Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor with splenic vein tumor thrombus: A case report

Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: A Systematic Review of Incidence, Types, and Clinical Outcomes

Background: Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a heterogeneous group of tumors with unique biological characteristics and complications, including thromboembolism. This systematic review evaluates the incidence, types, and clinical outcomes of venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) in NEN patients. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Embase was conducted to identify studies on TEs in NENs. Eligible studies included case reports, case series, and retrospective cohort studies reporting VTEs, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and visceral vein thrombosis (VVT). Data were extracted on tumor site, functionality, differentiation grade, and VTE type. Results: In total, 33 studies were included, comprising 26 case reports, 2 case series, and 5 retrospective cohort studies. VTE prevalence ranged from 7.5% to 33% across studies. The most common VTEs were DVT, PE, and portal vein thrombosis (PVT). A meta-analysis revealed a pooled VTE prevalence of 11.1% (95% CI: 9.07-13.53%). Pancreatic NENs exhibited the highest thrombotic burden, particularly in poorly differentiated and advanced-stage tumors. Functioning tumors, including glucagonomas and ACTH-secreting NENs, were strongly associated with VTEs, potentially related to their systemic effects on coagulation and inflammation. Conclusions: Venous thromboembolism is a significant complication in NEN patients, especially in advanced or poorly differentiated tumors. Early detection and targeted management are critical for improving outcomes. Further investigations are required to clarify the mechanisms underlying thromboembolism in NENs and to develop optimized prophylactic and therapeutic strategies tailored to this patient population.

Unusual Presentation of Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome With Gastric Variceal Bleeding

Gastric varices are most commonly a complication of portal hypertension or splenic vein thrombosis (SVT). The presence of gastric varices due to portal hypertension is significantly less than the prevalence of esophageal varices. SVT is a known complication of pancreatitis due to inflammation or compression of the splenic vein coursing along the posterior surface of the pancreas. Occlusion of the splenic vein leads to left-sided portal hypertension. Left-sided portal hypertension results in the development of collateral vessels that bypass the splenic vein by connecting with the short gastric veins. The associated increased pressure within the gastric vessels results in gastric varices. Gastric varices due to SVT may occur in the absence of or be disproportionate to esophageal varices. We report an interesting case of gastrointestinal bleeding from gastric varices related to cirrhosis secondary to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis and SVT secondary to chronic pancreatitis due to pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (NET) in a patient diagnosed with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome.

The Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) differ from other malignancies in their ability to produce hormones and biogenic amines, as well as offer a better prognosis in well-differentiated tumors. There are no definite data on the occurrence of thromboembolic events in NENs and no recommendations regarding the use of antithrombotic prophylaxis in this group. Accurate assessment of the thromboembolic risk in NENs represents an important issue, in order to reduce morbidity and mortality due to complications of VTE. The aim of this work was to review the occurrence of thromboembolic events in NENs and the use of antithrombotic prophylaxis in this group. A total of 28 studies identified on PubMed were analyzed. NENs, especially of pancreatic primary, exhibit an increased thrombotic risk. Atypical VTE locations are quite common in NENs. Hormonally active NENs are associated with a significantly increased thromboembolic risk. Further studies in NENs are needed to evaluate the parameters of coagulation and fibrinolysis as predictive biomarkers for VTE complications.

Splenic metastasis from neuroendocrine tumor of the stomach: A case report

Splenic metastasis is extremely rare, and neuroendocrine tumor of the stomach represents one of the rarest primary sources. The present study aimed to describe a rare case of an endocrine tumor of the stomach revealed by a splenic metastasis.

We report a rare case of a 40 -year-old who presented a pain in her left hypochondriac, associated to sensation of heaviness. Abdominal ultrasound showed splenomegaly with a large lobulated hyperechoic mass associated to splenic vein thrombosis. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirming the splenomegaly, containing a large lobulated and heterogeneous mass occupying the almost totality of this organ and invading the venous system. The histological study of this splenic mass demonstrated to secondary splenic location of a grade 1 neuroendocrine tumor. As part of an investigation for a primary tumor, fibro scopy was performed and revealed an ulcerating-bourging fundic process with a histological study in favor of a grade 1 neuroendocrine tumor.

