Laparoscopic approach to mucocele of appendiceal mucinous cystadenoma: feasibility and short-term outcomes in 24 consecutive cases

BACKGROUND

Mucocele of the appendix is an uncommon condition where luminal distention by mucin is usually attributable to a mucinous cystadenoma. From a surgical standpoint, it is critical that the mucin-filled tumor remains intact during resection. Spillage of mucin into peritoneal cavity may otherwise lead to pseudomyxoma peritonei. Although acute appendicitis is managed successfully by laparoscopic appendectomy, the potential for rupture has fueled concerns over laparoscopic resection of appendiceal mucoceles. Our aim was to evaluate feasibility, safety, and short-term outcomes of laparoscopic resection in patients with a mucocele of appendix secondary to mucinous cystadenoma.

METHODS

Data collected prospectively at the Department of Surgery from October 2005 to December 2013 were reviewed, selecting all instances of preoperatively identified appendiceal mucoceles, which was confirmed as mucinous cystadenomas by histology after elective laparoscopic surgery. Patient demographics, surgical data (operative procedures and times, intraoperative complications), and short-term postoperative outcomes were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Twenty-four consecutive patients (female 14) were studied. Mean age was 60.0 years (range 42-81 years). Surgical procedures included simple appendectomy (1/24, 4.2 %), partial cecectomy (15/24, 62.5 %), and ileocecal resection (8/24, 33.3 %). Mean operative time was 108.5 min (range 40-205 min). No intraoperative spillage of mucin occurred due to inadvertent rupture of tumor. Resection margins uniformly were negative for tumor. Mean maximal length and diameter of tumors were 7.9 cm (range 3.0-20.0 cm) and 3.2 cm (range 1.0-7.5 cm), respectively. One patient (4.2 %) suffered postoperative morbidity (wound infection).

CONCLUSIONS

A laparoscopic approach proved feasible and safe for surgical management of appendiceal mucocele due to mucinous cystadenoma. However, long-term follow-up is warranted for more conclusive support.

S100P is a useful marker for differentiation of ovarian mucinous tumors

The S100P protein stimulates cell proliferation and survival, thereby contributing to tumor progression. The purpose of this study was to evaluate S100P expression in the three subtypes of mucinous cystic tumors, cystadenomas, borderline tumors, and adenocarcinomas. The authors examined nuclear S100P expression in 60 mucinous ovarian tumor specimens, including 24 specimens of mucinous cystadenoma, 15 of borderline tumors, and 21 of adenocarcinomas. Immunohistochemistry revealed S100P expression followed one of three patterns: (1) Expressed in most nuclei of mucinous epithelial cells, (2) sporadic (spotted or patchy) expression, or (3) absent or rarely expressed in the nuclei of mucinous epithelial cells. Most adenomas showed the first expression pattern, and borderline tumors often showed a patchy expression pattern. Adenocarcinomas generally demonstrated absence of S100P expression. These data suggest that S100P is a useful histological marker to differentiate between benign, borderline, and malignant mucinous tumors of the ovary.

Collision tumor of the appendix: mucinous cystadenoma and carcinoid. A case report

INTRODUCTION

Mucinous cystadenoma is the most common of benign neoplasms of the appendix and carcinoid is the most common type of primary malignant lesions of the appendix.We report a rare case of a 57-year-old female with combined mucinous cystadenoma and carcinoid tumor of the appendix.Dual carcinoid and epithelial neoplasia is a rare occurrence in the appendix.

CASE REPORT

A 57-year-old Caucasian woman presented after incidentally palpating a mass on her right iliac fossa. Imaging modalities revealed a cystic tumor in the right iliac fossa with a diameter of about 8 cm, originating either from the right ovary or the appendix. She underwent laparoscopic surgical exploration, which revealed appendiceal mucocele and appendicectomy was finally performed as well as excision of a right ovarian cyst. Pathological examination showed acollision tumor consisting of mucinous cystadenoma and carcinoid tumor of the appendix. Because of the size and extension of the carcinoid tumor, which the pathology report revealed, she underwent re-exploration and laparoscopic right colectomy.

