Efficacy of Endoscopic Resection for Rectal Neuroendocrine Tumors Smaller than 15 mm.

BACKGROUND: Local resection, including endoscopic resection, is recommended for rectal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) < 15 mm in patients without risk factors for metastasis, though the short- and long-term outcomes are unclear. AIMS: This study investigates the efficacy of endoscopic resection for rectal NETs < 15 mm. METHODS: The short- and long-term outcomes of patients with rectal NETs < 15 mm who underwent endoscopic resection and the outcomes of each endoscopic technique were analyzed. The tumors were stratified as < 10 mm (small-size group, SSG) and 10-14 mm (intermediate-size group, IMG). RESULTS: Overall, 139 lesions (SSG, n = 118; IMG, n = 21) were analyzed. All tumors were classified as G1 (n = 135) or G2 (n = 4) according to the 2019 World Health Organization grading criteria. The complete resection rate was not different between the groups (P = 0.151). Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and endoscopic submucosal resection with a ligation device (ESMR-L) achieved complete resection rates > 90% in the SSG. The ESMR-L procedure time (P < 0.001) and hospitalized period (P < 0.001) were significantly shorter than those of ESD. ESD achieved a complete resection rate of 80.0% in the IMG. The tumor size did not affect the overall survival or rate of lymph node/distant metastases. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic resection is a feasible and effective treatment for patients with rectal NETs < 15 mm without the risk factors of metastasis. ESMR-L and ESD are optimal techniques for resecting tumors smaller than 10 mm and 10-14 mm, respectively.

MAGE-A4, NY-ESO-1 and SAGE mRNA expression rates and co-expression relationships in solid tumours.

BACKGROUND: Cancer testis (CT) antigens are promising targets for cancer immunotherapies such as cancer vaccines and genetically modified adoptive T cell therapy. In this study, we evaluated the expression of three CT antigens, melanoma-associated antigen A4 (MAGE-A4), New York oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma 1 (NY-ESO-1) and sarcoma antigen gene (SAGE). METHODS: MAGE-A4, NY-ESO-1 and/or SAGE antigen expression in tumour samples was evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Informed consent was obtained from individuals prior to study enrolment. RESULTS: In total, 585 samples in 21 tumour types were evaluated between June 2009 and March 2018. The positive expression rates of these CT antigens were as follows: MAGE-A4, 34.6% (range, 30.7-38.7); NY-ESO-1, 21.0% (range, 17.2-25.1); and SAGE, 21.8% (range, 18.5-25.4). The MAGE-A4 antigen was expressed in 54.9% of oesophageal cancers, 37.5% of head and neck cancers, 35.0% of gastric cancers and 34.2% of ovarian cancers; the NY-ESO-1 antigen was expressed in 28.6% of lung cancers, 25.3% of oesophageal cancers and 22.6% of ovarian cancers; and the SAGE antigen was expressed in 35.3% of prostate cancers, 32.9% of oesophageal cancers and 26.3% of ovarian cancers. The most common tumour type in this study was oesophageal cancer. MAGE-A4, NY-ESO-1 and SAGE antigen expression were assessed in 214 oesophageal cancer samples, among which 24 (11.2%) were triple-positive, 58 (27.1%) were positive for any two, 59 (27.6%) were positive for any one, and 73 (34.1%) were triple negative. CONCLUSIONS: Oesophageal cancer exhibited a relatively high rate of CT antigen mRNA expression positivity.

An impacted minor papilla stone in a patient with pancreas divisum that caused acute exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis: a case report.

A 75-year-old woman with epigastric pain was admitted to our emergency department. She was diagnosed with an acute exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis based on the results of blood tests and abdominal computed tomography (CT). The abdominal CT and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed pancreas divisum. Abdominal CT also showed a stone in the minor papilla, with impaction of the stone being the most likely cause of the acute episode. Therefore, endoscopic sphincterotomy of the minor papilla and endoscopic naso-pancreatic duct drainage were performed to remove the stone and decrease the internal pressure of the pancreatic duct. These procedures improved the patient's clinical status. The naso-pancreatic drainage tube was removed, and her pancreatitis has not recurred. Herein, we report a rare case of an impacted minor papilla stone in a patient with pancreas divisum that caused an acute exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis.

