Spontaneous isolated dissection of the superior mesenteric artery and aneurysm formation resulting from segmental arterial mediolysis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous isolated dissection of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) can lead to bowel ischemia, aneurysm rupture, or even death. Studies have suggested that mechanical or hemodynamic stress on the vascular wall of the SMA may be a contributor, but its pathogenesis is unclear. CASE PRESENTATION: A 57-year-old Japanese man with a history of untreated hypertension and hyperuricemia was admitted to our hospital with the sudden onset of severe epigastric pain. Laboratory findings showed elevated white blood cell count and C-reactive protein, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen demonstrated arterial dissection with luminal stenosis and aneurysm formation at the distal portion of the SMA after the branching of the jejunal artery, and intravenous nicardipine was administered. The patient's epigastric pain resolved spontaneously but recurred on day 6 of his hospital stay. Contrast-enhanced abdominal CT revealed an enlarged aneurysm with wall thinning. Because of the risk of aneurysm rupture, the decision was made to perform aneurysmectomy and bowel resection on day 6. Histologic examinations revealed two separate dissecting lesions: one latent and the other resulting in aneurysm formation. Both lesions showed characteristics of segmental arterial mediolysis (SAM) with lack of arterial media, absence of internal and external elastic laminae and intimal proliferation. CONCLUSIONS: Histologic findings in the present case suggest that mechanical or hemodynamic stress on the vascular wall and SAM-related vascular vulnerability may concomitantly contribute to the onset of isolated SMA dissection.

Beneficial effects of protein-bound polysaccharide K plus tegafur/uracil in patients with stage II or III colorectal cancer: analysis of immunological parameters.

Protein-bound polysaccharide K (PSK) increased the 5-year disease-free survival rate and reduced the risk of recurrence in a randomised, controlled study for stage II and III colorectal cancer. In order to elucidate the disease-free survival benefits with PSK and what immunological markers could indicate a PSK responder, serial changes in immunological parameters were monitored in the study. PSK decreased the mean serum immunosuppressive acidic protein (IAP) level, and increased the mean population of natural killer (NK) cells compared with the controls. The 5-year disease-free and overall survival rate for patients with serum IAP values or=8% at 3 months after surgery, PSK conferred a significantly better (p=0.038) 5-year disease-free survival (86.7%; 95% CI: 74.5-98.8%) compared to the control group (60.0%; 95% CI: 29.6-90.4%). In the proportional hazards model, the presence of regional metastases (relative risk, 3.595; 95% CI: 1.518 to 8.518; p=0.004) and omission of PSK treatment (relative risk, 3.099; 95% CI: 1.202 to 7.990; p=0.019) were significant indicators of recurrence. PSK acts as an immunomodulatory activity and biochemical modulator in stage II or III colorectal cancer. Pre-operative serum IAP values or=8% at 3 months after surgery are possible PSK response predictors.

Factors affecting the prognosis of anatomical liver resection for liver metastases from colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Liver resection has improved the survival of colorectal cancer patients with metastases. However, there are groups at high risk of recurrence after liver resection. This report reviews our results using anatomical liver resection and analyzes the prognostic factors. METHODOLOGY: We analyzed 78 patients who underwent anatomical liver resection of liver metastases from colorectal cancer between June 1988 and March 2002. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients had synchronous metastases, and 49 had metachronous. The 5-year overall survival rate was 43%. Patients with more than three metastatic tumors had a significantly poorer 5-year recurrence-free survival rate. There was no statistical difference in the 5-year overall survival rate between patients with metachronous metastases (41%) and those with synchronous (44%) metastases. The 5-year overall survival rate was significantly poorer for patients with an interval of 1 year or less between colorectal and liver resections than for patients with a longer interval. Recurrence after liver resection occurred in 38 patients (49%). The recurrences occurred in the lung in 18 patients, in remnant liver in 15 patients, in lymph nodes in 7 patients, and in other organs in 6 patients. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that anatomical liver resection of liver metastases from colorectal cancer improves survival. Liver metastases that occur within 1 year of colorectal resection may need an interval of observation before liver resection.

A combination phase I study of weekly paclitaxel and doxifluridine in advanced gastric cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Preclinical studies have shown that paclitaxel and doxifluridine can act synergistically without overlapping toxicity for the treatment of advanced gastric cancer. The objectives of this study were to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), the dose-limiting toxicity and the recommended Phase II dose for this drug combination. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with histologically confirmed gastric cancer were eligible for the study. The paclitaxel dose (days 1, 8, 15) was augmented with a fixed dose of for treatments (1-3). doxifluridine (533 mg/m2, 5 days/week) on a 28-day cycle. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were enrolled. The MTD was not reached until the highest dose level. One patient had Grade 3 myelosuppression. The responses of the 13 suitable patients included 1 complete response and 5 partial responses. CONCLUSION: Although the MTD level could not be definitively which is a established, upon consideration of the lengthy administration time and the effectiveness, the recommended Phase II dose of paclitaxel was concluded to be 80 mg/m2 in combination with doxifluridine at 533 mg/m2.

