Avoiding misdiagnosis of multilocular thymic cysts as malignant tumors on computer tomography

This editorial provides insights from a case report by Sun et al published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases.The case report focuses on a case where a multilocular thymic cyst(MTC)was misdiagnosed as a thymic tumor,resulting in an unnecessary surgical procedure.Both MTCs and thymic tumors are rare conditions that heavily rely on radiological imaging for accurate diagnosis.However,the similarity in their imaging presentations can lead to misinterpretation,resulting in unnecessary surgical procedures.Due to the ongoing lack of comprehensive knowledge about MTCs and thymic tumors,we offer a summary of diagnostic techniques documented in recent literature and examine potential causes of misdiagnosis.When computer tomography(CT)values surpass 20 Hounsfield units and display comparable morphology,there is a risk of misdiagnosing MTCs as thymic tumors.Employing various differential diagnostic methods like biopsy,molecular biology,multi-slice CT,CT functional imaging,positron emission tomography/CT molecular functional imaging,magnetic resonance imaging and radiomics,proves advantageous in reducing clinical misdiagnosis.A deeper understanding of these conditions requires increased attention and exploration by healthcare providers.Moreover,the continued advancement and utilization of various diagnostic methods are expected to enhance precise diagnoses,provide appropriate treatment options,and improve the quality of life for patients with thymic tumors and MTCs in the future.continued advancement and utilization of various diagnostic methods are expected to enhance precise diagnoses,provide appropriate treatment options,and improve the quality of life for patients with thymic tumors and MTCs in the future.

Value of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging combined with tumor markers in the diagnosis of ovarian tumors

BACKGROUND Compare the diagnostic performance of ultrasound(US),magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),and serum tumor markers alone or in combination for detecting ovarian tumors.AIM To investigate the diagnostic value of US,MRI combined with tumor markers in ovarian tumors.METHODS The data of 110 patients with ovarian tumors,confirmed by surgery and pathology,were collected in our hospital from February 2018 to May 2023.The dataset included 60 cases of benign tumors and 50 cases of malignant tumors.Prior to surgery,all patients underwent preoperative US and MRI examinations,as well as serum tumor marker tests[carbohydrate antigen 125(CA125),human epididymis protein 4(HE4)].The aim of the study was to compare the diagnostic performance of these three methods individually and in combination for ovarian tumors.RESULTS This study found statistically significant differences in the ultrasonic imaging characteristics between benign and malignant tumors.These differences include echo characteristics,presence or absence of a capsule,blood flow resistance index,clear tumor shape,and blood flow signal display rate(P<0.05).The apparent diffusion coefficient values of the solid and cystic parts in benign tumors were found to be higher compared to malignant tumors(P<0.05).Additionally,the time-intensity curve image features of benign and malignant tumors showed significant statistical differences(P<0.05).The levels of serum CA125 and HE4 in benign tumors were lower than those in malignant tumors(P<0.05).The combined use of US,MRI,and tumor markers in the diagnosis of ovarian tumors demonstrates higher accuracy,sensitivity,and specificity compared to using each method individually(P<0.05).CONCLUSION US,MRI,and tumor markers each have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to diagnosing ovarian tumors.However,by combining these three methods,we can significantly enhance the accuracy of ovarian tumor diagnosis,enabling early detection and identification of the tumor’s nature,and providing valuable guidance for clinical treatment.

Value of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Texture Analysis in the Differential Diagnosis of Benign and Malignant Breast Tumors

Objective To investigate the difference in texture features on diffusion weighted imaging(DWI) images between breast benign and malignant tumors.Methods Patients including 56 with mass-like breast cancer, 16 with breast fibroadenoma, and 4 with intraductal papilloma of breast treated in the Hainan Hospital of Chinese PLA General Hospital were retrospectively enrolled in this study, and allocated to the benign group(20 patients) and the malignant group(56 patients) according to the post-surgically pathological results. Texture analysis was performed on axial DWI images, and five characteristic parameters including Angular Second Moment(ASM), Contrast, Correlation, Inverse Difference Moment(IDM), and Entropy were calculated. Independent sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were performed for intergroup comparison. Regression model was established by using Binary Logistic regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC) analysis was carried out to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency. Results The texture features ASM, Contrast, Correlation and Entropy showed significant differences between the benign and malignant breast tumor groups(PASM= 0.014, Pcontrast= 0.019, Pcorrelation= 0.010, Pentropy= 0.007). The area under the ROC curve was 0.685, 0.681, 0.754, and 0.683 respectively for the positive texture variables mentioned above, and that for the combined variables(ASM, Contrast, and Entropy) was 0.802 in the model of Logistic regression. Binary Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that ASM, Contrast and Entropy were considered as thespecific imaging variables for the differential diagnosis of breast benign and malignant tumors.Conclusion The texture analysis of DWI may be a simple and effective tool in the differential diagnosis between breast benign and malignant tumors.

