Cardiophrenic Nodes Research Articles

Neglected Anatomical Areas in Ovarian Cancer: Significance for Optimal Debulking Surgery.

Ovarian cancer (OC), the most lethal gynecological malignancy, usually presents in advanced stages. Characterized by peritoneal and lymphatic dissemination, OC necessitates a complex surgical approach usually involving the upper abdomen with the aim of achieving optimal cytoreduction without visible macroscopic disease (R0). Failures in optimal cytoreduction, essential for prognosis, often stem from overlooking anatomical neglected sites that harbor residual tumor. Concealed OC metastases may be found in anatomical locations such as the omental bursa; Morison's pouch; the base of the round ligament and hepatic bridge; the splenic hilum; and suprarenal, retrocrural, cardiophrenic and inguinal lymph nodes. Hence, mastery of anatomy is crucial, given the necessity for maneuvers like liver mobilization, diaphragmatic peritonectomy and splenectomy, as well as dissection of suprarenal, celiac, and cardiophrenic lymph nodes in most cases. This article provides a meticulous anatomical description of neglected anatomical areas during OC surgery and describes surgical steps essential for the dissection of these "neglected" areas. This knowledge should equip clinicians with the tools needed for safe and complete cytoreduction in OC patients.

Impact of supradiaphragmatic lymphadenectomy on the survival of patients in stage IVB ovarian cancer with thoracic lymph node metastasis.

To evaluate the survival impact of supradiaphragmatic lymphadenectomy as part of debulking surgery in stage IVB ovarian cancer with thoracic lymph node metastasis (LNM). We retrospectively enrolled patients diagnosed with stage IVB ovarian, fallopian or primary peritoneal cancer between 2010 and 2020, carrying cardiophrenic, parasternal, anterior mediastinal or supraclavicular lymph nodes ≥5 mm on axial chest computed tomography. All tumors were classified into the abdominal (abdominal tumors and cardiophrenic lymph nodes) and supradiaphragmatic (parasternal, anterior mediastinal or supraclavicular lymph nodes) categories depending on the area involved. Residual tumors were classified into <5 vs ≥5 mm in the abdominal and supradiaphragmatic areas. Based on the site of recurrence, they were divided into abdominal, supradiaphragmatic and other areas. A total of 120 patients underwent primary debulking surgery (PDS, n=68) and interval debulking surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (IDS/NAC, n=53). Residual tumors in the supradiaphragmatic area ≥5 mm adversely affected progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) with marginal significance after PDS despite the lack of effect on survival after IDS/NAC (adjusted hazard ratios [HRs], 6.478 and 6.370; 95% confidence intervals [CIs], 2.224-18.864 and 0.953-42.598). Further, the size of residual tumors in the abdominal area measuring ≥5 mm diminished OS after IDS/NAC (adjusted HR, 9.330; 95% CIs, 1.386-62.800). Supradiaphragmatic lymphadenectomy during PDS may improve survival in patients diagnosed with stage IVB ovarian cancer manifesting thoracic LNM. Further, suboptimal debulking surgery in the abdominal area may be associated with poor OS after IDS/NAC. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05005650; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05005650; first registration, 13/08/2021).Research Registry (Research Registry UIN, researchregistry7366; https://www.researchregistry.com/browse-the-registry#home/?view_2_search=researchregistry7366&view_2_page=1).

Laparoscopic resection of a metastatic myxoid liposarcoma in the mesentery of the small intestine: a case report

