Pericardial Lymph Node Research Articles

Enteric adenocarcinoma of the Thymus

Abstract Introduction/Objective Thymic adenocarcinomas are extremely rare. Enteric type thymic adenocarcinoma is an even more rare subtype morphologically and immunophenotypically indistinguishable from colorectal primaries. Methods/Case Report We report a case of a 63-year-old female who presented with shortness of breath and cough. Computerized tomography (CT) scan showed an 11 x 6 cm right-sided anterior mediastinal mass extending from the great vessels to the diaphragm. Within the mass, there was a 4.8 cm possible thymic cyst that had been originally identified in 2005. Multiple right pleural and bilateral intrapulmonary nodules, and a 2 cm pericardial lymph node were also observed. A core biopsy showed a mucinous adenocarcinoma that was positive for the colorectal markers CK20, CDX2, MUC-2 and the thymic marker C-KIT, and negative for CD5, PAX8, CK7, TTF-1, and ER immunostains. The tumor was negative for PDL1 22c3 (CPS<1) and positive for TROP2. PET-CT did not reveal any other primary. A diagnosis of enteric adenocarcinoma of the thymus Masaoka stage IV was established and the patient is scheduled to receive chemotherapy. Genomic testing is pending to guide potential targeted therapy. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion A recent compilation of 29 cases mostly from the literature described aggressive clinical behavior, high association with thymic cysts, and coexpression of CD117 and enteric markers similar to this case. All patients had poor response to conventional platinum-taxanes regimens. Two patients received targeted therapy without benefit. None of these patient received colorectal type regimens. Although the number of reported cases is still very small, these results suggest that optimal therapy for these aggressive tumors has yet to be defined.

Impact of postoperative lymph node status on the prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after esophagectomy following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: a retrospective study.

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) and surgery are widely used treatments for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Thus, it is critically important to investigate risk factors that affect patient prognosis after preoperative chemoradiotherapy and surgery. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 77 patients with ESCC who received nCRT and underwent surgery at our center from January 2015 to December 2019. We analyzed the primary clinical data, postoperative pathological results, recurrence, and death results. Among the 77 ESCC patients who received nCRT and surgery, 19 achieved a postoperative pathologic complete response (pCR), and the overall pCR rate was 24.68%. The univariate analysis indicated that postoperative post-neoadjuvant treatment N stage (ypN) metastasis [hazards ratio (HR): 2.908; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.874-9.676; P=0.082], a high lymph-node ratio [(LNR) >0.1] (HR: 7.149, 95% CI: 1.740-29.369; P=0.006), post-neoadjuvant treatment T3-4 (ypT3-4) (HR: 3.626, 95% CI: 0.824-15.956; P=0.088) affected disease-specific survival (DSS). The multivariate analysis indicated that a high LNR (>0.1) (HR: 6.170; 95% CI: 1.472-25.856; P=0.013) was a significant independent predictor of DSS. The univariate analysis indicated that postoperative ypN metastasis (HR: 2.283; 95% CI: 1.047-4.979; P=0.038) and a high LNR (>0.1) (HR: 4.210; 95% CI: 1.547-11.458; P=0.005) were associated with recurrence-free survival (RFS). The multivariate survival analysis showed that a high LNR (>0.1) (HR: 4.289; 95% CI: 1.538-11.965; P=0.005) was also a significant independent predictor of RFS. In this study, 57 positive lymph nodes were found in 30 of the 77 patients, including 16 left gastric lymph nodes, 9 pericardial lymph nodes, and 7 left supraclavicular lymph nodes. A high LNR (>0.1) in ESCC patients after nCRT is a risk factor of DSS and RFS. ypN metastasis is also an independent predictor of RFS. Left gastric-arterial lymph nodes, para-cardiac lymph nodes, and left supraclavicular lymph nodes are the most common sites of metastasis in ESCC after nCRT.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the liver accompanied by primary biliary cholangitis: A rare and difficult-to-diagnose tumor with portal venous thrombosis.

Introduction and importanceThe most common liver malignancies are hepatocellular carcinoma, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and metastatic tumors. Hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma may invade the portal vein (PV). An association between diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) remains unclear. We herein report a thought-provoking case of a difficult-to-diagnose liver tumor with PV thrombosis in a PBC patient.Presentation of caseA 66-year-old woman had PBC, systemic sclerosis, diabetes, and osteoporosis. A solitary liver tumor accompanied by macrovascular thrombosis in the PV was detected incidentally. Based on dynamic imaging findings, we considered the tumor to be intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and right lobectomy with lymphadenectomy was performed. Unexpectedly, pathological assessment made a definitive diagnosis of DLBCL that did not invade the vessels and bile duct. In fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, abnormal accumulations were clearly observed in the breast tissue and peritracheal, parasternal, mediastinal, and pericardial lymph nodes. The patient achieved complete remission after systemic chemotherapy, and there has been no recurrence 3 years after surgery.Clinical discussionPrimary lymphoma in the liver is rare, and we did not consider our patient's tumor as primary liver lymphoma. Our case actually showed no tumor thrombosis in the PV. Although autoimmune disorders may increase the risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, an association between DLBCL and PBC is still unclear, and we must remember that DLBCL may develop rarely in a PBC patient.ConclusionOur case report provides a timely reminder for clinicians and surgeons in the fields of hepatology and hematology.

