Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis: Difficulty in differentiating from gallbladder cancer

Machine learning-based diagnostic model for preoperative differentiation between xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis and gallbladder carcinoma: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

Background

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) and gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) share similar imaging and serological profiles, posing significant challenges in accurate preoperative diagnosis. This study aimed to identify reliable indicators and develop a predictive model to differentiate between XGC and GBC.

Methods

This retrospective study involved 436 patients from Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital and The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University. Comprehensive preoperative imaging, including ultrasound, Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and blood tests, were analyzed. Machine learning (Random Forest method) was employed for variable selection, and a multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to construct a nomogram for predicting GBC. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS and RStudio software.

Results

The study identified gender, Murphy's sign, absolute neutrophil count, glutamyl transpeptidase level, carcinoembryonic antigen level, and comprehensive imaging diagnosis as potential risk factors for GBC. A nomogram incorporating these factors demonstrated high predictive accuracy for GBC, outperforming individual or combined traditional diagnostic methods. External validation of the nomogram showed consistent results.

Conclusion

The study successfully developed a predictive nomogram for distinguishing GBC from XGC with high accuracy. This model, integrating multiple clinical and imaging indicators, offers a valuable tool for clinicians in making informed diagnostic decisions. The findings advocate for the use of comprehensive preoperative evaluations combined with advanced analytical tools to improve diagnostic accuracy in complex medical conditions.

The Many Hidden Faces of Gallbladder Carcinoma on CT and MRI Imaging-From A to Z

Gallbladder carcinoma represents the most aggressive biliary tract cancer and the sixth most common gastrointestinal malignancy. The diagnosis is a challenging clinical task due to its clinical presentation, which is often non-specific, mimicking a heterogeneous group of diseases, as well as benign processes such as complicated cholecystitis, xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis, adenomyomatosis, porcelain gallbladder or metastasis to the gallbladder (most frequently derived from melanoma, renal cell carcinoma). Risk factors include gallstones, carcinogen exposure, porcelain gallbladder, typhoid carrier state, gallbladder polyps and abnormal pancreaticobiliary ductal junction. Typical imaging features on CT or MRI reveal three major patterns: asymmetric focal or diffuse wall-thickening of the gallbladder, a solid mass that replaces the gallbladder and invades the adjacent organs or as an intraluminal enhancement mass arising predominantly from the gallbladder fundus. The tumor can spread to the liver, the adjacent internal organs and lymph nodes. Depending on the disease stage, surgical resection is the curative treatment option in early stages and adjuvant combination chemotherapy at advanced stages. The purpose of this scientific paper is to fully illustrate and evaluate, through multimodality imaging findings (CT and MRI), different presentations and imaging scenarios of gallbladder cancer in six patients and thoroughly analyze the risk factors, patterns of spread and differential diagnosis regarding each particular case.

Gallbladder Cancer or Diffuse Xanthogranulomatous Cholecystitis: A Case of Management Dilemma During Elective Cholecystectomy With Unexpected Severe Mass-Like Pericholecystic Fibrosis and Inflammation

A 52-year-old man was scheduled to undergo an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy for an increasingly symptomatic cholelithiasis. The pre-operative diagnosis was established clinically and confirmed with ultrasonography (US), showing gallstones and thickened gallbladder wall. Intraoperatively, extensive dense adhesions of the omentum to the entire subdiaphragmatic surface of the liver and the diaphragm were encountered. The adhesions of the omentum and colon were completely obscuring the Morrison's space with cartilage-like consistency at the supposed anatomical projection of the gallbladder fundus. Due to these unexpected pathological findings and uncertain disease biology, a decision was made to abort and re-schedule the surgery after obtained tissue biopsy results, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and tumor markers carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and alpha fetoprotein (AFP) were available. CA 19-9 was found elevated 10-fold, while AFP and CEA levels were within normal limits. A follow-up cholecystectomy was performed, and final pathology revealed diffuse xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XC) and extensive inflammatory changes, adhesions, and fibrosis and no malignancy. The patient tolerated the procedure well and was discharged home on day two after surgery. His follow-up examination was unremarkable. Distinguishing between XC and gallbladder carcinoma is important to appropriately guide management and treatment.

Xanthogranulomatous Cholecystitis Mimicking Carcinoma Gallbladder

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) is a rare benign chronic inflammatory disease of the gallbladder that often presents as cholecystitis and can mimic gallbladder carcinoma. Distinguishing XGC from gallbladder cancer preoperatively is challenging. We present a case of a 62-year-old male who presented with features of carcinoma gallbladder in the CECT abdomen and MRCP. Intraoperatively, there was a mass in the gallbladder and extension into the adjacent structures with involvement of the hepatic artery, 1^st part of the duodenum, portal vein, and hepatic flexure of the colon, and thus a palliative cholecystectomy was done. The histopathological report came out as XCG. The case aims to outline the clinical presentation of XGC and differentiate it from carcinoma gallbladder.

