Contrast-enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasound in solid lesions of the pancreas: results of a pilot study.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Distinguishing pancreatic adenocarcinoma from other pancreatic masses remains challenging with current imaging techniques. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of a new procedure, imaging the microcirculation pattern of the pancreas by contrast-enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasound (CEH-EUS) with a new Olympus prototype echo endoscope. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 35 patients presenting with solid pancreatic lesions were prospectively enrolled. All patients had conventional B mode and power Doppler EUS. After an intravenous bolus injection of 2.4 ml of a second-generation ultrasound contrast agent (SonoVue) CEH-EUS was then performed with a new Olympus prototype echo endoscope (xGF-UCT 180). The microvascular pattern was compared with the final diagnosis based on the pathological examination of specimens from surgery or EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) or on follow-up for at least 12 months. RESULTS: The final diagnoses were: 18 adenocarcinomas, 9 neuroendocrine tumors, 7 chronic pancreatitis, and 1 stromal tumor. Power Doppler failed to display microcirculation, whereas harmonic imaging demonstrated it in all cases. Out of 18 lesions with a hypointense signal on CEH-EUS, 16 were adenocarcinomas. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV), and accuracy of hypointensity for diagnosing pancreatic adenocarcinoma were 89 %, 88 %, 88 %, 89 %, and 88.5 %, compared with corresponding values of 72 %, 100 %, 77 %, 100 %, and 86 % for EUS-FNA. Of five adenocarcinomas with false-negative results at EUS-FNA, four had a hypointense echo signal at CEH-EUS. CONCLUSIONS: CEH-EUS with the new Olympus prototype device successfully visualizes the microvascular pattern in pancreatic solid lesions, and may be useful for distinguishing adenocarcinomas from other pancreatic masses.

[Definitive treatment of anal canal carcinoma with radiotherapy: adverse impact of a pre-radiation resection. A retrospective study of 57 patients treated with curative intent]. / Radiothérapie à visée curative du carcinome du canal anal : impact défavorable d'une résection préalable. Etude rétrospective de 57 patients traités en intention curative.

PURPOSE: To describe retrospectively the overall survival, the cancer specific survival and the tumor control in an homogeneous series of patients with epidermoid carcinoma of the anal canal treated with definitive radiotherapy; to assess the impact of brachytherapy, chemotherapy and pre-radiotherapy resection on the risk of recurrence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1997 to 2007, 57 patients (pts) presenting with an epidermoid carcinoma of the anal canal (T1: 14, T2: 33, T3-4: 10, N0: 31, N1: 19, N2: 3, N3: 4, M0: 57) were treated with definitive radiotherapy by the same radiation oncologist. The treatment included an external beam irradiation (EBRT) given to the posterior pelvis (45Gy/25 fractions) and, six weeks later, a boost delivered with interstitial brachytherapy (37/57) or external beam irradiation (20/57). Twelve pts had undergone a surgical resection of the tumour before radiotherapy. A belly board was used for EBRT in 13 pts. A concurrent platinum based chemotherapy was done in 42 pts. The mean follow-up was 57 months. RESULTS: The overall survival rate at 5 years was 89% with a cause specific survival of 96%. Five patients recurred (5-year rate: 12%: four had local relapse (5-year rate: 8%), four had groin recurrence, and distant metastases were seen in two. In univariate analysis, the risk of relapse was higher in patients who had undergone a pre-radiation excision (p=0.018), in those who did not receive chemotherapy (p=0.076) and in those who were irradiated on a belly board (p=0.049). In multivariate analysis, a pre-radiotherapy resection (p=0.084) had an inverse impact on the tumour control reaching the level of statistical significance and the use of a belly board was of marginal influence (p=0.13). CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy and chemoradiation with cisplatine-based chemotherapy cure a vast majority of patients with epidermoid carcinoma of the anal canal. Therapeutic factors that may interfere with the definition of the target volume and the patients' repositioning may decrease the efficacy of radiotherapy. Pre-radiotherapy surgical resection should be avoided.

Diagnosis of a gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma by endoscopic ultrasonography-guided biopsies in a patient with a parotid gland localization.

