Disseminated carcinomatosis of the bone marrow from pancreatic cancer: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Most cases of disseminated carcinomatosis of the bone marrow (DCBM) arise from gastric cancer. DCBM from pancreatic cancer is very rare. We herein present a case of DCBM from pancreatic cancer. CASE PRESENTATION: A 57-year-old man was referred to our hospital for severe lumbago. Laboratory data indicated that he suffered from disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Non-contrast abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple bone masses but no other abnormal findings. Left iliac bone marrow biopsy revealed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma cells. Positron emission tomography (PET)-CT showed diffuse abnormal uptake in the bones and tail of the pancreas. Contrast whole-body CT showed a tumor measuring approximately 28 mm in diameter with poor enhancement in the tail of the pancreas. The patient's final diagnosis was pancreatic cancer located in the tail of the pancreas with diffuse bone metastases and DIC. His DCBM was thus believed to originate from the pancreatic cancer. He succumbed to the disease approximately 2 months after admission to our hospital. CONCLUSION: We herein describe a case of pancreatic cancer located in the tail of the pancreas with diffuse bone metastases and DIC, which, in our case, was DCBM. Therefore, in cases of DCBM with an unknown primary tumor, pancreatic cancer should be considered during differential diagnosis.

Carcinosarcoma of the liver: report of a case.

A 64-year-old Japanese woman without a history of viral hepatitis was admitted for investigation of a huge liver mass. The tumor, measuring 14 × 12 × 22 cm, had invaded the diaphragm, right lung, and inferior vena cava. Serum examinations demonstrated high levels of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), and the Child-Pugh score was A. She underwent right lobectomy of the liver and partial resection of the right diaphragm, right lung, and inferior vena cava. Radio- and chemotherapy were also given, but she died of recurrence 3 months after surgery. Microscopically, the tumor exhibited intermingled adenocarcinomatous and atypical mesenchymal components. The carcinomatous component was positive for cytokeratins 7, 19, and 20, chromogranin A, epithelial membrane antigen, c-KIT, and vimentin. The sarcomatous component was positive for vimentin and c-KIT. A review of 36 cases of hepatic carcinosarcoma revealed the following: chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis in 57 % of the patients; increased serum CA19-9 levels in 30 %; a mean tumor diameter of 10 cm; invasion of the adjacent organs or metastasis to distant organs in 47 %; wide intrahepatic infiltration in 44 %; and 50 % survival of only 5 months. Significant differences were seen according to tumor diameter (diameter >5 cm; p < 0.05), wide intrahepatic infiltration (p < 0.05), and extrahepatic invasion/metastasis (p < 0.01). Neither chemotherapy nor radiotherapy contributed to prognosis, but surgical resection resulted in some improvement (p < 0.05).

[Successful treatment of a patient using mFOLFOX6 after laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer with peritoneal dissemination].

A 58-year-old man underwent laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer(rectal sigmoid)complicated by intestinal obstruction. He had no liver metastasis. Although many nodules suspected to have arisen from peritoneal dissemination were observed in the pelvic cavity, we performed anterior resection assuming that the primary lesion was resectable. The surgical findings were sSE, sN2, sP3, sStage IV, and histopathological findings were signet-ring cell carcinoma, pSE, pN2, pP+, pStage IV. After 8 courses of adjuvant chemotherapy with modified 5-fluorouracil/Leucovorin/oxaliplatin(mFOLFOX6), carcinoembryonic antigen( CEA)decreased to a normal level, and positron emission tomography-computed tomography(PET-CT)showed no abnormal accumulation that suggested metastasis. To evaluate the effectiveness of this procedure, laparoscopic peritoneal biopsy was performed 5 months after surgery, revealing histopathological disappearance of the peritoneal dissemination lesion. The patient has been followed up and has been receiving S-1 for 1 year after the first surgery. No evidence of recurrence has been observed.

