[Pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy caused by signet ring cell carcinoma in gastric cancer]

This case involved a 38-year-old man who was referred to our hospital with general fatigue, appetite loss, weight loss, cough and exertional dyspnea. Within a couple of days, he was admitted due to advanced dyspnea and general fatigue. Severe hypoxemia was identified and acute right heart failure developed on admission. Treatment was initiated using oxygen, antibiotics and heparin sodium, but the patient died of sudden cardiopulmonary arrest 30 h after admission. Autopsy revealed advanced gastric cancer and widespread tumor embolism together with fibrocellular intimal proliferation and thrombus formation in the small arteries. Pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy (PTTM) with gastric cancer was diagnosed. PTTM is characterized by widespread fibrocellular intimal proliferation of the small pulmonary arteries and arterioles in patients with metastatic carcinoma. Microscopic pulmonary tumor emboli frequently occur in patients with malignant tumors, but very few cases of PTTM have been reported. PTTM should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute dyspnea or pulmonary hypertension. In cases of acute cor pulmonal, the existence of malignant cells can be examined using pulmonary arterial wedge aspiration cytology where feasible, in addition to positron emission tomography with F-2-deoxy-2-fluoro-D-glucose, which can be used to investigate certain primary tumors and associated metastatic disease. The suitability of gastroendoscopy to screen for malignancies should be examined.

[Pseudomeigs syndrome in a patient with Krukenberg's tumor]

We report the case of a fiftyone-year-old woman with a past medical history of Linfoma no Hodking and a gastric adenocarcinoma with signet ring cells. She came to our institution with a twenty month history of dysnea secondary to pleural effussion, bilateral lower extremity edema and probably had ascitis. On CT and US two bilateral pelvic masses were found and biopsied. The anatomopathological analysis showed bilateral ovarian implants from signet ring cell adenocarcinoma (Krukenberg tumor). This patient developed a PseudoMeigs syndrome consisting on malignant ovarian tumor asociated with ascitis and pleural effusion without malignant cells. Oncological patients who present with ascitis and benign pleural effusion, the diagnosis of PseudoMeigs syndrome should be considered.

Gastric cancer and the coincidental finding of herpetic esophagitis immediately after pregnancy: a case report

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer associated with pregnancy is extremely rare and usually diagnosed at an advanced stage.

CASE

A 22-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with complaints of dysphagia, retrosternal pain, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Esophagogastroduodenoscopic biopsy revealed herpetic esophagitis and signet-ring cell carcinoma of the stomach.

CONCLUSION

Early recognition and diagnosis of gastric cancer during pregnancy is the only possibility for a positive outcome.

Percutaneous transhepatic placement of covered, self-expandable nitinol stent for the relief of afferent loop syndrome: report of two cases

The author reports successful outcomes after percutaneous transhepatic placement of covered, self-expandable nitinol stents in two patients who had afferent loop syndrome caused by recurrent gastric carcinoma. A 46-year-old woman and a 60-year-old man who had undergone subtotal gastrectomy and gastrojejunostomy (Billroth II) were both admitted with symptoms of afferent loop syndrome. In each patient, enhanced abdominal computed tomography showed marked dilation of the jejunal limb and intrahepatic bile ducts incident to recurrent gastric carcinoma. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage was successfully performed, and a multi-sidehole drainage catheter was placed beyond the papilla of Vater. Successful palliation of the afferent loop obstruction was achieved by placing a covered, self-expandable nitinol stent through the transhepatic biliary drainage route. There were no procedure-related complications, and both patients showed clinical improvement.

Chronic diarrhea--an unusual presentation of metastatic invasive lobular cancer of breast

We report a 56-year-old lady with chronic diarrhea and weight loss. She had undergone lumpectomy with axillary clearance (node positive) four years ago for invasive lobular carcinoma of breast. Investigations revealed involvement of almost the entire gut with skip areas. Biopsies from the stomach showed presence of signet-ring cells, suggestive of metastases from invasive lobular carcinoma of breast. Estrogen receptor immuno-staining was positive, confirming the diagnosis. She was treated initially with octreotide and later with chemotherapeutic agents, with transient relief in diarrhea. She succumbed eight months later.

