Duodenal tumors on cross-sectional imaging with emphasis on multidetector computed tomography: a pictorial review

The value of a nomogram model based on CT imaging features in differentiating duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumors from pancreatic head neuroendocrine tumors

OBJECTIVE

To construct a nomogram model based on multi-slice spiral CT imaging features to predict and differentiate between duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and pancreatic head neuroendocrine tumors (NENs), providing imaging evidence for clinical treatment decisions.

METHODS

A retrospective collection of clinical information, pathological results, and imaging data was conducted on 115 cases of duodenal GISTs and 76 cases of pancreatic head NENs confirmed by surgical pathology at Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University from November 2013 to November 2022. Comparative analysis was performed on the tumor's maximum diameter, shortest diameter, long diameter/short diameter ratio, tumor morphology, tumor border, central position of the lesion, lesion long-axis direction, the relationship between tumor and common bile duct (CBD), duodenal side ulceration of the lesion, calcification, cystic and solid proportion within the tumor, thickened feeding arteries, tumor neovascularization, distant metastasis, and CT values during plain and enhanced scans in arterial and venous phases. Statistical analysis was conducted using t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and χ2 tests. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors for differentiating duodenal GISTs from pancreatic head NENs. Based on these independent predictors, a nomogram model was constructed, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the model. The nomogram was validated using a calibration curve, and decision curve analysis was applied to assess the clinical application value of the nomogram.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in the duodenal GISTs group and the pancreatic head NENs group in terms of longest diameter (P < 0.001), shortest diameter (P < 0.001), plain CT value (P < 0.001), arterial phase CT value (P < 0.001), venous phase CT value (P = 0.002), lesion long-axis direction (P < 0.001), central position of the lesion (P < 0.001), the relationship between tumor and CBD(< 0.001), border (P = 0.004), calcification (P = 0.017), and distant metastasis (P = 0.018). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified uncertain location (OR 0.040, 95% CI 0.003-0.549), near the duodenum (OR 0, 95% CI 0-0.009), with the lesion long-axis direction along the pancreas as a reference, along the duodenum (OR 0.106, 95% CI 0.010-1.156) or no significant difference (OR 4.946, 95% CI 0.453-54.017), and the relationship between tumor and CBD (OR 0.013, 95% CI 0.001-0.180), shortest diameter (OR 0.705, 95% CI 0.546-0.909), and calcification (OR 18.638, 95% CI 1.316-263.878) as independent risk factors for differentiating between duodenal GISTs and pancreatic head NENs (all P values < 0.05). The combined diagnostic model's AUC values based on central position of the lesion, calcification, lesion long axis orientation, the relationship between tumor and CBD, shortest diameter, and the joint diagnostic model were 0.937 (0.902-0.972), 0.700(0.624-0.776), 0.717(0.631-0.802), 0.559 (0.473-0.644), 0.680 (0.603-0.758), and 0.991(0.982-0.999), respectively, with a sensitivity of 97.3% and a specificity of 93.0% for the joint diagnostic model. The nomogram model's AUC value was 0.985(0.973-0.996), with a sensitivity and specificity of 94.7% and 93.9%, respectively. The calibration curve indicated good agreement between predicted and actual risks. Decision curve analysis verified the clinical application value of the nomogram.

CONCLUSION

The nomogram model based on CT imaging features effectively differentiates between duodenal GISTs and pancreatic head NENs, aiding in more precise clinical treatment decisions.

A pictorial essay on cross-sectional imaging findings of pathologies in the second (D2) segment of the duodenum in adults

The duodenum, the initial segment of the small intestine, is divided into four parts: the superior (D1), descending (second) (D2), horizontal (D3), and ascending (D4) segments. Despite its short length, the descending part (D2 segment) holds clinical significance due to its anatomical proximity to structures such as the gallbladder, right kidney, colon, and pancreas. This anatomical localization and contiguity give rise to various pathologies, including congenital, inflammatory, infectious, neoplastic, vascular, and traumatic conditions. Cross-sectional imaging modalities play a pivotal role in evaluating pathologies of the second (D2) segment of the duodenum. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these pathologies and delineate their imaging characteristics.