Laparoscopic repair of secondary parahiatal hernia with incarceration of the stomach: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Parahiatal hernia is an extremely rare subtype of hiatal hernia, which in turn is a type of diaphragmatic hernia in adults, and only a few cases have been reported to date. We report the case of a patient who suffered from gastric incarceration through an anatomically separate diaphragmatic defect, immediately lateral to a structurally normal esophageal hiatus, that developed after treatment of a malignant mesothelioma. CASE PRESENTATION: A 70-year-old Japanese man, who had undergone treatment for a left malignant pleural mesothelioma a year ago at another hospital, was referred to our institution following a 4-day history of epigastric pain. Esophagogastroscopy demonstrated a normal esophagogastric junction, with remarkable stenosis and active gastric ulcer of the gastric body. Histopathological examination of the gastric biopsy specimen confirmed a gastric ulcer. Furthermore, computed tomography revealed a large fluid-filled structure in the retrocardiac space. On the basis of preoperative data, we decided to attempt laparoscopic repair for the gastric volvulus. During surgery, gastric and omental herniation was observed within a peritoneal lined defect immediately lateral to the esophageal hiatus. Dissection near the esophageal hiatus revealed a discrete extrahiatal defect 3cm in diameter immediately adjacent to the left crus of the diaphragm. The parahiatal defect was closed using interrupted nonabsorbable heavy suture. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and anastomotic leakage was not observed at postoperative barium swallowing. CONCLUSIONS: Although preoperative diagnosis of parahiatal hernia is difficult, a laparoscopic approach can be a useful therapeutic procedure not only for paraesophageal hernia but also for parahiatal hernia.

[A case of repeated postoperative recurrence of gastric cancer treated via laparoscopic approach].

A 74-year-old man who had undergone distal gastrectomy was diagnosed with metastasis to the spleen and transverse colon 27 months after the operation, and 6 courses of combination therapy with S-1 and cisplatin (CDDP) were administered. However, both lesions showed progressive disease (PD) after chemotherapy. Massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage from colon metastases was observed following the administration of irinotecan(CPT-11). Therefore, total remnant gastrectomy, splenectomy, and partial transverse colectomy were performed via the laparoscopic approach. Chemotherapy using paclitaxe(l PTX) was initiated after surgery. However, bowel obstruction due to intestinal metastatic lesions developed after 4 courses of PTX therapy, and right hemicolectomy and partial resection of the small intestine were performed laparoscopically. Although combination therapy of capecitabine and CDDP were administered, the patient died 28 months after the diagnosis of recurrent disease. Typically, surgical intervention is rarely effective in cases of recurrent disease from gastric cancer. However, a favorable quality of life was obtained in the case of our patient with aggressive multimodal therapy that included laparoscopic surgery.

One-stage laparoscopic-assisted resection of gastrojejunocolic fistula after gastrojejunostomy for duodenal ulcer: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Gastrojejunocolic fistula is a rare condition after gastrojejunostomy. It was thought to be a late complication related to stomal ulcers as a result of inadequate gastrectomy or incomplete vagotomy. We report a case of gastrojejunocolic fistula after gastrojejunostomy for peptic ulcer treated with one-stage laparoscopic resection. CASE PRESENTATION: A 41-year-old Japanese man complained of diarrhea for 10 months, as well as severe weight loss and weakness. After admission, we immediately started intravenous hyperalimentation. On performing colonoscopy and barium swallow, gastrojejunocolic fistula was observed close to the gastrojejunostomy site leading to the transverse colon. After our patient's nutritional status had improved, one-stage surgical intervention was performed laparoscopically. After the operation, our patient recovered uneventfully and his body weight increased by 5 kg within three months. CONCLUSIONS: Modern management of gastrojejunocolic fistula is a one-stage resection because of the possibility of early recovery from malnutrition using parenteral nutritional methods. Today, laparoscopic one-stage en bloc resection may be feasible for patients with gastrojejunocolic fistula due to the development of laparoscopic instruments and procedures. We describe the first case of gastrojejunocolic fistula treated laparoscopically by one-stage resection and review the literature.

