUSIONS: Worsening of variceal recurrence was observed in high visceral fat patients in ASH/NASH-LC but not in viral LC. Furthermore, high visceral fat was an independent predictor associated with variceal recurrence.

Prognostic Role of Preoperative Chemotherapy in Liver-Limited Metastasis from Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the prognostic role of preoperative chemotherapy in patients who underwent hepatectomy for liver-limited metastasis (LLM) from gastric cancer (GC). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted for 52 consecutive patients who underwent macroscopically complete (R0 or R1) resection for synchronous or metachronous LLM from GC. RESULTS: Of the 52 patients, 18 (35%) received preoperative chemotherapy (PC group), while 34 (65%) underwent upfront surgery (US group). The PC group had a significantly longer overall survival than the US group (cumulative 5-year OS rate: 47.6% vs. 24.8%, p = 0.041). Multivariate analysis of OS revealed that preoperative chemotherapy was an independent favorable prognostic factor (hazard ratio: 0.445, p = 0.036). Patients showing a partial response to preoperative chemotherapy on RECIST had an improved OS compared with those exhibiting stable or progressive disease after preoperative chemotherapy and with US (p = 0.025), even among those with solitary LLM (p = 0.062) and multiple LLM (p = 0.026). At recurrence after hepatectomy for LLM, the PC group had a significantly higher incidence of solitary tumors than the US group (p = 0.043) and had a higher chance to undergo surgical resection for recurrent sites (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative chemotherapy can be recommended for patients with LLM from GC. The evaluation of the efficacy of preoperative chemotherapy offers additional information to determine the surgical indication for LLM.

Solitary choroidal metastasis of distal cholangiocarcinoma: A case report.

Metastatic choroidal carcinoma is rare and generally has a poor prognosis. The present case report describes a case of choroidal metastasis from distal cholangiocarcinoma, which was successfully managed using stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT). A 67-year-old Japanese man underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for distal cholangiocarcinoma. The pathological stage was T2N0M0 stage IIA, according to the Union for International Cancer Control 8th edition. After surgery, the patient received adjuvant chemotherapy with oral TS-1® for 1 month. A total of 2 months after surgery, the patient was readmitted to hospital due to decreased visual acuity. Fundoscopy revealed a macular hole in the right eye that accounted for the decreased visual acuity. Additionally, Goldmann three-mirror contact lens examination revealed a 4-mm choroidal mass with a yellowish color situated at a considerable distance from the optic nerve. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an enhanced choroidal mass. Based on the findings of ophthalmologic examinations and the patient's history of cholangiocarcinoma, they were diagnosed with choroidal metastasis from distal cholangiocarcinoma. SRT was administered at a total dose of 40 Gy divided into 8 Gy fractions. A total of 1 year after SRT, the patient achieved complete remission without decreased visual acuity. The patient remains alive and in good health without recurrence, 4 years after the diagnosis of choroidal metastasis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second reported case of intraocular metastasis from cholangiocarcinoma. In conclusion, SRT may provide an opportunity to control metastatic choroidal carcinoma without decreasing visual acuity.

[A Case of Multiple Lung Metastases of Pancreatic Cancer with 50 Months Survival by Sequential Chemotherapy].

We hereby report a case in which a patient with multiple lung metastases of pancreatic cancer continued chemotherapy and maintained good performance status(PS)for 48 months after recurrence. But her disease progressed rapidly after withdrawal of chemotherapy, resulting in her death in a short period of time. The patient was a 66-year-old woman who underwent a substomach preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic head cancer at the age of 60 years. She was diagnosed as fT3N1M0, fStage ⅡB. During postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy S-1, multiple lung metastases were noted on CT scan 2 years after surgery. Thereafter, she was treated with gemcitabine(GEM)alone, GEM plus nab-paclitaxel(GnP), nal-CPT-11 plus 5-FU plus Leucovorin, and FOLFIRINOX for 48 months sequentially. Each of which achieved a best overall response SD or better. However, Trousseau syndrome developed following community-acquired pneumonia during chemotherapy withdrawal due to myelosuppression. The disease progressed rapidly and resulted in her death 50 months after relapse. The results suggest that chemotherapy may have contributed significantly to disease control in this case.