The incidental finding of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis: a report of 10 cases

There is insufficient clinical knowledge about xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) due to biased reporting. This study aims to investigate the incidence of XGC and evaluate the clinical outcome regarding operative time, rate of conversion and intraoperative or postoperative complications. We included 1141 patients who underwent surgery for gallbladder disease between January 2019 and December 2021. Of 1141 patients who underwent cholecystectomy, XGC was seen in 10 (0.87%). The average age is 47 (24–81 years old) with a male to female ratio of 3:2. Biliary pancreatitis and obstructive jaundice are seen in two patients who did ERCP and stenting before surgery. One patient presented with a 4 cm necrotizing soft-tissue granuloma. The BMI was high, with class I obesity in five patients. Symptoms last from 1 to 12 weeks. One patient was only diagnosed preoperatively as XGC. Four out of 10 (40%) required more than 72 h of hospitalization. All patients underwent elective sitting surgery, with eight successfully managed by laparoscopy and one converted to open. The average operative time was 90 min (43–193 min), and a postoperative drain was inserted in four patients. The median follow-up is after 24 months (11–30 months), with no postoperative collection, bleeding, complication or readmission. XGC is a rare benign entity requiring no further action upon incidental discovery. Surgical resection is the cornerstone of management, with the laparoscopic approach considered feasible and safe. Four out of 10 patients might need more than 3 days of hospitalization. In the presence of mass, the frozen section can help guide the management.

Competing-risk nomogram for predicting survival in patients with advanced (stage III/IV) gallbladder cancer: A SEER population-based study

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this study was to assess the cumulative incidence of cause-specific mortality (CSM) and other cause-specific mortality (OCSM) for patients with advanced gallbladder cancer (GBC), and then to develop a nomogram based on competing-risk analysis to forecast CSM.

METHODS

We identified the patients with GBC with specific screening criteria and from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. We calculated the cumulative incidence function for CSM and OCSM, and constructed a competing-risk nomogram based on the Fine and Gray's proportional subdistribution hazard regression model to forecast the probability of CSM of these patients. In addition, the concordance index and calibration plot were performed to validate the novel established model.

RESULTS

A total of 1411 patients were included in this study. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year overall cumulative mortalities were 46.2, 62.2, and 69.6% for CSM, respectively, while they were 6.2, 8.7, and 10.4% for OCSM. Additionally, the 1-, 2-, and 3-year estimates of overall survival were 47.6, 29.1, and 19.9% for above these patients, respectively. We also developed a competing-risk nomogram to estimate the CSM. The concordance index was 0.775 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.750-0.800) in the training set and that was 0.765 (95% CI: 0.730-0.800) in the internal validation set, which suggests the robustness of the novel established model. Furthermore, the calibration curves and concordance index demonstrated that the nomogram was well-calibrated and demonstrated good discriminative ability.

CONCLUSIONS

The ample sample allowed us to develop a reliable model which demonstrated better calibration and discrimination for predicting the probability of CSM of patients with advanced GBC.

Noninvasive preoperative differential diagnosis of gallbladder carcinoma and xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis: A retrospective cohort study of 240 patients

Background

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) is an extremely rare entity. Due to XGC’s clinical and radiological resemblance to gallbladder carcinoma (GBC), intraoperative frozen section during cholecystectomy is often performed to exclude the diagnosis of GBC. Our study is aiming to find a noninvasive indicator of XGC. To our knowledge, this is the largest XGC cohort ever studied.

Methods

This study retrospectively collected clinical characteristics, serological tests, and imaging features of 150 GBC patients and 90 XGC patients. The diagnosis of these 150 GBC patients and 90 XGC patients was based on intraoperative frozen section histopathology. T‐test was utilized to compare differences between XGC and GBC. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was conducted and the area under the curve (AUC) was managed to evaluate the validity.

