Gastrointestinal malignancies in pregnancy.

Gastrointestinal malignancies, though uncommon in pregnancy, present several unique challenges with regards to diagnosis, staging, and treatment. Imaging the pregnant patient with a suspected or confirmed GI malignancy requires modifications to the radiologic modality of choice and protocol in order to minimize harm to the fetus, ensure accuracy in diagnosis and staging and guide treatment decisions. In this review article, we discuss the imaging approach to the pregnant patient with GI cancer, including safe radiologic modalities and modifications to imaging protocols. We also review the most common GI cancers encountered in pregnancy, including colorectal, pancreatic, gastric, and small bowel tumors, with emphasis to imaging findings, staging, and treatment considerations.

Pancreaticoduodenal Groove: Spectrum of Disease and Imaging Features.

The pancreaticoduodenal groove (PDG) is a small space between the pancreatic head and duodenum where vital interactions between multiple organs and physiologic processes take place. Muscles, nerves, and hormones perform a coordinated dance, allowing bile and pancreatic enzymes to aid in digestion and absorption of critical nutrition. Given the multitude of organs and cells working together, a variety of benign and malignant entities can arise in or adjacent to this space. Management of lesions in this region is also complex and can involve observation, endoscopic resection, or challenging surgeries such as the Whipple procedure. The radiologist plays an important role in evaluation of abnormalities involving the PDG. While CT is usually the first-line examination for evaluation of this complex region, MRI offers complementary information. Although features of abnormalities involving the PDG can often overlap, understanding the characteristic imaging and pathologic features generally allows categorization of disease entities based on the suspected organ of origin and the presence of ancillary features. The goal of the authors is to provide radiologists with a conceptual approach to entities implicating the PDG to increase the accuracy of diagnosis and assist in appropriate management or presurgical planning. They briefly discuss the anatomy of the PDG, followed by a more in-depth presentation of the features of disease categories. A table summarizing the entities that occur in this region by underlying cause and anatomic location is provided. ©RSNA, 2022.

Sarcopenia and systemic inflammation are associated with decreased survival after cytoreductive nephrectomy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: This study was aimed at assessing the associations of sarcopenia, muscle density, adiposity, and inflammation with overall survival (OS) after cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. METHODS: In all, 158 patients undergoing CN from 2001 to 2014 had digitized preoperative imaging for tissue segmentation via Slice-O-Matic software (version 5.0) at the mid-L3 level. The skeletal muscle index was calculated with the skeletal muscle area (cm2 ) normalized for height (m2 ), and the skeletal muscle density (SMD) was calculated with average Hounsfield units. Adiposity was measured with the cross-sectional area (cm2 ) of visceral, subcutaneous, and intramuscular adiposity compartments and was similarly normalized for height. The average fat density was obtained in Hounsfield units. OS was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. Associations between body composition, inflammation metrics, and relevant clinicopathology and OS were assessed with univariable and multivariate Cox analyses. RESULTS: Seventy-six of the 158 patients (48%) were sarcopenic. Sarcopenia was associated with elevated neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios (NLRs; P = .02), increased age (P = .001), lower body mass indices (P = .009), greater modified Motzer scores (P = .019), and lower SMD (P = .006). The median OS was 15.0 and 29.4 months for sarcopenic and nonsarcopenic patients, respectively (P = .04). Elevated inflammation (NLR or C-reactive protein), in addition to sarcopenia, was independently associated with OS, with an elevated NLR ≥ 3.5 and sarcopenia associated with the poorest OS at 10.2 months. No associations were observed between measurements of muscle density or adiposity and OS. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia and measures of high systemic inflammation are additively associated with inferior OS after CN and may be of use in preoperative risk stratification. LAY SUMMARY: Body composition and sarcopenia (a deficiency in skeletal musculature) have been shown to affect outcomes in cancer. We found that sarcopenic patients had poor survival in comparison with nonsarcopenic patients in the setting of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Patients with both elevated inflammation and sarcopenia had the poorest survival. Sarcopenia is an objective measure of nutrition that can assist in therapeutic counseling and decision-making for individualized treatment in mRCC.

