Intramural esophageal bronchogenic cysts: a review of the literature

Bronchogenic cysts are rare congenital cystic lesions mostly located in the middle and superior mediastinum. Esophageal bronchogenic cysts are extremely rare. We review here 23 cases reported in English in the literature to date of intramural esophageal bronchogenic cyst and their features, including our patient. Although they are extremely rare, intramural esophageal bronchogenic cysts should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of benign esophageal lesions. With accurate diagnosis and treatment the prognosis is excellent and serious complications may be prevented.     

Solitary true cyst of the pancreas in an adult: report of a case

Background: Solitary true cyst of the pancreas is rare in adults, and the differential diagnosis of cystic lesions of the pancreas is challenging. Aim of the Study: To describe a solitary true cyst of the pancreas in an adult and discuss the differential diagnosis. Methods: A 50 yr old woman presented with a mass lesion in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. Abdominal computed tomography showed a cystic lesion, with a maximum diameter of 12 cm, between the inferior surface of the liver and the ascending colon. The cyst was homogenous and had smooth edges. On magnetic resonance imaging, a unilocular cyst was seen that was low intensity on T1-weighted images and very high intensity on T2-weighted images. No connection between the cyst and the pancreatic ductal system was demonstrated on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Laparotmy was performed with a presumptive diagnosis of cystic tumor of the pancreas. Results: On pathologic examination, the cyst was serous and was lined with a single layer of normal cuboidal epithelium that was periodic acid Schiff stain negative. Meticulous examination failed to identify honeycomb-like microcysts characteristic of serous cystadenoma. The final diagnosis was a solitary true cyst of the pancreas. Conclusion: The differential diagnosis of solitary true cyst from other cystic lesion of the pancreas usually is based on histology. Particular care must be taken to distinguish this lesion from macrocystic serous cystadenoma.     

Multidisciplinary imaging of liver hydatidosis

Liver hydatidosis is a parasitic endemic disease affecting extensive areas in our planet, a significant stigma within medicine to manage because of its incidence, possible complications, and diagnostic involvements. The diagnosis of liver hydatidosis should be as fast as possible because of the relevant complications that may arise with disease progression, involving multiple organs and neighboring structures causing disruption, migration, contamination. The aim of this essay is to illustrate the role of imaging as ultrasonography (US), multi detector row computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of liver hydatidosis: the diagnosis, the assessment of extension, the identification of possible complications and the monitoring the response to therapy. US is the screening method of choice. Computed tomography (CT) is indicated in cases in which US is inadequate and has high sensitivity and specificity for calcified hydatid cysts. Magnetic resonance is the best imaging procedure to demonstrate a cystic component and to show a biliary tree involvement. Diagnostic tests such as CT and MRI are mandatory in liver hydatidosis because they allow thorough knowledge regarding lesion size, location, and relations to intrahepatic vascular and biliary structures, providing useful information for effective treatment and decrease in post-operative morbidity. Hydatid disease is classified into four types on the basis of their radiologic appearance.     

Cystic tumors of the liver： A practical approach

Biliary cyst tumors （cystadenoma and cystadenocarcinoma） are an indication for liver resection. They account for only 5% of all solitary cystic lesions of the liver, but differential diagnosis with multiloculated or complicated biliary cysts, atypical hemangiomas, hamartomas and lymphangiomas may be difficult. The most frequent challenge is to differentiate biliary cyst tumors from hemorrhagic cysts. Computerized tomography （CT） and magnetic resonance imaging （MRI） are often not diagnostic and in these cases fine needle aspiration （FNA） is used to confirm the presence of atypical biliary cells. FNA, however, lacks adequate sensitivity and specificity and should always be used in conjunction with imaging. Pre-operative differentiation of cystadenoma from cystadenocarcinoma is impossible and surgery must be performed if a biliary cyst tumor is suspected. When multiple cystic lesions are observed throughout the liver parenchyma, it is important to exclude liver metastasis, of which colonic cancer is the most common primary site. Multiple biliary hamartomas （von Meyenburg complex） can appear as a mixture of solid and cystic lesions and can be confused with cystic metastasis. Strong and uniform T2 hyperintensity on MRI is usually diagnostic, but occasionally a percutaneous biopsy may be required.     

