Multiple von Meyenburg complexes mimicking diffuse liver metastases from esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

INTRAHEPATIC BILIARY PROLIFERATIONS: HISTOPATHOLOGY AND POTENTIAL IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL MARKERS

•Intrahepatic biliary proliferations represent a spectrum varying from reactive to malignant entities. •Clinical and imaging patterns may be similar, requiring histopathological and immunohistochemistry for precise diagnosis. Intrahepatic biliary proliferations represent a spectrum from reactive (ductular reaction, some with atypical architecture), hamartomatous (von Meyenburg complex), benign (bile duct adenoma) and precursor/borderline entities (biliary intraepithelial neoplasia, intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct) to fully malignant (cholangiocarcinoma) neoplasms. Clinical pictures and even imaging patterns may be similar, requiring refined studies aiming at histopathological and immunohistochemistry for more precise diagnosis, essential for correct patient management. This article discusses updated concepts and definitions of most relevant entities aiming more specifically at the differential diagnosis in practice, focusing on morphology and immunohistochemistry, with a discussion of potential markers to help distinguishing between benign and malignant lesions.

Biliary Duct Hamartomas: A Systematic Review

Biliary duct hamartomas are benign intrahepatic bile duct lesions. Despite being primarily incidental findings on imaging, these lesions can provide a diagnostic conundrum due to their shared characteristics with malignant tumors. The goal of this systematic review is to offer a thorough clinical profile of biliary duct hamartomas. There were 139 cases of biliary duct hamartomas identified in a structured systematic review of the literature. Patient demographics, clinical presentation, significant laboratory and imaging data, diagnostic modalities, treatment choices, and outcomes were all studied and reported. Biliary duct hamartomas present with mild symptoms and laboratory abnormalities, and while being visible on imaging, the results are non-specific and may require biopsy in case of red flag signs such as weight loss and a progressive increase in the size of the lesion. Furthermore, there are currently no published guidelines for the treatment of biliary duct hamartomas, and many people have had surgery despite the clinically benign nature of these abnormalities. As per the findings of the study, individuals who exhibit signs of malignancy should be investigated further. Eyeballing for red flag symptoms, followed by a specialized imaging scan and invasive treatment, is the three-step approach to biliary duct hamartomas. Since our recommendations include a shift in strategy and do not contradict existing rules, there are likely to be few roadblocks to improvement; the key barriers being technological equipment and image quality. In this study, we intended to pave the way for future research in the field. In our opinion, the next decade will bring a better understanding of the characteristics of biliary hamartomas, disease symptoms, and better recognition of any suspicious features. These indications will aid in reducing the number of unneeded surgical or invasive operations. Finally, the findings of these future studies will allow the medical community to improve and provide the best care possible.

Roles of Pathological Assessments of Frozen Sections in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Pathological assessment of frozen sections of tissues is important in the clinical management (intraoperative consultation) and research in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Frozen sections may be used in the assessment of status of resection margins, extent of cancer metastasis (pathological staging), confirmation of the pathology, and increased volume of cancer cells for tissue banking. However, the applications of frozen sections have many technical limitations. Thus, interpretation of frozen sections needs expertise, collaborations, and attention to proper technical skills in the sectioning.

Diffuse liver hamartomatosis (diffuse von Meyenburg complexes) mimicking hepatic metastases on a background of previous cancer

Bile duct hamartomas are typically small benign liver lesions that can radiologically mimic metastases on ultrasound and computed tomography, as well as macroscopically. We present a rare and interesting case and review the relevant literature. A 49-year-old woman underwent ultrasound investigation for right upper quadrant pain, which revealed diffuse liver lesions. In the setting of her previous vulval cancer, it was suspected that she had hepatic metastases. This was strongly reinforced with computed tomography and elevated CA 19-9 levels. A liver biopsy revealed diffuse and multifocal bile duct hamartomas and positron emission tomography was negative for metastases or features of cancer recurrence. A diagnosis of diffuse liver hamartomatosis was made. In view of the continuing clinical and laboratory picture, she required regular follow-up. The collective features of this case are unique, as the isolated characteristics of particular interest have not been previously described in the context of a single case. Bile duct hamartomas should be included in the differential diagnosis of multiple liver lesions. CA 19-9 is not a reliable marker for differential diagnosis of this entity.

