Synchronous Lesions Research Articles

DEALING WITH TWO SYNCHRONOUS LESIONS

Introduction Multiple synchronous intracranial lesions present a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, in most cases appearing as metastatic tumors or same-cell type tumors. Case Report We report the case of a 73-year-old patient admitted in our department with light left hemiparesis (MRC MMT 4/5), light left hypoesthesia and transitory and remitted state of temporo-spatial confusion that debuted around six weeks prior to presentation. The neurological exam confirmed the sensorimotor deficit and displayed the existence of left neglect syndrome. The patient’s MRI revealed a giant temporo-parieto-occipital mass almost 7 cm in diameter that appeared to have an intraventricular starting point and showed a relatively homogeneous contrast enhancement with significant mass effect. A concomitant superficial parieto-temporal lesion was also noted. Both lesions were excised in a successive manner from superficial to deep, using a right parieto-temporal craniotomy. While the giant mass had a yellowish color and an extremely hard consistency, the superficial one was easily suctionable and had a grey-reddish color and was extremely well vascularized, raising the suspicion of concomitant brain lesions of different histology. Postoperatively the patient underwent a routine thoracic CT scan in the context of a position related soft tissue injury that revealed the existence of two pulmonary lesions, further deepening our suspicion of concomitant brain lesions of different histology. Conclusions Although extremely rare, the appearance of two histologically distinct brain lesions in patients with no evidence of a genetic condition should be taken into consideration especially in the context of intraoperative differences in order to successfully guide the patients’ follow-up treatment.

MALTomas of the lung: A Clinicopathologic Review

Abstract Introduction/Objective MALTomas of the lung are the most common primary lymphoma of the lung. They are rare in clinical practice and have an indolent nature with a good prognosis and are often asymptomatic upon diagnosis. We undertook a retrospective study to assess the clinical and pathologic features of primary MALTomas of the lung. Methods/Case Report A search for lymphomas of the lung was done in our institutional archive of pathology from 1993-2023. The clinical and pathological data were reviewed in detail. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) There were a total of 51 cases of MALTomas recorded. Ages ranged from 35-88 years with an average age of 65 years old. 32 of the patients were female and 19 were male. Twenty eight of these cases involved the right lung, 18 affected the left lung, 5 cases had synchronoous involvement bilaterally. Thirteen (13/51) cases had extrapulmonary involvement, including the bone marrow, stomach, lymph nodes, thyroid, endometrium, eye, small bowel and pleura. 1/51 had synchronous follicular lymphoma and 2/51 had metachronous lymphoma (one large cell and one small lymphocytic lymphoma). 15/51 patients had bone marow biopsies, one of which developed multiple myeloma 7 years later. 10/51 patients had synchronous gastrointestinal epithelial lesions (9 tubular adenomas and 1 carcinoid tumor). 1/51 patients had a synchronous adenocarcinoma of the lung. 18 of the cases showed plasmacytic differentiation (8 kappa restricted and 10 lambda restricted). Conclusion Primary MALTomas of the lung are low grade malignancies that can have a more complex clinical scenario, such as multifocality or synchronous/metachronous lesions which can complicate clinical management.

Optimal Surveillance of Metachronous Gastric Lesion after Endoscopic Resection of Early Gastric Cancer.

Endoscopic resection (ER)-a minimal invasive procedure, compared to surgical gastrectomy, with the advantage of preserving the entire stomach and maintaining the patient's quality of life-is a widely used curative treatment for early gastric cancers (EGCs). Despite its advantages, such as the preservation of the whole stomach, a large area of the gastric mucosa with histologic changes such as atrophy and intestinal metaplasia remains after ER, and so does the risk of metachronous gastric cancers (MGCs). Therefore, regular surveillance endoscopy after curative ER of EGCs is important so that MGCs are detected early and so minimally invasive ER remains a treatment option. To date, the optimal interval for surveillance endoscopy after curative ER of EGCs has not been established. Therefore, this review summarizes the results of the published studies on this topic with the aim of establishing the optimal surveillance interval for early identification of MGCs. Based on my review, the median timing of MGC occurrence is within 3 years, and reports suggest biannual endoscopy during the first 3 years; however, the evidence suggests that individual patient characteristics may influence the risk of MGCs. Therefore, stratified endoscopic strategies for surveillance based on patient characteristics, such as age, family history of gastric cancer, synchronous gastric lesions, and corpus intestinal metaplasia, should be applied.

