Enlarged Abdominal Nodes Research Articles

Multimodal imaging diagnosis of pancreatic Castleman disease with abdominal and retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy: a case report and literature review

IntroductionCastleman’s disease (CD) represents a rare polyclonal lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by atypical lymph node hyperplasia, the precise etiology of which remains undefined. Pancreatic involvement of CD is particularly uncommon and often misdiagnosed due to its nonspecific clinical features, making it difficult to distinguish from tumors with abundant blood supply such as solid pseudopapillary tumors and neuroendocrine tumors. Multimodal imaging plays a crucial role in diagnosing pancreatic CD and determining the extent of lymph node involvement. Surgical resection is the preferred treatment for unicentric CD (UCD). Regular follow-up and monitoring are essential for optimal patient management and treatment outcomes.Case PresentationA 26-year-old female presented to our hospital with a pancreatic mass detected during a routine health examination. Physical and laboratory examinations were unremarkable. Conventional ultrasound revealed a hypoechoic, oval-shaped mass measuring approximately 34×31 mm in the pancreatic head, with clear boundaries and heterogeneous internal echoes, but no significant blood flow signals. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound showed hyperenhancement of the pancreatic head mass, raising suspicion for a solid pseudopapillary tumor or other entities. To clarify the diagnosis, Contrast enhanced CT, MRI, and FDG PET-CT were performed. Both Contrast enhanced CT and MRI demonstrated hyperenhancement of the lesion, and PET-CT showed hypermetabolism in the pancreatic head mass, along with multiple enlarged lymph nodes in the abdominal and retroperitoneal regions. These findings suggested a lymph node origin for the pancreatic head mass. Surgical resection was performed, and pathological examination confirmed UCD. The patient has been followed for 44 months without recurrence.ConclusionThis case illustrates the utility of multimodal imaging in diagnosing pancreatic CD. In cases of benign pancreatic lesions with enlarged abdominal and retroperitoneal lymph nodes, CD should be considered.

Challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of pure non-gestational uterine choriocarcinoma in a child: a case report

BackgroundDiagnosing non-gestational uterine choriocarcinoma in children is challenging because of its rarity and nonspecific imaging findings. Herein, we report a case of non-gestational uterine choriocarcinoma in a child, which was unexpectedly found during exploratory laparotomy and confirmed by histopathological findings. However, the tumor did not respond to chemotherapy.Case presentationA 4-year-old Indonesian female patient was brought into the emergency unit with chief complaint of vaginal bleeding. She had suffered from vaginal spotting 4 months before being admitted to the hospital. Physical examination revealed a distended abdomen in the left lumbar region and a palpable fixed mass with a smooth surface. Abdominal computed tomography scans revealed a large mass (10 × 6 × 12 cm) with fluid density and calcification. Thus, we suspected left ovarian teratoma. The patient’s luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and lactate dehydrogenase levels were 25.2 mIU/ml, 0.1 mIU/ml, and 406 U/l, respectively. According to the clinical and radiological findings, we decided to perform an exploratory laparotomy and found a tumor originating from the uterus, not the ovarium. We did not observe liver nodules and any enlargement of abdominal lymph nodes. Subsequently, we performed hysterectomy. The histopathological findings supported the diagnosis of choriocarcinoma. The patient was discharged uneventfully on postoperative day 5. Thereafter, the patient underwent nine cycles of chemotherapy, including carboplatin (600 mg/m2 IV), etoposide (120 mg/m2 IV), and bleomycin (15 mg/m2 IV). However, on the basis of the clinical findings of a palpable mass and partial intestinal obstruction, the tumor relapsed soon after the ninth cycle of chemotherapy. Currently, the patient is undergoing chemotherapy again.ConclusionsAlthough pure non-gestational uterine choriocarcinoma is rare, it should be considered as one of the differential diagnoses for intraabdominal tumors in a child, so as to better guide and counsel families regarding the surgical plan and prognosis, respectively. In the present case, the patient’s response to chemotherapy was poor, implying that the treatment of non-gestational choriocarcinoma is still challenging, particularly in the pediatric population.

