CXCL10 and its receptor in patients with chronic hepatitis B and their ability to predict HBeAg seroconversion during antiviral treatment with TDF.

The serum chemokine C-X-C motif ligand-10 (CXCL10) and its unique receptor (CXCR3) may predict the prognosis of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) treated with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). Nevertheless, there are few reports on the profile of CXCL10 and CXCR3 and their clinical application in HBeAg (+) CHB patients during TDF antiviral therapy. CXCL10 and CXCR3 were determined in 118 CHB patients naively treated with TDF for at least 96 weeks at baseline and at treatment weeks 12 and 24. In addition, gene set enrichment analysis was used to examine the associated dataset from Gene Expression Omnibus and explore the gene sets associated with HBeAg seroconversion (SC). The change of CXCL10 (ΔCXCL10, baseline to 48-week TDF treatment) and CXCR3 (ΔCXCR3) is closely related to the possibility of HBeAg SC of CHB patients under TDF treatment. Immunohistochemical analysis of CXCL10/CXCR3 protein in liver tissue shows that there is a significant difference between paired liver biopsy samples taken before and after 96 weeks of successful TDF treatment of CHB patients (11 pairs) but no significance for unsuccessful TDF treatment (14 pairs). Multivariate Cox analysis suggests that the ΔCXCL10 is an independent predictive indicator of HBeAg SC, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the ΔCXCL10 in CHB patients is 0.8867 (p < 0.0001). Our results suggest that a lower descending CXCL10 level is associated with an increased probability of HBeAg SC of CHB patients during TDF therapy. Moreover, liver tissue CXCL10 might be involved in the immunological process of HBeAg SC.

Clinical manifestations and outcomes in tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome: a case report and a systematic review in China.

PURPOSE: Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU) syndrome is an uncommon disease. We present a confirmed case of TINU syndrome, and a systematic review of epidemiological characteristics, clinical manifestations, management, and outcomes in Chinese patients. METHODS: A systematic search was carried out using defined terms and updated up to September 2022, in PubMed, Web of Science, Wanfang, CNKI, and VIP, to identify reported cases of TINU in China, according to PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: An 18-year-old boy presented with elevated serum creatinine and 24-h urine protein level of > 2 g. Inspection result revealed acute tubulointerstitial nephritis, and bilateral uveitis. The patient was diagnosed with TINU syndrome and received treatment with methylprednisolone sodium succinate, which resulted in a significant decrease in creatinine and urinary protein levels. Systematic review identified 35 publications that met the inclusion criteria. A total of 71 cases were included in this article, of which 70 were from publications and 1 was from our hospital. The median age at onset was 42 years and was significantly lower in males than females (P < 0.05). The symptoms of uveitis often occurred after kidney injury (54%) and most uveitis was anterior (55%) and bilateral (75%). Among the 51 patients who were followed up for more than 6 months, 24 had recurrent ocular symptoms or progression to chronic uveitis. Twenty patients experienced chronic or progressive kidney disease. CONCLUSION: TINU syndrome is prone to misdiagnosis because kidney damage may not occur simultaneously with uveitis. The incidence of kidney sequelae in children is lower than that in adults, and glucocorticoids are the preferred treatment. INPLASY REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY202350050.

Corrigendum: In vivo total or partial hepatectomy followed by ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation for malignant tumors: a single center experience.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1214451.].

In vivo total or partial hepatectomy followed by ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation for malignant tumors: a single center experience.