In situ vs ex situ pancreatic duct stents of duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy with billroth I-type reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic fistula is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy, and an external stent of pancreaticojejunostomy has been recommended to prevent pancreatic fistula. HYPOTHESIS: Duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy should not require placement of an external stent. DESIGN: Nonrandomized control study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: Seventy-four patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy with duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy were allocated to either the ex situ group (external pancreatic stent drainage) or the in situ group (no external drainage). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Operative mortality; postoperative complications, particularly pancreatic fistula; and patency of duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy. RESULTS: Preoperative factors, indicated disorders, and intraoperative factors were similar for both groups. Mortality rates were 1% (1/74) overall, 3% (1 death) for the in situ group, and 0% for the ex situ group. Morbidity rates were 32% (12/37) for the in situ group and 35% (13/37) for the ex situ group. The incidence of pancreatic fistula was 5.4% and was the same for the in situ and ex situ groups. The incidence of delayed gastric emptying was similar for the in situ (19% [7/37]) and ex situ (14% [5/37]) groups. Ampullary tumors and pancreatic ducts 2 mm or less in diameter had a higher incidence of pancreatic fistula, but the incidence was similar in both treatment groups. Nasogastric tube drainage day, the median hospital stay, and pancreaticojejunostomy patency were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results were considered to show equivalent outcomes for ex situ and in situ pancreatic stenting of the duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy. The use of transanastomotic stents has to be selective according to the individual characteristics of each patient. We recommend their use with ampullary tumors or small ducts (< or =2 mm).

Liver metastasis of rectal cancer with intraluminal growth in the extrahepatic bile duct.

Metastatic liver tumors are considered to have a tendency for expansive growth and rarely invade the bile duct. We recently encountered a resected case of liver metastasis from rectal cancer with intraluminal growth in the extrahepatic bile duct with a successful left trisegmentectomy of the liver. A 54-year-old woman underwent a posterior total pelvic exenteration for advanced rectal cancer. Ultrasonography and computed tomography four months after the first operation demonstrated a solitary occupied lesion in the liver with dilation of the left hepatic duct. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography disclosed a filling defect in the intra- to extrahepatic bile duct. Liver metastasis from rectal cancer with intraluminal growth in the bile duct was suspected despite a consideration of primary bile duct cancer. A left trisegmentectomy of the liver and resection of the extrahepatic bile duct with a right hepatojejunostomy were performed. The tumor had invaded the intrahepatic bile duct and had developed intraluminally in the extrahepatic bile duct. Tumor thrombi were microscopically found in the bile duct of the left caudal lobe. Liver metastasis arising from colorectal cancer with intraluminal growth in the bile duct is rare, however we encountered such a case with a successful resection involving a left trisegmentectomy of the liver.

Weekly paclitaxel in combination with doxifluridine for peritoneally disseminated gastric cancer with malignant ascites.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of systemic chemotherapy for peritoneal dissemination of gastric cancer remains unclear. The efficacy of weekly paclitaxel in combination with doxifluridine (5'-DFUR) in gastric cancer patients with malignant ascites was evaluated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with histologically confirmed gastric cancer with ascites were eligible. The treatment consisted of paclitaxel intravenously (i.v.) administered at 80 mg/m(2) on days 1, 8 and 15 every 4 weeks, and doxifluridine administered orally at 533 mg/m(2) on days 1-5 every week. The response rate for patients with ascites was determined based on the Japanese Classification of Gastric Carcinoma. Also, the concentration of paclitaxel in the ascites was measured. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients were investigated. The response rate (RR) was 41.7%, including complete remission (CR) and partial remission (PR) in 4 and 6 patients, respectively. The concentration of paclitaxel in the ascites was maintained between 0.01 µM and 0.05 µM until 72 hours. The median overall survival (OS) was 215 days, and 1-year survival rate was 29.2%. No severe toxicity was noted. CONCLUSION: Weekly paclitaxel in combination with doxifluridine is effective for gastric cancer patients with malignant ascites with an acceptable toxicity profile.