We report the case of a 32-year-old man with a low-grade mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma of the parotid gland associated with Sjögren syndrome. He underwent an upper endoscopy as part of the screening of a gastric localization which showed a diffuse non-specific gastritis. However, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) evidenced a focal wall thickening of the vertical portion of the smaller curvature. EUS-guided biopsies of this area disclosed a MALT lymphoma, whereas biopsies under endoscopy concluded to mild chronic gastritis. The search for Helicobacter pylori infection remained negative. Four months after treatment with anti-CD20 antibodies, EUS showed a diminution of the abnormal thickening of the second layer. Regression was confirmed histologically on new EUS-guided biopsies. MALT lymphoma is usually considered a localized disease; however, dissemination is probably more frequent than initially believed. Our case reflects the importance of a systematic screening for a gastric localization in patients with MALT lymphoma of the salivary glands. In this situation, association to autoimmune disease such as Sjögren syndrome is more likely to explain the gastric location than infection with H. pylori. Endoscopic ultrasonography has a major impact for the staging of gastric MALT lymphoma, but may also help diagnose focal infiltration by the disease.

Small-cell carcinoma of the esophagus: report of three cases and review of the literature with emphasis on therapy.

Primary small-cell carcinoma (SCC) of the esophagus is rare, with about 200 cases reported up till now in the literature. Like pulmonary SCC, it is an aggressive tumor associated with a poor prognosis. Between 1994 and 1997, three patients with SCC of the esophagus were treated at Besançon University Hospital and this represented 1.85% of all esophageal malignancies diagnosed during this period: one patient had a limited tumor and underwent initial surgical resection, then chemotherapy with cisplatine and etoposide, and radiotherapy for recurrences. The other patients had extensive disease at diagnosis and were treated by the same chemotherapy. This retrospective study reports our experience of patients with this particular tumor and outlines the management strategy based on the available literature.

Adjuvant chemotherapy for colon carcinoma with positive lymph nodes: use and benefit in routine health care practice.

In 1990, an international consensus was reached on the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy for lymph node positive (stage III) colon carcinoma (CC). This study evaluates the use and benefit of such therapy in routine health care practice. The study includes all patients with stage III CC treated by putative curative surgery (n = 182) recorded at the Geneva cancer registry between 1990 and 1996. Factors modifying chemotherapy use were determined by logistic regression, considering patients with chemotherapy as cases (n = 55) and others as controls (n = 127). The effect of chemotherapy on the 5-year survival was evaluated by the Cox model. Analyses were adjusted for possible confounders. The use of chemotherapy increased over the period (P(trend) < 0.001). Age strongly modulated chemotherapy use. In 1996, 54% of eligible patients received chemotherapy, this proportion fell to 13% after age 70. Decisions to use chemotherapy significantly depended on stage, grade and cancer site. The chance to be treated was non-significantly lower among individuals of low social class, widowed and foreigners. Chemotherapy significantly decreased mortality rates (Hazard ratio: 0.35, 95%CI: 0.18-0.68), independently of the prognostic factors and with similar benefit regardless of stage and age group. Strong beneficial effect of adjuvant chemotherapy on stage III CC can be achieved in routine practice. However, this study shows that it is probably not optimally utilised in Switzerland, particularly among the elderly.

Ischemic colitis during pregnancy and contraceptive medication.

Ischemic bowel disease is generally considered a disease of the elderly and usually consists of reversible colopathy. Nonocclusive causes of ischemic colitis include low-flow states due to cardiac dysfunction and hypovolemia and use of certain medications including progestational medication. We report 2 cases of ischemic colitis in young women. The first one occurred in a young patient who developed three consecutive episodes of ischemic colitis during her pregnancy, whereas the second woman presented with ischemic colitis in relation with the estrogen use. Each episode had a favorable outcome. Having ruled out an infectious cause, or a low blood flow state and in the absence of known thrombogenic disease, we hypothesized the etiology of these ischemic episodes to a high level of circulating estrogens due to pregnancy in the first case and oral contraceptive medication in the second. Physicians treating hemorrhagic colitis in young women should consider the use of contraceptive medication containing estrogens or pregnancy as possible causes.