Spontaneous rupture of a nonparasitic liver cyst complicated by intracystic hemorrhage

A case of spontaneous rupture of simple liver cyst complicated by intracystic hemorrhage is described. This rare condition was detected in a 61-year-old man who underwent left trisegmentectomy of liver under a suspected diagnosis of cystadenocarcinoma because of elevated serum levels of carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 and DUPAN 2, and the presence of an intracystic structure. The resected specimen showed a benign liver cyst with intracystic hematoma and high levels of CA19-9 and DUPAN 2 in the cystic fluid. It is suggested that cyst rupture may increase serum levels of tumor markers whose levels are high in the cystic fluid, and that repeated observations of an intracystic structure may be the most reliable method to distinguish intracystic hemorrhage from cystic neoplasm. Received: November 30, 1998 / Accepted: February 26, 1999     

Cystic lymphangioma of the pancreas: anatomoclinical, diagnostic and therapeutic considerations regarding three personal observations and review of the literature

Cystic lymphangioma is a very rare pathology and the pancreatic ones represent an exceptional report that must be considered in the differential diagnosis with others and more frequent cystic lesions of the pancreas. In this paper we describe three cases of cystic lymphangiomas of the pancreas observed in our Institute and we report on the literature review. Anatomopathological, clinical and therapeutics aspects of pancreatic cystic lymphangioma were analyzed for a better knowledge of this cystic lesion and to recognize some specific findings that could allow a preoperative diagnosis and, subsequently, a proper treatment.     

Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the colon

A rare case of mucinous cystadenocarcinoma arising in the sigmoid colon, found accidentally during an operation for cholecystolithiasis, is reported. The tumor was located 40 cm from the anal verge, and had two histologic variations consisting of a large distended cystic lesion and branching cystic channels with papillary proliferation of the epithelium. Serial sections revealed the existence of a luminal communication between the two lesions. The tumor tissue was seen mainly in the muscularis propria with no mucosal involvement. The papillary portion had a highly differentiated appearance, giving rise to considerable difficulty in determining whether it was benign or malignant. In a localized area, however, the tumor invaded into the subserosa and showed distinctive atypical changes. The tumor cells showed intense reactivity for carcinoembryonic antigen. This mucinous cystadenocarcinoma was considered to be originated from an enterogenous cyst, a possible derivative of duplication of the colon. The differential diagnosis concerning this rare tumor is also discussed.     

Unusual prerectal location of a tailgut cyst： A case report

Tailgut cyst is a rare congenital cystic lesion arising from the remnants of the embryonic postanal gut. It occurs exclusively within the retrorectal space and rarely in the perirenal area or in the subcutaneous tissue. A prerectal and retrovesical location of tailgut cyst is extremely rare. To the best of our knowledge, only three cases have been reported in the English literature. We experienced an unusual case of tailgut cyst developed in the prerectal and retrovesical space in a 14-year-old boy. Abdominal computed tomography demonstrated a prerectal cyst which was located at the anterolateral portion to the rectum. The cyst contained yellowish inspissated mucoid material. Microscopically, the cyst was lined by squamous, columnar, cuboidal and transitional epithelia and the wall was fibrotic with dispersed smooth muscle cells. Although tailgut cyst arising in prerectal area is extremely rare, its possibility should be considered in differential diagnosis of a prerectal and retrovesical cystic mass.     

Synchronous Hepatic Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: First Case Report in the Literature and Challenges

We would like to report the first case in English literature, to the best of our knowledge, of a synchronous hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEHE) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as well as to address the current trends and challenges in the management of HEHE.An otherwise well 58-year-old man was referred to his local hepatology service with elevated serum γ-GT levels. Imaging revealed bilobar liver lesions consistent with HEHE, a discrete left lobe lesion suspected as HCC, and multiple pulmonary nodules. Biopsies confirmed HEHE with pulmonary metastases. After multidisciplinary team discussions, the patient was admitted under our team and underwent an uneventful laparoscopic left lateral hepatectomy for suspected HCC, which was confirmed histologically.As part of a watch-and-wait approach to metastatic HEHE, in the first follow-up (3 months postoperatively) the patient was clinically fine and the surveillance CT scan did not show recurrent disease.By presenting this case, we aim to raise awareness that this rare entity can coexist with others, potentially complicating their management.     

