Hepatic perivascular epithelioid cell tumors:The importance of preoperative diagnosis

Accurate preoperative diagnosis is highly important for the treatment of perivascular epithelioid cell tumors(PEComas)because PEComas are mainly benign tumors and may not require surgical intervention.By analyzing the causes,properties and clinical manifestations of PEComas,we summarize the challenges and solutions in the diagnosis of PEComas.

Massive simultaneous hepatic and renal perivascular epithelioid cell tumor benefitted from surgery and everolimus treatment:A case report

BACKGROUND Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor(PEComa)is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm that predominantly affects the kidney and uterus.The occurrence of this tumor in the liver,particularly with simultaneous involvement of the liver and kidney,is exceedingly uncommon.Pathological diagnosis is the gold standard.PEComas usually show positive immunohistochemical staining for melanocytic(HMB-45,Melan-A)and myoid(SMA,muscle-specific actin)markers.CASE SUMMARY We presented a noteworthy case of malignant PEComa affecting both the liver and kidney in a 53-year-old man with tuberous sclerosis complex(TSC).FAT2 and TP73 mutations in the kidney were identified and positive expression of diagnostic markers including HMB-45,Melan A,and TFE3 were detected.In addition,we demonstrated that hepatic artery perfusion chemotherapy was ineffective for hepatic PEComa,while surgery remained the most effective approach.Everolimus showed an excellent efficacy in the postoperative treatment of the tumor.CONCLUSION Surgical treatment is preferred for malignant PEComa affecting liver and kidney,especially with TSC;everolimus is effective postoperatively.

Hepatic perivascular epithelioid cell tumor:Clinicopathological analysis of 26 cases with emphasis on disease management and prognosis

BACKGROUND Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor(PEComa)is an uncommon tumor of mesenchymal origin.Cases of PEComa in the liver are extremely rare.AIM To analyze the clinicopathological features and treatment of hepatic PEComa and to evaluate the prognosis after different treatments.METHODS Clinical and pathological data of 26 patients with hepatic PEComa were collected.All cases were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and clinical follow-up.RESULTS This study included 17 females and 9 males,with a median age of 50 years.Lesions were located in the left hepatic lobe in 13 cases,in the right lobe in 11,and in the caudate lobe in 2.The median tumor diameter was 6.5 cm.Light microscopy revealed that the tumor cells were mainly composed of epithelioid cells.The cytoplasm contained heterogeneous eosinophilic granules.There were thick-walled blood vessels,around which tumor cells were radially arranged.Immunohistochemical analysis of pigment-derived and myogenic markers in PEComas revealed that 25 cases were HMB45(+),23 were Melan-A(+),and 22 SMA(+).TFE3 and Desmin were negative in all cases.All the fluorescence in situ hybridization samples were negative for TFE3 gene break-apart probe.Tumor tissues were collected by extended hepatic lobe resection or simple hepatic tumor resection as the main treatments.Median follow-up was 62.5 mo.None of the patients had metastasis or recurrence,and there were no deaths due to the disease.CONCLUSION Hepatic PEComa highly expresses melanin and smooth muscle markers,and generally exhibits an inert biological behavior.The prognosis after extended hepatic lobe resection and simple hepatic tumor resection is semblable.

Hepatic perivascular epithelioid cell tumor in three patients

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor （PEComa） is a rare, soft tissue tumor that can occur in various locations. The present report included three patients （one male and two females; age range, 25-51 years） with hepatic PEComas. The collected data included the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, management, treatment, and prognosis. Since it is difficult to diagnose hepatic PEComas by imaging, the patients were diagnosed by tumor tissue examination such as immunohistochemistry, which was positive for HMB-45, Melan-A, and SMA on all slides. The tumor was composed of diverse tissues including smooth muscle, adipose tissue, and thick-walled blood vessels. During the follow-up period, one of the tumors was malignant （double-positive for CD34 and Ki-67） and recurred 3 months after surgery. In addition, malignant hepatic PECo- mas were reviewed in the literature, indicating that the majority of hepatic PEComas are benign, but few hepatic PEComas exhibit malignant behaviors in older female patients （〉50 years of age） with abdominal discomfort and pain, larger tumor size （〉10 cm）, or positive staining for CD34 and Ki-67. In conclusion, there is no effective method to diagnose PEComas. Currently, the diagnosis of PEComas depends on immunohistochemical staining. Tumor resection and close follow-up are the principal methods for the management of PEComas.