BackgroundMyxoid liposarcoma (MLS), with its risk factors, tends to spread to the lungs and extraperitoneally, with intraperitoneal metastases occurring rarely. We present an unusual case of a myxoid liposarcoma that metastasized to the abdominal organs.Case presentationA 60-year-old female patient was referred to our hospital for the evaluation of a right upper limb tumor that had been growing for 7 years. The patient refused surgery, and during follow-up, tumor hemorrhage resulted in hemorrhagic shock. The patient’s right upper limb was immediately amputated. MLS was diagnosed histopathologically. Subsequently, the patient underwent adjuvant chemotherapy. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a right buttock mass, a pelvic mass, and left cardiophrenic angle lymph nodes 3 years after the initial surgery. Contrast-enhanced abdominal CT revealed a relatively low-density, lobulated pelvic tumor. Contrast-enhanced pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a low-intensity, lobulated mass on T1-weighted images and a high-intensity mass on T2-weighted images. The pelvic mass showed no significant fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake on positron emission tomography (PET)-CT. On clinical examination, gynecological malignancies were ruled out as the origin of the pelvic lesions. After resection of the right buttock mass, pelvic mass, and left cardiophrenic angle lymph nodes, the patient underwent laparoscopic surgery for a preoperative diagnosis of small intestinal mesenteric metastasis of MLS. A tumor was found in the mesentery of the small intestine and removed with a margin of 5 cm on both the proximal and distal sides. The specimen measured 10 × 8 × 5 cm and contained a multifocal mass. The tumor was found in the mesentery of the small intestine, with no mucosal or submucosal invasion. The patient was diagnosed with MLS with small mesenteric intestinal metastases. On postoperative day 8, the patient was discharged after an uneventful postoperative course. Twelve months after the surgery, there was no evidence of local or distant recurrence.ConclusionsSmall intestinal mesenteric metastases of MLSs are rare. Moreover, there are few reports on laparoscopic resection. In this case, the laparoscopic approach was useful in detecting the tumor location and determining the range of resection.

Peritoneal and Nodal Gliomatosis Mimicking Metastasis on FDG PET/CT in a Patient With Ovarian Immature Teratoma.

Peritoneal and nodal gliomatosis is a rare disease condition characterized by implants of mature glial tissue on the peritoneum and lymph nodes. It is typically associated with teratoma and has no adverse effect on prognosis. We present a case of 22-year-old woman who underwent FDG PET/CT for the staging of ovarian immature teratoma. PET/CT revealed mildly increased FDG uptake in the peritoneal cavity and increased FDG uptake in the internal mammary and cardiophrenic angle lymph nodes, which were histopathologically diagnosed as peritoneal and nodal gliomatosis. This case suggests that PET/CT findings of peritoneal and nodal gliomatosis could mimic metastasis.

Radiologically enlarged cardiophrenic lymph nodes and CA-125 in relation to diaphragmatic carcinomatosis, surgical outcome, and overall survival in advanced ovarian cancer

Background We primarily aimed to determine whether the presence of enlarged cardiophrenic lymph nodes (CPLNs), visualized by computed tomography (CT), and CA-125 can be used to assess diaphragmatic carcinomatosis and residual disease (RD) in advanced ovarian cancer (AOC) patients treated with upfront surgery. The secondary aim was to determine the prognostic role of CT-CPLNs in overall survival (OS). Material and methods A single-center, retrospective, population-based study was conducted of patients who underwent surgery for AOC from January 1, 2014-December 31, 2018. Suspicious CT-CPLNs were defined as having a short axis ≥5 mm. The median survival and rate of survival were calculated with the Kaplan–Meier method using multivariate Cox regression analyses, including comparisons of complete cytoreductive surgery (CCS; defined as the complete removal of all intra-abdominal tumor) versus noncomplete cytoreductive surgery (non-CCS) and analyses related to CT-CPLN status and preoperative CA-125 values. Results We included 208 patients. CT-CPLNs correlated with both diaphragmatic carcinomatosis (OR 3.59, 95% CI 1.81–7.16, p < 0.01) and RD (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.38–4.6, p = 0.003). When CCS was achieved, no differences in survival between patients with suspicious or nonsuspicious CT-CPLNs were found. The relationships between CA-125 ≥ 500 U/ml and diaphragmatic carcinomatosis (OR 3.51, 95% CI 1.86–6.64, p < 0.01) and RD (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.33–4.38, p = 0.004) were positive. All data were adjusted for age and ECOG performance status. Survival analyses were also adjusted for RD. Conclusion Enlarged CPLNs on CT scans and CA-125 levels correlate with diaphragmatic carcinomatosis and RD at the end of the surgery. The strongest prognostic factor for OS remains CCS, regardless of the CT-CPLN status.