Poland's syndrome and gastric cancer: report of a case

Poland's syndrome, a rare congenital anomaly characterized by pectoralis muscle defect and ipsilateral hand abnormalities, has been reported in association with various malignancies. Gastric cancer associated with Poland's syndrome has not been described previously. To our knowledge, the case of the 21-year-old man we describe herein represents the first report of Poland's syndrome associated with gastric cancer. Although previously there was no certain evidence that linked Poland's syndrome and cancer, elucidating the molecular mechanisms that cause this syndrome may further clarify the relationship between Poland's syndrome and malignancies. At least, these associations confirm the relationship between Poland's syndrome and malignancies, and require oncologic awareness.

Primary duodenal signet-ring cell carcinoma presenting as gastric outlet obstruction

Small bowel tumors occur rarely. We present an unusual case of a 68 year old man with gastric outlet obstruction secondary to a non-ampullary primary duodenal signet ring cell carcinoma. A review of the literature of small bowel malignant tumors is presented along with the case.

Synchronous occurrence of carcinoid, signet-ring cell carcinoma and heterotopic pancreatic tissue in stomach: A case report and literature review

We presented an unusual case with coexistence of carcinoid, signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRC) and heterotopic pancreatic tissue in stomach. Gastroscopic examination of this 63-year-old male patient showed multiple protrusions in gastric corpus near the greater curvature, identified by subsequent biopsy as carcinoid. Distal subtotal gastrectomy was performed. Histological and immunohistochemical examinations showed a carcinoid tumor in gastric corpus near the greater curvature, an intramucosal SRC at the lesser curvature of corpus and heterotopic pancreatic tissue in muscularis propria of the antrum at the lesser curvature with hyperplasia of peripheral endocrine cells producing multiple pancreatic hormones. We reviewed the literatures on clinicopathological characteristics and the differential diagnosis of the above three abnormalities, and concluded that the carcinoid in corpus near the greater curvature and SRC in the lesser curvature are independent lesions; the foci of endocrine cells in the muscularis propria and serosa are hyperplastic lesions from the heterotopic pancreatic tissue, rather than dissemination of carcinoid in corpus.

[A case of gastric hamartomatous inverted polyp (submucosal tumor type) accompanied by gastric cancer]

Endoscopic examination of a 39-year-old woman revealed a flat-elevated submucosal tumor (SMT) in the upper third area of the stomach and a IIc lesion in the anterior wall of the lower third of the stomach. Endoscopic ultrasonography findings suggested an aberrant pancreas. Both lesions were resected by distal gastrectomy. Histological examination of the SMT revealed the dilated glands with cyst formation and proliferation of smooth muscle bundles in the submucosal layer, and it was diagnosed as a gastric hamartomatous inverted polyp. The IIc lesion was a signet ring cell carcinoma. Cases of gastric hamartomatous inverted polyps coexistent with gastric cancer have been rarely reported in Japan.

Acanthosis nigricans, Papillomatosis mucosae und „tripe palms” bei einem Patienten mit metastasiertem Magenkarzinom

HISTORY AND CLINICAL FINDINGS

A 48-year-old obese man presented with thickening, coarseness and hyperpigmentation of the skin, especially of the intertriginous areas, papillomatous to verrucous lesions of the lips and buccal oral mucosa, and hyperkeratosis of the palms ("tripe palms") and soles. He was obese, reported sleep apnea and had a history of hyperuricemia, mixed hyperlipidemia and previous myocardial infarction. He was on a maintenance dose of a proton pump inhibitor for chronic gastro-esophageal reflux.

EXAMINATIONS

Immunohistochemical studies of the skin lesion revealed increased epidermal immunoreactivity for the melanocortin-1-receptor. Increased levels of tumor markers CA 19-9 (141100 U/ml), CA 72-4 (755 U/ml) and CEA (189 ng/ml) were found in the serum. Gastroscopic findings were suspicious of adenocarcinoma of the stomach: it was classified histologically as a signet-ring cell, non-mucinous adenocarcinoma. At the time of diagnosis the tumor had already metastasized to perigastric and peripancreatic lymph nodes with peritoneal carcinosis.

TREATMENT AND COURSE

Since a curative resection was impossible a gastrojejunostomy was carried out. After this the patient received several courses of chemotherapy according to different schemes. Serum tumor marker levels and cutaneous signs regressed several times.

CONCLUSIONS

Marked acanthosis nigricans -- especially when associated with further cutaneous markers of malignancy, e.g. mucocutaneous papillomatosis or so-called tripe palms -- calls for thorough search for malignant tumor, also if metabolic or endocrinological abnormalities co-exist. A pathogenetic role of a-melanocyte-stimulating hormone in the development of the skin changes is suggested.

