Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging indicates the severity of acute pancreatitis.

PURPOSE: To test the use of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) to differentiate between different degrees of severity of acute pancreatitis (AP). METHOD: Thirty-six patients who underwent DW-MRI and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography were divided into patients with mild AP (mAP, n = 15), patients with necrotizing AP (nAP, n = 8), and patients with a normal pancreas (nP, n = 15; controls). The pancreas was divided into head, body, and tail, and each segment was classified according to image features: pattern 1, normal; pattern 2, mild inflammation; and pattern 3, necrosis. Apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) were measured in each segment and correlated with clinical diagnoses. RESULTS: A total of 108 segments was assessed (three segments per patient). Segments classified as pattern 1 in the nP and mAP groups showed similar ADC values (P = 0.29). ADC values calculated for the pancreatic segments grouped according to the different image patterns (1-3) were significantly different (P < 0.001). Comparisons revealed significant differences in signal intensity between all three patterns (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: DW-MRI was a compatible and safe image option to differentiate tissue image patterns in patients with mAP, nAP, and nP, mainly in those with contraindications to contrast-enhanced MRI (which is classically required for determining the presence of necrosis) or computed tomography. ADC measures allowed precise differentiation between patterns 1, 2, and 3.

Castleman's disease mimetizing pancreatic tumor.

CONTEXT: Angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia or Castleman's disease is a rare clinical condition. Knowledge about etiology and physiopathology; and treatment management as well are yet to be defined. Unicentric presentation of this disease affecting single lymph nodes in the mediastinum seems to be the most common presentation. Castleman's disease localized in the pancreas topographic area that mimics a pancreatic neoplasm is an even more uncommon event, with available published data of less than 15 cases until now. CASE REPORT: We present a 64-year-old male patient with a six-month past history of asthenia, adynamia, and lack of general clinical conditions. Imaging studies showed a nodular hypoechoic mass in the pancreatic head. Enucleation of the lesion was performed. Histopathological study revealed unicentric form of Castleman's Disease. CONCLUSIONS: Castleman's disease mimetizing pancreatic tumor is uncommon and it also curses with a difficult preoperative diagnosis. Surgery seems to be the best therapeutic alternative for this disease.

Clinical Course, Genetic, and Immunohistochemical Characterization of Solid Pseudopapillary Tumor of the Pancreas (Frantz Tumors) in a Brazilian Cohort.

Frantz tumors or solid pseudopapillary pancreatic neoplasm (SPN) are rare exocrine neoplasms that carry a favorable prognosis; they represent up to 3% of all tumors located in the region of the pancreas and have specific age and gender predispositions. In recent years, the rising curve of diagnosis is entitled to the evolution and access of diagnostic imaging. In this paper, we have retrospectively reviewed and described the clinical course of 40 patients with SPN from three institutions in Brazil, who had their diagnosis between 2005 and 2020, and analyzed the clinicopathological, genetic, and surgical aspects of these individuals. In accordance with the literature, most patients were women, 60% with unspecified symptoms at diagnosis, with tumors mainly located in the body and tail of the pancreas, of whom 70% underwent a distal pancreatectomy with sparing splenectomy as a standard procedure, and none of the cases have experienced recurrence to date. Surgery still remains the mainstay of treatment given the low metastatic potential, but more conservative approaches as observed in this cohort are evolving to become the standard of care. Herein, we present an in-depth analysis of cases focusing on the latest literature and report some of the smallest tumor cases in the literature. To our knowledge, this is the first report evaluating germline genetic testing and presenting a case of detected Li-Fraumeni syndrome.

New trends in diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging as a tool in differentiation of serous cystadenoma and mucinous cystic tumor: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Pancreatic cystic lesions are increasingly being recognized. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the method that brings the greatest amount of information about the morphologic features of pancreatic cystic lesions. To establish if diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) can be used as a tool to differentiate mucinous from nonmucinous lesions. METHODS: Fifty-six patients with pancreatic cystic lesions (benign, n = 46; malignant, n = 10) were prospectively evaluated with DW-MRI in order to differentiate mucinous from nonmucinous lesions. Final diagnosis was obtained by follow-up (n = 31), surgery (n = 16) or endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (n = 9). Serous cystadenoma was identified in 32 (57%) patients. RESULTS: The threshold value established for the differentiation of mucinous from nonmucinous lesions was 2,230.06 s/mm(2) for ADC of 700. DWI-MRI behavior between mucinous and nonmucinous groups revealed sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy to be 80, 98, 92, 93 and 93%, respectively (p < 0.01, power of sample = 1.0). In the comparison of the diffusion behavior between mucinous (n = 13) and serous (n = 32) lesions, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were 100, 97, 92, 100 and 98%, respectively (p < 0.01, power of sample = 1.0). The results of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration were similar to those of DW-MRI. CONCLUSIONS: DW-MRI can be included as part of the array of tools to differentiate mucinous from nonmucinous lesions and can help in the management of pancreatic cystic lesions. and IAP.

