Complication Of Malignancy Research Articles

Surgical versus non-surgical management for patients with malignant bowel obstruction (S1316): a pragmatic comparative effectiveness trial

Malignant small bowel obstruction has a poor prognosis and is associated with multiple related symptoms. The optimal treatment approach is often unclear. We aimed to compare surgical versus non-surgical management with the aim to determine the optimal approach for managing malignant bowel obstruction. S1316 was a pragmatic comparative effectiveness trial done within the National Cancer Trials Network at 30 hospital and cancer research centres in the USA, Mexico, Peru, and Colombia. Participants had an intra-abdominal or retroperitoneal primary cancer confirmed via pathological report and malignant bowel disease; were aged 18 years or older with a Zubrod performance status 0-2 within 1 week before admission; had a surgical indication; and treatment equipoise. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to surgical or non-surgical treatment using a dynamic balancing algorithm, balancing on primary tumour type. Patients who declined consent for random assignment were offered a prospective observational patient choice pathway. The primary outcome was the number of days alive and out of the hospital (good days) at 91 days. Analyses were based on intention-to-treat linear, logistic, and Cox regression models combining data from both pathways and adjusting for potential confounders. Treatment complications were assessed in all analysed patients in the study. This completed study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02270450. From May 11, 2015, to April 27, 2020, 221 patients were enrolled (143 [65%] were female and 78 [35%] were male). There were 199 evaluable participants: 49 in the randomised pathway (24 surgery and 25 non-surgery) and 150 in the patient choice pathway (58 surgery and 92 non-surgery). No difference was seen between surgery and non-surgery for the primary outcome of good days: mean 42·6 days (SD 32·2) in the randomised surgery group, 43·9 days (29·5) in the randomised non-surgery group, 54·8 days (27·0) in the patient choice surgery group, and 52·7 days (30·7) in the patient choice non-surgery group (adjusted mean difference 2·9 additional good days in surgical versus non-surgical treatment [95% CI -5·5 to 11·3]; p=0·50). During their initial hospital stay, six participants died, five due to cancer progression (four patients from the randomised pathway, two in each treatment group, and one from the patient choice pathway, in the surgery group) and one due to malignant bowel obstruction treatment complications (patient choice pathway, non-surgery). The most common grade 3-4 malignant bowel obstruction treatment complication was anaemia (three [6%] patients in the randomised pathway, all in the surgical group, and five [3%] patients in the patient choice pathway, four in the surgical group and one in the non-surgical group). In our study, whether patients received a surgical or non-surgical treatment approach did not influence good days during the first 91 days after registration. These findings should inform treatment decisions for patients hospitalised with malignant bowel obstruction. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the National Cancer Institute. For the Spanish translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Allium ureteral stent for the treatment of malignant ureteral obstruction: A median term study.

This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of Allium ureteral stents for the maintenance therapy of malignant ureteral obstruction (MUO). Clinical data of 25 patients (27 sides) with ureteral obstruction caused by a malignant tumor from December 2018 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative ultrasonography and computed tomography urography indicated hydronephrosis and MUO. Allium ureteral stents were placed using a retrograde or antegrade approach. Therapeutic effects and complications were recorded. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare continuous variables between the preoperative and the last follow-up. A total of 25 patients (27 sides) were included in this study. After a follow-up time of 18 (11-29) months, the width of hydronephrosis [1.6 (1.0-2.2) cm vs 2.6 (1.2-3.3) cm, P = .000], glomerular filtration rate [83.8 (58.1-86.4) mL/minutes/1.73 m2 vs 74.5 (56.8-79.1) mL/minutes/1.73 m2, P = .001] and score of ureteral stent symptoms questionnaire [77 (76-79) vs 100 (98-103), P = .000] was significantly improved. Stent migration occurred in 3 of the 25 patients within 3 months after surgery. All patients with complications were followed up for at least 6 months after stent adjustment or exchange, and no other complications were found. Two patients died because of malignant complications. The stent patency rate was 88.9% (24/27) after the first operation, and 100% (27/27) after complications were treated. The Allium ureteral stent is safe and effective for the maintenance therapy of MUO, which can dramatically relieve the symptoms of patients. Stent migration is a major complication that can be resolved by endoscopic adjustment.