Imaging ovarian cancer – from baseline characteristics to high-risk image factors

BackgroundImaging ovarian cancer (OC) includes evaluating peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) and enlarged cardio phrenic lymph nodes (CPLN) by computed tomography (CT), and thorough evaluation is tedious work. A “CT short score” with high-risk CT parameters might be a more pragmatic approach, but it is not known if such a short score associates with aggressive OC subtypes and impaired OC survival. Further, it is not known if certain established OC risk factors are linked to high-risk CT-findings which would be important in image evaluation. Herein, we investigate a CT short score and its relation to baseline characteristics, OC subtypes, and survival.MethodsThe Malmö Diet and Cancer Study is a prospective cohort that included 17,035 women (1991–1996). Baseline characteristics and tumor information on 159 OC and information on OC specific survival (last follow-up, 2017-12-31) was registered. A CT short score (CPLN and PC-index (PCI) in seven regions) was registered and associations with clinical stage [stage I vs. advanced stage (II-IV), histological type/grade (high grade serous and endometrioid vs. other subtypes], and OC-specific survival were analyzed with logistic and Cox regression, respectively. Parity and menopausal status were analyzed in relation to short score and PCI.ResultsThere was an association between higher short score and advanced clinical stage (adjusted OR 2.76 (1.42—5.38)), adjusted for age at diagnosis and histological type/grade. Higher short score was associated with impaired OC specific survival (adjusted HR 1.17 (1.01—1.35)), adjusted for age at diagnosis, histological type/grade, and clinical stage. There were no significant associations between parity, menopausal status, and short score/PCI.ConclusionsCT short score was significantly associated with advanced clinical stages and impaired OC survival. A pragmatic approach (based on CT) to evaluate high risk image findings in OC could help reduce radiologists’ workload and at the same time provide structured reports to surgeons and oncologists involved in OC care.

Clinical significance of enlarged cardiophrenic lymph nodes by CT in advanced ovarian cancer.

This study aims to assess the clinical influence of enlarged cardiophrenic lymph nodes (CPLN) on staging computed tomography (CT) among patients with advanced ovarian cancer. This retrospective cohort study included 320 patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer who underwent staging CT from May 2008 to January 2019. The CPLN diameter was the average of two radiologists' measurements. Enlarged CPLN was defined as a short-axis diameter of ≥5 mm. Clinical and imaging findings, management decisions, and progression-free survival(PFS) were compared between patients with and without enlarged CPLN. Enlarged CPLN was found in 129 (40.3%) patients, which was significantly associated with more pelvic peritoneal carcinomatosis (odds ratio [OR]: 6.61 with 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.51-28.99), and involved the greater omentum (OR: 6.41, 95% CI: 3.05-13.46), spleen capsule nodules (OR: 2.83, 95% CI: 1.58-5.06), and liver capsule nodules (OR: 2.55, 95% CI: 1.57-4.17). The optimal cytoreduction rates did not differ between patients with and without enlarged CPLN (p = 0.656). The presence of enlarged CPLN had a significant negative influence on PFS (median PFS, 23.5 vs. 80.6 months, respectively, CPLN ≥5 mm versus <5mm; p = 0.023) in patients with no RD after primary debulking surgery, but no adverse effect on PFS among patients with RD (median PFS, 28.0 vs. 24.4 months, respectively, CPLN ≥5 mm versus <5mm; p = 0.359). However, enlarged CPLN on staging CT did not affect PFS in patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, with (median PFS, 22.4 vs. 23.6 months, respectively, CPLN ≥5 mm versus <5mm; p = 0.360) or without RD (median PFS, 17.7 vs. 23.3 months, respectively, CPLN ≥5 mm versus <5mm; p = 0.400). The enlarged CPLN showed a decreased trend in 81.6% (n = 80) of the patients with enlarged CPLN. No significant difference was found in PFS (p = 0.562) between patients with decreased and increased in the size of CPLN. Enlarged CPLN on staging CT is associated with more abdominal disease but is not reliable in predicting complete resection. Enlarged CPLN awareness is necessary for patients with a primary chance of complete resection of abdominal disease.