Abdominal drain amylase on the first day after pancreatectomy: a predictive factor for pancreatic fistula.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze abdominal drain on the first postoperative day and evaluate its predictive nature for the diagnosis of Pancreatic Fistula exclusion, seeking to establish a cutoff point from which lower values demonstrate safety in excluding the possibility of this complication. METHODS: From August 2017 to June 2020, data from 48 patients undergoing pancreatic resection were collected and analyzed from a prospective cohort. The patients were divided into two groups, one group consisting of patients who did not develop PF (Group A), and the other composed of patients who developed PF (Group B). The receiver operation characteristic curve was constructed, and cutoff points were evaluated by calculating sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: Group A brought 30 patients together (62.5%) and Group B brought 18 patients together (37.5%). The 444 U/L value was the most satisfactory cutoff point for the receiver operation characteristic curve (CI 0.690-0.941), with a sensitivity of 94.4% and a specificity of 60%, thus being able to select 18 of 30 patients who did not succumb to PF. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal drain on the first postoperative day can be used as a predictive factor in the diagnosis of PF exclusion (CI 0.690-0.941), with the value of 444 U/L being the best performance cutoff point.

Proposal for a structured computed tomography report in the evaluation of pancreatic neoplasms based on expert opinions.

OBJECTIVE: To create a structured computed tomography (CT) report for the systematic evaluation of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), based on the opinions of clinicians and surgeons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study in which we applied a 21-item questionnaire to experts in pancreatic diseases in order to create a model of a structured abdominal CT report. The questionnaire addressed the location and size of PDACs, as well as their effects on adjacent structures and on the vasculature, together with metastases. We used a Likert scale to determine which of those parameters should be included in the model. RESULTS: A total of 18 experts (12 surgeons and 6 clinicians) from 9 institutions completed the questionnaire. All of the experts agreed that the following (if present) should be described in the CT report on a PDAC: the degree of enhancement; the diameter and location of the lesion; pancreatic duct obstruction; biliary dilatation; pancreatic atrophy; liver metastases; peritoneal nodules; ascites; lymph node enlargement; and invasion of adjacent structures. More than 80% of the experts agreed that the report should also describe the relationship between the PDAC and the surrounding vasculature. CONCLUSION: We have developed a template for a CT report on patients with PDAC, based on the opinions of experts involved in the treatment of such patients.

OBJETIVO: Criar um modelo de laudo estruturado de tomografia computadorizada (TC) para a avaliação sistemática do adenocarcinoma ductal de pâncreas (ADP) com base na opinião de clínicos e cirurgiões. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Realizamos estudo prospectivo aplicando um questionário abrangendo 21 tópicos para um modelo de laudo estruturado de TC do abdome na avaliação do ADP, contemplando dados sobre localização e tamanho tumoral, efeito sobre estruturas adjacentes, comprometimento vascular e presença de metástases. Utilizamos a escala de Likert para definir a pertinência de se inserir uma determinada informação. RESULTADOS: Obtivemos respostas de 18 especialistas de 9 instituições (12 cirurgiões e 6 clínicos). Todos concordaram que deveriam ser descritos o grau de realce, o diâmetro da lesão, a localização e a presença ou a ausência de: obstrução do ducto pancreático, dilatação biliar, atrofia pancreática, metástases hepáticas, nódulos peritoniais, ascite, linfonodomegalias e invasão de estruturas adjacentes. Mais de 80% concordaram que deveria ser mencionada a relação do tumor com os vasos circunjacentes. CONCLUSÃO: Elaboramos um modelo de laudo estruturado de TC para a avaliação do ADP de pâncreas, atendendo às expectativas dos especialistas envolvidos no atendimento destes pacientes.

Laparoscopic enucleation of pancreatic insulinomas.

