Small Bowel Imaging

Leiomyosarcoma of the rectum: A systematic review of recent literature

Leiomyosarcomas (LMSs) are rare tumors originating from the muscular layer. We performed a literature review of cases of confirmed rectal leiomyosarcomas (rLMSs) to clarify the history of such an infrequent tumor arising at such an uncommon location. In this research local recurrence was related to poorly differentiated rLMS and no other association between recurrence and any criteria was found. Concerning overall survival (OS), rLMS patients developing recurrence presented shorter longevity compared with the group without.

Small Bowel Imaging from Stepchild of Roentgenology to MR Enterography: Part I: Guidance in Performing and Observing Normal and Abnormal Imaging Findings

MRE has become a standard imaging test for evaluating patients with small bowel pathology, but the indications, interpretation of imaging findings, methodology, and appropriate use must be standardized and widely known. Several signs of small bowel damage in inflammatory and non-inflammatory small bowel pathology include strictures, abscess, inflammatory activity, sinus tract, wall edema, fistula, mucosal lesions, and mesentery fat hypertrophy, all of which are widely and accurately explained by MRE. MRE is a non-invasive modality that accurately assesses the intra-luminal, parietal, and extra-luminal small bowel. The differential MRE appearance allows us to distinguish between different small bowel pathologies, such as neoplastic and non-neoplastic small bowel diseases. The purpose of this paper is to present the MRE technique, as well as the interpretation of imaging findings, through the approach of a rigorous stepwise methodology.

Leiomyosarcoma of the small bowel: A case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Malignant tumors of the small bowel are rare. The jejunum, ileum, and duodenum represent the most common sites of intestinal leiomyosarcoma (LMS). Herein, we present a case of a 65-year-old patient having ileal LMS successfully treated with surgical resection.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 65-year-old patient, with no comorbidities, presented with chronic and paroxysmal abdominal pain. Upper endoscopy and colonoscopy showed no abnormalities. Thoracoabdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed an ileal lobulated, heterogeneously enhancing solid mass measuring 6 cm. Laparotomy was performed. Findings showed a lobulated ileal mass. We made an enlarged ileal resection with end-to-end anastomosis. The postoperative course was uneventful. Histology and IHC stains concluded into ileal LMS. No relapse of the disease was noted during the 4-month follow-up.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Ileal LMS is a rare tumor originating from the smooth muscle cells within the muscularis mucosa or muscularis propria. CT colonography (CTC) and magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) represent good options to aid the diagnosis. Histologically, LMS often has a comparable morphological appearance to GISTs. IHC is essential to differentiate those tumors. Surgery is the only curative treatment. The prognosis is poor knowing that those tumors are discovered at advanced stages.

CONCLUSION

Ileal LMS is a rare tumor originating from the smooth muscle cells. It has a comparable morphological appearance to GISTs. Immunohistochemistry is essential to confirm the diagnosis. Surgery is the only curative treatment. The prognosis is poor.

Lower Extremity Varicose Veins: An Unusual Presentation of Small Bowel Leiomyosarcoma

Leiomyosarcomas (LMSs) are extremely rare and comprise only 1.2% of small bowel malignancies. Advancements in immunohistochemical techniques have allowed for the differentiation between LMSs and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. LMSs remain difficult to detect via endoscopy and require a more intricate diagnostic approach. The staging and sizing of these tumors are important prognostic indicators. We report a case of a 67-year-old male who presented with bulging lower extremity veins, abdominal bloating, and weight loss. A CT of the abdomen and pelvis revealed a pelvic mass arising from the small bowel and a metastatic hepatic lesion, which was found to be compressing the inferior vena cava. A biopsy of the hepatic lesion confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic LMS.

Leiomyosarcoma of the small bowel: Report of a case and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Leiomyosarcoma of the small bowel is an extremely rare form of gastrointestinal malignancy. Small bowel tumours are usually asymptomatic at the early stages, and difficult to visualise by upper and lower endoscopy.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

An 83-year-old gentleman presented in surgical outpatient clinic with chronic anaemia, abdominal discomfort and a single episode of malaena. Initial OGD and colonoscopy were both unremarkable. Subsequent CT revealed a mass in the right iliac fossa of likely small bowel origin, leading to an urgent laparotomy and resection with primary anastomosis. Histopathology showed a high grade leiomyosarcoma with no signs of metastasis and confirmatory immunological staining. Post-surgery follow up remains unremarkable.

DISCUSSION

Leiomyosarcomas of the small bowel are extremely rare entities, particularly following the advent of robust immunohistological diagnostic methods allowing differentiation from GISTs. As small bowel tumours are often not visualised by upper and lower endoscopy, further investigations to visualise the small bowel are crucial, generally in the form of magnetic resonance enterography, CT colonography or wireless capsule endoscopy.

CONCLUSION

The treatment of such tumours remains predominantly centred around surgical resection, and prognosis is dependent on tumour size and histological staging.