Unusual gastric tumors: radiologic-pathologic correlation

Successful Resection of Gastric Subepithelial Lipoma Using the Bite-on-Bite Approach: Reviving Old Techniques in a Peripheral Hospital

Subepithelial lesions (SELs) are common findings in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They are often benign and asymptomatic but can cause symptoms in some cases. The approach to endoscopic management of these lesions depends on various factors, including associated symptoms, location, available equipment, and operator expertise. In this case report, we present a 50-year-old male with long-standing dyspepsia who was found to have a submucosal lesion in the stomach. The lesion was successfully treated using the bite-on-bite method with cold biopsy forceps. This report aims to discuss gastric subepithelial lesions and current management options, and highlight an old technique for endoscopists in the era of advanced endoscopy.

Transplantation of splenic tissue after splenectomy: A case report

Transplantation of splenic tissue is a rare condition that usually occurs after splenic trauma and splenectomy. It usually requires surgery for diagnosis and treatment. A 38-year-old Asian male with familial hemolytic disease underwent laparoscopic splenectomy for a traumatic rupture of the spleen one year prior. The patient developed middle-upper abdominal pain without any obvious cause, radiating to the back and chest seven months prior to presentation. The condition improved with conservative treatment but the patient experienced recurrent episodes. Abdominal CT suggested multiple gallstones in the gallbladder that changed after splenectomy and multiple nodules in the original splenic area; thus, transplantation of splenic tissue was considered. MRI suggested thick gall bladder bile, multiple stones and cholecystitis, and the spleen was not observed (the patient underwent laparoscopic splenectomy at our hospital one year previously due to traumatic splenic rupture); furthermore, there were multiple abnormal signal foci in the splenic area, so the possibility of spleen implantation was considered. Considering the patient's family history of a hereditary hemolytic disease, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed simultaneously with laparoscopic accessory splenectomy. The final pathological report revealed chronic cholecystitis, mixed calculi, red pulp dilation, hyperemia and bleeding in round tissue with blood clot formation and acute and chronic inflammatory cell infiltration. Clinicians must bear in mind the possibility of splenosis after splenic trauma and its image variations.

Mesenchymal tumors of the stomach: radiologic and pathologic correlation

Mesenchymal tumors of the stomach are uncommon, with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) being the most common among them. Majority of the tumors may arise from cells of Cajal, smooth muscle cells, neural cells, totipotent stem cells, adipocytes or fibroblasts. Imaging plays an important role not only in staging but also in characterizing these tumors. Many of these tumors have characteristic imaging features. GISTs usually present as large cavitating and necrotic tumors with exophytic component. Presence of fat tissue within the tumor suggests a lipoma or a teratoma, early phase hyperenhancement indicates glomus tumor and hemangioma, and delayed contrast enhancement is seen in schwannoma. Their differentiation from epithelial tumors like carcinoma and neuroendocrine tumors is often possible based on the location (mesenchymal tumors are intramural), spread, morphological appearance and enhancement patterns. However, overlapping features exist between these tumors with imaging often being only suggestive. A biopsy is necessary for a definitive diagnosis in many cases.

Gastric Glomus Tumor: A Rare Cause of Acute Blood Loss Anemia

Gastric glomus tumors (GGTs) are rare mesenchymal neoplasms that arise from cells of the glomus body. These occur in the submucosa of the gastric wall and are usually benign in nature. However, it is difficult to predict tumor behavior due to the lack of reliable histological features. Diagnosis can be challenging due to the lack of specific clinical features, and radiologic and endoscopic findings. Computed tomography (CT) scan, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) are key diagnostic modalities. However, the final diagnosis depends on the postoperative immunohistochemical and pathological analysis. Most GGTs can be cured by surgical or endoscopic resection. We report a case of GGT in a middle-aged woman who presented with new-onset anemia and was found to have a gastric mass that was later diagnosed as GGT after immunohistochemical staining.

Gastric glomus tumor: a case report and review of the literature

Introduction

Gastric glomus tumor is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm. There are only a few cases of the tumor showing malignancy, and there are no specific guidelines for the management of this entity.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 53-year-old Caucasian male who was hospitalized for anemia. Computerized tomography of the abdomen depicted a mass between the pylorus of the stomach and the first part of the duodenum. Preoperative diagnosis was achieved with pathology examination of the biopsies taken via endoscopic ultrasound and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. An antrectomy with Roux-en-Y anastomosis and appendicectomy, due to suspicion of appendiceal mucocele, were performed. The patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery and was discharged 5 days later.

Discussion

Preoperative diagnosis of a gastric glomus tumor is difficult owing to the location of the tumor and the lack of specific clinical and endoscopic characteristics. Furthermore, it is exceptional to establish diagnosis with biopsies taken through endoscopic ultrasound or upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, prior to surgical resection. Although most glomus tumors are benign and are not known to metastasize, there are rare examples of glomus tumors exhibiting malignancy. Treatment of choice is considered wide local excision with negative margins. However, long-term follow-up is required as there is the possibility of malignancy.