Results

The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level in blood tests was significantly elevated in GBC patients than in XGC patients (p = 0.007). The presence of submucosal hypo‐attenuated nodules (80% in XGC, 16% in GBC, p < 0.001), low density border (60% in XGC, 21% in GBC, p = 0.001), and nodular thickening in the bottom of the gallbladder with calcification (70% in XGC, 37% in GBC, p = 0.004) is significantly associated with XGC patients, whereas massive hilar infiltration (0% in XGC, 21% in GBC, p < 0.001), multiple lymph nodes in the hilar area (10% in XGC, 72% in GBC, p = 0.001), and gallbladder mucosal line continuity (50% in XGC, 95% in GBC, p = 0.002) are highly associated with GBC patients. The ROC curve was performed and the gallbladder mucosal line continuity (AUC = 0.708) and the AUC of low density border around the occupation (AUC = 0.654) showed a good prediction of XGC.

Conclusions

Gallbladder mucosal line continuity and low density border around the occupation presented good indication value for the diagnosis of XGC. Our study proposed a noninvasive differential diagnosis method for XGC and GBC.

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis mimicking advanced gallbladder carcinoma - Analysis of 8 cases

Background/Aim

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) is a rare destructive inflammatory disease of the gallbladder. It is frequently misdiagnosed as gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) as it mimics latter with regard to clinical manifestations, imaging and intraoperative findings, often leading to extended surgical resection in these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic dilemma of XGC cases clinico-radiologically diagnosed with GBC.

Materials and Methods

From January 2017 to June 2019, a total of eight cases histopathologically diagnosed as XGC, were misdiagnosed with GBC based on preoperative and intra-operative findings. The clinical characteristics, imaging, intra-operative findings, and surgical data of these patients were collected and analyzed.

Results

A total of 2154 cholecystectomy specimens were received in the histopathology section during the study period. Sixty-nine cases (3.2%) were histologically diagnosed as XGC, of which 8 cases (11.6%) were preoperatively diagnosed with GBC. These cases were predominantly seen in males in the age range of 24-62 years. The most common clinical presentation was chronic cholecystitis. Gallstones were present in all the 8 cases. Six cases presented with heterogeneous enhancement within thickened gallbladder walls on imaging. Intraoperatively, adhesions to adjacent organs were observed in seven cases. All these eight cases misdiagnosed with GBC underwent aggressive surgical treatment following which histopathology ultimately revealed XGC.

Conclusion

Neither clinical manifestations nor laboratory tests/radiological methods can provide an effective means of differentiating between XGC and GBC. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult, and histopathology remains the gold standard to differentiate the two entities.

An Important Gallbladder Pathology Mimicking Gallbladder Carcinoma: Xanthogranulomatous Cholecystitis: A Single Tertiary Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) is an uncommon, focal, or diffuse destructive inflammatory disease of the gallbladder mimicking or being together with the gallbladder carcinoma. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of patients with XGC as a single tertiary center experience in the light of literature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data about 34 patients with XGC identified after evaluating 2212 cholecystectomy specimens between January 2013 and December 2018 in a single tertiary center were documented to determine demographics (sex, age), clinical symptoms and findings, biochemical and imaging clues and operative findings, duration of hospitalization, postoperative complications, and histopathologic results.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients with XGC were evaluated (17 male and 17 female patients with a mean age of 53; range, 25 to 78). Preoperative diagnosis was chronic calculous cholecystitis in 5 patients, cholelithiasis in 12 cases, acute calculous cholecystitis in 16 and emphysematous cholecystitis in 1 patient. Ultrasound was performed in all patients, computerized tomography in 11, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in 9, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in 7 patients. None of the patients were diagnosed preoperatively. All patients received laparoscopic cholecystectomy, among whom 9 were converted to open. Partial cholecystectomy was performed in 1 patient. One patient with gallbladder adenocarcinoma was treated with radical cholecystectomy. XGC has nonspecific clinical and radiologic findings; thus, preoperative diagnosis is generally absent. Open cholecystectomy is the recommended treatment modality. Conversion to open is frequently necessary after laparoscopy. Complete cholecystectomy is the ultimate goal; however, partial cholecystectomy may be preferred to protect the structures of the hepatic hilum. Preoperative imaging studies (ultrasound or computerized tomography) of 34 patients showed a gallbladder stone in 18 patients, microlithiazis in 12 patients, sludge in 10 patients, and gallbladder sclerosis in 5 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnosis of XGC and differentiation from gallbladder carcinoma may be difficult through preoperative or peroperative studies, even imaging is useful; the definitive diagnosis depends exclusively on pathologic examination. The surgeon should be prepared for every possibility.

Presentation and surgical management of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis

BACKGROUND

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) is a rare benign chronic inflammatory disease of the gallbladder that often presents as cholecystitis and most of the times requires surgical management. In addition, distinguishing XGC from gallbladder cancer preoperatively is still a challenge. The aim of the present systematic review was to outline the clinical presentation and surgical approach of XGC.