[A Case of Pathological Complete Response after Neoadjuvant Therapy for Resectable Pancreatic Cancer].

We report a case of resectable pancreas tail cancer treated with 2 courses of neoadjuvant therapy which is gemcitabine and S-1 therapy, and pathological diagnosis of the resected specimen revealed pathological complete response. A 56-year- old woman was referred to our hospital because she had back pain after eating for 5 months and her previous abdominal ultrasonography revealed an enlarged pancreatic tail. The tumor size was reduced from 30 mm to 12 mm, and the chemotherapy response was judged to be partial response. The patient underwent distal pancreatectomy, splenectomy, and D2 lymph node dissection. Intraoperative findings showed a pancreatic tail with a depression and surface erythema, thus we also diagnosed the patient as having pancreatic capsular invasion(S1). Postoperative histopathological examination revealed a 10×10 mm area of pancreatic parenchyma, which was replaced by fibrous tissue, with no evidence of active cancer cells. The patient was discharged from the hospital on the 14th after surgery.

[Intra-abdominal recurrence with bleeding 7 years after curative resection of primary synovial sarcoma of the spermatic cord with localized dissemination:a case report].

Primary synovial sarcoma of the spermatic cord is quite rare and has not been reported in Japanese literature. We report a case of primary synovial sarcoma of the spermatic cord and localized dissemination of the tumor in a patient who experienced recurrence of intra-abdominal bleeding 7 years after curative resection of the primary lesion. A 70-year-old man was admitted with disturbance on urination and lower abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen revealed two lesions:a 10-cm intrapelvic tumor with hemorrhage and a 4-cm tumor adjacent to the bladder. Curative excision of the tumors was performed. Histological examination revealed that the larger lesion was a primary tumor of the spermatic cord with proliferation of spindle cells in cellular fascicles in a monotonous pattern, which was compatible with histologic findings of monophasic fibrous synovial sarcoma. The smaller lesion was a disseminated tumor. The diagnosis of synovial sarcoma was confirmed by the detection of a SS18 (SYT) -SSX1 fusion gene. After discharge, the patient received adjuvant chemotherapy, including ifosfamide and doxorubicin. No recurrence was evident thereafter. Seven years after the operation, the patient experienced sudden abdominal pain and swelling and was transferred to our hospital. CT showed a 17-cm tumor with massive hemorrhage in the omental bursa. Through catheterization of the superior mesenteric artery, bleeding from a branch of the dorsal pancreatic artery was identified. Because of the difficulty of catheterizing the bleeding branch, he underwent emergency resection of the tumor and partial resection of the colon. Histologic examination and genetic testing revealed that the tumor was a recurrence of the synovial sarcoma. After discharge, the patient received treatment with gemcitabine and docetaxel. However, 7 months after the second surgery, intraperitoneal manifestations recurred. The patient died 14 months after the second resection. This case suggests that curative surgical resection of the primary synovial sarcoma of the spermatic cord contributes to prolonged survival. However, because the recurrence rate of synovial sarcoma is high, multidisciplinary treatment, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, might be necessary.

[Significance of Transitions in Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio before and after Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolizaton for Hepatocellular Carcinoma].

We investigated the significance of transitions in the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)before and after TACE for HCC could be a predictor of prognosis. The subjects were 108 patients with the first TACE performed from January 2010 to December 2019. NLR was calculated before and 1 month after TACE, and the relationship with therapeutic effect and prognosis was examined. When the transition of NLR before and after TACE was classified into 3 groups with a cut-off value of 5.0, group A(less than 5.0 after TACE): 52 cases(48.1%), group B(5.0 or more after TACE): 33 cases(30.6%)and C group(5.0 or more before and after TACE): 23 cases(21.3%). Median survival time were 25.0 months in group A, 18.5 months in group B, and 12.7 months in group C(p=0.0005). In multivariate analysis, treatment effect, NLR transition, AFP value, and serum albumin level were prognostic factors for HCC after TACE. Changes in NLR before and after TACE may help predict more detailed prognosis.