Conclusion

The aim of this report is to enlighten doctors about this uncommon pathologic entity. Surgical resection is considered the golden standard therapy to establish a diagnosis and evaluate the malignant potential.

Bronchial glomus tumor with calcification: A case report

BACKGROUND

Glomus tumors (GTs), defined by modified smooth cells and normal glomus body cells, usually present with a small mass occurring in the soft tissue or dermis of an extremity, especially in the subungual region. However, other unusual sites, such as the respiratory tract, have also been reported. They are usually sporadic. Their imaging findings are usually nonspecific and likely to appear as a well-delineated round mass that usually lacks calcification. To our knowledge, we report the first case of bronchial GTs with calcification, reminding clinicians and radiologists that GT is one of the differential diagnoses when a calcified nodular mass is found.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a case of a 33-yr-old Chinese man with cough and sputum for 11 d and hemoptysis for 5 d. Chest computed tomography revealed a calcified nodular lesion on the compressed posterior wall of the lower left main bronchus and bronchiectasis in the lower lobe of the left lung. To confirm the characteristics of calcified nodules, we performed fiberoptic bronchoscopy. The tumor tissue from the biopsy of bronchial mucosal lesions established the diagnosis of GT. Because the patient had no life-threatening symptoms, he was not treated with surgery. Clinical follow-up for 25 mo showed that the patient survived well without any discomfort.

CONCLUSION

Bronchial GTs are usually not accompanied by calcification on computed tomography scans. To our knowledge, we report the first calcified bronchial GT. We recommend that clinicians consider GT as a possible differential diagnosis when a calcified mass of the bronchi is found.

Enucleation of a giant symptomatic gastric lipoma, a safe surgical approach

Gastric lipomas are rare, representing 2–3% of all benign tumours of the stomach. Most of these stomach neoplasms are small and detected incidentally during endoscopic or radiology evaluations. Computed tomography is highly specific imaging for lipoma diagnosis. Endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound are other important diagnostic modalities to confirm the diagnosis. Identifying typical features can avoid biopsy or surgery in asymptomatic patients. In patients with larger lesions, usually more than 2 cm, clinical presentation may encompass haemorrhage, abdominal pain, pyloric obstruction and dyspepsia. As a result of its extreme low incidence, treatment is not standardized, though it is widely accepted that a symptomatic tumour mandates resection. Here, we present the case of a 60-year-old female presenting with abdominal pain and recurrent vomiting due to a giant gastric lipoma (80 × 35 × 35 mm). The patient underwent laparotomy and an enucleation was performed.

Gastric splenosis mimicking a gastrointestinal stromal tumor: A case report

BACKGROUND

Mass lesions located in the wall of the stomach (and also of the bowel) are referred to as “intramural.” The differential diagnosis of such lesions can be challenging in some cases. As such, it may occur that an inconclusive fine needle aspiration (FNA) result give way to an unexpected diagnosis upon final surgical pathology. Herein, we present a case of an intramural gastric nodule mimicking a gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).

CASE SUMMARY

A 47-year-old Caucasian woman, who had undergone splenectomy for trauma at the age of 16, underwent gastroscopy for long-lasting epigastric pain and dyspepsia. It revealed a 15 mm submucosal nodule bulging into the gastric lumen with smooth margins and normal overlying mucosa. A thoraco-abdominal computed tomography scan showed in the gastric fundus a rounded mass (30 mm in diameter) with an exophytic growth and intense enhancement after administration of intravenous contrast. Endoscopic ultrasound scan showed a hypoechoic nodule, and fine needle FNA was inconclusive. Gastric GIST was considered the most probable diagnosis, and surgical resection was proposed due to symptoms. A laparoscopic gastric wedge resection was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the seventh postoperative day. The final pathology report described a rounded encapsulated accumulation of lymphoid tissue of about 4 cm in diameter consistent with spleen parenchyma implanted during the previous splenectomy.

CONCLUSION

Splenosis is a rare condition that should always be considered as a possible diagnosis in splenectomized patients who present with an intramural gastric nodule.

Rare mesenchymal antral gastric tumors: Case reports of glomus tumor and plexiform fibromyxoma

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors account for the majority of the mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastric antrum, but other entities should also be considered. We present the case of a 70-year-old man with an ulcerated well-circumscribed polypoid submucosal mass in the gastric antrum which was proven to be a glomus tumor. CT showed progressive contrast enhancement. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a high T2 signal intensity and heterogeneous arterial contrast enhancement which became more homogeneous in later phases. We also present the case of a 50-year-old woman with a large polypoid mass occupying half the circumference of the distal gastric antrum that was proven to be a plexiform fibromyxoma. Contrast-enhanced CT and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a pattern of progressive and heterogeneous enhancement. Although gastrointestinal stromal tumors are the most frequent gastric mesenchymal neoplasms, other rare mesenchymal tumors such as glomus tumor and plexiform fibromyxoma may arise in the gastric antrum.