Insulinomas are rare endocrine pancreatic tumors whose incidence has been increasing in recent years owing to early detection by clinical and radiologic, such as remote neural monitoring, computed tomography (CT), and ultrasound (US) findings. The classical treatment consists of open surgical resection, which is associated with relative morbidity and mortality rates. The aim of this paper was to present 5 patients who were diagnosed with pancreatic insulinomas that were treated by laparoscopic resection. Five (5) patients, ranging from 14 to 45 years and presenting with classical Whipple Triad, had lesions ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 cm by CT (body and tail of the pancreas), which were subsequently diagnosed as insulinomas. An ecoendoscopy showed no combined lesions. They were treated by a laparoscopic resection. Glicemic levels were controlled during surgery with an expected glucose rise. All patients had an uneventfull recovery. The mean length of follow-up is 14 months. The laparoscopic resection of pancreatic insulinomas is a reliable procedure for superficial lesions in the body and tail of the pancreas.

Abdominal drain amylase on the first day after pancreatectomy: a predictive factor for pancreatic fistula

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To analyze abdominal drain on the first postoperative day and evaluate its predictive nature for the diagnosis of Pancreatic Fistula exclusion, seeking to establish a cutoff point from which lower values demonstrate safety in excluding the possibility of this complication. METHODS: From August 2017 to June 2020, data from 48 patients undergoing pancreatic resection were collected and analyzed from a prospective cohort. The patients were divided into two groups, one group consisting of patients who did not develop PF (Group A), and the other composed of patients who developed PF (Group B). The receiver operation characteristic curve was constructed, and cutoff points were evaluated by calculating sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: Group A brought 30 patients together (62.5%) and Group B brought 18 patients together (37.5%). The 444 U/L value was the most satisfactory cutoff point for the receiver operation characteristic curve (CI 0.690-0.941), with a sensitivity of 94.4% and a specificity of 60%, thus being able to select 18 of 30 patients who did not succumb to PF. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal drain on the first postoperative day can be used as a predictive factor in the diagnosis of PF exclusion (CI 0.690-0.941), with the value of 444 U/L being the best performance cutoff point.

SOLID PSEUDOPAPILLARY NEOPLASM OF THE PANCREAS.

BACKGROUND: The solid pseudopapillary neoplasm is a rare tumor of the pancreas. However, it´s etiology still maintain discussions. AIM: To analyze it´s clinical data, diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: A retrospective study of medical records of all patients treated from January 1997 until July 2015. RESULTS: Were identified 17 cases. Most patients were women (94.11%) and the average age was 32.88 years. The main complaint was abdominal mass (47.05%). The most frequent location was in the body/tail of the pancreas (72.22%) and the most frequently performed surgery was distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (64.70%). No patient had metastases at diagnosis. Conservative surgery for pancreatic parenchyma was performed in only three cases. The rate of complications in the postoperative period was 35.29% and the main complication was pancreatic fistula (29.41%). No patient underwent adjuvant treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment is surgical and the most common clinical presentation is abdominal mass. Distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy was the most frequently performed surgery for its treatment.

RACIONAL: A neoplasia sólida pseudopapilar é tumor raro de pâncreas de tratamento cirúrgico. No entanto, sua causa ainda gera discussões. OBJETIVO: Analisar os dados clínicos, do diagnóstico e do tratamento da dessa neoplasia. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo com dados médicos de pacientes tratados entre janeiro de 1997 a julho de 2015. RESULTADOS: Foram identificados 17 casos. A maioria era de mulheres (94,11%) e a média de idade foi de 32,88 anos. A principal queixa era massa abdominal (47,05%). A localização mais frequente era no corpo/cauda do pâncreas (72,22%) e a operação mais realizada foi a pancreatectomia corpocaudal com esplenectomia (64,70%). Nenhum caso apresentou metástase no momento do diagnóstico. Operação conservadora de parênquima pancreático foi realizada em apenas três casos. A taxa de complicações no pós-operatório foi de 35,29% e a principal complicação foi fístula pancreática (29,41%). Nenhum paciente realizou adjuvância no seguimento. CONCLUSÕES: A mais comum apresentação clínica da neoplasia sólida pseudopapilar é de massa abdominal. Ela é de tratamento cirúrgico e pancreatectomia corpocaudal com esplenectomia é o procedimento mais realizado para seu tratamento.

[Pancreatic insulinomas: diagnosis and treatment]. / Insulinomas do pâncreas: diagnóstico e tratamento.