Duodenal tuberculosis with gastric outlet obstruction: a case report of successful diagnosis and treatment, with review of literature

BackgroundDuodenal tuberculosis (TB) is extremely rare, and its diagnosis is challenging owing to the lack of specific symptoms and radiological or endoscopic findings. When it leads to gastric outlet obstruction (GOO), diagnosing it accurately and providing appropriate treatment is crucial. However, this is often overlooked.Case presentationA 35-year-old man presented with abdominal pain, fullness, vomiting, and weight loss. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and radiography revealed nearly pinpoint stenosis with edematous and reddish mucosa in the D1/D2 portion of the duodenum. Computed tomography (CT) showed the duodenal wall thickening, luminal narrowing, multiple enlarged abdominal lymph nodes, and portal vein stenosis. Conventional mucosal biopsy during endoscopy revealed ulcer scars. We initially suspected stenosis due to peptic ulcers; however, chest CT revealed cavitary lesions in both lung apices, suggesting tuberculosis. Due to the suspicion of duodenal TB and the need to obtain deeper tissue samples, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) was performed. The tissue sample showed caseating granulomas with multinucleated giant cells, and acid-fast bacilli were positive by Ziehl–Neelsen staining. The patient was diagnosed with duodenal TB and subsequent GOO. Because the patient had difficulty eating, surgical intervention was prioritized over antitubercular drugs, and laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy was performed. The patient started an oral diet on the 3rd postoperative day and began antitubercular treatment immediately after discharge on the 11th day. During the 6th month of treatment, endoscopic examination revealed residual duodenal stenosis; however, the bypass route functioned well, and the patient remained asymptomatic.ConclusionsAn aggressive biopsy should be performed to diagnose duodenal TB. EUS-FNA has proven to be a useful tool in this regard. Both nutritional improvement and antitubercular treatment were achieved early and reliably by performing laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy for duodenal TB with GOO.

A case of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome of initially presented as cancer of unknown primary with lymph node metastases unveiled by genetic analysis

Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is a heterogeneous disease concept involving various malignant tumors. Understanding its pathophysiology is often difficult, together with its treatment. Here, we present a case of CUP with abdominal lymph node enlargement and elevated carbohydrate antigen 125 levels. It initially resembled a favorable prognosis type similar to ovarian cancer, but metastases were observed in cervical lymph nodes, indicating a somewhat atypical CUP compared to the typical ovarian cancer-like CUP. We identified a germline Breast Cancer 1 (BRCA1) p.L63* variant through a family history inquiry and BRCA analysis, indicating hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. The patient achieved near-complete remission with platinum-based therapy followed by poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor. The variant has shown sensitivity in both clinical and pathogenic reports in the ClinVar database of the National Institutes of Health. No clinical studies reported on the efficacy of PARP inhibitors specific to this variant, but our case demonstrated the sensitivity of platinum-based therapy followed by PARP inhibitor. Reports of CUP in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome are very rare, with only a single report in the literature.

Imaging Features of Pediatric Sarcoidosis.

Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous inflammatory disease of uncertain cause. It occurs most commonly in young and middle-aged adults and less frequently in children; therefore, few data on pediatric sarcoidosis exist in the literature. The diagnosis and management of sarcoidosis remain challenging because of diverse and often nonspecific clinical and imaging findings. In addition, the clinical picture varies widely by age. Prepubertal and adolescent patients often present with adult-like pulmonary disease; however, early-onset sarcoidosis is typically characterized by the triad of arthritis, uveitis, and skin rash. Sarcoidosis is mostly a diagnosis of exclusion made by demonstrating noncaseating granulomas at histopathologic examination in patients with compatible clinical and radiologic findings. Although sarcoidosis often affects the lungs and thoracic lymph nodes, it can involve almost any organ in the body. The most common radiologic manifestation is pulmonary involvement, characterized by mediastinal and bilateral symmetric hilar lymphadenopathies with perilymphatic micronodules. Abdominal involvement is also common in children and often manifests as hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and abdominal lymph node enlargement. Although neurosarcoidosis and cardiac sarcoidosis are rare, imaging is essential to the diagnosis of central nervous system and cardiac involvement because of the risky biopsy procedure and its low diagnostic yield due to focal involvement. Being familiar with the spectrum of imaging findings of sarcoidosis may aid in appropriate diagnosis and management. ©RSNA, 2023 Test Your Knowledge questions are available in the supplemental material.