Intravascular Tumor Extension and Pulmonary Tumor Embolism in Children With Solid Malignancies: Is There a Role for Inferior Vena Cava Filters?

Intravascular tumor extension is an uncommon complication of solid malignancies that, when present in the inferior vena cava (IVC), can result in fatal pulmonary tumor embolism. Currently, neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery are the mainstays of treatment; however, there are no consensus guidelines for management. We describe three cases of pediatric solid malignancies with associated IVC extension and pulmonary tumor embolism. We hypothesize that there is scope for IVC filter placement in such cases to mitigate the risk of fatal pulmonary tumor embolism.

Pain nursing for gynecologic cancer patients.

Gynecological malignancy remains a prevalent cause of mortality among women. Chronic cancer pain, as a severe complication of malignancy and its therapies, accounts for a substantial burden of physical and psychological distress in affected patients. Accordingly, early identification, assessment, and standardized management of such pain are crucial in the prevention or delay of its progression. In the present review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the pathological factors that contribute to pain in patients with gynecological malignancy while highlighting the underlying mechanisms of pain in this population. In addition, we summarize several treatment modalities targeting pain management in gynecologic cancer patients, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. These interventions are crucial for tumor elimination and patient survival. Chronic cancer pain exerts a significant impact on wellbeing and quality of life for patients with gynecologic cancer. Therefore, our review emphasizes the importance of addressing this pain and its psychological sequelae and advocates for a multidisciplinary approach that encompasses nursing and psychological support. In summary, this review offers valuable insights into the pathological factors underlying pain, reviews pain management modalities, and stresses the critical role of early intervention and comprehensive care in enhancing the quality of life of these patients.

CD73 regulates zoledronate-induced lymphocyte infiltration in triple-negative breast cancer tumors and lung metastases.

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are bone-protecting osteoclast inhibitors, typically used in the treatment of osteoporosis and skeletal complications of malignancies. When given in the adjuvant setting, these drugs may also prevent relapses and prolong overall survival in early breast cancer (EBC), specifically among postmenopausal patients. Because of these findings, adjuvant nitrogen-containing BPs (N-BPs), such as zoledronate (ZOL), are now the standard of care for high-risk EBC patients, but there are no benefit-associated biomarkers, and the efficacy remains low. BPs have been demonstrated to possess anti-tumor activities, but the mechanisms by which they provide the beneficial effects in EBC are not known. We used stably transfected 4T1 breast cancer cells together with suppression of CD73 (sh-CD73) or control cells (sh-NT). We compared ZOL effects on tumor growth and infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) into tumors and lung metastases using two mouse models. B cell depletion was performed using anti-CD20 antibody. Sh-CD73 4T1 cells were significantly more sensitive to the growth inhibitory effects of n-BPs in vitro. However, while ZOL-induced growth inhibition was similar between the tumor groups in vivo, ZOL enhanced B and T lymphocyte infiltration into the orthotopic tumors with down-regulated CD73. A similar trend was detected in lung metastases. ZOL-induced tumor growth inhibition was found to be augmented with B cell depletion in sh-NT tumors, but not in sh-CD73 tumors. As an internal control, ZOL effects on bone were similar in mice bearing both tumor groups. Taken together, these results indicate that ZOL modifies TILs in breast cancer, both in primary tumors and metastases. Our results further demonstrate that B cells may counteract the growth inhibitory effects of ZOL. However, all ZOL-induced TIL effects may be influenced by immunomodulatory characteristics of the tumor.

Mechanical thrombectomy of inferior vena cava filter-associated caval thrombosis using FlowTriever and ClotTriever systems