BACKGROUND: Despite its rarity, the insulinoma is the most common pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. OBJECTIVE: Analyze clinical and immunohistochemical data from surgical resection of the pancreas insulinoma. METHOD: Twelve cases are described, concerning surgical aspects, complications and medium-long term outcome of patients. They underwent surgical treatment due to clinical suspicion and biochemical diagnosis of hypoglycemia and hyperinsulinism. RESULTS: The insulinoma was identified preoperatively in seven patients, while intraoperative ultrasonography and palpation were necessary for diagnosis in the other cases. Eight patients underwent pancreatic resection and pancreatic leak was observed in seven cases. Two patients developed diabetes mellitus and no mortality occurred in the current series. CONCLUSION: All patients presented satisfactory outcome and remained asymptomatic with normal glicemia levels.

Proposal for a structured computed tomography report in the evaluation of pancreatic neoplasms based on expert opinions / Proposta para um laudo estruturado de tomografia computadorizada na avaliação da neoplasia de pâncreas baseada na opinião de especialistas

Abstract Objective: To create a structured computed tomography (CT) report for the systematic evaluation of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), based on the opinions of clinicians and surgeons. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study in which we applied a 21-item questionnaire to experts in pancreatic diseases in order to create a model of a structured abdominal CT report. The questionnaire addressed the location and size of PDACs, as well as their effects on adjacent structures and on the vasculature, together with metastases. We used a Likert scale to determine which of those parameters should be included in the model. Results: A total of 18 experts (12 surgeons and 6 clinicians) from 9 institutions completed the questionnaire. All of the experts agreed that the following (if present) should be described in the CT report on a PDAC: the degree of enhancement; the diameter and location of the lesion; pancreatic duct obstruction; biliary dilatation; pancreatic atrophy; liver metastases; peritoneal nodules; ascites; lymph node enlargement; and invasion of adjacent structures. More than 80% of the experts agreed that the report should also describe the relationship between the PDAC and the surrounding vasculature. Conclusion: We have developed a template for a CT report on patients with PDAC, based on the opinions of experts involved in the treatment of such patients.

Resumo Objetivo: Criar um modelo de laudo estruturado de tomografia computadorizada (TC) para a avaliação sistemática do adenocarcinoma ductal de pâncreas (ADP) com base na opinião de clínicos e cirurgiões. Materiais e Métodos: Realizamos estudo prospectivo aplicando um questionário abrangendo 21 tópicos para um modelo de laudo estruturado de TC do abdome na avaliação do ADP, contemplando dados sobre localização e tamanho tumoral, efeito sobre estruturas adjacentes, comprometimento vascular e presença de metástases. Utilizamos a escala de Likert para definir a pertinência de se inserir uma determinada informação. Resultados: Obtivemos respostas de 18 especialistas de 9 instituições (12 cirurgiões e 6 clínicos). Todos concordaram que deveriam ser descritos o grau de realce, o diâmetro da lesão, a localização e a presença ou a ausência de: obstrução do ducto pancreático, dilatação biliar, atrofia pancreática, metástases hepáticas, nódulos peritoniais, ascite, linfonodomegalias e invasão de estruturas adjacentes. Mais de 80% concordaram que deveria ser mencionada a relação do tumor com os vasos circunjacentes. Conclusão: Elaboramos um modelo de laudo estruturado de TC para a avaliação do ADP de pâncreas, atendendo às expectativas dos especialistas envolvidos no atendimento destes pacientes.

[Current management of liver metastases from colorectal cancer: recommendations of the São Paulo Liver Club]. / Manejo atual das metástases hepáticas de câncer colorretal: recomendações do Clube do Fígado de São Paulo.

Approximately half of patients with colorectal cancer present with liver metastases during the course of their disease, which directly affect prognosis and is responsible for two thirds of deaths related to the disease. In the last two decades the treatment of liver metastases from colorectal cancer (CRCLM) provided significant gain in survival when all treatment options are available to the patient. In this context, surgical treatment remains as the only chance of cure, with five-year survival rates of 25-58%. However, only 1/4 of the patients have resectable disease at diagnosis. For this reason, one of the key points in the current management of patients with CRCLM is the development of strategies that facilitate complete resection of liver lesions. The advent and refinement of ablative methods have expanded the possibilities of surgical therapy. The emergence of new chemotherapy regimens and the introduction of targeted therapies has provided high response rates and has permanently altered the management of these patients. The multimodal therapy and the involvement of different medical specialties has increasingly enabled CRCLM treatment to approached the ideal treatment, i.e., an individualized one. Based on an extensive review of literature and on experience from some of the most important specialized centers of Brazil, the São Paulo Liver Club began a process of multi-institutional discussions that resulted in the recommendations that follow. These recommendations, however, are not intended to be absolute, but useful tools in the therapeutic decision process for this complex group of patients.

