Association between pancreatic cystadenocarcinoma, malignant liver cysts, and polycystic disease of the kidney

The screening, diagnosis, and management of patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: A national consensus statement from Taiwan

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common inherited cause of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) worldwide. Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of ADPKD in Taiwan remains unavailable. In this consensus statement, we summarize updated information on clinical features of international and domestic patients with ADPKD, followed by suggestions for optimal diagnosis and care in Taiwan. Specifically, counselling for at-risk minors and reproductive issues can be important, including ethical dilemmas surrounding prenatal diagnosis and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. Studies reveal that ADPKD typically remains asymptomatic until the fourth decade of life, with symptoms resulting from cystic expansion with visceral compression, or rupture. The diagnosis can be made based on a detailed family history, followed by imaging studies (ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging). Genetic testing is reserved for atypical cases mostly. Common tools for prognosis prediction include total kidney volume, Mayo classification and PROPKD/genetic score. Screening and management of complications such as hypertension, proteinuria, urological infections, intracranial aneurysms, are also crucial for improving outcome. We suggest that the optimal management strategies of patients with ADPKD include general medical care, dietary recommendations and ADPKD-specific treatments. Key points include rigorous blood pressure control, dietary sodium restriction and Tolvaptan use, whereas the evidence for somatostatin analogues and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors remains limited. In summary, we outline an individualized care plan emphasizing careful monitoring of disease progression and highlight the need for shared decision-making among these patients.

Hepatointestinal complications in polycystic kidney disease

Background

The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of major hepatointestinal complications in patients with polycystic kidney disease (PKD).

Methods

We analyzed the Taiwan National Health Insurance claims data (2000-2010) of 6031 patients with PKD and 23,976 non-PKD hospitalized controls. The control cohort was propensity score matched with the PKD cohort at a 1:4 ratio. All patients were followed up from the index date to the first inpatient diagnosis of hepatointestinal complications, death, or 31 December, 2011. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to identify the risk of outcome after adjustment for potential confounders.

Results

The incidence rates of acute pancreatitis, cholangitis, peptic ulcer bleeding, and cirrhosis were 5.72, 4.01, 19.9, and 5.46 per 1000 person-years, respectively, in the PKD cohort. Compared with the non-PKD controls, patients with PKD exhibited an increased risk of hospitalization for acute pancreatitis, cholangitis, peptic ulcer bleeding, and cirrhosis (adjusted subhazard ratio [aSHR]: 2.36, 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.95-2.84]; 2.36, [95% CI, 1.95-2.84]; 2.41, [95% CI, 1.93-3.01]; 2.41, [95% CI, 2.17-2.67]; and 1.39, [95% CI, 1.16-1.66], respectively; all p < 0.001). PKD, chronic kidney disease, and alcoholism were independent predictors of all these hepatointestinal complications. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed an increased overall mortality in patients with PKD who developed acute pancreatitis and peptic ulcer bleeding (log-rank p < 0.05).

Conclusion

PKD is associated with clinically significant extrarenal complications including acute pancreatitis, cholangitis, peptic ulcer bleeding, and cirrhosis.

Gastrointestinal Manifestations of Autosomal-Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

Autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most commonly inherited kidney disease, and the fourth most common cause of end-stage renal disease. ADPKD is a systemic disorder, associated with numerous extrarenal manifestations, including polycystic liver disease, the most common gastrointestinal manifestation, and diverticular disease, inguinal, and ventral hernias, pancreatic cysts, and large bile duct abnormalities. All of these gastrointestinal manifestations play a significant role in disease burden in ADPKD, particularly in the later decades of life. Thus, as ADPKD becomes more recognized, it is important for gastroenterologists to be knowledgeable of this monogenic disorder's effects on the digestive system.

Pancreatic Cysts in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: Prevalence and Association with PKD2 Gene Mutations