Nd-YAG laser-assisted pulmonary metastasectomy: initial experience from a tertiary care cancer center in India.

Pulmonary metastasectomy is recommended for metastatic lung lesions when R0 resection is possible, the primary site is in controlled status, surgery is of low risk, and extrathoracic metastases are absent. We present the initial experiences of laser-assisted surgery (LAS) for pulmonary metastatic lesions from a tertiary care cancer center in India. All patients undergoing non-anatomical pulmonary metastasectomy between September 2022 and January 2023 for synchronous and metachronous lesions, operated on by a single consultant thoracic oncosurgeon in a tertiary care center of India, were identified from a prospective database. Ten patients with 124 metastatic lesions were included in the study. A hybrid approach (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) with mini-thoracotomy) was performed. Measurements of total lesion volume and lung parenchyma resected were taken from the final histopathological analysis of the intraoperative sample. LAS was performed for 102 lesions and stapled wedge resection for 22 lesions. Evidence of malignancy was noted in 88/102 (86.3%) of the lesions excised. Patients with LAS had advantages of parenchyma preservation, less postoperative morbidities, and shorter hospital stays. LAS of pulmonary metastatic lesions addresses more lesions in a single sitting; the bilateral lung lesions can be operated and has parenchyma preserving and good sealant properties. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12055-024-01723-8.

389. WILL SYNCHRONOUS ESOPHAGEAL AND LUNG RESECTION INCREASE THE INCIDENCE OF ANASTOMOTIC LEAKS? A MULTICENTER RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract Background Reports on combined resection for synchronous lung lesions and esophageal cancer (CRLE) cases are rare and mostly individual cases. Furthermore, the feasibility of CRLE has always been a controversial topic. In the current study, we retrospectively analyzed the feasibility of CRLE and established an individualized prediction model for esophageal anastomotic leaks after CRLE by performing a multicenter retrospective study. Methods Patients who underwent esophagectomy between January 2009 and June 2021 were extracted from a 4-centre retrospectively maintained database, and those with CRLE at the same setting were matched in a 1:2 propensity score matched (PSM) ratio to esophagectomy alone (EA) patients. A nomogram was then established based on the variables involved in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Internal validation of the nomogram was conducted utilizing Bootstrap resampling. Decision and clinical impact curve analysis were computed to assess the practical clinical utility of the nomogram. A prognosis analysis for CRLE and EA patients by Kaplan-Meier curves was conducted. Results Of the 7152 esophagectomies, 216 cases of CRLE were eligible, and 1:2 ratio PSM EA patients were matched. The incidence of anastomotic leaks following CRLE increased significantly (P=0.035). The results of the multivariate analysis indicated the leaks varied according to the type of lung resection (anatomic > wedge resection, P=0.016) and site of resected lobe (upper > middle/low lobe; P=0.027), and a nomogram was established to predict the occurrence of leaks accurately (AUC=0.786). Although no statistically significant difference in overall survival (OS) was observed in the CRLE group (P=0.070), a trend toward lower survival rates was noted. Further analysis revealed that combined upper lobe anatomic resection was significantly associated with reduced OS (P=0.027). Conclusion Our study confirms that CRLE is feasible but comes with a significantly increased risk of anastomotic leaks and a concerning trend of reduced survival, particularly when upper lobe anatomic resections are performed. These findings highlight the need for careful patient selection and surgical planning when considering CRLE.