ObjectiveChronically indwelling inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) can have multiple adverse sequelae, including IVCF-associated thrombosis. The Inari ClotTriever and FlowTriever mechanical and aspiration thrombectomy systems (Inari Medical) can be used for acute caval thrombosis associated with IVCFs if appropriate proximal IVCF protection is used intraprocedurally. The present study reports a single institution's outcomes after ClotTriever and FlowTriever thrombectomy of acute IVCF-associated iliocaval thrombus. MethodsA retrospective review was conducted of all patients who underwent ClotTriever or FlowTriever thrombectomy for IVCF-associated caval thrombosis. The patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and postprocedural outcomes of a 15-patient cohort were compiled and described. ResultsA total of 15 patients were identified as presenting with acute IVCF-associated caval thrombosis and having undergone intervention with either the ClotTriever or FlowTriever system from 2019 to 2022. Of the 15 patients in the cohort, 3 (20%) had presented with a threatened extremity (phlegmasia cerulea dolens), and 12 had presented with severe, debilitating, but non–limb-threatening, lower extremity edema. The preprocedural clot burden was significant and involved the cava, iliac veins, and femoropopliteal veins in 7 of 15 patients (47%) in the cohort. The procedure was technically successful in 11 patients (73.33%). Resolution of acute symptoms was noted in 100% of the technically successful procedures. The 30-day mortality rate was 13% (2 of 15 patients). One intraprocedural death occurred from pulmonary embolism, and one patient died of malignancy complications. The surviving patients not lost to follow-up experienced stable or improving venous disease, with only one patient presenting with post-phlebitic syndrome. ConclusionsMechanical and aspiration thrombectomy of IVCF-associated thrombus with the FlowTriever and ClotTriever systems have good technical success and resulted in significant improvement in acute symptoms with adequate clot clearance. Proximal embolic protection maneuvers for pulmonary embolism prophylaxis and preexisting filter protection are required intraprocedurally.

Lateral neck dissection surgeon volume and complications in head and neck endocrine malignancy.

Increased surgeon volume is associated with decreased complications for many surgeries, including thyroidectomy. We sought to use two national databases to assess for associations between surgeon volume and complications in patients undergoing lateral neck dissection for thyroid or parathyroid malignancy. Lateral neck dissections for thyroid and parathyroid cancer from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample and State Inpatient Database were analyzed. The primary outcome was any inpatient complication common to thyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy, or lateral neck dissection. The principle independent variable was surgeon volume. Multivariable analysis was then performed on this retrospective cohort study. The 1,094 Nationwide Inpatient Sample discharges had a 28% (305/1,094) complication rate. After adjustment, surgeons with volumes between 3-34 neck dissections/year demonstrated a surgeon volume-complication rate association [adjusted odds ratio: 1.03; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.05]. The 1,235 State inpatient Database discharges had a 21% (258/1,235) overall complication rate, and no association between surgeon volume and complication rates (P=0.25). This retrospective review of 2,329 discharges for patients undergoing lateral neck dissection for thyroid or parathyroidectomy demonstrated somewhat conflicting results. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample demonstrated increasing complication rates for increasing surgeon volume among intermediate volume surgeons, while the State Inpatient Database demonstrated no surgeon volume-complication association. Given these disparate results, and further limitations with these databases, conclusions regarding surgical volume and clinical decision making based on these data should be assessed cautiously.

Non-islet cell tumour hypoglycaemia: A rare cause of persistent hypoglycaemia.

Non-islet cell tumour hypoglycaemia (NICTH) is a rare cause of hypoglycaemia. There is no single pathogenic mechanism that can explain all cases of NITCH. With this case, we wish to highlight the complexity in diagnosis and management of this condition.

Neurological Facets of Hematological Malignancies: A Case Series

Background: Central nerve involvement is a serious complication in hemopathies. Clinical presentations are heterogeneous; it can affect the central nervous system as well as the peripheral. The pathophysiological mechanisms are multiple. Aims: To illustrate the diversity of these neurological manifestations affecting both the central and peripheral nervous systems. We study the pathophysiological mechanisms and diagnostic strategies. We discuss the therapeutic alternatives and the prognostic value of neurological damage. Methods: To illustrate the clinical and etiological polymorphism, we report a series of clinical cases of seven patients followed for malignant hemopathies and who consulted for different neurological manifestations. Results: We have seven patients followed for malignant hemopathies: Acute lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), Acute myeloblastic Leukemia (AML), Myelodysplasic syndrome (MDS), Chronic myeloid Leukemia (CML). Patients consult for different neurological manifestations (optic neuritis, neuropathic pain, sensory and motor deficit, myopathic syndrome. The etiological assessment identified different causes and mechanisms: leukemic medullary infiltration (myelitis) and optic nerve (optic neuritis). Acute post infectious polyradiculoneuritis in a patient undergoing chemotherapy. The neurological manifestations related to drugs were painful peripheral neuropathy and myopathic syndrome secondary to cytarabine syndrome. The fatal outcome was associated with extensive infiltration and fulminant neurovascularitis induced by MDS. Conclusion: We discuss here through our series the different epidemiological, physiopathological, clinical, evolutionary and prognostic aspects of neurological complications of hematological malignancies.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Costello Syndrome Using Noninvasive Prenatal Single Gene Testing With Maternal Blood