[Repetitive acute pancreatitis in a late-diagnosed cystic fibrosis: prevention of relapses by octreotide in the long term]. / Poussées à répétition de pancréatite aiguë dans une mucoviscidose à révélation tardive: prévention par octréotide au long cours.

We report on the case of a 35 year-old woman who was initially admitted for acute pancreatitis in october 1995. The patient was suffering from asthma (since childhood) and diffuse abdominal pain (since adolescence). The diagnosis of cystic fibrosis was made fortuitously during a sterility evaluation. After extensive etiological screening the acute pancreatitis was considered to be a manifestation of the cystic fibrosis. Despite therapy with pancreatic enzymes, the patient continued to suffer from chronic abdominal pain. High intake of analgesics was required. Until December 1995, the patient was repeatedly admitted for episodes of acute pancreatitis. In January 1996, we initiated a preventive treatment with subcutaneous octreotide between 100 and 200 microgram, three time a day. Thereafter, there were fewer episodes of pancreatitis and the consumption of analgesics decreased. Side effects of octreotide were intermittent diarrhea and development of cholelithiasis that was complicated by biliary migration in November 1998. In June 1999, the prolonged-release form of the molecule was given without modification of the efficacy.

[Multidisciplinary management of hereditary colorectal cancer]. / Prise en charge multidisciplinaire du cancer colorectal héréditaire.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and success of multidisciplinary approach for the management of hereditary colorectal cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From November 1998 to November 2000, 32 individuals with putative familial/hereditary predisposition to colorectal cancer were investigated for adenomatous polyposis (attenuated or classical familial adenomatous polyposis coli, FAP) or for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). Amsterdam criteria (I and II) and Bethesda guidelines were used to select putative HNPCC kindreds. Clinical data including endoscopy, pathological and operative reports as well as family history were collected. Pre- and post-test genetic counseling was offered to at-risk individuals. Genetic testing included microsatellite instability (MSI) and search for germline mutations in the APC, hMSH2 and hMLH1 genes. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) of hMSH2 and hMLH1 protein expression in tumour samples was also performed. RESULTS: 11 APC mutations were characterized, whereas four mutations in HNPCC genes were found in hMSH2 (2) and in hMLH1 (2). MSI and IHC correlated completely for cases with identified pathogenic mutation (100%). CONCLUSION: A thorough evaluation and management of hereditary colorectal requires a multidisciplinary approach. Thus, more mutation carriers can be identified and benefit from appropriate genetic counselling, while non-carrier individuals are relieved from unnecessary surveillance.

Early detection of pancreatic cancer in patients with chronic pancreatitis: diagnostic utility of a K-ras point mutation in the pancreatic juice.

OBJECTIVE: Point mutations of the K-ras oncogene at codon 12 have been described several months before the onset of pancreatic cancer in isolated cases of chronic pancreatitis (CP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the interest of a prospective follow-up of patients with CP and K-ras mutations at codon 12 in the detection of early pancreatic cancer. METHODS: From February 1996 to March 1998, 36 patients (mean age 52.6 yr, 31 men, five women) with CP (alcoholic: 61.1%, pancreas divisum: 5.6%, autoimmune: 5.6%, unknown origin: 27.7%) were included and then prospectively monitored (median duration of 22 months) for detection of pancreatic carcinoma. K-ras point mutations were examined by two-step polymerase chain reaction combined with restriction enzyme digestion in pancreatic juice collected during endoscopic retrograde pancreatography. RESULTS: Ten patients (27.8%) were positive for K-ras mutation. Patients with and without the mutation were not different with respect to age and sex ratio. K-ras mutations were homogeneously distributed according to the etiology (alcoholic vs nonalcoholic) and morphological characteristics (ductal stricture or mass vs none) of CP. A pancreatic carcinoma was discovered at an invasive stage in two patients, respectively at 7 and 17 months after disclosure of a K-ras mutation, versus none in patients without the mutation (p < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Presence of a K-ras gene mutation is not rare in patients with CP and represents an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. However, its utility for the detection of early pancreatic cancer remains doubtful in clinical practice.

Treatment of mild chronic hepatitis C with interferon alpha-2b: results of a multi-centre randomized study in 80 patients.