Combined detection of serum tumor markers for differential diagnosis of solid lesions located at the pancreatic head

BACKGROUND: The differential diagnosis of solid lesions located at the pancreatic head is very important for choosing therapies and setting up surgical tactics. This study was designed to evaluate the clinical significance of combined measurement of multiple serum tumor markers and the application of the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves in the differential diagnosis of solid lesions located at the pancreatic head. METHODS: The serum levels of CA19-9, CA242, CA50 and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in 112 patients with carcinoma of the pancreatic head and 38 patients with focal chronic pancreatitis in the pancreatic head were measured with ELISA. The sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR) and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) of the four serum tumor markers were calculated. The ROC curves for the four serum tumor markers were constructed and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. RESULTS: The AUCs of CA19-9, CA242, CA50 and CEA were 0.805, 0.749, 0.738 and 0.705; the PLRs were 1.91, 3.43, 5.09 and 5.46; and the NLRs were 0.41, 0.56, 0.59 and 0.71, respectively. Combined measurements increased the diagnostic specificity, and parallel combined testing increased the diagnostic sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: Combined measurement of serum tumor markers CA19-9, CA242, CA50 and CEA is valuable in differential diagnosis of solid lesions located at the pancreatic head, and CA19-9 has the best diagnostic ability. Combined measurements can increase the specificity of diagnosis. Evaluation with the ROC curve is better than the sensitivity or specificity alone and the results are more integrated and objective.

Pathological differential diagnosis of solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm and endocrine tumors of the pancreas

AIM:To investigate differential points of solid-pseudo-papillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas and pancre-atic endocrine tumor (PET).METHODS:Ten cases of SPN and fourteen cases of PET were studied in this retrospective study. Clinical and pathologic features,immunostaining reactions and β-catenin gene mutations were analyzed.RESULTS:The mean age of SPN patients was 25.6 years and these patients had no specific symptoms. The mean diameter of the tumors was 11.0 cm,9/10 cases were cystic or a mixture of solid and cystic structures,and there was hemorrhage and necrosis on the cut surface in 8/10 (80%) cases. Characteristic pseudo-papillary structure and discohesive appearance of the neoplastic cells were observed in all 10 (100%) cases. The results of immunostaining showed that nuclear expression of β-catenin and loss of E-cadherin in all the cases,was only seen in SPN. Molecular studies discov-ered that 9/10 (90%) cases harbored a point mutation of exon 3 in β-catenin gene. On the other hand,the mean age of PET patients was 43.1 years. Eight of 14 cases presented with symptoms caused by hypoglyce-mia,and the other 6 cases presented with symptoms similar to those of SPN. The mean size of the tumors was 2.9 cm,most of the tumors were solid,only 3/14 (21%) were a mixture of solid and cystic structures,and macroscopic hemorrhage and necrosis were much less common (3/14,21%). Histologically,tumor cells were arranged in trabecular,acinar or solid patterns and demonstrated no pseudopapillary structure and discohesive appearance in all 14 (100%) cases. The results of immunostaining and mutation detection were completely different with SPN that membrane and cytoplastic expression of β-catenin without loss of E-cadherin,as well as no mutation in β-catenin gene in all the cases. CONCLUSION:Both macroscopic and microscopic features of SPN are quite characteristic. It is not difficult to distinguish it from PET. If necessary,immunos-taining of β-catenin and E-cadherin is quite helpful to make the differential diagnosis.

