Efficacy and Safety of Celiac Plexus Neurolysis Versus Splanchnic Nerve Neurolysis in the Management of Abdominal Cancer Pain: A Meta-analysis of 359 Patients

BACKGROUND

Splanchnic nerve neurolysis (SNN) is commonly used as an alternative pain control technique to celiac plexus neurolysis (CPN) in patients with distortion of anatomy, but the analgesic effect and relative risks of the 2 procedures remain controversial in general condition.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the pain condition, safety, and symptom burden of SNN compared with CPN.

STUDY DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis of neurolysis therapy for intractable cancer-related abdominal pain.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed for randomized controlled trials comparing SNN and CPN using the PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata Version 15.0. Outcomes included pain condition, opioid consumption, adverse effects, quality of life (QOL), and survival rate. Standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated for continuous outcomes with its corresponding 95% CI.

LIMITATIONS

Study limitations include challenges to make subgroup analysis by intervention measures and addressing inevitable heterogeneity. Larger studies are needed for survival rates and further insights.

RESULTS

Seven studies involving 359 patients were included. No significant difference was found in pain condition at 2 weeks [SMD = 0.75, 95% CI (-0.25, 1.74), P > 0.05], 2 months [SMD = 1.10, 95% CI (-0.21, 2.40), P > 0.05] and 6 months [SMD = 0.53, 95% CI (-0.02, 1.08), P > 0.05] between SNN and CPN. Opioid consumption was comparable at 2 weeks [SMD = 0.57, 95% CI (-1.21, 2.34), P > 0.05] and one month [SMD = 0.37, 95% CI (-1.33, 2.07), P > 0.05]. However, SNN was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the opioid consumption at 2 months postoperatively [SMD = 0.99, 95% CI (0.68, 1.30), P < 0.05]. A systematic review was performed for adverse effects and QOL.

CONCLUSIONS

Our evidence supports that the analgesic effect of SNN is equivalent to that of CPN, independent of changes in the anatomical structure of the abdominal nerve plexus. SNN requires less use of opioids at 2 months and does not show greater improvement in pain burden compared to CPN.

Risk factors indicating the need for surgical therapy in patients with pyogenic liver abscesses

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous drainage (PD) and antibiotics are the therapy of choice (non-surgical therapy [non-ST]) for pyogenic liver abscesses (PLA), reserving surgical therapy (ST) for PD failure. The aim of this retrospective study was to identify risk factors that indicate the need for ST.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical charts of all of our institution's adult patients with a diagnosis of PLA between January 2000 and November 2020. A series of 296 patients with PLA was divided into two groups according to the therapy used: ST (n = 41 patients) and non-ST (n = 255). A comparison between groups was performed.

RESULTS

The overall median age was 68 years. Demographics, clinical history, underlying pathology, and laboratory variables were similar in both groups, except for the duration of PLA symptoms < 10 days and leukocyte count which were significantly higher in the ST group. The in-hospital mortality rate in the ST group was 12.2% vs. 10.2% in the non-ST group (p = 0.783), with biliary sepsis and tumor-related abscesses as the most frequent causes of death. Hospital stay and PLA recurrence were statistically insignificant between groups. One-year actuarial patient survival was 80.2% in the ST group vs. 84.6% in the non-ST (p = 0.625) group. The presence of underlying biliary disease, intra-abdominal tumor, and duration of symptoms for less than 10 days on presentation comprised the risk factors that indicated the need to perform ST.

CONCLUSIONS

There is little evidence regarding the decision to perform ST, but according to this study, the presence of underlying biliary disease or an intra-abdominal tumor and the duration of PLA symptoms < 10 days upon presentation are risk factors that should sway the surgeons to perform ST instead of PD.

Abdominal tumors in patients with neurofibromatosis type I: Genotype-phenotype relationships

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors have been detected in 25% of the necropsies performed on NF1 patients, but have been reported only in 7% of NF1 patients in the largest series. Such data imply an important gap between the true presence of tumors and those diagnosed. Few genotype-phenotype relationships have been described but to date none referring to abdominal tumors.

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate retrospectively the efficacy of a regular and proactive follow-up of NF1 patients to early diagnose abdominal tumors and report their mutations.

METHODS

Cohort study performed between 2010 and 2020, with 43 NF1 adult patients followed at our Dermatology department.

RESULTS

Eight abdominal tumors were diagnosed in six patients, meaning that 14% of the followed patients developed an abdominal tumor. Five patients (83%) were asymptomatic. Five (83.3%) had a family history of NF1 with abdominal tumors (patients 1,2 and 3,4,5 were relatives).

CONCLUSIONS

Although currently gastrointestinal routine screening investigations for asymptomatic patients are not recommended in the guidelines, the family aggregation in our series suggests it should be considered a close follow-up of the relatives of a patient with an NF1-related abdominal tumor. Also, for the first time, two mutations [c.2041C > T (p.Arg681Ter) and c.4537C > T (p.Arg1513*)] have been associated with family aggregation of abdominal tumors in NF1 patients.

DYNAMICS OF CHANGES IN 2,3 DIPHOSPHOGLYCERATE AND COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION IN THE POSTOPERATIVE PERIOD IN PATIENTS WITH ABDOMINAL NEOPLASMS

The problem of analysis of clinical - diagnostic and biochemical criteria of postoperative cognitive dysfunction in abdominal oncosurgery, depending on the degree and structure of disorders, remains unresolved, which determines its relevance. The role of 2, 3-diphosphoglycerate is essential, because its increase in the concentration of red blood cells in hypoxic conditions is one of the adaptive mechanisms that improve oxygen transport to tissues. Purpose. The influence of the dynamics of 2,3 diphosphoglycerate content, as the main indicator of hypoxia, on the occurrence of cognitive dysfunction in the postoperative period in patients with neoplasms of the abdominal cavity. The study was conducted on the basis of departments for patients of the surgical profile of the municipal institution "Kharkiv City Clinical Hospital of Ambulance and Emergency Care named after Professor OI Meshchaninov ". To achieve this goal, we examined 80 patients with abdominal neoplasms who underwent surgery under general anesthesia using propofol and fentanyl. All patients were divided into 2 groups depending on the age of patients on the WHO scale, who underwent surgery using general anesthesia: Group 1 (n = 39) - middle-aged patients (50-59 years); Group 2 (n = 41) - elderly and senile patients (60-80 years). The control points of the examination were the day before the operation and the 1st, 7th, 30th day from the moment of the operation. The state of cognitive function in these patients was determined by conducting neuropsychological tests. To assess the state of cognitive function of patients, neuropsychological tests were used: MMSE scale (Mini-Mental State Examination, MMSE), the method of memorizing 10 words AR Luria, frontal dysfunction battery (FAB), Schulte technique. To assess the state of energy metabolism in patients, the level of erythrocytes and hemoglobin in the blood analysis was determined by well-known methods, the level of 2,3 diphosphoglycerate in erythrocytes and its ratio to hemoglobin. Anemia in the first week after surgery in patients of group 1 contributes to the development of a hypoxic state, in erythrocytes there is an increase in the content of 2,3 41 diphosphoglycerate, which promotes the transport of oxygen to tissues. During the week there is an increase in the intensity of the formation of 2,3 diphosphoglycerate, as evidenced by the ratio of 2,3 diphosphoglycerate to hemoglobin. In patients of group 2, the changes are more pronounced: anemia with a significant decrease in erythrocytes and hemoglobin in the blood, a decrease in 2.3 diphosphoglycerate in erythrocytes, reflects changes in erythrocyte metabolism, namely a decrease in biosynthesis of important organophosphorus compounds, in particular 2,3 diphosphogly by reducing the basic enzymes of glycolysis. Decreased energy metabolism in the elderly contributes to impaired cell function. With age, the content of adenosine triphosphate, 2,3 diphosphoglycerate decreases, thus increasing the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen, impaired transport of oxygen to tissues, which leads to the development of hypoxia. According to the results of neuropsychological tests, we found postoperative cognitive dysfunction in patients with neoplasms of the abdominal cavity. Disruption of energy metabolism and changes in the activity of glycolysis enzymes in erythrocytes contributes to a decrease in the concentration of 2, 3 diphosphoglycerate, increase the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen and the development of tissue hypoxia. The obtained results indicate the interdependence of these processes and allow continuing research in this direction with the development of appropriate clinical and diagnostic measures and areas of intensive care to improve the condition of patients with abdominal tumors and their quality of life after surgery.