MIR124-3 and NKX6-1 hypermethylation profiles accurately predict metachronous gastric lesions in a Caucasian population

BackgroundEarly gastric cancer is treated endoscopically, but patients require surveillance due to the risk of metachronous gastric lesions (MGLs). Epigenetic alterations, particularly aberrant DNA methylation in genes, such as MIR124-3, MIR34b/c, NKX6-1, EMX1, MOS and CDO1, have been identified as promising biomarkers for MGL in Asian populations. We aimed to determine whether these changes could predict MGL risk in intermediate-risk Caucasian patients.MethodsThis case–cohort study included 36 patients who developed MGL matched to 48 patients without evidence of MGL in the same time frame (controls). Multiplex quantitative methylation-specific PCR was performed using DNA extracted from the normal mucosa adjacent to the primary lesion. The overall risk of progression to MGL was assessed using Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards model analyses.ResultsMIR124-3, MIR34b/c and NKX6-1 were successfully analyzed in 77 samples. MIR124-3 hypermethylation was detected in individuals who developed MGL (relative quantification 78.8 vs 50.5 in controls, p = 0.014), particularly in females and Helicobacter pylori-negative patients (p = 0.021 and p = 0.0079, respectively). This finding was further associated with a significantly greater risk for MGL development (aHR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.03–5.17, p = 0.042). Similarly, NKX6-1 was found to be hypermethylated in patients with synchronous lesions (relative quantification 7.9 vs 0.0 in controls, p = 0.0026). A molecular-based methylation model incorporating both genes was significantly associated with a threefold increased risk for MGL development (aHR = 3.10, 95% CI 1.07–8.95, p = 0.037).ConclusionsThis preliminary study revealed an association between MIR124-3 and NKX6-1 hypermethylation and the development of MGL in a Western population. These findings may represent a burden reduction and a greener approach to patient care.

Synchronous multifocal osteosarcoma: Report of 4 cases and literature review

BackgroundMultifocal osteosarcoma (MFOS) is rare, accounting for approximately 1.5 % of osteosarcomas, and can be synchronous (lesions within six months) or metachronous (lesions after six months). The etiology and optimal treatment for MFOS remain controversial. This report presents four patients with synchronous MFOS and reviews the literature. Case presentationCase 1: A 24-year-old female with low back pain was found to have multiple lytic bone lesions with increased FDG uptake in the vertebral column and pelvic bones. Biopsy confirmed osteoblastoma-like osteosarcoma. After chemotherapy, she is alive after 5 months.Case 2: A 6-year-old girl with right knee pain had a distal femur mass and a calcified inguinal lesion. Biopsies revealed osteoblastic osteosarcoma with metastatic lymph node involvement. Following chemotherapy and surgeries, she experienced recurrence and required further surgery. She is alive after 21 months.Case 3: A 4-year-old boy with a walking disability had a sclerotic bone lesion in the distal femur and additional lesions in the pelvis and acetabulum. Biopsy confirmed osteoblastic osteosarcoma. Despite treatment, he developed metastases and died 7 months after diagnosis.Case 4: A 9-year-old girl with right knee swelling had a sclerotic lytic lesion in the distal femur and an acetabular lesion. Biopsies confirmed chondroblastic osteosarcoma. After chemotherapy and surgery, she experienced recurrence and underwent pelvic resection. She died 24 months after diagnosis. ConclusionSynchronous MFOS is a highly aggressive osteosarcoma variant with a poor prognosis. Aggressive, individualized treatment may improve outcomes, particularly in metachronous cases. Further research is needed to enhance understanding and management of this rare condition.

Clinical, Radiologic, and Surgical Features of Brain Metastases in Colorectal Cancer. A Strong Correlation Between Surgical Patterns and Outcome

Brain metastases (BMs) from colorectal cancer (CRC) are a small percentage of metastatic patients and surgery is considered the best choice to improve survival. While most research has focused on the risk of CRC spreading to the brain, no studies have examined the characteristics of BMs in relation to surgery and outcome. In this study, we evaluate the clinical and radiologic features of BMs from CRC patients who underwent surgery and analyze their outcomes. The study is a retrospective observational analysis that included a cohort of 31 patients affected by CRC surgically-treated for their related BMs. For all patients, clinical and surgical data (number, site, side, tumor and edema volume, and morphology) were recorded. Analysis found that synchronous diagnosis and lesion morphology, particularly cystic versus solid, had the most significant impact on survival (6 vs. 22months, P= 0.04). To compare BMs with cystic morphology to those with solid morphology, a multivariate analysis was conducted. No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in terms of age, sex, clinical onset, or performance status. The analysis revealed no significant differences in localization with regard to site, tumor and edema volume, biology, or complications rate. BMs derived from CRC have a significantly different prognosis depending on whether they present as a solid or cystic pattern. Although solid pattern is more common, cystic BMs in this tumor type are less frequent and are associated with a poorer prognosis, regardless of molecular expression, location, size, and adjuvant treatment.

