Early enteral nutrition with arginine compensates for negative nitrogen balance in patients undergoing curative total gastrectomy.

The effects of early enteral arginine-rich nutrition (EAN) were analyzed among patients undergoing curative-intent total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. There were 19 patients in this prospective study, all randomly assigned to either a parenteral nutrition (PN) group or an EAN group for the first seven days after surgery. The EAN group received 1.8-fold greater arginine (10.1 g/day) compared with the PN group, which was administered through an enteral tube inserted into the jejunal loop. Both groups were provided almost identical amounts of total amino acids (54 g/day), and the total energy was set at 65% of the total requirement (25 kcal/kg/day). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, oral intake, nutritional status, or body weight. The serum arginine profile was similar in the two groups, as it decreased significantly on postoperative day (POD) 1, and gradually returned to preoperative levels by POD 7. The nitrogen balance remained negative until POD 7 in the PN group, but turned neutral at POD 7 in the EAN group. While we could not confirm body weight loss improvement, these results suggested that early arginine-rich enteral nutrition could improve the nitrogen balance after total gastrectomy. J. Med. Invest. 70 : 325-333, August, 2023.

The cholinesterase and C-reactive protein score is a potential predictor of pseudoaneurysm formation after pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with soft pancreas.

BACKGROUND: Pseudoaneurysm (PA) rupture after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is a life-threatening complication. Most PA cases originate from postoperative pancreatic fistulas (POPFs). Although several risk factors for POPF have been identified, specific risk factors for PA formation remain unclear. Therefore, we retrospectively analyzed PD cases with soft pancreas and proposed a novel strategy for early detection of PA formation. METHODS: Overall, 120 patients underwent PD between 2010 and 2020 at our institution; of these, 65 patients with soft pancreas were enrolled. We evaluated the clinicopathological factors influencing PA formation and developed a risk score to predict PA formation. RESULTS: In total, 11 of the 65 patients developed PAs (PA formation group: PAG), and 8 of these 11 PAs ruptured. The median time to PA formation was 15 days, with a minimum of 5 days. The PAG was significantly older than the non-PA formation group, were predominantly men, and had comorbid diabetes mellitus. Pre- and intra-operative findings were similar between the two groups. Importantly, no significant differences were found in postoperative drain amylase levels and total drain amylase content. Cholinesterase and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels on postoperative day (POD) 3 were significantly different between the two groups. Multivariate analysis showed that cholinesterase ≤ 112 U/L and CRP ≥ 16.0 mg/dl on POD 3 were independent predictors of PA formation. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased cholinesterase and elevated CRP on POD 3 (Cho-C score) are useful predictors of PA formation in cases with soft pancreas. In such cases, periodic computed tomography evaluations and strict drain management are necessary to prevent life-threatening hemorrhage.

Gallbladder perforation following peroral cholangioscopy-guided lithotripsy: A case report.

Peroral cholangioscopy-guided lithotripsy is highly effective in clearing difficult bile duct stones. It can cause adverse events, such as cholangitis and pancreatitis; however, gallbladder perforation is extremely rare. Herein, we describe the case of a 77-year-old woman who developed gallbladder perforation following peroral cholangioscopy -guided lithotripsy. She was referred to our hospital to treat multiple large bile duct stones. She underwent peroral cholangioscopy-guided lithotripsy because of conventional lithotripsy failure. After a cholangioscope was advanced into the bile duct, saline irrigation was used for visualization. Electronic hydraulic lithotripsy was performed, but it took time for fragmentation because the calculus was hard. The 2-h endoscopic procedure did not completely remove the stone, and treatment was discontinued after placing a biliary plastic stent and nasobiliary tube. After the endoscopic procedure, she started experiencing right hypochondrial pain, which worsened the next day. Computed tomography showed a gallbladder wall defect in the gallbladder fundus with pericholecystic fluid. She was diagnosed with gallbladder perforation and underwent emergency surgery. A perforation site was found at the gallbladder fundus. Open cholecystectomy, choledochotomy, and extraction of residual bile duct stones were performed. The patient was discharged 9 days post-surgery without any complications. The saline irrigation used for visualization may have caused a surge in intra-gallbladder pressure, resulting in gallbladder perforation. Therefore, endoscopists may need to conserve irrigation water during peroral cholangioscopy-guided lithotripsy.

Analysis of external pressure on the left calf in the Lloyd-Davies position during colorectal surgery.