A case of TM infection with challenging differential diagnosis from lymphoma post-renal transplant

BackgroundLymphomas involving the gastrointestinal tract may be manifested as anti-inflammatory tract bleeding, abdominal lymph node enlargement, or even perforation of the gastrointestinal tract. After organ transplantation, the likelihood of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders increases, and some rare infections may also appear.Case presentationHerein, we report a living transplant patient with talaromycosis marneffei (TSM) or Talaromyces marneffei (TM) infection with gastrointestinal hemorrhage and systemic lymph node enlargement, which presented clinically as lymphoma.ConclusionThis case is TSM in a kidney transplant patient, confirmed by lymph node biopsy and blood culture. The patient discharged from hospital successfully under the treatment of antifungal therapy and immunosuppressive therapy. Physicians should be aware that TSM can mimic lymphoma, and early diagnosis and treatment can benefit the outcomes.

CT Findings of Stage IA Ovarian Cancer: Comparison between Borderline Tumor and Stage IC Ovarian Cancer.

Ovarian cancer is a common gynecological malignant tumor in women. Most patients have reached the advanced stage when they visit the hospital. In order to diagnose ovarian cancer at an early stage, treat it at an early stage, and improve the survival rate of patients, this study has used the imaging computed tomography (CT) method to diagnose stage IA ovarian cancer. The purpose of this work was to study CT features of stage IA ovarian cancer, and compare the borderline tumor and stage IC ovarian cancer at the same time so as to improve the CT diagnosis of early ovarian cancer. We retrospectively collected clinical and CT data of patients with stage I ovarian cancer and borderline ovarian tumor admitted to Nantong Tumor Hospital from 2013 to 2021. Altogether, 23 cases of patients (borderline ovarian tumor, 9 cases; stage IA ovarian cancer, 5 cases; stage IC ovarian cancer, 9 cases) were involved. CT characteristics of these patients were analyzed in terms of the tumor diameter, cystic solid structure, solid component, septation, enhancement, peritoneal thickening, ascites, and abdominal lymph nodes. CT features of stage IA ovarian cancer included large tumor size (average diameter: 15 cm), cystic solid structure (4/5; 80%), septation (4/5; 80%), and enhanced cystic wall, septum, or solid components of the tumor on contrast-enhanced CT (5/5; 100%) no peritoneal thickening (0/5; 0%), no ascites (0/5; 0%), and no abdominal lymph node enlargement (0/5; 0%). The tumor structure did not differ significantly between stage IA and IC ovarian cancers (p > 0.05), while intraperitoneal ascites did (χ2 = 0.031; p < 0.05). Stage IA and borderline ovarian tumors did not differ significantly in ovarian tumor structure (p > 0.05). CT features of stage IA ovarian cancer included large tumor size, cystic solid structure, septation, and enhanced cystic wall and solid parts in the tumors. No pelvic or abdominal metastasis was observed.

A Curious Case of IgG4-Related Disease Masquerading As an Occult Abdominal Malignancy

Introduction IgG4-related disease is an autoimmune, fibroinflammatory disorder involving multiple organ systems in the body. Diagnosis is often suggested by strong IgG4-positive stain on tissue biopsy. Patients respond well to steroids; and in cases of relapse, steroid-sparing agents like rituximab, azathioprine or cyclosporine can be used. Case Presentation Here we present the case of a 77 year-old African-American female with a past medical history significant for cerebrovascular accident, chronic hepatitis C infection status post treatment with antivirals, left chronic dacryoadenitis and chronic iron-deficiency anemia. She presented to the hematology office for a follow-up visit for chronic anemia and complained of new onset right upper quadrant pain and unexplained weight loss. Subsequent abdominal and pelvic imaging showed hypoechoic lesion in pancreatic head along with multiple epigastric, omental and gastro-hepatic nodules/lymph nodes suspicious for malignancy. This was followed by esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) which revealed gastric body/antral erosions along with multiple enlarged abdominal lymph nodes and heterogeneous, hypoechoic irregular mass in the pancreatic head/neck, all of which were biopsied. While awaiting biopsy results, due to high suspicion for malignancy, PET-FDG was performed which showed hypermetabolic lesions corresponding to the EUS findings and a FDG-avid right paravertebral mid thoracic soft tissue mass favored to represent a neurogenic tumor, unrelated to abdominal disease. Laboratory work-up was significant for elevated IgG levels with particularly high titres of IgG subclass 4. Biopsy results from EUS showed no evidence of malignant cells, no clonal proliferation on flow cytometry in either the lymph nodes or pancreatic tissue. Cytology of pancreatic tissue biopsy revealed lymphoid infiltration, extensive edema and fibrosis with no malignant cells. Immunohistochemistry studies revealed strong positive stain for IgG4 suggestive of IgG4-related disease. Of note, the patient had been following up with ophthalmology for a few years for chronic inflammatory dacryoadenitis of the left eye, which can likely be attributed to IgG4-related disease. After shared-decision making with the patient regarding treatment options, treatment was initiated with a plan of rituximab for 4 cycles along with corticosteroid. As of this abstract submission, the patient received one dose of rituximab, pending assessment of response to treatment. Discussion Heterogeneous pancreatic masses on abdominal imaging should be considered malignant until otherwise proven. In cases where these masses are associated with diffuse abdominal and pelvic lymphadenopathy, definitive diagnosis is made through obtaining biopsies from the easily accessible sites. A benign, auto-immune, fibroinflammatory condition which mimics this presentation is IgG4-related disease, whose treatment is far less complicated than a metastatic carcinoma. It often involves lacrimal glands. A high index of suspicion backed by the biopsy results showing strong stain affinity to IgG4 and elevated blood IgG4 levels are required. Treatment involves initiation of steroids followed by steroid-sparing agents like azathioprine, cyclosporine or rituximab in cases of relapse after steroid induction. However, as in our case, combination therapy of simultaneous use of steroids with rituximab can be used after shared decision making with patients.