Introduction Costello syndrome (CS) is a rare disorder that affects multiple organ systems, which is usually diagnosed postnatally, except for 2 cases diagnosed prenatally from chromosome analysis by amniocentesis. We present the first case of prenatally diagnosed CS via maternal blood testing. Case Description A 38-year-old woman was referred for genetic screening at 28 weeks of gestational age (GA) due to polyhydramnios and shortened limbs seen on prenatal ultrasound. Cell-free DNA, noninvasive prenatal single gene screening was positive for G12S HRAS mutation, which is indicative of CS. The infant was delivered via elective repeat cesarean section at 36 weeks and 6 days GA, was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit for respiratory distress. Physical examination was significant for macrocephaly, wide depressed nasal bridge, short neck, rhizomelic limb shortening, micropenis, and bilateral equinovarus deformity of the feet. Echocardiography on the first day showed severe pulmonary hypertension. Brain MRI showed a possible cavernous mass lesion and small arachnoid cyst over the left cerebellar hemisphere. Postnatal gene-targeted testing confirmed CS diagnosis with pathogenic variants. The infant was managed for respiratory distress, hypoglycemia, jaundice, and feet deformities. He was subsequently transferred to another hospital at 45 weeks of age for gastrostomy tube placement due to persistent difficulty with oral feeding. Discussion CS affects multiple organ systems. Clinical presentations includes short stature; macrocephaly; coarse facial features, loose and soft skin; hypotonia and joint laxity; cardiac involvement with congenital heart defect, feeding difficulty, and developmental delay. The phenotypic spectrum is wide and can range from mild features to early lethal complications mostly as a result of severe progressive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) and respiratory compromise. CS is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by mutations in the HRAS gene, but almost all cases have new mutations with no family history. Disease course depends on cardiac and predisposition to benign and malignant tumor complications. Treatment requires a multidisciplinary team directed toward the specific clinical findings. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of prenatally diagnosed CS via maternal blood testing. Molecular diagnosis in the prenatal period allows neonatal care providers to prepare for potential complications in the postnatal period.

A review of elderly transplantation regarding complications, outcomes, and survival

BackgroundRenal transplant adds survival benefits to end-stage renal disease patients over dialysis, and a similar concept applies to elderly patients. Some of the challenges of transplanting old patients may involve age-related cancers and comorbid conditions such as cardiovascular disease. Studies had shown that advanced age is associated with better outcomes compared to dialysis despite receiving poorer quality organs. AimThis extended literature review aims to identify the common complications, outcomes, and survival benefits of kidney transplantation in the elderly population. MethodsAn extended literature review was done to identify studies that compared elderly transplant recipients with the younger kidney transplant recipient population. The study population included elderly kidney recipients aged sixty and above and younger kidney recipients below the age of sixty. This literature review aims to discuss complications facing elderly kidney recipients and compare transplant outcomes to younger kidney recipients. PubMed, Midline, and google scholar databases were searched and papers meeting the pre-set inclusion criteria were identified. ResultsA total of 212 papers were identified. After screening the results, 12 papers met the inclusion criteria and were included for review. 10/12 papers included patients' age cutoff point, one paper had cut-off age between 60 and 80 years, while the last paper recruited patients with ages above 70. Most of the studies mentioned young group age as below 60, 2/12 papers divided the young group into further subgroups of age. Two studies used paired donor organs for both young and elderly groups to eliminate donor bias. While other studies used living, deceased, or both living and deceased donors for both elderly and young groups. One study matched donor type and gender in both groups. The studies looked at patient and graft survival and complications. Elderly transplant patients suffered more hospitalization, infections, cardiovascular complications, malignancy, and surgical complications. Post-transplant diabetes was higher in the young recipient group in one study. ConclusionIn the case of elderly renal transplant recipients, the cut-off point for age to perform renal transplant is not clear but studies showed better survival and cost-effectiveness in elderly patients compared to patients on the waiting list even in older patient cohorts

Deep learning assessment compared to radiologist reporting for metastatic spinal cord compression on CT.

Metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) is a disastrous complication of advanced malignancy. A deep learning (DL) algorithm for MSCC classification on CT could expedite timely diagnosis. In this study, we externally test a DL algorithm for MSCC classification on CT and compare with radiologist assessment. Retrospective collection of CT and corresponding MRI from patients with suspected MSCC was conducted from September 2007 to September 2020. Exclusion criteria were scans with instrumentation, no intravenous contrast, motion artefacts and non-thoracic coverage. Internal CT dataset split was 84% for training/validation and 16% for testing. An external test set was also utilised. Internal training/validation sets were labelled by radiologists with spine imaging specialization (6 and 11-years post-board certification) and were used to further develop a DL algorithm for MSCC classification. The spine imaging specialist (11-years expertise) labelled the test sets (reference standard). For evaluation of DL algorithm performance, internal and external test data were independently reviewed by four radiologists: two spine specialists (Rad1 and Rad2, 7 and 5-years post-board certification, respectively) and two oncological imaging specialists (Rad3 and Rad4, 3 and 5-years post-board certification, respectively). DL model performance was also compared against the CT report issued by the radiologist in a real clinical setting. Inter-rater agreement (Gwet's kappa) and sensitivity/specificity/AUCs were calculated. Overall, 420 CT scans were evaluated (225 patients, mean age=60 ± 11.9[SD]); 354(84%) CTs for training/validation and 66(16%) CTs for internal testing. The DL algorithm showed high inter-rater agreement for three-class MSCC grading with kappas of 0.872 (p<0.001) and 0.844 (p<0.001) on internal and external testing, respectively. On internal testing DL algorithm inter-rater agreement (κ=0.872) was superior to Rad 2 (κ=0.795) and Rad 3 (κ=0.724) (both p<0.001). DL algorithm kappa of 0.844 on external testing was superior to Rad 3 (κ=0.721) (p<0.001). CT report classification of high-grade MSCC disease was poor with only slight inter-rater agreement (κ=0.027) and low sensitivity (44.0), relative to the DL algorithm with almost-perfect inter-rater agreement (κ=0.813) and high sensitivity (94.0) (p<0.001). Deep learning algorithm for metastatic spinal cord compression on CT showed superior performance to the CT report issued by experienced radiologists and could aid earlier diagnosis.

Robotic Anterior Rectal Resection for Rectal Cancer with Partial Pelvic Peritonectomy for Carcinosis from Pancreatic Cancer

Introduction: Advanced robotic technology enhances a total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer and may overcome challenges associated with difficult pelvic anatomy.1,2 Moreover, minimally invasive approach may be used to address several common complications of solid organ malignancies.3,4 This video shows a patient with rectal cancer who underwent neoadjuvant therapy with a new finding of a primary pancreatic cancer at postneoadjuvant re-evaluation. The patient underwent a palliative robotic anterior rectal resection for a bleeding adenocarcinoma of the rectum. Materials and Methods: A 70-year-old patient presented to the outpatient clinic with diarrhea and rectal bleeding. Diagnostic work-up included a colonoscopy that showed an adenocarcinoma of the rectum at 8–9 cm from the anal verge. A CT scan revealed no pulmonary disease and no carcinosis, and a pelvic MRI confirmed a substenotic, full thickness infiltrating tumor of the rectum. Multidisciplinary tumor board recommended neoadjuvant treatment based on capecitabine and RT (total dose 55 Gy/25 fractions). Postneoadjuvant re-evaluation included a pelvic MRI that showed a partial response of the rectal tumor. A CT scan identified a new finding of a neoplasm at the level of the pancreatic body. Endoscopic ultrasonography showed a mesopancreatic tumor with splenic vessel involvement. Histologic examination documented an adenocarcinoma and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography confirmed the tumor. Multidisciplinary tumor board recommended gemcitabine but it was halted for rectal bleeding after 1 week. A rectoscopy confirmed the bleeding from the rectal lesion. Palliative rectal surgery was recommended, and the patient underwent an anterior rectal resection with S3 metastasectomy and partial pelvic peritonectomy for carcinosis with an end-to-end colorectal anastomosis according to the Knight & Griffen technique and a diverting ileostomy (S3 metastasis and carcinosis were intraoperative findings). Results: The patient was discharged on postoperative day 6. The postoperative course was uneventful and afterward systemic treatment with gemcitabine and paclitaxel was resumed. At re-evaluation by CT and MRI, no pelvic recurrence was diagnosed, whereas the volume of the pancreatic lesion was reduced. A stereotactic ablation was performed on the pancreatic lesion. The patient underwent ileostomy closure, but after 1 year from the primary surgery, the patient referred was admitted with an intestinal obstruction. An explorative laparoscopy revealed diffuse carcinosis from the pancreatic lesion. The patient died a few months later. Conclusion: Robotic technique is a safe and an efficacious tool for palliative surgery. In complex cases, a robotic technique provides a fast recovery and a quick reprise for further oncologic treatments. Palliative surgery, however, must be delivered as part of an interdisciplinary team and should be attempted through a minimally invasive approach to reduce pain and adverse effects of surgical intervention.5 No competing financial interests exist. Runtime of video: 10 mins