Purpose To define the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging prevalence of pancreatic cysts in a cohort of patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) compared with a control group without ADPKD that was matched for age, sex, and renal function. Materials and Methods In this HIPAA-compliant, institutional review board-approved study, all patients with ADPKD provided informed consent; for control subjects, informed consent was waived. Patients with ADPKD (n = 110) with mutations identified in PKD1 or PKD2 and control subjects without ADPKD or known pancreatic disease (n = 110) who were matched for age, sex, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and date of MR imaging examination were evaluated for pancreatic cysts by using axial and coronal single-shot fast spin-echo T2-weighted images obtained at 1.5 T. Total kidney volume and liver volume were measured. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate potential associations between collected variables and presence of pancreatic cysts among patients with ADPKD. The number, size, location, and imaging characteristics of the cysts were recorded. Results Patients with ADPKD were significantly more likely than control subjects to have at least one pancreatic cyst (40 of 110 patients [36%] vs 25 of 110 control subjects [23%]; P = .027). In a univariate analysis, pancreatic cysts were more prevalent in patients with ADPKD with mutations in PKD2 than in PKD1 (21 of 34 patients [62%] vs 19 of 76 patients [25%]; P = .0002). In a multivariable logistic regression model, PKD2 mutation locus was significantly associated with the presence of pancreatic cysts (P = .0004) and with liver volume (P = .038). Patients with ADPKD and a pancreatic cyst were 5.9 times more likely to have a PKD2 mutation than a PKD1 mutation after adjusting for age, race, sex, estimated glomerular filtration rate, liver volume, and total kidney volume. Conclusion Pancreatic cysts were more prevalent in patients with ADPKD with PKD2 mutation than in control subjects or patients with PKD1 mutation. (©) RSNA, 2016 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Multiple Gastric Carcinomas Associated with Potter Type III Cystic Disease

We report a case of multiple gastric carcinomas associated with Potter type III cystic disease of the liver, mesenterium and kidney. A 65-year-old man with chronic renal failure due to polycystic kidneys and under hemodialysis treatment 3 times a week for 2 years was admitted to our hospital because of anemia. He stated that his sister had suffered from polycystic kidney disease. Gastrointestinal fiberscopy showed two lesions in the lesser curvature in the lower portion of the stomach, and histopathological analysis of the gastric tumor biopsies revealed that one of the tumors was a papillary adenocarcinoma and the other a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Helicobacter pylori infection was not detected in the stomach mucosa. Abdominal computed tomography scan revealed polycystic lesions in the liver, mesenterium and both kidneys. These imaging findings and family history suggested that the patient suffered from multiple gastric carcinomas associated with Potter type III cystic disease of the liver, mesenterium and kidney. Reports on the association of malignant neoplasm with Potter type III cystic disease are extremely rare. Especially, no case of the association of gastric carcinoma with Potter type III cystic disease of the liver and kidney has been described previously. This is a first report of the association of gastric carcinoma with Potter type III cystic disease. We also review reports of other malignant neoplasms associated with polycystic disease.

Myxoid liposarcoma involving the liver, subcutaneous tissue, and epidural space in a polycystic disease patient

We present a case of a myxoid liposarcoma involving the liver, subcutaneous tissue, and epidural space in a polycystic disease patient with minimally increased F-18 FDG activity and review the image findings of myxoid liposarcoma.

Primary cilia deletion in pancreatic epithelial cells results in cyst formation and pancreatitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Defects in cilia formation or function have been implicated in several human genetic diseases, including polycystic kidney disease (PKD), Bardet-Biedl syndrome, and primary ciliary dyskinesia. Pancreatic lesions are found in approximately 10% of PKD patients, suggesting a connection between cilia defects and pancreatic pathologies. Here, we investigate the role of cilia in pancreas formation and function by analyzing mice that lack cilia in pancreatic cells.

METHODS

Using Cre/lox technology, we conditionally inactivated Kif3a, the gene encoding for a subunit of the kinesin-2 complex that is essential for cilia formation, in pancreatic epithelia. Kif3a mice were studied by immunohistochemical and biochemical methods to assess the morphology and differentiation status of pancreatic cells.

RESULTS

Tissue-specific loss of Kif3a in pancreatic cells resulted in severe pancreatic abnormalities including acinar-to-ductal metaplasia, fibrosis, and lipomatosis. Ductal metaplasia appears to be due to expansion of ductal cells rather than transdifferentiation of acinar cells. Cyst formation, aberrant ductal morphology, and extensive fibrosis associated with severe adhesion to adjacent organs were commonly observed in aged Kif3a mutant mice. Deletion of Kif3a using different pancreas-specific Cre strains suggests that these pancreatic phenotypes might be caused by the absence of cilia in ductal cells. Activation of transforming growth factor beta and Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK/ERK) pathways may play a role in these phenotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that the absence of cilia in pancreatic cells produces pancreatic lesions that resemble those found in patients with chronic pancreatitis or cystic fibrosis.