A Case Report of Duodenal Malignancy and Its Management With Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Gastrointestinal malignancies, most specifically duodenal malignancy, are uncommon in the population; however, they are tricky to manage because the lesions are diagnosed at a late stage and located in a complex area. This case report focuses on a patient who was diagnosed with a second (descending) part of the duodenum (D2) malignancy; the tumour was localised at the second part of the duodenum, and the management of this patient was through the Whipple procedure or pancreaticoduodenectomy. The patient complained of stinging abdomen pain. Diagnostic examination comprised of CT and biopsy proved the presence of a malignant tumour originating from the D2 area. The tumour's characteristics and the patient's general health status are determined by using Whipple's procedure. Post-operative management entails the use of IV antibiotics, analgesics, multivitamins and nasojejunal (NJ) tube feeding. The case also expounds on the consequences of a multimodal treatment strategy, meticulous planning of the surgical procedure, and adequate post-operative management of D2 malignancies. These data may shed some light on the peculiarities of duodenal cancer management with the Whipple procedure; nonetheless, early diagnosis and proper management should remain the primary goals.

Small Bowel Neuroendocrine Neoplasms-A Review

ABSTRACT

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are rapidly evolving small bowel tumors, and the patients are asymptomatic at the initial stages. Metastases are commonly observed at the time of presentation and diagnosis. This review addresses the small bowel NEN (SB-NEN) and its molecular, histological, and imaging features, which aid diagnosis and therapy guidance. Somatic cell number alterations and epigenetic mutations are studied to be responsible for sporadic and familial SB-NEN. The review also describes the grading of SB-NEN in addition to rare histological findings such as mixed neuroendocrine-non-NENs. Anatomic and nuclear imaging with conventional computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomographic enterography, and positron emission tomography are adopted in clinical practice for diagnosing, staging, and follow-up of NEN. Along with the characteristic imaging features of SB-NEN, the therapeutic aspects of imaging, such as peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, are discussed in this review.

Giardiasis Presenting as a Brunner Gland Hyperplasia

Giardiasis is the most common intestinal parasitic disease worldwide. Clinical presentation ranges from asymptomatic to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and iron deficiency anemia. Treatment modalities include tinidazole, metronidazole, and paromomycin. We present a case of an adult man with anemia and suspected gastrointestinal bleeding who was found to have a duodenal nodule consistent with Brunner gland hyperplasia, and biopsy also showed Giardia. Limited case reports of Giardia diagnosed by duodenal biopsy are found in the literature. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of giardiasis presenting as Brunner gland hyperplasia.

Duodenal neuroendocrine neoplasms on enhanced CT: establishing a diagnostic model with duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumors in the non-ampullary area and analyzing the value of predicting prognosis

OBJECTIVE

To identify CT features and establish a diagnostic model for distinguishing non-ampullary duodenal neuroendocrine neoplasms (dNENs) from non-ampullary duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (dGISTs) and to analyze overall survival outcomes of all dNENs patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 98 patients with pathologically confirmed dNENs (n = 44) and dGISTs (n = 54). Clinical data and CT characteristics were collected. Univariate analyses and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent factors and establish a diagnostic model between non-ampullary dNENs (n = 22) and dGISTs (n = 54). The ROC curve was created to determine diagnostic ability. Cox proportional hazards models were created and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were performed for survival analysis of dNENs (n = 44).

RESULTS

Three CT features were identified as independent predictors of non-ampullary dNENs, including intraluminal growth pattern (OR 0.450; 95% CI 0.206-0.983), absence of intratumoral vessels (OR 0.207; 95% CI 0.053-0.807) and unenhanced lesion > 40.76 HU (OR 5.720; 95% CI 1.575-20.774). The AUC was 0.866 (95% CI 0.765-0.968), with a sensitivity of 90.91% (95% CI 70.8-98.9%), specificity of 77.78% (95% CI 64.4-88.0%), and total accuracy rate of 81.58%. Lymph node metastases (HR: 21.60), obstructive biliary and/or pancreatic duct dilation (HR: 5.82) and portal lesion enhancement ≤ 99.79 HU (HR: 3.02) were independent prognostic factors related to poor outcomes.