PURPOSE: Well-leg compartment syndrome (WLCS) is a potentially life-threatening postoperative complication related to the Lloyd-Davies surgical position, which can place increased external pressure on the calf region. We conducted this study to analyze external pressure changes, by applying a leg holder system to the left calf region of patients placed in the Lloyd-Davies position during laparoscopic surgery. METHODS: The study participants were 50 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer in the Lloyd-Davies position. We assessed the maximum external pressure (MEP) on the left calf region using a pressure-distribution measurement system. Intraoperative measurements were taken continuously, and the MEP was evaluated with the patient horizontal and every 30 min during surgery in the head and right-down tilt position. RESULTS: The intraoperative MEP increased gradually when the patient was in the head and right-down tilt position and decreased when the patient was returned to the horizontal position. The MEP was higher in patients aged < 60 years, those who were obese, and those with a thick calf circumference. Both body mass index (BMI) and the maximum left calf circumference (MLCC) were found to correlate with the MEP. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to a high BMI, which is a well-known risk factor for WLCS, a high MLCC should be considered another risk factor, especially for patients under 60 years.

Comprehensive evaluation of three-dimensional anatomy of perigastric vessels using enhanced multidetector-row computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: To perform laparoscopic gastrectomy safely, we aimed to comprehensively re-evaluate perigastric vessel anatomies using a three-dimensional angiography reconstructed from enhanced multidetector-row computed tomography data. METHODS: Perigastric vessel anatomy was preoperatively analyzed using a multidetector-row computed tomography-based three-dimensional angiography reconstructed in 127 patients undergoing gastric surgery. RESULTS: Of the 67 left gastric veins that ran along the dorsal side of the arteries, 59 (88.1%) ran along the dorsal side of the common hepatic artery and flowed into the portal vein. In 18 cases, a common trunk of one to three left gastric arteries and the replaced left hepatic artery was observed. The left inferior phrenic artery ramified from the left gastric artery in 5.5% of the cases. The right gastric artery was classified into distal (73.2%), caudal (18.1%), and proximal (8.7%) types. The infra-pyloric artery was also classified into distal (64.6%), caudal (26.0%), and proximal (9.4%) types. The posterior gastric artery branched as a common trunk with the superior polar artery in the proximal (37.9%) and distal (18.4%) regions of the splenic artery. The left gastroepiploic artery ramified from the splenic (18.1%) and inferior terminal arteries (81.9%). No, one, and two gastric branches of the left gastroepiploic artery, which ramified between the roots of the left gastroepiploic artery and its omental branch, were found in 36.5%, 49.2%, and 14.3% of the cases, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative 3D angiography is useful for the precise evaluation of perigastric vessel anatomies, and may help us to perform laparoscopic gastrectomy and robotic surgery safely.

Saturated Fatty Acids in Cell Membrane Lipids Induce Resistance to 5-Fluorouracil in Colorectal Cancer Cells.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Resistance to chemotherapy is a major obstacle for patients with unresectable colorectal cancer (CRC); however, the factors that induce chemoresistance have not been elucidated. Lipid composition influences neoplastic behaviour. Therefore, this study examined whether lipid composition affects sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents in CRC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a lipidomic analysis of a CRC xenograft-derived spheroid model to identify potential relationships between the lipid profile and chemoresistance to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Genetic and pharmacological modulation of lipid synthesis were also used in the HCT-116 and DLD-1 CRC cell lines to further characterize resistance to 5-FU. RESULTS: Our lipidomic profiling revealed that phospholipids with saturated fatty acids (SFAs) were more abundant in 5-FU-resistant spheroids. The importance of phospholipids containing SFA in chemoresistance was confirmed by showing that in HCT-116 and DLD-1 cells, genetic or pharmacological inactivation of stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1, a key enzyme that converts SFAs to monounsaturated fatty acids, increased the proportion of SFAs in membranous phospholipids and reduced cell membrane fluidity, and this ultimately resulted in resistance to 5-FU. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the saturated to monounsaturated fatty acid ratio in cellular membranous phospholipids affects sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents.

Emergency appendectomy versus elective appendectomy following conservative treatment for acute appendicitis: a multicenter retrospective clinical study by the Japanese Society for Abdominal Emergency Medicine.