Value of Texture Analysis of Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Parameters in Differential Diagnosis of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor and Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Objective To evaluate the value of texture features derived from intravoxel incoherent motion(IVIM) parameters for differentiating pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor(pNET) from pancreatic adenocarcinoma(PAC).Methods Eighteen patients with pNET and 32 patients with PAC were retrospectively enrolled in this study. All patients underwent diffusion-weighted imaging with 10 b values used(from 0 to 800 s/mm2). Based on IVIM model, perfusion-related parameters including perfusion fraction(f), fast component of diffusion(Dfast) and true diffusion parameter slow component of diffusion(Dslow) were calculated on a voxel-by-voxel basis and reorganized into gray-encoded parametric maps. The mean value of each IVIM parameter and texture features [Angular Second Moment(ASM), Inverse Difference Moment(IDM), Correlation, Contrast and Entropy] values of IVIM parameters were measured. Independent sample t-test or Mann-Whitney U test were performed for the betweengroup comparison of quantitative data. Regression model was established by using binary logistic regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency.Results The mean f value of the pNET group were significantly higher than that of the PAC group(27.0% vs. 19.0%, P = 0.001), while the mean values of Dfast and Dslow showed no significant differences between the two groups. All texture features(ASM, IDM, Correlation, Contrast and Entropy) of each IVIM parameter showed significant differences between the pNET and PAC groups(P = 0.000-0.043). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that texture ASM of Dfast and texture Correlation of Dslow were considered as the specific imaging variables for the differential diagnosis of pNET and PAC. ROC analysis revealed that multiple texture features presented better diagnostic performance than IVIM parameters(AUC 0.849-0.899 vs. 0.526-0.776), and texture ASM of Dfast combined with Correlation of Dslow in the model of logistic regression had largest area under ROC curve for distinguishing pNET from PAC(AUC 0.934, cutoff 0.378, sensitivity 0.889, specificity 0.854). Conclusion Texture analysis of IVIM parameters could be an effective and noninvasive tool to differentiate pNET from PAC.

Bone and soft tissue tumors presenting as sciatic notch dumbbell masses: A critical differential diagnosis of sciatica

AIM To study the clinical findings and characteristic features in sciatic notch dumbbell tumors(SNDTs).METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the clinical outcomes and characteristic features of consecutive cases of SNDTs(n = 8). RESULTS Buttock masses occurred in three patients with SNDT(37.5%). Severe buttock tenderness and pain at rest were observed in seven patients with SNDTs(87.5%). Remarkably, none of the patients with SNDTs experienced back pain. Mean tumor size was 8.4 ± 2.0 cm(range, 3.9 to 10.6 cm) and part of the tumor mass was detected in 2 patients in the sagittal view of lumbar magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).CONCLUSION The clinical information regarding to SNDTs is scarce. The authors consider that above mentioned characteristic findings may facilitate the suspicion of pelvic pathology and a search for SNDT by MRI or computed tomography should be considered in patients presenting with sciatica without evidence of spinal diseases.

Quantitative differential diagnosis of breasttumors using shear wave velocity and differentprobe orientations

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the additional benefit of the difference of maximum and minimum shear wave velocity(SWV) values obtained at different probe orientations(D-value) for the differential diagnosis of breast tumors.Methods SWV(m/s) was measured in 123 breast tumors(92 benign,31 malignant) in 76 female patients with the probe placed on the transverse,longitudinal,and 45° planes.The areas under the receiver operating characteristic(AUROC) curves were compared with respect to the maximum SWV,minimum SWV,D-value,maximum SWV combined with the D-value,and minimum SWV combined with the D-value.Results There was a significant difference among the values of the maximum SWV,minimum SWV,and D-value for the 3 planes(P < 0.001).The AUROC curves for the maximum SWV,minimum SWV,and D-values of the 3 planes were 0.751(P = 0.379),0.486(P = 0.863),and 0.603(P = 0.204),respectively.The cutoff value for the maximum SWV for differentiating benign tumors from malignant tumors was 2.51 m/s(sensitivity 67%,specificity 50%).The cutoff value for the minimum SWV was 1.61 m/s(sensitivity 53%,specificity 50%).Adding the D-value increased the AUROC curve for the maximum SWV from 0.571 to 0.733 and the minimum SWV from 0.486 to 0.504(P = 0.964),respectively.Conclusion SWV differs in different planes of breast tumors.The D-value can provide a reference for the differential diagnosis of breast tumors.