A novel liver retraction technique for lateral lobe of the liver during laparoscopic surgery using silicone disk.

For safe and effective laparoscopic surgery it is important to maintain a favorable view of the operative field. However, the use of a conventional liver retractor needs an additional wound and carries a risk for liver injury during surgery. We developed a novel retraction technique for the lateral lobe of the liver using a silicone disk (Hakko Co. Ltd.) during laparoscopic surgery. We used a silicone disk that consists of a silicone rubber membrane inside a flexible ring and four monofilament threads. The disk can be inserted into the abdomen under the pneumoperitoneum through a 12-mm port and is located at the dorsal side of the lateral lobe of the liver. The threads are withdrawn through the abdominal wall, two threads close to the infraxiphoid space and the other two threads bilaterally below the costal arch. Thus, the lateral lobe of the liver is safely raised to the ventral side and covered with a silicone membrane. We introduced this technique for various laparoscopic operations, such as gastrectomy, gastroplasty, and fundoplication. There were no complications related to the procedure. This retraction technique is easy, results in less liver damage, and provides an excellent operative view around the esophageal hiatus. The silicone membrane covering the lateral lobe reduces the risk of liver injury during surgery using laparoscopic forceps to a low level.

[A case of advanced gastric cancer responding to neoadjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 and CDDP combination].

The patient is a 75-year-old woman who received 2 courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with S-1/CDDP for advanced gastric cancer and para-aortic lymph node metastasis. After completion of the second course, both the primary tumor and lymph node metastases practically disappeared. Later, total gastrectomy was performed. Histopathological examination revealed cancer cells remaining in just one part of subserosa (ss), and no lymph node metastases were detected. The postoperative course was favorable, and the patient is currently attending the outpatient clinic.

[A case of unresectable advanced gallbladder cancer successfully treated by oral S-1 and hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) of low-dose CDDP therapy].

The patient was a 64-year-old woman. Oral S-1 and hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) of low-dose CDDP therapy were started for unresectable advanced gallbladder cancer associated with liver metastasis and numerous lymph node metastases. Marked regression of the liver metastasis and lymph node metastases was observed by this treatment, and upon completion of the second course they had almost completely resolved. The tumor marker values also converted to negative. We report a case in which oral S-1 and HAI of low-dose CDDP therapy was effective against advanced gallbladder cancer associated with liver metastasis and multiple lymph node metastases.

Latent gallbladder carcinoma in a young adult patient with acute cholecystitis: report of a case.

Acute cholecystitis associated with gallbladder carcinoma is very rare in young patients (younger than 30 years of age). Moreover, a definitive preoperative diagnosis is difficult. A 26-year-old man was referred to our hospital with a 5-day history of right upper quadrant pain. Computed tomography and ultrasonography demonstrated an enlarged gallbladder with a diffuse thick wall and a 2-cm gallstone obstructing the cystic duct. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed no evidence of an anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction. The patient showed an elevation in the white blood cell count, serum C-reactive protein, and alkaline phosphate; however, total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, and tumor markers including carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 were all within the normal ranges. The preoperative diagnosis of gallstone-induced acute cholecystitis was made and an open cholecystectomy was thus performed 2 days after admission. The macroscopic findings showed a necrotic enlarged gallbladder with a thick wall and a gallstone, but no intraluminal nodular lesion. Histologic examinations revealed well-differentiated focal adenocarcinoma in the gallbladder mucosa, but no venous, lymphatic, or perineural invasion. The postoperative course has been uneventful with no recurrence 18 months postoperatively.

Immunohistologic attempt to find carcinogenesis from hepatic progenitor cell in hepatocellular carcinoma.