CONCLUSION

We established a diagnostic model to differentiate non-ampullary dNENs from dGISTs. Besides, we found that imaging features on enhanced CT can predict OS of patients with dNENs.

Imaging spectrum of non-neoplastic and neoplastic conditions of the duodenum: a pictorial review

Given its crucial location at the crossroads of the gastrointestinal tract, the hepatobiliary system and the splanchnic vessels, the duodenum can be affected by a wide spectrum of abnormalities. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, in conjunction with endoscopy, are often performed to evaluate these conditions, and several duodenal pathologies can be identified on fluoroscopic studies. Since many conditions affecting this organ are asymptomatic, the role of imaging cannot be overemphasized. In this article we will review the imaging features of many conditions affecting the duodenum, focusing on cross-sectional imaging studies, including congenital malformations, such as annular pancreas and intestinal malrotation; vascular pathologies, such as superior mesenteric artery syndrome; inflammatory and infectious conditions; trauma; neoplasms and iatrogenic complications. Because of the complexity of the duodenum, familiarity with the duodenal anatomy and physiology as well as the imaging features of the plethora of conditions affecting this organ is crucial to differentiate those conditions that could be managed medically from the ones that require intervention.

Autophagy in gastrointestinal cancers

Gastrointestinal cancers are a group of cancers occurred in gastrointestinal tissues with high morbidity and mortality rate. Although numerous studies were conducted on the investigation of gastrointestinal cancers, the real mechanisms haven’t been discovered, and no effective methods of prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers have been developed. Autophagy, a vital catabolic process in organisms, have been proven to participate in various mechanisms and signaling pathways, thus producing a regulatory effect on various diseases. The role of autophagy in gastrointestinal cancers remains unclear due to its high complexity. In this review, firstly, the biological features of autophagy will be introduced. Secondly, the role of autophagy in three popular gastrointestinal cancers, namely esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer will be described and discussed by reviewing the related literature. We aimed to bring novel insights in exploring the real mechanisms for gastrointestinal cancers and developing effective and efficient therapeutic methods to treat gastrointestinal cancers.

Imaging Spectrum of Duodenal Emergencies

The duodenum, the first portion of the small bowel, is divided into four segments and extends to both retro- and intraperitoneal spaces. Some conditions arise primarily from the duodenum, but it can be secondarily affected by processes that involve neighboring structures. When duodenal emergencies are not identified and treated promptly, they may result in high morbidity and mortality. Imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis of duodenal conditions in the acute setting. However, the radiologic findings can be subtle, and awareness of relevant patient history and clinical presentation is important as it may increase the index of suspicion and one's ability to diagnose these conditions. Duodenal peptic disease is common and can be complicated by bleeding and perforation. The duodenum can be secondarily involved by pancreatitis and gallbladder pathologic conditions and may be affected by iatrogenic complications following endoscopic procedures. Traumatic injuries to the duodenum are generally uncommon, with penetrating traumatic injury being the most frequent mechanism of injury. Duodenal vascular pathologic conditions such as aortoduodenal fistula are uncommon but can be life threatening. The knowledge of which pathologic condition can involve which duodenal segment can help the radiologist establish a differential diagnosis and achieve a more targeted imaging approach. The online slide presentation from the RSNA Annual Meeting is available for this article. ^©RSNA, 2020.

Gastric lipoma of the pylorus - case report of an incidental finding

Gastric lipomas are very rare benign tumors. Only around 217 cases have been reported. Most gastric lipomas are found incidentally; however, larger neoplasms can be symptomatic. The presented 64 years old male with incidental finding of pyloric lipoma adds another example to the few documented in the literature. The patient had symptoms of breath shortness and lack of energy two months after COVID 19 pneumonia. A low dose CT scan with iodine contrast enhancement of the chest and upper abdomen led to the diagnose. The diagnosis of gastric lipoma can be achieved through diagnostic imaging or the combination of endoscopic techniques. Treatment can be carried out by endoscopy, robotic or classical surgery.