Decompression Technique Using Subcutaneous Angiocatheter Insertion to Relieve Extensive Subcutaneous Emphysema: A Case Report

BackgroundTrauma, pneumothorax, complication of surgery, infection, or malignancy can cause subcutaneous emphysema and although most subcutaneous emphysema cases are self-limited, extensive subcutaneous emphysema can lead to a compromised airway and cardiovascular system. In this report, we described a successful treatment strategy in which subcutaneous angiocatheter insertion was used to relieve the pressure of extensive subcutaneous emphysema. Case ReportAn 83-year-old man was received at the emergency department (ED) for recurrent pneumothorax and extensive subcutaneous emphysema. Six 18-gauge angiocatheters were inserted under the thoracic subcutaneous tissue and a noticeable improvement was seen 3 h after angiocatheter insertion. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?Subcutaneous angiocatheter insertion may be a safe and uncomplicated decompression technique to relieve extensive subcutaneous emphysema, particularly in the ED.

Paraneoplastic neurological syndromes of the central nervous system: a single institution 7-year case series.

Paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNSs) are nonmetastatic complications of malignancy, defined by the presence of onconeural antibodies (ONAs). ONAs may be found in 60% of patients with central nervous system (CNS) involvement, and they are directed against intraneuronal antigens or channels, receptors or associated proteins located at the synaptic or extra-synaptic neuronal cell membrane. Given its rare incidence, there are few epidemiological case series on CNS-PNS. We aim to discuss the variability of CNS-PNSs etiology, clinical features, management and outcome, highlighting the importance of early recognition and appropriate treatment, leading to significant reduction of mortality and morbidity. We retrospectively reviewed our 7-years single-center experience, and specifically discussed the underlying etiology, parenchymal CNS involvement, and the acute treatment response. Only cases fulfilling PNS Euronetwork criteria for definitive PNS were included. A total of 26 probable PNSs cases involving CNS were identified. We reported medical records of eleven (42.3%) illustrative cases, meeting the criteria of definite PNS and presenting variable clinical spectrum and different radiological appearances. Our series has a relative paucity of the most common syndromes and larger portion of clinical diagnosis with ONAs. Well-characterized ONAs had been detected in CSF of six patients. Our case series supports the utmost importance of early recognition of CNS-PNSs. Screening for occult malignancies should not be limited to patients with classical CNS syndrome. Empiric immunomodulatory therapy may be considered before the diagnostic evaluation is completed, in order to prevent unfavorable outcome. Late presentations should not discourage initiation of treatment.

IL-18-mediated neutrophil recruitment promotes acute lung injury in inflammation-mediated chronic pancreatitis.

Lung injury is the most common secondary complication of pancreatitis and pancreatic malignancy. Around 60-70% of pancreatitis-related deaths are caused by lung injury; however, there is no animal model of the inflammation-mediated progressive pulmonary pathological events that contribute to acute lung injury in chronic pancreatitis (CP). Hence, we developed an inflammation-mediated mouse model and studied the pathological events that have a critical role in promoting the pathogenesis of lung injury. Our proteomic analysis of lung tissue revealed neutrophil-associated induction of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and myeloperoxidase enzyme, further supporting a role for neutrophils in promoting IL-18-associated lung injury. We show that neutrophils released IL-18-induced p-NF-κB along with profibrotic and oncogenic proteins like TTF1, PDX1, and SOX9 in lung tissues of a mouse model of chronic pancreatitis. We also show that neutrophil infiltration induces TGF-β and SMAD4 and activates epithelial cells to produce other profibrotic proteins like ZO-1 and MUC2, along with the fibroblast markers FGF-1 and αSMA, that cause mesenchymal transition and accumulation of extracellular matrix collagen. Most importantly, we present evidence that IL-18 inhibition significantly alleviates CP-induced lung injury. This was further established by the finding that IL-18 gene-deficient mice showed improved lung injury by inhibition of TGF-β and fibroblast to mesenchymal transition and reduced collagen accumulation. The present study suggests that inhibition of IL-18 may be a novel treatment for CP-associated induced acute lung injury.

Cancer-Associated Thrombosis: A Taiwanese Perspective on Therapeutic Options with Focus on Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants.

Cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) is a common complication of malignancies. Patients with CAT are at risk of venous thromboembolism recurrence, but also at risk of bleeding while anticoagulated. Taiwanese patients are perceived to have a lower incidence of CAT, likely leading to false reassurance for Taiwanese patients with cancer. Because of this, oncologists and cardiologists from multiple medical institutions in Taiwan have set forth to provide clinical consensus guidelines on the management of CAT, based on local clinical practices and guided by predominant international clinical practice guidelines. This paper aims to describe the current disease burden of cancer-associated venous thromboembolism in Taiwanese cancer patients, and discusses the unmet needs and gaps in the management of this medical complication. It also outlines diagnostic and management strategies relevant to the different treatment options available, such as non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants.

Priapism in a Patient with Rectal Adenocarcinoma

Priapism is a very rare complication of malignancy and is usually accompanied by locally advanced or widely metastatic disease. We describe a case of priapism arising in a 46-year-old male with localised rectal cancer that was responding to therapy. This patient had just completed two weeks of neoadjuvant, long-course chemoradiation when he presented with persistent painful penile erection. Assessment and diagnosis were delayed for more than 60 h, and although a cause could not be determined from imaging, a near complete radiological response of the primary rectal cancer was seen. His symptoms were refractory to urologic intervention and were associated with extreme psychological distress. He re-presented shortly thereafter with extensively metastatic disease in the lungs, liver, pelvis, scrotum, and penis; additionally, multiple venous thromboses were identified, including in the dorsal penile veins. His priapism was not reversible and was associated with a considerable symptom burden for the remainder of his life. His malignancy did not respond to first-line palliative chemotherapy or radiation, and his clinical course was further complicated by obstructive nephropathy, ileus, and genital skin breakdown with a suspected infection. We initiated comfort measures, and he ultimately died in hospital less than five months after his initial presentation. Priapism in cancer is usually related to tumour infiltration of the penis and corporal bodies resulting in poor venous and lymphatic drainage. The management is palliative and can include chemotherapy, radiation, surgical shunting, and potentially penectomy; however, conservative penis-sparing therapy may be reasonable in patients with limited life expectancy.

Efficacy and safety of bridging therapy and direct mechanical thrombectomy in large vessel occlusions: a meta-analysis.

Efficacy and safety of bridging therapy and direct mechanical thrombectomy in large vessel occlusions: a meta-analysis.

Effect of Fruit Intake on Prevention of Arrhythmia Induced by Hypokalemia in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patient During Hemodialysis Sessions: A Case Report

Hypokalemia is a common malignant like hyperpotassemia complication of maintenance hemodialysis (maintenance hemodialysis, MHD) patients. Hypokalemia increased risks of cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular events, hospitalization and death. In this article, we report a 56-year-old female MHD patient with repeat arrhythmia during hemodialysis sessions due to hypokalemia. After a month of attempt of fruit intake programme, the patient developed no symptoms or signs of arrhythmia, hypokalemia, hypoglycemia during hemodialysis sessions