Intrahepatic lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma not associated with epstein-barr virus: a case report

Lymphoepithelioma-Like Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Associated with Epstein-Barr Virus and Hepatitis Virus: Case Report and a Literature Review

Background

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the liver is a rare primary malignancy of the liver. The identification of lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma is very limited as there are currently very few reports of such cases. Although previous studies have reported the lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma pathologic features, few studies have revealed the clinic features, imaging characteristics, and clinical course and outcomes. This study was analyzed from multiple aspects such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and pathological characteristics, aiming to improve the comprehensive understanding of this rare subtype of disease.

Case Presentation

A 43-year-old female with a history of hepatitis B for over 20 years presented with a lesion found in the right lobe of her liver. After discussion by a multidisciplinary team (MDT), malignant tumors cannot be excluded based on contrast-enhanced ultrasound and MRI. Thus, we decided to perform surgery for the patient. Postoperative pathology confirmed lymphoepithelioma-like intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. After 3 months of follow-up, the patient was still alive and no recurrence was observed.

Conclusion

The purpose of this article is to describe a rare case of lymphoepithelioma-like intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and analyze its contrast-enhanced ultrasound and contrast-enhanced MRI features, which will be helpful for physicians in diagnosing this disease. From the perspective of CEUS, the wedge-shaped highly enhanced area around the lesion in the arterial phase appears to be inflammatory but looks malignant based on the extremely fast washout. The lesion showed a low signal on T1WI, a high signal on T2WI and DWI, and an abnormal perfusion shadow can be seen behind the lesion. In particular, this subtype of cholangiocarcinoma has a good prognosis, the clinician should improve the recognition of the disease to strive for early diagnosis and therapy.

EpsteinBarr virusassociated lymphoepitheliomalike intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: A report of 3 cases and literature review

Hepatic lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) is an extremely rare malignant tumor characterized by undifferentiated malignant epithelial cells and significant lymphatic infiltration. Hepatic LELC mainly includes lymphoepithelioma-like hepatocellular carcinoma (LEL-HCC) and lymphoepithelioma-like intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (LEL-CC). Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is considered as an important factor in LELC carcinogenesis. Since 2005, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University has treated a total of 3 patients with EBV-associated LEL-CC, which all showed liver masses by CT scans. After surgical resection, the EBV encoded RNA (EBER) and CK19 expression in all 3 patients were positive, and pathological examination confirmed EBV-associated LEL-CC. Two patients had a good postoperative prognosis, while 1 patient received relevant immunotherapy and chemotherapy after surgery. Based on the analysis of existing literature, the author believes that hepatic LELC can be included in the classification of liver tumors, which will provide new ideas for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of hepatic LELC.

Potential missed opportunities for diagnosis of lymphoepithelioma-like intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: report of a rare case

Lymphoepithelioma-like intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (LEL-ICC) is a rare distinctive variant of liver cancer with unique epidemiological and pathological characteristics, including dense lymphocyte infiltration. We herein describe a 67-year-old Chinese man with LEL-ICC. The patient had undergone endoscopic extraction of a bile duct stone 1 month prior. Contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed a 2.5- × 2.5- × 1.5-cm low-density mass located in a covert part of the left lateral segment of the liver. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging revealed a hyperintense lesion on T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted images of the left lateral liver, with similar size and signal characteristics in the arterial and portal venous phases. The patient subsequently underwent left lateral laparoscopic hepatectomy. The results of postoperative pathology and immunohistochemistry allowed for the definitive diagnosis. In situ hybridization using an Epstein-Barr virus-encoded RNA probe revealed extensive reactivity in the tumor cell nuclei, supporting a diagnosis of LEL-ICC. The patient was recurrence-free at 12 months postoperatively as shown by CT. A literature review indicated that in middle-aged patients with Epstein-Barr virus infection, a liver mass with a well-defined margin and a combination of hypervascularity and delayed intratumoral enhancement on CT and magnetic resonance imaging may suggest a diagnosis of LEL-ICC.

The MR Imaging of Primary Intrahepatic Lymphoepithelioma-like Cholangiocarcinoma: A Diagnostic Challenge

PURPOSE

To characterize the magnetic resonance imaging features of primary intrahepatic lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma (LELCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-four patients with 38 histologically confirmed LELCCs were enrolled retrospectively from January 2014 to August 2022. We evaluated the clinical features, histologic findings, and imaging manifestations on dynamic enhanced MRI.