A phase II study of weekly paclitaxel and doxifluridine combination chemotherapy for advanced/recurrent gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Paclitaxel and doxifluridine (5'-DFUR) have distinct mechanisms of action and toxicity profiles. This study evaluated the antitumor activity and toxicities of combination chemotherapy with these drugs in patients with advanced/recurrent gastric cancer (AGC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with histologically confirmed AGC, which was either unresectable or metastatic, were included in this study. The treatment consisted of 80 mg/m² paclitaxel given i.v. on days 1, 8, and 15 every 4 weeks, and 533 mg/m² doxifluridine given orally on days 1-5 every week. RESULTS: One hundred and four patients were evaluated for toxicity and 93 patients were evaluated for a therapeutic response. The overall response rate was 33.3% (1st line: 41.7%, 2nd line: 25.0%), including a complete remission in two patients, a partial remission in 29, stable disease in 39, progressive disease in 17; the response was not evaluable in six patients. The median overall survival was 287 days. Commonly observed grade 3/4 adverse events were leukopenia (13.5%), anorexia (3.8%), fatigue (3.8%) and diarrhea (2.9%). CONCLUSION: Paclitaxel and doxifluridine combination chemotherapy is a well-tolerated and convenient treatment regimen that can be given on an outpatient basis with promising efficacy for AGC.

Combined liver and inferior vena cava resection for adrenocortical carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy, usually diagnosed at an advanced stage when it has invaded or adhered to adjacent organs. We report our experience of performing combined liver and inferior vena cava (IVC) resection for ACC. METHODS: Six patients with clinical stage III (n = 4) or IV (n = 2) ACC underwent combined resection of the liver and IVC. Two patients underwent extended right hepatectomy, and four underwent segmentectomy. In four patients, the IVC was resected segmentally: it was replaced with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) in three of these patients, and not reconstructed in one. In two patients, the IVC was partially resected and closed directly. RESULTS: Perioperative mortality was zero, and morbidity was 33.3%, with temporary liver failure in two patients and renal failure in one patient. Recurrence was found within 8.1 months in three (50%) of the six patients. The mean recurrence-free survival period was 20.1 +/- 7.7 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.1-35.4), and the median survival time was 6.1 +/- 9.8 months (95% CI: 00-25.3). The 5-year disease-free survival rate was 16.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ACC involving both the liver and IVC are candidates for partial hepatectomy and segmental IVC resection. Resection affords the possibility of negative margins, acceptable perioperative morbidity and mortality, and prolonged survival in some patients.

Clinical significance of changes in electrocardiographic R-wave voltage on chest leads in patients with acute anterior myocardial infarction.

This article aims to clarify the clinical significance of changes in electrocardiographic (ECG) R-wave voltage on chest leads from 1 to 4 weeks in patients with acute anterior myocardial infarction (MI) in combination with echocardiographic findings and dual scintigraphic findings. Seventy-one patients with acute anterior MI who underwent emergency revascularization were subjected to ECG and echocardiography, at both 1 and 4 weeks, and to thallium-201 (TI) and iodine-123-beta-methyl-p-iodophenyl pentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) about 1 week after the onset of MI. The total sum of ECG R-wave voltage on each chest lead was calculated. The mean defect ratio on TI and that on BMIPP derived from circumferential profile curve analysis were calculated. The percentage defect-discordant ratio of both SPECT images [(%) discordance on TI/BMIPP] was obtained. The percentage increase ratio of ECG R-wave voltage on chest leads [(%) increase of R wave] and the increase of left ventricular ejection fraction (DeltaEF) from 1 to 4 weeks were obtained. There were significant correlations between the (%) increase of R wave and the DeltaEF as well as between the (%) increase of R wave and the (%) discordance on TI/BMIPP (r =.63, P <.001; r =.74, P <.001). The reversibility of ECG R-wave voltage was related to cardiac functional improvement in addition to the discordance on the 2 images. Monitoring of changes in ECG R-wave voltage on chest leads is useful to detect the presence of myocardial viability and to evaluate functional evolution in patients with acute anterior MI.

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) in malignant ascites stimulates motility of human pancreatic cancer cells through LPA1.

Cytokines and growth factors in malignant ascites are thought to modulate a variety of cellular activities of cancer cells and normal host cells. The motility of cancer cells is an especially important activity for invasion and metastasis. Here, we examined the components in ascites, which are responsible for cell motility, from patients and cancer cell-injected mice. Ascites remarkably stimulated the migration of pancreatic cancer cells. This response was inhibited or abolished by pertussis toxin, monoglyceride lipase, an enzyme hydrolyzing lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), and Ki16425 and VPC12249, antagonists for LPA receptors (LPA1 and LPA3), but not by an LPA3-selective antagonist. These agents also inhibited the response to LPA but not to the epidermal growth factor. In malignant ascites, LPA is present at a high level, which can explain the migration activity, and the fractionation study of ascites by lipid extraction and subsequent thin-layer chromatography indicated LPA as an active component. A significant level of LPA1 receptor mRNA is expressed in pancreatic cancer cells with high migration activity to ascites but not in cells with low migration activity. Small interfering RNA against LPA1 receptors specifically inhibited the receptor mRNA expression and abolished the migration response to ascites. These results suggest that LPA is a critical component of ascites for the motility of pancreatic cancer cells and LPA1 receptors may mediate this activity. LPA receptor antagonists including Ki16425 are potential therapeutic drugs against the migration and invasion of cancer cells.