Giant biliary cystadenoma complicated with polycystic liver:A case report

Biliary cystadenoma(BCA)is a rare hepatic neoplasm.Although considered a benign cystic tumor of the liver,BCA has a high risk of recurrence with incomplete excision and a potential risk for malignant degeneration.Correct diagnosis and complete tumor excision with negative margins are the mainstay of treatment.Unfortunately,due to the lack of presenting symptoms,and normal laboratory results in most patients,BCA is hard to distinguish from other cystic lesions of the liver such as biliary cystadenocarcinoma,hepatic cyst,hydatid cyst,Caroli disease,undifferentiated sarcoma,intraductal papillary mucinous tumor,and hepatocellular carcinoma.Ultrasound(US),computed tomography(CT)and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)may be necessary.They demonstrate intrahepatic cystic lesions with features such as mural nodules,varying wall thickness,papillary projections,and internal septations.Nevertheless,surgery is still the only means of accurate diagnosis.Definitive diagnosis requires histological examination following formal resection.We describe a57-year-old woman initially diagnosed with polycystic liver who was subsequently diagnosed with giant intra-hepatic BCA in the left hepatic lobe.This indicates that both US physicians and hepatobiliary specialists should attach importance to hepatic cysts,and CT or MRI should be performed for further examination when a diagnosis of BCA is suspected.     

Lymphoepithelial cyst of the pancreas associated with elevated CA 19-9 levels

An extremely rare case of a lymphoepithelial cyst associated with persistent elevation of serum carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 levels is described. A 72-year-old man was incidentally found to have a cystic tumor in the uncus of the pancreas and to have a high serum CA 19-9 level. At 2-year follow up, the tumor size had gradually increased and the high CA 19-9 level persisted. Because the malignant potential of the tumor could not be ruled out, a laparotomy was performed. The tumor was excised from the pancreas. On pathological examination, the tumor was proven to be a lymphoepithelial cyst. After the operation, the patient’s serum CA 19-9 level decreased to the normal range. Lymphoepithelial cysts of the pancreas are a rare, benign entity. They are true pancreatic cysts, characterized by a mature, keratinizing, squamous lining surrounded by lymphoid tissue. Because the treatment options and the prognosis of these entities are quite different from those of other cystic neoplasms of the pancreas, preoperative differential diagnosis is the main issue. Thus, although they are rare, lymphoepithelial cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic tumors of the pancreas.     

扩散加权成像技术在肝脏囊性病变中的应用

目的探讨MR扩散加权成像(DWI)及表观扩散系数(ADC)值在肝脏囊性病变诊断中的价值。方法对50例肝囊性病变患者行DWI检查,并测量ADC值。包括单纯性肝囊肿15例、单房囊肿型肝包虫病15例、脓腔形成期肝脓肿10例、囊性坏死性肝转移瘤10例。结果单纯性肝囊肿、单房囊肿型肝包虫病、脓腔形成期肝脓肿、囊性坏死性肝转移瘤ADC值分别为(3.85±0.23)×10-3 mm2/s、(3.52±0.53)×10-3 mm2/s、(1.069±0.1)×10-3 mm2/s、(2.159±0.14)×10-3 mm2/s,单纯性肝囊肿、单房囊肿型肝包虫病、脓腔形成期肝脓肿、囊性坏死性肝转移瘤ADC值差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。在DWI图像上,脓腔形成期肝脓肿、囊性坏死性肝转移瘤呈高信号,而单纯性肝囊肿、单房囊肿型肝包虫病均呈低信号。结论分析DWI图像特点及ADC值在肝脏囊性病变中的鉴别诊断有重要价值。     

Approach for the interventional bronchoscopic treatment methods applied in tracheobronchial obstruction