Clinical Analysis of Intestinal Tuberculosis: A Retrospective Study.

This study aimed to summarize and analyze the clinical data of intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) in order to provide guidance for accurate diagnosis and treatment of ITB. This study consecutively included patients with ITB who were admitted to our hospital from 2008 to 2021 and retrospectively analyzed their clinical features. Forty-six patients were included. The most common clinical symptom was weight loss (67.4%). Seventy percent of 20 patients were positive for tuberculin skin test; 57.1% of 14 patients were positive for mycobacterium tuberculosis specific cellular immune response test, while 84.6% of 26 patients were positive for tuberculosis infection T cell spot test. By chest computed tomography (CT) examination, 25% and 5.6% of 36 patients were diagnosed with active pulmonary tuberculosis and with inactive pulmonary tuberculosis, respectively. By abdominal CT examination, the most common sign was abdominal lymph node enlargement (43.2%). Forty-two patients underwent colonoscopy, and the most common endoscopic manifestation was ileocecal ulcer (59.5%), followed by colonic ulcer (35.7%) and ileocecal valve deformity (26.2%). ITB most frequently involved the terminal ileum/ileocecal region (76.1%). Granulomatous inflammation with multinucleated giant cells and caseous necrosis was found via endoscopic biopsies, the ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy of enlarged mesentery lymph nodes, and surgical interventions. The acid-fast bacilli were discovered in 53.1% of 32 samples. Twenty-one cases highly suspected of ITB were confirmed after responding to empiric anti-tuberculosis therapy. It was necessary to comprehensively analyze clinical features to make an accurate diagnosis of ITB and aid in distinguishing ITB from diseases such as Crohn's disease and malignant tumors.

Clinical Analysis of 44 Children with Subacute Necrotizing Lymphadenitis.

ObjectiveTo explore the causes, clinical features, and laboratory examination characteristics of subacute necrotizing lymphadenitis to improve the understanding of this disease, reduce misdiagnosis, and make appropriate diagnoses and treatments.MethodsThe clinical data of 44 children with subacute necrotizing lymphadenitis admitted to our hospital from January 2013 to August 2021 were collected. The clinical and laboratory examinations of the disease were systematically analyzed.ResultsAll 44 cases aged 6–13 years and averaged 10.3 ± 2.1 years, including 32 boys and 12 girls, were diagnosed with histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (HNL) by lymph node biopsy. Forty-two cases had palpable superficial lymph nodes, and two showed abdominal lymph node enlargement in the imaging examination. The symptoms might be accompanied by mild hepatomegaly or splenomegaly, emaciation, night sweats, rashes, and other manifestations. Leukopenia and neutropenia occurred. The pathological features were extensive coagulative necrosis of lymph nodes with reactive hyperplasia of histiocytes as well as positive IHCl CD68. Four cases had a relapse, and the prognosis of the other cases was good.ConclusionThe case with fever and lymph node enlargement of unknown origin and no response to antibiotic treatment should undergo a pathological examination as early as possible for diagnosis and treatment. The disease has a good prognosis in most cases but may recur in a few cases.

