Retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma presenting as lower back pain.

Retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma (RGN) is a rare benign tumor that arises from the retroperitoneal sympathetic ganglia composed of mature Schwann cells, ganglion cells and nerve fibers. These tumors can occur anywhere along the paravertebral sympathetic plexus and occasionally from adrenal medulla. Although they grow in excessive size, they may cause compression to adjacent organ or structures thus giving rise to symptoms. Resecting RGN's is a challenging endeavor, as they tend to encase neighboring vessels to their site of origin. The reported case is a 43-year-old male who presented with lumbar pain that increased progressively in intensity over the last 6 months. Preoperative investigations revealed a large tumor with encasement of the origins of the superior mesenteric artery and bilateral renal arteries. The tumor was completely resected and the final pathology confirmed the diagnosis of RGN.

A network-based computational and experimental framework for repurposing compounds toward the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is among the most common liver pathologies, however, none approved condition-specific therapy yet exists. The present study introduces a drug repositioning (DR) approach that combines in vitro steatosis models with a network-based computational platform, constructed upon genomic data from diseased liver biopsies and compound-treated cell lines, to propose effectively repositioned therapeutic compounds. The introduced in silico approach screened 20'000 compounds, while complementary in vitro and proteomic assays were developed to test the efficacy of the 46 in silico predictions. This approach successfully identified six compounds, including the known anti-steatogenic drugs resveratrol and sirolimus. In short, gallamine triethiotide, diflorasone, fenoterol, and pralidoxime ameliorate steatosis similarly to resveratrol/sirolimus. The implementation holds great potential in reducing screening time in the early drug discovery stages and in delivering promising compounds for in vivo testing.

Serous Microcystic Cystadenocarcinoma of the Pancreas with Synchronous Liver Metastases: Clinical Characteristics and Management.

Serous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas is a rare but well-established entity. The origin and evolution of this disorder remain unclear, but even metastatic cases have an excellent prognosis. These tumors are very similar to benign serous cystic neoplasms (SCNs) of the pancreas, except that they tend to be larger, are locally invasive, and present distant metastasis. The most frequent local invasion is adjacent vessels, spleen, stomach, and duodenum. The most common site of distant metastasis is the liver. Diagnosis via imaging as well as pathology examination may be misguided due to atypical characteristics of the tumor. In fact, in some, the diagnosis of malignancy was established only after metastases were detected. We present a 60-year-old female patient with malignant serous microcystic cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas and liver metastasis that was initially misdiagnosed as a metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The patient underwent tumor resection and liver metastasectomy and she is currently doing well after three years of follow-up, with no tumor recurrence or new metastatic liver nodules based on imaging findings.

The Carotenoid Compound of Saffron Crocetin Alleviates Effects of Ischemia Reperfusion Injury via a Mechanism Possibly Involving MiR-127.

Renal impairment is associated with high mortality rates in severely ill patients. The need to prevent and treat renal damage underlines the importance of understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms that characterize it. This could also enable early diagnosis and the design of alternative therapeutic approaches. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of crocetin, a known antioxidant, on the prevention of renal damage due to ischemia-reperfusion injury and the investigation of the mechanisms involved. The present study was performed on C57BL/6 mice aged 10-12 weeks. The animals had access to water and food ad libitum. The experiment, as described in materials and methods, was completed at 24 h, in which case the kidneys were removed for further study, both at tissue morphology (with immunohistochemistry) and changes in the level of miRs' expression by qRT-PCR. Accordingly, using the automatic precision analyzer, the serum levels of the basic parameters currently used clinically for the monitoring of renal function were determined. The administration of crocetin, despite the short presence of the substance in the body, affects all the biochemical parameters analyzed (urea, creatinine, uric acid, and ions of Na, K, Cl, P, Mg and Ca), ​​causing significant decrease of their measured values. Crocetin also resulted in a significant limitation of the inflammation elements and the degree of epithelial damage. Furthermore, the administration of crocetin appears to restore levels of expression of miR21, miR127 and miR132.

A Duplicated Gallbladder in a Patient Presenting with Acute Cholangitis. A Case Study and a Literature Review.