PURPOSE: To establish the best treatment strategy for acute appendicitis. METHODS: We collected data on 2142 appendectomies performed in 2017 and compared the backgrounds and surgical outcomes of patients who underwent early surgery (ES) (< 48 h) with those managed with non-ES (> 48 h). We performed a risk factor analysis to predict postoperative complications and subgroup analysis to propose a standard treatment strategy. RESULTS: The incidence of postoperative complications was significantly higher in the ES group than in the non-ES group, and significantly lower in the laparoscopic surgery group than in the laparotomy group. Surgical outcomes, including the incidence of postoperative complications, were comparable after acute surgery (< 12 h) and subacute surgery (12-48 h), following antibiotic treatment. The risk factors for postoperative complications in the ES group were a higher age, history of abdominal surgery, perforation, high C-reactive protein level, histological evidence of gangrenous or perforated appendicitis, a long operation time, and intraoperative complications. The risk factors for postoperative complications in the non-ES group were perforation and unsuccessful conservative treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Non-early appendectomy is feasible for acute appendicitis but should be applied with care in patients with risk factors for postoperative complications or failure of pretreatment, including diabetes mellitus, abscess formation, and perforation.

Comparison of operative outcomes between monopolar and bipolar coagulation in hepatectomy: a propensity score-matched analysis in a single center.

BACKGROUND: Various hemostatic devices have been utilized to reduce blood loss during hepatectomy. Nonetheless, a comparison between monopolar and bipolar coagulation, particularly their usefulness or inferiority, has been poorly documented. The aim of this study is to reveal the characteristics of these hemostatic devices. METHODS: A total of 264 patients who underwent open hepatectomy at our institution from January 2009 to December 2018 were included. Monopolar and bipolar hemostatic devices were used in 160 (monopolar group) and 104 (bipolar group) cases, respectively. Operative outcomes and thermal damage to the resected specimens were compared between these groups using propensity score matching according to background factors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictive factors for postoperative complications. RESULTS: After propensity score matching, 73 patients per group were enrolled. The monopolar group had significantly lower total operative time (239 vs. 275 min; P = 0.013) and intraoperative blood loss (487 vs. 790 mL; P < 0.001). However, the incidence rates of ascites (27.4% vs. 8.2%; P = 0.002) and grade ≥ 3 intra-abdominal infection (12.3% vs. 2.7%; P = 0.028) were significantly higher in the monopolar group. Thermal damage to the resected specimens was significantly longer in the monopolar group (4.6 vs. 1.2 mm; P < 0.001). Use of monopolar hemostatic device was an independent risk factor for ascites (odds ratio, 5.626, 95% confidence interval 1.881-16.827; P = 0.002) and severe intra-abdominal infection (odds ratio, 5.905, 95% confidence interval 1.096-31.825; P = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Although monopolar devices have an excellent hemostatic ability, they might damage the remnant liver. The use of monopolar devices can be one of the factors that increase the frequency of complications.

A comprehensive strategy for perioperative care of pancreaticoduodenectomy according to the risk stratification by pancreatic fistula and delayed gastric emptying.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is highly invasive with unsatisfactory postoperative complication rates. Nutritional and fluid management after major surgery attracts much attention with regard to the reduction in severe postoperative complications. We retrospectively analyzed PD cases and proposed a novel strategy for perioperative fluid and nutritional therapy according to the risk stratification by pancreatic fistula (PF) and delayed gastric emptying (DGE). METHODS: Between 2003 and 2018, 140 patients underwent PD at our institute of which 134 patients were enrolled. We evaluated the clinicopathological factors affecting severe (≥10%) body weight loss (BWL), factors affecting the incidence of PF and intraabdominal complications (IAC), and factors related to DGE. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis indicated that male sex, severe PF, and DGE are significant risk factors for BWL ≥10%. PF and IAC were predominantly observed in male patients and those with non-pancreatic cancer. A fluid balance ≥6000 ml on postoperative day 2 was the sole risk factor for primary DGE. Secondary DGE significantly correlated with stomach preserving PD. Importantly, the average BWL was around 15% in grade B or C secondary DGE. CONCLUSION: Severe postoperative complications resulted in significant BWL. Enteral feeding is unnecessary in cases with a hard pancreas and dilated pancreatic duct if appropriate perioperative fluid management is performed. Secondary DGE followed by PF or IAC is unavoidable to some extent, especially in the case of soft pancreas with a fine pancreatic duct. In such cases, enteral feeding with tube ileostomy should be considered, and stomach preserving PD is likely to be harmful.