Peritumoral lymphoid cuff correlates well with lymph node enlargement in gastrointestinal schwannomas

Background/Aims

To determine the incidence of regional lymphadenopathy in gastrointestinal (GI) schwannoma and to evaluate the relationship between peritumoral lymphoid cuff and lymphadenopathy.

Methods

We queried 118 GI tract schwannomas and reviewed radiologic findings, intraoperative findings, and electronic medical records of all cases for enlarged regional lymph nodes.

Results

Location of tumors included 85 gastric (72%), 11 colonic (9.3%), 7 esophageal (5.9%), 3 pancreatic (2.5%), 1 hepatic (0.8%), and 11 mesenteric (9.3%). The size of the tumors ranged from 0.2 to 11 cm (mean 3.8 cm). Histologically, 70.3% showed a peritumoral lymphoid cuff ranging in thickness from 0.3 to 6 mm (mean 1.6 mm). The peritumoral lymphoid cuff was significantly more frequent in gastric schwannomas (78.8%) followed by colonic (72.7%), esophageal (57.1%) and rare in other locations (p = 0.001). Of the 106 cases for which clinical or radiologic data was available for, 76 cases (71.7%) showed regional lymphadenopathy. The presence of peritumoral lymphoid cuff showed significant correlation with regional lymphadenopathy (p < 0.001) and the size of enlarged lymph nodes (p = 0.002).

Conclusions

A peritumoral lymphoid cuff is frequently seen in GI tract schwannomas and correlates well with regional lymphadenopathy. However, in a significant subset (29.7%), a lymphoid cuff was not present warranting continued need for caution in the preoperative radiologic and postoperative pathologic diagnoses.

Giant gastric lipoma presenting as GI bleed: Enucleation or Resection?

INTRODUCTION

Gastric lipomas are unusual benign lesions and account for less than 1% of all tumours of the stomach and 5% of all gastrointestinal lipomas (Thompson et al.2003; Fernandez et al. 1983 [1,2]). Although predominantly asymptomatic and indolent; they may present with gastric outlet obstruction and upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding owing to size and ulceration. Only a few cases have been reported, presenting large in size with massive GI bleeding (Alcalde Escribano et al. 1989; Johnson et al. 1981 [3,4]).

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We report the case of a 62-year-old gentleman who presented to the emergency department with massive upper GI hemorrhage. He was initially resuscitated and stabilized. Later gastroscopy showed a large submucosal tumour (Fig. 1). Biopsy revealed adipose tissue. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis showed a huge well defined oval soft tissue lesion measuring about 16×8×8cm. The mass noted a homogenous fat density arising from the posterior wall of stomach with no extramural infiltration (Fig. 2). The tumour was completely enucleated through an explorative gastrotomy incision (Fig. 4).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Massive bleeding secondary to a giant gastric lipoma is a rare finding of a rare disease. The majority of cases in the literature result in major gastric resection. Familiarity with its radiological findings and a high index of suspicion can lead to proper diagnosis in the acute setting. If malignancy is carefully ruled out, stomach preserving surgery is an optimal treatment option.

A case of gastric lipoma resected by endoscopic submucosa dissection with difficulty in preoperative diagnosis

A 66-year-old man was referred to our hospital with an increasing subepithelial lesion in the gastric antrum. Using esophagogastroduodenoscopy, a tumor with a steep, 20-mm-high rise protruding in the lumen was observed. The mucosal surface of the tumor was reddish, with ulcers forming at the base. Moreover, the tumor was mobile and soft. A biopsy specimen was taken from the ulcer, but tumor tissue was not collected from the submucosa. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) showed a high echoic mass in the submucosa. However, because the mucosal surface of the ulceration was red, the mesenchymal tumor with internal bleeding was inferred to be lipoma. Additionally, because the tumor was small, flexible, and soft, collecting tumor tissue under EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration was inferred as difficult. We were unable to make a final diagnosis because the lesion showed a small tumor with atypical macroscopic morphology. Therefore, endoscopic submucosa dissection (ESD) was chosen for the diagnostic treatment. Sodium hyaluronate sufficient for separation from the muscular layer was injected into the submucosa. Then submucosal dissection was performed just above the muscle layer. Results demonstrate the possibility of removing the tumor reliably without perforation. Pathological evaluation of the ESD specimen indicated a diagnosis of gastric lipoma.

Systematic review of giant gastric lipomas reported since 1980 and report of two new cases in a review of 117110 esophagogastroduodenoscopies

AIM

To systematically review the syndrome of giant gastric lipomas, report 2 new illustrative cases.

METHODS

Literature systematically reviewed using PubMed for publications since 1980 with following medical subject heading/keywords: (“giant lipoma”) AND (“gastric”) OR [(“lipoma”) and (“gastric”) and (“bleeding”)]. Two authors independently reviewed literature, and decided by consensus which articles to incorporate. Computerized review of pathology/endoscopy records at William Beaumont Hospitals, Royal Oak and Troy, Michigan, January 2005-December 2015, revealed 2 giant gastric lipomas among 117110 consecutive esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGDs), which were thoroughly reviewed, including re-review of original endoscopic photographs, radiologic images, and pathologic slides.