Comparison Between Two Volumes of 70% Alcohol in Single Injection Ultrasound-Guided Celiac Plexus Neurolysis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Pain due to inoperable upper abdominal malignancies is a challenging condition that needs a multimodal analgesic regimen to be managed properly. Celiac plexus alcohol neurolysis was proved to be effective in relieving such type of pain; however, there is no consistent data about the optimal volume to be used to maintain the balance between the neurolytic effect and the destructive effect of alcohol.

OBJECTIVES

We aim to compare the analgesic effect of 2 different volumes of alcohol to improve the outcome of interventional management.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a randomized controlled double-blinded interventional clinical trial.

SETTING

Single university hospital.

METHODS

Thirty-two patients who suffered from abdominal pain due to unresectable abdominal malignancies were randomly allocated to receive in a single injection ultrasound-guided celiac plexus neurolysis (CPN) with injection of either 20 mL 70% alcohol (CPN20 group) or 40 mL 70% alcohol (CPN40 group). The primary outcome was the post-procedure pain score, while the secondary outcomes included the post-procedure total daily opioid consumption and quality of life (QOL).

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding visual analog scale (VAS) scores at all time points (P-value > 0.05); however, comparisons in each group revealed significantly reduced VAS scores at all time points following the intervention when compared to the baseline. Daily morphine equivalent consumption doses showed statistically significant differences between the baseline and each time point in both groups (P value < 0.05), with no significant difference between both groups at each time point (P value > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the study groups regarding all domains in quality of life assessment at all time points (P value > 0.05). The scores of most time points in all domains were different significantly when compared to the baseline readings in both groups, with a tendency to decline over time in both groups approaching the baseline values.

LIMITATIONS

This was a single-center study with a relatively small sample size. Further prospective, multicenter, randomized, and controlled studies with a larger sample size are required to confirm the effects in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

During ultrasound-guided CPN for patients with inoperable upper abdominal cancers who failed medical management, a volume of 20 mL is as effective as 40 mL of 70% alcohol regarding pain control, opioid consumption, quality of life, and procedure-related complications.

Assessment of Secondary Sarcomas Among Patients With Cancer of the Abdomen or Pelvis Who Received Combinations of Surgery, Radiation, and Chemotherapy vs Surgery Alone

IMPORTANCE

The association of radiation and chemotherapy with the development of secondary sarcoma is known, but the contemporary risk has not been well characterized for patients with cancers of the abdomen and pelvis.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the risk of secondary sarcoma among patients treated with combinations of surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy with patients treated with surgery alone and the general population.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This population-based cohort study included 173 580 patients in Ontario, Canada, with nonmetastatic cancer of the prostate, bladder, colon, rectum or anus, cervix, uterus, or testis. Patients were enrolled from January 1, 2002, to January 31, 2017. Data analysis was conducted from March 1, 2019, to January 31, 2020.

EXPOSURES

Treatment combinations of radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery.

MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES

Diagnosis of sarcoma based on histologic codes from the Ontario Cancer Registry. Time to sarcoma was compared using a cause-specific proportional hazard model.

RESULTS

Of 173 580 patients, most were men (125 080 [72.1%]), and the largest group was aged between 60 and 69 years (58 346 [33.6%]). Most patients had genitourinary cancer (86 235 [51.4%]) or colorectal cancer (69 241 [39.9%]). Overall, 64 301 (37.1%) received surgery alone, 51 220 (29.5%) received radiation alone, 15 624 (9.0%) were treated with radiation and chemotherapy, 15 252 (8.8%) received radiation with surgery, and 11 822 (6.8%) received all 3 treatments. A total of 332 patients (0.2%) had sarcomas develop during a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 5.7 (2.2-8.9) years. The incidence of sarcoma was 0.3% among those who underwent radiation alone (138 of 51 220) and radiation with chemotherapy (40 of 15 624), 0.2% among those who received radiation and surgery (36 of 15 252) and all 3 modalities (25 of 11 822), and 0.1% among those who received surgery with chemotherapy (13 of 14 861) and surgery alone (80 of 64 801). Compared with a reference group of patients who had surgery alone, the greatest risk of sarcoma was found among patients who underwent a combination of radiation and chemotherapy (cause-specific relative hazard [csRH], 4.07; 95% CI, 2.75-6.01; P < .001), followed by patients who had radiation alone (csRH, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.77-3.12; P < .001), radiation with surgery (csRH, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.57-3.46; P < .001), and all 3 modalities (csRH, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.44-3.58; P < .001). In the general population, 7987 events occurred during 46 554 803 person-years (17.2 events per 100 000 person-years). The standardized incidence ratio for sarcoma among patients treated with radiation compared with the general population was 2.41 (95% CI, 1.57-3.69; 41.3 events per 100 000 person-years). The annual number of cases of sarcoma increased from 2009 (15 per 100 000 persons) to 2016 (32 per 100 000 persons), but the annual rate did not change during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this cohort study, patients treated with radiation or chemotherapy for abdominopelvic cancers had an increased rate of sarcoma. Although the absolute rate is low, patients and physicians should be aware of this increased risk of developing sarcoma.

Acute non-traumatic abdominal pain by quadrant: relative yield of CT and clinical evaluation for diagnosis in 1000 patients

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relative diagnostic yield of contrast-enhanced CT in adults presenting with symptoms referable to a specific abdominal quadrant.

METHODS

Electronic health records review systematically identified patients meeting the following inclusion criteria: adults (≥ 18 years) undergoing IV contrast-enhanced abdominopelvic CT for acute non-traumatic symptoms referable to a specific abdominal quadrant (RLQ/LLQ/LUQ/RUQ). The CT-based diagnosis and any clinical diagnosis in the absence of CT diagnosis were recorded. The final cohort of 1000 subjects (mean age, 48.1 years; 647F/353M) consisted of consecutive sub-cohorts of 250 patients for each abdominal quadrant. Positive oral contrast was utilized in 91.6% (916/1000) of cases.