Left renal vein nutcracker syndrome and concurrent IVC duplication: Surgical treatment.

Multiple vascular anomalies may be encountered in patients with nutcracker syndrome; further compounding the surgical complexity in managing this condition. A 28-year-old male presented with persistent flank pain and hematuria. Imaging revealed narrowing of the left renal vein at the aortomesenteric junction, and a dilated vein consistent with the left gonadal vein. On surgical exploration, a duplicated IVC was found. The patient underwent a right caval-to-left caval bypass using a cryopreserved femoral vein homograft. The surgery was well tolerated and completely resolved the patient's symptoms.

Micro-habits for life-long learning.

Radiology is a demanding career that requires a thorough understanding of evolving knowledge in both medical imaging and technology. Competing interests such as-familial obligations, clinical practice, committee meetings, and research projects-often leave little time for self-care and regular review of current medical literature. Healthy habits can be difficult to maintain, but micro-habits are more manageable and their benefits compound over time. Based on the book, Atomic Habits by James Clear, we discuss a micro-habit toolkit which includes: a two-minute rule, habit-stacking, environmental cues, task prioritization/automatization, habit tracking, and accountability. We offer practical suggestions for radiologists to incorporate this toolkit into their daily lives to become healthy life-long learners.

New blood: trainee and early career engagement augmenting the society of abdominal radiology experience.

Many national radiology societies are recognizing the need for early career and trainee engagement as crucial to keeping their societies relevant, active, and invigorated with new ideas. In this descriptive paper, we review the benefits of establishing the Society of Abdominal Radiology's Resident and Fellow Section and Early Career Committee-including our activities and experience, advice for committee structure, and opportunities for growth.

Sarcopenia and modified Glasgow Prognostic Score predict postsurgical outcomes in localized renal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Body composition and inflammation are gaining importance for prognostication in cancer. This study investigated the individual and combined utility of the preoperative skeletal muscle index (SMI) and the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) for estimating postoperative outcomes in patients with localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC) undergoing nephrectomy. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective review of 352 patients with localized RCC. SMI was measured via computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Patients met the criteria for sarcopenia by body mass index- and sex-stratified thresholds. Multivariable and Kaplan-Meier analyses of associations of sarcopenia and mGPS with overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were performed. Variables were analyzed independently and combined into risk groups: low risk (nonsarcopenic, low mGPS), medium risk (sarcopenia only), medium risk (inflammation only), and high risk (sarcopenic, high mGPS). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyze risk groups in comparison with the Stage, Size, Grade, and Necrosis (SSIGN) score and the modified International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) score. RESULTS: The majority of the patients were at stage pT3 (63%), 39.5% of the patients were sarcopenic, and 19.3% had an elevated mGPS at the baseline. The median follow-up time was 30.4 months. Sarcopenia and mGPS were independently associated with worse OS (hazard ratio for sarcopenia, 1.64; P = .006; hazard ratio for mGPS, 1.72; P = .012), CSS, and RFS. Risk groups had an increasing association with worse RFS (P = .015) and CSS (P = .004) but not OS (P = .087). ROC analyses demonstrated a higher area under the curve for risk groups in comparison with the SSIGN and IMDC scores at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia and an elevated mGPS were associated with worse clinical outcomes in this study of patients with localized RCC. This has implications for preoperative prognostication and treatment decision-making. LAY SUMMARY: Kidney cancer is a disease with a wide variety of outcomes. Among patients undergoing surgical removal of the kidney for cancer that has not spread beyond the kidney, many are cured, but some experience recurrence. Physicians are seeking ways to better predict who is at risk for recurrence or death from kidney cancer. This study has evaluated body composition and markers of inflammation before surgery to predict the risk of recurrence or death after surgery. Specifically, low muscle mass and an elevated inflammation score (the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score) have been associated with an increased likelihood of recurrence of kidney cancer and death.