DATA SOURCES

The present systematic review was designed using the PRISMA and AMSTAR guidelines. We searched MEDLINE, Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and Google Scholar databases from inception until June 2020.

RESULTS

The laparoscopic cholecystectomy rate (34%) was almost equal to the open cholecystectomy rate (47%) for XGC. An important conversion rate (35%) was observed as well. The XGC cases treated by surgery were associated with low mortality (0.3%), limited intraoperative blood loss (58-270 mL), low complication rates (2%-6%), along with extended operative time (82.6-120 minutes for laparoscopic and 59.6-240 minutes for open cholecystectomy) and hospital stay (3-9 days after laparoscopic and 8.3-18 days after open cholecystectomy). Intraoperative findings during cholecystectomies for XGC included empyema or Mirizzi syndrome. In addition, complex surgical procedures, like wedge hepatic resections and bile duct excision were required during operations for XGC.

CONCLUSIONS

XGC seemed to be a rare, benign inflammatory disease that presents similar features as gallbladder cancer. The mortality and complication rates of XGC were low, despite the complex surgical procedures that might be required in some cases.

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis: Diagnosis and management

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) is a rare form of cholecystitis, characterized by the presence of xanthogranuloma, prominent yellow structures within the gallbladder wall that is very often lithiasic. When XGC presents in its pseudo-tumoral form with occasional adjacent organ involvement, it can mimic gallbladder carcinoma (GBC). The etiopathogenesis of XGC is inflammatory destruction of Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses containing biliary and cholesterol pigments within the gallbladder wall; this leads to a florid granulomatous histiocytic inflammatory reaction. The prevalence ranges from 1.3% to 8.8% of all cholecystectomies and varies from country to country; XGC occurs predominantly in patients over 50 years of age, and is equally distributed between males and females. Its association with GBC remains a topic of debate in the literature (between 0 and 20%). Symptoms are non-specific and generally similar to those of acute or chronic cholecystitis. XGC, when associated with altered health status, leads to the suspicion of GBC. XGC can also come to light due to an acute complication of cholecystolithiasis, in particular, gallstone migration. Imaging by sonography and CT scan is suggestive, but magnetic resonance imaging is more specific. In difficult cases, biopsy may be necessary to eliminate the diagnosis of tumor. In case of pre- or intra-operative diagnostic doubt, the opinion of a hepatobiliary specialty center can be of help. When diagnosis of GBC has been eliminated, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is recommended, although with a high risk of conversion to laparotomy and complications.

Imaging-based algorithmic approach to gallbladder wall thickening

Gallbladder (GB) wall thickening is a frequent finding caused by a spectrum of conditions. It is observed in many extracholecystic as well as intrinsic GB conditions. GB wall thickening can either be diffuse or focal. Diffuse wall thickening is a secondary occurrence in both extrinsic and intrinsic pathologies of GB, whereas, focal wall thickening is mostly associated with intrinsic GB pathologies. In the absence of specific clinical features, accurate etiological diagnosis can be challenging. The survival rate in GB carcinoma (GBC) can be improved if it is diagnosed at an early stage, especially when the tumor is confined to the wall. The pattern of wall thickening in GBC is often confused with benign diseases, especially chronic cholecystitis, xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis, and adenomyomatosis. Early recognition and differentiation of these conditions can improve the prognosis. In this minireview, the authors describe the patterns of abnormalities on various imaging modalities (conventional as well as advanced) for the diagnosis of GB wall thickening. This paper also illustrates an algorithmic approach for the etiological diagnosis of GB wall thickening and suggests a formatted reporting for GB wall abnormalities.

Xanthogranulomatous Cholecystitis: A Diagnostic Challenge for Radiologists, Surgeons, and Pathologists

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) is a rare inflammatory disease of the gallbladder characterized by severe proliferative fibrosis and the accumulation of lipid-laden macrophages in areas of destructive inflammation. Misdiagnosis is highly usual, and its macroscopic appearance may often be confused with gallbladder carcinoma. Here we discuss the case of a 56-year-old male who presented in the emergency room with fever, chills, and nausea. The routine laboratory investigations were normal except for elevated white blood cell counts. Abdominal ultrasound showed borderline gallbladder wall thickening. However, after CT scan findings, the suspect diagnosis of acute cholecystitis with possible perforation was made and the cholecystectomy was performed. The definitive diagnosis was delayed until the final pathology result came as a surprise, and later confirmed the histologic diagnosis of XGC. We consider this an important case because of the histopathologic finding of fibrotic thickened gallbladder wall with abundant histiocytes and pericholecystic fat stranding along with perforation and extensive inflammatory changes in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen which is highly suggestive and indicative of XGC in comparison to gallbladder carcinoma (GC). All things considered, clinically and grossly XGC presents in a similar fashion as GC; histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of XGC.