Hemostasis by esophageal stent placement for management of esophageal tumor bleeding:a case report.

A 67-year-old male was diagnosed with advanced esophageal cancer. A computed tomography scan showed multiple intra-abdominal lymphadenopathies. Because the tumor was thought to be unresectable, we initiated chemotherapy. Twelve months later, the patient was admitted to our hospital because of hematemesis. Gastroduodenoscopy revealed oozing bleeding from the esophageal tumor. Hemostasis was not achieved with conservative treatment, and frequent blood transfusions were required. Endoscopic hemostasis was difficult to achieve because of the malignant esophageal stenosis. To treat the malignant esophageal stricture and esophageal tumor bleeding, we attempted to insert an esophageal covered self-expandable metallic stent. After the procedure, hemostasis was achieved by mechanical tamponade. Here we report a rare case of esophageal tumor bleeding that was managed with mechanical tamponade using an esophageal covered self-expandable metallic stent.

[Acute obstructive suppurative pancreatic ductitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in a patient with carcinoma of the pancreatic head:a case report].

An 85-year-old woman with jaundice was referred to our hospital where she was diagnosed with obstructive jaundice due to carcinoma of the pancreatic head based on blood tests and abdominal computed tomography (CT). We performed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for biliary drainage, but 5 days after the procedure, she complained of epigastric pain. Laboratory data revealed an elevated white blood cell count and a high serum amylase concentration. Follow-up CT 6 days after the ERCP revealed that the main pancreatic duct diameter had increased since the time of admission. Therefore, ERCP was performed for pancreatic ductal drainage. Purulent pancreatic juice was drained by endoscopic placement of a nasopancreatic drainage tube in the main pancreatic duct, resulting in marked alleviation of clinical symptoms;however, after removal of the tube, the abdominal pain recurred. Subsequent endoscopic placement of a pancreatic stent improved her clinical status once again. Herein, we report this rare case of acute obstructive suppurative pancreatic ductitis in a patient with carcinoma of the pancreatic head.

A case of gastric crystal-storing histiocytosis.

A 54-year-old male patient underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, which revealed a 25-mm brown region in the angular section of the greater curvature of the stomach. The region was histologically determined to be gastric mucosa with an accumulation of histiocytes containing eosinophilic substances in the cytoplasm and chronic inflammatory cell infiltration. Histiocytes were immunohistologically positive for CD68, IgG, and κ. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with gastric crystal-storing histiocytosis comprised of histiocytes phagocytosing IgG-κ-type immunoglobulin. This is a rare disease of which there have been no previous reports that included long-term follow-up. Here, we report the case with a literature review.

[Rupture of a gastroduodenal artery aneurysm caused by duodenal ulcer: a case report].

A 73-year-old man with a history of tarry stools was admitted to our hospital. Gastroduodenoscopy on admission revealed an ulcer with an exposed vessel at the duodenal bulb. During endoscopic clipping for prevention of re-bleeding, a large amount of bleeding from the vessel was observed. Hemostasis was achieved after the procedure. However, 7 days later, the patient passed a large amount of tarry stools and experienced hypovolemic shock. Endoscopic re-examination revealed a pulsatile aneurysmal vessel at the base of the duodenal ulcer. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography and abdominal angiography demonstrated an aneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery, which was successfully treated with transcatheter arterial embolization. Thus, here we report a rare case of an aneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery caused by a duodenal ulcer.

[Gastric intramucosal cancer spreading to submucosal heterotopic gastric glands].

A 73-year-old man was referred to our hospital for further examination of an intra-abdominal mass. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a 0-IIa+IIc lesion on the lesser curvature of the middle body. The lesion was diagnosed as early gastric cancer (tub1, SM), and a partial gastrectomy was performed. Pathological evaluation revealed a well-differentiated intramucosal adenocarcinoma that had partially spread to the submucosa. On immunohistochemical examination, the lesion displayed an intestinal phenotype. The submucosal lesion had poor stromal reaction, and there was smooth muscle tissue surrounding the lesion. As mentioned earlier, we diagnosed the lesion as a gastric intramucosal cancer spreading to the submucosal heterotopic gastric glands.