Multi-slice spiral computed tomography in differential diagnosis of gastric stromal tumors and benign gastric polyps,and gastric stromal tumor risk stratification assessment

BACKGROUND The biological characteristics of gastric stromal tumors are complex,and their incidence has increased in recent years.Gastric stromal tumors(GST)have potential malignant tendencies,and the probability of transformation into malignant tumors is as high as 20%-30%.AIM To investigate the value of multi-slice spiral computed tomography(MSCT)in the differential diagnosis of GST and benign gastric polyps,and GST risk stratification assessment.METHODS We included 64 patients with GST(GST group)and 60 with benign gastric polyps(control group),confirmed by pathological examination after surgery in PLA General Hospital,from January 2016 to June 2021.The differences in the MSCT imaging characteristic parameters and enhanced CT values between the two groups before surgery were compared.According to the National Institutes of Health’s standard,GST is divided into low-and high-risk groups for MSCT imaging characteristic parameters and enhanced CT values.RESULTS The incidences of extraluminal growth,blurred boundaries,and ulceration in the GST group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The CT values and enhanced peak CT values in the arterial phase in the CST group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The MSCT differential diagnosis of GST and gastric polyp sensitivity,specificity,misdiagnosis rate,missed diagnosis rate,and areas under the curve(AUCs)were 73.44%,83.33%,26.56%,16.67%,0.784,respectively.The receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted with the arterial CT value and enhanced peak CT value,with a statistical difference.The results showed that the sensitivity,specificity,misdiagnosis rate,missed diagnosis rate,and AUC value of arterial CT in the differential diagnosis of GST and gastric polyps were 80.18%,62.20%,19.82%,37.80%,and 0.710,respectively.The sensitivity,specificity,misdiagnosis rate,missed diagnosis rate,and AUC value of the enhanced peak CT value in the differential diagnosis of GST and gastric polyps were 67.63%,60.40%,32.37%,39.60%,and 0.710,respectively.The incidence of blurred lesion boundaries and ulceration in the high-risk group was significantly higher than that in the low-risk group(P<0.05).The arterial phase and enhanced peak CT values in the high-risk group were significantly higher than those in the low-risk group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Presurgical MSCT examination has important value in the differential diagnosis of GST and gastric benign polyps and can effectively evaluate the risk grade of GST patients.

Multiple biomarkers of colorectal tumor in a differential diagnosis model:A quantitative study

AIM:To evaluate the multiple biomarkers of colorectal tumor and their potential usage in early diagnosis of colorectal cancers. METHODS:Multiple biomarkers (DNA contents,AgNOR, PCNA,p53,c-erbB-2) in 10 normal colorectal mucosae,37 colorectal adenomas and 55 colorectal cancers were analyzed quantitatively in the computed processing imaging system. Discrimination patterns were employed to evaluate the significance of single and multiple indices in diagnosis of colorectal cancers. RESULTS:The mean values of the analyzed parameters increased in order of the normal mucosa,adenoma and adenocarcinoma,and this tendency reflected the progression of colorectal malignancy.The parameters including DNA index,positive rates,densities of AgNOR,c-erbB-2,and p53, shape and density of nucleus were relatively valuable for diagnoses.Then a diagnostic discrimination model was established.The samples were confirmed with the model, the sensitivity rates in cancer group and adenoma group were 96.36% and 89.19%,respectively.The value of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in early diagnosis of colorectal cancers was uncertain. CONCLUSION:The quantitative evaluation of some parameters for colorectal tumor can provide reproducible data for differential diagnosis.The established diagnostic discrimination model may be of clinicopathological value, and can make the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer possible.

Differential study of DCE-MRI parameters in spinal metastatic tumors, brucellar spondylitis and spinal tuberculosis

Objective： In the present study, spinal metastatic tumors, brucellar spondylitis and spinal tuberculosis werequantitatively analyzed using dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging （DCE-MRI） to assess thevalue of DCE-MRI in the differential diagnosis of these diseases.Methods： Patients with brucellar spondylitis, spinal tuberculosis or a spinal metastatic tumor （30 cases of each）received conventional MRI and DCE-MRI examination. The volume transfer constant （Ktrans）, rate constant （Kep）,extravascular extracellular volume fraction （Ve） and plasma volume fraction （Vp） of the diseased vertebral bodieswere measured on the perfusion parameter map, and the differences in these parameters between the patients werecompared.Results： For pathological vertebrae in cases of spinal metastatic tumor, brucellar spondylitis and spinaltuberculosis, respectively, the Ktrans values （median ＋ quartile pitch） were 0.989±0.014, 0.720±0.011 and0.317±0.005 min-1; the Kep values were 2.898±0.055, 1.327±0.017 and 0.748±0.006 min-1; the Ve values were0.339±0.008, 0.542±0.013 and 0.428±0.018; the Vp values were 0.048±0.008, 0.035±0.004 and 0.028±0.009; thecorresponding H values were 50.25 （for Ktrans）, 52.47 （for Kep）, 48.33 （for Ve） and 46.56 （for Vp）, and all differenceswere statistically significant （two-sided P〈0.05）.Conclusions： The quantitative analysis of DCE-MRI has a certain value in the differential diagnosis of spinalmetastatic tumor, brucellar spondylitis and spinal tuberculosis.