Fatal cor pulmonale caused by pulmonary tumor microembolism in a patient with occult gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

A fatal pulmonary tumor microembolism is rarely caused by an occult gastric cancer.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We report the case of a 40-year-old woman who died after 3 days of progressive dyspnea, cough, and pulmonary hypertension. Postmortem examination demonstrated the presence of an occult diffuse-type gastric carcinoma, which had caused emboli in about 80% of small pulmonary arteries and arterioles. Despite an interatrial defect in the fossa ovalis, no parenchymal metastases were documented.

CONCLUSION

Pulmonary tumor microembolism may be suspected in patients complaining of unexplained progressive dyspnea and who develop acute or subacute cor pulmonale.

Small gastrointestinal stromal tumor concomitant with early gastric cancer: A case report

The term gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) is defined diagnostically as the main group of mesenchymal tumors with spindle or epithelioid cells arising from the wall of the gastrointestinal tract with immunohistochemical reactivity for CD117 antibody. Previous studies revealed that cells in GISTs express a growth factor receptor with tyrosine kinase activity (termed c-kit), which is the product of the c-kit proto-oncogene. The most specific and practical diagnostic criteria for GISTs are: immunohistochemically determined c-kit (CD117) expression; mitotic score; and tumor size. A small GIST concomitant with early gastric cancer is rarely encountered clinically. Herein we have reported a case of a 1.1-cm GIST detected by esophagogastroduodenoscopy concomitant with a IIc type of early gastric cancer (signet ring cell type). It was detected during a routine physical health examination. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a small GIST concomitant with a signet ring cell type of early gastric cancer.

Acute cerebral infarction during combination chemotherapy with s-1 and cisplatin for a young patient with a mucin-producing adenocarcinoma of the stomach

We report a 29-year-old woman with gastric cancer who developed Trousseau's syndrome, a malignancy-related thromboembolism, during chemotherapy. She was diagnosed with a mucin-producing adenocarcinoma of the stomach, and chemotherapy with S-1 and cisplatin was commenced. During treatment, she developed a sudden onset of right hemiplegia. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an acute cerebral infarction of the left cerebral hemisphere. The underlying pathophysiology is thought to be chronic disseminated intravascular coagulation due to mucin-producing adenocarcinomas. However, cisplatin-induced vascular toxicity and hypercoagulability caused by decreased plasma protein C activity, elevated plasma von-Willebrand factor levels, and hypomagnesemia has also been proposed to be associated with thrombogenicity.

Autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura, autoimmune hemolytic anemia and gastric cancer appeared in a patient with myasthenia gravis

We report a case of myasthenia gravis (MG) associated with autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (AITP) and autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), and after that gastric cancer appeared. A 51-year-old man began to suffer from fluctuated muscle weakness in 1985. Muscle weaknesses became exacerbated, and he was admitted to our hospital in 1989. He was diagnosed as MG associated with AITP. After a thymectomy (hyperplasia), prednisolone therapy was started, subsequently his condition was satisfactory. In March 1995, he developed severe anemia and icterus. He was diagnosed as Evans' syndrome (AIHA and AITP) with MG. High-doses of immunoglobulin administration improved the anemia, but thrombocytopenia continued. In November 2002, he suffered marked petechia; the platelet count decreased to 1000/microl. Methylprednisolone pulse therapy and platelet transfusion were started. Gastrofiberscopy was performed and biopsy specimens revealed signet cell-type adenocarcinoma. On December 19, 2002, subtotal gastrectomy and splenectomy were performed. After that, his condition has remained satisfactory, without MG symptoms or thrombocytopenia. This is the first such case report in the literature.

Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA) as paraneoplastic syndrome in metastasized signet ring cell carcinomas: case reports and review of the literature

We report on two spontaneous cases of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA) as first manifestation due to metastasized signet ring carcinoma, one of gastric and one of unknown origin. The patients presented with an acute onset of Coombs negative hemolytic anemia and fragmentocytes in the peripheral blood smear which are typical for MAHA. These case reports present MAHA as a rare paraneoplastic syndrome in patients with metastasized signet ring carcinoma. Parallel to symptomatic treatment we started chemotherapy treatment (ELF and PLF regimen, respectively). In both cases we were able to control the MAHA and cancer progression.