Background: Ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation (ELRAT) may provide an opportunity for R0 resection of conventionally unresectable hepatobiliary cancers and hepatic metastases. To date, few studies of the surgery for malignant tumors have been conducted and there are no known reports of in vivo partial hepatectomy followed by ELRAT (IPH-ELRAT) for malignant tumors. Methods: Between December 2021 and November 2022, ten patients with malignant hepatobiliary primary cancers or hepatic metastases underwent ELRAT at our institution. We shared the surgical skills and postoperative prognoses of these patients were assessed. Results: The types of tumors were biliary tract cancer (BTC, n=8), hepatic metastasis of colonic carcinoma (n=1), and hepatic metastasis of small-bowel stromal tumor (n=1). Five patients underwent in vivo total hepatectomy followed by ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation (ITH-ELRAT), The other five received in vivo partial hepatectomy followed by ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation (IPH-ELRAT). Four patients underwent inferior vena cava replacement using artificial blood vessels. The survival rate of all ten patients one month after surgery was 100%. Nine patients (90%) are currently alive, with a median follow-up of 8.5 months (range 6-16.5 months). To date, seven of the nine surviving patients have had no cancer recurrence, including six with BTC. Conclusions: We report the world first five cases that received IPH-ELRAT for malignancies. We also demonstrated relatively favorable outcomes in patients who underwent ELRAT. ELRAT may be a recommendable surgical option for selected patients with conventionally unresectable hepatobiliary malignant tumors.

A novel method of ultrasound-guided positive staining using indocyanine green fluorescence in laparoscopic anatomical liver resection of segments VII and VIII.

Background: Recently, in many Asian centers, laparoscopic anatomical liver resection (LALR) using the indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging technique has been increasingly applied in resecting hepatocellular carcinoma, even in colorectal liver metastases. However, LALR techniques have not been fully standardized, especially in right superior segments. Due to the anatomical position, prevailing positive staining using a PTCD (percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage) needle was superior to negative staining in right superior segments hepatectomy, while it was difficult to manipulate. Herein, we design a novel method of ICG-positive staining for LALR of right superior segments. Methods: Between April 2021 and October 2022, we retrospectively studied patients in our institute who underwent LALR of right superior segments using a novel method of ICG-positive staining, which comprised a customized puncture needle and an adaptor. Compared to the PTCD needle, the customized needle was not limited by the abdominal wall and could be punctured from the liver dorsal surface, which was more flexible to manipulate. The adapter was attached to the guide hole of the laparoscopic ultrasound (LUS) probe to ensure the precise puncture path of the needle. Guided by preoperative three-dimensional (3D) simulation and intraoperative laparoscopic ultrasound imaging, we punctured the transhepatic needle into the target portal vein through the adaptor and then slowly injected 5-10 ml of 0.025 mg/ml ICG solution into the vessel. LALR can be guided by the demarcation line under fluorescence imaging after injection. Demographic, procedural and postoperative data were collected and analyzed. Results: In this study, 21 patients underwent LALR of the right superior segments with ICG fluorescence-positive staining, and the procedures had a success rate of 71.4%. The average staining time was 13.0 ± 6.4 min, the operative time was 230.4 ± 71.7 min, R0 resection was 100%, the postoperative hospital stay was 7.1 ± 2.4 days, and no severe puncture complications occurred. Conclusions: The novel customized puncture needle approach seems to be feasible and safe for ICG-positive staining in LALR of right superior segments, with a high success rate and a short staining time.

Antimicrobial Substances and Mechanisms of Lactobacillus rhamnosus against Gardnerella vaginalis.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal disease associated with abnormal changes in the vaginal microbiome. Our previous study found that Lactobacillus rhamnosus has a good therapeutic effect on bacterial vaginosis by inhibiting the most prominent bacterium associated with BV, Gardnerella vaginalis. In this study, we show that acetic acid and lactic acid are the main substances in the cell-free supernatant (CFS) of L. rhamnosus that inhibit the growth of G. vaginalis. Further study on the mechanism showed that acetic acid and lactic acid alter the morphology of the G. vaginalis cells, eventually causing the cells to shrink or burst, resulting in exudation of their intracellular contents. In addition, these two organic acids also dissipate the membrane potential of bacterial cells, affecting their synthesis of ATP. A reduced activity of the Na+/K+-ATPase leads to abnormal ATP metabolism, and ultimately inhibits the growth and reproduction of G. vaginalis. Our study provides valuable information for the widespread application of L. rhamnosus in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.