Peer Learning Through Multi-Institutional Case Conferences: Abdominal and Cardiothoracic Radiology Experience.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: We describe a model of multi-institutional, multisociety, online case conferences that is a case-based group discussion of selected (nonrandom) cases which are subsequently hosted on social media and online platforms (e.g., YouTube, websites) to be available for a wider audience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using online conferencing software (Zoom, GoToMeeting), participants from both abdominal and cardiothoracic radiologists engage in separate, subspecialty one-hour meetings discussing a variety of meaningful cases. Participants take turns presenting their cases to the group and discuss significant findings, interpretations, differential diagnoses, and any other teaching points. All of the case conferences for both societies are recorded and edited to be uploaded on YouTube and their respective websites. RESULTS: Participants from these conferences log in from 14 institutions in 7 states across the United States. The YouTube videos reach thousands of people around the world. The abdominal case conference on YouTube has received almost 1,300 views with 90 videos uploaded. The thoracic (the Society of Thoracic Radiology) case conference has been running for over 7 years, with 226 videos uploaded to YouTube and 38,200 views, 1426 subscribers, and a total watch time of over 525,800 minutes. Twitter has been utilized by both groups to promote online viewership. CONCLUSION: Our model is feasible and effective compared to traditional peer review. The cases selected are deliberate and focused on quality improvement and/or education. We harness online engagement, specifically social media presence, which has opened new opportunities to educate our peers and reach a global audience, including the nonradiologic community, to learn about radiology and unique practices.

Quantification of body composition in renal cell carcinoma patients: Comparing computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging measurements.

PURPOSE: Body composition measures provide valuable information for prognostication and treatment election in cancer patients. We investigated the novel use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for skeletal muscle and adipose tissue cross-sectional area measurements in preoperative renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RCC patients with pre-operative CT and MRI abdominal imaging were identified. Semi-automatic segmentation measurement of skeletal muscle area (SMA), intramuscular fat area (IMFA), visceral fat area (VFA), subcutaneous fat area (SFA), linear measurements of psoas, paraspinal muscles were performed. Pearson correlation coefficients, Bland-Altman plot analyses were done. Multivariable regression analysis examined the relationship between patient characteristics and skeletal muscle. RESULTS: Image analysis was performed on 58 RCC patients with preoperative CT and MRI imaging. For segmentation measures, r = 0.99, 0.99, 0.99, and 0.98 for SMA, IMFA, VFA, SFA, respectively, and 0.96 for linear measures of skeletal muscle. Bland-Altman analysis revealed a bias toward larger CT value for SMA (1.35 %), linear muscle measures (2.79 %), and SFA (10.34 %), and toward larger MRI values for IMFA (0.75 %) and VFA (5.81 %). ECOG ≥ 1 was associated with lower skeletal muscle than ECOG 0 for all measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Strong correlation of CT and MRI cross sectional measurements of skeletal muscle and adipose tissues supports the use of axial MRI images for comprehensive measurement of body composition. This has widespread implications for body composition research and cancer patient care.

Variant anatomy of the biliary system as a cause of pancreatic and peri-ampullary cancers.

BACKGROUND: The cause of most pancreatic and periampullary cancers (PAC) is unknown. Recently, anatomic variations such as pancreatobiliary maljunction have been recognized as risk factors, similar to Barrett-related gastro-esophageal cancers. METHODS: Pre-operative MRI from 860 pancreatic/biliary resections, including 322 PACs, were evaluated for low-union (cystic duct joining the common hepatic duct inside of the pancreas or within 5 mm of the pancreatic border) RESULTS: Low-union, seen <10% of the population, was present in 44% of PACs (73% distal bile duct/cholangiocarcinoma, 42% pancreatic head, and 34% ampullary). It was significantly lower(11%) in conditions without connection to the ductal system (thus not exposed to the ductal/biliary tract contents), namely mucinous cystic neoplasms and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas(p < 0.0001). Intra-pancreatic type low-union was seen in 16% of PACs versus 2% of controls(p < 0.0001). DISCUSSION: This study establishes an association between low-union and PACs, and points to an anatomy-induced chemical/bilious carcinogenesis. This may explain why most pancreas cancers are in the head. It is possible that the same chemical milieu, caused by conditions other than low-union/insertion, may also play a role in the remaining half of PACs. This opens various treatment opportunities including milieu modifications (chemoprevention), focused screening of at-risk patients, and early detection with possible corrective actions.