Construction of a nomogram model for predicting peritoneal metastasis in gastric cancer: focused on cardiophrenic angle lymph node features

BackgroundA different treatment was used when peritoneal metastases (PM) occurred in patients with gastric cancer (GC). Certain cancers' peritoneal metastasis could be predicted by the cardiophrenic angle lymph node (CALN). This study aimed to establish a predictive model for PM of gastric cancer based on the CALN.MethodsOur center retrospectively analyzed all GC patients between January 2017 and October 2019. Pre-surgery computed tomography (CT) scans were performed on all patients. The clinicopathological and CALN features were recorded. PM risk factors were identified via univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were generated using these CALN values. Using the calibration plot, the model fit was assessed. A decision curve analysis (DCA) was conducted to assess the clinical utility.Results126 of 483 (26.1%) patients were confirmed as having peritoneal metastasis. These relevant factors were associated with PM: age, sex, T stage, N stage, enlarged retroperitoneal lymph nodes (ERLN), CALN, the long diameter of the largest CALN (LD of LCALN), the short diameter of the largest CALN (SD of LCALN), and the number of CALNs (N of CALNs). The multivariate analysis illustrated that the LD of LCALN (OR = 2.752, p < 0.001) was PM’s independent risk factor in GC patients. The area under the curve (AUC) of the model was 0.907 (95% CI 0.872–0.941), demonstrating good performance in the predictive value of PM. There is excellent calibration evident from the calibration plot, which is close to the diagonal. The DCA was presented for the nomogram.ConclusionCALN could predict gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis. The model in this study provided a powerful predictive tool for determining PM in GC patients and helping clinicians allocate treatment.

Upfront surgery in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer and enlarged supradiaphragmatic lymph nodes associated with comparable to neoadjuvant chemotherapy

BackgroundThere is little data regarding the optimal approach to advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) with isolated extra-peritoneal disease in the cardiophrenic lymph nodes. This study assessed whether the prognosis and surgical outcomes are affected by the treatment approach among these patients.Material and methodsThis retrospective cohort study included patients with advanced EOC, who were treated 2012–2020. Computed tomography scans were reviewed for disease extent and the presence of enlarged supradiaphragmatic nodes (SDLN). Demographic, clinical and oncologic data were recorded. Characteristics and outcomes of patients with and without enlarged SDLN were evaluated, and outcomes of patients with enlarged SDLN who underwent upfront surgery and neoadjuvant chemotherapy were compared.ResultsAmong 71 women, 47 (66%) had enlarged supradiaphragmatic lymph nodes. Groups had similar baseline characteristics. Among 47 women who had enlarged SDLN. There was no significant difference in progression free survival among patients who had upfront cytoreduction compared to those who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Only one asymptomatic chest recurrence was observed.ConclusionPatients with enlarged SDLN have comparable outcomes with either upfront surgery or neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Moreover, the frequency of chest recurrences in patients presenting with enlarged SDLN is exceedingly low.

The reliability of pre-operative CT imaging in predicting cardiophrenic lymph node involvement prior to both PDS and DDS for advanced ovarian cancer (532)

<b>Objectives:</b> Cardiophrenic lymph node (CPLN) involvement represents stage IVB ovarian cancer. Driven by the prognostic importance of complete cytoreduction, the surgical practice has evolved to increasingly incorporate CPLN dissection as a component of ultraradical debulking for advanced disease. We aimed to evaluate the reliability of preoperative imaging in accurately identifying positive CPLN - and hence those patients for whom removal may confer benefit. <b>Methods:</b> Preoperative CT imaging was retrospectively reviewed for all patients undergoing either primary (PDS) or delayed debulking surgery (DDS) for stage III or IV tubo-ovarian / primary peritoneal carcinoma in a UK cancer center between 2017-2020. CPLN measuring >5 millimeters - or those with abnormal morphology (irregular border / absent fatty hilum / heterogeneous internal attenuation) - were deemed radiologically suspicious. For patients within this ‘node-positive' cohort, histology for those having undergone CPLN dissection was also reviewed, and the correlation between imaging and final pathology was analyzed. <b>Results:</b> A total of 141 patients undergoing either PDS or DDS for advanced tubo-ovarian or primary peritoneal cancer were identified. On review of preoperative CT, 60 patients (42.6%) were deemed to have radiologically involved CPLN. Of these, 13 patients had undergone CPLN dissection, with positive histopathology confirming CPLN metastases in 11/13 patients (84.6%). This equates to a positive predictive value (PPV) for CT in identifying this disease entity of 0.846, with no significant difference seen in the context of PDS versus DDS. <b>Conclusions:</b> While our patient numbers are limited, reflecting the introduction of this evolving surgical technique to our center during the timeframe reviewed, our data suggest that preoperative CT is an accurate predictor of CPLN disease in advanced tubo-ovarian / primary peritoneal malignancy in advance of both PDS and DDS and can be reliably used to guide patient selection for CPLN dissection.