RESULTS

74% (25/34) of the cases were associated with EBV infection. Moreover, patients infected with EBV exhibited a lower level of Ki-67 proliferation. The serum CA199 level was elevated in 10 patients. The median tumor diameter was 2.8 cm (range, 1.1-8.7 cm). Most tumors were well-defined with a smooth or lobulated margin and showed peripheral hyperintensity and central hypointensity on T2-weighted imaging (T2WI). T2 hyperintense foci were recognized in 8 patients. In the dynamic enhanced MRI, 21 tumors demonstrated Type A enhancement pattern (rim enhancement), 10 demonstrated Type B (rapid wash-in and wash-out), and seven demonstrated Type C (rapid wash-in without wash-out). Capsular enhancement in PVP or DP was found in 22 tumors. A few patients had satellite lesions, portal vein thrombosis, bile duct dilatation, and distal metastasis. Lymph node metastases were discovered pathologically in 11 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

MRI findings of LELCC vary and are non-specific. While a majority of LELCCs exhibit typical features of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), unique findings like T2 hyperintense foci or capsular enhancement could suggest LELCC. EBV infection and elevated tumor markers can aid in differentiation. However, given the mimics of some cases of liver hypervascular lesions, histological examination remains essential for definitive diagnosis.

Distinct radiological features of lymphoepithelioma-like intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: comparison with classical intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Lymphoepithelioma-like intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (LEICC) has been recently introduced as a genetically distinct of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). We aimed to investigate whether LEICC has distinct radiological characteristics in comparison with classical ICC, and to determine MRI features that can be used to differentiate LEICC from classical ICC.

METHODS

Five hundred and sixty-seven consecutive patients who underwent surgical resection or liver transplantation for ICC between 2014 and 2021 were retrospectively identified. Among them, 30 patients with LEICC (LEICC-cohort) and 116 with stage-matched classical ICC (control-cohort) were finally included. Pre-operative MRI data were compared between the two cohorts. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine relevant imaging features suggesting the diagnosis of LEICC over classical ICC.

RESULTS

LEICCs showed significantly higher frequencies of a non-rim arterial phase hyperenhancement (APHE), washout on post-arterial images and a smooth margin, as well as less frequencies of perilesional enhancement and liver capsular retraction when compared with classical ICCs (P < 0.05 for all). The multivariate analysis revealed that non-rim APHE (odds ratio, 10.863; 95% CI [3.295-35.821]; P < 0.001) and the absence of perilesional enhancement (odds ratio, 3.350; 95% CI [1.167-9.619]; P = 0.025) are significant independent imaging features that suggest the diagnosis of LEICCs over classical ICCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with classical ICCs, LEICCs do have distinct radiological characteristics. A smooth margin, non-rim APHE, washout on post-arterial images, absent perilesional enhancement and absent liver capsular retraction are useful MRI features that could help to differentiate LEICCs from classical ICCs.

Case Report: Primary lymphoepithelioma-like intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Background

Lymphoepithelioma-like intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (LEL-ICC) is a rare variant of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection was considered to play a pivotal role in the tumorigenesis of LEL-ICC. It is difficult to diagnosis of LEL-ICC due to the lack of specific features regarding the laboratory test results and imaging findings. At present, the diagnosis of LEL-ICC mainly depends on the histopathologic and immunohistochemical examinations. In addition, the prognosis of LEL-ICC was better than classical cholangiocarcinomas. To our knowledge, only few cases of LEL-ICC have been reported in the literature.

Case presentation

We presented a case of a 32-year-old Chinese female with LEL-ICC. She had a 6-month history of upper abdominal pain. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a 1.1× 1.3 cm lesion in the left lobe of liver, appearing low signal intensity on T1-weighted images and high signal intensity on T2-weighted images. The patient underwent laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy. The postoperative histopathologic and immunohistochemical examinations results allowed for the definitive diagnosis of LEL-ICC. The patient was free from tumor recurrence after a 28 months follow-up.

Conclusion

In this study, we reported a rare case of LEL-ICC associated with both HBV and EBV infection. EBV infection might play a pivotal role in the carcinogenesis of LEL-ICC, and surgical resection is still the most effective treatment at present. Further research on the etiology and treatment strategies of LEL-ICC is required.

Lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma not associated with Epstein-Barr virus or hepatitis virus: case report and literature review of 100 reported cases

Lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma (LEL-CC) is a type of lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) and a rare variant of primary liver tumor. Although it is uncommon and only 100 cases have been reported thus far, the number of reports has increased in recent years. LEL-CC reportedly occurs more frequently in Asian women; Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and hepatitis viruses are both strongly associated with tumor development. Here, we describe a 76-year-old woman who exhibited LEL-CC not associated with EBV or hepatitis virus. She was referred to our department with a 3.0-cm × 2.8-cm tumor in the left lobe of the liver. Based on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings, the tumor was preoperatively diagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma. Thus, we performed extended left hepatectomy with caudal lobectomy. Histopathological examinations revealed columnar tumor cells with atypical nuclei that proliferated in a cord-like or glandular tubular pattern with dense lymphocytic infiltration. Immunohistochemical analysis showed negative HepPar-1 and arginase findings, indicating non-hepatocyte origin; however, the biliary-type cytokeratins CK7 and CK19 were detected. Based on these findings, the tumor was identified as LEL-CC. EBV-encoded RNA in situ hybridization findings were negative; the patient's clinical characteristics were not suggestive of hepatitis virus infection. In conclusion, we suggest that clinicians consider LEL-CC as a differential diagnosis for liver tumors in Asian women, including patients without EBV or hepatitis virus.

