Clinicopathological characteristics and typing of multilocular cystic renal neoplasm of low malignant potential

BACKGROUND Up until now,no research has been reported on the association between the cli-nical growth rate of multilocular cystic renal neoplasm of low malignant potential(MCRNLMP)and computed tomography(CT)imaging characteristics.Our study sought to examine the correlation between them,with the objective of distin-guishing unique features of MCRNLMP from renal cysts and exploring effective management strategies.AIM To investigate optimal management strategies of MCRNLMP.METHODS We retrospectively collected and analyzed data from 1520 patients,comprising 1444 with renal cysts and 76 with MCRNLMP,who underwent renal cyst decom-pression,radical nephrectomy,or nephron-sparing surgery for renal cystic disease between January 2013 and December 2021 at our institution.Detection of MC-RNLMP utilized the Bosniak classification for imaging and the 2016 World Health Organization criteria for clinical pathology.RESULTS Our meticulous exploration has revealed compelling findings on the occurrence of MCRNLMP.Precisely,it comprises 1.48%of all cases involving simple renal cysts,5.26%of those with complex renal cysts,and a noteworthy 12.11%of renal tumors coexisting with renal cysts,indicating a statistically significant difference(P=0.001).Moreover,MCRNLMP constituted a significant 22.37%of the patient po-pulation whose cysts demonstrated a rapid growth rate of≥2.0 cm/year,whereas it only represented 0.66%among those with a growth rate below 2.0 cm/year.Of the 76 MCRNLMP cases studied,none of the nine patients who underwent subsequent nephron-sparing surgery or radical nephrectomy following renal cyst decompression experienced recurrence or metastasis.In the remaining 67 patients,who were actively monitored over a 3-year postoperative period,only one showed suspicious recurrence on CT scans.CONCLUSION MCRNLMP can be tentatively identified and categorized into three types based on CT scanning and growth rate indicators.In treating MCRNLMP,partial nephrectomy is preferred,while radical nephrectomy should be minimi-zed.After surgery,active monitoring is advisable to prevent unnecessary nephrectomy.

Prevalence of malignant neoplasms in celiac disease patients-a nationwide United States population-based study

BACKGROUND Celiac disease(CeD)is an autoimmune disorder triggered by the immune response to gluten in genetically predisposed individuals.Recent research has unveiled a heightened risk of developing specific malignant neoplasms(MN)and various malignancies,including gastrointestinal,lymphomas,skin,and others,in individuals with CeD.AIM To investigate the prevalence of MN in hospitalized CeD patients in the United States.METHODS Using data from the National Inpatient Sample spanning two decades,from January 2000 to December 2019,we identified 529842 CeD patients,of which 78128(14.75%)had MN.Propensity score matching,based on age,sex,race,and calendar year,was employed to compare CeD patients with the general non-CeD population at a 1:1 ratio.RESULTS Positive associations were observed for several malignancies,including small intestine,lymphoma,nonmelanoma skin,liver,melanoma skin,pancreas myelodysplastic syndrome,biliary,stomach,and other neuroendocrine tumors(excluding small and large intestine malignant carcinoid),leukemia,uterus,and testis.Conversely,CeD patients exhibited a reduced risk of respiratory and secondary malignancies.Moreover,certain malignancies showed null associations with CeD,including head and neck,nervous system,esophagus,colorectal,anus,breast,malignant carcinoids,bone and connective tissues,myeloma,cervix,and ovary cancers.CONCLUSION Our study is unique in highlighting the detailed results of positive,negative,or null associations between different hematologic and solid malignancies and CeD.Furthermore,it offers insights into evolving trends in CeD hospital outcomes,shedding light on advancements in its management over the past two decades.These findings contribute valuable information to the understanding of CeD’s impact on health and healthcare utilization.

Synchronous multiple primary malignant neoplasms in breast,kidney,and bilateral thyroid:A case report

BACKGROUND Multiple primary malignant neoplasms(MPMNs)are rare,while synchronous MPMNs(SMPMNs)are even less common.Owing to the progression of medical technology and the extension of life expectancy,its incidence is gradually increasing.CASE SUMMARY Although reports of breast and thyroid dual cancers are common,cases of an additional diagnosis of kidney primary cancer within the same individual are rare.CONCLUSION We present a case of simultaneous MPMN of three endocrine organs,reviewing the relevant literature to enhance our understanding of SMPMNs while emphasizing the increasingly important need for accurate diagnosis and multidisciplinary management whenever this challenging situation arises.

Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor as the Second Malignant Neoplasm in a Long-Term Survivor Child of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Case Report

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia(ALL)is a common pediatric cancer.The second malignant neoplasms(SMNs)in long-term survivors of pediatric ALL are relatively rare.Herein we report a 10-year-old girl who was diagnosed as primitive neuroectodermal tumor(PNET)5 years after the initial diagnosis of ALL with radiotherapy・free treatment.PNET is an exceedingly rare neoplasm in SMNs of survivors of childhood ALL.It is predisposed to be misdiagnosed and the pathogenesis is unclear.The outcome is poor.Long-term follow-up is necessary for the survival children of ALL.

Methylation changes at the GNAS imprinted locus in pancreatic cystic neoplasms are important for the diagnosis of malignant cysts

BACKGROUND Guanine nucleotide-binding protein,alpha stimulating(GNAS)mutations are characteristic of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms(IPMNs).Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas(PDACs)harboring GNAS mutations originate in IPMNs.GNAS is a complex imprinted locus that produces five transcripts regulated by differential methylated regions,NESP55,GNASAS,GNASXL,GNAS1A,and GNAS.AIM To evaluate if methylation changes in the differential methylated regions of GNAS locus contributed to malignant progression of pancreatic cysts.METHODS GNAS locus methylation was analyzed in archival pancreatic cyst fluid(PCF)obtained by endoscopic ultrasound with fine-needle aspiration by methylation specific–multiplex ligation dependent probe amplification.Results were normalized and analyzed using Coffalyser.Net software.RESULTS Fifty-two PCF samples obtained by endoscopic ultrasound with fine-needle aspiration and previously characterized for KRAS and GNAS mutations were studied.The final diagnoses were surgical(11)and clinicopathological(41),including 30 benign cysts,14 pre-malignant cyst,and eight malignant cysts.Methylation changes at NESP55,GNASAS,GNAS1A,and especially GNASXL were more frequent in malignant cysts,and NESP55 and GNASAS were useful for diagnosis.A combined variable defined as“GNAS locus methylation changes”was significantly associated with malignancy(6/8 malignant cysts and only 2/20 benign cysts)and improved classification.Hypermethylation in both maternally(NESP55)and paternally(GNASXL)derived promoters was found in 3/3 PDACs.CONCLUSION This is the first study to identify methylation changes in the GNAS locus,improving the diagnosis of malignant pancreatic cysts and suggesting a role in progression to PDAC.

Critical considerations for the management of gastrointestinal mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasms and pure neuroendocrine carcinomas

Mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasms constitute rare tumors that are located mainly in the gastrointestinal(GI)tract and have high degrees of malignancy,and the frequency of these tumors has been increasing.They consist of a neuroendocrine neoplastic component with another component of adenocarcinoma usually and have a dismal prognosis.The rare GI pure neuroendocrine carcinoma is highly aggressive and requires complex and extensive management since a genetic distinction exists between it and GI non-neuroendocrine neoplasms,which are generally slow-growing lesions.The most common GI-mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasms are colorectal,followed by gastric,mainly in the gastroesophageal junction.Current imaging modalities of nuclear medicine and radiology play important roles in the accuracy of diagnosis.Liquid biopsy may contribute to early detection and timely diagnosis.Ultrasonography,either endoscopic or abdominal,is a technique that contributes to a diagnosis;additionally,contrast-enhanced ultrasonography is very helpful in followup appointments.Histopathology establishes a definite diagnosis and stage by evaluating the cell differentiation grade and the cell proliferation index Ki67.The genetic profile can be valuable in diagnosis and gene therapy.Surgical resection with wide lymphadenectomy,whenever possible,and adjuvant chemotherapy constitute the main therapeutic management strategies.Targeted therapy and immunotherapy achieve encouraging results.

Duodenum and ventral pancreas preserving subtotal pancreatectomy for low-grade malignant neoplasms of the pancreas: An alternative procedure to total pancreatectomy for low-grade pancreatic neoplasms

AIM To describe the indications, technique and outcomes of the novel surgical procedure of duodenum and ventral pancreas preserving subtotal pancreatectomy(DVPPSP).METHODS Data collected retrospectively from 43 patients who underwent DVPPSP and TP between 2009 and 2015 in our single centre were analysed. For enrolment, only patients with low-grade pancreatic neoplasms, such as pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms(IPMNs), and solid pseudopapillary tumors, were included. Ten DVPPSP(group 1) and 13 TP(group 2) patients were selected in this study.RESULTS There were no significant differences in age, gender, comorbidities, preoperative symptoms, American Society of Anesthesiologists score or indications for surgery between the two groups. The most common indication was IPMN for DVPPSP and TP(60% vs 85%, P = 0.411). Compared with the TP group, the DVPPSP group had comparable postoperative morbidities(P = 0.405) and mortalities(both nil), but significantly shorter operative time(232 ± 19.6 min vs 335 ± 32.3 min, P < 0.001). DVPPSP preserved better long-term pancreatic function with less supplementary therapy(P < 0.001) and better quality of life(Qo L) after surgery, including better scores in social(P = 0.042) and global health(P = 0.047) on functional scales and less appetite loss(P = 0.049) on the symptom scale. CONCLUSION DVPPSP is a feasible and safe procedure that could be an alternative to TP for low-grade neoplasms arising from the body and tail region but across the neck region of the pancreas; DVPPSP had better metabolic function and Qo L after surgery.