DISCUSSION

Mucinous cystadenoma is rare, but it is the commonest of benign appendiceal tumours accounting for 0.6% of appendectomy specimens. It can present as appendicitis,mucocele or if the tumour ruptures, as pseudomyxomaperitonei. On the other hand, carcinoid is the most common type of primary malignant lesion of the appendix and 0.3-0.9%of appendectomy specimens, with small predominance in female patients. Rare cases of mucinous cystadenomas of the appendix coexisting with carcinoid tumors were reported before, but in our case it was a collision tumor with no transitional zone between them. Also, the clinical presentation of our patient and the differential diagnosis of ovarian lesions from appendiceal tumors is worth being mentioned.

Mucinous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas: are we overestimating malignant potential?

Surgical resection is recommended for all mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs) of the pancreas as a result of: 1) lack of an accurate tumor marker for invasive cancer; 2) young age at diagnosis; and 3) historical studies revealing 36 per cent incidence of malignancy in resected lesions. This study compares the clinicopathologic and prognostic features of our series of resected MCNs to recent studies using the current International Association of Pancreatology (IAP) system. Thirty-eight resected MCNs were identified. Almost all patients were female (97.4%); median age at diagnosis was 53.5 years (interquartile range [IQR], 41.3 to 61.0). The majority occurred in the body/tail of the pancreas (86.8%); median size on computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging was 5.0 cm (IQR, 3 to 8.8). Comparison of the five high-grade (HG, 13.2%) and 33 low-grade (86.8%) MCNs revealed that 1) patients were similar in age (55.0 vs 52.0 years, respectively) and 2) HG lesions were significantly larger on preoperative imaging (9.9 vs 3.5 cm) and final pathology (10.9 vs 3.5 cm). These data, taken together with five recent studies that adhere to the 2012 IAP criteria (385 total MCNs), reveal that a cutoff of less than 3 cm without mural nodules would have only missed one (0.26%) HG lesion. Surveillance of these lesions may be appropriate for some patients.

Giant ovarian cyst--an unusual finding

A 16 year old unmarried girl presented with complaints of abdominal distension, vomiting, constipation, difficulty in breathing and restlessness. On examination abdomen was grossly distended with fluid thrill. Ultrasonographic examination revealed that there was a huge cystic collection with internal debris, multiple septations involving the whole abdomen and pelvis originating from right ovary. The left ovary was normal. Her laparatomy was done. A giant ovarian cyst measuring 45 x 32 x 28 cm, which weighed 18 Kg (almost 1/3 of whole body weight), was removed as such like a yoyo balloon. Post-operative recovery was smooth. Histopathological examination revealed that it was mucinous cystadenoma.

Primary retroperitoneal mucinous tumor of low malignant potential in a Persian woman

Primary retroperitoneal mucinous tumor (PRMT) of low malignant potential (border line) is an uncommon neoplasm with fewer than 50 reported cases. Uncertain diagnostic imaging results make diagnosis of its origin difficult, preoperatively. Later treatment planning and prognosis would be affected by exact diagnosis of the tumor origin. This study presents a case of Persian woman with diagnostic, histological and immunohistochemical specifications.

Differentiation of mucinous cystic neoplasm and cystic changes associated with pancreatic adenocarcinoma

A 63-year-old woman presented to the hospital with persistent nausea, dyspepsia and weight loss for 6 months. Abdomen CT showed a low-attenuation mass, approximately 7.6 cm diameter, in the region of the body and tail of the pancreas. Cystic lesions, 5.5×4.9 cm and 4.6×3.7 cm in size, were observed in the body and tail of the pancreas, respectively, associated with the low-attenuation mass. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) revealed fetal carcinoembryonic antigen levels of >1000 ng/mL and necrotic cells with no malignant cells. On the basis of the imaging and EUS-FNA results, a putative diagnosis of mucinous cystadenoma accompanying pancreatic adenocarcinoma was made, and distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy were performed. Final biopsy using the surgical specimen confirmed pancreatic adenocarcinoma with moderate differentiation accompanied by degenerative cystic changes.