What are the implications of radiologically abnormal cardiophrenic lymph nodes in advanced ovarian cancer? An analysis of tumour burden, surgical complexity, same-site recurrence and overall survival

IntroductionOur paper evaluates the relationship between radiologically abnormal cardiophrenic lymph nodes (CPLN) in advanced ovarian cancer and pattern of disease distribution, tumour burden, surgical complexity, rates of cytoreduction and same-site recurrence. Impact of suspicious CPLN and CPLN dissection on overall survival also determined. Materials and methodsRetrospective review of index CT imaging for 151 consecutive patients treated for stage III/IV ovarian malignancy in a large UK cancer centre to identify radiologically abnormal CPLN. Corresponding surgical, histo-pathological and survival data analysed. Results42.6% of patients had radiologically ‘positive’ CPLN on index CT. Radiological identification of CPLN involvement demonstrated a sensitivity of 82% within our centre. Patients with cardiophrenic lymphadenopathy on pre-operative CT had significantly more co-existing ascites (p = 0.003), omental (p = 0.01) and diaphragmatic disease (p < 0.0001). At primary debulking (PDS), suspicious CPLN were associated with significantly higher surgical complexity scores, without feasibility of complete cytoreduction being impacted. Cardiophrenic involvement at initial diagnosis was associated with same-site relapse at recurrence (p = 0.001). No significant difference in overall survival was demonstrated according to CPLN status following either PDS or delayed debulking (DDS). CPLN dissection did not improve patient outcomes. ConclusionRadiological identification of abnormal CPLN is reliable. Suspicious CPLN appear to represent a surrogate marker of tumour volume – in particular, heralding upper abdominal disease – and should prompt anticipation of high complexity surgery and referral to an appropriate centre. Patients with prior CPLN involvement are more likely to develop same-site recurrence at relapse. Our survival data suggests cardiophrenic LN disease does not worsen patient prognosis and that the therapeutic benefit of CPLN dissection remains unclear.

Cardiophrenic and costophrenic lymph node resection via subxiphoid approach only

When enlarged cardiophrenic lymph nodes (CPLN) are resected the impact on survival is still uncertain, but resection contributes to accurate staging and complete gross resection in advanced ovarian cancer. CPLN resection can be performed via video-assisted thoracic surgery or transabdominally through the subxiphoid or transdiaphragmatic routes. The subxiphoid approach is used to reach the prepericardiac nodes located in the anterior mediastinum. The transdiaphragmatic route is used to remove the costophrenic and supradiaphragmatic paracaval lymph nodes located in the middle and posterior mediastinum, respectively. However, the transdiaphragmatic approach necessitates diaphragm opening and, in most cases, liver mobilization. Costophrenic nodes can be resected through the subxiphoid route in appropriate patients without opening the diaphragm. Thus, the subxiphoid approach may be preferred to remove the costophrenic lymph nodes, in cases in whom diaphragm resection is not anticipated, and especially when the resection procedure is planned to include the prepericardiac nodes. In this video article, we present the method of resecting both prepericardiac and costophrenic lymph nodes using only the subxiphoid approach in a case of advanced ovarian cancer. The subxiphoid virtual space between the pericardium and diaphragm was developed. The observed and palpated CPLNs were dissected and excised from the prepericardiac and right latero-cardiac spaces. Thereafter, diaphragm peritoneum beneath the right costophrenic nodes was dissected. After identifying any enlarged costophrenic nodes by palpation, the sternal and costal diaphragmatic attachments were incised and the right latero-cardiac space was extended. When the single enlarged node was reached, it was grasped and pulled with curved-ring forceps and ultimately resected.