Successful treatment of pancreatic accessory splenic hamartoma by laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic accessory spleen (PAS) is an uncommon congenital abnormality of the spleen. Spleen hamartoma (SH) is also rare. Moreover, hamartoma in the PAS has not been reported thus far. We report the first case here. CASE SUMMARY: A 26-year-old male presented with a one-month history of left upper quadrant abdominal pain, and computerized tomography (CT) examination suggested a mass in the pancreas tail. The patient then attended our hospital for diagnosis and treatment. Ultrasonography, CT, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a solid mass with cystic degeneration growing from the tail of the pancreas. The tumor marker carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) increased to 96.7 U/mL (normal range 0-37 U/mL). An epidermoid cyst in a PAS was considered preoperatively. However, a malignant tumor cannot be ruled out. We performed laparoscopic surgery, and two pancreatic masses were found growing from the pancreatic tail. The two masses were so closely connected that preoperative imaging examinations suggested only one mass. We carefully isolated the masses from the splenic artery and vein. A laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy was successfully performed. On pathological examination, the masses were well-defined, homogeneous red-tan, 4 × 3, and 4.5 × 1.5 in size, respectively. One of them was cystically degenerated. On microscopical examination, the mass contained unorganized small slit-like vascular channels enclosing red blood cells and lined with plump endothelial cells. No area of cytologic atypia was identified. Focal lymphoid aggregates were found in the intravascular areas. White pulp or fibrosis was not observed. The final diagnosis was pancreatic accessory SH with cystic degeneration. After the operation, CA19-9 was reduced to normal. The patient recovered well, and the 34-mo follow-up period was uneventful. CONCLUSION: Here, we report the first case of pancreatic accessory SH. A laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy was successfully performed. The patient recovered well and had a good prognosis.

Successful treatment of pancreatic schwannoma by enucleation: A case report.

RATIONALE: Pancreatic schwannomas are extremely rare and are difficult to diagnose preoperatively. Over the past 50 years, only 96 cases of pancreatic schwannoma have been reported in English literature. Herein, we report a case of pancreatic schwannoma treated with enucleation. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 66-year-old woman visited a local hospital due to ventosities. Ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed a pancreatic mass. She visited our hospital for further diagnosis and treatment. DIAGNOSIS AND INTERVENTIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a tumor in the pancreatic body, and a solid pseudopapillary tumor was considered preoperatively. During the surgery, a pancreatic mass was found growing in the pancreatic body and tail. A successful tumor enucleation was performed. The mass was 7 × 6 × 3 cm in size with a thin capsule. Pathological examination revealed that the tumor was mainly composed of spindle-shaped cells with a palisading arrangement and no atypia. Both hypercellular and hypocellular areas were visible. Immunohistochemical staining showed that protein S-100 was strongly positive. The tumor was diagnosed as a benign schwannoma originating from the pancreatic body and tail. OUTCOMES: Postoperatively, the patient showed good recovery. During the 24-month follow-up period, the patient remained well and free of complications. LESSONS: Pancreatic schwannomas are extremely rare and difficult to diagnose using imaging examinations. Enucleation is a safe and efficacious treatment for exophytic pancreatic schwannomas.