A microscopic adenocarcinoma of the stomach with pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy in a 17-year-old male

Pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy (PTTM), characterized by widespread fibrocellular intimal proliferation of the small pulmonary arteries and arterioles in patients with metastatic carcinomas, has been reported in only few cases. In childhood, gastrointestinal tumors represent less than 5% of pediatric neoplasms, and carcinomas within this subgroup have been very rarely described, in particular those arising in the stomach. We report on a case of a microscopic gastric signet-ring cell carcinoma identified by serial step sections through the entire stomach at autopsy. The patient was a 17-year-old high school student with severe dyspnea and marked pulmonary hypertension due to PTTM. Although the combination of PTTM with gastric cancer is very rare in childhood, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of primary pulmonary hypertension and progressive respiratory failure, as indicated by a review of previously reported cases.

Pseudomesotheliomatous presentation of primary signet ring cell carcinoma of lung

Signet ring cell carcinoma is a unique mucin secreting adenocarcinoma. It generally arises from stomach, colon, rectum or breast and rarely from lung. Pleural membrane involvement is common in lung cancer manifesting as pleural effusion. Rarely, it may encase the whole lung without effusion mimicking mesothelioma and is termed as "pseudomesothelioma". A 35-year-old male presented with a pleural mass encasing the whole of the right lung without any pleural effusion and investigations revealed it to be primary signet ring cell adenocarcinoma of the lung.

Primary signet-ring cell carcinoma mimicking segmental Crohn's colitis

Primary signet-ring cell carcinoma of the colon is a rare entity with a dismal prognosis, mainly due to a delay in diagnosis. Here, we present a case of a 30-year-old Filipino woman who presented with symptoms mimicking inflammatory bowel disease. A barium enema and colonoscopy demonstrated a stricture in the rectosigmoid region. A biopsy revealed granulomatous changes indicative of inflammatory bowel disease. Despite initial improvement of her symptoms on total parenteral nutrition and steroids, the patient relapsed several weeks later with recurrent left lower quadrant pain. A subsequent biopsy revealed poorly differentiated signet-ring cell carcinoma of the colon. She was treated surgically with a left hemi-colectomy and primary repair. A high degree of suspicion is necessary to correctly diagnose these, often young, patients with primary signet-ring cell carcinoma early and have a positive impact on survival. The literature on primary signet-ring cell carcinoma is reviewed.

Metastatic signet ring cell gastric carcinoma presenting as an infrarenal aortic aneurysm

Metastases to liver, lungs, bone, and adrenal glands are common events in advanced gastric carcinoma. Occasionally, metastases to other parts of the body, such as the prostate gland [1] the gluteal muscle [2], or the cervix [3] are described. However, these are rare events in the natural history of the disease. We report an unusual case of a signet ring cell gastric carcinoma, initially presenting as an infrarenal aortic aneurysm. Following resection of the aneurysm, the spread of lymphangiosis carcinomatosa into the aortic wall and infiltration of signet ring cells into an adjacent lymph node were noted. The primary tumor, a signet ring cell gastric carcinoma, was detected by a subsequent esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy.

[A case of advanced gastric cancer with bone metastasis and severe DIC responding to hypertensive subselective chemotherapy with pharmacokinetic modulating chemotherapy]

We report a 47-year-old female patient who was suffering from severe DIC due to multiple bone metastases. This patient was treated weekly with an intraarterial 5-FU (500 mg) and MTX (100 mg) including AT-II by a subcutaneously implanted port system placed into her abdominal aorta. Furthermore, she was administered tegafur/uracil (400 mg/day) 5 days weekly for pharmacokinetic modulating chemotherapy (PMC). After three courses of PMC treatment, DIC was resolved and the tumor marker was reduced. However, after 22 courses of this regimen, DIC suddenly recurred. As second line chemotherapy, we then administered paclitaxel (80 mg) in place of CDDP. After five courses of this second line chemotherapy, DIC recovered and the tumor marker was again decreased. We concluded that this chemotherapy is effective for advanced gastric cancer complicated with bone metastasis and DIC from the standpoint of toxicities, antitumor effect and QOL of the patient.