OBJECTIVE: The natural history of mild chronic hepatitis C is not well-known and the benefit of treating this form of the disease is not well-defined. We conducted a pilot study to answer this question. DESIGN: Mild chronic hepatitis C was defined by positivity for anti-HCV antibodies, detectable serum HCV RNA by PCR, and a Knodell score < or = 5 on a liver biopsy performed within the previous 6 months. Eighty patients from six centres were randomized into two groups receiving interferon alpha-2b, 3 MU three times a week for 6 months (group 1, n = 39) or no treatment (group 2, n = 41). Sustained response was defined by the loss of detectable serum HCV RNA at 6 months after therapy. RESULTS: The two groups were not different at entry with respect to age, sex ratio, source of infection, disease duration, genotype, viral load and Knodell score. One patient (group 1) was excluded from the study, while two patients in group 1 (5%) and seven in group 2 (17.1 %) did not complete the trial. A sustained response was observed in seven patients (18%) in group 1 versus none in group 2 (P < 0.01). The difference in mean Knodell score remained non-statistically significant between the two groups at the end of the study. Reduction or interruption of interferon was necessary in eight patients (24.2%). CONCLUSIONS: This first randomized controlled study in mild chronic hepatitis C shows a proportion of sustained responders to interferon alpha-2b similar to that observed in active chronic hepatitis C.

The impact on clinical practice of endoscopic ultrasonography used for the diagnosis and staging of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

CONTEXT: Endoscopic ultrasonography is considered a highly accurate procedure for diagnosing small pancreatic tumors and assessing their locoregional extension. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of endoscopic ultrasonography on the management of pancreatic adenocarcinoma in clinical practice. PATIENTS: Sixty-four consecutive patients (mean age 70.5 plus/minus 11.9 years) hospitalized for staging or diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma were retrospectively (from January 1995 to November 1997) or prospectively studied (from December 1997 to August 1999). SETTING: Group 1 consisted of 52 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma which was discovered using computerized tomography scanning and/or ultrasound. Endoscopic ultrasonography was utilized for staging purposes only in patients who were considered to be operable and the tumor to be resectable based on computerized tomography scanning criteria. Group 2 consisted of 12 patients who were diagnosed as having a pancreatic adenocarcinoma using endoscopic ultrasonography whereas computerized tomography scanning and ultrasound was negative. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The impact of endoscopic ultrasonography was analyzed on the basis of the number of patients requiring endoscopic ultrasonography as a staging procedure (Group 1) and by evaluating the performance of endoscopic ultrasonography in determining resectability (Groups 1 and 2) based on the surgical and anatomopathological results. RESULTS: Endoscopic ultrasonography was performed in 20 out of 64 patients (31.3%): 8/52 in Group 1 (15.4%) and all 12 patients of Group 2. Endoscopic ultrasonography correctly assessed an absolute contraindication to resection in 11 cases. Resection was confirmed in 8 of the 9 cases selected by endoscopic ultrasonography. The positive predictive value, negative predictive value and overall accuracy of endoscopic ultrasonography for determining resection were 89%, 100%, and 95%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The impact of endoscopic ultrasonography seems especially relevant for the detection of pancreatic tumors after negative computerized tomography scanning, and for the prevention of unnecessary laparotomies as complementary staging after ultrasonography and computerized tomography scanning.

Randomized trial of interferon-alpha plus ursodeoxycholic acid versus interferon plus placebo in patients with chronic hepatitis C resistant to interferon.

BACKGROUND: Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) could potentiate the effect of interferon (IFN) in patients with chronic hepatitis C resistant to IFN. We compared the efficacy of IFN with that of a combination of IFN and UDCA. METHODS: Patients were randomized to receive UDCA (13-15 mg/kg/day) (n = 47) or placebo (n = 44) plus interferon (3 MU three times weekly) for 6 months and were then followed up for 6 additional months. RESULTS: At entry 30% of patients had cirrhosis, and 70% had HCV genotype 1. Five and four patients withdrew from the combination and the monotherapy groups, respectively. At 6 months alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities were significantly lower (P < 0.001) in the combination group than in the monotherapy group; the differences were no longer significant at 1 year. At 6 months ALAT activities normalized in 10 and 8 patients in the combination and the monotherapy groups, respectively (P = 0.67). In 10 of them (5 in each group) HCV RNA levels became undetectable. At 1 year four versus one patient had a sustained normalization of ALAT, and in one patient the HCV RNA became negative. There was no difference in the histologic progression. In this setting, in contrast to chronic cholestasis, UDCA administration induced an increase in total serum bile acids and did not change primary bile acids. CONCLUSIONS: An IFN plus UDCA combination is more effective than IFN alone in terms of ALAT but not in terms of the virologic response. These results favor the hypothesis that UDCA has an effect on the biochemical indices of cellular injury independent of a change in primary bile acids.