Fatal pancreatic fistula after laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma with pancreaticobiliary maljunction and sphincterotomized papilla: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic juice is constantly activated by contaminated bile in patients with pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM). Here, we report a case of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for a patient with PBM and sphincterotomized papilla, resulting in fatal pancreatic fistula. CASE PRESENTATION: A 79-year-old man was diagnosed with pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm and common bile duct stones. Endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed prior to surgery. The pancreatic duct was simultaneously visualized when the contrast agent was injected into the common bile duct. Sudden bleeding was observed from the abdominal drain on postoperative day (POD) 6. Emergent stent graft placement and coil embolization were performed for bleeding from the splenic artery. On POD 9, the drainage fluid changed to yellowish in color with bile contamination. For internal drainage of the digestive fluid, endoscopic retrograde biliary tube and pancreatic drainage tube were placed. On POD 24, second emergent coil embolization was performed for bleeding from the left gastric artery. On POD 25, open abdominal drainage was performed. On POD 32, third emergent coil embolization was performed for bleeding from the gastroduodenal artery. Subsequently, remnant pancreatic resection was performed. On POD 39, massive bleeding was again observed from the abdominal drain. Emergency arterial portography revealed bleeding in the right wall of the superior mesenteric vein. The patient died of hemorrhagic shock on the same day. CONCLUSIONS: The extreme risk of severe pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy should be considered in patients with PBM and sphincterotomized papilla. In this extraordinary situation, surgeons should promptly decide whether to resect the remnant pancreas to prevent losing the patient.

Aggressive Recurrent Pancreatic Cancer Producing Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a glycoprotein which stimulates the proliferation, differentiation, and functional activation of myeloid hematopoietic cells. G-CSF-producing pancreatic cancer is rare and its prognosis is strikingly poor. A 69-year-old woman with well-to-moderately differentiated ductal adenocarcinoma (pT3N0M0, stage IIA) underwent distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy. Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 was administered for 6 months. Eleven months after surgery, periodic blood examination revealed remarkable leukocytosis (19,120/µL) without fever, which worsened 3 weeks later (36,160/µL). Furthermore, laboratory data showed elevation of the fibrin degradation product-D dimer and that the G-CSF level was high (406 pg/mL), as well as thrombopenia. Multiple liver and lung metastases were detected by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). The patient was treated with gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel, and heparin, thrombomodulin alfa, and platelet transfusion were administered concurrently. Leukocytosis and thrombopenia were alleviated after 1 course of chemotherapy. However, remarkable leukocytosis (53,480/µL) recurred on day 1 of the third course of chemotherapy. Contrast-enhanced CT showed a significantly increased number of liver metastases and lung metastases. The patient chose not to receive second-line chemotherapy and died 1 month later at the affiliated hospital. Pancreatic cancer producing G-CSF shows very aggressive behavior. Leukocytosis without infection during routine observation should be considered as a warning of a rapidly growing recurrence.

Multimodal therapy with surgery and adjuvant nivolumab for late-onset multiple liver metastases of choroidal malignant melanoma: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Choroidal malignant melanoma is the most common primary malignant tumor of the eye in adults. Prognosis after recurrence of this disease has been dismal because of the absence of an effective therapy. However, resection of recurrent foci and a subsequent treatment with immune-checkpoint inhibitor may improve the prognosis after recurrence of this disease. This study presents a case of late-onset liver metastases of choroidal malignant melanoma, successfully treated with hepatectomy and postoperative adjuvant nivolumab. CASE PRESENTATION: A 53-year-old woman had undergone left ocular enucleation because of choroidal malignant melanoma 13 years prior to admission. She visited a nearby clinic with complaints of epigastric pain. She was referred to our hospital because a giant liver tumor was observed on abdominal ultrasonography. Enhanced computed tomography revealed multiple liver tumors in the right lobe, 49 mm in diameter with ring enhancement in subsegment (S) 5/6, and 14 and 8 mm without any enhancement in S7 and S5, respectively. On magnetic resonance imaging, the main tumor showed high intensity on T1-weighted with fat suppression, suggesting melanin deposition. Based on the diagnosis of multiple liver metastases of choroidal malignant melanoma, right hepatectomy and regional lymphadenectomy were performed. She was discharged without postoperative complications. Histological examination revealed that all tumors were metastatic malignant melanoma. She was treated with nivolumab postoperatively, and no recurrences were observed during 22 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Aggressive surgery plus adjuvant nivolumab appears to be a promising treatment for choroidal malignant melanoma with late-onset liver metastases.