Gallbladder duplication can present a clinical challenge primarily due to difficulties with diagnosis and identification. Recognition of this anomaly and its various types is important since it can complicate a gallbladder disease or a simple hepatobiliary surgical procedure. The case report of a 63-year-old woman who presented with cholangitis and underwent a successful laparoscopic management of symptomatic gallbladder duplication is described, emphasizing several important considerations. Using ERCP, MRCP and 3D reconstructions the two cystic ducts with one common bile duct were identified. A review of the literature in referral of this variant, its anatomical classifications and significance to clinical and surgical practice is included. In conclusion, gallbladder anomalies should be anticipated in the presence of a cystic lesion reported around the gallbladder when evaluating radiologic studies. In case of surgery, preoperative diagnosis is essential to prevent possible biliary injuries or reoperation if accessory gallbladder has been overlooked during initial surgery. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains feasible for intervention can be safely done and awareness is necessary to avoid complications or multiple procedures.

Ischemic postconditioning decreases iNOS gene expression but ischemic preconditioning ameliorates histological injury in a swine model of extended liver resection.

BACKGROUND: Both pre- and postconditioning have been shown to protect the liver parenchyma from ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury during hepatectomy by altering the production of NO. However, to date there is no study to compare their effect on the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene expression, who are the main modulators in the pathway of NO during the acute phase of I/R injury. METHODS: We designed a prospective experimental cohort comprising of three groups (sham group-SG, preconditioning-PrG and postconditioning group-PoG) and consisting of 10 animals per group. All animals underwent extended hepatectomy (70%) under prolonged warm ischemia either after preconditioning or followed by postconditioning or without any protective maneuver (SG). Following reperfusion blood samples and liver biopsies were obtained at the start of reperfusion (0 hours), at 6 and 12 hours post reperfusion. iNOS and eNOS gene expression was assessed on liver tissue by polymerase chain reaction (PCR); in addition, the extent of hepatocellular injury was histologically assessed. RESULTS: At the beginning of reperfusion iNOS expression was significantly reduced in the PoG in comparison to the SG (Kruskal-Wallis test, P=0.012; Mann-Whitney U test, P<0.0005 Bonferroni correction) and continued to remain at low levels until 6 hours post reperfusion (Kruskal-Wallis test, P=0.01; Mann-Whitney U test, P<0.0005-Bonferroni correction) This difference was eliminated by 12 hours. No significant differences were found in the expression of eNOS between groups and within time measurements. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were found increased at the start of reperfusion; their levels continued to increase by 6 hours in all groups, however only in the PoG the increase attended statistical significance at 12 hours after reperfusion. ALT levels presented only minor alterations during the course of reperfusion. The PrG was found to have more intense hepatocellular injury at the start of reperfusion than the PoG however, that appeared to gradually settle by 12 hours in contrast to PoG where the hepatocellular injury continued to deteriorate. CONCLUSIONS: PoG appeared to decrease iNOS overexpression more effectively than PrG in comparison to animals who have undergone no protective maneuver (SG). However, PrG was more effective than PoG in ameliorating the hepatocellular injury observed at 12 hours after the ischemic insult.

Immune-related intestinal pseudo-obstruction associated with nivolumab treatment in a lung cancer patient.

Immune checkpoint inhibition therapy using targeted monoclonal antibodies is a new therapeutic approach with significant survival benefit for patients with several cancer types. However, their use can be associated with unique immune-related adverse effects as a consequence of impaired self-tolerance due to loss of T-cell inhibition via a nonselective activation of the immune system. Nivolumab is an anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor that was recently developed for cancer immunotherapy with remarkable responses in nonsmall cell lung cancer patients. We present a 62-year-old Caucasian male with recurrent lung adenocarcinoma and currently under third-line therapy with nivolumab, who was admitted in our hospital with abdominal distension. Radiologic findings were consistent with small bowel ileus. After four days of conservative treatment, the patient underwent exploratory laparotomy where no cause of ileus was discovered. Postoperative the ileus persisted and considering that an adverse effect of the immune checkpoint inhibition therapy occurred, the patient received high-dose prednisone resulting in gradual improvement of symptoms. Immune checkpoint inhibitors may induce adverse effects to unaffected organ systems and tissues including the skin, gastrointestinal, hepatic, pulmonary, and endocrine system. The mainstay treatment consists of immunosuppression with corticosteroids in the majority of cases. As the clinical use of immune checkpoint inhibitors is expanding rapidly, there is an emergence of unique immune-related adverse effects in a growing patient population. Gaining early awareness is essential in these patients in order to ensure prompt diagnosis and management.

Inflammatory Pseudotumor of the Liver Presented in a Patient with Cholelithiasis.

An inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver is a rare tumor-like lesion consisting of an inflammatory infiltrate that often can mimic a malignant liver neoplasm. The cause of an inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver is unknown, but it has been reported to be associated with different comorbid conditions most likely inflammatory or infectious in origin. We present an 83-year-old female who presented with a symptomatic gallstones disease and an incidental finding of inflammatory pseudotumor mimicking intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in preoperative liver imaging. Differentiating a pseudotumor from hepatic space-occupying neoplasms is crucial since it is one of the most important tumor-mimicking lesions. The imaging findings of this rare tumor can pose diagnostic difficulties because of the amount of fibrosis and cellular infiltration. If malignancy has been excluded, patients can be treated conservatively with steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, complete surgical resection has been the modality of treatment for most of the cases with an indeterminate diagnosis.

Parecoxib's effects on anastomotic and abdominal wound healing: a randomized Controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Current evidence regarding the effects of selective cyclooxygenase inhibitors on gastrointestinal anastomoses is controversial. An experimental randomized control study was conducted in our institution to histopathologically evaluate the consequences of parecoxib, on intestinal and abdominal wound healing. METHODS: Twenty-four adult Wistar rats underwent laparotomy, ascending colon transection, and hand-sewn anastomosis. They were randomized to receive either parecoxib (0.5 mg/kg twice daily) or 0.9% normal saline by intraperitoneal injection postoperatively. Animals were euthanatized either on the third or the seventh postoperative day. Semiquantitative methods were used to evaluate both intestinal and abdominal wounds for inflammatory cell composition, angiogenesis, fibroblasts, granular tissue, collagen deposition, epithelization, and presence of necrosis, exudate, and abscess formation. Results are presented as (parecoxib: median [IQR] versus control: median [IQR], P-value). RESULTS: No macroscopic anastomotic leakage or wound dehiscence was observed. Intestinal anastomoses in the parecoxib group, showed significantly decreased epithelization (2 [1] versus 3 [1], [P = 0.004]) and collagen deposition (2 [0] versus 3 [1], [P = 0.041]). No difference was observed in angiogenesis (3 [1] versus 2.5 [1], [P = 0.158]). Abdominal wall specimens appeared to demonstrate decreased epithelization (2 [2] versus 4 [0.5], [P = 0.0004]) in the treatment group. No difference between the two groups was identified regarding collagen deposition (2.5 [1] versus 2 [0.5], [P = 0.280]) and angiogenesis (2.5 [1] versus 2 [1], [P = 0.633]). Necrosis was significantly more present in the parecoxib group in both specimen types, (3.5 [1] versus 2.5 [1], [P = 0.017]) and (3 [1] versus 1 [0.5], [P < 0.0001]). CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that despite the absence of clinical adverse effects, parecoxib can impair anastomotic and abdominal wound healing on a histopathological level.

Safety and efficacy of extending a previous endoscopic sphincterotomy for the treatment of retained or recurrent common bile duct stones.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of extending a previous endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) in patients with retained or recurrent common bile duct (CBD) stones. METHODS: Between 2001 and 2013, extension of a previous ES, for known or suspected CBD stones, was performed in 118 patients (m/f, 53/65) with a median age of 74 (range: 31-91) years (group A). During the same period, ES was performed in 1064 patients with suspected or known choledocholithiasis (group B). The efficacy and complications of the extension (group A) were analyzed and a comparison was made between groups regarding complications. RESULTS: Bile duct cannulation was straightforward in all patients in group A, while it was considered difficult in 49% of patients in group B. Complete clearance was achieved in 76/97 patients (78%) with CBD stones, after a mean of 1.18 attempts per patient. Mechanical lithotripsy was required in 10% of patients. After extension, immediate bleeding occurred in 24 patients (20%), which stopped spontaneously in 9 (37%) and endoscopic hemostasis was required in the remainder. Complications were more frequent in group B (5.3% vs. 0.8%, P=0.031), but there was no significant difference for any individual complication. Immediate bleeding was more common in group B (29% vs. 20%, P=0.035), but there was no difference in clinical bleeding. CONCLUSION: Extension of a previous ES seems to be a simple, effective and safe technique, allowing stone clearance in nearly 80% of patients; it is thus recommended in patients with CBD stones after ES.

Low-grade Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasm Presenting as Adnexal Mass: A Case Report.