Epstein-Barr virus infection-associated cholangiocarcinoma: a report of one case and the review of literature

The clinical data of a patient with Epstein-barr virus (EBV) associated with cholangiocarcinoma was reported in this paper: a case of a 36-year-old female presented with abdominal pain and systemic skin yellowing combined with skin itching. Laboratory studies showed increase in alanine aminotransferase 242 U/L, aspartate aminotransferase 404 U/L, r-glutamyltransferase 1516 U/L, total bilirubin 308.2 µmol/L and CA199 (101.0 U/ml). AFP (4.5 ng/ml) was normal. CT revealed multiple space-occupying lesions in the liver. PET-CT revealed liver malignant tumor and lymph node metastasis. Liver puncture pathology revealed infiltrative growth of significant heterocyst nests in the liver tissue, which was morphologically consistent with malignant tumors, considering poorly differentiated carcinoma. Pathology suggestion: combining liver puncture with morphology, immunohistochemistry, and EBV in situ hybridization results, it was consistent with EB virus-associated poorly differentiated carcinoma, therefore, consider EBV infection-associated poorly differentiated cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) (LELC morphology). The patient underwent liver transplantation in Hangzhou Shulan Hospital on June 8, 2021 successfully. After surgery, the patient orally took tacrolimus for anti-rejection, entecavir for antiviral therapy, gemcitabine 1.2 g + cis-platinum 30 mg for chemotherapy. After following up for more than 5 months post liver transplantation, the condition of the patient deteriorated. The patient subsequently died. Based on the case of our patient and the review of existing literature, when the patient's serum CA199 increased, AFP did not change significantly, and there was no previous history of hepatitis B. CT revealed a low-density mass in the liver, ring enhancement in the arterial phase, and heterogeneous enhancement of the tumor in the delayed phase. Ring enhancement of the liver lesion mass was observed on MRI. Consider the might possibility of hepatic CCA. When patients showed recurrent tonsillitis at an early age, EBV virus infection should be vigilant and oropharyngeal tissue should persist, diagnosis of EBV-associated liver cancer should be considered. In particular, EBV infection-related liver cancer is relatively rare, the clinician should improve the recognition of the disease to strive for early diagnosis and therapy.

Lymphoepithelioma-like neoplasm of the biliary tract with 'probable low malignant potential'

AIMS

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinomas (LELCs) are uncommon epithelial cancers characteristically showing two distinct components consisting of malignant epithelial cells and prominent dense lymphoid infiltrate. Hepatic LELCs consist of two types, the lymphoepithelioma-like hepatocellular carcinoma and lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma (LEL-CCA), with the latter being strongly associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We present a series of three cases of intrahepatic biliary EBV-associated LEL tumours in which the biliary epithelial component showed a distinctly benign appearance, instead of the usual malignant epithelial features of a typical CCA or EBV-associated LEL-CCA. In the lesions, the biliary epithelium showed interconnecting glands or cords of cells. All had a very low proliferation (Ki-67) index. Immunohistochemistry for IDH1 and TP53 performed on two cases was negative and molecular tests for EGFR and KRAS gene mutations performed on one were negative. Prognosis was very good in all three cases, with patients alive with no evidence of disease 24-62 months after surgery. Intriguingly, all three cases had co-infection of HBV and EBV. These cases are also discussed in the context of the 63 cases of LEL-CCA available in the literature, with a focus on epidemiology, clinicopathological features and potential research interests.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the distinct clinicopathological features and unique survival benefits, we believe these tumours represent the benign end of the spectrum of EBV-associated lymphoepithelial biliary carcinomas. Whether these tumours require a revision of the current nomenclature to 'lymphoepithelioma-like neoplasm of the biliary tract with probable low malignant potential' will require more detailed analysis with larger case-series.

Lymphoepithelioma-like Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Is a Distinct Entity With Frequent pTERT/TP53 Mutations and Comprises 2 Subgroups Based on Epstein-Barr Virus Infection