Clinical and pathological disappearance of peritoneal dissemination in a patient with advanced gastric cancer receiving chemotherapy with S-1 and low-dose cisplatin

A 54-year-old woman with severe abdominal distention suffered from massive ascites. Cytological examination revealed adenocarcinoma cells, leading to a diagnosis of peritonitis carcinomatosa. Gastrointestinal fiberscopy (GIF) resulted in a histological diagnosis of type 4 advanced gastric cancer with signet-ring cell carcinoma. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed to be cT3(SE)cN1cM0cH0cP1, cStage IV gastric cancer, type 4, according to the Japanese classification of gastric carcinoma. The patient was treated with S-1 and low-dose cisplatin (CDDP) in order to alleviate the critical state of the disease. After the third cycle of the regimen, the clinical response of P1 was classified as a partial response (PR) according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. The patient's appetite loss and abdominal discomfort were markedly alleviated. The patient experienced grade 2 leukocytopenia throughout the regimen. Surgery was performed. Ascites and peritoneal disseminated lesions were not observed, and cytological examination of the peritoneal washes was negative. Total gastrectomy with D1 lymph node dissection was performed, and the surgical diagnosis was sT3(SE)sN0sM0sH0sP0; sStage II. Microscopically, viable cancer cells were found to be scattered throughout the subserosal-serosal layers in the resected stomach. All of the samples from lesions that were potentially cancers involving peritoneal dissemination were diagnosed as fibrous scar tissues without any viable cancer cells. The patient is alive without recurrence at 10 months after surgery and 14 months after the initial chemotherapy. Thus, systemic chemotherapy with S-1/low-dose CDDP achieved desirable control of peritoneal disseminated cells, as assessed microscopically, suggesting that the regimen may be an effective strategy for the treatment of advanced gastric cancer with peritonitis carcinomatosa.

Palliative portal vein stent placement for lymphatic recurrence of gastric cancer

INTRODUCTION

Percutaneous transhepatic stenting of the main portal vein is a rare intervention.

CASE REPORT

In the current patient, percutaneous angioplasty and stenting of a main portal vein stenosis due to lymphatic recurrence of gastric cancer ameliorated the progressing therapeutic restriction. The wall stent achieved portal venous patency that enabled ongoing chemotherapy. The stent remained patent for the entire subsequent survival period.

[Multiple perforated, poorly differentiated carcinomas of the small bowel]

The small bowel malignant tumors represent a rare pathology; in their diagnosis an important role is played by the clinical suspicion in front of non-specific symptoms. However, the therapeutic decision must not be delayed by excessive explorations, but it should be permanently adapted to the patient's condition; the operative exploration has the advantage of making an accurate diagnosis. The authors present the case of a patient admitted in emergency with the suspicion of a generalized peritonitis from a perforated peptic ulcer and who was subsequently diagnosed with multiple perforated small bowel malignant tumors. The patient's history offers data that could be interpreted in the context of the intraoperative diagnosis. This is the first reported case of multiple perforated poorly differentiated carcinomas of the small intestines.

[A 52 year-old woman with fever, cough and dyspnoea]

A 52 year-old woman with gastric cancer treated with surgery and chemotherapy, is admitted in our Internal Medicine Department because of the presence of fever (max 41.2 degrees C), dyspnoea, non-productive cough and mental confusion. The anamnesis and the physical examination address to the diagnosis of CAP (Community-Acquired Pneumonia); in particular the alteration of consciousness and the onset of symptoms after the insertion of a nose-gastric tube let us to consider the diagnosis of aspiration pneumonia. The clinical presentation and radiological imaging (Rx and CT of thorax) suggest the pattern of bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia (BOOP). BOOP is not a disease, but a non specific pattern of answer to a lung injury. It can be either idiopathic or associated with a variety of causes, such as infections, drugs, radiations and connective tissue diseases. Besides the clinical course is complicated by the onset of an ARDS (Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome). The gold standard for the diagnosis is represented by lung biopsy with hystopathologic confirmation but, if it cannot be done, it's necessary to start immediately steroid therapy because BOOP may be fatal. The patient received antibiotic and steroid therapy with success.

[A case of primary signet ring cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder presenting as nocturnal incontinence]

This is a report of our experience of a case of primary signet ring cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder. The patient was a 56-year-old man who was referred to our hospital presenting with incontinence and lumbago. A drip infusion pyelography study indicated bilateral hydronephrosis and a contracted bladder. Signet ring cell carcinoma was observed in the bladder submucosa after the second transurethral biopsy set. No other cancer lesions could be identified even after careful examination. Therefore, it was diagnosed as a primary signet ring cell carcinoma of the bladder. Total cystectomy with bilateral uretero-cutaneostomy reconstruction was performed. The pathological stage was T4bN0M0 and the surgical margin was positive at the site of the pubic bone. Adjuvant therapy was not given. There was no evidence of disease 20 months after the operation. In Japan, this is the third case of primary signet ring cell carcinoma of the bladder presenting as incontinence.