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis complicated by a cholecysto-colonic fistula and liver abscesses

A 57-year-old male presented to the emergency department with right upper quadrant pain and constitutional symptoms. Initial investigation revealed biliary sepsis with features of chronic cholecystitis, multiple liver abscesses and a fistulous connection between the gallbladder and colon. He was subsequently diagnosed with a cholecysto-colonic fistula, an unusual complication of biliary pathology, with an incidence of 0.06–0.14% at cholecystectomy. It is the second most common form of cholecystoenteric fistula, the first of which is cholecystoduodenal. A preoperative diagnosis was suggested using computed tomography and sinogram imaging. The associated liver abscesses together with the xanthogranulomatous inflammation found on histopathology, makes the case particularly exceptional.

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis: a review of 31 patients

BACKGROUND

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) is a rare inflammatory gallbladder disease which is difficult to diagnose and treat; XGC may be confused with gallbladder cancer. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological features and surgical outcomes, with the aim to determine the appropriate treatment approaches for XGC.

METHODS

This retrospective study analyzed the clinical characteristics, intraoperative findings, and postoperative outcomes of 31 patients (2.0%) who were diagnosed with XGC based on histopathological findings among 1513 patients who underwent cholecystectomy at our hospital between January 2010 and July 2019.

RESULTS

Preoperative ultrasonography and computed tomography findings indicated acute cholecystitis, chronic cholecystitis, and suspicious XGC in 26 (83.9%) patients with thickening of the gallbladder wall and suspicious gallbladder cancer in 5 (16.1%) patients. Abdominal pain and jaundice were observed in 18 (58.1%) patients and 5 (16.1%) patients, respectively. Biliary drainage before surgery was performed in 21 (67.7%) patients. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which was performed in 23 (74.2%) patients, was converted to open cholecystectomy in 12 (52.2%) of these 23 patients. Among the patients with other diseases treated during the study period, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in 1377 patients and converted to open surgery in 71 (5.2%) patients. Five patients with suspicious gallbladder cancer underwent open surgery. In these patients, intraoperative frozen section analysis was useful in distinguishing between XGC and gallbladder cancer and was important in avoiding unnecessarily extended surgery.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for XGC is possible, but often difficult due to severe inflammation. The frequency of conversion to open surgery is higher in patients with XGC than those with other forms of cholecystitis. XGC may resemble gallbladder cancer based on the diagnostic imaging findings, and intraoperative frozen section analysis is essential to avoid unnecessarily extended surgery.

Xanthogranulomatous Cholecystitis: Is Surgery Difficult? Is Laparoscopic Surgery Recommended?

Introduction: Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) is a rare inflammatory disease of the gallbladder (GB). XGC surgery is a difficult process due to its clinical, radiological, and intraoperative findings. In this study, our aim is to show the difficulties of XGC surgery and to find out if laparoscopic surgery is a sufficient procedure. Materials and Methods: Histological findings of 3339 cholecystectomy patients, who were operated between January 2015 and January 2020, were retrospectively reviewed. Age, gender, radiological results, clinical features, intraoperative findings, and surgical management of the patients with XGC were recorded. Results: XGC was observed in 70 patients (2.09%). The average age was 53.75. M:F ratio was 1.2. In radiological examinations, gallstones were found in 94.2% of the patients and GB wall thickness (≥3 mm) was increased in 58.5% of the patients. Around 45.7% of the patients came to the clinic with chronic cholecystitis and 32.9% with acute cholecystitis. In the intraoperative period, adhesions were observed in 80% and increase in GB wall thickness was observed in 77.1% of the patients. The operation started laparoscopically in 66 patients. In 14 patients (21.2%), it was converted to open surgery usually due to insufficient dissection of Calot's triangle. Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) was suspected in 6 patients, but none of them had malignancy in frozen sections or histology. Conclusions: XGC surgery is difficult due to its radiological, clinical, and intraoperative features and mimicking GBC. It can be converted to open cholecystectomy due to difficulties in laparoscopic dissection. However, since conversion cholecystectomy rates are reasonable, laparoscopic surgery is recommended in patients with suspected XGC.