The molecular characteristics of lymphoepithelioma-like intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (LELCC) remain elusive. We examined 27 LELCC cases through next-generation sequencing using a panel of genes commonly mutated in primary liver cancers. Alterations in BAP1, ARID1A, ARID2, and PBRM1 were detected through immunohistochemistry. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed to analyze FGFR2 fusions and CCND1 amplification. LELCC is histologically classified as predominantly undifferentiated or glandular. Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA (EBER) expression was found in 16 LELCCs. Approximately 50% of LELCCs expressed programmed death-ligand 1 strongly. Notably, recurrent pTERT and TP53 mutations were detected in 9 (38%) and 8 (33%) tumors, respectively. Only 2 LELCCs exhibited loss of expression for PBRM1. Alterations in genes typically involved in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, including IDH1, IDH2, ARID1A, ARID2, and BAP1, and FGFR2 fusions, were not identified. The 2-step clustering analysis showed 2 distinct subgroups in LELCC, which were separated by EBER expression. A meta-analysis of all reported cases (n=85) has shown that EBER+ LELCC is strongly associated with the female sex, younger age, and exhibited predominantly glandular differentiation (P=0.001, 0.012, and <0.001, respectively). Patients with EBER- LELCC were more likely to have viral hepatitis and cirrhosis (P=0.003 and 0.005, respectively). Genetic analysis demonstrated that EBER- LELCC was significantly associated with pTERT and TP53 mutations (P=0.033 and 0.008, respectively). In conclusion, LELCC is genetically distinct from intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. EBER- LELCC may exhibit a different pathogenesis from EBER+ LELCC. High programmed death-ligand 1 expression in LELCC has implications for potential immunotherapeutic strategies.

Lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma with Epstein-Barr virus infection treated by radiofrequency ablation

Lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma (LELCC) is a rare intrahepatic tumor. There are usually no specific physical findings, and the tumors are often diagnosed incidentally and are frequently large-sized at diagnosis. The imaging findings of LELCC resemble those of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Tumors are often found in large-sized and advanced at diagnosis, and the main treatment of the disease is surgical resection. Herein, we report treating a patient with early stage LELCC by radiofrequency ablation (RFA). We diagnosed this tumor in a 27-year-old Chinese female with a history of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Based on the findings of blood examination, abdominal ultrasonography, and gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), this tumor was diagnosed as suspected HCC. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous tumor biopsy and RFA were performed at the same time. The histopathological findings finally revealed the diagnosis of LELCC. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report, in the English-language literature, of the treatment of LELCC by RFA; we suggest that RFA might be a candidate treatment for small-sized early stage LELCC.

The CT and MRI Features of Primary Intrahepatic Lymphoepithelioma-Like Cholangiocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of our study was to retrospectively characterize the CT and MRI features of primary intrahepatic lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma (LELCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS. Eleven patients (10 women and one man; age range, 30-63 years) with 11 pathologically proven LELCCs were enrolled retrospectively from April 2016 to December 2018. Triphasic enhanced images were obtained of all patients: MR images of five patients, CT images of five patients, and both CT and MR images of one patient. The clinical data and CT and MRI findings were reviewed. RESULTS. All LELCC cases were associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. Eight of the 11 patients had hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The tumor diameter ranged from 1.1 to 8.7 cm. All tumors were well defined with a smooth or lobulated margin. A cystic area was noted in two of the 11 tumors. After the administration of contrast material, the tumors showed homogeneous (n = 7) or heterogeneous (n = 4) hypervascular arterial enhancement and gradual washout, delayed central scar or irregular enhancement (n = 9), delayed circular thin or incomplete pseudocapsule enhancement (n = 7), and homogeneous hypointensity in the hepatobiliary phase (n = 2). No cirrhosis, focal dilatation of intrahepatic ducts, or satellite nodules were detected. Lymphadenopathy were detected in four patients, appearing as hypervascular enhancement and no necrosis (even in multiple nodes > 3 cm) or as moderate peripheral enhancement and necrosis. CONCLUSION. A liver mass in a middle-aged woman with EBV and HBV infection that appears on CT and MRI to have a well-defined boundary and a combination of hypervascularity, washout, delayed intratumoral enhancement, or pseudocapsule enhancement may suggest an imaging diagnosis of primary LELCC. More cases are needed to better understand this disease.

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma in liver not associated with Epstein-Barr virus: a report of 3 cases and literature review

Background

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma is a rare distinctive variant of liver cancer with unique epidemiological and pathological characteristics, characterized by dense lymphocyte infiltration. It can be divided into lymphoepithelioma-like hepatocellular carcinoma and lymphoepithelioma-like intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Existing research shows that the prognosis of this tumor is good. To date, only 101 cases have been reported.

Case presentation

The first patient was a 62-year-old Chinese man with hepatitis B virus infection who presented with a single lesion in the liver. The patient underwent surgical treatment and was discharged on the 4th day. The patient was diagnosed with combined lymphoepithelioma-like hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma; he has been alive for 15 months. The second patient was a 63-year-old Chinese woman with right upper abdominal pain and hepatitis B virus infection. The imaging examination revealed a single lesion in the liver. The patient underwent surgical treatment and was discharged 1 week later. The patient was diagnosed with lymphoepithelioma-like hepatocellular carcinoma and was considered to have recurrence in the lymph nodes approximately 2 years after the operation. The patient underwent local radiotherapy; she has been alive for 60 months. The third patient was a 50-year-old Chinese man with hepatitis B virus infection who presented with a single lesion in the liver and two enlarged lymph nodes. The patient received liver puncture before surgery to indicate lymph node metastasis and experienced local recurrence after liver resection. The patient underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The patient was diagnosed with lymphoepithelioma-like hepatocellular carcinoma. The patient was deceased at 24-month follow-up.