Bilateral Adrenal Adenomas Attributed to Extrapulmonary Mycobacterium Tuberculosis

Introduction: Adrenal infections are rare, with the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) being the most common causative agent in the developing world. MTB usually spreads to the adrenal glands hematogenously where it may be clinically manifested years after systemic infection. Here, we present a case of bilateral adrenal MTB infection associated with MTB peritonitis. Case Presentation: A 46-year-old male, from Ecuador, without significant medical history and no medical follow-up presented to the emergency room with a two-week history of abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and significant weight loss. He denied fever, cough, or night sweats. No smoking, alcohol, or illicit drug use. He works as a construction worker without a history of sick contacts. Vital signs were stable, with abdominal distension and fluid shifting dullness on exam. Blood work revealed leucocyte count of 5.58K (4-11K), INR 1.2 (0.9–1.1), Sodium 132 mEq/L (136–145 mEq/L) with albumin 3.3 mg/dL (3.5–5.2 mg/dL), total bilirubin level, 1.3 mg/dL (0–1.2 mg/dL), and AST and alkaline phosphatase levels, 73 U/L (0–40 U/L) and 186 U/L (40–129 U/L) respectively. Computerized tomography (CT) of the abdomen showed large ascites, omental nodularity, calcified gall bladder, bilateral adrenal nodules, and multiple abdominal lymphadenopathies. Chest CT revealed right apical reticulonodular densities. A diagnostic paracentesis revealed an exudative effusion with serum ascites albumin gradient of 0.7, and negative acid fast bacilli (AFB) and adenosine deaminase enzyme. Ascitic cellular analysis was negative for malignant cells. AFB blood and sputum cultures were negative, though Quantiferon gold test was positive and a skin tuberculin test was 13x13mm. Tumor markers CA19-9, CEA, and alpha-fetoprotein came back negative. Additionally, serum aldosterone, plasma metanephrines, DHEA-S, AM Testosterone, ACTH, and morning cortisol levels were normal. The patient had a negative 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test. Positron emission tomography (PET) scan showed a hypermetabolic left adrenal mass (4.9x3.2 cm) and nodular peritoneum with no fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in the enlarged abdominal lymph nodes. Peritoneal biopsy analysis revealed non-caseating granuloma positive for MTB. The adrenal biopsy was not performed given the extensive intra-abdominal disease. The patient was started on anti-MTB treatment (Isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol) with significant clinical improvement and a slight decrease in the adrenal masses following abdominal imaging. Conclusion: Extrapulmonary MTB should be part of a differential diagnosis for bilateral adrenal masses. Adrenal glands could be infected by a variety of pathogenic microorganisms either by direct contact or hematogenous dissemination. A high index of suspicion is required for the diagnosis of MTB in patients with atypical presentation.

Clinical Features of Intestinal Ulcers Complicated by Epstein-Barr Virus Infection: Importance of Active Infection.

Clinical characteristics of intestinal ulcers complicated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection remain poorly studied. This study is aimed at providing further insight into clinical features of this patient cohort. The presence of serum EBV DNA was assessed in 399 patients with colonic ulcers, of which 30 cases were positive. In EBV-positive patients, the EBV-encoded RNA (EBER) was detected in intestinal tissues of 13 patients (EBER-positive group). The test was negative in 17 patients (EBER-negative group). Acute EBV infection rate in patients with colonic ulcer was 7.52%. Age and sex differences between two groups were not statistically significant. Fever, abdominal lymph node enlargement, and crater-like gouged ulcer morphology were more common in the EBER-positive group (P < 0.05). The albumin level in the EBER-positive group was significantly lower compared to that in the EBER-negative group (P < 0.05). The copy count of EBV DNA in the blood of patients from the EBER-positive group was higher, and the prognosis was worse (P < 0.05). Clinical manifestations were more severe in the EBER-positive group. Endoscopic, histopathological, and biochemical findings were also more serious in this group of patients. The findings point to the importance of assessing the EBER expression in patients with intestinal ulcers of various etiology. EBER positivity should be viewed as a diagnostic marker of more severe condition requiring more aggressive treatment.