Neoadjuvant Cabozantinib in an Unresectable Locally Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma Patient Leads to Downsizing of Tumor Enabling Surgical Resection: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Cabozantinib (XL-184) is a small molecule inhibitor of the tyrosine kinases c-Met, AXL, and VEGFR2 that has been shown to reduce tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis. After the promising results from the METEOR and CABOSUN trials, cabozantinib was approved for use in the first- and second-line setting in patients with advanced RCC. Previously, targeted therapies have been used in the neoadjuvant setting for tumor size reduction and facilitating nephrectomies. The increased response rates with cabozantinib in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), along with the other neoadjuvant TKI data, strongly support an expanded role for cabozantinib in the neoadjuvant setting. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report on a 59-year-old gentleman presenting with an unresectable 21.7 cm left renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with extension to soft tissue and muscles of the thoracic cage, psoas muscle, posterior abdominal wall, tail of pancreas, splenic flexure of colon, and inferior margin of spleen. Presurgical, neoadjuvant systemic therapy with cabozantinib was initiated for 11 months in total. Initially after 2 months of cabozantinib, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a significant reduction (44.2%) in tumor diameter from 21.7 to 12.1 cm with decreased extension into adjacent structures. After 11 months total of cabozantinib, the corresponding MRI showed grossly stable size of the tumor and significant resolution of invasion of adjacent structures. After washout of cabozantinib, radical resection, including nephrectomy, was successfully performed without any major complications, either intra-operative or perioperative. Negative margins were achieved. CONCLUSIONS: This is a report of neoadjuvant cabozantinib downsizing a tumor and enabling surgical resection in this patient with locally advanced RCC. Our findings demonstrate that neoadjuvant cabozantinib to facilitate subsequent surgical resection may be a feasible option for patients presenting with unresectable RCC.

Peer Learning Through Multi-Institutional Web-based Case Conferences: Perceived Value (and Challenges) From Abdominal, Cardiothoracic, and Musculoskeletal Radiology Case Conference Participants.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Peer learning is a case-based group-learning model intended to improve performance. In this descriptive paper, we describe multi-institutional, multi-subspecialty, web-based radiology case conferences and summarize the participants' experiences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A semi-structured, 27-question survey was administered to radiologists participating in abdominal, cardiothoracic, and musculoskeletal case conferences. Survey questions included demographics, perceived educational value and challenges experienced. Survey question formats were continuous, binary, five-point Likert scale or text-based. The measures of central tendencies, proportions of responses and patterns were tabulated. RESULTS: From 57 responders, 12/57 (21.1%) were abdominal, 16/57 (28.1%) were cardiothoracic, and 29/57 (50.8%) were musculoskeletal conference participants; 50/56 (89.3%) represented academic practice. Median age was 45 years (range 35-74); 43/57 (75.4%) were male. Geographically, 16/52 (30.8%) of participants were from the East Coast, 16/52 (30.8%) Midwest, 18/52 (34.6%) West Coast, and 2/52 (3.8%) International. The median reported educational value was 5/5 (interquartile range 5-5). Benefits of the case conference included education (50/95, 52.6%) and networking (39/95, 41.1%). Participants reported presenting the following cases: "great call" 32/48 (66.7%), learning opportunity 32/48 (66.7%), new knowledge 41/49 (83.7%), "zebras" 46/49 (93.9%), and procedural-based 16/46 (34.8%). All 51/51 (100%) of responders reportedly gained new knowledge, 49/51 (96.1%) became more open to group discussion, 34/51 (66.7%) changed search patterns, and 50/51 (98%) would continue to participate. Reported challenges included time zone differences and support from departments for a protected time to participate. CONCLUSION: Peer learning through multi-institutional case conferences provides educational and networking opportunities. Current challenges and desires include having department-supported protected time and ability to receive continuing medical education credit.

Imaging of the female urethra.