An appendiceal mucocele is a dilatation of the appendix and it is the result of benign or malignant diseases, which cause the obstruction of the appendix and the consequent accumulation of mucus secretion. The preoperative diagnosis is difficult due to non-specific clinical manifestations of the disease. We present a case of an 83-year-old female patient with a history of breast cancer that was referred to our hospital for an evaluation of a right adnexal mass discovered during her yearly follow-up. The patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy with a provisional diagnosis of a right adnexal mass. A perioperative, appendiceal mucocele was diagnosed. She underwent a formal appendectomy and histopathology of the specimen revealed a low-grade mucinous neoplasm. Appendiceal mucinous neoplasms represent a rare form of pathology among all appendectomy specimens. A preoperative diagnosis is difficult due to the lack of specific symptoms and it is often misdiagnosed as an adnexal mass. The perforation of the appendix and subsequent extravasation of its contents into the abdominal cavity may lead to pseudomyxoma peritonei, which has a very poor prognosis if not treated properly.

Pseudomyxoma Peritonei: Presentation of Two Cases and Challenging Issues in the Literature.

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rather uncommon syndrome in oncology with a unique biological behavior and an estimated incidence of one to two cases per million per year. Clinically, it usually presents with a variety of unspecific signs and symptoms including abdominal pain and distention, ascites, or even bowel obstruction. Despite its intimidating clinical manifestation, PMP is characterized by satisfactory survival rates when treated with cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). We present two interesting cases of PMP deriving from the appendix with a rather atypical presentation, which was successfully treated with cytoreduction and HIPEC. In addition, we intend to raise clinical suspicion on the diagnosis of PMP and comment on several challenging issues concerning the origin and classification of PMP.

Biliary Mucinous Cystic Neoplasm of the Liver with Ovarian Stroma and Elevated Serum and Cystic Fluid Cancer Antigen 19-9 Levels.

Biliary mucinous cystic neoplasms of the liver are rare cystic tumors comprising less than 5% of the liver cystic neoplasms. These tumors demonstrate a female predominance and entail a risk of malignant transformation. We present a 56-year-old female patient with a multiloculated liver cystic lesion measuring 22 cm who underwent a cystectomy with en bloc resection of the liver segments II, III, and cholecystectomy. Serum cancer antigen 19.9 was 4,122.00 U/ml, supporting the diagnosis of a biliary cystic tumor. The cytology of the cystic fluid was negative for malignancy and intracystic fluid cancer antigen 19.9 level was measured over 12,000.00 U/l. The patient is free of recurrence at one-year follow up. Although a rare entity, the biliary mucinous cystic neoplasms should be considered in the differential diagnosis in the patients with liver cystic tumors. The appropriate management with complete surgical resection with negative margins is recommended given the risk of recurrence and malignant transformation.

Granuloma Mimicking Local Recurrence on PET/CT after Liver Resection of Colorectal Liver Metastasis: A Case Report.

Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) improves the diagnostic interpretation of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG ) PET and CT in oncologic patients and has an impact on both diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of patient management. However, false positive findings from the PET/CT imaging should be taken into consideration as they mislead physicians into improper therapeutic actions. We present a 48-year-old female patient with a history of left colectomy for colorectal cancer and subsequent liver metastasectomy. After one year of follow-up, she presented with a highly suspicious lesion in the liver, which was confirmed on PET/CT as a metastatic liver tumor. Consequently, the patient underwent surgical excision of the tumor, and the definitive histological diagnosis showed a granulomatous tissue with giant cells and foreign body tissue reaction. Based on this report, we briefly review the dangerous pitfalls from radiological and PET/CT imaging concerning the preoperative diagnostic workup examination, as they may significantly alter the treatment plan in oncologic patients.

Effects of Lornoxicam on Anastomotic Healing: A Randomized, Blinded, Placebo-Control Experimental Study.

Introduction and Aim. With the implementation of multimodal analgesia regimens, Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are often administered for optimal pain control and reduction of opioid use. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of lornoxicam, a NSAID, on anastomotic healing employing an animal model. Materials and Methods. A total of 28 Wistar rats were randomly assigned in two groups. All animals underwent ascending colonic transection followed by an end-to-end hand sewn anastomosis. Group 1 received intraperitoneally lornoxicam before and daily after surgery. Group 2 received intraperitoneally an equal volume of placebo. Half of the animals in each group were euthanized on the 3rd pod and the remaining on the 7th pod. Macro- and microscopic indicators of anastomotic healing were compared using a two-tailed Fisher exact test. Results. The lornoxicam group significantly decreased fibroblast in growth and reepithelization of the mucosa at the anastomotic site on the 3rd pod and significantly increased occurrence of deep reaching defects, necrosis, and microabscess on the 7th pod. Conclusion. Lornoxicam administration during the perioperative period adversely affects histologic parameters of intestinal anastomotic healing. These effects of lornoxicam administration were not found to induce significant increase of anastomotic dehiscence in the rat model.