Quantitative evaluation of hepatic steatosis using novel ultrasound technology normalized local variance (NLV) and its standard deviation with different ROIs in patients with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of novel ultrasound technology normalized local variance (NLV) and the standard deviation of NLV (NLV-SD) using different ROIs for hepatic steatosis in patients with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and to identify the factors that influence the NLV value and NLV-SD value, using pathology results as the gold standard. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 34 consecutive patients with suspected MAFLD who underwent percutaneous liver biopsy for evaluation of hepatic steatosis from June 2020 to December 2020. All patients underwent ultrasound and NLV examinations. NLV values and NLV-SD values were measured using different ROIs just before the liver biopsy procedure. RESULTS: The distribution of hepatic steatosis grade on histopathology was 4/19/6/5 for none (< 5%)/ mild (5-33%)/ moderate (> 33-66%)/ and severe steatosis (> 66%), respectively. The NLV value with 50-mm-diameter ROI and NLV-SD value with 50-mm-diameter ROI showed a significant negative correlation with hepatic steatosis (spearman correlation coefficient: - 0.449, p = 0.008; - 0.471, p = 0.005). The AUROC of NLV (50 mm) for the detection of mild, moderate, and severe hepatic steatosis was 0.875, 0.735, and 0.583, respectively. The AUROC of NLV-SD (50 mm) for the detection of mild, moderate, and severe hepatic steatosis was 0.900, 0.745, and 0.603, respectively. NLV (50 mm) values and NLV-SD (50 mm) values between two readers showed excellent repeatability and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.930 (p < 0.001) and 0.899 (p < 0.001). Hepatic steatosis was the only determinant factor for NLV value and NLV-SD value (p = 0.012, p = 0.038). CONCLUSION: The NLV (50 mm) and NLV-SD (50 mm) provided good diagnostic performance in detecting the varying degrees of hepatic steatosis with great reproducibility. This study showed that the degree of steatosis was the only significant factor affecting the NLV value and NLV-SD value.

Pancreatic lipomatous hamartoma mimicking other pancreatic tumor: a case report and literature review.

Pancreatic lipomatous hamartoma (PLH) is an extremely rare benign entity that forms a mass-like lesion. PLH lacks distinct features, and can be preoperatively misdiagnosed as a pancreatic tumor with lipomatous components, including pancreatic lipomatosis, lipoma, liposarcoma, and malignant tumors with fatty degeneration. Here, we report a case study of PLH in a 73-year-old male who presented with abdominal pain. Abdominal-enhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 4.3×4-cm solid mass with a lipomatous component in the pancreatic head, and the mass displayed a centripetal pattern of contrast enhancement. The patient was preoperatively diagnosed with pancreatic liposarcoma, and subsequently underwent a pancreatoduodenectomy. The postoperative pathology and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed the diagnosis of PLH, which primarily contained mature adipocytes, small ducts, and a few well-preserved pancreatic acini. Although this disease is rare, we suggest that PLH should be considered during the differential diagnosis of pancreatic lesions with lipomatous components. Consideration of the potential for PLH disease might reduce the number of unnecessary resections.

Fecal Microbiome Data Distinguish Liver Recipients With Normal and Abnormal Liver Function From Healthy Controls.

Emerging evidence suggests that altered intestinal microbiota plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many liver diseases, mainly by promoting inflammation via the "intestinal microbiota-immunity-liver" axis. We aimed to investigate the fecal microbiome of liver recipients with abnormal/normal liver function using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Fecal samples were collected from 90 liver recipients [42 with abnormal liver function (Group LT_A) and 48 with normal liver function (Group LT_N)] and 61 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HCs). Fecal microbiomes were analyzed for comparative composition, diversity, and richness of microbial communities. Principal coordinates analysis successfully distinguished the fecal microbiomes of recipients in Group LT_A from healthy subjects, with the significant decrease of fecal microbiome diversity in recipients in Group LT_A. Other than a higher relative abundance of opportunistic pathogens such as Klebsiella and Escherichia/Shigella in all liver recipients, the main difference in gut microbiome composition between liver recipients and HC was the lower relative abundance of beneficial butyrate-producing bacteria in the recipients. Importantly, we established a fecal microbiome index (specific alterations in Staphylococcus and Prevotella) that could be used to distinguish Group LT_A from Group LT_N, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value of 0.801 and sensitivity and specificity values of 0.771 and 0.786, respectively. These findings revealed unique gut microbial characteristics of liver recipients with abnormal and normal liver functions, and identified fecal microbial risk indicators of abnormal liver function in liver recipients.

Tongue coating microbiome data distinguish patients with pancreatic head cancer from healthy controls.