A perivascular epithelioid cell tumor of the stomach:An unsuspected diagnosis

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor(PEComa) is a rare mesenchymal neoplasia and currently well recognized as a distinct entity with characteristic morphological,immunohistochemical and molecular findings.We report a case of PEComa arising in the antrum of a 71-year-old female with melena.The tumor,located predominantly in the submucosa as a well delimited nodule,measured 3.0 cm in diameter and was completely resected,with no evidence of the disease elsewhere.Histologically,it was composed predominantly of eosinophilic epithelioid cells arranged in small nests commonly related to variably sized vessels,with abundant extracellular material,moderate nuclear variation and discrete mitotic activity.No necrosis,angiolymphatic invasion or perineural infil-tration was seen.Tumor cells were uniformly positive for vimentin,smooth muscle actin,desmin and melan A.Although unusual,PEComa should be considered in the differential diagnosis of gastric neoplasia with characteristic epithelioid and oncocytic features and prominent vasculature.

Hepatic perivascular epithelioid cell tumor:A case report

BACKGROUND Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor(PEComa)is a mesenchymal tumor with histologic and immunophenotypic characteristics of perivascular epithelioid cells,has a low incidence,and can involve multiple organs.PEComa originating in the liver is extremely rare,with most cases being benign,and only a few cases are malignant.Good outcomes are achieved with radical surgical resection,but there is no effective treatment for some large tumors and specific locations that are contraindicated for surgery.CASE SUMMARY A 32-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with a palpable abdominal mass and progressive deterioration since the previous month.An ultrasoundguided percutaneous liver aspiration biopsy was performed.Postoperative pathological immunohistochemical staining was HMB45,Melan-A,and smooth muscle actin positive.Perivascular epithelioid tumor was diagnosed.The tumor was large and could not be completely resected by surgery.Further digital subtraction angiography revealed a rich tumor blood supply,and interventional embolization followed by surgery was recommended.Finally,the patient underwent transarterial embolization(TAE)combined with sorafenib for four cycles.Angiography reexamination indicated no clear vascular staining of the tumor,and the tumor had shrunk.The patient was followed up for a short period of time,achieved a stable condition,and surgery was recommended.CONCLUSION Adjuvant combination treatment with TAE and sorafenib is safe and feasible as it shrinks the tumor preoperatively and facilitates surgery.

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors of the liver misdiagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma:Three case reports

BACKGROUND Hepatic perivascular epithelioid cell neoplasms(PEComas)are rare.Diagnostic and treatment experience with hepatic PEComa remains insufficient.CASE SUMMARY Three hepatic PEComa cases are reported in this paper:One case of primary malignant hepatic PEComa,one case of benign hepatic PEComa,and one case of hepatic PEComa with an ovarian mature cystic teratoma.During preoperative imaging and pathological assessment of intraoperative frozen samples,patients were diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),while postoperative pathology and immunohistochemistry subsequently revealed hepatic PEComa.Patients with hepatic PEComa which is misdiagnosed as HCC often require a wider surgical resection.It is easy to mistake them for distant metastases of hepatic PEComa and misdiagnosed as HCC,especially when it’s combined with tumors in other organs.Three patients eventually underwent partial hepatectomy.After 1-4 years of follow-up,none of the patients experienced recurrence or metastases.CONCLUSION A clear preoperative diagnosis of hepatic PEComa can reduce the scope of resection and prevent unnecessary injuries during surgery.

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor of male pelvic cavity:a case report and literature review

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors （PEComas） are a family of rare mesenchymal neoplasms. The PEComas, composed of epithelioid and spindle cells, have the same cellular and immtmohistocherrtical features but are found in different visceral and soft tissue sites. Here, we report the histological and immunohistochemical features of one case of PEComa restricted in the pelvic visceral peritoneum of a male patient. The patient was treated with radical surgery, and was well and on follow-up visits without tumor recurrence.

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.

Pediatric case of colonic perivascular epithelioid cell tumor complicated with intussusception and anal incarceration:A case report

BACKGROUND Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor(PEComa)represents a group of rare mesenchymal tumors.PEComa can occur in many organs but is rare in the colorectum,especially in children.Furthermore,PEComa is a rare cause of intussusception,the telescoping of a segment of the gastrointestinal tract into an adjacent one.We describe a rare case of pediatric PEComa complicated with intussusception and anal incarceration,and conduct a review of the current literature.CASE SUMMARY A 12-year-old girl presented with abdominal pain and abdominal ultrasound suggested intussusception.Endoscopic direct-vision intussusception treatment and colonoscopy was performed.A spherical tumor was discovered in the transverse colon and removed by surgery.Postoperative pathologic analyses revealed that the tumor volume was 5.0 cm×4.5 cm×3.0 cm and the tumor tissue was located in the submucosa of the colon,arranged in an alveolar pattern.The cell morphology was regular,no neoplastic necrosis was observed,and nuclear fission was rare.The immunohistochemical staining results were as follows:Human melanoma black 45(HMB 45)(+),cluster of differentiation 31(CD31)(+),cytokeratin(-),melanoma-associated antigen recognized by T cells(-),smooth muscle actin(-),molleya(-),desmin(-),S-100(-),CD117(-),and Ki67(positive rate in hot spot<5%).Combined with the results of pathology and immunohistochemistry,we diagnosed the tumor as PEComa.Postoperative recovery was good at the 4 mo follow-up.CONCLUSION The diagnosis of PEComa mainly depends on pathology and immunohistochemistry.Radical resection is the preferred treatment method.