The management of hepatobiliary cystadenomas: lessons learned

BACKGROUND

Mucinous cystic neoplasms of the liver (hepatobiliary cystadenomas) are rare neoplastic lesions. Such cysts are often incorrectly diagnosed and managed, and carry a risk of malignancy. The objective of this study was to review the surgical experience with these lesions over 15 years.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review identified consecutive patients undergoing surgery for liver cystadenomas from 1997-2011. Clinical data were collected and summarized.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients (mean age 51 years, 12/13 females) with cysts 4.6-18.1 cm were identified. Most cysts were located in the left lobe/centrally (11/12) and had septations (8/13). Mural nodularity was infrequent (3/13). Nine patients had liver resection/enucleation, whereas four had unroofing. Frozen section analysis had a high false-negative rate (4/6). All patients had cystadenomas, of which two had foci of invasive carcinoma (cystadenocarcinoma) within mural nodules. There was no 90-day mortality. All but one patient (myocardial infarction) were alive at a median follow-up of 23.1 months. No patient with unroofing has developed malignancy to date.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-invasive hepatobiliary cystadenomas present as large central/left-sided cysts in young or middle-aged women. Associated malignancy was relatively uncommon and found within mural nodules. Intra-operative frozen section analysis was ineffective at ruling out cystadenomas. Complete excision is recommended, but close follow-up might be considered in patients with a prohibitive technical or medical risk, in the absence of nodularity on high-quality imaging.

Hemolymphangioma: A rare differential diagnosis of cystic-solid or cystic tumors of the pancreas

We report a case of pancreatic hemolymphangioma. Hemolymphangioma is a malformation of both lymphatic vessels and blood vessels. The incidence of this disease in the pancreas is extremely rare. To the best of our knowledge, only seven cases have been reported worldwide (PubMed). A 39-year-old woman with a one-day history of abdominal pain was admitted to our hospital. There was no obvious precipitating factor. The preoperative examination, including ultrasonography and computed tomography, showed a cystic-solid tumor in the pancreas, and it was considered to be a mucinous cystadenoma or cystadenocarcinoma. Pancreatic body-tail resection combined with splenectomy was performed. After the operation, the tumor was pathologically demonstrated to be a pancreatic hemolymphangioma. Although pancreatic hemolymphangioma is rare, we believe that it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic-solid tumors of the pancreas, particularly when there is no sufficient evidence for diagnosing cystadenoma, cystadenocarcinoma or some other relatively common disease of the pancreas.

Characterization of focal pancreatic lesions using normalized apparent diffusion coefficient at 1.5-Tesla: preliminary experience

PURPOSE

To compare the capabilities of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and normalized ADC using the pancreatic parenchyma as reference organ in the characterization of focal pancreatic lesions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-six patients with focal pancreatic lesions (malignant, n=18; benign tumors, n=10; focal pancreatitis, n=8) underwent diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI) at 1.5-Tesla using 3 b values (b=0, 400, 800 s/mm(2)). Lesion ADC and normalized lesion ADC (defined as the ratio of lesion ADC to apparently normal adjacent pancreas) were compared between lesion types using nonparametric tests.

RESULTS

Significant differences in ADC values were found between malignant (1.150 × 10(-3)mm(2)/s) and benign tumors (2.493 × 10(-3)mm(2)/s) (P=0.004) and between benign tumors and mass-forming pancreatitis (1.160 × 10(-3)mm(2)/s) (P=0.0005) but not between malignant tumors and mass-forming pancreatitis (P=0.1092). Using normalized ADC, significant differences were found between malignant tumors (0.933 × 10(-3)mm(2)/s), benign tumors (1.807 × 10(-3)mm(2)/s) and mass-forming pancreatitis (0.839 × 10(-3)mm(2)/s) (P<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Our preliminary results suggest that normalizing ADC of focal pancreatic lesions with ADC of apparently normal adjacent pancreatic parenchyma provides higher degrees of characterization of focal pancreatic lesions than the conventional ADC does.