Solitary fibrous tumor of the pancreas:Case report and review of the literature

Solitary fibrous tumor(SFT) is a mesenchymal tumor typically located in the pleura,but can also be found as an asymptomatic mass in other areas,including the liver,peritoneum,kidney and salivary glands.However,SFT rarely locates in the pancreas.We present such a case of pancreatic SFT,along with a review of all reported cases.A 55-year-old man was treated surgically for an asymptomatic pancreatic mass after a rigorous preoperative control.Histologic examination of the resected specimen showed characteristics of an SFT.As only 15 cases of pancreatic SFT have been reported so far,an attempt to compare the cases was considered intriguing.We found that patients with pancreatic SFT were mainly women(81.25%),with a median age of 54 years at the time of diagnosis and a median tumor size of 5.83 cm.Pancreatic SFTs were revealed incidentally in 50% of cases,and all of them showed an enhancement through arterial computed tomography.All tumors were positive for CD34,ten were positive for Bcl-2,and twelve were negative for S100.The diagnosis of this pancreatic tumor is established by a combination of clinical suspicion,imaging procedures and histological findings,and is confirmed by immunohistochemical staining.Although the behavior of SFTs is rather benign,close clinical follow-up is recommended due to a potentially malignant nature.

Primary testicular neuroendocrine tumor with liver lymph node metastasis: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Primary testicular neuroendocrine tumors(TNETs)are sporadic,accounting for only 0.23%of all testicular tumors.Few cases have been reported in the literature,and no uniform treatment protocol exists.We report a case of a primary TNET with liver lymph node metastasis diagnosed at the age of 24 years and discuss its clinicopathological features,diagnosis,differential diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 24-year-old patient with a primary TNET with liver lymph node metastasis.The patient was found to have a right testicular swelling of about 3 cm×4 cm in size with unclear borders and no testicular pressure pain seven years ago without any examination or treatment.One month ago,an ultrasound examination was performed for persistent enlargement of the right testis,which showed an occupying lesion of the right testis approximately 110 mm×102 mm×82 mm in size.Magnetic resonance imaging scan of the testis(plain scan)showed that the right testis was an occupying lesion with inhomogeneous density and mixed signal,the boundary was still clear,and the possibility of seminoma was considered;chest X-ray and computed tomography did not show any apparent abnormalities.The patient underwent radical orchiectomy,and the pathological examination suggested a right TNET with a typical carcinoid tumor histological type.One month after the surgery,the patient received nine cycles of lanreotide chemotherapy at a dose of 90 mg/mo without adverse effects.No distant lymph node or other organ metastases were detected at follow-up.He is in good physical condition and attends regular follow-up visits.CONCLUSION Neuroendocrine tumors are rare in clinical practice,and the diagnosis mainly relies on the characteristics of microscopic tumor cells and immunohistochemical features.Treatment involves radical orchiectomy.If it is accompanied by distant lymph node metastasis and the metastatic lesion can be resected,it should be surgically removed;if it cannot be resected,growth inhibitor analog octreotide or lanreotide chemotherapy can be administered to obtain good results,with close postoperative follow-up to prevent recurrence and metastasis.

Overall approaches to cardiac tumors:Still an unsolved enigma?