Background: The microbiota plays a critical role in the process of human carcinogenesis. Pancreatic head carcinoma (PHC)-associated tongue coating microbiome dysbiosis has not yet been clearly defined.Objective: Our aim is to reveal the bacterial composition shifts in the microbiota of the tongue coat of PHC patients.Design: The tongue coating microbiota was analyzed in 30 PHC patients and 25 healthy controls using 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology.Results: The microbiome diversity of the tongue coat in PHC patients was significantly increased, as shown by the Shannon, Simpson, inverse Simpson, Obs and incidence-based coverage estimators. Principal component analysis revealed that PHC patients were colonized by remarkably different tongue coating microbiota than healthy controls and liver cancer patients. Linear discriminant analysis effect size revealed that Leptotrichia, Fusobacterium,Rothia, Actinomyces, Corynebacterium, Atopobium, Peptostreptococcus, Catonella, Oribacterium, Filifactor, Campylobacter, Moraxella and Tannerella were overrepresented in the tongue coating of PHC patients, and Haemophilus, Porphyromonas and Paraprevotella were enriched in the tongue coating microbiota of healthy controls. Strikingly, Haemophilus, Porphyromonas, Leptotrichia and Fusobacterium could distinguish PHC patients from healthy subjects, and Streptococcus and SR1 could distinguish PHC patients from liver cancer patients. Conclusions: These findings identified the microbiota dysbiosis of the tongue coat in PHC patients, and provide insight into the association between the human microbiome and pancreatic cancer.

Gut microbiome analysis as a tool towards targeted non-invasive biomarkers for early hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To characterise gut microbiome in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and evaluate the potential of microbiome as non-invasive biomarkers for HCC. DESIGN: We collected 486 faecal samples from East China, Central China and Northwest China prospectively and finally 419 samples completed Miseq sequencing. We characterised gut microbiome, identified microbial markers and constructed HCC classifier in 75 early HCC, 40 cirrhosis and 75 healthy controls. We validated the results in 56 controls, 30 early HCC and 45 advanced HCC. We further verified diagnosis potential in 18 HCC from Xinjiang and 80 HCC from Zhengzhou. RESULTS: Faecal microbial diversity was increased from cirrhosis to early HCC with cirrhosis. Phylum Actinobacteria was increased in early HCC versus cirrhosis. Correspondingly, 13 genera including Gemmiger and Parabacteroides were enriched in early HCC versus cirrhosis. Butyrate-producing genera were decreased, while genera producing-lipopolysaccharide were increased in early HCC versus controls. The optimal 30 microbial markers were identified through a fivefold cross-validation on a random forest model and achieved an area under the curve of 80.64% between 75 early HCC and 105 non-HCC samples. Notably, gut microbial markers validated strong diagnosis potential for early HCC and even advanced HCC. Importantly, microbial markers successfully achieved a cross-region validation of HCC from Northwest China and Central China. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to characterise gut microbiome in patients with HCC and to report the successful diagnosis model establishment and cross-region validation of microbial markers for HCC. Gut microbiota-targeted biomarkers represent potential non-invasive tools for early diagnosis of HCC.

Successful treatment of a giant ossified benign mesenteric schwannoma.

Primary benign schwannoma of the mesentery is extremely rare. To date, only 9 cases have been reported in the English literature, while mesenteric schwannoma with ossified degeneration has not been reported thus far. In the present study, we present the first giant ossified benign mesenteric schwannoma in a 58-year-old female. Ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were used, but it was still difficult to determine the definitive location and diagnose the mass. By laparotomy, a 10.0 cm × 9.0 cm × 9.0 cm giant mass was found in the mesentery and was then completely resected. Microscopically, the tumour located in the mesentery mainly consisted of spindle-shaped cells with a palisading arrangement. Some areas of the tumour were ossified, and a true metaplastic bone formation was observed, with the presence of bone lamellae and osteoblasts. Immunohistochemical investigation of the tumour located in the mesentery showed that the staining for the S-100 protein was strongly positive, while the stainings of SMA, CD34, CD117 and DOG-1 were negative. The cell proliferation index, measured with Ki67 staining, was less than 3%. Finally, a giant ossified benign mesenteric schwannoma was diagnosed. After surgery, the patient was followed up for a period of 43 mo, during which she remained well, with no evidence of tumour recurrence.