Identifying threshold sizes for enlarged abdominal lymph nodes in different age ranges from about 200,000 individual\u2019s data

The threshold size for enlarged abdominal lymph nodes (E-ALNs), a common pediatric disorder, has yet to be standardized. According to the maximum short-axis diameter, this study divided ALNs into Grade A (≥ 10 mm), Grade B (8–10 mm), Grade C (5–8 mm), and Grade D (< 5 mm, normal). To identify the threshold size for E-ALNs, the prevalence of each grade was compared between asymptomatic individuals and symptomatic (e.g., abdominal pain) individuals without other diseases (e.g., appendicitis) that could explain the symptoms for different ages using data from > 200,000 individuals. The results showed the following: (1) For ages 1–3 years, the recommended threshold size is 8 mm, as the differences in the prevalence between the two groups were nonsignificant for Grade C but significant (p < 0.05) for both Grades A and B. (2) For ages 3–14 years, the recommended threshold size is 5 mm, as the differences between the two groups were significant (p < 0.05) for Grades A, B, and C. (3) The prevalence of Grades A, B, and C was very low for ages 0–1 years and high for ages 1–6 years. (4) The prevalence for males was generally higher than that for females for Grades A and B.

First Infection with Absidia Corymbifera in a CLL Patient - Ibrutinib As Risk Factor?

Introduction Targeted therapy as ibrutinib, alone or in combination, is the new standard of care in CLL and has improved the clinical outcome. However, the rate of infectious side effects in the "real world" is still under debate. Several retrospective trials have observed a significant risk of invasive fungal infections (IFD) in this patient group, mostly caused by Aspergillus sp., Cryptococcus sp. or Pneumocystisjiroveci and often occurring early after initiation of the drug. Here we report the first case of an invasive infection with Absidia corymbifera, a member of the zygomyces group, in a CLL patient. The life-threatening infection occurred six years after initiation of ibrutinib treatment infiltrating and destroying the left kidney. Invasive infections with Absidia corymbifera are extremely rare and mostly reported from patients with acute leukemia or severe immunosuppression after organ transplantation. This species is not sensitive to echinoncandins and azoles with the exception of posaconazol. Thus, uncommon IFD has to be suggested in patients treated with ibrutinib treatment and invasive diagnostics should be performed early. Patient characteristics The patient, a 70 years old male, was diagnosed in 2005 with B-CLL harbouring high risk cytogenetics (deletion 17p). CLL was treated since 2005 with R-CHOP, R-bendamustine and ofatumumab before ibrutinib was started in 2014. Due to secondary antibody deficiency, the patient was substituted with IVIG every 4 weeks. At the beginning of 2020 the patient suffered three weeks from cough, fever and abdominal pain before he was admitted to our ward. We found elevated CRP (362 mg/l, normal range: &amp;lt; 5) and procalcitonin (2.02 µg/l, normal range: &amp;lt; 0.5), leukocytosis dominated by CLL cells, mild neutropenia (&amp;gt; 1000 mm3) and an IgG level of 4 g/l (normal range: 7-16). A CT scan showed a barely vascularized tumor at the left kidney, peri-renal inflammation, atypical pneumonic infiltrates and multiple enlarged abdominal lymph nodes. Clinical outcome: The patient was initially treated with antibiosis and caspofungin without success. A fine-needle biopsy of the renal tumor was performed, where fungal structures were identified. Since a renal scintigraphy showed loss of function of the infected kidney, a nephrectomy was conducted to reduce the fungal load while the anti-mycotic treatment was changed to liposomal amphotericin B for three weeks. The molecular analysis of the infected kidney showed an infection with Absidia corymbifera. The patient recovered from fever and all other signs of infection under this treatment, so that he could be discharged after 4 weeks but oral posaconazole was given for additional 6 weeks. Conclusion: Here we report the first infection of a CLL patient with Absidia corymbifera, a germ only found in heavily immunosuppressed patients so far. However, ibrutinib should be considered as risk factor for uncommon invasive fungal infection. Thus, in all cases with fever of unknown origin in this patient group, lesions suspicious for IFD has to be carefully investigated and a biopsy should be taken to characterize the infectious agent. Treatment has to combine surgery and long-term antimycotic treatment. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Dediduosis: An Incidental Autopsy Finding Simulating Metastatic Disease