Cardiac tumors are neoplasms involving heart structures at any level,meaning the myocardium,valves,and cardiac chambers.When considering cardiac masses,it is not uncommon for surgeons to be surprised when they diagnose one.The real incidence of this complex group of diseases has been explored only after cardiac diagnostic tools became more appropriate.Despite differential diagnosis being relevant,surgical indication is usually requested for all malignant cardiac tumors and also for many types of benign tumors.The development of cardiac imaging techniques,therefore,has been the key point for a better understanding of the history of cardiac tumors and especially of the relevance of surgical indication in such conditions.Systematic and combined applications of echocardiography,cardiac computed tomography and magnetic resonance allow in the majority of case a clear definition of the nature of a newly discovered cardiac mass.The presence of a Li-Fraumeni syndrome seems to be the trigger aspect in accelerating the propensity of developing a cardiac tumor.Despite the revolutionary usefulness of the cardiac imaging techniques available,it is still considered a hazard to diagnose a malignant cardiac mass just with radiological imaging;the mainstay of the final diagnosis stands in surgical excision of the mass and histopathological report.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS IN THE INTRACRANIAL DISEASES: PROTON MAGNETIC RESONANCE S PECTROSCOPY STUDY

Objective To investigate th e value of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 1H-MRS) on diagnosis a nd differential diagnosis of the intracranial diseases by the MRS results of 52 patients. Methods 12 patients with benign glioma, 16 patients with malignant glioma, 10 patients with meningioma, 8 patients with virus encephalitis, and 6 patients with cerebral infarction underwent MRS in th e lesion region. We measured the area within the spectra of N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), creatine/phosphocreatine (Cr), choline compounds (Cho), and lactate (Lac ). Results The spectra of meningiomas were characterized by abs ence of NAA. The spectra of gliomas were characterized by the decrease of NAA an d Cr, but the increase of Cho. The ratio of Cho to Cr was 2.25±1.21 in benign g liomas, while the ratio of Cho to Cr was 4.65±2.21 in malignant gliomas. The sp ectra of virus encephalitis appeared the decrease of NAA and the normality of Cr , with the 1.25±0.21 ratio of Cho/Cr. The apparent Lac wave could be seen in al l cerebral infarctions. Conclusion The value of 1H-MRS plays a significant role in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of gliomas, mening iomas, virus encephalitis, and cerebral infarctions.

TFE3-expressing malignant perivascular epithelioid cell tumor of the mesentery:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor(PEComa)is a rare mesenchymal tumor that exhibits an epithelioid and spindle cell morphology.The tumor is characterized by immunoreactivity for melanocytic and myogenic markers but can be misdiagnosed as more common tumors with similar characteristics,including gastrointestinal stroma tumors or leiomyosarcomas.Recently,a subset of PEComas has been reported to harbor a transcription factor binding to TFE3 fusion.Herein,we report a rare case of TFE3-expressing malignant PEComa arising from the mesentery.CASE SUMMARY A 50-year-old woman presented with abdominal discomfort for 3 months.Results of laboratory tests were all within the normal ranges,and the patient had no notable medical history.Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large tumor on the right side of the pelvic floor,which was originally suspected to be a primary ovarian tumor.However,during surgery,the tumor was revealed to have originated from the mesentery.Histologically,the tumor was composed of bundles of spindle cells and sheets of epithelioid cells.Extensive coagulative necrosis and numerous mitotic figures were observed.Immunohistochemistry revealed that the tumor cells were positive for smooth muscle actin,HMB-45,and TFE3 expression.Tumor involvement of the rectal serosa was identified,leading to a final diagnosis of malignant PEComa of the mesentery.Surgical resection was followed by adjuvant chemotherapy.No recurrence or metastasis was observed over a 6-month follow-up period.CONCLUSION Malignant PEComa of the mesentery is extremely rare and should be distinguished from morphological mimics through differential diagnosis and immunohistochemistry.

Clinicopathological analysis of solitary fibrous tumor

Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathologic characteristics,diagnosis and differential diagnosis,molecular genetics,treatment and prognosis of solitary fibrous tumor(SFT).Methods:The clinicopathological manifestations were analyzed retrospectively in 22 patients with surgically confirmed SFT.Results:There were 12 male patients and 10 female patients,with the age range 33-67(mean 48.62) years.The SFTs originated from different from parts of the body,including 13 in the chest,2 in the lungs,3 in the abdomen,1 in the lumbosacral area,2 in the pelvis,and 1 in the left shoulder.There were 19 benign and 3 malignant tumors.Major clinical presentations were local masses and compression symptoms.Microscopy:the tumor was composed of areas of alternating hypercellularity and hypocellularity.The tumor cells were spindle to short-spindle shaped and arranged in fascicular or storiform pattern and hemangiopericytoma-like structure was presented.Immunohistochemically,Vimentin positive rate was 100%(22/22),Bcl-2 positive rate was 95.5%(21/22),CD99 positive rate was 86.4%(19/22),CD34 positive rate was 81.8(18/22),focally positive for P53,as well as negative CK,S100 and Desmin.Ki67 labelling index was 2%-30%.Conclusion:SFT is a rare tumor which may be found in various parts of human body.SFT mostly is a benign tumor,but a few could be malignant.Its diagnosis mainly rely on its morphologic features and immunohistochemical profiles.The major treatment is to completely resect it by operation and long-term clinical follow-up is necessary.