[A case of polyp-type ampullary carcinoma-in-adenoma within the ampullary channel, displaying an intraductal growth pattern].

A 70-year-old woman with jaundice was referred to our hospital. Obstructive jaundice caused by common bile duct (CBD) stones was diagnosed based on the results of blood tests, abdominal computed tomography, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. We attempted to remove the CBD stones endoscopically. After endoscopic sphincterotomy, a polypoid lesion was exposed at the ampulla of Vater. Histological examination of a biopsy specimen from the ampullary lesion revealed a tubular adenoma, and the patient underwent pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy. Pathological examination of the resected specimen revealed a polyp-type ampullary carcinoma-in-adenoma arising from the ampullary channel. Herein, we report a rare case of polyp-type ampullary carcinoma-in-adenoma displaying an intraductal growth pattern.

[A case of invasive micropapillary carcinoma of the pancreas concomitant with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm].

Invasive micropapillary carcinoma (IMPC), a rare subtype of adenocarcinoma, has a high incidence of lymph node metastasis and is associated with a poor prognosis. A 77-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for the assessment of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN). We diagnosed her with pancreatic cancer concomitant with IPMN and performed pancreaticoduodenectomy. The lesion was predominantly composed of ductal adenocarcinoma with a micropapillary component. On immunohistochemical analysis, a characteristic " inside-out pattern" was observed in the micropapillary component. This confirmed the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer with a micropapillary component. In the present report, we describe a very rare case of IMPC of the pancreas.

[A case of heterochrony and ectopic recurrence of a gastric signet ring cell carcinoma following partial gastrectomy].

A 53-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with a round, discolored lesion measuring 4mm in diameter that was identified as a minute gastric signet ring cell carcinoma. According to the Japanese classification of gastric carcinoma, it was graded as type 0-IIb. Seven years back, the woman had undergone pylorus-side gastrectomy for a small signet ring cell carcinoma, and the present lesion was assumed to result from heterochrony and ectopic recurrence. Endoscopic submucosal dissection was performed for the minute lesion. Clinicopathological findings revealed gastric mucosal cancer without invading lymph vessels or veins, similar to the previous lesion. We therefore report two very rare lesions in the same case. This case report demonstrates the importance of performing regular follow-up gastroduodenoscopy to detect recurrence in patients with these lesions.

[A case of advanced gastric cancer with an invasive micropapillary carcinoma component].

A 62-year-old man was admitted for the evaluation of epigastric pain. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a type 3 circumferential carcinoma in the gastric antrum. Distal gastrectomy was performed, and the lesion was histopathologically diagnosed as gastric cancer with an invasive micropapillary carcinoma component. Chemotherapy was administered after surgery; however, he died with multiple liver metastases after 39 months. Micropapillary carcinoma is a rare, high-grade, malignant histological subtype of gastric cancer that has not been described in detail till date. Here we describe this rare lesion and present a review of the relevant literature.

[A case of calcifying fibrous tumor in the abdominal wall, morphologically resembling a gastric submucosal tumor].

We report an extremely rare case of a calcifying fibrous tumor (CFT) occurring in the abdominal wall. A 43-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of a gastric submucosal tumor. Imaging findings revealed a gastric submucosal tumor with calcification. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration was attempted to obtain a tissue specimen; however, the tumor was not adequately visualized because of calcification. Local excision was performed because of the tumor growth and the risk of progression to gastrointestinal stromal tumor. The tumor was histologically diagnosed as a CFT. We describe the imaging and pathological findings, and discuss the differential diagnosis and histogenesis of CFT.

[A case report of undifferentiated carcinoma of the sigmoid colon with rhabdoid features].

A 45-year-old woman with persistent abdominal pain was admitted to our hospital. Detailed examination revealed a type 4 lesion with circumferential narrowing, which was diagnosed as a poorly differentiated carcinoma following forceps biopsy and ascitic fluid cytology. Although the lesion was surgically resected, the ascites increased rapidly, and her general condition deteriorated in the postoperative period. She died 6 weeks after the appearance of her symptoms. Autopsy and histological examination confirmed a very rare undifferentiated colon carcinoma with rhabdoid features, which is a high-grade malignant lesion associated with a poor prognosis.