Abstract Casestudy Deciduosis, defined as the presence of benign decidual cell clusters outside the endometrium, is an uncommonly reported entity described in pregnant women. It represents progesterone-induced metaplasia of stromal cells, and has been reported in ovary, cervix, uterine serosa and fallopian tubes. Deciduosis has been noted very rarely in peritoneum, omentum, appendix, diaphragm, abdominal organs and pelvic lymph nodes. As an incidental finding, it must be distinguished from more ominous entities which it may resemble. Methods A 30 year old female, 29w pregnant, died from an intracranial hemorrhage. Her history was significant for Crohn’s disease and multiple sclerosis, with no previous history of malignancy. At the time of autopsy, she had had an emergency C-section and delivered a healthy male newborn. She donated multiple organs which limited our examination. However, we examined her gynecologic and aerodigestive tract completely. Several enlarged abdominal lymph nodes were identified and sampled for histologic examination. Results Gross examination of the gynecologic tract was consistent with status post cesarean section, with no other significant findings. Microscopically, one abdominal lymph node showed multiple clusters of cells with abundant amphophilic cytoplasm, small round nuclei, inconspicuous nucleoli, and prominent myxoid change, obliterating the sinusoids. Similar cells were found in subserosal locations in both ovaries, the endocervical stroma and the mesoappendix. The cells were negative for cytokeratins and calretinin, ruling out metastatic carcinoma and mesothelioma, respectively. CD68 highlighted individual sinusoidal macrophages surrounding the clusters. The cells were positive for vimentin, CD10, and progesterone receptor. These findings are consistent with deciduosis. The absence of associated endometrial-type glands excluded a diagnosis of endometriosis with decidualized endometrial stroma. Conclusion Deciduosis is a rarely reported entity that is important to recognize when dealing with suspicious cell clusters simulating metastatic disease in a pregnant woman. There are few high quality photomicrographs in medical literature, particularly for unusual locations such as lymph nodes. We believe our findings will help illustrate the morphologic appearance and immunohistochemical characteristics of this entity, and help distinguish it from more serious diseases.

Predicting Liver Disease Risk Using a Combination of Common Clinical Markers: A Screening Model from Routine Health Check-Up.

Background Early detection is crucial for the prognosis of patients with autoimmune liver disease (AILD). Due to the relatively low incidence, developing screening tools for AILD remain a challenge. Aims To analyze clinical characteristics of AILD patients at initial presentation and identify clinical markers, which could be useful for disease screening and early detection. Methods We performed observational retrospective study and analyzed 581 AILD patients who were hospitalized in the gastroenterology department and 1000 healthy controls who were collected from health management center. Baseline characteristics at initial presentation were used to build regression models. The model was validated on an independent cohort of 56 patients with AILD and 100 patients with other liver disorders. Results Asymptomatic AILD individuals identified by the health check-up are increased yearly (from 31.6% to 68.0%, p < 0.001). The cirrhotic rates at an initial presentation are decreased in the past 18 years (from 52.6% to 20.0%, p < 0.001). Eight indicators, which are common in the health check-up, are independent risk factors of AILD. Among them, abdominal lymph node enlargement (LN) positive is the most significant different (OR 8.85, 95% CI 2.73-28.69, p < 0.001). The combination of these indicators shows high predictive power (AUC = 0.98, sensitivity 89.0% and specificity 96.4%) for disease screening. Except two liver or cholangetic injury makers, the combination of AGE, GENDER, GLB, LN, concomitant extrahepatic autoimmune diseases, and familial history also shows a high predictive power for AILD in other liver disorders (AUC = 0.91). Conclusion Screening for AILD with described parameters can detect AILD in routine health check-up early, effectively and economically. Eight variables in routine health check-up are associated with AILD and the combination of them shows good ability of identifying high-risk individuals.

Male breast metastasis of ureteral cancer: a case report

BackgroundBreast metastasis from extra-mammary primary tumors is extremely rare. We recently experienced a rare case of a male breast metastasis of ureteral cancer and will provide a case report.Case presentationA 74-year-old man developed a ureteral cancer and underwent left nephroureterectomy with lymph node dissection. Although enlarged abdominal lymph nodes did not disappear completely after chemoradiotherapy, further extensive therapy was not performed. A mass just below the nipple of his right breast was acknowledged and he visited our department. Histological diagnosis was invasive carcinoma. It was initially diagnosed as a primary breast cancer, and he underwent a mastectomy and a sentinel lymph node biopsy. There was no intraductal lesion and the border of the tumor was clear. It was very similar to that of the previous ureteral cancer. The final diagnosis was breast metastasis of ureteral cancer rather than primary breast cancer. The postoperative course was good, but multiple lung metastases appeared 2 months after surgery. He eventually died of cancerous lymphangiopathy.ConclusionIt is important to accurately diagnose primary breast cancer or breast metastasis so as not to cause extra-invasion, but it was considered difficult to make a complete preoperative diagnosis.

The Enlargement of Abdominal Lymph Nodes Is a Characteristic of Autoimmune Liver Disease.