RESULTS

A positive CT diagnosis was provided in 47.3% (473/1000) of all patients, and was highest for LLQ (58.8%) and RLQ (58.0%) symptoms, including diverticulitis and appendicitis in 23.6% and 24.8% cases, respectively. CT positivity was lower for the LUQ (34.4%) and RUQ (38.0%) (p < 0.0001), with no single diagnosis representing > 5% of cases. However, all quadrants provided valuable triage of 218 hospital admissions (21.8%), 83.0% were CT positive, whereas 62.7% of 782 discharged patients were CT negative. Only 7.0% of CT-negative patients were admitted. A clinical-only diagnosis was provided in 9.3% of the total cohort (93/1000), representing 17.6% of the CT-negative cohort (93/527).

CONCLUSION

The rate of positive CT diagnosis is considerably higher for the lower abdominal quadrants, predominately due to appendicitis and diverticulitis. However, CT results (positive vs. negative) for all four quadrants strongly correlated with hospital admission versus discharge. Clinical-only diagnosis represented < 10% of all cases.

Budd-Chiari syndrome - various etiologies and imagistic findings. A pictorial review

Budd Chiari syndrome defines an obstruction of the hepatic venous outflow. Primary causes include pro-coagulant states resulting in venous thrombosis, while secondary Budd Chiari syndrome appears in conditions associated with extrinsic compression of the hepatic veins or tumor invasion. Clinical presentation is greatly varied, from incidentally discovered asymptomatic thrombosis to fulminant liver failure due to hepatic congestion. Abdominal ultrasonography is the key diagnostic tool of Budd Chiari syndrome. This pictorial essay aims to show the ultrasonographic aspect of Budd-Chiari syndrome associated with other medical conditions (abdominal malignancy, hematologic disorders and abdominal surgery).

Primary alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma of retrorectal-presacral space in an adult patient: A case report of an uncommon tumor with rare presentation

RATIONALE

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) has known as a highly malignant soft tissue sarcoma, representing 5% to 10% of all solid tumors in childhood. Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) of the retrorectal-presacral space is an extremely rare lesion for adult, no study has been reported in the English literature.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 51-year-old male presented with abdominal pain for 1 month, significantly worse when having a bowel movement.

DIAGNOSIS

Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvis showed a solid-cystic, enhancing lesion of dimension located in retrorectal-presacral space. The surgical specimen was reported as ARMS after pathological evaluation.

INTERVENTIONS

The tumor was complete surgical resection, and after surgery, the patient was treated with combination chemotherapy.

OUTCOMES

At 23 months follow up, the patient was asymptomatic with no evidence of metastases or local recurrence.

LESSONS

Improvements in imaging in addition to early surgical intervention and chemotherapy treatment are crucial to improve survival chances against RMS.

Diagnostic challenges and good treatment outcomes in pediatric paraganglioma of the abdomen: A case report

RATIONALE

Paraganglioma is a catecholamine-producing neuroendocrine tumor. Management of paraganglioma including its diagnosis is difficult, because it has no characteristic symptoms and many diseases can manifest as headache and high blood pressure. Herein, we report a rare case of paraganglioma of the abdomen with headache and initial normal blood pressure.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 9-year-old Chinese girl was hospitalized because of intermittent headache persisting for more than 9 months and recurrent headache for 15 days, accompanied by weight loss, impaired heat tolerance, and otherwise normal blood pressure.

DIAGNOSES

We eventually diagnosed paraganglioma.

INTERVENTIONS

Her paroxysmal hypertension subsided over 1 month after surgical removal of the tumor.

LESSONS

Intermittent headache and normal hypertension as the initial symptoms of paraganglioma can easily lead to misdiagnosis as another disease (e.g., renal artery stenosis, primary hyperaldosteronism, Takayasu's arteritis), and its differential diagnosis is difficult. When a patient presents with intermittent hypertension, clinicians should consider a diagnosis of paraganglioma. The comprehensive use of ultrasonography, computed tomography (including enhanced computed tomography and 3D reconstruction), magnetic resonance imaging, and plasma catecholamine measurement can aid the diagnosis of paraganglioma.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors and synchronous intra-abdominal malignancies: Review of the literature

PURPOSE

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most frequent neoplasms of mesenchymal origin affecting the gastrointestinal tract. GISTs quite frequently co-exist with other primary tumors in up to 33% of the cases. Such occurrence has been mainly described in the literature in the form of case reports and rarely of case series which hasn't been sufficient to prove if there is any association between these two entities.

METHODS

We conducted a review of the current literature regarding the synchronous occurrence of GISTs and other intra-abdominal malignancies. An electronic search of the literature was undertaken using MEDLINE (database provider PubMed). A primary selection of relevant studies was based on the title and abstract, whereas a secondary selection was performed according to the full text of publications.

RESULTS

Ten retrospective case series were considered and overall 1108 GISTs patients were included. Synchronous intra-abdominal malignancies were found in 18% of all GISTs patients studied. The mean age was 70,5 years, affecting more the male gender (65%). The mean size of the concurrent GISTs were 18mm while the most common GIST-associated malignancy were gastric adenocarcinomas.

CONCLUSION

The synchronous occurrence of GISTs and other intra-abdominal primary tumors is more common that it has been considered and while it is not yet clear if there is a causal association for the concomitant occurrence of GIST with other malignancies a closer surveillance of GIST patients is needed due to their proved increased prevalence of a second primary tumor especially during the first year after diagnosis.

Low Volume Neurolytic Retrocrural Celiac Plexus Block for Visceral Cancer Pain: Retrospective Review of 507 Patients with Severe Malignancy Related Pain Due to Primary Abdominal Cancer or Metastatic Disease

BACKGROUND

Abdominal pain from primary cancer or metastatic disease is a significant cause of pain for patients undergoing treatment for the disease. Patient's pain may be resistant to conventional analgesics. The need for timely pain relief in order to facilitate further care in the cancer treatment plan should be a priority.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this retrospective observational review was to assess the relief given with a low volume neurolytic retrocrural celiac plexus nerve block, the duration of the procedure, the duration of relief, the reduction in daily opioid consumption, and the improvement of quality of life in a patient suffering from incapacitating abdominal pain due to primary abdominal malignancy or abdominal metastatic disease. Patients were given a neurolytic celiac plexus block without previous diagnostic block due to multiple comorbidities.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective, observational study.

METHODS

Five hundred and seven patients were studied and data at 5 months for 455 patients were retained at the end of the review. They were evaluated in the pain center prior to and after the neurolytic retrocrural celiac plexus nerve block under fluoroscopic guidance. They were assessed on duration of procedure, pain scores (numeric rating scale 0-10), daily opioid consumption, quality of life improvement (simple yes or no question at 3 months) and routine follow-up during treatment for the cancer for 6 months or end of life. All data was gathered by extensive chart review and placed on a spreadsheet for analysis.

RESULTS

Follow-up was completed 6 months after the procedure. Pain scores, daily opioid consumption, and quality of life showed improvement for the duration of the study. There was some return in pain during the fourth to sixth month due to disease progression and the anticipated duration of the neurolytic agent. Some short duration known side effects did occur. An initial vascular contrast uptake of 6.7% was noted during the procedure while utilizing digital subtraction angiography with fluoroscopy.

LIMITATIONS

A larger sample size would be ideal, as well as, a prospective trial with a control group, but this is unrealistic in our patient population. A proven quality of life questionnaire would be beneficial. Comparing alcohol, phenol and radiofrequency thermocoagulation would be interesting to equate duration, effect, and side effects.

CONCLUSION

Low volume neurolytic retrocrural celiac plexus nerve block with phenol is a safe procedure providing up to 6 months of pain relief and is an effective, well-established, minimally time-consuming procedure for abdominal pain due to primary malignancy or metastatic spread.