Benign gallbladder diseases: Imaging techniques and tips for differentiating with malignant gallbladder diseases

Benign gallbladder diseases usually present with intraluminal lesions and localized or diffuse wall thickening. Intraluminal lesions of the gallbladder include gallstones, cholesterol polyps, adenomas, or sludge and polypoid type of gallbladder cancer must subsequently be excluded. Polyp size, stalk width, and enhancement intensity on contrast-enhanced ultrasound and degree of diffusion restriction may help differentiate cholesterol polyps and adenomas from gallbladder cancer. Localized gallbladder wall thickening is largely due to segmental or focal gallbladder adenomyomatosis, although infiltrative cancer may present similarly. Identification of Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses is pivotal in diagnosing adenomyomatosis. The layered pattern, degree of enhancement, and integrity of the wall are imaging clues that help discriminate innocuous thickening from gallbladder cancer. High-resolution ultrasound is especially useful for analyzing the layering of gallbladder wall. A diffusely thickened wall is frequently seen in inflammatory processes of the gallbladder. Nevertheless, it is important to check for coexistent cancer in instances of acute cholecystitis. Ultrasound used alone is limited in evaluating complicated cholecystitis and often requires complementary computed tomography. In chronic cholecystitis, preservation of a two-layered wall and weak wall enhancement are diagnostic clues for excluding malignancy. Magnetic resonance imaging in conjunction with diffusion-weighted imaging helps to differentiate xathogranulomatous cholecystitis from gallbladder cancer by identifying the presence of fat and degree of diffusion restriction. Such distinctions require a familiarity with typical imaging features of various gallbladder diseases and an understanding of the roles that assorted imaging modalities play in gallbladder evaluations.

Diagnostic accuracy of imaging modalities in differentiating xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis from gallbladder cancer

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of radiological imaging in differentiating xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) from gallbladder cancer (GBC).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the radiological imaging performed in patients who had pathologically confirmed XGC or GBC between December 2004 to April 2016 was performed. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of each imaging modality, and combined imaging modalities were calculated.

Results

A total of 218 patients (XGC =109, GBC =109) were identified; 19 patients received all of abdominal ultrasound (US), contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT); 21 received four of these imaging examination types; 45 received three examinations; 58 received two examinations; and 75 received only one examination. The sensitivity and specificity of CEUS was 90% and 93%, respectively, higher than abdominal US (80%, 86%), CT (71%, 92%), MRI (75%, 90%), and PET/CT (55%, 90%) (all values respective). The sensitivity, specificity, NPV, and PPV of the US combined with CEUS were 91%, 90%, 94%, and 85%, respectively. Although the specificity of CEUS + CT and CEUS + MRI were 100% and 92%, respectively, the sensitivity of CEUS + CT and CEUS + MRI were both only 67%.

Conclusions

The Abdominal US is not sufficiently accurate to confidently guide clinical practice, and CEUS showed better diagnostic performance than the other imaging modalities in differentiating XGC from GBC. The combination of abdominal CEUS and CT is helpful for differential diagnosis, as it indicates GBC with better specificity and PPV.

Usefulness of Ultrasound in Differentiating Xanthogranulomatous Cholecystitis from Gallbladder Carcinoma

Our study was aimed at finding the ultrasound (US) features of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) and evaluating the usefulness of US in differentiating XGC from gallbladder carcinoma (GBC). Through use of an electronic medical record system and the picture archiving and communication system, 31 cases of XGC and 52 cases of GBC with both sonograms and pathologic results were identified. Sonographic features of the abnormal gallbladder were evaluated. The smooth and intact interface between gallbladder lumen and mucosa was observed in most XGC cases (23/31, 74.2%) but in no GBC cases. XGC featured hyper-echoic foci, small hypo-echoic nodules and a layered appearance in the lesion, which were more frequently seen in the XGC group than in the GBC group. In conclusion, US may prove useful in the differential diagnosis of XGC and GBC, but more studies are required.

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis: differential diagnosis between acute cholecystitis and gallbladder cancer

We present the images of ultrasound, magnetic resonance and histology of a patient with suggestive findings of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis. Gallbladder cancer cannot be completely ruled out until the histological study of the surgical sample is performed.

False-positive elevated CEA during colon cancer surveillance: a cholecystitis case report diagnosed by PET-CT scan

A 53-year-old man with previous history of sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma who had undergone surgical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy presented with slightly rising carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), while anatomical imaging modalities were unremarkable. FDG PET-CT study did not identify residual tumoral disease; however, there were abnormalities in the gallbladder most likely suggestive of cholecystitis. Eight weeks after cholecystectomy, serum CEA concentration reached normal values. Final histopathology of the gallbladder was also consistent with acute on chronic cholecystitis.