Somatostatin-receptor avidity of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor thrombus in porto-caval venous systems on 99mTc-Octreotide and posttherapeutic 177Lu-DOTA-TATE scans

A 62-year-old woman with a history of abdominal pain presented with multiple hepatic lesions and dilatation of portal, splenic and superior mesenteric veins on the magnetic resonance imaging referred for a 99mTc-octreotide scan. Accordingly, similar octreotide-avid lesions were found as well as an uptake in the epigastric region conforming to the anatomy of the portocaval venous system, compatible with a tumor thrombosis. Then, the patient underwent two cycles of therapy with 177Lu-DOTA-TATE, on that the same appearance was observed. The uptake in the tumor thrombus remained somewhat unchanged, but clinically, a significant improvement of the intractable ascites was achieved.

Radical resection of large metastatic non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma complicated by splenic vein thrombosis and sinistral portal hypertension

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

There are limited reports in the literature of radical surgical resection for pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (PNEC). In patients with non-functioning PNEC (NF-PNEC) within the tail of the pancreas tumours can cause splenic vein thrombosis (SVT) and subsequent sinitral portal hypertension (SPH). Radical surgical resection in such patients with concomitant liver metastasis has not previously been reported.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a 67-year old female patient who presented with a large NF-PNEC within the tail of the pancreas with liver metastasis. We performed a distal pancreatectomy, splenectomy, partial gastrectomy and liver resection to achieve radical resecton.

DISCUSSION

All patients with NF-PNEC within the tail of the pancreatic should be considered for radical surgical resection. In the presence of multi-visceral involvement and complications such as SVT and/or SPH multi-speciality surgical expertise is likely to be required.

CONCLUSION

Radical multi-visceral resection for large NF-PNEC can be safely performed in the presence of SVT and SPH.

Extensive Tumor Thrombosis of Portal Venous System Demonstrated on 68Ga-DOTATATE and 68Ga-NODAGA-LM3 PET/CT in a Patient With Well-Differentiated Neuroendocrine Tumor

We present a case with a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor and extensive tumor thrombosis in portal venous system. The tumor was first identified on contrast-enhanced CT and later confirmed using Ga-DOTATATE and Ga-NODAGA-LM3 PET/CT. Both tracers demonstrated similar pattern with higher tumor affinity and tumor-to-background ratio using Ga-NODAGA-LM3.

Tumor in the veins: an abdominal perspective with an emphasis on CT and MR imaging

Endovenous tumor thrombus in abdomen should be accurately diagnosed as it is a significant finding that may change medical and surgical treatment approaches. As some underlying reasons for endovenous tumor thrombi are relatively rare and imaging findings may be quite subtle, they can be easily overlooked which may have important clinical consequences. In this paper, we described the various imaging aspects of endovenous tumor thrombi originating from various tumor types in different venous structures of the abdomen.

Macrovascular venous invasion of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours: impact on surgical outcomes and survival

BACKGROUND

This study evaluates the impact of macrovascular venous invasion (MVI) on surgical and survival outcomes of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PNETs).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed data of 125 patients operated for PNETs. Operative, pathological,and survival outcomes were compared between PNETs with and without MVI.

RESULTS

Macrovascular venous invasion was detected in 25 of 125 PNETs (20%) presenting as tumour thrombi (n = 12) or venous wall invasion (n = 13). MVI was associated with larger tumours, a higher rate of lymph node involvement, less differentiated tumours, and a higher rate of perineural invasion. Resection of PNETS with MVI more often necessitated combined hepatic, venous and multivisceral resections, had a higher rate of intraoperative blood transfusion (p = 0.04) but similar morbidity (44% vs. 42%) and mortality (0 vs. 1%) as PNETs without MVI. PNETs with MVI had a lower median overall survival rate (60 vs. 149 months; p = 0.03). Multivariate analysis revealed that PNETs of the pancreatic head, synchronous liver metastases and higher tumour grade were prognostic factors for overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

MVI is found in more advanced PNETs. Resection of PNETs with MVI is characterized by increased transfusion rate and reduced overall survival.