Conclusions

This article reports 3 cases without Epstein-Barr virus and reviews the current literature, which suggests even mixed pathological type or locally advanced cases of LELC with lymph node metastasis and postoperative recurrence should be actively treated for a longer survival period.

A case of small well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma with marked lymphocytic infiltrate

We herein report a case of well-differentiated small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with severe lymphocytic infiltrate (SLI) in a 55-year-old male patient with HCV-related cirrhosis. The patient had been followed-up because of HCV-related cirrhosis. He was found to have two small nodules in S8 by imaging techniques, and he underwent S8 segmentectomy. The resected liver showed two small nodules. Both were encapsulated, well-defined, solid, reddish and expansive nodules with fibrous septa. They measured 8 × 8 mm and 15 × 10 mm, respectively. Histologically, both tumours were pure HCC; the smaller showed SLI with lymphocytes/HCC cells ratio over 20, while the larger showed mild lymphocytic infiltration with lymphocytes/HCC cells ratio of 0.8. The smaller HCC was well-differentiated (trabecular thickness <3) HCC-SLI with Edmondson II = I cytologic atypia, while the larger was moderately-differentiated (trabeculae >3) HCC (Edmondson II>III>I). Extremely well-differentiated Edmondson I HCC or adenomatous hyperplasia areas were seen in the periphery of both HCCs. The patterns of SLI could be classified into the following three: sinusoids (S) type, portal tract (PT) type, lymph follicle (LF) type. In S-type, lymphocytes were infiltrated between the trabeculae. In PT-type, SLI was found to arise from extension from already inflamed PT within HCC or neighboring PT. The HCC cells frequently exhibited moth-eaten or piece meal necrosis in PT-type. In LF-type, lymphocytes were activated, and nuclear dusts were noted. It appeared that LF-type has arisen from preexisting S-type and/or PT-type. We speculated that the entry of SLI was from S in S-type, from incorporated inflamed PT in PT-type, and from both in LF-type. The approximate overall positive ratios of lymphoid cells among inflammatory cells were as follows: CD20 50%, CD3 70%, CD4 50%, CD8 30%, CD138 3%, CD163 40%, granzyme B 2%, smooth muscle actin (SMA) 30%, CD31 30%, CD21 2%, S100 3%, bcl-2 10%, CK19 1%, CD10 1%, CD30 0%, CD56 0% and Ki67 labeling index = 5%. EBV-ISH and HPV IHC were negative. Interestingly, Kupffer cells had myofibroblastic antigen in addition to macrophage antigens, and stellate cells expressed macrophage antigens aside from myofibroblastic antigens. These data suggest that, in the present case, pan-B-cells, pan-T-cells, helper T-cells, cytotoxic T-cells, plasma cells, macrophages, Kupffer cells, stellate cells, myofibroblasts, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, dendritic cells, Langerhans cells, and toxic molecules may play roles in tumour immunology.

Lymphoepithelioma-like intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with Epstein-Barr virus infection: report of a rare case

Lymphoepithelioma-like intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (LEL-ICC) is an uncommon lesion. Less than 100 cases of hepatic LELC, including IEL-HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma) and IEL-ICC, have been described, and the understanding of the LELC is very limited. We report the case of a 75-year-old woman with LEL-ICC. She complained of finding a lesion located in the left lateral liver during her last check-up 2 years ago. The contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a low-density mass located in the left lateral liver with an estimated magnitude of 20×16 mm. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated two T2 high-signal intensity foci in the left lateral liver, with similar size and signal manifestation in the arterial and portal venous phases. The patient underwent laparoscopic left lateral hepatectomy. The postoperative pathological and immunohistochemical examination findings allowed for the definitive diagnosis. A literature review indicated that a geriatric Asian female with a single lesion located in the liver should consider the possibility of LEL-ICC. An Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection might play a crucial role in the tumorigenesis of LEL-ICC, and surgical resection was the first choice for treating LEL-ICC.

Ultrasonographic findings of intrahepatic lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma associated with Epstein-Barr virus: Two cases report

RATIONALE

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma (LELCC) is an extremely rare primary liver tumor with nonspecific clinical manifestations. The clinicopathological features of EBV-associated LELCC have been reported in a few cases. But reports of the tumor's imaging characteristics, particularly ultrasonographic findings, are very rare.

PATIENT CONCERNS

The first patient was a 64-year-old man with left upper quadrant pain and no nausea and dizziness for about 3 months. The second patient was a 40-year-old man, had an incidental finding of a hepatic tumor in a routine health checkup at a local hospital.