[Trends for the management of pancreatic adenocarcinoma in a hospitalized-based population (1980-1994)]. / Evolution de la prise en charge de l'adénocarcinome pancréatique dans une série hospitalière (1980-1994).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the trends for the management of pancreatic adenocarcinoma between 1980 and 1994 in a hospital-based population. METHODS: Data of patients from the Doubs department and hospitalized for pancreatic adenocarcinoma in the University Hospital of Besançon were analyzed. Two study periods were determined: 1980-1989 and 1990-1994. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty five cases were diagnosed (77 male, 58 female, mean age 65.6 +/- 12.1 years). Weight loss (62.3%), pain (52.7%) and jaundice (43.3%) were the most frequently reported symptoms. Their proportion and their duration were similar according to the period. Diagnosis of the pancreatic tumor was made by ultrasonography or tomodensitometry in 97.8% patients. Distribution of tumors according to the AJCC staging was unchanged during the study. Pre-operative screening frequently underestimated tumor stage, even in the more recent period. The rate of complete resection (18.5%) did not increase. The 5-year actuarial survival rate (3.05%) remained unchanged. A metastatic spread represented the only independent prognostic factor. CONCLUSIONS: The management and the prognosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma have not fundamentally changed. Recent imaging techniques should improve staging accuracy. Advances in adjuvant therapies represent a major issue for the future.

[Histamine-producing neuroendocrine tumor of the ampulla of Vater]. / Tumeur neuro-endocrine de l'ampoule de Vater sécrétant de l'histamine.

Neuroendocrine tumors of the ampulla of Vater are rare (less than 100 cases reported). We report here a new case characterized by histamine secretion, a hitherto unreported feature. Clinical presentation is similar to that of other tumors of the ampulla of Vater. In our observation, the patient had noticed urticaria on the right forearm for several months. Tumor of the ampulla was confirmed by endoscopic ultrasonography, while neuroendocrine characterization was assessed on biopsies after endoscopic sphincterotomy. Histamine concentration in blood was the only elevated neuroendocrine marker and returned to normal after surgical resection. Histology showed a neuroendocrine tumor with extension to lymph nodes. On immunohistochemical analysis, production of histamine was confirmed, and the diagnosis of mastocytoma was eliminated. In view of the literature, neuroendocrine tumors of the ampulla of Vater are associated with a good prognosis (5 year-survival rate: 90%) despite early lymph node involvement.

[Combined radiochemotherapy in treatment of esophageal cancers]. / Place des associations radiochimiothérapiques dans le traitement des cancers de l'oesophage.

Concomitant radiochemotherapy has totally changed the treatment of oesophagus cancer. After numerous phase II studies that indicated their feasibility and efficacy, randomised phase III studies recently demonstrated their ability to improve survival. In operable cancer, preoperative radiochemotherapy increases the overall survival in adenocarcinoma, and the disease-free survival in squamous cell cancers, in comparison to surgery alone. In locally advanced disease, radiochemotherapy is considered as standard treatment. At this moment the effective drugs are 5-fluorouracil, mitomycin C and cisplatinum. The aims of current studies are to increase further the therapeutic ratio, the ways being refinements of radiotherapy and new chemotherapy delivery modalities. Finally the efficacy of radio-chemotherapy is questionning the role of surgery in this disease.

Intraindividual variability of paracetamol absorption kinetics after a semi-solid meal in healthy volunteers.