Isolated pancreatic tuberculosis: a case report and radiological comparison with cystic pancreatic lesions

Pancreatic tuberculosis is rare and can occur in the absence of evidence of tuberculosis elsewhere in the body. Here we review the radiological appearance of pancreatic tuberculosis and compare it with other cystic pancreatic lesions, including common lesions (pseudocysts, serous or mucinous cystadenomas, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm) and rare lesions such as solid pseudopapillary tumors, etc. Their typical localizations within the pancreas and their malignant potential are presented. Knowledge of these can assist radiologists and clinicians in selecting the best approach towards making the correct diagnosis.

[Macrocystic serous cystadenoma of the pancreas masquerading as a mucinous cystadenoma: case report]

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic macrocystic serous cystadenoma is an uncommon benign lesion that can be misdiagnosed as a mucinous cystic neoplasm which, in turn, harbors malignant potential. We present the case of a patient with a pancreatic macrocystic serous cystadenoma and review current diagnostic modalities.

CLINICAL CASE

We present the case of a 28-year-old otherwise-healthy female who was incidentally found to have a pancreatic cyst. Computed tomography (CT) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) revealed a 3.0 cm lobulated and septated lesion in the head of the pancreas. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of the cyst revealed mucoid contents and a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level of 0.69 ng/mL. The presumptive diagnosis of a mucinous cystic neoplasm was made and the lesion was resected by enucleation. Surgical pathology reported a 1.60 cm dominant cystic lesion lined with cuboidal epithelium and multiple adjacent microscopic satellite cysts, consistent with the macrocystic variant of the serous cystadenoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Pancreatic macrocystic serous cystadenoma is uncommon and can be misdiagnosed as a mucinous cystic neoplas. In order to make an accurate diagnosis and to select appropriate treatment, surgeons must be familiar with the current diagnostic modalities.

[A 10-kg ovarian mucinous cystadenoma in a 13 year-old girl]

A 13 year-old girl was admitted to hospital with abdominal pain and weight gain. The physical examination showed pronounced abdominal distension, but slim extremities. A magnetic resonance imaging scan revealed a left cystic ovarian tumour. The ovarian tumour was removed and the weight turned out to be 10.3 kg. Pathology showed a borderline mucinous cystadenoma. Ovarian tumours represent less than 2% of all tumours in girls under the age of 16. In this age group 50% of the ovarian tumours are neoplastic and 60% derive from the surface epithelia of the ovary.

[Management of pancreatic cystic tumors in the Alberto Sabogal Sologuren hospital]

INTRODUCTION

Cystic tumors of the pancreas comprise 1% of all neoplasms of the pancreas and 10 to 15% of pancreatic cysts. There are a variety of cystic lesions, of which 90% is made up of serous cystadenomas, mucinous cystic neoplasms, intraductal mucinous neoplasms and solid pseudopapillary neoplasms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study describes and analyzes retrospectively the clinical, radiological, surgical, pathological and follow up of 12 patients operated on for cystic tumors of the pancreas in the hospital IV Alberto Sabogal Sologuren, in the period 2005 to 2010.