Cardiophrenic and costophrenic lymph node resection via subxiphoid approach only

Even the resection's impact of enlarged cardiophrenic lymph nodes (CPLN) on survival still uncertain, it contributes to accurate staging and complete gross resection in advanced ovarian cancer. CPLN resection can be performed via video-assisted thoracic surgery or transabdominally through the subxiphoid or transdiaphragmatic routes. The subxiphoid approach is utilized to reach the prepericardiac nodes located in the anterior mediastinum. The transdiaphragmatic route is used to remove the costophrenic and supradiaphragmatic paracaval lymph nodes located in the middle and posterior mediastinum, respectively. Transdiaphragmatic approach necessitates diaphragm opening and, in most cases, liver mobilization. However, costophrenic nodes can be resected through the subxiphoid route in appropriate patients without opening the diaphragm. Thus, the subxiphoid approach can be firstly preferred to remove the costophrenic lymph nodes, in cases whose diaphragm resection is not anticipated, and especially when the resection procedure is planned to include the prepericardiac nodes. In this video article, we present the method of resecting both prepericardiac and costophrenic lymph nodes through the subxiphoid approach in an advanced ovarian cancer case. The subxiphoid virtual space between the pericardium and diaphragm was developed. The observed and palpated CPLNs were dissected and excised from the prepericardiac and right latero-cardiac spaces. Thereafter, diaphragm peritoneum beneath the right costophrenic nodes was dissected. After determining the enlarged costophrenic node by palpation, the sternal and costal diaphragmatic attachments were incised and the right latero-cardiac space was extended. When the node was reached, it was grasped and pulled with curved-ring forceps and ultimately resected.

The role of computed tomography in the assessment of tumour extent and the risk of residual disease after upfront surgery in advanced ovarian cancer (AOC)

PurposeEpithelial ovarian cancer is usually diagnosed in the advanced stages. To choose the best therapeutic approach, an accurate preoperative assessment of the tumour extent is crucial. This study aimed to determine whether the peritoneal cancer index (PCI), the amount of ascites, and the presence of cardiophrenic nodes (CPLNs) visualized by computed tomography (CT) can assess the tumour extent (S-PCI) and residual disease (RD) for advanced ovarian cancer (AOC) patients treated with upfront surgery.MethodsIn total, 118 AOC cases were included between January 2016 and December 2018 at Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden. Linear regression and interclass correlation (ICC) analyses were used to determine the relationship between CT-PCI and S-PCI. The patients were stratified in complete cytoreductive surgery (CCS) with no RD or to non-CCS with RD of any size. The amount of ascites on CT (CT-ascites), CA-125 and the presence of radiological enlarged CPLNs (CT-CPLN) were analysed to evaluate their impact on estimating RD.ResultsCT-PCI correlated well with S-PCI (0.397; 95% CI 0.252–0.541; p < 0.001). The risk of RD was also related to CT-PCI (OR 1.069 (1.009–1.131), p < 0.023) with a cut-off of 21 for CT-PCI (0.715, p = 0.000). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 58.5, 70.3, 52.2 and 75.4%, respectively. CT-ascites above 1000 ml predicted RD (OR 3.510 (1.298–9.491) p < 0.013).ConclusionCT is a reliable tool to assess the extent of the disease in advanced ovarian cancer. Higher CT-PCI scores and large volumes of ascites estimated on CT predicted RD of any size.

Evaluation of the incidence of deep epigastric and cardiophrenic angle lymph nodes involvement, in patients with recurrent disease after cytoreductive surgery, for colorectal cancer

Background: The deep epigastric lymphatic basin, at the level of the inferior epigastric artery, can represent a possible dissemination pathway from the peritoneum to the extraperitoneal compartments in patients with colorectal peritoneal metastases (PM). The objective of this study was to review the computed tomography (CT) scans of patients treated by cytoreductive surgery (CRS) for PC who presented recurrence, in order to determine the role of the deep epigastric lymphatic basin in the global pattern of recurrences in these patients.