Primary pancreatic lymphoma--pancreatic tumours that are potentially curable without resection, a retrospective review of four cases

Background

Primary pancreatic lymphomas (PPL) are rare tumours of the pancreas. Symptoms, imaging and tumour markers can mimic pancreatic adenocarcinoma, but they are much more amenable to treatment. Treatment for PPL remains controversial, particularly the role of surgical resection.

Methods

Four cases of primary pancreatic lymphoma were identified at Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia. A literature review of cases of PPL reported between 1985 and 2005 was conducted, and outcomes were contrasted.

Results

All four patients presented with upper abdominal symptoms associated with weight loss. One case was diagnosed without surgery. No patients underwent pancreatectomy. All patients were treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and two of four patients received rituximab. One patient died at 32 months. Three patients are disease free at 15, 25 and 64 months, one after successful retreatment. Literature review identified a further 103 patients in 11 case series. Outcomes in our series and other series of chemotherapy and radiotherapy compared favourably to surgical series.

Conclusion

Biopsy of all pancreatic masses is essential, to exclude potentially curable conditions such as PPL, and can be performed without laparotomy. Combined multimodality treatment, utilising chemotherapy and radiotherapy, without surgical resection is advocated but a cooperative prospective study would lead to further improvement in treatment outcomes.

orpkmouse model of polycystic kidney disease reveals essential role of primary cilia in pancreatic tissue organization

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) includes a group of disorders that are characterized by the presence of cysts in the kidney and other organs,including the pancreas. Here we show that in orpk mice, a model system for PKD that harbors a mutation in the gene that encodes the polaris protein, pancreatic defects start to occur at the end of gestation, with an initial expansion of the developing pancreatic ducts. Ductal dilation continues rapidly after birth and results in the formation of large,interconnected cysts. Expansion of pancreatic ducts is accompanied by apoptosis of neighboring acinar cells, whereas endocrine cell differentiation and islet formation appears to be unaffected. Polaris has been shown to co-localize with primary cilia, and these structures have been implicated in the formation of renal cysts. In the orpk pancreas, cilia numbers are reduced and cilia length is decreased. Expression of polycystin-2, a protein involved in PKD, is mislocalized in orpk mice. Furthermore, the cellular localization of β-catenin, a protein involved in cell adhesion and Wnt signaling, is altered. Thus, polaris and primary cilia function are required for the maturation and maintenance of proper tissue organization in the pancreas.

A syndrome of hereditary pancreatic adenocarcinoma and cysts of the liver and kidneys

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in developed countries. Several family and population studies have suggested that there is a genetic predisposition in about 10% of cases. Despite this, pedigrees showing a definite Mendelian inheritance pattern are quite rare. Recently, a family came to our attention with several cases of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. A detailed family medical history was obtained from the index patient. Medical records, including death certificates, histopathology, radiology, and laboratory reports from several family members were reviewed. Computerized tomography scans and CA19-9 serum assays were performed on selected family members. The family seems to have a syndrome of autosomal dominant adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, accompanied by multiple cysts of the liver and kidneys. Affected family members without pancreatic cancer have elevated serum CA19-9 levels. This seems to be a previously undescribed syndrome. The family may be carrying a tumor suppressor gene mutation specific for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Von Hippel-Lindau disease masquerading as autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

The diagnostic confusion in differentiating the various causes of renal cystic diseases in adults is well documented. This confusion can include misclassifications between autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL). We describe such a case of VHL. A review of the literature and of the patients in our database regarding typical features of each disease, mean age of onset, and frequency of these features was undertaken to provide helpful differentiating features. Pancreatic cysts are one differentiating feature. In VHL, pancreatic cysts can occur in 70% of patients, often are multiple, and rarely may cause exocrine or endocrine insufficiency. Pancreatic islet cell tumors occur. In ADPKD, pancreatic cysts are found in only 9% of patients, usually are single and asymptomatic, generally occur in conjunction with cystic liver disease, and are not found in children or unaffected family members. Pancreatic malignancies do not occur with increased frequency in ADPKD. A different pattern, especially in patients without a strong family history of ADPKD, may be a clue to VHL masquerading as ADPKD. Genetic mutation screening of the VHL gene should be used in these patients.