CONDITIONED MEDIUM OF HUMAN NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA EPITHELIOID CELL LINE CNE_(1) CONTAINED THE ACTIVITIES OF TRANSFORMED GROWTH-INHIBITING FACTORS

The hormone defined serum free conditioned medium (SFCM) of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma epithelioid cell line (CNE1) was assayed by both the 3H-thymidine incorporation test and the soft agar test. It was found that the SFCM stimulated the growth of long-term serum-free cultured CNE4 cells in ac-cordence with the fact that the growth rate of long-term serum-free cultured CNE1 cells was directly proportional to the plating density. Alternatively 5% SFCM inhibited the growth of short-term serum-free cultured CNE4 cells by 51% in which the indicator cell remained the responsiveness state of growing in the serum-supplemented medium to the effector of interest. Furthermore, SFCM resulted in the inhibition of anchorage-independent growth of CNE4 cells and A431 cells. Also in soft agar test. SFCM reduced the colony formation of NRK(?),9F cells in the presence of EGF or EGF plus TGF-β. These finding suggested that CNE4 secreted autocrine growth stimulating factor(s) and growth inhibiting factor(s) in the serum-free medium, the latter strongly reverse malignant phenotypes of CNE4 and A431 cells in serum-supplemented surrounding.

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumour of the liver

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumour is not uncommon in the liver but seldom malignant.

Retroperitoneal neoplasm with perivascular epithelioid cell differentiation: A case report and review of literature

The retroperitoneal neoplasm with perivascular epithelioid cell differentiation (PEComa) is an extremely rare pathological entity. In this article, we reported one case of a 45-year-old woman who was admitted to our hospital (The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, China) for retroperitoneal neoplasm with perivascular epithelioid cell differentiation. The B ultrasonic examination showed echopoor in the region of cavitas pelvis. The histologic characteristics and immunohistochemical phenotype both revealed the neoplasm with perivascular epithelioid cell differentiation.

AB045. Prognostic significance and characterization of small epithelioid cell population in uveal melanoma

Background:Uveal melanoma(UM)is a malignant neoplasia that is composed of two main types of cells:spindle and epithelioid.There is a subset of neoplastic small epithelioid cells located predominantly in the infiltrative tumor margins or surrounding blood vessels.The aim of this study is to characterize and evaluate the correlation between the presence of these small epithelioid cells and clinical outcome.Methods:The clinical-pathological features of 70 UM patients were evaluated.The presence of small epithelioid cells was quantified based on percentage of tumor volume,and they were characterized using melanocytic markers(HMB-45,Melan A and SOX-10),stem cell markers(CD133,CD24 and CD38),and T cell lymphocytes(CD3).Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted.Clinical follow up was available for all patients.Results:The ratio of small epithelioid cell components of all 70 tumors ranged from 0%to 30%(median,1%).Thirty-nine tumors(55.7%)had areas with small epithelioid cells.Univariate analysis showed that mixed versus spindle cell,higher lymphocytic infiltration,macrophage infiltration,ciliary body involvement,and>5%of small epithelioid cell component had a significant negative impact on metastasis-free survival.Small epithelioid cell component>5%was present in 24 cases(34.3%).Of these,three were classified as spindle and 21 were mixed.Multivariate analysis revealed that a>5%small cell component was the most significant morphological adverse prognostic factor.Moreover,the small epithelioid cells were negative for HMB45,stem cell markers and CD3,and focally and weakly positive for MELAN A and SOX10.Conclusions:A high small epithelioid cell component is a strong negative prognostic indicator in patients with UM.