DIAGNOSES

In the first patient, the abdominal ultrasound demonstrated a slightly heterogeneous hypoechoic nodule in segment 3 of the liver. The nodule was about 2.0 cm × 1.7 cm in size, with a clear margin and regular shape. Color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) revealed no blood flow signals in this nodule. According to the clinical information and imaging features, it was difficult to determine the diagnosis of the nodule. In the second patient, gray-scale ultrasound revealed a slightly heterogeneous hypoechoic mass measuring 3.5 cm × 2.5 cm with well-defined margin and regular shape at the superior segment of the left hepatic lateral lobe. There was a blurrily hypoechoic halo around the mass. In contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), the mass was homogeneous hyperenhancement in the arterial phase. In the portal phase and late phase, the center enhancement of the mass washed out gradually, presenting hypoenhancement, Therefore, the tumor was diagnosed as malignancy.

INTERVENTION

Finally, a laparoscopic left hepatic lateral lobectomy was performed in the first patient. The second patient underwent a left hepatectomy with cholecystectomy.

OUTCOMES

The first patient has been alive without recurrence or distant metastases for 11 months since the surgery. The second patient received routine follow-up after surgery. Until now, he has been tumor-free for 32 months.

LESSONS

We mainly focus on the ultrasound characteristics of EBV-associated LELCC, especially its enhancement patterns on CEUS, which may provide valuable information for diagnosis of the LELCC. When a liver tumor with typical CEUS patterns of malignancy is found in middle-aged adults with EBV positive, the possibility of EBV-related LELCC should be considered.

Surgical treatment for metastasis from lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma in the liver: A case report

RATIONALE

Lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma (LEL-CC) is a rare variant of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), which is characterized by the better outcome than normal ICC. There is no report about the treatment for the metastasis of the LEL-CC. Here, we describe a rare case of LEL-CC of the liver and report the treatment for metastasis of it.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 38-year-old woman with a chronic hepatitis B infection was referred to the department of liver surgery in our hospital with a mass in the liver.

DIAGNOSES

A past ultrasound examination had revealed a 28 mm × 16 mm nodular lesion in the right posterior lobe of the liver in May 2013. She had undergone partial resection of the thyroid gland for papillary carcinoma 1 year earlier.

INTERVENTION

Suspicious of the metastasis from thyroid cancer, she underwent surgery with liver segmentectomy. The pathologic diagnosis of the lesion was LEL-CC. After surgery, she regularly got checked in our hospital, and in the 6 months after surgery, there was enlargement of lymph node before the inferior vena cava in CT. The doctor did not detect the enlargement of the lymph node until June 2017. The PET-CT was done in June of 2017, which showed the lymph node was hypermetabolic.

OUTCOMES

The patient got her second surgery for lymph node three years after the first surgery, which was proved that the lymph node was metastasis from LEL-CC. The patient was free from recurrence 9 months after surgery.

LESSONS

We report the first case of surgery for metastasis from LEL-CC in the liver that was diagnosed 3 years after hepatectomy. Our findings suggest that surgery could be an effective way of treating lymph node metastasis of LEL-CC and early PET-CT can help to identify metastasis.

Programmed death-ligand 1 is upregulated in intrahepatic lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma

Intrahepatic lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma (LELCC) is a rare variant of cholangiocarcinoma. Here, we report the largest single series of LELCC cases yet studied (n = 13). We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of the 13 patients and measured the expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in tumors using immunohistochemical staining. We also analyzed 15 cases of conventional intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC) for comparison. We found that eight patients with LELCC were infected with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), and EBV infection correlated with poor prognosis in LELCC. Four patients among the five (80.0%) without EBV had a history of chronic viral hepatitis B. None of the 15 cases of conventional cholangiocarcinoma were positive for EBV. PD-L1 was expressed in both the tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating immune cells in LELCC patients at higher levels than in IHCC patients (P < 0.05). These observations suggest that EBV infection may promote the development of LELCC, and that PD-L1 may be a potential therapeutic target for treatment of EBV-associated LELCC.

Lymphoepithelioma-Like Carcinoma in Liver

Liver cancer, primarily encompassing hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, has become the second leading cause of worldwide cancer-related death during the past two decades. Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinomas (LELCs) are defined as tumors composed of undifferentiated epithelial cells with a prominent lymphoid infiltrate, and can arise in the liver as hepatocellular or cholangiocarcinoma forms. Patients with liver LELC display distinctive demographics and tumor characteristics. LELCs also appear to be associated with strikingly better outcomes compared to typical liver cancers, with 5-year survival rates of 57% to 100% versus 12% to 68%, respectively. Liver LELCs represent a unique model of immune response in liver cancer. Data on LELCs of the liver remain limited, and future comprehensive studies are needed to further elucidate this disease, which could ultimately offer precious insights for immunotherapeutic strategies in liver cancer.