AIM: To clarify whether hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) originates from hepatic progenitor cells and whether there is any correlation with the clinicopathologic factors of HCC, we reviewed 217 resected HCC specimens. METHODS: Immunohistochemical examination of cytokeratin (CK) 7, CK19, CD34, and CD117 (c-KIT) was performed. Overexpression of CK7 and CK19 indicates differentiation from cholangiocellular and hepatic progenitor cells, while overexpression of CD34 and CD117 indicates hepatic stem cells. Fresh specimens were obtained from 20 HCC patients for mutation of the c-KIT gene. RESULTS: CK7, CK19, and CD117 were positive in 41, 9.7, and 0.9% of the HCC specimens, respectively, and CD34 was never positive. None of the fresh HCC specimens demonstrated a c-KIT mutation. CK19 positivity was significantly correlated with a positive hepatitis B core antibody, and with poor survival outcome, and tended to correlate with poor histologic differentiation. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that: (i) about 10% of HCCs with typical histologic features originate from an intermediate hepatic progenitor cell, such as the canal of Hering and oval cells in the rat, or acquire the characteristics of cholangiocellular epithelium by metaplasia; (ii) HCC with typical histologic features rarely originates from hepatic stem cells, and (iii) patients with CK19-positive HCC have a poor prognosis.

Surgical strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma originating in the caudate lobe.

BACKGROUND: The prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma originating in or mainly involving the caudate lobe (caudate HCC) is generally poor. We reviewed the clinicopathologic findings of patients who underwent liver resection of caudate HCC and correlated the outcome with the surgical strategy. METHODS: Records of 402 patients who underwent liver resection for HCC were reviewed. The patients were divided into 2 groups. One group consisted of 15 patients who underwent liver resection for caudate HCC. The other group included 387 patients with HCC in a site other than the caudate lobe. RESULTS: Anatomic resection of Couinaud segment I or IX (a partial caudate lobectomy), conforming to portal anatomy, was performed in 13 patients with caudate HCC, and segmentectomies of segments I and IX (a total caudate lobectomy) were performed in 2 patients with caudate HCC. The incidence of postoperative complications was similar in the caudate HCC group and HCC in other sites group, with no operative deaths in the caudate HCC group. Tumor-free survival and cumulative survival were similar in the 2 groups. However, among patients with caudate HCC, tumor-free and cumulative survival were lower in patients with than without microscopic portal venous involvement (P<.01). CONCLUSIONS: Partial caudate lobectomy (anatomic resection of segment I or IX) along the portal system is an appropriate procedure for caudate HCC, especially in patients with impaired liver function or a small HCC. Patients with caudate HCC who have microscopic portal venous involvement may require adjuvant therapy as early recurrence is likely.

Serum markers of liver fibrosis and histologic severity of fibrosis in resected liver.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Serum concentrations of the 7S fragment of type IV collagen (7S collagen), amino-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIIP), and hyaluronic acid (HA) have been reported to serve as serologic markers of liver fibrosis in hepatitis and cirrhosis. We investigated whether these fibrosis markers reliably reflect histologic changes in the livers of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODOLOGY: Subjects included 165 patients undergoing liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma. Most were seropositive for chronic hepatitis B or C. Histopathologic changes in liver tissue resected with the tumor were scored according to Knodell's histologic activity index. Serum was sampled for assays shortly before surgery. RESULTS: Significant correlations were found between hepatitis activity score and 7S collagen, PIIIP, and HA. Concentrations of 7S collagen differed significantly between activity grades, but differences were not significant for PIIIP or HA. Significant correlations were found between fibrosis staging score and all these three markers. When patients were divided according to activity grade, 7S collagen showed stronger correlation with fibrosis staging score than did PIIIP or HA. CONCLUSIONS: The 7S collagen fragment correlated more strongly than PIIIP or HA with stage and activity grade in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. However, overlapping of results between histologically defined groups appeared to limit clinical diagnostic usefulness of all markers in individual patients.