Bronchoscopy used commonly in the diagnosis and staging of the lung cancer was applied successfully in the palliative treatment of the patients with lung cancer. The patients with tracheobronchial obstruction may develop many symptoms like dyspnea, cough and haemoptysis, and atelectasis and pneumonia but these symptoms were recovered with applying interventional bronchoscopic methods. These methods are laser therapy, electrocautery, argon plasma coagulation, cryotherapy, brachytherapy, photodynamic therapy and airway stents. The obstructed airway was reopened by these bronchoscopic methods and dyspnea, atelectasis and post-obstructive pneumonia were relieved. In addition, with establishment of the airway patency, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy may be applied to the patients with lung cancer. The treatment of tracheobronchial obstruction was achieved a thorough evaluation of the etiology, physiology, diagnostic and treatment options of the disease and a multidisciplinary team approach including anesthesiology, medical oncology, thoracic surgery, radiology and interventional pulmonology. In this multidisciplinary team approach, all of the doctors dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer should know interventional bronchoscopic methods, endobronchial treatment, and indications of these procedures. The aim of this review is to fresh our knowledge about the interventional bronchoscopic treatment methods in patients with lung cancer.     

垂体腺瘤合并Rathke囊肿27例并文献复习

目的分析垂体腺瘤合并Rathke囊肿的临床特征与治疗方法。 方法回顾性分析自2010年1月至2018年12月在哈尔滨医科大学附属第一医院神经外科二病房收治的27例行经鼻蝶窦入路手术切除垂体腺瘤合并Rathke囊肿患者的临床资料。所有患者均在术前、术后行垂体MRI检查及内分泌检查。由经验丰富的病理学专家对取出的标本作出病理诊断,以确保功能型垂体腺瘤的精确分类。观察患者术后的病情变化并且记录术后第1天和第7天的内分泌结果。结合27例垂体腺瘤合并Rathke囊肿的临床资料并结合相关文献进行分析。 结果垂体腺瘤合并Rathke囊肿的临床症状与垂体腺瘤类似;MRI在垂体区均发现两种质地不同的信号（一侧为实质性病变,一侧为囊性病变）,这两种信号之间有或无明显的间隔,且增强可见实性病变增强而囊性病变未增强;27例患者病变全切,术中可见实质性肿瘤和半流质Rathke囊肿内容物;随访期间,1例合并泌乳素型的垂体腺瘤患者复发,泌乳素增高,其余患者均未复发,且激素水平均恢复正常。 结论垂体腺瘤合并Rathke囊肿罕见,症状与垂体腺瘤相似,确诊依赖于病理。MRI垂体区囊性和实性病变共存,应考虑垂体瘤合并Rathke囊肿可能,经蝶窦入路切除术可有效治疗该病。     

Endoscopic ultrasound in the diagnosis of pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms

Pancreatic cystic lesions are increasingly recognised due to the widespread use of different imaging modalities.Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms(IPMNs)of the pancreas represent a common,but also heterogeneous group of cystic tumors with a significant malignant potential.These neoplasms must be differentiated from other cystic tumors and properly classified into their different types,main-duct IPMNs vs branchduct IPMNs.These types have a different malignant potential and therefore,different treatment strategies need to be implemented.Endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)offers the highest resolution of the pancreas and can aid in the differential diagnosis,classification and differentiation between benign and malignant tumors.The addition of EUS fine-needle aspiration can supply further information by obtaining fluid for cytology,measurement of tumor markers and perhaps DNA analysis.Novel techniques,such as the use of contrast and sophisticated equipment,like intraductal probes can provide information regarding malignant features and extent of these neoplasms.Thus,EUS is a valuable tool in the diagnosis and appropriate management of these tumors.     

Laparoscopic management of benign liver diseases: where are we?