Tumor thrombosis: a peculiar finding associated with pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. A pictorial essay

While abutment, encasement or vessel occlusion are identified in most patients with a pancreatic tumor, tumor thrombosis is an uncommon finding. In particular, there are no description in the literature of tumor thrombosis associated with ductal adenocarcinoma, the most common pancreatic tumor. On the other hand, surgical series reveal that tumor thrombosis is associated with about 5% of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PanNENs), and literature data suggest that this finding is frequently underreported on pre-operative imaging examinations. Tumor thrombosis may be clinically relevant, causing splenoportomesenteric hypertension, possibly responsible for life-threatening upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Bland thrombosis caused by direct infiltration of peri-pancreatic vessels frequently determines surgical unresectability, even in neuroendocrine tumors; on the opposite, tumor thrombosis associated with PanNENs do not exclude surgery per se, even though both morbidity and mortality can be increased by such condition. Considering the favorable prognosis of PanNENs and the frequent need to treat tumor thrombosis in order to prevent complications or to relieve symptoms, it is of paramount importance for radiologists the knowledge of the variety of findings associated with tumor thrombosis in PanNENs.

Tumor thrombus: incidence, imaging, prognosis and treatment

Intravascular tumor extension, also known as tumor thrombus, can occur in many different types of cancer. Those with the highest proclivity include Wilm's tumor, renal cell carcinoma (RCC), adrenal cortical carcinoma (ACC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The presence of tumor thrombus markedly worsens prognosis and impacts treatment approach. Imaging plays a key role in its diagnosis. Endovascular methods also play a large role in treatment.

Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors Complicated by Sinistral Portal Hypertension: Insights into Pathogenesis

Purpose: To investigate the association between pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (panNETs) and sinistral portal hypertension (SPH) and provide insights into the pathogenesis. Methods: A retrospective review of panNETs was conducted from our institution for 12 years. Medical imaging findings were analyzed to determine any association with splenic vein thrombosis (SVT) at diagnosis. The cases were further selected based on the criteria for SPH, namely, (1) presence of SVT, (2) gastric varices, (3) patent portal vein, and (4) normal liver function tests. Results: There were 61 patients with panNETs and 8 (8/61) had SVT and gastric varices at diagnosis. Four (4/8) met the strict criteria for SPH while the other four had more conventional portal hypertension. The four with SPH had large tumors located in the tail with splenic vein invasion and three of four presented with bleeding gastric varices. All four patients underwent surgical resection. Mean follow-up was 8.5 years and the hematemesis never recurred. The other four patients (four of eight) with gastric varices had unresectable disease and all died after a mean survival of 29 months. Conclusion: PanNETs appear to be more commonly associated with SVT and SPH compared with other tumors. This could be related to their relatively indolent nature and their intrinsic vascularity. From a surgical viewpoint, the decision to operate depends on many factors including but not limited to the size/stage, grade, and functionality of the tumor and comorbidities. These considerations notwithstanding, the association between panNETs and SPH suggests that there is benefit in timely resection of panNETs located in the tail.

Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors Complicated by Sinistral Portal Hypertension: Insights into Pathogenesis

Purpose: To investigate the association between pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (panNETs) and sinistral portal hypertension (SPH) and provide insights into the pathogenesis. Methods: A retrospective review of panNETs was conducted from our institution for 12 years. Medical imaging findings were analyzed to determine any association with splenic vein thrombosis (SVT) at diagnosis. The cases were further selected based on the criteria for SPH, namely, (1) presence of SVT, (2) gastric varices, (3) patent portal vein, and (4) normal liver function tests. Results: There were 61 patients with panNETs and 8 (8/61) had SVT and gastric varices at diagnosis. Four (4/8) met the strict criteria for SPH while the other four had more conventional portal hypertension. The four with SPH had large tumors located in the tail with splenic vein invasion and three of four presented with bleeding gastric varices. All four patients underwent surgical resection. Mean follow-up was 8.5 years and the hematemesis never recurred. The other four patients (four of eight) with gastric varices had unresectable disease and all died after a mean survival of 29 months. Conclusion: PanNETs appear to be more commonly associated with SVT and SPH compared with other tumors. This could be related to their relatively indolent nature and their intrinsic vascularity. From a surgical viewpoint, the decision to operate depends on many factors including but not limited to the size/stage, grade, and functionality of the tumor and comorbidities. These considerations notwithstanding, the association between panNETs and SPH suggests that there is benefit in timely resection of panNETs located in the tail.

Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors Complicated by Sinistral Portal Hypertension: Insights into Pathogenesis

Purpose: To investigate the association between pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (panNETs) and sinistral portal hypertension (SPH) and provide insights into the pathogenesis. Methods: A retrospective review of panNETs was conducted from our institution for 12 years. Medical imaging findings were analyzed to determine any association with splenic vein thrombosis (SVT) at diagnosis. The cases were further selected based on the criteria for SPH, namely, (1) presence of SVT, (2) gastric varices, (3) patent portal vein, and (4) normal liver function tests. Results: There were 61 patients with panNETs and 8 (8/61) had SVT and gastric varices at diagnosis. Four (4/8) met the strict criteria for SPH while the other four had more conventional portal hypertension. The four with SPH had large tumors located in the tail with splenic vein invasion and three of four presented with bleeding gastric varices. All four patients underwent surgical resection. Mean follow-up was 8.5 years and the hematemesis never recurred. The other four patients (four of eight) with gastric varices had unresectable disease and all died after a mean survival of 29 months. Conclusion: PanNETs appear to be more commonly associated with SVT and SPH compared with other tumors. This could be related to their relatively indolent nature and their intrinsic vascularity. From a surgical viewpoint, the decision to operate depends on many factors including but not limited to the size/stage, grade, and functionality of the tumor and comorbidities. These considerations notwithstanding, the association between panNETs and SPH suggests that there is benefit in timely resection of panNETs located in the tail.

Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors Complicated by Sinistral Portal Hypertension: Insights into Pathogenesis

Purpose: To investigate the association between pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (panNETs) and sinistral portal hypertension (SPH) and provide insights into the pathogenesis. Methods: A retrospective review of panNETs was conducted from our institution for 12 years. Medical imaging findings were analyzed to determine any association with splenic vein thrombosis (SVT) at diagnosis. The cases were further selected based on the criteria for SPH, namely, (1) presence of SVT, (2) gastric varices, (3) patent portal vein, and (4) normal liver function tests. Results: There were 61 patients with panNETs and 8 (8/61) had SVT and gastric varices at diagnosis. Four (4/8) met the strict criteria for SPH while the other four had more conventional portal hypertension. The four with SPH had large tumors located in the tail with splenic vein invasion and three of four presented with bleeding gastric varices. All four patients underwent surgical resection. Mean follow-up was 8.5 years and the hematemesis never recurred. The other four patients (four of eight) with gastric varices had unresectable disease and all died after a mean survival of 29 months. Conclusion: PanNETs appear to be more commonly associated with SVT and SPH compared with other tumors. This could be related to their relatively indolent nature and their intrinsic vascularity. From a surgical viewpoint, the decision to operate depends on many factors including but not limited to the size/stage, grade, and functionality of the tumor and comorbidities. These considerations notwithstanding, the association between panNETs and SPH suggests that there is benefit in timely resection of panNETs located in the tail.

Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors Complicated by Sinistral Portal Hypertension: Insights into Pathogenesis

Purpose: To investigate the association between pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (panNETs) and sinistral portal hypertension (SPH) and provide insights into the pathogenesis. Methods: A retrospective review of panNETs was conducted from our institution for 12 years. Medical imaging findings were analyzed to determine any association with splenic vein thrombosis (SVT) at diagnosis. The cases were further selected based on the criteria for SPH, namely, (1) presence of SVT, (2) gastric varices, (3) patent portal vein, and (4) normal liver function tests. Results: There were 61 patients with panNETs and 8 (8/61) had SVT and gastric varices at diagnosis. Four (4/8) met the strict criteria for SPH while the other four had more conventional portal hypertension. The four with SPH had large tumors located in the tail with splenic vein invasion and three of four presented with bleeding gastric varices. All four patients underwent surgical resection. Mean follow-up was 8.5 years and the hematemesis never recurred. The other four patients (four of eight) with gastric varices had unresectable disease and all died after a mean survival of 29 months. Conclusion: PanNETs appear to be more commonly associated with SVT and SPH compared with other tumors. This could be related to their relatively indolent nature and their intrinsic vascularity. From a surgical viewpoint, the decision to operate depends on many factors including but not limited to the size/stage, grade, and functionality of the tumor and comorbidities. These considerations notwithstanding, the association between panNETs and SPH suggests that there is benefit in timely resection of panNETs located in the tail.

Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors Complicated by Sinistral Portal Hypertension: Insights into Pathogenesis

Purpose: To investigate the association between pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (panNETs) and sinistral portal hypertension (SPH) and provide insights into the pathogenesis. Methods: A retrospective review of panNETs was conducted from our institution for 12 years. Medical imaging findings were analyzed to determine any association with splenic vein thrombosis (SVT) at diagnosis. The cases were further selected based on the criteria for SPH, namely, (1) presence of SVT, (2) gastric varices, (3) patent portal vein, and (4) normal liver function tests. Results: There were 61 patients with panNETs and 8 (8/61) had SVT and gastric varices at diagnosis. Four (4/8) met the strict criteria for SPH while the other four had more conventional portal hypertension. The four with SPH had large tumors located in the tail with splenic vein invasion and three of four presented with bleeding gastric varices. All four patients underwent surgical resection. Mean follow-up was 8.5 years and the hematemesis never recurred. The other four patients (four of eight) with gastric varices had unresectable disease and all died after a mean survival of 29 months. Conclusion: PanNETs appear to be more commonly associated with SVT and SPH compared with other tumors. This could be related to their relatively indolent nature and their intrinsic vascularity. From a surgical viewpoint, the decision to operate depends on many factors including but not limited to the size/stage, grade, and functionality of the tumor and comorbidities. These considerations notwithstanding, the association between panNETs and SPH suggests that there is benefit in timely resection of panNETs located in the tail.

Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors Complicated by Sinistral Portal Hypertension: Insights into Pathogenesis

Purpose: To investigate the association between pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (panNETs) and sinistral portal hypertension (SPH) and provide insights into the pathogenesis. Methods: A retrospective review of panNETs was conducted from our institution for 12 years. Medical imaging findings were analyzed to determine any association with splenic vein thrombosis (SVT) at diagnosis. The cases were further selected based on the criteria for SPH, namely, (1) presence of SVT, (2) gastric varices, (3) patent portal vein, and (4) normal liver function tests. Results: There were 61 patients with panNETs and 8 (8/61) had SVT and gastric varices at diagnosis. Four (4/8) met the strict criteria for SPH while the other four had more conventional portal hypertension. The four with SPH had large tumors located in the tail with splenic vein invasion and three of four presented with bleeding gastric varices. All four patients underwent surgical resection. Mean follow-up was 8.5 years and the hematemesis never recurred. The other four patients (four of eight) with gastric varices had unresectable disease and all died after a mean survival of 29 months. Conclusion: PanNETs appear to be more commonly associated with SVT and SPH compared with other tumors. This could be related to their relatively indolent nature and their intrinsic vascularity. From a surgical viewpoint, the decision to operate depends on many factors including but not limited to the size/stage, grade, and functionality of the tumor and comorbidities. These considerations notwithstanding, the association between panNETs and SPH suggests that there is benefit in timely resection of panNETs located in the tail.

Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors Complicated by Sinistral Portal Hypertension: Insights into Pathogenesis

Purpose: To investigate the association between pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (panNETs) and sinistral portal hypertension (SPH) and provide insights into the pathogenesis. Methods: A retrospective review of panNETs was conducted from our institution for 12 years. Medical imaging findings were analyzed to determine any association with splenic vein thrombosis (SVT) at diagnosis. The cases were further selected based on the criteria for SPH, namely, (1) presence of SVT, (2) gastric varices, (3) patent portal vein, and (4) normal liver function tests. Results: There were 61 patients with panNETs and 8 (8/61) had SVT and gastric varices at diagnosis. Four (4/8) met the strict criteria for SPH while the other four had more conventional portal hypertension. The four with SPH had large tumors located in the tail with splenic vein invasion and three of four presented with bleeding gastric varices. All four patients underwent surgical resection. Mean follow-up was 8.5 years and the hematemesis never recurred. The other four patients (four of eight) with gastric varices had unresectable disease and all died after a mean survival of 29 months. Conclusion: PanNETs appear to be more commonly associated with SVT and SPH compared with other tumors. This could be related to their relatively indolent nature and their intrinsic vascularity. From a surgical viewpoint, the decision to operate depends on many factors including but not limited to the size/stage, grade, and functionality of the tumor and comorbidities. These considerations notwithstanding, the association between panNETs and SPH suggests that there is benefit in timely resection of panNETs located in the tail.

Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors Complicated by Sinistral Portal Hypertension: Insights into Pathogenesis

Purpose: To investigate the association between pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (panNETs) and sinistral portal hypertension (SPH) and provide insights into the pathogenesis. Methods: A retrospective review of panNETs was conducted from our institution for 12 years. Medical imaging findings were analyzed to determine any association with splenic vein thrombosis (SVT) at diagnosis. The cases were further selected based on the criteria for SPH, namely, (1) presence of SVT, (2) gastric varices, (3) patent portal vein, and (4) normal liver function tests. Results: There were 61 patients with panNETs and 8 (8/61) had SVT and gastric varices at diagnosis. Four (4/8) met the strict criteria for SPH while the other four had more conventional portal hypertension. The four with SPH had large tumors located in the tail with splenic vein invasion and three of four presented with bleeding gastric varices. All four patients underwent surgical resection. Mean follow-up was 8.5 years and the hematemesis never recurred. The other four patients (four of eight) with gastric varices had unresectable disease and all died after a mean survival of 29 months. Conclusion: PanNETs appear to be more commonly associated with SVT and SPH compared with other tumors. This could be related to their relatively indolent nature and their intrinsic vascularity. From a surgical viewpoint, the decision to operate depends on many factors including but not limited to the size/stage, grade, and functionality of the tumor and comorbidities. These considerations notwithstanding, the association between panNETs and SPH suggests that there is benefit in timely resection of panNETs located in the tail.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor with metastasis to the spleen: a case report

Background

Long-term term survival in patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors has been reported, even in patients with metastatic disease. Metastases to the spleen are extremely rare, but have been reported from a number of primary malignancies, such as breast cancer, lung cancer, melanoma and ovarian cancer. This is the first report of a splenic metastasis from a primary pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor.

Case presentation

The patient presented as a 53 years old white male with anemia and fatigue. Physical examination revealed a left upper quadrant fullness and computed tomography showed a 24 cm left upper quadrant mass with multiple liver metastases, splenomegaly and a 1 cm mass in the spleen. Resection of the primary pancreatic tumor (T4N0M1) was accompanied by gastrectomy, splenectomy and resection of adherent bowel. The spleen contained a metastatic lesion 1.0 cm in diameter, consistent with a primary neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas. This operation was followed 8 months later, by delayed resection of liver metastases. The patient receives monthly administration of somatostatin long-acting analogue and has undergone several ablations of liver lesions with percutaneous radiofrequency ablation as well as a second liver resection. The patient is alive seven years after initial presentation, with no evidence of disease on imaging studies.

Conclusions

This is the first report of a splenic metastasis from a primary pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. The patient initially presented with synchronous multiple liver metastases and a single splenic metastasis. After resection of the primary tumor and spleen, the patient has undergone aggressive cytoreductive surgery/ablation of liver lesions and somatostatin therapy with resulting long-term survival.

Role and Operative Technique of Portal Venous Tumor Thrombectomy in Patients with Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

INTRODUCTION

Venous tumor thrombi have been reported in as many as 33 % of patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs). Surgical thrombectomy is often used to manage tumor thrombi that develop in association with cancers of the liver or kidney. We have likewise used thrombectomy to extract portal venous tumor thrombi in selected cases of pNET.

METHODS

We describe all cases of portal venous thrombectomy that were performed at our institution between 2007 and 2014 and illustrate the thrombectomy techniques we used in detail. In addition, we report the results of a PubMed search for English-language articles that were published between 1990 and 2014 and that described surgical therapy for portal venous thrombus developing in association with pNETs.

RESULTS

Among 245 patients with pNET that underwent pancreatectomy at our institution, 26 (11 %) patients required surgical management of tumor involvement of the portal vein or its tributaries concomitant with pancreatectomy, including 9 (3.8 %) patients who underwent portal venous tumor thrombectomy. Eight cases describing surgical management of tumor thrombus including two additional cases of portal venous tumor thrombectomy were identified in the medical literature. Among patients with pNET who underwent thrombectomy at our institution, all nine had non-functioning tumors and eight (89 %) had tumors of the body and/or tail of the pancreas. Six (67 %) were treated with systemic therapy prior to pancreatectomy. Seven (78 %) patients are alive at a median follow-up of 33 months (range 3 to 97).

CONCLUSION

Venous tumor thrombectomy may be used to safely and effectively extract thrombi from the portal venous system in selected patients with advanced pNET concomitant with pancreatectomy.