Gut microbial profile analysis by MiSeq sequencing of pancreatic carcinoma patients in China.

Pancreatic carcinoma (PC) is a lethal cancer. Gut microbiota is associated with some risk factors of PC, e.g. obesity and types II diabetes. However, the specific gut microbial profile in clinical PC in China has never been reported. This prospective study collected 85 PC and 57 matched healthy controls (HC) to analyze microbial characteristics by MiSeq sequencing. The results showed that gut microbial diversity was decreased in PC with an unique microbial profile, which partly attributed to its decrease of alpha diversity. Microbial alterations in PC featured by the increase of certain pathogens and lipopolysaccharides-producing bacteria, and the decrease of probiotics and butyrate-producing bacteria. Microbial community in obstruction cases was separated from the un-obstructed cases. Streptococcus was associated with the bile. Furthermore, 23 microbial functions e.g. Leucine and LPS biosynthesis were enriched, while 13 functions were reduced in PC. Importantly, based on 40 genera associated with PC, microbial markers achieves a high classification power with AUC of 0.842. In conclusion, gut microbial profile was unique in PC, providing a microbial marker for non-invasive PC diagnosis.

Molecular Epidemiology and Colistin Resistant Mechanism of mcr-Positive and mcr-Negative Clinical Isolated Escherichia coli.

Transmissible colistin resistance mediated by the mcr gene has been reported worldwide, but clinical isolates of mcr-negative colistin-resistant Escherichia coli are rarely reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanism of colistin resistance among mcr-positive and mcr-negative E. coli clinical isolates by performing a molecular epidemiological surveillance. For the first time ever, we show nearly the same isolation ratio for mcr-negative and mcr-positive colistin-resistant clinical isolates (47.5 and 52.5%, respectively), with no demonstrable nosocomial transmission. We provide evidence for the prevalence of the mcr-positive IncX4 plasmid and its high potential for horizontal transfer, with no obvious sequence type (ST) preference. In addition, the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of colistin of the mcr-negative E. coli isolates were obviously higher than those of mcr-positive isolates. Apart from the usually detected genes, i.e., pmrAB, phoPQ, and mgrB, other genes may be associated with the colistin resistance in mcr-negative E. coli. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper to report the molecular epidemiological surveillance and the proper mechanism of colistin resistance in mcr-negative E. coli clinical isolates. Together, the results show that colistin resistance was prevalent not only in the mcr-positive clinical E. coli isolates but also in the mcr-negative isolates.

Accessory spleen located in the right parietal peritoneum: The first case report.

RATIONALE: Accessory spleen is a congenital abnormality caused by failure of the splenic anlage to fuse during embryology. The presence of an accessory spleen located in the parietal peritoneum has not been reported so far, and an accessory spleen situated on the right side is extremely rare. In the present study, we describe the first case of an accessory spleen located in the right parietal peritoneum. PATIENTS CONCERNS: A 65-year-old man, presented with pain in his left abdomen for 1 month. DIAGNOSES: With ultrasonography and computed tomography, it was difficult to determine the accurate location and diagnosis, and an abdominal fibroma was preoperatively considered. INTERVENTIONS: By laparotomy, we found a mass connected to the right parietal peritoneum by a vascular pedicle. We resected it completely, and the gross specimen measured 5.0 × 3.0 × 2.5 cm and was a localized tumor with a capsule. OUTCOMES: Microscopically, sinusoids were visible, as well as scattered lymphoid follicles, eosinophils, histiocytes, plasma cells, neutrophils, and red blood cells, indicative of splenic tissue. Finally, the lesion was diagnosed as an accessory spleen located in the right parietal peritoneum. Postoperatively, he recovered well and was followed up for a 31 months, during which he was well with no complication. LESSONS: We present the first accessory spleen located in the right parietal peritoneum. Awareness of the accessory spleen and familiarity with typical imaging findings are necessary for surgeons to make a precise preoperative diagnosis.

Successful treatment of a pancreatic schwannoma by spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy.