Current Status of Metastatic Cardiophrenic Lymph Nodes (CPLNs) in Patients With Ovarian Cancer: A Review.

One of the most common sites of extra-abdominal disease spread of advanced stage ovarian cancer is the cardiophrenic lymph node (CPLN) region. The role and impact of extra-abdominal cytoreduction is not obvious in patients with cardiophrenic lymph node metastases. We examined the relevant and currently available literature to determine the prognostic value and management of enlarged CPLNs in ovarian cancer patients. Transdiaphragmatic excision of CPLNs or via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is achievable without major complications. The most common postoperative complications were pleural effusion, pneumothorax and pneumonia. On preoperative CT scan, the cut-off size of suspicious CPLNs is not uniform and is indicated as 5 to 10 mm short-axis dimension. CPLNs were detected in up to 60% of patients and malignancy was pathologically confirmed in 45-95% of the cases. The presence of enlarged CPLNs was found to be a negative prognostic factor, although its impact on progression-free and overall survival is not yet clarified and needs further investigation.

Survival in Advanced-Stage Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Patients with Cardiophrenic Lymphadenopathy Who Underwent Cytoreductive Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Simple SummaryFavorable survival outcomes for patients with advanced-stage ovarian cancer are associated with complete cytoreduction. Enlarged cardiophrenic lymph node (CPLN) is commonly observed in advanced-stage epithelial ovarian cancer (AEOC); however, the prognostic impact of CPLN adenopathy is inconclusive. In this study, we evaluate the clinical outcomes of CPLN adenopathy in AEOC patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery. This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that enlarged CPLN in preoperative imaging is highly associated with metastatic involvement. Patients with CPLN adenopathy had a significantly increased risk of recurrence of disease and dying from the disease in comparison to those without adenopathy, a finding likely related to more advanced disease in this group. Currently, there are no data that definitively demonstrate a therapeutic benefit of CPLN resection. Further randomized controlled trials should be conducted to definitively demonstrate whether CPLN resection at the time of cytoreductive surgery is beneficial.Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of enlarged cardiophrenic lymph node (CPLN) in advanced-stage epithelial ovarian cancer (AEOC) patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery. Methods: The Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were searched for articles from the database inception to June 2021. Meta-analysis was conducted to determine the prognostic impact of surgical outcome, postoperative complication, and survival using random-effects models. Results: A total of 15 studies involving 727 patients with CPLN adenopathy and 981 patients without CPLN adenopathy were included. The mean size of preoperative CPLN was 9.1± 3.75 mm. Overall, 82 percent of the resected CPLN were histologically confirmed pathologic nodes. Surgical outcomes and perioperative complications did not differ between both groups. The median OS time was 42.7 months (95% CI 10.8–74.6) vs. 47.3 months (95% CI 23.2–71.2), in patients with and without CPLN adenopathy, respectively. At 5 years, patients with CPLN adenopathy had a significantly increased risk of disease recurrence (HR 2.14, 95% CI 1.82–2.52, p < 0.001) and dying from the disease (HR 1.74, 95% CI 1.06–2.86, p = 0.029), compared with those without CPLN adenopathy. CPLN adenopathy was significantly associated with ascites (OR 3.30, 95% CI 1.90–5.72, p < 0.001), pleural metastasis (OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.37–4.82, p = 0.003), abdominal adenopathy (OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.53–3.46, p < 0.001) and extra-abdominal metastasis (OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.61–6.67, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Enlarged CPLN in preoperative imaging is highly associated with metastatic involvement. Patients with CPLN adenopathy had a lower survival rate, compared with patients without CPLN adenopathy. Further randomized controlled trials should be conducted to definitively demonstrate whether CPLN resection at the time of cytoreductive surgery is beneficial.