RESULTS

Giant gastric lipomas are extremely rare: 32 cases reported since 1980, and 2 diagnosed among 117110 consecutive EGDs. Average patient age = 54.5 ± 17.0 years old (males = 22, females = 10). Maximal lipoma dimension averaged 7.9 cm ± 4.1 cm. Ulcerated mass occurred in 21 patients. Lipoma locations: antrum-17, body-and-antrum-4, antrum-intussuscepting-into-small-intestine-3, body-2, fundus-1, and unspecified-5. Intramural locations included submucosal-22, subserosal-2, and unspecified-8. Presentations included: acute upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding-19, abdominal pain-5, nausea/vomiting-5, and asymptomatic-3. Symptoms among patients with UGI bleeding included: weakness/fatigue-6, abdominal pain-4, nausea/vomiting-4, early-satiety-3, dizziness-2, and other-1. Their hemoglobin on admission averaged 7.5 g/dL ± 2.8 g/dL. Patients with GI bleeding had significantly more frequently ulcers than other patients. EGD was extremely helpful diagnostically (n = 31 patients), based on characteristic endoscopic findings, including yellowish hue, well-demarcated margins, smooth overlying mucosa, and endoscopic cushion, tenting, or naked-fat signs. However, endoscopic mucosal biopsies were mostly non-diagnostic (11 of 12 non-diagnostic). Twenty (95%) of 21 abdominal CTs demonstrated characteristic findings of lipomas, including: well-circumscribed, submucosal, and homogeneous mass with attenuation of fat. Endoscopic-ultrasound showed characteristic findings in 4 (80%) of 5 cases: hyperechoic, well-localized, mass in gastric-wall-layer-3. Transabdominal ultrasound and UGI series were generally less helpful. All 32 patients underwent successful therapy without major complications or mortality, including: laparotomy and full-thickness gastric wall resection of tumor using various surgical reconstructions-26; laparotomy-and-enucleation-2; laparoscopic-transgastric-resection-2; endoscopic-mucosal-resection-1, and other-1. Two new illustrative patients are reported who presented with severe UGI bleeding from giant, ulcerated, gastric lipomas.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review may help standardize the endoscopic and radiologic evaluation and therapy of patients with this syndrome.

Unusual gastric tumors and tumor-like lesions: Radiological with pathological correlation and literature review

Although gastric tumors have overlapping radiologic appearances, some unusual tumors may present specific imaging features. Using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), with water as a negative oral contrast agent and intravenous contrast medium, can provide critical information for the diagnosis of gastric diseases. In addition, MDCT can evaluate the involvement of the gastric wall and extragastric extent of the disease, as compared with gastroenteroscopy and double-contrast upper gastrointestinal study. Regarding lesion location and size, enhancing and growth patterns, presence of calcification or fat, and involvement of the gastric wall and adjacent structures, CT may provide useful information. In this review article, we review the relevant literature and discuss the CT features and the histopathologic findings of different types of gastric lesions. The lesions are divided into benign (glomus tumors, schwannomas, leiomyomas, and lipomas), malignant (gastrointestinal stromal tumors, mucinous carcinomas, lymphomas, and carcinoid tumors), and tumor-like lesions (ectopic pancreas and bezoar). Familiarity with imaging appearances and pathologic findings can help physicians make an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnostic performance of stomach CT compared with endoscopic ultrasonography in diagnosing gastric subepithelial tumors

PURPOSE

To evaluate the diagnostic ability of multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) compared to endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) as a standard reference, and investigate the factors influencing the detection of small gastric subepithelial tumors (SETs) (<5 cm) on MDCT with stomach protocol.

METHODS

We retrospectively investigated 70 patients who were suspected with gastric SETs on esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), and underwent both EUS and computed tomographic (CT) scanning. EUS was performed by two gastroenterologists, and location, size, echotexture, echogenicity, and layer of origin were described when gastric SETs were detected on EUS. MDCTs were reviewed based on consensus of two radiologists blinded to the EUS result. Size, location, enhancement pattern, and contour of the lesion detected on CT were described. We calculated the diagnostic ability of CT compared to EUS with respect to detection of gastric SETs, and investigated the factors influencing detection of SETs on CT. We also used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to obtain optimal cut-off size for predicting CT visibility of small SETs.