Schwannomas are neurogenic tumors that arise from the neural sheaths of peripheral nerves. These tumors can be located in any area of the human body; the most common locations are the head, neck, trunk and extremities. Pancreatic schwannomas are very rare. Over the past 40 years, only 67 cases of pancreatic schwannomas have been reported in the English literature. Here we present a case of pancreatic schwannoma in a 62-year-old male. The tumor was revealed by ultrasound and computed tomography in the neck and body of the pancreas. An accurate diagnosis was difficult to obtain preoperatively. The patient consented to the performance of a laparotomy, and the mass was found in the neck and body of the pancreas and successfully treated using a spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with splenic artery and vein preservation. The procedure has only been reported in one other case of pancreatic schwannoma; here we present the second reported case. Macroscopically, the tumor was well circumscribed, gray-white in color and 3.3 cm × 2.8 cm in size. Microscopically, the tumor cells were spindle-shaped and had a palisading arrangement with no atypia, which are results compatible with a benign tumor. Both hypercellular and hypocellular areas were visible. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were strongly positive for S-100 protein. The tumor was definitively diagnosed as a schwannoma of the pancreatic neck and body. The patient was followed for 72 mo and has been doing well without any complications.

Surveillance and comparison of surgical prognosis for asymptomatic and symptomatic non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PNETs) still remains controversial. It is uncertain whether asymptomatic patients have better prognosis than symptomatic patients and whether surgery is necessary for asymptomatic patients. METHODS: Patients with NF-PNETs who were managed surgically or by surveillance between June 2007 and December 2013 were retrospectively studied. The choice of surgery or surveillance was based entirely on the patient's desire. Survival prognosis was compared between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients, and evaluated among patients who were under surveillance. RESULTS: Of the 53 patients with NF-PNETs, 48 (90%) were treated surgically. 25 patients (47%) were symptomatic patients, 23 (43%) asymptomatic, and five (10%) detected by surveillance. Among the latter group, one patient suffered from tumor progression and four had stable disease. When compared with symptomatic NF-PNETs, asymptomatic NF-PNETs showed lower pathology grades (P = 0.006), better 3-year cumulative progression-free survival and overall survival after surgical treatment. Parenchyma-preserving resection was associated with a higher risk of pancreatic fistula (71 vs. 17%, P = 0.007). A positive lymph node status (P = 0.003) and perineural or vascular invasion (P = 0.01) were significant predictors of tumor recurrence or metastasis. Patients with grade G3 disease (P = 0.005) or a tumor size >4 cm (P = 0.019) had poor prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with symptomatic NF-PNETs, asymptomatic NF-PNETs had a lower degree of malignancy and better prognosis. Surveillance for small asymptomatic NF-PNETs needs to be further studied.

Schwannoma in the hepatoduodenal ligament: A case report and literature review.

Schwannomas are mesenchymal neoplasms with low malignant potential that arise from Schwann cells. They can occur almost anywhere, although the most common locations are the head, neck and extremities. Primary benign schwannoma of the hepatoduodenal ligament is rare. To date, only three cases have been reported in the English literature. In the present study, we report a case of hepatoduodenal ligament schwannoma in a 43-year-old male, who was admitted to our hospital because of a abdominal mass found by physical examination. It was hard to determine the definitive location and diagnosis of the mass using ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. During laparotomy, the mass was found in the hepatoduodenal ligament and close to the cholecystic duct, so we resected the gallbladder and cholecystic duct along with the mass. The gross specimen revealed an 8.5 cm × 5.5 cm × 3.0 cm localized tumor. Microscopic examination showed that the tumor was mainly composed of spindle-shaped cells. Immunohistochemical staining showed a strong positive S-100 protein reaction. Finally, the lesion was diagnosed as a benign schwannoma in the hepatoduodenal ligament. However, one month later, the patient was readmitted to our hospital because of skin and sclera jaundice caused by common bile duct stenosis without common bile duct stone or tumor. The patient recovered well after implantation of a common bile duct stent under endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. He was followed up for a period of 17 mo, during which he was well with no complications.