KEY WORDS

Celiac plexus, neurolytic, abdominal cancer pain, pain, retrocrural, cancer pain.

Home parenteral nutrition for people with inoperable malignant bowel obstruction

BACKGROUND

People with advanced ovarian or gastrointestinal cancer may develop malignant bowel obstruction (MBO). They are able to tolerate limited, if any, oral or enteral (via a tube directly into the gut) nutrition. Parenteral nutrition (PN) is the provision of macronutrients, micronutrients, electrolytes and fluid infused as an intravenous solution and provides a method for these people to receive nutrients. There are clinical and ethical arguments for and against the administration of PN to people receiving palliative care.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of home parenteral nutrition (HPN) in improving survival and quality of life in people with inoperable MBO.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following electronic databases: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2018, Issue 1), MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), BNI, CINAHL, Web of Science and NHS Economic Evaluation and Health Technology Assessment up to January 2018, ClinicalTrials.gov (http://clinicaltrials.gov/) and in the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) search portal (http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/). In addition, we handsearched included studies and used the 'Similar articles' feature on PubMed for included articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included any studies with more than five participants investigating HPN in people over 16 years of age with inoperable MBO.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We extracted the data and assessed risk of bias for each study. We entered data into Review Manager 5 and used GRADEpro to assess the quality of the evidence.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 13 studies with a total of 721 participants in the review. The studies were observational, 12 studies had only one relevant treatment arm and no control and for the one study with a control arm, very few details were given. The risk of bias was high and the certainty of evidence was graded as very low for all outcomes. Due to heterogeneity of data, meta-analysis was not performed and therefore the data were synthesised via a narrative summary.The evidence for benefit derived from PN was very low for survival and quality of life. All the studies measured overall survival and 636 (88%) of participants were deceased at the end of the study. However there were varying definitions of overall survival that yielded median survival intervals between 15 to 155 days (range three to 1278 days). Three studies used validated measures of quality of life. The results from assessment of quality of life were equivocal; one study reported improvements up until three months and two studies reported approximately similar numbers of participants with improvements and deterioration. Different quality of life scales were used in each of the studies and quality of life was measured at different time points. Due to the very low certainty of the evidence, we are very uncertain about the adverse events related to PN use. Adverse events were measured by nine studies and data for individual participants could be extracted from eight studies. This revealed that 32 of 260 (12%) patients developed a central venous catheter infection or were hospitalised because of complications related to PN.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We are very uncertain whether HPN improves survival or quality of life in people with MBO as the certainty of evidence was very low for both outcomes. As the evidence base is limited and at high risk of bias, further higher-quality prospective studies are required.

Antineuronal Antibody in a Patient with Neuroblastoma and Opsoclonus-Myoclonus-Ataxia: A Case Report

We describe the case of a patient with neuroblastoma and opsoclonus-myoclonus-ataxia displaying serum and CSF anti-Hu antibodies that were able to recognize antigens of the patient's own tumor.

The Management of Inoperable Gastrointestinal Obstruction in Terminal Cancer Patients

The aim of the study was to assess vomit and pain control in terminal cancer patients with inoperable gastrointestinal obstruction, using a pharmacologic symptomatic treatment which prevents recourse to nasogastric tube placement and intravenous hydration, in hospital and home care settings. Twenty-two symptomatic patients, who were judged as inoperable, were treated with a pharmacologic association of morphine hydrochloride and scopolamine butylbromide as analgesics and haloperidol as an antiemetic. The drugs were administered by continuous subcutaneous infusion via a syringe driver or intravenously only when a central venous catheter had been inserted previously. Daily recordings included assessment of pain, number of vomiting episodes, dry mouth, drowsiness, and thirst sensation. Data were examined before starting the treatment (T0), 2 days after (T2) and 2 days before death (T-2). They showed that there was a significant decrease in the pain score (p less than 0.001) on T2 and a further decrease on T-2 (p less than 0.05). Vomiting was controlled in all patients, with the exception of three patients with upper abdomen obstruction who required nasogastric tube placement. Dry mouth showed an upward trend throughout the observation period (p less than 0.05) but was successfully treated by administering liquids by mouth or ice-cubes to suck. Drowsiness too presented an upward trend from T0 to T-2 (p less than 0.001). Only one patient out of 16 who reported to be thirsty required intravenous hydration. We believe that in terminal cancer patients, vomit and pain resulting from inoperable intestinal obstruction, with the exception of obstruction of the upper abdomen, can be controlled through administration of analgesic and antiemetic drugs, in the hospital and at home, without recourse to nasogastric tube placement or intravenous hydration.

Oral water soluble contrast for malignant bowel obstruction

BACKGROUND

Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is a common problem in patients with intra-abdominal cancer. Oral water soluble contrast (OWSC) has been shown to be useful in the management of adhesive small bowel obstruction in identifying patients who will recover with conservative management alone and also in reducing the length of hospital stay. It is not clear whether the benefits of OWSC in adhesive small bowel obstruction are also seen in patients with MBO.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the reliability of OWSC media and follow-up abdominal radiographs in predicting the success of conservative treatment in resolving inoperable MBO with conservative management.To determine the efficacy and safety of OWSC media in reducing the duration of obstruction and reducing hospital stay in people with MBO.

SEARCH METHODS

We identified studies from searching Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE and MEDLINE in Process, Embase, CINAHL, Science Citation Index (Web of Science) and Conference Proceedings Citation Index - Science (Web of Science). We also searched registries of clinical trials and the CareSearch Grey Literature database. The date of the search was the 6 June 2017.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), or prospective controlled studies, that evaluated the diagnostic potential of OWSC in predicting which malignant bowel obstructions will resolve with conservative treatment.RCTs, or prospective controlled studies, that assessed the therapeutic potential of OWSC in managing MBO at any level compared with placebo, no intervention or usual treatment or supportive care.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. We assessed risk of bias and assessed the evidence using GRADE and created a 'Summary of findings' table.

MAIN RESULTS

We found only one RCT meeting the selection criteria for the second objective (therapeutic potential) of this review. This study recruited nine participants. It compared the use of gastrografin versus placebo in adult patients with MBO with no indication for further intervention (surgery, endoscopy) apart from standardised conservative management.The overall risk of bias for the study was high due to issues with low numbers of participants, selective reporting of outcomes and a high attrition rate for the intervention arm.Primary outcomesThe included trial was a pilot study whose primary outcome was to test the feasibility for a large study. The authors reported specifically on the number of patients screened, the number recruited and reasons for exclusion; this was not the focus of our review.Due to the low number of participants, the authors of the study decided not to report on our primary outcome of assessing the ability of OWSC to predict the likelihood of malignant small bowel obstruction resolving with conservative treatment alone (diagnostic effect). It also did not report on our primary outcome of rate of resolution of MBO in patients receiving OWSC compared with those not receiving it (therapeutic effect).The study reported that no issues regarding safety or tolerability of either gastrografin or placebo were identified. The overall quality of the evidence for the incidence of adverse events with OWSC was very low, downgraded twice for serious limitations to study quality (high risk of selective reporting and attrition bias) and downgraded once for imprecision (sparse data).Secondary outcomesThe study planned to report on this review's secondary outcome measures of length of hospital stay and time from administration of OWSC to resolution of MBO. However the authors of the study decided not to do so due to the low numbers of patients recruited. The study did not report on our secondary outcome measure of survival times from onset of inoperable MBO until death.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence from RCTs to determine the place of OWSC in predicting which patients with inoperable MBO will respond with conservative treatment alone. There is also insufficient evidence from RCTs to determine the therapeutic effects and safety of OWSC in patients with malignant small bowel obstruction.