[A case of gastric cancer initially presented by bilateral chylothorax]

The patient, a 66-year-old woman, visited our hospital with chief complaints of nocturnal coughing and dyspnea. Chest radiography revealed bilateral pleural effusion, and she was admitted to our hospital to undergo more thorough examination. The bilateral pleural effusion was identified as chyle. In cytodiagnosis, a number of poorly-differentiated adenocarcinoma cells in clumps were detected, and mucus was found in the cell bodies. The case was diagnosed as signet-ring cell carcinoma. Endoscopy of the upper digestive tract was performed for close examination of the primary lesion. As a result, a IIc lesion accompanied with concentrated folds and hypertrophy was found on the anterior wall of the body of the stomach. Biopsy of this site led to a diagnosis of signet-ring cell carcinoma, and these results were consistent with the cytodiagnostic findings of pleural effusion. Because gastric carcinoma associated with bilateral chylothorax is very rare in Japan, we report the results of our study with some discussions based on a review of the literature.

[Report of two cases with pleural effusion and ascites that responded dramatically to the combination of thalidomide, celecoxib, irinotecan, and CDDP infused in thoracic and abdominal cavities]

Malignant pleural effusion (PE) and ascites are associated with highly symptomatic, advanced-stage cancers. These fluid accumulations cause severe symptoms such as abdominal distention, shortness of breath, cachexia, anorexia, and fatigue. Malignant PE and ascites have consistently been shown to indicate a poor prognosis in advanced-stage cancer patients, being associated with high morbidity and mortality. The efficacy of this treatment is variable and does not prolong the survival of cancer patients. Clearly, a more effective therapy for malignant PE and ascites is needed. Vascular permeability factor (VPF) from malignant ascites and PE have been hypothesized to be responsible for the fluid accumulations. In addition, malignant PE and ascites contain high levels of biologically active VEGF. VEGF was discovered as a potent angiogenesis stimulator and recognized to be VPF. Increased amounts of COX-2 have been detected in epithelial and stromal cells and COX-2 in mammary tissue is sufficient to induce cancer. It is suggested that COX-2 stimulates angiogenesis. A combination of molecular target inhibitors (thalidomide and celecoxib) and standard cytotoxic drugs appear to increase efficacy of each drug, decrease the side effects of cytotoxic drugs and prolong life.

[A case of carcinomatous lymphangitis of the lungs due to stomach cancer responding to TS-1]

We report a case of carcinomatous lymphangitis of the lungs due to and stomach cancer showing remarkable response to TS-1. The patient was a 51-year-old man whose chest x-ray and computed tomography (CT) revealed lymphangitis, and endoscopic examination showed stomach cancer on posterior wall of stomach body. Bone marrow metastasis was suspected because platelet count was 50/microliter, and myelocytes and metamyelocytes emerged in peripheral blood. TS-1 80 mg/day was administered orally for 28 days as 1 course. After 4 courses of TS-1, chest x-ray showed remarkable improvement, and platelet count was normalized. The patient survived for 10 months after the first visit. We suggest that TS-1 is an effective therapy for carcinomatous lymphangitis of the lungs due to stomach cancer.

Colon cancer in a 14-year-old female with turner syndrome: report of a case

A 14-year-old female with Turner syndrome (karyotype 45,X) had a history of abdominal pain with distention, constipation, and fever. She was first operated on for the suspicion of appendicitis, failed to improve, and was later hospitalized for further investigation and treatment. Studies demonstrated an obstructing tumor of the transverse colon, and an emergency laparotomy was performed. The final diagnosis was a signet-ring cell carcinoma of the colon with diffuse peritoneal dissemination and metastasis to paracolic lymph nodes. On the basis of this case, we report the association of Turner syndrome with malignancies and also some aspects of colon cancer in childhood.