Lymphoepithelioma-Like Cholangiocarcinoma Associated With HCV: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma is a particular form of undifferentiated carcinoma characterized by a prominent lymphoid stroma that was originally described in the nasopharynx. We present a case of hepatitis C virus (HCV)–associated lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma (LEL-CC), located at the liver, in a patient with history of malignancy. A 79-year-old man underwent partial hepatectomy with lymphadenectomy for a suspected metastasis of colon cancer 2.5 years after hemicolectomy for advanced colon cancer followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. The resected tumor was diagnosed as LEL-CC via a distinct histologic pattern with dense lymphoplasma cell infiltration. According to the available literature, our report describes a rare cases of HCV-associated LEL-CC that coexisted with other malignancy and that was associated with survival for more than 3 years after surgery, suggesting that surgical resection may be the recommended therapeutic option for LEL-CC to provide a definitive diagnosis as well as obtain a good prognosis, even in advanced stages of LEL-CC.

Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma With Lymphoepithelioma-like Carcinoma Components Not Associated With Epstein-Barr Virus: Report of a Case

A carcinoma displaying undifferentiated features with dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltration is defined as lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC). Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) with LELC components is rare, and most LELCs are associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). We report here on a case of ICC with LELC components not associated with EBV. A 65-year-old woman was incidentally found to have a hepatic tumor in the caudate lobe. An extended right hepatectomy with lymphadenectomy was performed. Histologically, the tumor was mainly composed of large undifferentiated epithelial cells with vesicular nuclei, prominent nucleoli, indistinct cell borders, and heavy small lymphocytic infiltration, which are the characteristic features of LELC. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that the tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin 19 but were negative for glypican 3. In situ hybridization using EBV-encoded RNA was negative. Therefore, a diagnosis of ICC with LELC components not associated with EBV was made. Because there is limited information available regarding the prognosis and treatment of ICC with LELC components because of the limited number of reported cases, additional studies will be needed to clarify the clinicopathologic features of this disease.

Lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma: A mimic of hepatocellular carcinoma on imaging features

Primary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma in the liver is extremely rare. A few cases of lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma have been reported, but few radiologic features were described. We reviewed 23 cases of lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma reported between 1996 and 2014 and describe a rare case of a 35-year-old woman in our hospital who was diagnosed with lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma of the liver and was a hepatitis B carrier. The tumor (1.6 cm) in our patient appeared to be hypoechoic in sonographic images and hypodense in computed tomography (CT) images. In addition, it was homogeneous hypointense in T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images (MRI) and hyperintense in T2-weighted MRI. Dynamic gadolinium-enhanced MRI showed typical image pattern of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The patient underwent a laparoscopic left hepatic lobectomy, and the resected tumor consisted of well-differentiated glandular cells with extensive lymphocytic infiltration that were immunoreactive to CK (AE1/AE3), CD3, and CD20. In addition, the tumor was positive for Epstein-Barr virus-encoded RNA in situ hybridization. Finally, lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma was diagnosed. In previous studies, the incidence is highest among middle-aged people. Most tumors appeared to be hypodense with either hypovascular or hypervascular patterns in CT images. This case report is the first study to address sonography, CT, and MRI observations and delineate pathologic correlations. We suggest that the imaging pattern of lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma, either the typical cholangiocarcinoma pattern or a mimic of HCC, should be considered in the differential lists for HCC.

Lessons from rare tumors: Hepatic lymphoepithelioma-like carcinomas

In this review we focus on lymphoepithelioma-like hepatocellular carcinomas (LEL-HCC) and lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinomas (LEL-ICC). Despite their rarity, these tumors are of general interest because of their epidemiological and clinical features, and because they represent a distinct model of interaction between the immune system and neoplastic cells. Approximately half of LEL-HCC arise in the context of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and have been described both in Eastern and Western patients. By contrast, LEL-ICC is associated in almost all cases with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and exhibits the same epidemiological features of EBV related malignancies. Compared with classical hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma of corresponding stage, both LEL-HCC and LEL-ICC are characterized by lower rates of recurrence after surgery and better overall survival. How this behavior is related to distinct genetic alterations and tumor microenvironment is unclear. The pathophysiological mechanisms of lymphoid infiltrations seem to be different among the two groups of tumors. In fact, LEL-HCC frequently arises in the context of inflammatory changes driven by HCV infection, and has been recognized as a variant of classical hepatocellular carcinoma. At variance, lymphocyte recruitment of LEL-ICC is similar to that described in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and gastric LEL, and possibly depends on the expression pattern of latent EBV infection.