Double-ended Pigtail Polyethylene Stents in Management of Benign and Malignant Ureteric Obstruction

Surgical urinary diversion for incurable pelvic malignancy has a high morbidity and mortality, and external drainage provides less than ideal palliation. Six patients with ureteric obstruction caused by cancer have been managed by operative or endoscopic insertion of self-retaining polyethylene tubes. These techniques also have applications in non-malignant disease, and the treatment of two patients with benign ureteric stricture is described.

Paraneoplastic pemphigus without antibodies to desmoglein 1 and 3

Paraneoplastic pemphigus is a severe autoimmune blistering disease presenting in the setting of underlying malignancy. Paraneoplastic pemphigus is associated with diffuse painful stomatitis throughout the oral cavity with extension to the lips. The cutaneous findings are varied and have been described as lichenoid, pemphigoid, and targetoid lesions. Herein, we report a patient with paraneoplastic pemphigus whose routine testing led to a diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris. However, further testing was pursued revealing an antibody profile consistent with paraneoplastic pemphigus. Subsequent neoplastic workup revealed an intra-abdominal mass. Our case represents a subtle, non-classic presentation of paraneoplastic pemphigus and suggests the importance of a comprehensive investigative work-up in atypical cases of pemphigus.

[ABDOMINAL MASS AND ASCITES AS RISK FACTORS OF PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE]

(Objective) A rise of intra-abdominal pressure may exacerbate pelvic organ prolapse (POP) as well as abdominal hernias. This paper aims to assess the possible risk factors of an abdominal mass and ascites as comorbidities of POP. (Methods) We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of 2,748 POP patients between 2010 and 2016 and extracted eight cases (0.3%) with abdominal mass and ascites as risk factors. (Results) All eight patients were multiparous women aged between 52 and 88 years old. Three patients (cases 1-3) were referred to us for surgery related to POP from gynecologists with previously undetected ovarian tumors. In case 1, we noticed abdominal distension during a transvaginal mesh (TVM) operation. Postoperative CT and MRI scans confirmed the presence of an ovarian tumor 24 cm in diameter (mucinous cystic tumor, borderline malignant). In case 2, transvaginal ultrasound could not detect the ovaries, but a transabdominal ultrasound, which was done to investigate urinary retention, revealed an ovarian tumor 18 cm in diameter (mucinous cystic adenoma). In case 3, a detailed patient history outlined the patient's sense of abdominal fullness and a transvaginal ultrasound found ovarian cancer 10 cm in diameter with ascites (serous adenocarcinoma). Case 4 suffered from autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) with large liver cysts. The patient underwent a TVM operation to treat the presenting POP with unusual bleeding (460 g). Case 5 had abdominal distension and cystocele due to huge abdominal mass (recurrence of malignant lymphoma); she desired conservative follow-up to tumor and POP due to old age (88 years old). Two patients suffered from end-stage cancer (case 6: colorectal cancer, case 7: breast cancer) with liver metastasis. In cases 6 and 7, the patients' POP worsened with the increase of ascites, which was managed conservatively. Case 8 presented with liver cirrhosis related ascites and a total uterine prolapse, simultaneously. Colpocleisis was cancelled due to the onset of hepatic coma. (Conclusions) Abdominal mass and ascites are risk factors of POP by increasing abdominal pressure and lesions such as ovarian tumors may present as POP. Even when POP patients are referred from gynecologists, a vaginal examination, carefully recorded patient history, and abdominal palpation should be included as part of a standard treatment regimen to reliably exclude underlying diseases.

Paraneoplastic Pemphigus in a 34-year-old

Paraneoplastic Pemphigus (PNP) is a rare and often fatal autoimmune mucocutaneous blistering disease associated with an underlying malignancy. It is thought to be caused by antibodies to tumor antigenscross-reacting with epithelial antigens, specifically desmosomal and hemidesmosomal antigens. There are at least five clinical morphologic variants of PNP, with the earliest and most consistent finding beingsevere stomatitis. Diagnosis of PNP requires direct immunofluorescence of perilesional skin and indirect immunofluorescence. Treatment of PNP is difficult and largely limited to glucocorticoids, steroid-sparing immunomodulators, rituximab and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Despite therapies, prognosis is poor. We report a case of paraneoplastic pemphigus in a 34-year old male with severe stomatitis and lichenplanus-like cutaneous lesions.

The association of enchondromatosis with malignant transformed chondrosarcoma and ovarian juvenile granulosa cell tumor (Ollier disease)

OBJECTIVE

Ovarian juvenile granulosa cell tumor has an interesting association with multiple enchondromatosis (Ollier disease and Maffucci syndrome) and should be considered a leading diagnosis when an ovarian mass is found in young patients with these conditions. Besides the association with nonskeletal malignancies, there is a high risk of malignant transformation of enchondroma in chondrosarcoma as was also the case in this instance.

CASE REPORT

The report uses multiple images to document the representative and characteristic markers of multiple enchondromas in a 22-year-old patient with Ollier disease complicated by malignant transformation of chondrosarcoma and in whom the disease is associated with ovarian juvenile granulosa cell tumor of the right ovary.

CONCLUSION

It is important to recognize that when the female patient presents with enchondromatosis and a large unilateral multilocular-solid ovarian mass, the specific diagnosis of granulosa cell tumor can be made with high accuracy.

Analysis of treatment of large abdominal malignancies in children complicated with abdominal compartment syndrome: Report of six cases

To explore effective treatment of large abdominal malignancies in children complicated with abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS).Six children with large abdominal malignancies complicated with ACS were admitted to our department from January 2013 to January 2016, and the changes in their breathing, heart rate, oxygen saturation, abdominal circumference, bladder pressure, and urine output, as well as the treatment measures and outcomes, were retrospectively analyzed.The 6 children included 1 child with bilateral nephroblastoma, 1 child with abdominal alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, 1 child with right ovarian malignant teratoma complicated with abdominal glioma, 1 child with abdominal malignant teratoma, 1 child with right nephroblastoma, and 1 child with left adrenal gland neuroblastoma. All patients were treated in a timely manner. The first 4 children underwent abdominal cavity decompression through surgical resection of the tumor, and the ACS was successfully cured allowing for follow-up care, whereas the last 2 patients failed to receive emergency surgery and eventually died due to the gradual aggravation of ACS.Decompression through surgical resection of the tumor is the only effective measure for treating large abdominal malignancies in children complicated with ACS.

Cushing syndrome in a child due to pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) secretion from a yolk sac tumor

CONTEXT

Pituitary microadenomas and adrenal tumours are the most common causes for endogenous Cushing syndrome (CS) in children.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We describe a two-year old girl with Cushing syndrome due to ectopic pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) production from an abdominal yolk sac tumor. Cortisol concentrations were elevated but adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentrations were equivocal. The use of antibodies specifically detecting ACTH precursors revealed that plasma ACTH precursors were elevated. Additionally, an ACTH assay with a low cross-reactivity for precursors showed low concentrations of ACTH. Immunohistochemistry suggested POMC but not ACTH production by the tumour.