RESULTS

we found 5 (41%) serous cystadenomas with a mean age of 66 years, localized 80% in the head and 20% body; 2 (17%) mucinous cystic neoplasms with a mean age of 54, all located in body, 2 (17%) intraductal mucinous neoplasms with a mean age of 63, all located in the head, and 3 (25%) solid pseudopapillary neoplasms with a mean age of 33 years, located in body 33% and 66% in tail with a predominance of females in a ratio of 3:1. Had abdominal pain (75%), weight loss (17%) and palpable mass (17%). Of the 2 cystic mucinous neoplasms, only one have a low-grade dysplasia, of the two mucinous intraductal neoplasms, one have grade moderate dysplasia and the other with a high degree, the rest of cystic neoplasms were benign. We realize 6 Pancreaticoduodenectomy, 4 corporocaudales pancreatectomies, 2 distal pancreatectomies; of them splenectomy realize in 4 patients (2 in corporocaudal pancreatectomies and 2 distal pancreatectomies). In all cases the preoperative diagnosis was based on abdominal TEM. in 4 patients was expanded with RMN for suspicion of mucinous tumor and in 2 patients was performed CPRE for suspected intraductal tumors. Two patients coursed with atelectasis, and one patient had pancreatic fistula grade A and other mild pancreatitis post-operative. No patient was reoperated. There was no mortality post operative. Postoperative was more for the pancreaticoduodenectomy group. In a 2 year follow up, no observed recurrence and all patients are alive.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative diagnosis is crucial given the differences in natural history of the spectrum of lesions. Despite improved radiographic imaging, techniques, definitive diagnosis is only made after studying the resection sample.

Mucinous cystadenoma arising in a completely isolated infected ileal duplication cyst

Gastrointestinal duplications are uncommon congenital lesions that can occur anywhere along the alimentary tract, and the symptoms of which generally develop during infancy or childhood. Completely isolated duplication cysts are an extremely rare variant of duplication, where no communication between the cyst and the adjacent bowel segment is present. We report the unique case of an adult who presented with right lower abdominal pain and systemic signs of inflammation caused by infection of a completely isolated ileal duplication cyst. Histological examination of the cyst additionally revealed a low-grade mucinous cystadenoma. We discuss the clinical presentations, diagnosis and treatment of this rare entity.

Pitfalls in diagnostic imaging of cystic pancreatic masses: a case of true cystic lesion mimicking a mucinous cystadenoma

CONTEXT

Imaging characterization is a frequent topic in diagnostic evaluation of patients with pancreatic cystic lesions.

CASE REPORT

We present a patient with a true pancreatic cyst with internal septation in an adult female. The presence of the internal septum should be considered in the differential diagnosis, in fact in our case CT and MR imaging findings were incorrectly suggestive of mucinous cystadenoma.

CONCLUSION

True pancreatic cyst may show septate architecture and thus for imaging characterization this feature should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic pancreatic masses.

Pancreatic cystic lesions without overt cytologic atypia: proposed diagnostic categories for endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology with utilization of fluid carcinoembryonic antigen level

OBJECTIVES

It was the aim of this study to examine pancreatic cyst cases that lack markedly atypical or malignant epithelium on endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspirations.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective case review study, including 24 cases that were either acellular or lacked cytologic atypia and were subsequently resected. The cases were retrospectively divided into 3 categories: (1) non-diagnostic, (2) cyst contents only, and (3) cyst contents with bland-appearing epithelium. The cyst contents were subdivided into mucinous and non-mucinous types. The cytologic diagnoses were correlated with cyst fluid carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels and subsequent histologic diagnoses.

RESULTS

Category 1 comprised 4 cases: 2 cases (CEA >800 ng/ml) with mucin-producing neoplasms and 2 cases (CEA not determined) with microcystic serous cystadenomas. Category 2 included 4 cases with non-mucinous and 4 with mucinous contents. In the first subgroup, 2 cases (CEA >800 ng/ml) showed mucinous cystic neoplasms and 2 cases (CEA negligible or not determined) pseudocysts. In the second subgroup, there were 3 cases with neoplastic mucinous cysts (1 CEA >800 ng/ml, 2 not determined) and 1 case with a lymphoepithelial cyst with mucinous metaplasia (CEA >800 ng/ml). Almost all cases (10/11) in category 3 had neoplastic mucinous cysts regardless of the CEA levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed 3 cytologic categories of pancreatic cystic lesion combined with cyst fluid CEA levels provide useful clinical information.