BACKGROUND: The role of laparoscopic surgery in the management of benign cystic and solid liver tumours appears to differ according to each tumour type. As regards congenital liver cysts, laparoscopic treatment is now the gold standard for treating selected, huge, accessible, highly symptomatic or complicated cysts. In contrast, the laparoscopic approach is not useful for patients suffering from adult polycystic liver disease (PLD), except for type I PLD with large multiple hepatic cysts. For benign hepatocellular tumours, the surgical management has recently benefited from a better knowledge of the natural history of each type of tumour and from the improvement of imaging techniques in assuring a precise diagnosis of tumour nature. Thus the general tendency has led to a progressive restriction and tailoring of indications for resection in benign liver tumours, selecting only patients with huge, specifically symptomatic or compressive benign tumours or patients suffering from liver cell adenoma. Despite the enthusiastic use of the laparoscopic approach, selective indications for resection of benign liver tumours should indeed remain unchanged. For all types of benign liver tumours, the best indication remains small, superficial lesions, located in the anterior or the lateral segments of the liver. Deep, centrally located lesions or tumours in contact with major vascular or biliary trunks are not ideal candidates for laparoscopic liver resections. When performed by expert liver and laparoscopic surgeons using an adequate surgical technique, the laparoscopic approach is safe for performing minor liver resections and is accompanied by the usual postoperative benefits of laparoscopic surgery. When applied in selected patients and tumours, laparoscopic management of benign liver diseases appears to be a promising technique for hepatobiliary surgeons.     

Isolated tuberculous liver abscesses with multiple hyperechoic masses on ultrasound: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract: Cases of isolated tuberculous liver abscess are rare. The diagnosis is often delayed or missed because of nonspecific symptoms and the disease's rare occurrence. Less than 25 cases have been documented in the imaging literature to date. This report demonstrates the difficulty in correctly diagnosing local hepatic tuberculosis. We report the case of a 56‐year‐old male with hepatitis C‐related liver cirrhosis and end‐stage renal disease treated with hemodialysis, who developed intermittent fever and hepatomegaly with unusual multiple hyperechoic hepatic lesions on ultrasound. To our knowledge, this is only the second reported case of hyperechoic mass‐like hepatic lesions on ultrasound and the only case without pulmonary involvement. A greater awareness of this rare clinical entity may prevent needless surgical interventions, because the prognosis of hepatic tuberculous abscess is good for the majority of patients if diagnosed early and prompt, effective treatment is administered.     

Bile duct hamartomas-the von Meyenburg complex

IntroductionA 42-year-old female patient with symptomatic cholelithiasis presented clinically with dyspepsia. The results of preoperative clinical and laboratory tests were normal. No co-morbidities were observed. Abdominal ultrasonography did not display any alterations in the hepatic parenchyma, but a gallbladder full of calculi and slight thickening of the gallbladder wall, characteristic of acute cholecystitis. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy demonstrated gastro- esophageal reflux diseas…     

Lymphoepithelial cysts of the pancreas a management dilemma

Pancreatic lymphoepithelial cysts (LECs) are rare, benign lesions that are typically unexpected post-operative pathological findings. We aimed to review clinical, radiological and pathological features of LECs that may allow their pre-operative diagnosis. Histopathology databases of two large pancreatic units were searched to identify LECs and notes reviewed to determine patient demographic details, mode of presentation, investigations, treatment and outcome. Five male and one female patients were identified. Their median age was 60 years. Lesions were identified on computed tomography performed for abdominal pain in two patients, and were incidentally observed in four patients. Five LECs were located in the tail and one in the body of the pancreas, with a median cyst size of 5 cm. Obtaining cyst fluid was difficult and a largely acellular aspirate was yielded. The pre-operative diagnosis was mucinous cystic neoplasm in all patients. This series of patients were treated distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy. A retrospective review of radiological examinations suggested that LECs have a relatively low signal on T2 imaging and a high signal intensity on T1 weighted images. LECs appear more common in elderly males, and are typically incidental, large, unilocular cysts. Close attention to signal intensity on MRI may allow pre-operative diagnosis of these lesions.     

Clinical characteristics of caroli＇s disease

Caroli＇s disease is a rare congenital condition characterized by non-obstructive saccular or fusiform dilatation of larger intrahepatic bile ducts. Cholangitis, liver cirrhosis, and cholangiocarcinoma are its potential complications. The diagnosis of Caroli＇s disease depends on demonstrating that the cystic lesions are in continuity with the biliary tree which can be showed by ultrasonography, computerized tomography, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. Treatment of Caroli＇s disease relies on the location of the biliary abnormalities. While localized forms confined to one lobe can be treated with surgery, liver transplantation is the only effective modality for diffuse forms. Although a rare disorder; Caroli＇s disease should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic cholestasis of unknown cause.