Malignant hepatic vascular tumors in adults: Characteristics,diagnostic difficulties and current management

Malignant vascular tumors of the liver include rare primary hepatic mesenchymal tumors developed in the background of a normal liver parenchyma. Most of them are detected incidentally by the increased use of performing imaging techniques. Their diagnosis is challenging, involving clinical and imaging criteria, with final confirmation by histology and immunohistochemistry. Surgery represents the mainstay of treatment. Liver transplantation(LT) has improved substantially the prognosis of hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma(HEHE), with 5-year patient survival rates of up to 81%, based on the European Liver Intestine Transplantation AssociationEuropean Liver Transplant Registry study. Unfortunately, the results of surgery and LT are dismal in cases of hepatic angiosarcoma(HAS). Due to the disappointing results of very short survival periods of approximately 6-7 mo after LT, because of tumor recurrence and rapid progression of the disease, HAS is considered an absolute contraindication to LT. Recurrences after surgical resection are high in cases of HEHE and invariably present in cases of HAS. The discovery of reliable prognostic markers and the elaboration of prognostic scores following LT are needed to provide the best therapeutic choice for each patient.Studies on a few patients have demonstrated the stabilization of the disease in a proportion of patients with hepatic vascular tumors using novel targeted antiangiogenic agents, cytokines or immunotherapy. These new approaches,alone or in combination with other therapeutic modalities, such as surgery and classical chemotherapy, need further investigation to assess their role in prolonging patient survival. Personalized therapeutic algorithms according to the histopathological features, behavior, molecular biology and genetics of the tumors should be elaborated in the near future for the management of patients diagnosed with primary malignant vascular tumors of the liver.

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor of the uterus:report of three cases

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor （PEComa） is a rare mesenchymal tumor composed of histologically and immunohistochemically distinctive perivascular epithelioid cells. The family of PEComa includes angio-myolipoma （AML）, clear cell ＂sugar＂ tumors of the lung （CCST）, lymphangioleiomyomatosis （LAM）, clear cell myomelanocytic tumor of the falcifonn/ligamentum teres （CCMT）, and clear cell tumors of the pancreas,

Single-center Experience in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatic Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Neoplasm

Background and Aims:Perivascular epithelioid cell neo-plasms(PEComas)are a rare type of mesenchymal neo-plasm and their preoperative diagnosis is challenging.In this study,we summarized the experience from a single medical center to study the examinations,clinical presen-tations,and pathological and histological characteristics of PEComas in the liver in order to optimize overall un-derstanding of the diagnosis and treatment of these neo-plasms.Methods:We conducted a retrospective analysis to investigate the clinical and pathological characteristics as well as imaging presentations of 75 patients diagnosed with hepatic PEComa in The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhe-jiang University between April 2010 and April 2020.Re-sults:Among the 75 patients,52 were women,and the median age was 48 years.Most patients had no specific symptoms,and two were admitted to the hospital for a second time owing to relapse.All patients underwent surgi-cal resection.Histologically,38 patients had classical angio-myolipoma(AML)and 37 had epithelioid AML.The PECo-mas were accompanied by positive immunohistochemical expression of HMB45,Melan-A,and smooth muscle actin.Follow-up data were obtained from 47 of the total 75 pa-tients,through October 2020.Two patients had metastasis after surgery.Conclusions:AML is the most common type of hepatic PEComa.There are no specific symptoms of he-patic PEComa,and serological examinations and imaging modalities for accurate preoperative diagnosis are lacking.Epithelioid AML should be considered a tumor of uncertain malignant potential;however,the prognosis of PEComa af-ter resection is promising.

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor of the cecum： a case report and review of literatures

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors （PEComas） are a group of rare mesenchymal neoplasms which composed of histologically and immunohistochemically distinctive perivascular epithelioid cells （PECs）. In recent years, PEComas have been manily reported in liver, kidney, lung, uterus and adnexa,1 but rare in small or large intestine.2-6 Here, we describe a case of PEComa restricted in the cecal mucosa, which displayed histological characteristics of epithelioid clear cells.

Utility of transbronchial biopsy in the diagnosis of lymphangioleiomyomatosis

Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis(LAM)is a rare cystic lung disease that targets women during their reproductive years.A confident diagnosis can often be based on clinical grounds,but diagnostic certainty requires pathological analysis.Although surgical lung biopsy is considered the gold standard for obtaining tissue in patients with diffuse lung disease,it is also associated with higher morbidity and mortality than alternative,less invasive techniques.The objective of our study was to examine the utility of transbronchial biopsy in the diagnosis of LAM.We conducted two online surveys of over 1000 LAM patients registered with the LAM Foundation who were accessible by email.Transbronchial biopsy specimens were subsequently collected and reviewed by an expert pathologist to validate the diagnosis.We found that transbronchial biopsy has a yield of approximately 60% in patients with LAM.We conclude that transbronchial biopsy may be a safe and effective method for establishing the diagnosis of LAM,obviating the need for surgical lung biopsy in more than half of LAM patients.