Severe acute pancreatitis: results of treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of the Protocol for treatment of patients with severe acute pancreatitis. METHODS: We consecutively analyzed age, gender, etiology, length of hospital stay, type of treatment and mortality of 37 patients with severe acute pancreatitis from January 2002. RESULTS: The patients' ages ranged from 20 to 88 years (average 50 years), 27% were female and 73% male. Mean overall hospital stay was 47 days. Thirteen patients were treated surgically, the average operations per patient was two. There were six deaths among patients undergoing surgical treatment (46%) and two deaths in the group submitted to medical treatment alone (8.3%). The overall mortality was 21%. CONCLUSION: After modification in the form of management of patients with severe acute pancreatitis, there was a decrease in mortality and a trend for conservative management.

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas / Neoplasia sólida pseudopapilar de pâncreas

ABSTRACT Background: The solid pseudopapillary neoplasm is a rare tumor of the pancreas. However, it´s etiology still maintain discussions. Aim: To analyze it´s clinical data, diagnosis and treatment. Methods: A retrospective study of medical records of all patients treated from January 1997 until July 2015. Results: Were identified 17 cases. Most patients were women (94.11%) and the average age was 32.88 years. The main complaint was abdominal mass (47.05%). The most frequent location was in the body/tail of the pancreas (72.22%) and the most frequently performed surgery was distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (64.70%). No patient had metastases at diagnosis. Conservative surgery for pancreatic parenchyma was performed in only three cases. The rate of complications in the postoperative period was 35.29% and the main complication was pancreatic fistula (29.41%). No patient underwent adjuvant treatment. Conclusions: The treatment is surgical and the most common clinical presentation is abdominal mass. Distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy was the most frequently performed surgery for its treatment.

RESUMO Racional: A neoplasia sólida pseudopapilar é tumor raro de pâncreas de tratamento cirúrgico. No entanto, sua causa ainda gera discussões. Objetivo: Analisar os dados clínicos, do diagnóstico e do tratamento da dessa neoplasia. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo com dados médicos de pacientes tratados entre janeiro de 1997 a julho de 2015. Resultados: Foram identificados 17 casos. A maioria era de mulheres (94,11%) e a média de idade foi de 32,88 anos. A principal queixa era massa abdominal (47,05%). A localização mais frequente era no corpo/cauda do pâncreas (72,22%) e a operação mais realizada foi a pancreatectomia corpocaudal com esplenectomia (64,70%). Nenhum caso apresentou metástase no momento do diagnóstico. Operação conservadora de parênquima pancreático foi realizada em apenas três casos. A taxa de complicações no pós-operatório foi de 35,29% e a principal complicação foi fístula pancreática (29,41%). Nenhum paciente realizou adjuvância no seguimento. Conclusões: A mais comum apresentação clínica da neoplasia sólida pseudopapilar é de massa abdominal. Ela é de tratamento cirúrgico e pancreatectomia corpocaudal com esplenectomia é o procedimento mais realizado para seu tratamento.

Expression of p53, p16 and Ki67 proteins in ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head and their relation with survival and cell differentiation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the expression of p53, p16 and Ki-67 and its relevance in survival and cell differentiation. METHODS: Fifteen duodenopancreatectomized patients were included. Immunohistochemical expression of p53, p16 and Ki-67 was determined in paraffin embedded tumor blocks. The relation of these expressions with different variables was studied. RESULTS: Ninety-three per cent of tumors showed expression of p53 and p16. Ki-67 was expressed in 86.66% of tumors (labeling index - LI 11.91 ± 9.47). The presence of combined alterations was not related to significant differences in tumor type, stage or survival; similar results were obtained analyzing isolated expressions. When groups of p16 and Ki-67 expressions where created, the median survival was not significant. However, there was a slightly better survival in patients with focal expression of p16 (median survival 20.75 versus 14.34), when compared to patients with diffuse expression. CONCLUSION: The overexpression of p53, p16 and Ki-67 was not related to survival or tumor grade, when comparing isolated or combined expressions.