Primary chondrosarcoma of the liver:A case report

BACKGROUND Primary chondrosarcoma of the liver are extremely rare.Moreover,there are few reports focusing on typical clinical symptoms and imaging characteristics.Therefore,the diagnosis of chondrosarcoma of the liver remains a challenge.CASE SUMMARY A 59-year-old male was admitted due to a lesion occupying the right liver lobe that was found by physical examination.Magnetic resonance imaging showed a lobular mass with high T2 weighted image and low T1 weighted image with enhanced internal separation and edge in the right liver.He was diagnosed with liver cystadenoma by using magnetic resonance imaging.At 3 mo later,the magnetic resonance scan showed that the mass was enlarged.Laparoscopic liver tumor resection was performed with a pathological diagnosis of liver chondrosarcoma.Then he received a surgical resection for the recurrent lesion.However,intrahepatic and abdominal metastases were found again at 8 mo after the second operation.The patient then received conservative management and is now under follow-up.CONCLUSION Primary liver chondrosarcoma generally is presented as lobulated and heterogeneous density/signal,cystic,solid masses without calcification with enhanced edge,internal septa and solid part.The imaging features are closely related to pathology,which may be helpful for clinical diagnosis.

Endometrial clear cell carcinoma invading the right oviduct with a cooccurring ipsilateral oviduct adenomatoid tumor:A case report

BACKGROUND To investigate the clinicopathological features of endometrial clear cell carcinoma that has invaded the right oviduct with a cooccurring ipsilateral oviduct adenomatoid tumor.CASE SUMMARY A case of endometrial clear cell carcinoma invading the right oviduct with a cooccurring ipsilateral oviduct adenomatoid tumor was collected and analyzed using pathomorphology and immunohistochemistry.Endometrial clear cell carcinoma cells were distributed in a solid nest,papillary,shoe nail-like,and glandular tube-like distribution.There was infiltrative growth,and tumor cells had clear cytoplasm and obvious nuclear heteromorphism.The cancer tissue was necrotic and mitotic.The cancer tissue invaded the right oviduct.The ipsilateral oviduct also had an adenomatoid tumor.The adenomatoid tumor was arranged in microcapsules lined with flat or cubic cells that were surrounded by smooth muscle tissue.The adenomatoid tumor cells were round in shape.CONCLUSION Clear cell carcinoma of the endometrium can invade the oviduct and occur simultaneously with tubal adenomatoid tumors.Upon pathological diagnosis,one should pay close attention to distinguishing whether an endometrial clear cell carcinoma is invading the oviduct or whether it is accompanied by an adenomatoid tumor of the oviduct.Immunohistochemistry is helpful to differentiate these two disease entities.Endometrial clear cell carcinomas express Napsin-A and P16 and are negative for estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor.The presence of endometrial clear cell carcinoma does not affect the expression of CK and calretinin in adenomatoid tumors.

Incidental right atrial mass in a patient with secondary pancreatic cancer: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND The incidental detection of a right atrial mass during routine cardioncological workup is a rare condition. The correct differential diagnosis between cancer and thrombi is challenging. A biopsy may not be feasible while diagnostic techniques and tools may not be available.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 59-year-old female patient with a history of breast cancer and current secondary metastatic pancreatic cancer. She developed deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism and was admitted to the Outpatient Clinic of our Cardio-Oncology Unit for follow-up. Transthoracic echocardiogram incidentally found a right atrial mass. Clinical management was difficult due to the abrupt worsening of the patient’s clinical condition and the progressive severe thrombocytopenia. We suspected a thrombus, according to its echocardiographic appearance, the patient’s cancer history and recent venous thromboembolism. The patient was unable to adhere to low molecular weight heparin treatment. Due to worsening prognosis, palliative care was recommended. We also highlighted the distinguishing features between thrombi and tumors. We proposed a diagnostic flowchart to aid diagnostic decision making in the case of an incidental atrial mass.CONCLUSION This case report highlights the importance of cardioncological surveillance during anticancer treatments to detect cardiac masses.