[Four Cases of Liver Resection for Liver Metastases from Renal Cell Carcinoma].

We report 4 cases of liver metastasis from renal cell carcinoma(RCC). Case 1: 72 years old, female. Pancreatic metastasis was resected 7 years after resection of left RCC, and hepatic posterior sectionectomy was performed for multiple liver metastases 2 years later. After that, multi-organ metastasis appeared and she died of the primary disease. Case 2: 72 years old, male. Liver metastasis and right RCC appeared 16 years after resection of left RCC, and hepatic posterior sectionectomy and partial resection of right kidney were performed. Nine months later, liver metastasis recurred and hepatic partial resection was performed. Case 3: 55 years old, male. After surgery for right RCC with tumor thrombus in the right atrium, multiple lung and liver metastases appeared, and hepatic central bisectionectomy was performed after chemotherapy. Case 4: 60 years old, male. Multiple pancreatic and lung metastases appeared 10 years after resection of left RCC, and most of them shrank or disappeared with chemotherapy. But increasing metastases appeared in the tail of pancreas and the right lobe of liver 16 months later, and hepatic subsegmentectomy and distal pancreatectomy were performed. Multidisciplinary treatment such as aggressive chemotherapy and excision is expected to improve the prognosis for liver metastasis from RCC.

[A Case of Advanced and Recurrent Colon Cancer with Long-Term Survival after Seven Repeated Surgical Resections].

We hereby report a case of advanced and recurrent colon cancer with long-term survival after 7 repeated surgical resections. A 73-year-old woman initially underwent right hemicolectomy and partial hepatectomy for an ascending colon cancer with synchronous liver metastasis. Pathological diagnosis of the tumors were moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma and metastasis to the liver compatibly. Final clinical stage was diagnosed as fT3N2M1(H1), fStage Ⅳ. But she was interrupted oxaliplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy after 6 courses of CAPOX because of adverse drug reaction. One year after first operation, partial resection of right lung was performed for lung metastasis. Two years after first operation, 2nd resection of liver was performed for 2 liver metastatic lesions. Three years after first operation, 3rd partial liver resection, 2nd and 3rd partial lung resections were performed for metachronous metastases during 1 year. After 3 years recurrence free period, she complained of an induration of right neck and diagnosed as neck and supra clavicular lymph nodes metastases. Lymph nodes resection was performed. After the last operation, she has no sign of cancer recurrence for 1 year and 7 months, eventually she has been alive for 7 years and 7 months after the initial operation.

[Significance of Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization for BCLC Stage B Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Mal-Nutrition].

Background and Aim: The recommendedind ication of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer(BCLC)stage B HCC. But there are some cases in which we do not perform TACE because of liver damage with malnutrition in stage B. So we examined whether branched-chain amino acid (BCAA)improve nutritional status and perform TACE to contribute the prolongation of HCC survival. METHODS: This study included8 8 patients treatedfor liver cirrhosis with HCC. All patients initially receivedBCAA granules. In patients with unchangedor decreasedAlb levels, BCAA granules were discontinuedandBCAA enrichednutrient was started. TACE for HCC were performedin those with an improvedChild -Pugh score. RESULTS: TACE were performedfollowing the aggressive intervention with BCAA nutritional education in 66 of 88(75%)patients. Finally, overall survival time was significantly extended in TACE group(p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Timely aggressive nutritional intervention in BCLC stage B HCC, early partial replacement with BCAA enrichednutrient before TACE may consequently contribute to improvement of the treatment outcome of HCC.

[A Case of Ascending Colon Cancer with Hepatic Metastases Showing Remarkable Efficacy of CapeOX plus Bevacizumab].