RESULTS

Of the 70 patients, who underwent both CT and EUS due to suspicious presence of SET on EGD, EUS detected 56 probable cases of SET and 14 cases of external compression. CT led to detection of 39 cases of SET out of the 56 cases. Sensitivity and specificity of CT was 69.6% and 100.0%, respectively. Positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of CT were 100.0% and 45.2%, respectively. There was a significant difference in mean size of CT-detected lesions compared to CT-invisible lesions (14.36 mm vs. 8.52 mm, p < 0.001), but no significant differences in terms of layer of origin and location between these two groups (p > 0.5) were observed. The ROC analysis revealed that the optimal cut-off value, also referred to prediction of CT visibility, was 10 mm. Out of 70 cases, 26 cases (37.14%) were identified as external compression or insignificant lesions such as lipoma, hemangioma, lymphangioma, or gastritis cystica on CT, and do not require regular follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Stomach CT shows good feasibility with respect to depiction of small SETs, especially in cases where size is larger than 10 mm. Henceforth, it is proposed that stomach CT would be a complimentary or problem-solving tool for SET in evaluating the presence of external compression and characterization of tumors.

Beyond gastric adenocarcinoma: Multimodality assessment of common and uncommon gastric neoplasms

Despite advances in molecular biology, imaging, and treatment, gastric neoplasms remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality; gastric adenocarcinoma is the fifth most common malignancy and third most common cause of death worldwide (Brenner et al., Methods Mol Biol 472:467-477, 2009; Howson et al. Epidemiol Rev 8:1-27, 1986; Roder, Gastric Cancer 5(Suppl 1):5-11, 2002; Ferlay et al., GLOBOCAN 2012 v1.0, Cancer Incidence and Mortality Worldwide: IARC CancerBase No. 11 [Internet]. International Agency for Research on Cancer, 2013). Because of both the frequency at which malignant gastric tumors occur as well as the worldwide impact, gastric neoplasms remain important lesions to identify and characterize on all imaging modalities. Despite the varied histologies and behaviors of these neoplasms, many have similar imaging features. Nonetheless, the treatment, management, and prognosis of gastric neoplasms vary by pathology, so it is essential for the radiologist to make every effort to differentiate between these lesions and raise the less common entities as differential diagnostic considerations when appropriate.

Gastric lipoma: an unusual cause of dyspeptic symptoms

Gastric lipomas are rare tumours accounting for 2-3% of all benign gastric tumours. These are usually submucosal in origin but in rare cases may be subserosal in origin. Although a majority of gastric lipomas are asymptomatic and usually detected incidentally, occasionally these can cause abdominal pain, dyspeptic disorders, obstruction, invagination and haemorrhages. In the literature, only 200 cases of gastric lipomas have been reported so far. We report a case of a 56-year-old female with a submucosal symptomatic gastric lipoma presenting with disabling dyspeptic symptoms.

Laparoscopic transgastric resection of a large pedunculated gastric lipoma

Large gastric lipomas are a rare condition. They are often asymptomatic but may present with upper gastrointestinal bleeding or gastric outlet obstruction. We describe the case of a 52-year-old woman with a large gastric lipoma presenting with pain due to intermittent prolapse through the pylorus. The patient was treated using a novel approach of laparoscopic transgastric resection and was discharged on postoperative day 3. She suffered no complication and her histology confirmed a gastric lipoma with clear surgical margins.

From the radiologic pathology archives: gastrointestinal lymphoma: radiologic and pathologic findings

Gastrointestinal (GI) lymphoma encompasses a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that have a common lymphoid origin but variable pathologic and imaging features. Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (ENMZL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are the most common. ENMZL usually occurs in the stomach, where it is associated with chronic infection by Helicobacter pylori, and is typically a superficial spreading lesion that causes mucosal nodularity or ulceration and mild wall thickening. DLBCL may arise de novo or from transformation of ENMZL or other low-grade lymphomas. This form of lymphoma produces extensive wall thickening or a bulky mass, but obstruction is uncommon. Mantle cell lymphoma is the classic cause of lymphomatous polyposis, but multiple polyps or nodules can also be seen with ENMZL and follicular lymphoma. Burkitt lymphoma is usually characterized by an ileocecal mass or wall thickening in the terminal ileum in young children, often in the setting of widespread disease. Primary GI Hodgkin lymphoma, which is rare, may be manifested by a variety of findings, though stenosis is more common than with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma is frequently associated with celiac disease and is characterized by wall thickening, ulceration, and even perforation of the jejunum. Accurate radiologic diagnosis of GI lymphoma requires a multifactorial approach based on the clinical findings, site of involvement, imaging findings, and associated complications.

Prognostic assessment and treatment of primary gastric lymphomas: how endoscopic ultrasonography can help in tailoring patient management

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) has recently gained a pivotal role in the management of gastric lymphomas, especially in the diagnostic workup. Its accuracy and reliability have overcome those of other imaging techniques, such that it represents an invaluable tool for the management of gastric lymphomas. Although this technique is operator dependent, its application in large series has proved its reliability. Thus, it has generally been considered a useful tool for providing information crucial in deciding the treatment program, especially for mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas, for which EUS can provide an accurate evaluation of disease extension and treatment response probability. Limited-stage disease, confined to the submucosa, has a greater probability to respond to sole Helicobacter pylori eradication. In contrast, the value of EUS in response assessment and follow-up monitoring is still debated, with discordant opinions about its reliability and clinical advantages, because normalization of the EUS findings occurs with a considerable delay compared to the histologic evaluation. In the follow-up setting, preliminary data have indicated that persistently positive EUS findings in low-grade gastric lymphoma could represent a warning for a possible relapse. However, in high-grade gastric lymphoma, such findings do not have any clinical implications.