A Phase 2 Multicenter Clinical Trial of Intraoperative Molecular Imaging of Lung Cancer with a pH-Activatable Nanoprobe.

Intraoperative molecular imaging (IMI) uses tumor-targeted optical contrast agents to improve identification and clearance of cancer. Recently, a probe has been developed that only fluoresces when activated in an acidic pH, which is common to many malignancies. We report the first multicenter Phase 2 trial of a pH-activatable nanoprobe (pegsitacianine, ONM-100) for IMI of lung cancer. Patients with suspected or biopsy-confirmed lung cancer scheduled for sublobar resection were administered a single intravenous infusion of pegsitacianine (1mg/kg) one to three days prior to surgery. Intraoperatively, the patients underwent a white light thoracoscopic evaluation, and then were imaged with an NIR thoracoscope to detect tumor fluorescence. The primary study endpoint was the proportion of patients with a clinically significant event (CSE) which was defined as an intraoperative discovery during IMI that led to a change in the surgical procedure. Possible CSEs included (i) localizing the index lung nodule that could not be located by white light, (ii) identifying a synchronous malignant lesion, or (iii) recognizing a close surgical margin (< = 10mm). Secondary endpoints were sensitivity, specificity, NPV, and PPV of pegsitacianine in detecting tumor-containing tissue. The safety evaluation was based on adverse event reporting, clinical laboratory parameters, and physical examinations. Twenty patients were confirmed as eligible and administered pegsitacianine. Most of the patients were female (n = 12 [60%]), middle-aged (mean age 63.4years), and former smokers (n = 13 [65%], 28.6 mean pack years). Mean lesion size was 1.9cm, and most lesions (n = 17 [85%]) were malignant. The most common histologic subtype was adenocarcinoma (n = 9). By utilizing IMI with pegsitacianine, one patient had a CSE in the detection of a close margin and another had localization of a tumor not detectable by traditional surgical means. Six of 19 (31.6%) malignant lesions fluoresced with mean tumor-to-background ratio (TBR) of 3.00, as compared to TBR of 1.20 for benign lesions (n = 3). Sensitivity and specificity of pegsitacianine-based IMI for detecting malignant tissue was 31.6% and 33.3%, respectively. Positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of pegsitacianine-based IMI was 75% and 7.1%, respectively. Pegsitacianine-based imaging was not effective in differentiating benign and malignant lymph nodes. From a safety perspective, no drug-related serious adverse events occurred. Four patients experienced mild pegsitacianine-related infusion reactions which required discontinuing the study drug with complete resolution of symptoms. Pegsitacianine-based IMI, though well tolerated from a safety perspective, does not consistently label lung tumors during resection and does not provide significant clinical benefit over existing standards of surgical care. The biology of lung tumors may not be as acidic as other solid tumors in the body thereby not activating the probe as predicted.

Gastric microbiome signature for predicting metachronous recurrence after endoscopic resection of gastric neoplasm.