We report a case of ascending colon cancer with hepatic metastases that was treated by CapeOX plus bevacizumab with remarkable efficacy. A 40-year-old female patient presented with a medical history of surgery for resection of right breast cancer4 years ago, left-sided transverse colon 2 years ago, and right ovarian cancer 6 months ago. Follow-up computed tomography(CT)found wall thickening from the ascending colon to cecum. She was diagnosed with an ascending colon cancer by colonoscopy, and underwent right hemicolectomy. One month after the surgery, her serum marker carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)and carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9)levels were high. She was diagnosed with unresectable multiple hepatic metastases by CT 2 months after the surgery. Her tumor was epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)- positive and wild-type for RAS; she received 4 courses of CapeOX plus bevacizumab. Thereafter, liver metastases were remarkably decreased in size, and she could undergo central bisegmentectomy. Pathology examination revealed no tumor and that the center of the tumor was changed to necrotic tissue and the surrounding area was changed to fibrous tissue and lymphocyte infiltration. The patient is disease-free since the last operation.

[Evaluation of Eligibility Criteria for Elderly Patients of Pancreaticoduodenectomy].

BACKGROUND/AIM: Pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD)treatment outcomes in elderly patients have been reported to be acceptable, but the eligibility criteria are not clear. To elucidate the importance of PD in octogenarians, we set beforehand the eligibility criteria in the elderly and evaluated whether the validity of the patient selection was adaptable. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 244 patients aged >70 years who hadpancreaticobiliary cancer. The patients were divided into 2 groups as follows: 32 patients in the octogenarian group and 212 patients in the septuagenarian group. The eligibility criteria were as follows: (1)cardiac function as ejection fraction of at least 40%, measured using Doppler echocardiography; (2)pulmonary function as forcedexpiratory volume in 1 second(FEV1.0%)of at least 50%on spirography; (3) nutritional status as serum albumin level of at least 3.0 g/dL; (4)daily activity status as Karnofsky performance status of at least 80%; and(5)psychological independence status as the capability of self-determination with respect to surgery. Postoperative morbidity and long-term outcome were comparedbetween the 2 groups, andprognostic factors relating to survival time were identified. RESULTS: The patients in the octogenarian group showed a significantly higher incidence rates of 2 or more comorbidities(p<0.0001)andd elirium(p=0.024). The difference in mortality rate between the 2 groups was not significant. No significant difference in overall survival rate was found between the 2 groups(p=0.197). The independent prognostic factors relating to survival duration were intraoperative blood loss(p=0.0008)andd uration of surgery(p= 0.0091). CONCLUSION: The eligibility criteria for PD in elderly patients are also satisfactorily applicable to octogenarian patients. These criteria may be helpful when uncertainties arise regarding the selection of PD.

[A Case of Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Head Cancer Treated by Curative Resection after Chemotherapy].

A 77-year-old woman with back and epigastric pains was diagnosed with pancreatic head cancer according to the result of contrast computed tomography, which showed a 25mm irregular low-density area at the pancreatic head infiltrating nearly half of the superior mesenteric plexus. There were no findings of lymph node metastasis or distant metastasis. The pretreatment diagnosis was borderline resectable(BR)pancreatic head cancer, cT3, N0, M0, cStage ⅡA. The patient was treated with gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel therapy. She developed Grade 3 neutropenia, and the dose was adjusted in order to continue chemotherapy. The size of the tumor had reduced to 15mm after 6 courses of the therapy, and the infiltration into the superior mesenteric plexus had also reduced. Therefore, the patient underwent subtotal stomach-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy and D2 lymph node dissection. The histopathological findings were invasive ductal carcinoma with R0 radical resection. The efficacy of preoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for BR pancreatic cancer has not been established yet, but improving the R0 resection rate with preoperative chemotherapy may contribute to an improvement in the outcome of pancreatic cancer.

[A Case of Sigmoid Colon Cancer Identified by Gastric Perforation].

We report a case of sigmoid colon cancer that was incidentally found using CT that was performed for upper abdominal pain. An 83-year-old man with a long history of lung tuberculosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis presented with upper abdominal pain. CT findings revealed free gas around the stomach. He was diagnosed with upper gastrointestinal perforation and his condition improved after undergoing conservative treatment. Upper endoscopy revealed an irregular ulcer at the angular incisure of the stomach with thickened folds, but biopsy resulted in a Group 1 classification. CT findings also incidentally revealed sigmoid colonic wall thickness, and colonoscopy showed a type Ⅰ lesion in the sigmoid colon, which biopsy resulted in Group 5, and we performed sigmoidectomy for sigmoid colon cancer under a combination of spine-subarachnoid and epidural anesthesia because of his respiratory dysfunction.