Two cases of rare benign mucosal lesions of the stomach

Gastric lipomas are rare benign mesenchymal tumours comprising 3.2% of all gastrointestinal lipomas. Most patients are asymptomatic and the symptoms depend on the size and location of the mass. The patient may present with bleeding due to ulceration of the overlying mucosa, rarely obstruction and intussusception. We present two such rare mass lesions of the stomach presenting with bleeding symptoms.

Torsion of an abdominal-wall pedunculated lipoma: a rare differential diagnosis for right iliac fossa pain

Pedunculated lipomas arising from the peritoneal wall are a rare finding during abdominal surgery. These benign tumours of mesenchymal origin can arise anywhere in the body and are usually asymptomatic. We present a case of a torted, pedunculated parietal wall lipoma in the right iliac fossa that gave rise to a clinical diagnosis of appendicitis. To our knowledge, such a case has never been reported in the literature previously. We suggest that torsion of a pedunculated parietal lipoma is a rare differential of acute abdominal pain.

Gastric subepithelial masses: evaluation of multidetector CT (multiplanar reconstruction and virtual gastroscopy) versus endoscopic ultrasonography

OBJECTIVES

To assess the role of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) with multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) and virtual gastroscopy (VG) for detection and differentiation of gastric subepithelial masses (SEMs) by comparison with endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS).

METHODS

Forty-one patients with a suspected SEM were evaluated using EUS and MDCT. MDCT findings were analyzed based on the consensus of two radiologists who were blinded to the EUS findings. The analysis of the CT features included the location, size, and contours of the tumor, the presence of central dimpling, as well as the growth pattern, enhancement pattern, and enhancement degree. The long diameter (LD) and the short diameter (SD) of each lesion were measured and the LD/SD ratios were calculated. EUS and MDCT results were compared with histopathology for the pathologically proven lesions. For the non-pathologically proven lesions, MDCT results were compared with EUS.

RESULTS

Among the 41 patients, 34 SEMs were detected using EUS. For the detection of SEMs with MDCT, a sensitivity of 85.3%, a specificity of 85.7%, a positive predictive value of 96.7%, and a negative predictive value of 54.5% were calculated. The overall accuracy of MDCT for detecting and classifying the SEMs was 85.3 and 78.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

MDCT with MPR and VG is a valuable method for the evaluation of SEMs. Specific MDCT criteria for various SEMs may be helpful in making an accurate diagnosis.

Neoplastic stomach lesions and their mimickers: spectrum of imaging manifestations

This review illustrates a wide spectrum of gastric neoplasms with emphasis on imaging findings helpful in characterizing various gastric neoplasms. Both the malignant and benign neoplasms along with focal gastric masses mimicking tumour are illustrated. Moreover, imaging clues to reach an accurate diagnosis are emphasized.

CT, MRI, and PET findings of gastric schwannoma

Gastric schwannoma is a rare tumor that accounts for only 0.2 % of all gastric tumors. We report a case of gastric schwannoma that underwent computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and [(18)F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), and its histological confirmation was acquired. Gastric schwannoma showed high intensity on T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted MRI and high maximum standardized uptake on [(18)F]-FDG-PET. Lymphadenopathy close to the tumor was also found. Although diffusion-weighted MRI, [(18)F]-FDG-PET, and the presence of lymphadenopathy could suggest malignant tumors, the detail interpretation of the other CT and MRI findings may give a clue for the diagnosis of gastric schwannoma.

Gastroduodenal glomus tumors: differentiation from other subepithelial lesions based on dynamic contrast-enhanced CT findings

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to describe the CT features of gastroduodenal glomus tumors and determine the CT features differentiating glomus tumors from other subepithelial lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CT images of 89 pathologically proven small (≤ 5 cm) gastroduodenal glomus tumors (n = 11), gastrointestinal stromal tumors (n = 44), schwannomas (n = 15), ectopic pancreata (n = 12), and leiomyomas (n = 7) were retrospectively reviewed. For subjective analysis, location, shape, growth pattern, enhancement pattern, and presence of necrosis, calcification, and surface ulceration were analyzed. For objective analysis, the long and short diameters of the lesion, ratio of long to short diameter, thickness of the overlying layer, CT attenuation of the lesion and aorta, and lesion-to-aorta ratio in the arterial, portal venous, and equilibrium phases were measured. Among these findings, significant CT variables were determined with the chi-square, Fisher exact, and Student t tests. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to determine the optimal cutoff values of thickness of the overlying layer and lesion-to-aorta ratio that differentiate glomus tumor from other subepithelial lesions.