A Case of IgG4-Related Disease: A Unique Presentation of a Rare Entity

IgG4-related disease is a rare, systemic fibroinflammatory condition characterized by lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates and often times elevated serum IgG4 levels. Multiple organs are implicated in the disease and although the pathogenesis is not entirely understood, genetic risk factors and autoimmune dysregulation have been associated. Pathology from biopsied lesions is varied and can range from a dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate to fibrosis. Currently, there are limited reports of IgG4-related disease in the literature. A 69 year-old female with a past medical history significant for salivary gland tumor (s/p resection and radiation), rheumatoid arthritis (on Methotrexate), alcohol use (2-3 glasses of wine for several years) presented to hepatology clinic for evaluation of elevated liver function tests noted on routine blood work. ALP was 367 IU/L, ALT 162 IU/L and AST 67 IU/L. CA 19-9 was also elevated to 45 U/mL, however MRI and EUS were unremarkable. Liver biopsy showed portal fibrosis, lymphocytic, neutrophilic and eosinophilic portal and lobular hepatitis with bile ductular proliferation. After an unrevealing extensive workup for other causes of abnormal liver tests, it was thought the abnormal tests and biopsy finding may be secondary to ethanol abuse and methotrexate. Over the subsequent year, the patient continued to have elevated liver function tests, a thirty-five pound weight loss, jaundice and pruritus. MRI of the abdomen revealed an infiltrating peri-choledochal, peripancreatic, porta hepatic and retroperitoneal soft tissue mass, narrowing the common bile duct and multiple enlarged retroperitoneal and pericardial lymph nodes. EUS showed an irregular, 2.3 x 2.3 cm, poorly defined area within the region of the head of the pancreas, dilation of the pancreatic duct and distal common bile duct stricture. Biopsies were not performed, and cytology from FNA revealed only benign pancreatic acini. IgG4 levels were ordered to evaluate for IgG4 related autoimmune pancreatitis/sclerosing cholangitis and were elevated to 125 mg/dL. Given the elevated IgG4, and multiple organ dysfunction, a presumed diagnosis of IgG4-related disease was made. Although glucocorticosteroids are the mainstay of therapy, the patient has not since returned to clinic. IgG4-related disease is a rare yet potentially treatable entity that can mimic primary organ disease or malignancy, yet should always remain in the differential diagnosis. Close follow up and cognizance of this disease entity is critical as a lag in treatment can have significant implications.

Totally laparoscopic 95% gastrectomy for cancer: technical considerations.

Total gastrectomy is the standard treatment for tumours arising in the proximal stomach and for diffuse cancer according to the Lauren classification. Laparoscopic approach is progressively accepted and provides encouraging results. In order to reduce complications associated to the esophago-jejunal anastomosis, the concept of the 95 % open gastrectomy was developed in Japan, in the early 1980s. This procedure provides the spearing of a small remnant gastric stump of 2 cm and allows performing a gastro-jejunal anastomosis. Unlike the 7/8 gastrectomy, the 95 % gastrectomy allows the complete resection of the gastric fundus and an optimized pericardial lymph node dissection (group 1 and 2). We herein describe, step-by-step, our technique of full laparoscopic 95 % gastrectomy (G95 %), with D2 lymphadenectomy, including complete lymphadenectomy of the cardial nodes. When it is possible to respect the oncologic criteria regarding proximal resection margin, 95 % gastrectomy would offer best short-term results, such as lower anastomotic leak rate and a better quality of life, limiting the effect of disruption of the eso-gastric junction. In selected patients, laparoscopic G95 % is feasible and safe; it could be performed without any additional technical difficulties. Controlled clinical trials are necessary to confirm the encouraging results of the cases series, recently reported in literature.