Background The enlargement of lymph nodes is a common clinical sign in connective tissue disease (CTD) and viral hepatitis. In this research, we evaluated the incidence of enlarged lymph nodes in autoimmune liver diseases (AILD). Moreover, we identified the clinical significance of abdominal lymph node enlargement in AILD. Methods The characteristics of abdominal lymph nodes, including their morphology and distribution, were assessed by ultrasonography and computed tomography in 125 patients with AILD, 54 with viral hepatitis, 135 with CTD, and 80 healthy controls. The pathological and laboratory results of 106 AILD patients were collected to analyze the association between lymphadenectasis and disease activity. Results Enlargement of abdominal lymph nodes was found in 69.6% of patients with AILD, 63% of patients with viral hepatitis, 29.6% of patients with CTD, and 2% of healthy controls. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamate transpeptidase (GGT), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels were significantly increased in AILD patients with lymphadenectasis (LA) in contrast to patients without lymphadenectasis (NLA) (P < 0.05). The pathological characteristics of inflammation, cholestasis, and focal necrosis were more common in the LA group than in the NLA group (P < 0.05). As shown by multivariate logistic regression analysis, interface hepatitis (OR = 3.651, P < 0.05), cholestasis (OR = 8.137, P < 0.05), and focal necrosis (OR = 5.212, P < 0.05) were related to LA. Conclusions The percentage of abdominal lymph node enlargement in AILD subjects was significantly higher than that in CTD subjects. Therefore, the enlargement of lymph nodes can represent a noninvasive indicator of histological and biochemical inflammation activity in AILD.

First case of a dog infected with Aspergillus (Phialosimplex) caninus in Australasia

ABSTRACTCase history: A 2-year-old Rottweiler dog from Perth (WA, Australia) was referred for assessment of a chronic productive cough and weight loss.Clinical findings: Severely enlarged bilateral superficial cervical lymph nodes and severely enlarged abdominal organs were present. The body condition score was poor and there was moderate muscle wasting. Thoracic and abdominal computed tomography images revealed severe diffuse enlargement of thoracic and abdominal lymph nodes, hepatomegaly and diffuse splenomegaly. A diffuse bronchial pattern with severe multifocal saccular bronchiectasis was identified in the lungs.Diagnostic findings: Fungal organisms were seen within macrophages on cytological preparations and on histopathological sections of biopsies of the superficial cervical lymph node. Macrophages contained intracytoplasmic, non-filamentous round-to-ovoid organisms, which varied in size from 5–30 µm in diameter with variable morphology. Budding was not observed, and no hyphae were present. Fungal culture of lymph node tissue resulted in growth of Aspergillus (Phialosimplex) caninus which was confirmed by amplification and sequencing of a segment of the 16S-23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer. Concurrent bacterial bronchitis was diagnosed on culture of broncho-alveolar fluid.Diagnosis: Disseminated aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus caninus.Clinical relevance: This is believed to be the first report of infection caused by A. caninus in a dog in Australasia. The dog was treated with itraconazole for 7 months and was still alive 7 months after the start of treatment.

Endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration for the diagnosis of intra-abdominal lymphadenopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: It is difficult to diagnose the cause of abdominal lymphadenopathy without determining the primary lesions. With the advent of curved ultrasound endoscopy, EUS-FNA can sample lymph nodes safely, accurately and conveniently. Due to the lack of formal quantitative and comprehensive literature review to determine the diagnostic value of EUS-FNA in the diagnosis of enlarged intra-abdominal lymph nodes of unknown origin, we conducted this study to systematically evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNA in the enlarged intra-abdominal lymph nodes.Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the accuracy of EUS-FNA for the diagnosis of intra-abdominal lymphadenopathy. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library to collect related studies and diagnostic performance data. We used a random-effects model to estimate the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). Heterogeneity was assessed by subgroup and meta-regression analysis.Results: Twelve eligible studies involved 774 patients were identified. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of all studies is 94% (95% CI: 91% to 96%) and 98% (95% CI: 96% to 99%), respectively. The pooled positive and negative likelihood ratios are 17.44 (95% CI, 6.50 to 46.79) and 0.09 (95% CI: 0.06 to 0.14). The pooled DOR is 277.82 (95% CI, 97.65 to 790.46).Conclusions: EUS-FNA is a safe and feasible technique with high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of abdominal lymph node enlargement. Considering the limitations and heterogeneity, high-quality studies are needed to further explore the diagnostic value of EUS-FNA.