RESULTS

Typical location (antrum and duodenum), hemangioma-like enhancement pattern, overlying layer thickness 2.6 mm or greater, and portal venous phase lesion-to-aorta ratio 0.86 or greater were found to be significant variables for differentiating glomus tumors from other subepithelial lesions (p < 0.05). Among these CT findings, location and portal venous phase lesion-to-aorta ratio 0.86 or greater were highly sensitive findings for glomus tumor, and a hemangioma-like enhancement pattern was highly specific. All odds ratios were infinity. The odds ratio of overlying layer thickness of 2.6 mm or greater was 12.2 (95% CI, 2.9-51.8).

CONCLUSION

A subepithelial lesion with a lesion-to-aorta ratio less than 0.86 in the portal venous phase or not in the gastric antrum or duodenum is never a glomus tumor. On the contrary, a subepithelial lesion with hemangioma-like enhancement during dynamic CT is essentially a glomus tumor. On the basis of these CT findings, glomus tumor can be differentiated from other subepithelial lesions with high diagnostic accuracy.

Glomus tumor of the stomach: a clinicopathologic analysis of 10 cases and review of the literature

Background/Aims

Gastric glomus tumors are extremely rare, and presurgical confirmation is often impossible. The identification of clinical and radiologic characteristics of this tumor type is important for preoperative diagnosis and treatment planning.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed 10 cases of gastric glomus tumors resected at a single institute over 9 years.

Results

Eight of the patients were men and 2 were women, with a mean age of 49 years. Five patients presented with abdominal discomfort or pain, 1 presented with anemia, and the remaining 4 cases were found incidentally during endoscopic examinations. The most common location of the tumor was the antrum (n=7), followed by the low (n=2) and high body (n=1). Although the endoscopic ultrasonography findings were variable, contrast-enhanced computed tomography generally showed a strong homogeneous enhancement. The resected tumors were well-demarcated solid masses with sizes ranging from 1.0 to 3.6 cm. Microscopically, the masses were composed of abundant vascular channels with clusters of uniform and round glomus cells. There was no evidence of recurrence after complete surgical resection.

Conclusions

Gastric glomus tumors are unusual, distinct lesions that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a gastric submucosal mass. Unlike their deep soft tissue counterparts, most glomus tumors in the stomach are benign.

Unilateral lymphangiomatous polyp of the palatine tonsil in a very young child: a clinicopathologic case report

Childhood lymphangiomatous polyp of the palatine tonsil is a very unusual lesion found in the head and neck. Tonsillectomy has been reported to be the curative procedure of choice for this lesion. We report a case of a very young child with unilateral lymphangiomatous polyp of the palatine tonsil.

Hypervascular gastric masses: CT findings and clinical correlates

OBJECTIVE

This article focuses on masses that are hypervascular on IV contrast-enhanced CT.

CONCLUSION

The rising use of dual-phase IV contrast-enhanced CT will result in an increase in incidental detection of hypervascular gastric masses. Radiologists must be aware of the range of abnormalities that may appear as a hyperenhancing gastric mass because the differential diagnosis includes both benign and malignant lesions.

Malignant glomus tumor of the stomach with multiorgan metastases: report of a case

This report presents the case of a 65-year-old female patient with a malignant glomus tumor of the stomach, with metastases to the kidney and brain. The clinical presentation and imaging results are discussed, and the literature on malignant glomus tumors is reviewed.

Vasculogenic mimicry: a new prognostic sign of gastric adenocarcinoma

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) has been generally recognized as a new pattern of tumor neovascularization. It presents in many human malignancies. Till now, there is no report about VM in gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC). In this study, we collected 173 paraffin-embedded human GAC samples, with detailed follow-up and clinicopathologic data. CD31/ periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) double staining, immunohistochemical staining of CK8 & 18 and laminin were performed to validate the existence of VM in GAC. Microvascular density (MVD) and vasulogenic mimicry density (VMD) were counted respectively. VM was observed in 40 of the 173 GAC patients, especially in poorly differentiated GAC (P = 0.014). Patients with VM were prone to hematogenous metastasis and distant recurrence compared with patients without VM (P = 0.020, 0.029). Higher VMD values was also associated with hematogenous metastasis (P = 0.003). Immunohistochemical staining index (SI) of hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1alpha), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, and MMP-9 were compared between the VM and non-VM group. The SI of four factors were all higher in the VM group than those of non-VM group (P = 0.000, 0.000, 0.004, 0.009, respectively). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the VM group has shorter life span compared with non-VM group (P = 0.022). Cox proportional hazards model indicated that the presence of VM and TNM stage were independent predictors of poor prognosis (P = 0.039 and 0.004) for GAC. In conclusion, VM exists in GAC, especially in poorly differentiated GAC. Additionally, it is an unfavorable prognostic indictor for GAC. Hypoxia may play a role in VM formation in GAC.