Myeloid Proliferation without GATA1 Mutations in a Fetus with Down Syndrome Presenting in Utero as a Pericardial Effusion

An isolated pericardial effusion was observed during a routine prenatal ultrasound in a fetus of 30 and 3/7 weeks gestation. Amniocentesis was performed and revealed a trisomy 21. After prenatal counseling, the parents opted for termination of the pregnancy at 32 weeks. Postmortem examination confirmed the presence of a pericardial effusion, without structural cardiac anomalies, and showed the development of ascites and subcutaneous edema. Histological examination showed an infiltrate of megakaryoblasts and irregular, dysplastic megakaryocytes confined to the epicardium, the pericardial lymph nodes, and the pancreas, consistent with a myeloid proliferation related to Down syndrome. Sequencing of exons 2 and 3 of the GATA1 gene from the umbilical cord blood and from megakaryoblast infiltrate showed no mutation. A high incidence of chromosomal abnormalities, in particular trisomy 21, has been described in fetuses with pericardial effusion. However, myeloid proliferation related to Down syndrome without GATA1 mutations is extremely rare. To our knowledge, only one such case has been reported to date. We present here a 2nd case, which further supports the hypothesis that hyperproliferation of megakaryocytes in a subset of Down syndrome patients may be initiated by events other than GATA1 mutations.

Poorly differentiated small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma localized in three different endocrine glands: Response to chemotherapy and octreotide LAR

Neuroendocrine tumors represent a heterogeneous category of neoplasm, with conflicting diagnostic and therapeutic demands. We here describe the case of a 72-yr-old woman with evidence of a poorly differentiated small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) localized in different endocrine glands and other non-endocrine organs. In particular, a large ovarian mass, multinodular thyroid goiter, right adrenal mass, cystic liver metastases and anterior mediastinum lymph node metastasis were present. The largest thyroid nodule caused tracheal restriction and dyspnea. Diagnosis of poorly differentiated metastasized NEC of unknown origin was made on the basis of histological and immunohistochemical findings, and treatment with etoposide (100 mg/m2 in days 1, 2 and 3) and cisplatinum (45 mg/m2 in days 2 and 3) was initiated. Simultaneously, im administration of octreotide LAR 20 mg every 28 days was started, according to the presence of SS receptors at 111In-octreotide scan. Rapid improvement of dyspnea and a reduction of the largest thyroid nodule, liver metastases and adrenal mass by 50% were observed after 3 months of treatment; the dimensions remained stable thereafter, while the pericardial lymph node disappeared. In conclusion, poorly differentiated NEC of unknown primary site is a well-recognized category, usually with an aggressive behavior, rapid growth rate and wide dissemination. Median survival of these patients is 6 months if left untreated. Our patient is alive 18 months after beginning the treatment, reporting good general condition and quality of life over the whole follow-up period.

Lymph node micrometastasis and lymphatic mapping determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in pN0 gastric carcinoma

Background. The purposes of this study were to examine lymph node micrometastasis (LMM) by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method, and clarify the initial nodes involved by metastatic disease according to tumor location. Methods. We examined 312 lymph nodes obtained from 50 patients with node-negative gastric carcinoma. RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were performed. The clinical characteristics of LMM were investigated, and the map of LMM was made according to tumor location. Results. The number of patients and LMM detected by RT-PCR was 14 and 17 and by immunohistochemistry was 7 and 8, respectively. RT-PCR was a more sensitive method than immunohistochemistry. LMM by RT-PCR correlated with depth of tumor invasion and lymphatic invasion. Regarding pT1 tumor, 9 patients with LMM had tumors that were of the macroscopically depressed type and 2 cm or more in diameter. According to the lymphatic map, right pericardial lymph nodes and lymph nodes along the lesser curvature were the initial nodes involved in the upper third of the stomach. Right pericardial lymph nodes, lymph nodes along the lesser curvature, and infrapyloric nodes were more important initial metastatic sites in the middle third of the stomach, and lymph nodes along the lesser curvature and infrapyloric nodes in the lower third. Conclusions. We demonstrated the relationship between LMM and clinicopathologic factors, especially in pT1 tumor. The mapping of LMM may prove useful for selecting the optimal treatment. (Surgery 2002;131:630-5.)

Results of treatment of stage 3A Hodgkin's disease

From 1975 to 1981, 38 patients with Stage 3A Hodgkin's disease (35 patients pathologically staged) underwent mantle and para-aortic irradiation, and in 36 patients this was preceded or followed by at least six cycles of multiagent chemotherapy. Both the 5-year actuarial survival and disease-free survival for all 38 patients were 83%. There have been six treatment failures: two patients have relapsed within irradiated nodal groups, one patient in apical pericardial lymph nodes as a marginal recurrence, one patient concurrently infield and in unirradiated nodal groups, and two patients systemically (concurrently in unirradiated nodal groups). Of these six relapses, three patients have died of Hodgkin's disease, one patient has been salvaged, and two patients currently are under treatment for salvage. One patient has developed acute nonlymphocytic leukemia and died of this disease. Extensive disease, as estimated by the number of sites of involvement at presentation, degree of splenic involvement, extent of intra-abdominal disease or mediastinal involvement, did not reveal statistically significant prognostic subgroups for relapse. It is currently recommended that patients with Stage 3A Hodgkin's disease receive six cycles of multiagent chemotherapy and mantle and para-aortic irradiation.