Direct-Acting Antiviral Treatment for Acute Hepatitis C in Japanese Patients: Clinical Course and Outcomes.

We diagnosed six cases of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection at our hospital between October 2003 and December 2022. During the same period, we diagnosed 402 cases of chronic HCV infection and 636 cases of acute hepatic injury. Acute HCV infection cases accounted for 1.4% of all HCV infections and 0.9% of all acute hepatic injury cases. The acute HCV infection group was younger, had more severe hepatitis, and exhibited higher levels of bilirubinemia compared to the chronic HCV infection group. Two acute HCV infection cases achieved spontaneous viral clearance, while the remaining four cases progressed to chronic infection and were treated with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). Liver enzyme elevation and liver function deterioration did not differ significantly between the acute HCV and other acute liver injury groups. Notably, DAA treatment was equally effective for acute and chronic HCV cases (75% vs. 90%, p = 0.34). Early DAA treatment in acute cases might contribute to interrupting viral transmission among high-risk populations, such as people who inject drugs or men who have sex with men. While there are currently no specific guidelines for acute HCV infection treatment in Japan, our findings suggest that DAA therapy should be initiated immediately following diagnosis. Further studies with larger patient cohorts are warranted to confirm these observations.

The Possibility of Acute Drug-Induced Liver Injury Associated With Prednisolone.

A female patient was referred to our hospital with complaints of liver injury. She had been treated for immunoglobulin (Ig)A nephropathy using prednisolone and other medications. Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) was suspected, as no evidence of viral infection or autoimmune liver disease was apparent. All medications except for prednisolone were discontinued, but liver enzyme levels remained elevated. Percutaneous liver biopsy showed the characteristics of DILI and drug lymphocyte stimulation testing yielded positive results for prednisolone. After stopping administration of prednisolone, liver enzyme levels recovered to near-normal. Prednisolone has immunosuppressive effects and is sometimes used to treat DILI. Some reports have revealed that high-dose corticosteroids can induce liver injury, but liver injuries associated with low-dose corticosteroid therapy have not been described. Prednisolone-induced liver injury is a rare phenomenon. When low-dose corticosteroids are used for treatment, care should be taken regarding the possibility of liver injury.

Bleeding From a Ruptured, Extraluminally Growing Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Treated by Transcatheter Arterial Embolization: A Case Report.

A 49-year-old man with abdominal pain was referred to our hospital. Abdominal computed tomography showed an extraluminal tumor near the gastric anterior wall and intra-abdominal fluid collection. A ruptured intra-abdominal tumor was suspected, and emergency abdominal angiography was performed. Hemorrhage into the abdominal cavity was seen, and transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) was performed, which stopped the bleeding. The tumor was surgically resected, and a diagnosis of an extraluminally growing gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor was made. TAE should be considered for rare cases of extraluminally growing tumors with intra-abdominal hemorrhage.

Detection of Lymphadenopathy as a Precursor to Autoimmune Liver Diseases Before Clinical Hepatitis Became Apparent: A Report of Two Cases.

Two patients were incidentally diagnosed with intra-abdominal lymphadenopathy on imaging examinations. Although endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of these areas of lymphadenopathy was performed, their causes remained undetermined. Neither patients had abnormal hepatic enzyme levels at the time lymphadenopathy was detected, but they developed hepatitis 20 months and five months later, respectively. The laboratory data and/or histopathological findings suggested primary biliary cholangitis/cirrhosis (PBC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), respectively. These two patients were each started on appropriate treatment (ursodeoxycholic acid or prednisolone, respectively), their hepatitis ameliorated, and the hepatic enzyme levels recovered to within the normal ranges. These patients' clinical courses suggest that their lymphadenopathy was associated with PBC or AIH and appeared before the causative hepatitis became clinically apparent. We should consider the possibility of latent autoimmune hepatic diseases in cases with cryptogenic intra-abdominal lymphadenopathy even if there is no clinically apparent hepatitis.