Lower extremity glomus tumors: comprehensive review for surgeons

The diagnosis of a lower extremity glomus tumor (GT) is often delayed owing to the lack of awareness and low level of suspicion by the treating physician. GT is thought to arise from cutaneous arteriovenous connections, often involving the nail beds. The unusual location of the lower extremity often leads to missed or delayed diagnosis and management. Surgical excision of GT is often curative and provides significant symptomatic relief. There is a paucity of information in regard to GT in general, especially among vascular surgeons. The aim of this report is to make the surgical community more aware of this disease entity based on the analysis of our own experience and review of the literature.

Cross-sectional imaging of gastric neoplasia

The detection of gastric neoplasia has traditionally been limited to barium examination and direct visualization at endoscopy. The rapid development of techniques such as multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has resulted in more accurate diagnosis and staging of gastric neoplasia. In this review we describe the normal anatomy of the stomach with multi-modality illustrations and review the imaging manifestations of gastric neoplasia, including adenocarcinoma, lymphoma, neuroendocrine and gastro-intestinal stromal tumours. We also describe the optimal techniques for up-to-date and accurate gastric imaging, outlining the role of MDCT and EUS.

Role of EUS and MDCT in the diagnosis of gastric submucosal tumors according to the revised pathologic concept of gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs) consist of various lesions arising from the deep layers of the stomach. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are undoubtedly the commonest malignant SMTs of the stomach, and therefore the attitude towards the general diagnostic approach for GISTs defines the extended diagnostic plan for SMTs. Two recent consensus meetings were assembled concerning the classification and therapeutic plans for GISTs. These meetings shed light upon the need for the modification of the current role of imaging modalities, including endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and computed tomography (CT). According to the revised concepts of GISTs, the most important and plausible current role of imaging for the diagnostic approach of gastric SMTs is to differentiate GISTs from other gastric SMTs. This review discusses the newly established diagnostic role of radiology according to the revised classification of GISTs and provides the differential diagnoses based on EUS and CT findings.

Symptomatic subserosal gastric lipoma successfully treated with enucleation

Gastric lipomas are rare tumors, accounting for 2%-3% of all benign gastric tumors. They are of submucosal or extremely rare subserosal origin. Although most gastric lipomas are usually detected incidentally, they can cause abdominal pain, dyspeptic disorders, obstruction, invagination, and hemorrhages. Subserosal gastric lipomas are rarely symptomatic. There is no report on treatment of subserosal gastric lipomas in the English literature. We present a case of a 50-year-old male with symptomatic subserosal gastric lipoma which was successfully managed with removal, enucleation of lipoma, explorative gastrotomy and edge resection for histology check of gastric wall. The incidence of gastric lipoma, advanced diagnostic possibilities and their role in treatment modalities are discussed.

[Gastric calcifying fibrous pseudotumor, a rare mesenchymal tumor of the stomach]

We report a case of calcifying fibrous pseudotumor fortuitously discovered on abdominal CT-scan in a 50 year-old woman presenting with metrorragia. CT-scan showed a 2 cm hypodense nodular tumor of the gastric wall with granular calcifications. Upper endoscopy showed a nodular tumor along the lesser curvature of the gastric body, covered by normal gastric mucosa and biopsies were negative. A diagnosis of gastric stromal tumor was suspected and a partial gastrectomy was performed. On gross examination surgical specimen showed a firm, whitish nodular tumor measuring 2 cm in diameter. On microscopic examination the tumor was composed of whorls of dense hyalinized collagen bundles with a few fibroblasts. There were psammomatous calcifications and nodular aggregates of mononuclear inflammatory cells. Immunohistochemically, spindle cells stained for vimentin. They did not stain for smooth muscle actin, desmin, CD34, CD117, S100 protein, Ki-67 and ALK-1. Surgical resection of the tumor was complete. Patient has no evidence of disease with a follow-up of 12 months. Only seven cases of gastric calcifiying fibrous pseudotumors have been reported in the literature. These benign tumors are usually incidentally discovered. They have characteristic imaging and microscopic features and appear as a distinct clinicopathologic entity different from stromal tumors.

Cross-sectional imaging of extranodal involvement in abdominopelvic lymphoproliferative malignancies

Extranodal lymphoproliferative diseases are common, and their prevalence is increasing. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas and Hodgkin disease, in particular, frequently involve extranodal structures in the abdomen and pelvis, including both the solid organs (liver, spleen, kidneys, and pancreas) and the hollow organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Because virtually any abdominopelvic tissue may be involved, many different imaging manifestations are possible, and lymphoproliferative diseases may mimic other disorders. Familiarity with the imaging manifestations that are diagnostically specific for extranodal lymphoproliferative diseases is important because imaging plays an important role in the noninvasive management of disease. However, a definitive diagnosis requires a biopsy (of bone marrow, a lymph node, or a mass), a peripheral blood analysis, and other laboratory tests. In patients with known disease, the goals of imaging are staging, evaluation of response to therapy, and identification of new or recurrent disease or of complications of therapy. In patients without known disease, imaging permits a provisional diagnosis.