S3203 Unusual Presentation of Paraneoplastic Myopathy and Non-Bacterial Thrombotic Endocarditis Due to Metastatic Gastrointestinal Malignancy

Introduction: Gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies are associated with paraneoplastic sequelae such as non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) and inflammatory myopathy. We describe a unique case in which a metastatic gastric malignancy presented without typical GI symptoms and instead was discovered after pursuing a unifying diagnosis for a constellation of cardiac, neurologic, and musculoskeletal manifestations. Case Description/Methods: A 61-year-old woman presented to a tertiary medical center with shoulder and thigh soreness and weakness with functional decline in the 3 months prior to presentation. Her medical history included morbid obesity, atrial fibrillation (AF), diabetes mellitus, and resolved COVID-19 pneumonia. Her physical exam was notable for proximal muscle weakness and tenderness, bilateral ptosis, vertical gaze deficit, and 4/6 diastolic murmur. Laboratory values included CRP 3.2 mg/dL (normal range <0.8 mg/dL), ESR 51 mm/hour (, 30 mm/hour), creatine kinase 822 IU/L (25-185 IU/L), and aldolase 24.3 U/L (<8.1 U/L). A muscle biopsy was performed revealing an equivocal inflammatory myopathy process. The gaze deficit prompted an MRI of the brain, revealing multiple thromboembolic strokes. COVID related hypercoagulability and AF were considered, however given the murmur on exam, a transesophageal echocardiogram was performed which showed large mobile echodensities on the aortic valve. She was empirically treated for infectious endocarditis, though with concern for NBTE and occult malignancy. CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with IV contrast was then performed, demonstrating metastatic liver lesions and enlarged gastrohepatic and cardiophrenic lymph nodes. In discussion with radiology, it was suggestive of a gastric primary malignancy. Carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 returned at 4965 ng/mL (<3 ng/mL) and 1878 U/mL (<35 U/mL), respectively. The patient ultimately decided to pursue hospice care. Discussion: In this unusual case, a gastric malignancy presented with paraneoplastic phenomena in multiple systems, but without GI symptoms. Physical exam findings led to critical diagnostic steps. NBTE is associated with malignancy, commonly carcinomas of the stomach, biliary system, pancreas, ovaries, or lung. Inflammatory myopathy can also share strong associations with cancer. Our report highlights a unique diagnostic journey and should alert physicians to include GI malignancy on the differential when presented with NBTE and myopathy..

Role of the Cardiophrenic Lymph Node Status After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Primary Advanced Ovarian Cancer.

This study investigated the cardiophrenic lymph node (CPLN) status before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), as its presence seems to have a rather prognostic significance in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. The baseline computed tomography scans of 66 patients with advanced ovarian cancer primary treated with NACT between March 2015 and June 2020 were reviewed. A CPLN enlargement was defined as ≥5 mm. 44% (n=29) of the patients had enlarged CPLNs; 10.7% (n=3) showed a complete response, 71.4% (n=20) a partial response, and 17.9% (n=5) a stable disease after NACT. There was no significant difference between the response to NACT measured according to the status of CPLN compared to other biomarkers in the CPLN group. Patients with CPLN enlargement have a tendency to an impaired prognosis. The response of CPLN to NACT was comparable to the response of established biomarkers, adding a monitoring function to the CPLN.

Peritoneal Metastases: Their Associated Imaging Features

Peritoneal Metastases (PM) detection remains a challenge even with modern imaging. Knowing imaging features of abnormal findings frequently associated with PM is of interest to improve PM detection. Although ascites is a common imaging finding of PM, the presence of ascites alone, even in patients with known cancer, is not enough to diagnose PM. The peritoneum should be read as an own organ with careful analysis of the ligament (e.g. falciform and hepatoduodenal ligament), the mesos and the omenta. Indirect manifestations of visceral peritoneal involvement is a segment of small bowel fixed to the parietal peritoneum, the appearance of blockage of free circulation of ascites, plurisegmental bowel obstruction and clumped bowel that is a strong predictor of diffuse involvement of the visceral peritoneum by a high grade tumor. Ovarian and umbilical metastases are frequently associated with PM in particular in digestive cancers. Moreover, ovarian metastases has been shown to be less responsive to chemotherapy than other metastases and should not be chosen as a target lesion for RECIST assessment. The presence of cardiophrenic angle lymph nodes also increases the possibility of metastatic spread in peritoneum. Finally, the most common PM mimickers include colonic diverticulum, mesenteric lymph nodes, splenosis implants, fat necrosis and postoperative changes after cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC.