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Obstructive Jaundice Caused by Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumor of the Ampulla of Vater in a Young Adult: A Case Report

Introduction: Ampullary neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are usually diagnosed in the 5th–6th decades of life, and no cases were reported in <20 years of age. We report a rare case, presenting at a very young age, of well-differentiated NET involving the ampulla of Vater with lymph node metastasis. Case Presentation: An 18-year-old man presented with a 3-month history of upper abdominal pain and jaundice. Abdominal ultrasound showed a dilated common bile duct, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography revealed two duodenal polypoid lesions, one of them overlying the ampulla of Vater, with an erythematous and ulcerated surface. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of NET grade 1. Octreotide scan revealed 2 para-aortic lymph nodes with intense radiotracer uptake. The patient had undergone Whipple surgery with para-aortic lymph node dissection. Histopathological examination of the surgical specimens was confirmatory of NET grade 2 and paraganglioma in a few of the dissected lymph nodes. Postoperatively, the patient was kept on monthly intramuscular octreotide. Follow-up gallium-68 DOTATATE is unremarkable apart from an avid left para-aortic lymph node which is showing stability over 12 months of follow-up. Conclusion: This case demonstrates that NETs of the ampulla of Vater can present at a very young age. Radical surgical excision with extended lymph node dissection and postoperative octreotide is associated with better patient outcomes and survival.

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The Impact of Caustic Ingestion on Nutritional Status: Case Report

Introduction: Caustic injuries remain a major public health concern. Nutritional status plays a pivotal role in determining the outcome. Unfortunately, nutritional care guidelines are not widely implemented in clinical practice, and decisions are often based on prior experience and local policies. Case Presentation: We present the case of an 83-year-old man who accidentally ingested alkali, resulting in severe caustic injury and subsequent complications that further deteriorated his nutritional status. The management of esophageal strictures necessitated constant adjustments to the nutritional strategies employed. The clinical evaluation revealed protein and energy malnutrition, accompanied by type 2 intestinal failure. However, with individually tailored parenteral nutritional therapy, a significant improvement in the patient's nutritional status was observed. Conclusion: Recognizing that caustic injuries increase metabolic demands, a comprehensive and active nutritional assessment is crucial, focusing on the need for adequate energy, high protein intake, and an appropriate feeding route. In cases of acute or prolonged type 2 intestinal failure with insufficient oral or enteral nutrition, parenteral feeding should be the primary therapy. Effective management of caustic injuries requires a multidisciplinary and multicenter approach, integrating nutritional evaluation, including body composition measurements, into the clinical algorithm. Early initiation of nutritional therapy is vital to prevent chronic intestinal failure.

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Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Encapsulated by a Tumor-Forming Type 1 Autoimmune Pancreatitis Located at the Pancreatic Tail: A Case Report

Introduction: Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is recognized as a disease with a good prognosis that responds well to steroids, but the complication of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in AIP is a rare condition. We report a case of PDAC encapsulated by tumor-forming type 1 AIP. Case Presentation: The patient, a 65-year-old female, was found to have high CA19-9 levels and a pancreatic mass with a diameter of 30 mm on abdominal ultrasonography. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a 40-mm mass in the tail of the pancreas that had a 27-mm oligemic mass inside it. From these work-up examinations, this tumor was diagnosed as PDAC, with evidence of colonic invasion. As curative resection for PDAC, a distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy and combined colon resection were performed. Histopathological examination showed invasive PDAC surrounded by IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltration. Based on these findings, a diagnosis was made of PDAC located in the pancreatic tail capsulized by type 1 AIP. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 15. She underwent postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 for 6 months, and no recurrence was noted for 2 years after operation. Conclusion: Currently, there are two hypothetical mechanisms of PDAC induction by AIP: (1) carcinogenic stimulation due to chronic inflammation and (2) paraneoplastic syndrome caused by AIP. Further study of the relationship between AIP and pancreatic cancer is needed, and follow-up should be conducted while keeping in mind the possibility of complications.

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Gastrointestinal Variant of Lemierre Syndrome due to Fusobacterium nucleatum: A Case Report

Introduction: Pyogenic liver abscess is a noteworthy health concern in North America, characterized by a mortality rate ranging from 2 to 12%. This condition is often polymicrobial, with Streptococcus species and Escherichia coli as the predominant causal pathogens in Western countries. Fusobacterium species, typically commensals of gastrointestinal, genital, and oral flora, have been implicated in the rare formation of tonsillar abscesses and Lemierre syndrome, including its gastrointestinal variant known as pylephlebitis. Case Presentation: We present the case of an immunocompetent male with a 2-week history of abdominal distention and pain. Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiseptated cystic hepatic masses and portal vein thrombosis. A subsequent liver biopsy confirmed Fusobacterium nucleatum etiology. The patient was initiated on intravenous cefepime and oral metronidazole antibiotics. Unfortunately, the patient succumbed to cardiac arrest before a final diagnosis could be established. Conclusion: Fusobacterium species-associated liver abscess, coupled with the rare gastrointestinal variant of Lemierre syndrome (pylephlebitis), poses a significant mortality risk. This case underscores the rarity and clinical challenges associated with these conditions. Increased awareness among clinicians is crucial for early diagnosis and prompt intervention, potentially improving outcomes in such cases.

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Advanced Adenosquamous Carcinoma of the Ampulla of Vater Treated with Adjuvant Chemotherapy after Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Introduction: Adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) of the ampulla of Vater (AmV) is rare. The prognosis is generally worse in patients undergoing resection of ASC of the AmV than in those undergoing resection of adenocarcinoma of the AmV because the former shows early recurrence after surgery. A treatment strategy for ASC of the AmV has not been established, and the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy after curative resection is unclear. Given the paucity of data, we report a case of ASC of the AmV that was curatively resected and treated with adjuvant chemotherapy. Case Presentation: A 66-year-old man presented with pruritus and anorexia. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a tumor measuring 1.6 cm in diameter located at the AmV and distal bile duct. Biopsy revealed adenocarcinoma of the AmV. The patient underwent subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. Histopathological examination contradictorily revealed ASC of the AmV and lymph node metastases. The postoperative course of the patient was uneventful, and he was discharged on day 25. The patient underwent S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy for 6 months and did not exhibit any postoperative recurrence for a follow-up duration of 28 months. Conclusion: Although treatment strategy for ASC of the AmV has not been established, our case shows that surgery followed by S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy could improve prognosis of patients with such tumors. However, further research is required to determine the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy and treatment strategies for resectable ASC of the AmV.

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