Characterization of inflammatory (lymphoepithelioma-like) hepatocellular carcinoma: a study of 8 cases

CONTEXT

The World Health Organization has recently recognized lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma, or inflammatory hepatocellular carcinoma, as a variant of hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE

To identify and characterize the inflammatory hepatocellular carcinomas in our institution from 1988 to the present.

DESIGN

All cases of hepatocellular carcinoma in our institution from 1988 to the present were reviewed and reclassified as lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma and were studied in comparison to appropriately matched controls.

RESULTS

Among the 8 cases of lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma identified, the male to female ratio was 1:3, the mean age was 68.5 years (range, 57-78 years), and all of the cases were seen in noncirrhotic livers. The average numbers of lymphocytes were significantly higher in the cases than in the controls. T cells were predominant, with a uniform distribution of CD4 and CD8 positive cells. Cholangiolar differentiation was seen by K19 positivity as focal in 1 case and diffuse in 2 cases. In situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus was negative in all of the cases. Diffuse overexpression of p16 (>75% of cells) was seen in 2 cases, both of which were negative for the presence of transcriptionally active human papilloma virus by in situ hybridization. In our series, 3 of 8 cases (37.5%) showed local recurrence, which was similar to the controls (6 of 18; 33%), P > .99. Although the rate of distant metastases was lower among the cases (12.5%) than the controls (22.2%), the difference was not statistically significant (P > .99).

CONCLUSION

We present the first series of 8 cases of lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the liver occurring in patients without cirrhosis and with a female preponderance and the absence of Epstein-Barr virus. Although clinical outcomes were similar to those of controls in our small series, additional data may be required for confirmation.

Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma: a rare variant of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with favourable outcome

AIMS

Lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma (LELCC) is a rare variant of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC). Only 16 cases have reported previously in the literature, and about 62.5% of these cases were associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We present the largest series (seven cases) of LELCC with descriptions of clinical and pathological characteristics, investigations of aberrant DNA methylation and mutation analyses of EGFR and KRAS. The evaluation also included 11 cases of stage-matched conventional IHCC for comparison.

RESULTS

All seven patients of LELCC were female and had stage I disease. LELCC had significantly better 2- and 5-year overall survival than IHCC (100% versus 52.8%, and 100% versus 13.2%, respectively, P = 0.003). All seven LELCCs were EBV-associated and composed exclusively of adenocarcinoma with varied glandular differentiation, dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, and variable expression of biliary-type cytokeratins (CK7 and CK19) and stemness markers (CD133 and EpCAM). Gene hypermethylation was more frequent in LELCC than IHCC. CRBPI (85.7% versus 9.1%, P < 0.003) and CRBPIV (85.7% versus 0%, P < 0.001) showed statistically higher methylation frequencies in LELCC than IHCC. No LELCC harboured any EGFR or KRAS mutation.

CONCLUSION

Epstein-Barr virus-associated LELCC is a variant of IHCC, characterized by marked female predominance, favourable overall survival and distinctively frequent DNA hypermethylation.

Lymphoepithelioma-like hepatocellular carcinoma: a case report and a review of the literature

We report a rare case of lymphoepithelioma-like hepatocellular carcinoma. A 79-year-old Japanese man had undergone curative resection of extrahepatic bile ducts because of bile duct cancer 9 years prior. The bile duct cancer was diagnosed as mucosal adenocarcinoma, and the patient had been followed up every 6 months for the last 9 years. A recent computed tomography examination revealed a tumor, 4.2 cm in size, in the lateral segment of the liver. Based on the imaging findings, the tumor was diagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma. Serology tests were negative for hepatitis B and C viruses. Chest and abdominal image analyses showed no evidence of metastasis, but a swollen lymph node was noted around the abdominal aorta. The patient subsequently underwent extended lateral segmentectomy and resection of the swollen lymph node. Microscopically, the tumor had the characteristic appearance of poorly differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma. Moreover, an abundant infiltration of inflammatory cells was observed in the tumor. Therefore, we diagnosed the tumor as lymphoepithelioma-like hepatocellular carcinoma. The resected para-aortic lymph node also had a carcinoma with features similar to those of the main tumor. The patient has been alive for 20 months since performance of the surgery. Since the first report of lymphoepithelioma-like hepatocellular carcinoma in 2000, only nine cases have been reported in the medical literature, and the clinicopathological features of the disease have not been well documented. Herein, we describe the clinicopathological features of this case for further understanding of the disease and review past cases in the literature.

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the breast: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

We present a patient with lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) of the breast whose diagnosis is illustrative of the pathology nuances that must be taken into account to successfully reach correct identification of the disease. We also present an overview of our patient's proposed treatment in the context of 16 other reported LELC cases. Although LELC cases are rare, a sufficient number have been reported to discern the natural history of this pathologic entity and to undertake a review of those cases and of the application of oncologic first principles in their management. Given the potential for locoregional spread and distant metastases in LELC, adjuvant therapy has a role in the treatment of this entity.