Synchronous gallbladder metastasis originating from residual gastric cancer: a case report and the review of literature

A comprehensive exploration of gallbladder health: from common to rare imaging findings

This comprehensive review explores a wide range of imaging findings associated with the gallbladder (GB), from anatomic variants to rare diseases. Through an in-depth review of diagnostic modalities including ultrasound, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, CT, and MRI, we aim to highlight the crucial role of imaging techniques in diagnosing GB disorders, as congenital anomalies, inflammatory diseases, neoplasms, and surgical complications. Employing a detailed analysis and comparison of imaging findings across various modalities, this review seeks to improve diagnostic accuracy for GB-related pathologies, facilitating optimal patient management.

Synchronous tumors of gastric carcinoma combined gallbladder cancer and pseudotumor chronic pancreatitis

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Synchronous primary cancers in the stomach and gallbladder were not previously reported in the medical literature. Pseudotumor pancreatitis was also described many years ago. It was misdiagnosed and required surgery for pancreatic head neoplasms.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 57-year-old male patient went to our hospital for abdominal pain. He was indicated for gastroduodenal endoscopy, and the result was adenocarcinoma. Abdominal ultrasound and Ctscan detected the gallbladder fundus's localized thickening structure and the pancreatic head's hyperechoic structure. The endoscopic ultrasound and MRI showed a gallbladder + pancreatic head tumor with chronic pancreatitis with pancreatic stones. The patient underwent distal gastrectomy, cholecystectomy, and pancreaticoduodenectomy.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

The detection of gastric cancer is often based on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and biopsy results. Gallbladder cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, and only very few patients are diagnosed early. Pancreatic cancer often occurs in the head of the pancreas. Symptoms may include obstruction of the common bile and Wirsung duct, often in advanced stages. Surgery for the gallbladder, distal stomach, and head of pancreatic tumors are related to each other located in a neighboring location in the anatomy, so surgery to remove all three tumors is relatively similar to a pancreaticoduodenectomy procedure.

CONCLUSION

Synchronous tumors of gastric carcinoma combined with gallbladder cancer and pseudotumor chronic pancreatitis are rare. The attitude of treating these three diseases at the same time requires a tumor board. Simultaneous surgery for gallbladder, stomach, and pancreatic head tumors can be performed if the tumors are still in the resectable stage.