OBJECTIVE: The absorption kinetics of paracetamol is dependent on gastric emptying and its measurement was proposed as a non-invasive method to estimate gastric emptying rate. The objective of this study was to evaluate the intraindividual variability of paracetamol absorption kinetics after a semi-solid meal. METHODS: The pharmacokinetics of paracetamol was studied on two occasions in 15 healthy volunteers without Helicobacter pylori antibodies. A 1-g dose of paracetamol was given as a solution together with a standardised semi-solid meal and the subjects stayed in the supine position. RESULTS: For most of the subjects, the time course of paracetamol concentrations was similar on the two occasions. The intraindividual variability was low, with coefficients of variation of 38.3%, 8.0% and 3.8% for time to maximum plasma concentration, maximum concentration and area under the plasma concentration - time curve until 6 h, respectively. CONCLUSION: The assessment of paracetamol absorption kinetics is reproducible when the drug is given together with a semi-solid meal in Helicobacter pylori-negative healthy subjects.

Effects of tauroursodeoxycholate solutions on cyclosporin A bioavailability in rats.

Cyclosporin A (CsA) exhibits poor bioavailability after oral administration of Sandimmune, with wide intra- and interindividual variations. Our study sought to determine the effect of the coadministration of CsA standard oily formulation and tauroursodeoxycholate (TUDC) and that of an aqueous micellar solution containing TUDC, monoolein, and CsA in promoting and regulating CsA bioavailability in the rat Pharmacokinetic parameters of CsA were determined in fasted rats after either an intravenous administration (5 mg/kg) or a single oral CsA dose of 10 mg/kg. Compared with oral Sandimmune, the CsA micellar solution significantly improved the CsA bioavailability by 160% and decreased the interindividual variability in bioavailability expressed as percent coefficient of variation from 32% to 15%. The concentration-time profile was modified with a 3.5-fold increase in C(max), a reduction of t(max), and an increased trough concentration. Bioavailability slightly improved in rats receiving standard oily solution plus concomitant TUDC, although not significantly. Data indicate that the structure of the CsA carriers greatly affect drug bioavailability and that aqueous micellar solutions of CsA-TUDC-monoolein constitute efficient vehicles, thus providing for CsA high absorption with low variability.

Localized esophageal leiomyoma and hypertrophic osteoarthropathy.

The authors report the case study of a 13-year-old girl, suffering from epigastric pain related to an important infectious syndrome and from marked hypertrophic pneumosteopathy (clubbed fingers, diffuse cortical hyperostosis). Radiological examination (chest x-ray and computed tomography scan) showed a partly calcified right posterior mediastinal mass. The esophagoscopy showed a fistular emanation from the esophagus to the tumor. The biopsy results were of no diagnostic significance, and the samples demonstrated a bacterial and fungal colonization. An endoscopic sonogram showed an inhomogeneous mass with hyperechoic structures developed between the mucosa and the outer muscular coat of the esophagus. The patient underwent surgery, which showed a large intraparietal tumor of the esophagus, which, through pathological examination, was confirmed to be a benign leiomyoma. Postoperative follow-up was simple and the pneumosteopathic symptoms regressed rapidly. This disease is rare in children under 15 years of age. It is only exceptionally associated with a hypertrophic pneumosteopathy. This pathology is diagnostically challenging to the surgeon. The endoscopic ultrasonography is the best procedure in the assessment of subepithelial tumor and extrinsic compressions of the oesophagus.

[Pseudotumor form of hepatic distomatosis: successful treatment with praziquantel]. / Forme pseudo-tumorale de distomatose hépatique: guérison par le praziquantel.

Human Fasciola hepatica infection is usually discovered either early, during the acute (invasive) phase, or in the advanced phase, which is characterized by biliary complications. We report a case of liver distomatosis with nodular intra-hepatic lesions in a 58-year-old woman. Radiological investigations showed 3 nodular lesions in the VII segment, which were difficult to distinguish from liver metastases or liver abscesses. Distomatosis serology was positive with passive hemagglutination. After a 5-day treatment with praziquantel, clinical symptoms resolved quickly while serological tests became negative. Radiological images slowly decreased to a calcified scar at 13 months. No side-effects were noted. Praziquantel, whose efficacy in the common presentations of liver distomatosis has recently been demonstrated, also seems effective and well tolerated in case of nodular intra-hepatic lesions.