[Primary signet-ring cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder: a case report]

We report a case of signet-ring cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder. A 48-year-old female was hospitalized because of general fatigue, pollakiuria and residual sensation. Renal ultrasonography disclosed bilateral hydronephrosis. The serum level of cretinine was 3.1 mg/dl, and we diagnosed the patient with post-renal failure. Cystoscopic examinations revealed non-papillary sessile tumors in the trigone. Histopathological findings of the biopsy specimen demonstrated signet-ring cell carcinoma. There was no evidence indicating bladder metastasis from the cancer in other organs. The patient died of cachexia 5 months after the diagnosis. She was autopsied, and the diagnosis of signet-ring cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder with metastases in various organs was confirmed. This disease is extremely rare and has a poor prognosis. We review the previous cases reported in the literature.

Poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with signet-ring cells of the Vater's ampulla, without jaundice but with disseminated carcinomatosis

A 49-year-old man was hospitalized because of a 2-month history of purpura in his extremities and for back pain. Laboratory findings showed alkaline phosphatase to be greatly elevated, and platelet counts and coagulation factor showed that the patient had disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Compression fractures of the thoracic vertebrae were found on radiological examination. The histological findings from bone marrow showed metastasis of adenocarcinoma with signet-ring cells, although the primary site was unknown. To reduce tumor cells in number and improve DIC, 11 cycles of 5-Fluorouracil and leucovorin therapy were done, and the patient survived for 12 months. Autopsy showed a 0.8 cm diameter, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with the signet-ring cell type in the lamina propria of the Vater's ampulla. Many metastatic foci and micro tumor emboli were found in the lung and in bone marrow. The sections of the stomach, the gallbladder, urinary bladder, prostate, and thyroid gland showed no malignant cells. These findings suggest that the origin of the cancer may have been located in the Vater's ampulla. This is a rare case of an ampullary tumor of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with the signet-ring cell type, without jaundice but with multiple metastasis. 5-Fluorouracil and leucovorin were effective for increasing survival time and improving quality of life.

[Symptomatic pericardial effusion as initial manifestation of gastric signet ring cell carcinoma]

HISTORY

A 78-year-old woman presented at our hospital with palpitation, tachycardia and progressive dyspnea. The health history included the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

INVESTIGATIONS

The ECG showed atrial fibrillation, later changing with sinus rhythm and low voltage. The echocardiography revealed pericardial effusion. The cytology showed signet ring cells from the stomach. Endoscopic study revealed a 3 cm tumor in the posterior wall of the upper part of the body. The histopathological examination diagnosed cancer of diffuse type according to Lauren, with signet-ring cells.

TREATMENT AND CLINICAL COURSE

After treating the atrial fibrillation a pericardial drainage was performed. The pericardiocentesis yielded 500 ml of serous fluid. In an echocardiogram after pericardial drainage, pericardial effusion was no longer present. During the clinical course the patient suffered a stroke and the chemotherapy could not be initiated. The patient died 2 months after diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Cardiac involvement with clinical manifestations and pericardial effusion may be associated with a malignant neoplasm. Echocardiography and pericardiocentesis are helpful for the diagnosis of cardiac metastases.

Gastrectomy in combination with a distal splenorenal shunt in a patient with gastric cancer and portal hypertension: report of a case

We describe the case of a patient with gastric cancer complicated by portal hypertension due to liver cirrhosis. Endoscopy showed esophageal varices in the lower third of the esophagus and a superficially depressed lesion in the middle third of the stomach, while a biopsy suggested signet-ring cell carcinoma. Laboratory data showed pancytopenia, the indocyanine green fraction after 15 min was 29%, and the symptoms corresponded to the Child B criteria. A preoperative arteriogram revealed a remarkably dilated left gastric vein and the development of collateral pathways. We performed a distal subtotal gastrectomy with a reconstruction by the Billroth I method combined with a distal splenorenal shunt (DSRS) and a splenopancreatic disconnection (SPD). The endoscopic findings of the esophageal varices 15 months after surgery showed only a few white veins and the red color sign had disappeared. Now 7 years have passed since surgery, the risk of variceal hemorrhage has disappeared, and the patient is ambulatory and well. These results seems to be attributable to the long-term maintenance of the shunt selectivity and good portal hemodynamics. In patients with gastric cancer complicated with esophageal and/or gastric varices, it is recommended that DSRS with SPD be performed after a reconstruction using the Billroth I method.