Eligibility Criteria Specific to Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Octogenarians: Single-center Opinion.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) treatment outcomes in elderly patients have been reported to be acceptable, but the eligibility criteria are not clear. To elucidate the importance of PD in octogenarians in particular, we set five eligibility criteria for elderly patients based on preoperative cardiac and pulmonary function, nutritional status, daily activity status, and psychological independence status for the first time and evaluated prospectively whether the validity of patient selection was adaptable. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 222 patients with pancreaticobiliary cancer aged over 70 years. The patients were divided into two groups: 192 patients as septuagenarians and 30 as octogenarians. Postoperative morbidity and long-term outcome were compared between the two groups, and prognostic factors relating to survival time were identified. RESULTS: Octogenarians had a significantly higher frequency of two or more comorbidities (p<0.0001). The difference in the mortality rates between the two groups was not significant, being 3.3% and 4.2%, respectively. No difference between the two groups was found in overall survival rate, including deaths due to other diseases, for any type of pancreaticobiliary cancer. Independent prognostic factors relating to survival duration were intraoperative blood loss (p=0.0004) and duration of surgery (p=0.0093). CONCLUSION: These five eligibility criteria for PD in elderly patients are also satisfactorily applicable to octogenarian patients. These criteria may be helpful when uncertainties arise regarding the selection of PD.

[Analysis of the Relationship between the Change of Drain Amylase Value and Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula after Pancreaticoduodenectomy].

To diagnose postoperative pancreatic fistula(POPF)after pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD)during early post operative days, we evaluatedwhether a change in drain amylase value(DAV), WBC value, or CRP value predicted clinically significant POPF. One hundred thirty patients underwent substomach preserving PD(SSPPD)from 2005 to 2016 in our institution andwe examinedDAV, WBC, andCRP values at POD 1, 3, and 5. Seventy-five patients(57.7%)were equivalent to ISGPF grade A at POD 3.We analyzedthese 75 cases by following 5 factors(DAV at POD 3>1,500 U/L, DAV at POD 5>1,000 U/L,WBC value at POD 5≤9,000/mL, DAV of POD 5 decreased to 1/3 from DAV of POD 3, CRP value not improved≥50%from POD 3 to 5) andwere concernedwith the crisis of the grade B/C POPF at final diagnosis after POD 5. In conclusion, DAV of POD 5 decreased to 1/3 from DAV of POD 3, andthe CRP value having not improved(≥50%from POD 3 to 5)were significant risk factors for POPF grade B andC by Cox proportional hazard models.

[Successful resection of recurrent lesions in a patient with ovarian torsion diagnosed with rectal cancer].

We report the successful resection of recurrent tumors, including brain metastasis, in a patient with StageIV rectal cancer. A 29-year-old female patient was admitted with lower abdominal pain to the gynecological department in April 2005. The patient underwent emergency surgery following the diagnosis of left ovarian torsion. She was transferred to the Department of Surgery with suspected rectal cancer based on a pathological diagnosis of a Krukenberg's tumor. She underwent surgery for local advanced cancer using high anterior resection, hysterectomy, right oophorectomy, partial ileal resection, and appendectomy. In September 2007, she underwent very low anterior resection for an anastomotic recurrence. The patient then received 6 courses of modified 5-fluorouracil Leucovorin oxaliplatin (mFOLFOX6) as adjuvant chemotherapy. In March 2009, left paresis was observed. She underwent tumor resection and g-knife radiosurgery for brain metastasis in the right temporal lobe. In December 2009, metastasis in the right rectal muscle was resected following diagnosis by computed tomography (CT). In September 2013, she underwent further surgical resection of a tumor recurrence in the right rectal muscle. The pathological diagnosis of each resected tumor was metastatic rectal cancer. The patient has been disease-free since the last operation.