Correlation between the liver transection line localization and future liver remnant hypertrophy in associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy.

Background and aims: Colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs) represent the most prevalent form of secondary liver tumors, and insufficient future liver remnant (FLR) often leads to unresectability. To tackle this challenge, various methods for stimulating liver hypertrophy have been developed including portal vein embolization (PVE), associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) and the newest one, liver venous deprivation (LVD). ALPPS was thoroughly studied over the last decade and it has been shown to induce rapid and intensive FLR hypertrophy. The objective of this study was to assess whether the localization of the liver transection line during the initial stage of ALPPS correlates with the degree of FLR hypertrophy. Methods: A retrospective, multicentric study was conducted, and we analyzed all consecutive patients with CRLMs who underwent ALPPS over the eight-year period. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the type of resection-right trisectionectomy (ERH) or right hemihepatectomy (RH) respectively. The degree of hypertrophy (DH), its correlation with FLR and postoperative outcomes were assessed. Results: The cohort consisted of 136 patients (72 in the ERH group and 64 in the RH group). Baseline characteristics, hypertrophy interval, and total liver volume showed no significant differences between the groups. DH was greater in the ERH group (83.2% vs. 62.5%, p = 0.025). A strong negative correlation was observed between FLR volume and DH in both groups. Postoperative outcomes and one-year survival were comparable between the groups. Conclusions: FLR hypertrophy is influenced by the localization of the liver transection line in ALPPS. Furthermore, correlation analysis indicated that a smaller estimated FLR is associated with greater DH. No statistical difference in outcomes was noted between the groups.

Accessory cardiac bronchus with associated lung parenchyma: rare congenital tracheobronchial anomaly.

Accessory cardiac bronchus (ACB) has been described mainly as case reports finding (frequency 0.08%-0.39%). Even though 50% of all ACBs have a blind extremity, imaging studies have demonstrated that some develop into a series of bronchioles with cystic degeneration or a ventilated lobule demarcated by an anomalous fissure and extremely rare with an abnormal pulmonary artery. In this case, ACB was demonstrated on several imaging methods arising from the intermediate bronchus's medial wall with correspondent blood vessels and fissure. Although an ACB is not a pathological entity and most patients with ACB are asymptomatic, it can become symptomatic due to recurrent infection, empyema, hemoptysis, and malignant transformation.  In conclusion, both pulmonologists and radiologists should recognize normal bronchial anatomy and developmental bronchial anomalies, as these may be important to establish a correct diagnosis.

Percutaneous CT-Guided Bone Lesion Biopsy for Confirmation of Bone Metastases in Patients with Breast Cancer.

We aimed to determine diagnostic accuracy of CT-guided bone lesion biopsy for the confirmation of bone metastases in patients with breast cancer and assessment of hormone receptor status in metastatic tissue. A total of 56 female patients with breast cancer that underwent CT-guided biopsy of suspected bone metastasis were enrolled in this retrospective study. Three different techniques were employed to obtain samples from various sites of skeleton. Collectively, 11 true negative and 3 false negative findings were revealed. The sensitivity of CT-guided biopsy for diagnosing bone metastases was 93.6%, specificity was 100% and accuracy was 94.8%. Discordance in progesterone receptor status and complete concordance in estrogen receptor status was observed. Based on our single-center experience, bone metastasis biopsy should be routinely performed in patients with breast cancer and suspicious bone lesions, due to the impact on further treatment.