Tenascin C in the Tumor-Nerve Microenvironment Enhances Perineural Invasion and Correlates With Locoregional Recurrence in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: Perineural invasion is common in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and worsens the postoperative prognosis. Tenascin C (TNC), an extracellular matrix glycoprotein, modulates tumor progression. We evaluated the functional roles of TNC, especially in perineural invasion of PDAC. METHODS: We examined immunohistochemical TNC expression in 78 resected PDAC specimens. The relationships between TNC expression and clinicopathological features were retrospectively analyzed. Interactions between cancer cells and nerves with TNC supplementation were investigated using an in vitro coculture model with PDAC cell line and mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG). RESULTS: Tenascin C expression was predominant in perineural sites at the invasive tumor front. High perineural TNC expression in 30 patients (38%) was associated with perineural invasion, pathological T stage ≥3, and postoperative locoregional recurrence. High TNC expression was independently associated with postoperative, poor recurrence-free survival by multivariate analysis. In the in vitro coculture model, a TNC-rich matrix enhanced both PDAC cell colony extensions toward nerves and DRG axonal outgrowth toward cancer cell colonies, whereas TNC did not affect axonal outgrowth or cancer cell proliferation in separately cultured DRG and PDAC cells. CONCLUSIONS: Strong perineural TNC expression indicated poor prognosis with locoregional recurrence. The neurotropism of TNC-induced PDAC suggests that TNC is a potential PDAC therapeutic target.

Decompressive laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome resulting from severe acute pancreatitis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is associated with mortality in patients with critical illness such as severe acute pancreatitis, but it remains unclear whether decompressive laparotomy for ACS can improve the prognosis of patients. CASE PRESENTATION: A woman in her 60s visited our hospital because of upper abdominal pain. On the basis of her laboratory data and abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography findings, acute gallstone pancreatitis was diagnosed. She underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy for the removal of the common bile duct stone. Then, a drainage tube was placed in the bile duct. However, on the 5th hospital day, her intra-abdominal pressure increased to 22 mmHg and renal dysfunction was observed, which led to the diagnosis of ACS. As intensive medical treatments did not improve her ACS, she underwent decompressive laparotomy on the 9th hospital day. Postoperatively, her laboratory data and intravesical pressure improved, and she was discharged from the hospital after abdominal closure, continuous drainage, and antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSION: As the effectiveness of decompressive laparotomy for ACS has not been established, this treatment indication remains controversial. Decompressive laparotomy is considered useful for the management of ACS, if it is performed at an appropriate time, as in the present case.

[Simultaneous occurrence of an ampullary neuroendocrine tumor and multiple duodenal/jejunal gastrointestinal stromal tumors in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1].

A 60-year-old female visited our hospital because of the identification of two duodenal tumors on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy performed for the investigation of anemia. The oral ampullary tumor was proven to be a neuroendocrine tumor (NET) on endoscopic biopsy. However, biopsy was not performed for the anal submucosal tumor (SMT) in the third duodenal portion because the tumor was included in the planned resection area. Multiple dermal soft tumors and café-au-lait spots were noted;her mother and daughter showed the same symptoms. The patient was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Laparotomy revealed more than 10 nodules at the serosal surface of the duodenum and proximal jejunum. Pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed with an additional 30-cm length of the jejunum that included most of the protruding tumors. Pathologically, the ampullary tumor and the other duodenal/jejunal SMTs were NET G2 and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), respectively. Here, we report the rare case of simultaneous occurrence of an ampullary NET and multiple duodenal/jejunal GISTs in a patient with NF1.

Body weight loss after surgery affects the continuity of adjuvant chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative chemotherapy is beneficial for many pancreatic cancer patients. However, some patients require dose reduction or the discontinuation of adjuvant chemotherapy because of adverse treatment-related effects. In this study, we aimed to evaluate two main outcomes. First, we evaluated the clinicopathological factors affecting patient disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) following upfront surgery. Second, we evaluated the factors that influence the continuity of adjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS: Fifty-four patients with resected pancreatic cancer were enrolled. First, we evaluated the clinicopathological factors affecting postoperative survival using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression method. Next, factors affecting the continuity of adjuvant chemotherapy were analyzed using multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that positive LN metastasis (HR (95% CI) 6.329 (2.381-16.95); p < 0.001) and relative dose intensity (RDI) < 80% for adjuvant chemotherapy (HR (95% CI) 5.154 (1.761-15.15); p = 0.003) were independent predictive factors for DFS. Regarding OS, extended dissection of the nerve plexus around the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) (HR (95% CI) 4.504 (1.721-11.76); p = 0.002), positive microscopic surgical margin (HR (95% CI) 5.565 (1.724-17.96); p = 0.004), and adjuvant chemotherapy of RDI < 80% (HR (95% CI) 3.534 (1.135-2.667); p = 0.029) were also independent predictive factors. Moreover, the level of RDI significantly correlated with DFS and OS. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that low RDI was significantly associated with postoperative body weight loss (BWL) ≥ 10%. CONCLUSIONS: The following factors were significantly associated with poor survival: extended dissection of the nerve plexus around the SMA, lymph node metastasis, residual tumor, and RDI of the adjuvant chemotherapy. Patient's prognosis with adjuvant chemotherapy of RDI < 80% was worse. BWL ≥10% was the most important factor affecting the continuity of adjuvant chemotherapy. Perioperative nutritional intervention is necessary for patients who receive adjuvant chemotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer.