Changes in gastric microbiome are associated with gastric carcinogenesis. Studies on the association between gastric mucosa-associated gastric microbiome (MAM) and metachronous gastric cancer are limited. This study aimed to identify gastric MAM as a predictive factor for metachronous recurrence following endoscopic resection of gastric neoplasms. Microbiome analyses were conducted for 81 patients in a prospective cohort to investigate surrogate markers to predict metachronous recurrence. Gastric MAM in non-cancerous corporal biopsy specimens was evaluated using Illumina MiSeq platform targeting 16S ribosomal DNA. Over a median follow-up duration of 53.8months, 16 metachronous gastric neoplasms developed. Baseline gastric MAM varied with Helicobacter pylori infection status, but was unaffected by initial pathologic diagnosis, presence of atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, or synchronous lesions. The group with metachronous recurrence did not exhibit distinct phylogenetic diversity compared with the group devoid of recurrence but showed significant difference in β-diversity. The study population could be classified into two distinct gastrotypes based on baseline gastric MAM: gastrotype 1, Helicobacter-abundant; gastrotype 2: Akkermansia-abundant. Patients in gastrotype 2 showed higher risk of metachronous recurrence than gastrotype (Cox proportional hazard analysis, adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 5.10 [1.09-23.79]). Gastric cancer patients can be classified into two distinct gastrotype groups by their MAM profiles, which were associated with different risk of metachronous recurrence.

Long-term outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection for undifferentiated type early gastric cancer over 2 cm with R0 resection.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for over 2 cm in size undifferentiated type (UD type) early gastric cancer (EGC) confined to the mucosa is not only challenging, but also long-term outcomes are not well known. To evaluate the long-term outcomes of ESD done for UD type EGCs confined to the mucosa over 2 cm in size and compare the results with those where the lesions were less than 2 cm. 143 patients with UD type EGC confirmed on histology after ESD at a tertiary hospital were reviewed. Cases with synchronous and metachronous lesions and a case with emergency surgery after ESD were excluded. A total of 137 cases were enrolled. 79 cases who underwent R0 resection were divided into 2 cm or less (group A) and over 2 cm (group B) in size. Among 79 patients who underwent R0 resection, the number in group A and B were 51 and 28, respectively. The mean follow-up period (SD) was 79.71 ± 45.42 months. There was a local recurrence in group A (1/51, 2%) and group B (1/28, 3.6%) respectively. This patient in group A underwent surgery while the patient in group B underwent repeated ESD with no further recurrences in both patients. There was no regional lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and deaths in both groups. With R0 resection strategy for ESD on lesions over 2 cm, 20.4% (28/137) of patients were able to avoid surgery compared with expanded indication. If R0 resection is achieved by ESD, UD type EGCs over 2 cm also showed good and similar clinical outcomes as compared to lesions less than 2 cm when followed for over 5 years. With R0 resection strategy, several patients can avoid surgery.

Co-existing Neuroendocrine Tumors in the Ileum and Pancreas: A Clinico-Pathological Challenge.

Ileal (I) and pancreatic (Pan) neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are among the most common digestive neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). Coexisting NETs at both sites are rare, and establishing the primary or metastatic nature of the two lesions may be crucial for the appropriate treatment. We reviewed all the clinical reports of patients with INETs or PanNETs, diagnosed and treated in our ENETS Center of Excellence between 2012 and 2022. We selected patients with a history of synchronous or metachronous neuroendocrine (NE) lesions at the ileum and pancreas. For those with available histological samples from both sites, an immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis for CDX2, Islet1, and serotonin has been performed. We found seven patients with NET in both the ileum and pancreas. F to M ratio was 4:3, and the median age at first diagnosis was 54years (42-79). Five cases had synchronous lesions; in 2 cases, PanNETs were diagnosed respectively 8 and 56months, after INETs. In four patients, with available histological samples from both the sites, a pathologic review and the IHC analysis have been performed, identifying three different scenarios: (i) primary INET metastatic to the pancreas, (ii) primary PanNET metastatic to the ileum, and (iii) synchronous primary PanNET and INET. In our experience, coexisting ileal and pancreatic NENs are rare occurrences. A multidisciplinary evaluation case-by-case and, whenever feasible, a comprehensive histopathological examination are needed to distinguish between metastatic and primary disease, in order to properly treat the patient.

Long- vs short-segment Barrett's esophagus-derived adenocarcinoma: clinical features and outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection.