Female urethral pathology can be challenging to diagnose clinically due to non-specific symptoms. High-resolution MRI has become a powerful tool in the diagnosis of urethral lesions and staging of malignancy. Additionally, dynamic MRI, fluoroscopy or ultrasound can evaluate for pelvic floor prolapse and the effectiveness of surgical interventions. This article will review the imaging features of common benign and malignant conditions of the female urethra including diverticula, benign cystic and solid lesions, malignancy, surgical slings, and injection of bulking agents.

Serous Cystadenoma of the Pancreas With Complex Florid Papillary Architecture: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Serous cystadenoma (SCA) is a relatively rare benign pancreatic neoplasm. It has a very distinctive gross and microscopic appearance including pure and mixed microcystic and macrocystic patterns as well as rare solid architectural pattern. In this article, we present a rare case of SCA with a complex florid papillary architecture. A 40-year-old man was diagnosed with a 3.5 cm SCA of the uncinate process of the pancreas based on abdominal computed tomography scan. The tumor was monitored radiographically until recent magnetic resonance imaging showed a new 1.0-cm eccentric mural nodule within the tumor with multiple arterial enhancing septations and features suspicious for a neuroendocrine tumor. A pylorus-preserving Whipple procedure was subsequently performed and the mass was resected. Gross examination confirmed the radiological findings of a well-demarcated, 3.5 cm multicystic pancreatic lesion with a 1.0 cm circumscribed, tan solid nodule at its periphery. Microscopic evaluation revealed a predominantly microcystic pattern classical of SCA with occasional macrocysts. The 1.0 cm discrete nodule was also a SCA, but showed unusually exuberant complex papillary growth. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case describing this morphologic variant. Recognition of this rare and unusual pattern is important to avoid misdiagnosis, especially on small biopsy specimens.

Cecal bascule as a cause of postoperative nausea and abdominal pain.

Cecal bascule is a unique form of large bowel volvulus in which the cecum folds anterior to the ascending colon and generates a flap valve which impairs cecal emptying and results in cecal dilation [1]. Presenting symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, distension, and constipation. We report a case of a 74-year-old male who developed abdominal pain and nausea after a coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Imaging demonstrated an enlarged cecum measuring up to 17.7 cm as well as upstream small bowel dilation. The patient underwent nasogastric tube and endoscopic decompression, relieving his cecal dilation and symptoms.

Is hepatectomy safe following Yttrium-90 therapy? A multi-institutional international experience.

BACKGROUND: Single institution reports demonstrate variable safety profiles when liver-directed therapy with Yttrium-90 (Y-90) is followed by hepatectomy. We hypothesized that in well-selected patients, hepatectomy after Y90 is feasible and safe. METHODS: Nine institutions contributed data for patients undergoing Y90 followed by hepatectomy (2008-2017). Clinicopathologic and perioperative data were analyzed, with 90-day morbidity and mortality as primary endpoints. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients were included. Median age was 59 (20-75) and 62% were male. Malignancies treated included hepatocellular cancer (n = 14; 30%), colorectal cancer (n = 11; 23%), cholangiocarcinoma (n = 8; 17%), neuroendocrine (n = 8; 17%) and other tumors (n = 6). The distribution of Y-90 treatment was: right (n = 30; 64%), bilobar (n = 14; 30%), and left (n = 3; 6%). Median future liver remnant (FLR) following Y90 was 44% (30-78). Resections were primarily right (n = 16; 34%) and extended right (n = 14; 30%) hepatectomies. The median time to resection from Y90 was 196 days (13-947). The 90-day complication rate was 43% and mortality was 2%. Risk factors for Clavien-Dindo Grade>3 complications included: number of Y-90-treated lobes (OR 4.5; 95% CI1.14-17.7; p = 0.03), extent of surgery (p = 0.04) and operative time (p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that hepatectomy following Y-90 is safe in well-selected populations. This multi-disciplinary treatment paradigm should be more widely studied, and potentially adopted, for patients with inadequate FLR.

MRI quantitation of abdominal skeletal muscle correlates with CT-based analysis: implications for sarcopenia measurement.