Indication and Usefulness of Bile Juice Cytology for Diagnosis of Gallbladder Cancer

Aim

We examined the effectiveness of bile juice cytology for distinguishing between benign and malignant gallbladder lesions of the protruding type with various sampling points, sampling methods, and macroscopic forms in order to discuss the effectiveness of the endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage (ETGD) cytology.

Methods

We studied 162 cases of patients with a lesion localized within the gallbladder. At first, we examined the effectiveness for diagnosis of ETBD cytology using ERC and then that of the first ETGD cytology after placing the ETGD. Next, we examined the diagnostic effectiveness of the washed ETGD cytology by using the ETGD. Finally, we examined complications.

Results

In the final diagnoses, we identified 33 cases of adenocarcinoma, 10 cases of adenoma, 63 cases of ADM, 35 cases of nonneoplastic polyp, and 21 cases of chronic cholecystitis. It was found that the sensitivity of ETBD cytology was 3.6% and that of ETGD cytology was 59.1%. In the comparison of diagnostic effectiveness of cytologic diagnosis using samples of bile juice from the gallbladder collected by different methods, the sensitivities were 38.9% and 73.3% for the first and washed ETGD cytologies, respectively. In the comparison of the diagnostic effectiveness of gallbladder bile juice cytology using samples collected for different forms of lesion and by different methods, the sensitivities were 38.9% and 73.3%, respectively, for the first and washed ETGD cytologies for flat gallbladder wall thickening, while it was impossible to diagnose for lesions of GB polyp.

Conclusion

For diagnosis of gallbladder cancer, we consider that the ETGD cytology should be taken into consideration for lesions of flat gallbladder wall thickening, for which it is difficult to distinguish between benign and malignant lesions.

Diffuse Xanthogranulomatous Cholecystitis: Master of Disguise

A 67-year-old woman presented with clinical symptoms, radiological findings, and preoperative work-up highly suggestive of advanced stage IV carcinoma of the gallbladder (CG). An extended cholecystectomy with the excision of adjacent liver segments and loco-regional lymphadenectomy was performed. Final pathology results revealed diffuse xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XG) with ruptured Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses with tumor-resembling adenomyosis without atypical or malignant cells. There was a reactive inflammatory and fatty degeneration of the adjacent hepatic tissue and a nonspecific inflammatory reaction of the enlarged periportal lymph nodes. The main concern in the management of patients with mass-forming XG is that this benign condition shares strikingly similar clinical, imaging, biochemical, and intraoperative features with advanced CG, which has one of the poorest overall survival rates. Misdiagnosis is not uncommon, which causes significant distress for patients and their families and, in some cases, may result in erroneous treatment. Although the presence of some preoperative imaging findings and/or intraoperative frozen section biopsies may be helpful in suspecting XG, definitive diagnosis is usually delayed until the final pathology result that may come as a surprise. Increasing awareness of this rare, insidious disease will contribute to a better understanding of its biology and natural history and, eventually, help improve management.

Diagnostic accuracy of MDCT in differentiating gallbladder cancer from acute and xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of multi-detector CT (MDCT) for differentiating gallbladder cancer from acute and xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis using previously described imaging features.

METHODS

In this IRB approved HIPAA-compliant retrospective cohort study, contrast-enhanced MDCT of histologically confirmed acute cholecystitis (n = 17), xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (n = 25), and gallbladder cancer (n = 18) were reviewed independently by three abdominal radiologists blinded to outcome. The primary outcome was the diagnostic accuracy of MDCT for the differentiation of gallbladder cancer from cholecystitis (acute and xanthogranulomatous) using various imaging parameters. Kappa (κ) statistics and two-way mixed-model single-measure intra-class correlation statistics (ICC) were calculated for each imaging feature and the final radiologic diagnosis.

RESULTS

Inter-rater agreement was moderate to substantial (κ = 0.43-0.70), sensitivity 0.67-0.78, specificity 0.22-0.33 and the positive likelihood ratio was 4.28-8.56 for the differentiation of gallbladder cancer from benign gallbladder pathology. Only three imaging findings: disrupted gallbladder mucosa (κ = 0.68), intraluminal gallstones (κ = 0.66), and gallbladder wall thickness (ICC = 0.63) had substantial inter-rater agreement. The following had slight or no agreement: intramural hypoattenuating nodules (κ = 0.17), transient hepatic attenuation differences (κ = 0.14), gallbladder wall calcification (κ = -0.01), gallbladder wall enhancement (κ = 0.18), and omental or mesenteric invasion (κ = 0.08). In the final multivariate model, the following were significant predictors useful in making or excluding diagnosis of gallbladder cancer: focal gallbladder wall thickening (p = 0.003, OR: 13.09 [95% CI: 2.40-71.48]), pericholecystic "fat stranding" (p = 0.018, OR: 0.10 [95% CI: 0.01-0.66]), and maximum short axis lymph node diameter (p = 0.043, OR: 1.18 [95% CI: 1.00-1.38]).