Von Meyenburg complex clinically presenting as metastatic liver nodule: A rare finding in an elderly male

Von Meyenburg complex is a benign biliary hamartoma observed in approximately 3% of the autopsies conducted. These hamartomas are small, multiple and can be seen anywhere in the liver. There is usually no abnormality in liver function tests, and the patient is mostly asymptomatic. They serve as a diagnostic dilemma, particularly during metastatic workup in suspected cancer patients. Imaging studies are usually noncontributory, and biopsy is necessary for a definite diagnosis. We present here a middle-aged North Indian male who underwent liver biopsy to rule out metastasis.

Von Meyenburg Complex: Current Concepts and Imaging Misconceptions

Von Meyenburg complexes, also known as biliary hamartomas, are ductal plate malformations that are usually diagnosed on imaging studies when there are multiple as small hepatic cysts. However, because of variations in histology, they actually have a wide spectrum of imaging appearances ranging from solid, to mixed solid and cystic, to cystic lesions. The objective of the review is to provide up-to-date information about the embryopathogenesis of von Meyenburg complexes, their imaging appearances, diagnostic pitfalls, and clinical significance.

Frozen Sections of the Liver

Intraoperative consultation requires skills in gross examination and histologic diagnosis, as well as an ability to perform rapid interpretations under time constraints. The aim of this review is to provide surgical pathologists with a framework for dealing with hepatic specimens in the frozen section area by covering common clinical scenarios and histologic findings. Differential diagnoses are considered in relation to primary hepatic neoplasia and metastatic diseases. Benign mimics of malignancy and other pitfalls in frozen section diagnosis of lesional tissue are covered. Finally, assessment of donor liver biopsy for organ transplant evaluation is discussed.

[Persistent elevation of Ca 19-9 and an unexpected finding. A case report]

BACKGROUND

Tumour markers are substances produced by the tumour itself, or by the host in response to a tumour. These markers could be measured either in the blood or in body secretions. One of the most common tumour markers used in gastrointestinal diseases is Ca 19-9. It is the marker most used for pancreatic cancer, but can be elevated in many benign processes. Thus, it is not a specific marker.

CLINICAL CASE

The case is presented of a male patient with 4 years of moderate abdominal pain, weight loss, and persistent elevation of Ca 19-9. After an extensive work-up, renal and hepatic cysts were found, as well as steatosis and, apparently, a gallbladder polyp. With these findings and the persistent elevation of Ca 19-9, it was decided to operate the patient. An exploratory laparoscopy was performed showing multiple, yellowish nodular lesions all over the hepatic surface suggestive of metastases, as well as simple hepatic cysts. Pathology reported biliary hamartomas, steatosis, and chronic cholecystitis. After 2years of follow up, although there is no evidence of malignant neoplasia, there is still an elevation of Ca 19-9.

CONCLUSION

The persistent elevation of Ca 19-9 is probably due to the presence of multiple benign diseases such as steatosis, urolithiasis, hepatic and renal cysts, and cholecystitis. An algorithm is needed for healthy patients with elevated levels of Ca 19-9 marker, in order to lower costs, avoid misdiagnoses, and improve management.

Multiple bile duct hamartomas mimicking diffuse hepatic metastasis: GI image

Bile duct hamartomas (von Meyenburg complex) are the rare benign neoplasm of the liver due to dysembryogenesis; constituted historically, cystic dilatations of the bile duct encompassed by fibrous stroma. Usually, they are asymptomatic and are not detected on routine radiological examinations including ultrasound or CT scan. Magnetic resonance cholangiography has been suggested as the best investigation for their imaging diagnosis. Their presence can cause diagnostics confusion and complicate the patient's management. We report a 45-year-old female with symptomatic cholelithiasis, whose liver on laparoscopy mimicked multiple hepatic metastases.