Clinical Spectrum and Management of Caustic Ingestion: A Case Series Presenting Three Opposing Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Ingestion of caustic substances is a medical emergency in both the adult and pediatric population and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The extent of injuries after ingestion of caustic substances depends on the nature, amount, and concentration of the agent and on the exposure time. Acutely, caustic substances may cause massive hemorrhage and gastrointestinal tract perforation; the most markedly affected cases require urgent surgical treatment. Patients surviving the initial event may present with aorto-enteric or gastrocolic fistulae, esophageal strictures, dysphagia, and increased risk of esophageal cancer as long term sequelae. CASE REPORT: The features of three cases of caustic ingestion are reported to demonstrate significantly different complaints presented at the emergency department. Two patients had free gastric perforation, one at presentation, and one delayed. The third patient presented with late severe strictures of the esophagus and pylorus. The outcomes of the three patients are discussed in detail along with the most current management strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Among adults, ingestion of caustic substances is usually associated with more severe lesions due to the increased amount of ingested substance, as compared with pediatric patients. The most serious presentation is that of visceral perforation, most commonly of the stomach and rarely of the esophagus. Management involves urgent resuscitation with correction of fluid and electrolyte and acid-base abnormalities and immediate surgical exploration in those patients with signs of perforation. Once the perioperative period is managed successfully, the long-term results can be satisfactory. Managing of strictures or else reconstructive procedures must be well timed to allow for psychological and nutritional rehabilitation.

Eosinophilic Cholangitis--A Challenging Diagnosis of Benign Biliary Stricture: A Case Report.

When confronting a biliary stricture, both benign and malignant etiologies must be carefully considered as a variety of benign biliary strictures can masquerade as hilar cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Therefore, patients could undergo a major surgery despite the possibility of a benign biliary disease. Approximately 15% to 24% of patients undergoing surgical resection for suspected biliary malignancy will have benign pathology. Eosinophilic cholangitis (EC) is a rare benign disorder of the biliary tract, which can cause obstructive jaundice and can pose a difficult diagnostic task. We present a rare case of a young woman who was referred to our hospital with obstructive painless jaundice due to a biliary stricture at the confluence of the hepatic bile ducts, with a provisional diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma. Though, during her work up she was found to have EC, an extremely rare benign cause of biliary stricture, which is characterized by a dense eosinophilic infiltration of the biliary tree causing stricturing, fibrosis, and obstruction and which is reversible with short-term high-dose steroids. Despite its rarity, EC should be taken into consideration when imaging modalities demonstrate a biliary stricture, especially if preoperative diagnosis of malignancy cannot be made, in the setting of peripheral eosinophilia and the absence of cardinal symptoms of malignancy.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges of Intrahepatic Biliary Cystadenoma and Cystadenocarcinoma: A Report of 10 Cases and Review of the Literature.

The objective of this study was to present our experience with intrahepatic biliary cystadenomas and cystadenocarcinomas in 10 patients surgically managed in our department. Intrahepatic biliary cystadenomas and cystadenocarcinomas are rare cystic tumors that are often misdiagnosed preoperatively as simple cysts or hydatid cysts. They recur after incomplete resection and entail a risk of malignant transformation to cystadenocarcinoma. A retrospective review was conducted of patients with histologically confirmed intrahepatic biliary cystadenomas and cystadenocarcinomas between August 2004 and February 2013 who were surgically managed in our department. A total of 10 patients, 9 female and 1 male (mean age, 50 years), with cystic liver were reviewed. The size of the cysts ranged between 3.5 and 16 cm (mean, 10.6). Five patients had undergone previous interventions elsewhere and presented with recurrences. Liver resections included 6 hepatectomies, 2 bisegmentectomies, 1 extended right hepatectomy, and 1 enucleation due to the central position and the large size of the lesion. Pathology reports confirmed R0 resections in all cases. All patients were alive after a median follow-up of 6 years (range, 1-10 years), and no recurrence was detected. Intrahepatic biliary cystadenoma and cystadenocarcinoma should be considered in differential diagnosis in patients with liver cystic tumors. Because of the high recurrence rate and difficult accurate preoperative diagnosis, formal liver resection is mandatory. Enucleation with free margins is an option and is indicated where resection is impossible.