The incidence of Barrett's esophageal adenocarcinoma (BEA) is increasing, and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been frequently performed for its treatment. However, the differences between the characteristics and ESD outcomes between short- and long-segment BEA (SSBEA and LSBEA, respectively) are unclear. We compared the clinicopathological characteristics and short- and long-term outcomes of ESD between both groups. We retrospectively reviewed 155 superficial BEAs (106 SSBEAs and 49 LSBEAs) treated with ESD in 139 patients and examined their clinicopathological features and ESD outcomes. SSBEA and LSBEA were classified based on whether the maximum length of the background mucosa of BEA was < 3cm or ≥ 3cm, respectively. Compared with SSBEA, LSBEA showed significantly higher proportions of cases with the macroscopically flat type (36.7% vs. 5.7%, p < 0.001), left wall location (38.8% vs. 11.3%, p < 0.001), over half of the tumor circumference (20.4% vs. 1.9%, p < 0.001), and synchronous lesions (17.6% vs. 0%, p < 0.001). Compared with SSBEA, regarding ESD outcomes, LSBEA showed significantly longer resection duration (91.0min vs. 60.5min, p < 0.001); a lower proportion of submucosal invasion (14.3% vs. 29.2%, p = 0.047), horizontal margin negativity (79.6% vs. 94.3%, p = 0.0089), and R0 resection (69.4% vs. 86.8%, p = 0.024); and a higher proportion of post-procedural stenosis cases (10.9% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.027). The 5-year cumulative incidence of metachronous cancer in patients without additional treatment was significantly higher for LSBEA than for SSBEA (25.0% vs. 0%, p < 0.001). The clinicopathological features of LSBEA and SSBEA and their treatment outcomes differed in many aspects. As LSBEAs are difficult to diagnose and treat and show a high risk of metachronous cancer development, careful ESD and follow-up or eradication of the remaining BE may be required.

Metachronous Two Colonic Cancer Arising in Ascending and Sigmoid Colon without Performing Colostomy: A Case Report

Background: Metachronous colorectal cancer (CRC) is defined as the development of a second primary CRC at least 6 months after the treatment of the first CRC. The reported risk of metachronous CRC within 5 years after surgical resection of the colon and rectum ranges from 2 to 12%, and the risk factors include age, synchronous lesions, location and stage of the first CRC, and family history. Case presentation: We report a rare case of metachronous two colonic cancers arising in ascending and sigmoid colon, A 73-year-old female patient with a history of right hemicolectomy in 2010, developed a metachronous sigmoid cancer in 2023, treated with sigmoidectomy without performing total colectomy (only right hemicolectomy and sigmoidectomy in 13 years apart), followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and close follow-up. Conclusion: This case illustrates the occurrence of metachronous two colonic cancer arising in ascending and sigmoid adenocarcinoma, which is a rare and challenging scenario by avoiding colostomy and total colectomy.

Endoscopic Features of Synchronous Multiple Early Gastric Cancers: Findings from a Nationwide Cohort

Introduction: We investigated the factors associated with synchronous multiple early gastric cancers and determined their localization. Methods: We analyzed 8,191 patients who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancers at 33 hospitals in Japan from November 2013 to October 2016. Background factors were compared between single-lesion (n = 7,221) and synchronous multi-lesion cases (n = 970) using univariate and multivariate analyses. We extracted cases with two synchronous lesions (n = 832) and evaluated their localization. Results: Significant independent risk factors for synchronous multiple early gastric cancer were older age (≥75 years old) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.257), male sex (OR = 1.385), severe mucosal atrophy (OR = 1.400), tumor localization in the middle (OR = 1.362) or lower region (OR = 1.404), and submucosal invasion (OR = 1.528 [SM1], 1.488 [SM2]). Depressed macroscopic type (OR = 0.679) and pure undifferentiated histology OR = 0.334) were more common in single early gastric cancers. When one lesion was in the upper region, the other was more frequently located in the lesser curvature of the middle region. When one lesion was in the middle region, the other was more frequently located in the middle region or the lesser curvature of the lower region. When one lesion was in the lower region, the other was more frequently located in the lesser curvature of the middle region or the lower region. Conclusion: Factors associated with synchronous multiple early gastric cancer included older age, male sex, severe mucosal atrophy, tumor localization in the middle or lower region, and tumor submucosal invasion. Our findings provide useful information regarding specific areas that should be examined carefully when one lesion is detected.