Sarcopenia is associated with poor outcomes in a variety of conditions, including malignancy. Abdominal skeletal muscle area (SMA) segmentation using computed tomography (CT) has been shown to be an accurate surrogate for identifying sarcopenia. While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) segmentation of SMA has been validated in cadaver limbs, few studies have validated abdominal SMA segmentation using MRI at lumbar level mid-L3. Our objective was to assess the reproducibility and concordance of CT and MRI segmentation analyses of SMA at mid-L3. This retrospective analysis included a random sample of 10 patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and CT abdomen/pelvis, used to assess intra-observer variability of SMA measurements using CT. An additional sample of 9 patients with RCC and both CT and T2-weighted (T2w) MRI abdomen/pelvis was used to assess intra-observer variability of SMA using MRI and concordance of SMA between MRI and CT. SMA was segmented using Slice-O-Matic. SMA reproducibility was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). SMA concordance was analyzed using Bland-Altman plot and Pearson correlation coefficient. The intra-observer variability of CT and MRI SMA at mid-L3 was low, with ICC of 0.998 and 0.985, respectively. Bland-Altman analysis revealed bias of 0.74% for T2w MRI over CT. The Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.997 (p < 0.0001), demonstrating strong correlation between CT and T2w MRI. Abdominal SMA at mid-L3 is reproducibly segmented for both CT and T2w MRI, with strong correlation between the 2 modalities. T2w MRI can be used interchangeably with CT for assessment of SMA and sarcopenia. This finding has important clinical implications.

Hepatobiliary Mucinous Cystic Neoplasms With Ovarian Type Stroma (So-Called "Hepatobiliary Cystadenoma/Cystadenocarcinoma"): Clinicopathologic Analysis of 36 Cases Illustrates Rarity of Carcinomatous Change.

The literature is highly conflicting on hepatobiliary mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs), aka "hepatobiliary cystadenoma/cystadenocarcinoma," largely because ovarian stroma (OS) was not a requirement until WHO-2010 and is not widely applied even today. In this study, MCNs (with OS) accounted for 24 of 229 (11%) resected hepatic cysts in one institution. Eight of the 32 (25%) cysts that had been originally designated as hepatobiliary cystadenoma/cystadenocarcinoma at the time of diagnosis proved not to have an OS during this review and were thus re-classified as non-MCN. In total, 36 MCNs (with OS) were analyzed-24 from the institutional files and 12 consultation cases. All were women. Mean age was 51 (28 to 76 y). Mean size was 11 cm (5 to 23 cm). Most (91%) were intrahepatic and in the left lobe (72%). Preoperative imaging mentioned "neoplasm" in 14 (47%) and carcinoma was a differential in 6 (19%) but only 2 proved to have carcinoma. Microscopically, only 47% demonstrated diffuse OS (>75% of the cyst wall/lining); OS was often focal. The cyst lining was often composed of non-mucinous biliary epithelium, and this was predominant in 50% of the cases. Degenerative changes of variable amount were seen in most cases. In situ and invasive carcinoma was seen in only 2 cases (6%), both with small invasion (7 and 8 mm). Five cases had persistence/recurrence, 2 confirmed operatively (at 7 mo and 15 y). Of the 2 cases with carcinoma, one had "residual cyst or hematoma" by radiology at 4 months, and the other was without disease at 3 years. In conclusion, many cysts (25%) previously reported as hepatobiliary cystadenoma/cystadenocarcinoma are not MCNs. True MCNs are uncommon among resected hepatic cysts (11%), occur exclusively in females, are large, mostly intrahepatic and in the left lobe (72%). Invasive carcinomas are small and uncommon (6%) compared with their pancreatic counterpart (16%). Recurrences are not uncommon following incomplete excision.

Granulomatous Inflammation of the Penis and Scrotum Following Application of Topical Cream.

Granulomas are collections of histiocytes that develop as an inflammatory response to bacterial and fungal infections, as well as foreign substances. We discuss here the case of a 49-year-old male who presented with a penile and scrotal mass with granulomatous inflammation, after application of a topical cream for enhancement of erectile function. While granuloma formation can often be seen with penile injections, this case presents the rare development of a foreign body granuloma after topical cream application on the penis and scrotum.