Hepatic angiomyolipoma with early drainage veins into the hepatic and portal vein.

Hepatic angiomyolipoma (AML) is a rare stromal tumor composed of variable admixtures of thick-walled vessels, smooth muscles and adipose tissue. One of the specific radiological findings of hepatic AML is an early drainage vein noted via enhanced computed tomography (CT). We report a case of hepatic AML showing early drainage veins into both the hepatic and portal vein. The case involved a 46-year-old woman who was referred to our hospital because of a giant hepatic tumor. CT revealed well-enhanced 14 cm and 1 cm tumors in the left and right lobes, respectively. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated the existence of adipose tissues in the larger tumor. Hepatic arteriography revealed early drainage veins draining into both the hepatic and portal vein. Based on a diagnosis of hepatic AML, left hepatectomy and partial hepatectomy were performed. Pathology revealed both tumors as hepatic AML based on human melanoma black-45 immuno-positivity. Hepatic AML with early drainage veins into both the hepatic and portal vein is rare. The dilated and retrogressive vein drains the abundant arterial blood flow of the tumor. The finding of early drainage veins into not only the hepatic vein but also the portal vein should be helpful for diagnosing hepatic AMLs.

Lethal Bleeding from a Duodenal Cancerous Ulcer Communicating with the Superior Mesenteric Artery in a Patient with Pancreatic Head Cancer.

Pancreatic cancer often invades the duodenum and causes obstruction, but rarely causes massive duodenal bleeding. A 68-year-old male was admitted to our hospital because of vomiting. Enhanced abdominal CT showed a hypovascular tumor with air bubbles in the uncinate process of the pancreas. The tumor invaded the duodenum and metastasized to the liver and peritoneum. The main trunk of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) was circumferentially involved. After admission, he had hematemesis and melena. Emergency gastroduodenoscopy revealed pulsating vessels in the third portion of the duodenum and he eventually experienced hemorrhagic shock. Severe bleeding occurred from his mouth and anus like a catastrophic flood. It was difficult to sustain blood pressure even with massive blood transfusion with pumping. After insertion of an intra-aortic balloon occlusion catheter, the massive bleeding was eventually stopped. Although we attempted interventional radiography, aortography revealed direct communication between the main SMA trunk and the duodenal lumen. The tumor was considered anatomically and oncologically unresectable. Thus, we did not perform further intervention. The patient died 2 h after angiography. Herein, we report the case of pancreatic head cancer causing lethal bleeding associated with tumor-involved SMA. Duodenal bleeding associated with pancreatic cancer invasion should be considered as an oncogenic emergency.

Role of caveolin-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma arising from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

The molecular features of hepatocellular carcinoma arising from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD-HCC) are not well known. In this study, we investigated the mechanism by which NAFLD-HCC survives in a fat-rich environment. We found that caveolin (CAV)-1 was overexpressed in clinical specimens from NAFLD-HCC patients. HepG2, HLE, and HuH-7 HCC cell lines showed decreased proliferation in the presence of the saturated fatty acids palmitic acid and stearic acid, although only HLE cells expressed high levels of CAV-1. HLE cells treated with oleic acid (OA) showed robust proliferation, whereas CAV-null HepG2 cells showed reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis. CAV-1 knockdown in HLE cells attenuated the OA-induced increase in proliferation and enhanced apoptosis. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the levels of OA-containing ceramide, a pro-apoptotic factor, were higher in HepG2 and CAV-1-deficient HLE cells than in HLE cells, suggesting that CAV-1 inhibits apoptosis by decreasing the level of OA-containing ceramide. These results indicate that CAV-1 is important for NAFLD-HCC survival in fatty acid-rich environments and is a potential therapeutic target.