CONCLUSION

We describe a yolk sac tumour as a novel source of ectopic POMC production leading to CS in a young girl.

Male breast cancer originating in an ectopic breast tissue in the umbilicus A Case Report

INTRODUCTION

Accessory breast tissue is a rare finding in the general population with an incidence of 1-2%. Carcinomas of accessory breast tissue account for ∼0.3% of breast cancers, 5% of which are arising within a supernumerary breast. They are usually diagnosed at a later stage compared with breast cancer, due to their rarity and low clinical suspicion.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present the case of a 58 years old male who was admitted to our hospital for an umbilical hernia, surgical repair. During surgery a small skin biopsy was excised and sent for pathological examination as routine procedure. The histological report revealed the presence of a poorly differentiated carcinoma. Immunochemical analysis confirmed adenocarcinoma of breast origin.

CONCLUSION

Carcinomas of accessory breast tissue are rare and therefore they are usually of advanced stage in time of diagnosis. Few cases have been reported in literature of accessory breast tissue carcinomas in men. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only case in the literature, of ectopic breast tissue cancer in the umbilicus.

KEY WORDS

Ectopic breast, Male breast cancer, Umbilicus.

Inconspicuous Presentation of Metastatic Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is a malignant tumor arising from nerve tissue that accounts for approximately 15 percent of pediatric cancer fatalities. Primary tumors most commonly arise in sympathetic nervous tissue of the abdomen and metastasize to the bone marrow, liver, and lymph nodes. This case report depicts a 3-year-old girl who presented with a recurring fever, runny nose, and a positive test for rhinovirus suggesting a simple case of the common cold. Further investigation, however, revealed stage 4 neuroblastoma. This patient experience emphasizes the importance of having a high level of suspicion to rule out more serious underlying pathology in a seemingly unremarkable patient presentation.

[Rectal prolapse revealing a tumor: The role of abdominal ultrasound]

Rectal prolapse is rare in children and usually benign. However, there are various diseases that can be associated with it, such as cystic fibrosis or other causes of increased abdominal pressure. Here, we review the various underlying conditions that pediatricians or pediatric gastroenterologists should consider in the case of rectal prolapse. We report on three cases of children with a rectal prolapse and intra-abdominal tumors. Current recommendations and practice do not include a systematic check via abdominal imaging in cases of rectal prolapse. However, in some situations, imaging is indicated to detect a possible expansive process. Thus, in the presence of recurrent prolapse or of associated urinary or neurological signs, imaging is justified so as to allow for an early diagnosis and treatment of these neoplasms. Given its lack of radiation exposure and good sensitivity in children, ultrasound imaging is the first choice.

Gastrointestinal obstruction in patients previously treated for malignancies

Bowel obstruction is a common condition in acute surgery. Among the patients, those with a history of cancer consist a particular group. Difficulties in preoperative diagnosis - whether obstruction is benign or malignant and limited treatment options in patients with reoccurrence or dissemination of the cancer are typical for this group. The aim of the study was to analyze causes of bowel obstruction in patients with history of radical treatment due to malignancy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients with symptoms of bowel obstruction and history of radical treatment for malignancy who were operated in 2nd and 3rd Department of General Surgery JUCM between 2000 and 2014 were included into the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on type of mechanical bowel obstruction (group 1 - adhesions, group 2 - malignant process).

RESULTS

128 patients were included into the study - group 1: 67 (52.3%) and group 2: 61 (47.7%). In the second group bowel obstruction was caused by reoccurrence in 25 patients (40.98%) and dissemination in 36 (59.02%). The mean time between onset of the symptoms of bowel obstruction and the end of treatment for the cancer was 3.7 and 4.4 years, respectively in group 1 and 2 (p>0.05). Median time between onset of the symptoms and admission to Emergency Department was significantly longer in patients with malignant bowel obstruction compared to those with adhesions (11.6 ±17.8 days vs 5.1 ± 6.9 days, p=0.01). Considering type of surgery due to bowel obstruction, in first group in most patients (69.2%) bowel resection was not necessary and in the second group creation of jejuno-, ileo- or colostomy was the most common procedure. Morbidity was significantly higher in second group (45.9% vs 28.26%, p<0.05) but there was no difference in mortality (26% vs 24%, p>0.05). In both groups the most common localization of primary malignancy was colon.

CONCLUSIONS

In analyzed group of patients frequency of bowel obstruction caused by adhesions and malignancy was similar. However, in patients with bowel obstruction caused by malignancy morbidity was significantly higher and duration of symptoms was longer. There was no diagnostic procedure which would allow to differentiate the cause of bowel obstruction preoperatively and the diagnosis was made during the operation.

[Analysis of the diagnosis and treatment of desmoplastic small round cell tumor]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical diagnostic features and treatment of desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT), and to improve the understanding and management of this tumor.

METHODS

The clinicopathological data of nine patients treated in our hospital from October 2004 to June 2014 were retrospectively analyzed and a review of the literature was made. The clinical manifestations, pathological characteristics, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of this tumor were summarized and analyzed.

RESULTS

Nine patients with DSRCT, 5 males and 4 females, with an average age of 21 years (range 8-56 years) were included in this study. Ultrasound examination revealed irregular low-density mass shadow in the abdominal cavity. CT examination found that 6 cases had abdominal and retroperitoneal multiple solid tumor nodules, uneven density, and visible low density fluid area. Postoperative pathological examination revealed that the tumor cells were small, mostly elliptic, gathered to form clear structure of nests with clear irregular boundaries. The central portion of large tumor nests often showed necrosis. Scattered fibroblasts and large amount of hyalinization of collagen fibers were seen in the interstitial tissue around the nests. Six patients received laparotomy surgery, however, all failed to resect the tumor completely. Three patients received postoperative chemotherapy, i. e. two cases had carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy, and one case of chemotherapy regimen not specified. Two patients had radiation and chemotherapy (no concrete plan was available). Another case was lost to follow-up. Two of the three patients without surgery received chemotherapy with CAP (cyclophosphamide+adriamycin+carboplatin) and total rectal lesions, pelvic and inguinal lymph nodes, ilium metastases radiation therapy. Another one patient received EP regimen (DDP+VP16) which was then changed into a TP chemotherapy alone. Eight of the nine cases died shortly after surgery, and only one patient treated with chemotherapy alone was still alive after 11 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor is a very rare, special type of soft tissue tumor, with very poor prognosis. This tumor may be preliminarily diagnosed according to the imaging characteristics and detection of tumor markers, however, final diagnosis is made by pathology. Surgery is the priority of treatment, combined with complementary radiation and chemotherapy.