[Every-other-day TS-1 administration for recurrent or non-curative advanced gastric carcinoma]

We report 3 cases in which palliation was achieved with every-other-day administration of TS-1 for recurrent or non-curative advanced gastric carcinoma that had resulted in obstructive jaundice. Two patients had received MTX-5-FU chemotherapy as first-line therapy and showed progressive disease, presenting with obstructive jaundice 6-24 months later. One of them experienced obstructive jaundice 2 months after surgery. After lowering serum bilirubin via per-cutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD), TS-1 was given not in full dose but every other day based upon Shirasaka's theory, as well as for fear of further liver damage. Palliation in terms of long NC and/or decreased serum CEA level persisted for 4-14 months without severe liver dysfunction. Other side effects of the drug were negligible. Shirasaka's theory stresses the difference in proliferation cycles between cancer cells and normal tissue cells (GI tract, bone marrow, etc.); therefore, with every-other-day administration of chemotherapeutic agents, the cytotoxic effects against tumors would be augmented while the adverse reactions in normal cells could be reduced. The present experience seems to support the theoretical and clinical feasibility of every-other-day TS-1 administration for unresectable gastric cancer.

Familial visceral myopathy with carcinoma of unknown primary

We report an autopsy case of a 35-yr-old man with familial visceral myopathy, a cause of primary intestinal pseudo-obstruction. The patient died from complications of familial visceral myopathy, sepsis, and generalized signet-ring cell carcinomatosis. The patient had massive distension of the large and small intestines, a dilated thickened esophagus, and fibroneoplastic adhesions between intra-abdominal and thoracic structures. This case provides an observation, not previously described in cases of familial visceral myopathy, which is fibrosis and atrophy of the outer longitudinal smooth muscle of the small bowel, alternating to involve only the inner smooth muscle layer of the large bowel. This case shows how a malignant neoplasm can compound the pathology of familial visceral myopathy.

Gastric cancer presenting with acute disseminated intravascular coagulation

Patients presenting with acute disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) as the first symptom of malignancy are rare. A 68-year-old man presented with DIC. On evaluation, he was found to have adenocarcinoma of the stomach. Resection of the growth controlled the DIC for a few days, after which the patient developed altered coagulation parameters and sepsis, and succumbed.

Cases from the Osler Medical Service at Johns Hopkins University

A 73-year-old man who had been receiving chronic anticoagulation treatment with warfarin for multiple prior strokes presented to the hospital because of several weeks of pain in his right calf. He also complained of several months of anorexia and weight loss of 20 lbs. On physical examination, he was thin and showed signs of temporal wasting. There was minimal pitting edema in the right leg, with a positive Homans' sign. Lower extremity Doppler ultrasound showed a popliteal thrombus. The morning after admission, he developed an acutely swollen, painful upper extremity and was found to have an occlusive clot in the left subclavian vein. Because these thrombi occurred in the setting of a therapeutic prothrombin time (international normalized ratio, 2.7) on warfarin, he was begun on treatment with intravenous heparin. What is the diagnosis?

Management of perforated gastric carcinoma: a report of 16 cases and review of world literature

Perforated gastric carcinoma is rare; however, it is a serious condition associated with complications. To understand the proper management of this disease and to characterize its clinical course we reviewed available data on 16 patients with perforated gastric carcinoma. We collected data on the age and sex of the patients as well as operative findings and histological features of the primary tumor. The depth of invasion and presence of lymph node metastasis were also recorded. The Union Internationale Contre Cancer stage, extent of resection, and surgical method used were reviewed. We also reviewed published information on the management of perforated gastric carcinoma. The carcinoma was stage I in three cases, stage II in one case, stage III in three cases, and stage IV in nine cases. Many patients had distant metastases. Fourteen patients underwent gastrectomy. Two patients whose preoperative condition was poor died of surgery-related complications, but patients with early-stage carcinoma underwent an R0 resection (resection of the primary tumor with negative margins) and had minimal complications. We conclude that the outcome of patients who were able to undergo radical surgery was good and correlated with the stage of cancer. It is important to perform gastrectomy rather than repair the perforation first, and a proper lymphadenectomy should follow--thus a two-step surgery when necessary.

Primary signet ring cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder successfully treated with intra-arterial chemotherapy alone

A 65-year-old man presented with the complaint of gross hematuria. Cystoscopy revealed a sessile tumor on the left bladder wall. It was diagnosed as primary signet ring cell carcinoma of the bladder (T3bN0M0). The patient did not want surgical treatment. Therefore, three courses of arterial infusion of carboplatin were administered at 3-week intervals. Complete remission was obtained and has been maintained for 44 months. Our case appears to be the first report of successful treatment with chemotherapy alone of an infiltrating signet ring cell carcinoma of the bladder.