Phase 2 Clinical Trial of VGT-309 for Intraoperative Molecular Imaging During Pulmonary Resection

BackgroundAdvances in intraoperative molecular imaging (IMI) may improve surgical outcomes when resecting tumors in the lung. A single-center trial was conducted using VGT-309, a cathepsin-targeted near-infrared imaging agent that causes lung nodules to fluoresce during surgical resection. The end point of this phase 2 study was to evaluate the frequency that IMI with VGT-309 resulted in a clinically significant event (CSE): localization of pulmonary nodules, discovery of unsuspected additional cancers, or identification of positive margins. MethodsPatients undergoing surgical resection for known or suspected cancer in the lung received VGT-309 (0.32 mg/kg) preoperatively. During the surgical procedure, localization and resection of the nodules were performed using standard surgical techniques. Near-infrared imaging was then used to localize nodules, seek occult lesions, and assess resection margins. Efficacy was measured by the frequency of CSEs. ResultsOf the 40 patients who underwent pulmonary resection with VGT-309, 17 (42.5%) had at least 1 CSE. Near-infrared imaging identified lesions not found by standard surgical methods in 16 patients, additional cancers not found by preoperative imaging in 1 patient, and margins within 5 mm of the closest staple line in 2 patients. VGT-309 performance was tested across a broad range of tumor types and commercial near-infrared imaging systems. VGT-309 appeared safe, well-tolerated, with no infusion reactions, and no drug-related serious adverse events. ConclusionsThis phase 2 study demonstrated the utility of IMI with VGT-309 in localizing pulmonary nodules, recognizing synchronous lesions, and identifying positive margins. A multi-institutional study will further evaluate the efficacy of VGT-309.

Retrospective cohort study on the bilateral occurrence of invasive lobular breast cancer

ObjectiveInvasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is the second most common histological subtype of invasive breast cancer, following the no special type (NST) invasive carcinoma. It has historically been assumed that ILC occurs bilaterally in 20–29 % of cases, which has influenced the inclusion of MRI in the standard workup of ILC according to European guidelines. However, challenging this long-held belief regarding the bilateral occurrence of ILC opens up the possibility of revising the guidelines and using MRI only for more specific indications. This study aims to evaluate whether the previously reported high percentage of bilaterality still holds true and to question the added value of MRI in the standard workup of ILC. Study designA retrospective cohort study was conducted following approval from the institutional review board (EC 21/18/249) at Antwerp University Hospital (UZA). The cohort comprised female patients of all ages who had been diagnosed with either ILC or NST invasive carcinoma and had sought consultation at the UZA breast clinic. A comprehensive database was established to collect information on patient characteristics, imaging, and pathology. ResultsA total of 271 patients with ILC were included in the study, with incidence dates ranging from 01/01/2007 to 01/01/2023. Among these patients, a synchronous bilateral ILC lesion was observed in 1.85 % (5/271) of cases. This proportion is significantly lower than the reported percentage of patients with a bilateral lesion in the literature population, which stands at 4.95 %. The reference group consisted of 809 patients with NST invasive carcinoma, with incidence dates ranging from 01/01/2017 to 01/01/2023. In the control group, a synchronous bilateral NST lesion was observed in 3.96 % (32/809) of cases. There is no significant difference in the bilaterality rates between the group of ILC patients and the group of NST patients. Furthermore, MRI did not detect any histopathologically confirmed contralateral ILC lesion that had not already been detected by mammography or ultrasound. ConclusionsThe study results indicate a lower occurrence of bilateral ILC than previously assumed. Additionally, the incidence of synchronous bilateral lesions in ILC patients is not higher compared to patients with NST invasive carcinoma. Performing an MRI does not provide additional value in detecting bilateral carcinomas in ILC. Consequently, it is recommended that the current European guidelines be reassessed, and the indications for undergoing an MRI should be adjusted accordingly.