Quantitative analysis of the concentrations of IGFs and several IGF-binding proteins in a large fibrous abdominal tumor and the circulation of a patient with hypoglycemia

The syndrome of nonislet cell tumor induced hypoglycemia (NICTH) represent extreme cases of excessive expression and production of incompletely processed high-molecular-mass pro-IGF-II forms (big IGF-II) by an often large tumor. Tumor-derived big IGF-II is responsible for enhanced insulin-like effects in the body through complicated mechanisms, leading to hypoglycemia. Case studies on NICTH usually focus on measurements of diagnostic parameters in the circulation of patients. Some studies have also reported on qualitative immunohistochemical analysis of tumor tissue, in particular with respect to the expression of IGF-II at the mRNA or protein level. However, quantitative data on the concentrations of IGFs and IGFBPs in tumor specimen causing NICTH, in relation to their corresponding plasma levels are lacking. Such an analysis would provide an estimate of the total potential of (big) IGF-II retained by the tumor and more insight in the relative levels of different IGFBPs and their origin in the circulation, that is, systemically induced by tumor related factors or directly tumor-derived. Here we investigated quantitatively the levels of IGFs and IGFBPs in a large, 1.76 kg weighing, solitary fibrous tumor from a typical case of NICTH using highly specific immunometric assays. Besides a high level of big IGF-II, patient's plasma also contained increased levels of both IGFBP-2 and -6 which declined after removal of the tumor. These IGFBPs have a higher affinity for (pro-) IGF-II than IGF-I and exhibit intrinsic IGF-independent bioactivities. Tumor tissue contained high amounts of big IGF-II and IGFBP-6, exceeding that in patient's circulation many-fold. A relatively low tumor content of IGFBP-2 was found suggesting that the preoperative high levels in plasma were attributable to systemic mechanisms. The background literature and possible implications of these findings are briefly discussed. Based on the present results we postulate that tumor tissue is not the source of the elevated levels of IGFBP-2 often seen in NICTH patients. Large tumors that cause NICTH can produce IGFBP-6 leading to enhanced levels of this IGFBP in the circulation. Hence, the measurement of IGFBP-6 in plasma may serve as an additional marker of this disease pattern.

Epithelioid inflammatory myofibroblastic sarcoma in abdominal cavity: a case report and review of literature

In this study, we present a rare and difficult case of epithelioid inflammatory myofibroblastic sarcoma (EIMS) in abdominal cavity. A 47-year-old female presented as left upper abdominal pain for 6 months and abdominal distention for 1 month. CT examination showed a solid mass in the left upper intra-abdomen. Grossly, the tumor was found in the mesenterium of colon with the size of 7.5 × 6.5 × 3.5 cm, and was solid and gray-yellowish in the cut surface. Focal myxomatous appearance was observed. Microscopically, stromal myxoid change together with prominant infiltrated lymphocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils were found in the tumor, and the tumor cells were round, epithelioid with vesicular nuclei, large prominant nucleoli and high mitotic rate. Immunohistochemically, strong diffused positive for vimentin, desmin, ALK (nuclear membrane staining pattern) and AAT, focally positive for CD99 and CD30, were showed, Ki67 index was about 20%; Especially, WT-1 and D240 were focally expressed in this tumor. FISH analysis showed rearrangement of ALK, and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis was used to detect the fusion location of the RANBP2 and ALK gene. The diagnosis of EMIS was made based on its location, typical morphology, the immunohistochemical features especially the nuclear membranous immunostaining of ALK and rearrangement of RANBP2-ALK. The tumor showed higher aggressive behaviors and a poor prognosis. The differential diagnosis and other treatments of EMIS are also discussed in the present study. This finding may increase the case information of EMIS.

Decision-making in palliative care: A reflective case study

Critical examination of the processes by which we as nurses judge and reach clinical decisions is important. It facilitates the maintenance and refinement of good standards of nursing care and the pinpointing of areas where improvement is needed. In turn this potentially could support broader validation of nurse expertise and contribute to emancipation of the nursing profession. As pure theory, clinical decision-making may appear abstract and alien to nurses struggling in 'the swampy lowlands' (Schon 1983) of the realities of practice. This paper explores some of the key concepts in decision-making theory by introducing, then integrating, them in a reflective case study. The case study, which examines a 'snapshot' of the patient and practitioner's journey, interwoven with theory surrounding clinical decision-making, may aid understanding and utility of concepts and theories in practice.

Rare extra-adrenal paraganglioma mimicking a painful Schwannoma: case report

INTRODUCTION

Paragangliomas originate from chromaffin tissue primarily found in the Zuckerkandl body. A 53 years old man, was investigated with abdominal MRI for chronic backache, that had lasted for 2 years.

CASE REPORT

MRI revealed an incidental mass in para-aortic region, at the adrenal lodge, with characteristics of a solid nodular mass, which did not seem to arise from the adrenal gland. An abdominal CT showed a mass localized prior to left adrenal gland; the radiologist reported this mass as a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (Schwannoma). During his stay in hospital, tumoral markers chromogranin and neuron-specific enolase were dosed, with a concentration of 187.00 ng/mL and 7.7 ng/mL. Patient's back pain was treated first with ketorolac, without any resolution of the problem, then with ketorolac plus tramadol in elastomeric pump, again with no relief, and finally with a continuous infusion of morphine. Since the exact nature of the neoplasm was not known and a CT guided biopsy was not technically feasible to do, a laparoscopic excision of the mass, with transperitoneal anterior submesocolic approach, as well as for the left adrenalectomy, was planned. After surgery, the patient no longer needed morphine. The postoperative course was uneventful.

RESULTS

Histopathological findings consisted of periadrenal paraganglioma. Extra-adrenal paragangliomas are rarely recognized during preoperative study. This is often due to its capacity of mimicking other type of tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Paragangliomas could be successfully resected by laparoscopy, they are difficult to distinguish from other tumor and they should be investigated even if preoperative findings argue for something else.

Endoscopic ultrasound and paracentesis in the evaluation of small volume ascites in patients with intra-abdominal malignancies

The evaluation of ascites in patients with known or suspected malignancy is a critical aspect of preoperative staging. Endoscopic evaluation by ultrasound of low volume ascites and sampling of the ascitic fluid by endoscopic ultrasound guided paracentesis (EUS-P) is both a sensitive and specific modality for the determination of peritoneal implants, which is not only an important prognostic indicator but a crucial factor in determining treatment strategy. It is common practice to utilize EUS for gastrointestinal malignancies such as pancreatic or gastric masses, with the performance of paracentesis during the same procedure for the purpose of imaging the abnormality and possibly performing fine needle aspiration for biopsy of the neoplasm itself. However, given the ability of EUS-P to adequately sample even minimal ascites, detecting much smaller volumes than traditional computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, EUS-P may be a useful modality for the standard metastatic workup of any newly diagnosed or suspected malignancy. In this “Field of Vision” commentary, we discuss the role of EUS-P, including the article by Suzuki et al reporting their experience with EUS-P using an automated spring-loaded needle device. We also review the utility of EUS-P for non-gastrointestinal malignancies, such as ovarian cancer, which has a high incidence of malignant ascites.

Palliative stent for malignant colonic obstruction by extracolonic malignancy: a comparison with colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Palliative self-expandable metal stent placement for colonic obstruction arising from an extracolonic malignancy might be as useful as that for colorectal cancer, but data are limited. The purposes of this study were to investigate success and complications of stent placement in patients with extracolonic malignancy and to compare long-term clinical outcomes for an extracolonic malignancy group with those for a colorectal cancer group.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed short-term and long-term outcomes for patients treated with palliative stents for colonic obstruction by extracolonic malignancy (n = 44) or unresectable colorectal cancer (n = 53) from January 2006 to March 2011.

RESULTS

Neither the technical success (93.2 vs. 98.1 %, respectively; P = 0.326) nor clinical success (77.3 vs. 84.9 %, respectively; P = 0.433) of stent placement differed significantly in the two groups. Complications as a result of stent placement also differed only slightly in the two groups (perforation: 4.8 % (two cases) vs. 0 %, respectively; migration: 4.8 vs. 5.8 %, respectively, P = 0.343). With regard to long-term outcomes, although stent patency was shorter in the extracolonic malignancy group (P = 0.015), because overall survival in this group was also shorter (P = 0.018), it was sufficient for palliative purposes.