Cystadenomas and cystadenocarcinomas of the pancreas: a multiinstitutional retrospective study of 398 cases. French Surgical Association

OBJECTIVE

To review the features of patients with benign and malignant cystadenomas of the pancreas, focusing on preoperative diagnostic accuracy and long-term outcome, especially for nonoperated serous cystadenomas and resected cystadenocarcinomas.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Serous cystadenomas (SCAs) are benign tumors. Mucinous cystic neoplasms should be resected because of the risk of malignant progression. A correct preoperative diagnosis of tumor type is based on morphologic criteria. Despite the high quality of recent imaging procedures, the diagnosis frequently remains uncertain. Invasive investigations such as endosonography and diagnostic aspiration of cystic fluid may be helpful, but their assessment is limited to small series. The management of typical SCA may require resection or observation. Survival after pancreatic resection seems better for cystadenocarcinomas (MCACs) than for ductal adenocarcinomas of the pancreas.

METHODS

Three hundred ninety-eight cases of cystadenomas of the pancreas were collected between 1984 and 1996 in 73 institutions of the French Surgical Association. Clinical presentation, radiologic evaluation, and surgical procedures were analyzed for 144 operated SCAs, 150 mucinous cystadenomas (MCAs), and 78 MCACs. The outcome of 372 operated patients and 26 nonoperated patients with SCA was analyzed.

RESULTS

Cystadenomas represented 76% of all primary pancreatic cystic tumors (398/522). An asymptomatic tumor was discovered in 32% of patients with SCA, 26% of those with MCA, and 13% of those with MCAC. The tumor was located in the head or uncinate process of the pancreas in 38% of those with SCA, 27% of those with MCA, and 49% of those with MCAC. A communication between the cyst and pancreatic duct was discovered in 0.6% of those with SCA, 6% of those with MCA, and 10% of those with MCAC. The main investigations were ultrasonography and computed tomography (94% for SCA, MCA, and MCAC), endosonography (34%, 28%, and 22% for SCA, MCA, and MCAC respectively), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (16%, 14%, 22%), and cyst fluid analysis (22%, 31%, 35%). An accurate preoperative diagnosis of tumor type was proposed for 20% of those with SCA (144 cases), 30% of those with MCA, and 29% of those with MCAC. An atypical unilocular macrocyst was observed in 10% of SCA cases. The most common misdiagnosis for mucinous cystic tumors was pseudocyst (9% of MCAs, 15% of MCACs). Intraoperative frozen sections (126 cases) allowed a diagnosis according to definitive histologic examination in 50% of those with SCA and MCA and 62% of those with MCAC. For management, 93% of patients underwent surgery. Nonoperated patients (7%) had exclusively typical SCA. A complete cyst excision was performed in 94% of benign cystadenomas, with an operative mortality rate of 2% for SCA and 1.4% for MCA. Resection was possible in 74% of cases of MCAC. Mean follow-up of 26 patients with nonresected SCAs was 38 months, and no patients required surgery. For resected MCACs, the actuarial 5-year survival rate was 63%.

CONCLUSIONS

Spiral computed tomography is the examination of choice for a correct prediction of tumor type. Endosonography may be useful to detect the morphologic criteria of small tumors. Diagnostic aspiration of the cyst allows differentiation of the macrocystic form of SCA (10% of cases) and the unilocular type of mucinous cystic neoplasm from a pseudocyst. Surgical resection should be performed for symptomatic SCAs, all mucinous cystic neoplasms, and cystic tumors that are not clearly defined. Conservative management is wholly justified for a well-documented SCA with no symptoms. An extensive resection is warranted for MCAC because the 5-year survival rate may exceed 60%.

[Cystic lesions of the pancreas]

Most cystic lesions of the pancreas are pseudocysts caused by acute or chronic pancreatitis. Congenital cysts are rare and may occur in congenital syndromes like von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. Cystic tumors of the pancreas may be difficult to distinguish clinically; however, because of their malignant potential, in particular in cases of mucinous types, diagnostic verification is crucial. Hence, in all cases of cystic lesions of the pancreas, which are not a sequela of an etiological confirmed acute or chronic pancreatitis, a cystic neoplasm must be ruled out. Differential diagnosis may be difficult even with ultrasonography, computertomography, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and serum analyses; endoscopic ultrasound, magnetic resonance tomography and analysis of the cyst content may be of particular value. The therapeutic approach for pseudocysts is now well established and guided by symptoms and complications. If a cystic neoplasm is suspected, surgical resection of the complete lesion is warranted.

CONCLUSION

The most important differential diagnosis in all cystic lesions of the pancreas with atypical presentation includes a cystic neoplasm. Therefore complete resection is indicated whenever the suspicion cannot be ruled out.