Cold Instruments, Warm Outcomes: A Decade of Supraglottoplasty in Managing Children with Moderate and Severe Laryngomalacia

Objective: The study aims to review the clinical outcomes of supraglottoplasty in moderate and severe laryngomalacia. Methods: This is a retrospective study. Demographic and clinical data of children diagnosed with moderate and severe laryngomalacia who underwent supraglottoplasty between 2012 and 2021 were retrieved from the computerized patient record system of Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah. The surgical procedure of supraglottoplasty was mainly performed with cold instrument, with occasional assistance from a microdebrider. Study outcome includes complete stridor resolution, weaning from tube feeding, and weaning from respiratory support post supraglottoplasty. Results: 124 children were included in the study. Complete stridor resolution was achieved in 64.51% (n=80) 1-month post-surgery and 86.29% (n=107) 3-months post-surgery. Half of the children with tube feeding pre-operatively could be weaned off to oral feeding within 1-month post-surgery. All the children with oral feeding maintained oral feeding post-surgery. All the children with no or low respiratory support (nasal prong oxygen) pre-operatively were able to be weaned down to room air within 1-month post-surgery. Within the group of children with high respiratory support (high-flow nasal cannula, non-invasive ventilation, and endotracheal intubation) pre-operatively, half were weaned down to room air within 1-month post-surgery. None of the children with isolated laryngomalacia required tracheostomy after supraglottoplasty. All laryngomalacia patients who required tracheostomy after supraglottoplasty were associated with either synchronous airway lesions or medical comorbidities. Only 3 cases (2.42%) required revision supraglottoplasty with a maximum of one revision. Conclusions: We conclude that supraglottoplasty contributes to substantial clinical improvement in moderate and severe laryngomalacia. Supraglottoplasty facilitated weaning down of respiratory support and tube feeding in laryngomalacia with respiratory difficulty and feeding intolerance.

Upper tract transitional cell carcinoma: An array of imaging conundrum

We report a 38-year-old gentleman who presented with painless haematuria for 6-months duration. Contrast-enhanced CT renal revealed a large, calcified intrapelvic mass with calyceal extension confined within the right kidney with moderate pelvicalyceal dilatation but no evidence of synchronous lesion elsewhere. Histopathological analysis showed high grade urothelial carcinoma of the renal pelvis with invasion of renal parenchyma. Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) which was once thought similar to urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB), is increasingly being recognized as a different entity. However, heterogenous array of imaging manifestations of UTUC is also increasingly being encountered and pose diagnostic challenges though UTUC is not as prevalent as UCB which is easier to diagnose. Despite distinctive features against renal cell carcinoma (RCC), UTUC may mimic numerous other renal pathologies especially the benign ones hence imaging plays a pivotal role in ascertaining the diagnosis. This disease is usually treated with radical nephroureterectomy with superadded neoadjuvant chemotherapy for high-risk cases. Less invasive endoscopic resection is also offered in certain cases but stringent surveillance of the whole urinary tract as well as post-operative follow-up are mandatory.

Perianal Ulcer – A Rare Sequale of CMV Infection

Introduction: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a herpes-type virus. Most of the time, the virus produces mild or no symptoms in healthy people. However, in immunocompromised patient, serious CMV infections can occur. It can develop at any level along the gastrointestinal tract, but perianal ulcer is one of rare form of CMV manifestation. Case description: We presented case of a 33 years old gentleman presented with painless per rectal bleeding for 3 months’ duration. Physical examination revealed a near- circumferential perianal ulcer extending into the rectum. Colonoscopy showed no synchronous proximal lesion. During examination under anesthesia, the ulcer was shown to be extended until distal to dentate line. Wedge skin biopsy was performed with subsequent immunohistochemistry test was consistent with CMV infection. HIV serology test later was positive. Conclusion: Although it is rare, all immunocompromised patients with perianal ulcer should be suspected for CMV infection. Tissue biopsy is mandatory for confirmation of diagnosis. Antiviral therapy is the mainstay of treatment.&#x0D; Keywords&#x0D; Cytomegalovirus, Immunocompromised Patient, Ulcer, Anal