Tumor neuroendocrino quístico no funcionante del páncreas. Una presentación poco usual / Nonfunctioning cystic neuroendocrine tumor of pancreas. Presentation of an unusual case

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Manejo atual das metástases hepáticas de câncer colorretal: recomendações do Clube do Fígado de São Paulo / Current management of liver metastases from colorectal cancer: recommendations of the São Paulo Liver Club

Aproximadamente metade dos pacientes portadores de câncer colorretal apresenta metástases hepáticas durante a evolução de sua doença que afetam diretamente o prognóstico e são diretamente responsáveis por 2/3 dos óbitos relacionados à doença. Nas últimas duas décadas o tratamento das metástases hepáticas de câncer colorretal (MHCCR) proporcionou ganho expressivo na sobrevida quando todas as opções terapêuticas são colocadas à disposição do paciente. Nesse contexto, o tratamento cirúrgico persiste como a única possibilidade de cura com índices de sobrevida em cinco anos de 25 a 58%. No entanto, apenas 1/4 dos pacientes tem doença ressecável ao diagnóstico. Por essa razão, um dos pontos fundamentais no manejo atual dos pacientes com MHCCR é o desenvolvimento de estratégias que possibilitem a ressecção completa das lesões hepáticas. O advento e aperfeiçoamento dos métodos ablativos expandiram as possibilidades da terapêutica cirúrgica, além disto, o surgimento de novos esquemas quimioterápicos e a introdução das terapias-alvo proporcionou altas taxas de resposta e alteraram definitivamente o manejo destes pacientes. O tratamento multimodal e a utilização da experiência de diversas especialidades médicas permitiram que o tratamento das MHCCR se aproximasse cada vez mais do tratamento ideal, ou seja, individualizado. Baseado em uma extensa revisão da literatura e na experiência de alguns dos centros especializados mais importantes do Brasil, o Clube do Fígado de São Paulo iniciou um trabalho de discussão multi-institucional que resultou nas recomendações que se seguem. Essas recomendações, no entanto, não visam ser absolutas, mas sim ferramentas úteis no processo de decisão terapêutica desse grupo complexo de pacientes.

Approximately half of patients with colorectal cancer present with liver metastases during the course of their disease, which directly affect prognosis and is responsible for two thirds of deaths related to the disease. In the last two decades the treatment of liver metastases from colorectal cancer (CRCLM) provided significant gain in survival when all treatment options are available to the patient. In this context, surgical treatment remains as the only chance of cure, with five-year survival rates of 25-58%. However, only 1/4 of the patients have resectable disease at diagnosis. For this reason, one of the key points in the current management of patients with CRCLM is the development of strategies that facilitate complete resection of liver lesions. The advent and refinement of ablative methods have expanded the possibilities of surgical therapy. The emergence of new chemotherapy regimens and the introduction of targeted therapies has provided high response rates and has permanently altered the management of these patients. The multimodal therapy and the involvement of different medical specialties has increasingly enabled CRCLM treatment to approached the ideal treatment, i.e., an individualized one. Based on an extensive review of literature and on experience from some of the most important specialized centers of Brazil, the São Paulo Liver Club began a process of multi-institutional discussions that resulted in the recommendations that follow. These recommendations, however, are not intended to be absolute, but useful tools in the therapeutic decision process for this complex group of patients.

Evaluation of the effects of noniodinized and iodinized ionic contrast media and gadoteric acid in acute necrotizing pancreatitis: experimental study in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of iodine contrast media and gadoteric acid in acute necrotizing pancreatitis. METHODS: Fifty rabbits were distributed in 5 groups: 10 rabbits were assigned in the control group (group 5) and 40 rabbits were assigned in the pancreatitis group, wherein acute necrotizing pancreatitis was induced through retrograde injection of 5% sodium taurocholate (1 mL/kg weight) in the main pancreatic duct. After 3 hours, they were randomized to receive endovenous iodinized nonionic contrast medium (group 1), iodinized ionic contrast medium (group 2), gadoteric acid (group 3), and physiological serum at 0.9% (group 4). Six hours after induction of pancreatitis, these animals were reoperated. During surgery, pancreatic tissue flow through laser Doppler, hematometric values, biochemistry, and histopathology analysis by hematoxylin and eosin were done. Statistical analysis using Kruskal-Wallis, Fisher-Freeman-Halton, and parametric t tests was performed. RESULTS: There was statistical significance when comparing tissue flow before and after induction of pancreatitis (P < 0.0001). Ionic and nonionic contrast media and gadoteric acid did not increase the grade of pancreatic necrosis (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ionic and nonionic contrast media and gadoteric acid did not produce adverse effects in the present model of acute necrotizing pancreatitis.