CONCLUSIONS

Palliative stent placement was equally effective and safe for treatment of colonic obstruction arising from either extracolonic malignancy or unresectable colorectal cancer. Even in cases of colonic obstruction arising from extracolonic malignancy, stent placement should be considered as primary palliative therapy.

Abdominal lymphangiomatosis in a 38-year-old female: Case report and literature review

Lymphangioma is an uncommon benign tumor that develops in the lymphatic system. Abdominal lymphangiomatosis is extremely rare in adult patients, and the clinical symptoms of this condition are complicated and atypical. We report a case of abdominal lymphangiomatosis in a 38-year-old female who presented with intestinal bleeding and protein-losing enteropathy, as well as lesions in the lung and bones. A computed tomography scan revealed multiple small cystic lesions without enhancement. Histological examination revealed microscopic cysts were submucosal, with walls composed of thin fibrous tissue, and D2-40 stained highlight the lining of the lymphatic channels by immunohistochemical method. We make a comparison with the cases reported before, and also discuss the diagnose of diffuse pulmonary lymphangiomatosis and Gorham’s disease.

Intestinal obstruction management in patients with advanced abdominal neoplasia

BACKGROUND

The present study describes the difficulties encountered in the diagnostic process and treatment of intestinal obstruction developed by patients with advanced abdominal neoplasia.

METHODS

This unicentric and retrospective study evaluates patients suffering from intestinal occlusion operated on at the First Surgical Clinic of the Oncology Institute in Bucharest, over a period of 4 years (2010 - 2013). Of these, 61 cases in which the occlusion occurred on the background of an advanced abdominal neoplasia were selected. We considered as advanced those cases of abdominal cancer where curative oncologic treatment is no longer possible due to the evolution stage.

RESULTS

The random selection of the study period, the introduction of all the patients identified with this type of pathology, as well as the concentration of advanced abdominal neoplasia at the Oncology Institute in Bucharest are the elements that allow us to state that the results of this study are representative. Particularities related to the clinical aspects of the intestinal occlusion in these patients, as well as difficulties in establishing the correct diagnosis were encountered.Surgical cure of the occlusion, with palliative aim of course,was possible in only 47 cases (representing 77.05%).

CONCLUSIONS

A standard treatment course cannot be devised for this type of patients. Palliative care, indispensable in cases of advanced neoplastic disease, remains the sole therapeutic method available for patients with no surgical cure for the obstruction. The main objective, for the entire study lot, was to ensure an as high as possible quality of life,a factor we must bear in mind as often as possible when choosing a surgical solution. Of course, when surgical treatment can be applied, overcoming the occlusive episode prolongs these patients' life and can even allow for other courses of complementary treatment to be undertaken.

Fistulation as a complication of intra-abdominal soft-tissue sarcomas; a case series

Soft-tissue sarcomas are rare, accounting for only one percent of all cancers. They can occur in retroperitoneal and intraperitoneal sites, including gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST), and have the potential to cause complications secondary to interaction with other abdominal viscera. Fistulation, or an abnormal communication between two epithelium-lined surfaces that do not usually connect, is a rare example of such a complication. We present a series of cases of fistulation due to the presence of an intra-abdominal soft-tissue sarcoma and contrast three different approaches to management. We discuss the radiological features and other modalities of imaging which may be useful in diagnosing this rare complication.

Two new cases with Costello syndrome

Costello syndrome (CS) was described in 1977 by Costello who reported two unrelated children with a new syndrome comprising short stature, redundant skin of the neck, palms, soles, and fingers, curly hair, papillomata around the mouth and nares, and mental retardation. Several additional cases have been reported since then. Herein we report two patients with Costello syndrome; one of these patients had associated mesenteric cyst.

Disappearance of epilepsy after resection of catecholamine secreting extra-adrenal paragangliomas: a case report

Epileptic seizures have been associated with increased catecholamine levels, however, direct proof is lacking. We report a case with catecholamine secreting extra-adrenal paragangliomas and a continuous state of epilepsy not responding to therapy. The epileptic seizures resolved after resection of the paragangliomas and normalization of catecholamine excretion.

Transversus abdominis plane neurolysis with phenol in abdominal wall cancer pain palliation

Pain is commonly perceived by patients during cancer and its treatment. Although most patients respond to conservative management implemented according to the World Health Organization guidelines, a subset of patients with advanced disease develop intractable pain that may require additional interventions such as regional blocks and intrathecal therapy. Patients with terminal abdominal or pelvic cancer who have high tumor burdens are often offered a diagnostic visceral nerve block followed by neurolysis for pain palliation. Conventional visceral blocks usually require fluoroscopic guidance for correct needle placement in the vicinity of the neuroaxis or abdominal cavity. These techniques carry risks of injury to vessels, bowels, and nerves. Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a technique that is easy to perform (particularly when ultrasonographic guidance is used), has a good safety record, and effectively reduces pain levels and opioid requirements after abdominal and gynecological surgery. Although numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of TAP blocks in acute pain management, the role of TAP block in chronic pain management is very limited. We believe that chemical neurolysis with phenol can prolong the effects of analgesia in patients with terminal cancer. We describe a case of terminal abdominal sarcoma with intractable pain that responded well to a TAP block followed by TAP neurolysis. The patient tolerated the procedure well and demonstrated sustained analgesia for 45 days before dying of the disease. We also demonstrated that TAP block significantly reduces the total opioid requirement as demonstrated by the morphine equivalent daily dose score after the neurolytic procedure. This result supports our belief that TAP block with TAP neurolysis is an effective and inexpensive modality that can be used to palliate intractable abdominal wall pain in patients with terminal abdominal cancer.

[A case of liposarcoma of the abdominal wall complicated by thrombocytpenia as a paraneoplastic syndrome]

A 59-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of right chest pain. CT scan showed a mass on the right abdominal wall and bilateral pleural effusion. The histological diagnosis following core needle biopsy was undifferentiated sarcoma. The right pleural effusion gradually increased despite negative cytology. Although we planned chemotherapy for the clinically diagnosed pleural invasion, thrombocytopenia as a paraneoplastic syndrome appeared. The minimum thrombocyte count was 4,000/mm3. While transfusion was not effective, per os dexamethasone at 2.0 mg/day kept the thrombocyte count at around 6×10 4/mm3. Anti-thrombocyte antibody was negative. Tumor resection surgery with partial diaphragm resection and 11th and 12th rib resection, and abdominal wall plasty with mesh was performed. The final histological diagnosis was dedifferentiated liposarcoma. The thrombocyte count returned to the normal range just after the operation. However, she died of pleural dissemination, peritoneal dissemination, and local recurrence 69 days after the operation.

Somatic HIF2A gain-of-function mutations in paraganglioma with polycythemia

Hypoxia-inducible factors are transcription factors controlling energy, iron metabolism, erythropoiesis, and development. When these proteins are dysregulated, they contribute to tumorigenesis and cancer progression. However, mutations in genes encoding α subunits of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF-α) have not previously been identified in any cancer. Here we report two novel somatic gain-of-function mutations in the gene encoding hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF2A) in two patients, one presenting with paraganglioma and the other with paraganglioma and somatostatinoma, both of whom had polycythemia. The two mutations were associated with increased HIF-2α activity and increased protein half-life.