CONCLUSION

MDCT has moderate sensitivity, poor specificity, and moderate-to-substantial inter-rater repeatability for the differentiation of gallbladder cancer from acute and xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis.

Prognostic significance of promoter DNA hypermethylation of the cysteine dioxygenase 1 (CDO1) gene in primary gallbladder cancer and gallbladder disease

Background

Aberrant promoter DNA methylation of the cysteine dioxygenase 1 (CDO1) gene is found in various human cancers and is associated with clinical outcome. In this study, we assessed for the first time the clinicopathological significance of CDO1 methylation in primary gallbladder cancer (GBC) in comparison with non-malignant gallbladder disease.

Methods

CDO1 DNA methylation was quantified using quantitative TaqMan methylation specific PCR (Q-MSP) in 99 primary GBC patients together with the 78 corresponding non-tumor tissues and 26 benign gallbladder disease (including 7 patients with xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis) who underwent surgical resection between 1986 and 2014.

Results

The average CDO1 TaqMeth value of primary GBCs was 23.5±26. These values were significantly higher than those of corresponding non-tumor tissues (average 8±13, p < .0001) and diseased gallbladder tissues from patients with benign gallbladder diseases (average 0.98±1.6, p < .0001). CDO1 hypermethylation is also found in xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis. Using a cut-off value of 17.7, GBC cases with CDO1 hypermethylation (n = 47) showed significantly poorer prognosis than those with CDO1 hypomethylation (n = 52) (p = 0.0023). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis identified that CDO1 hypermethylation was an independent prognostic factor. Notably, CDO1 hypermethylation showed prognostic relevance, especially in stage II GBC, in which it is highly anticipated to work as a predictive marker for candidates of adjuvant therapy.

Conclusions

Promoter NA methylation of CDO1 was demonstrated for the first time to be a cancer-associated methylation in primary GBC, and it has the potential to be a prognostic biomarker of GBC for high-risk patients with stage II GBC.

Laparoscopic approach to suspected T1 and T2 gallbladder carcinoma

AIM

To evaluate a laparoscopic approach to gallbladder lesions including polyps, wall-thickening lesions, and suspected T1 and T2 gallbladder cancer (GBC).

METHODS

We performed 50 cases of laparoscopic whole-layer cholecystectomy (LCWL) and 13 cases of laparoscopic gallbladder bed resection (LCGB) for those gallbladder lesions from April 2010 to November 2016. We analyzed the short-term and long-term results of our laparoscopic approach.

RESULTS

The median operation time was 108 min for LCWL and 211 min for LCGB. The median blood loss was minimal for LCWL and 28 ml for LCGB. No severe morbidity occurred in either procedure. Nine patients who underwent LCWL and 7 who underwent LCGB were postoperatively diagnosed with GBC. One of these patients had undergone LCGB for pathologically diagnosed T2 GBC after LCWL. All of the final surgical margins were negative. Three of these 15 patients underwent additional open surgery. The mean follow-up period was 26 mo, and only one patient developed recurrence.

CONCLUSION

LCWL and LCGB are safe and useful procedures that allow complete resection of highly suspected or early-stage cancer and achieve good short-term and long-term results.

Spectrum of Xanthogranulomatous Processes in the Abdomen and Pelvis: A Pictorial Review of Infectious, Inflammatory, and Proliferative Responses

OBJECTIVE

Xanthogranulomatous (XG) processes are rare inflammatory conditions with the characteristic pathologic feature of lipid-laden macrophages or histiocyte cells. Imaging findings are nonspecific and can simulate aggressive neoplastic processes. XG processes can be caused by infection, inflammation, histolytic process, or an inherited lysosomal disorder. XG infectious processes are mainly seen in cholecystitis and pyelonephritis, but several other organs can also be involved. Histiocytic processes can be divided into Langerhans and non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis. The non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis entities include Erdheim-Chester disease, Rosai-Dorfman disease, juvenile xanthogranuloma, and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. The inherited lysosomal disorders resulting in XG processes include Nieman-Pick, Gaucher, and other lysosomal storage disorders.

CONCLUSION

Radiologists need to be able to recognize features of xanthogranulomatous processes to help facilitate patient management.