A new combined criterion to better predict malignant lesions in patients with pancreatic cystic neoplasms

Objective:Cystic lesions of the pancreas have been increasingly recognized.Some lesions exhibit benign behavior,while others have unequivocal malignant potential.Thus,accurate identification of malignancy in patients diagnosed with pancreatic cystic neoplasms(PCNs)remains a major challenge.The aim of this study was to define a combined criterion to better predict malignant lesions in patients with PCNs.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed 165 patients who underwent resection of PCNs from October 2011 to May 2017.The relationship among malignancy and serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9),preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),and the presence of enhanced solid component on imaging was analyzed.Results:NLR before surgery in patients with malignant PCNs(2.81±2.14)was significantly higher than that in patients diagnosed with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor(1.90±0.69,P=0.013)or healthy volunteers(1.40±0.48;P<0.001).Serum CA19-9≥39U/m L,NLR>1.976 and presence of enhanced solid component were independent predictors of PCN malignancy.A combined criterion meeting any two or more of the three elements including CA19-9≥39 U/m L,NLR>1.976,and presence of enhanced solid component on computed tomography imaging is an indicator with a high positive predictive value of 80.5%and a high negative predictive value of 87.9%,and thus,represents a highly accurate test(86.1%).Conclusions:The new combined criterion is an effective predictor of tumor malignancy in patients with PCNs.

Clinical significance of mesenteric panniculitis-like abnormalities on abdominal computerized tomography in patients with malignant neoplasms

AIM To clarify the association of malignancy with mesenteric panniculitis-like changes on computed tomography(CT).METHODS All abdominal CT scans performed at North Shore University HealthS ystem showing mesenteric panniculitis from January 2005 to August 2010 were identified in the Radnet(Rad Net Corporation, Los Angeles, CA) database. Patients with a new or known diagnosis of a malignancy were included for this analysis. Longitudinal clinical histories were obtained from electronic medical records.RESULTS In total, 147794 abdominal CT scans were performed during the study period. Three hundred and fiftynine patients had mesenteric panniculitis(MP)-like abnormalities on their abdominal CT. Of these patients, 81 patients(22.6%) had a known history of cancer at the time of their CT scan. Nineteen(5.3%) had a new diagnosis of cancer in concurrence with their CT, but the majority of these(14/19, 74%) were undergoing CT as part of a malignancy evaluation. Lymphomas were the most common cancers associated with MPlike findings on CT(36 cases, 36%), with follicular lymphoma being the most frequent subtype(17/36). A variety of solid tumors, most commonly prostate(7) and renal cell cancers(6) also were seen. CT follow up was obtained in 56 patients. Findings in the mesentery were unchanged in 45(80%), worsened in 6(11%), and improved in 5 patients(9%). Positron emission tomography(PET) scans performed in 44 patients only showed a positive uptake in the mesenteric mass in 2 patients(5%). CONCLUSION A new diagnosis of cancer is uncommon in patients with CT findings suggestive of MP. MP-like mesenteric abnormalities on CT generally remain stable in patients with associated malignancies. PET scanning is not recommended in the evaluation of patients with mesenteric panniculitis-like findings on CT.

Preoperative ultrasound combined with routine blood tests in predicting the malignant risk of pancreatic cystic neoplasms

Objective:Accurate preoperative identification of benign or malignant pancreatic cystic neoplasms(PCN)may help clinicians make better intervention choices and will be essential for individualized treatment.Methods:Preoperative ultrasound and laboratory examination findings,and demographic characteristics were collected from patients.Multiple logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors associated with malignant PCN,which were then included in the nomogram and validated with an external cohort.The Net Reclassification Index(NRI)and Integrated Discrimination Improvement(IDI)were calculated to evaluate the improvement in the predictive power of the new model with respect to that of a combined imaging and tumor marker prediction model.Results:Malignant PCN were found in 83(40.7%)and 33(38.7%)of the model and validation cohorts,respectively.Multivariate analysis identified age,tumor location,imaging of tumor boundary,blood type,mean hemoglobin concentration,neutrophil-tolymphocyte ratio,carbohydrate antigen 19-9,and carcinoembryonic antigen as independent risk factors for malignant PCN.The calibration curve indicated that the predictions based on the nomogram were in excellent agreement with the actual observations.A nomogram score cutoff of 192.5 classified patients as having low vs.high risk of malignant PCN.The model achieved good C-statistics of 0.929(95%CI 0.890–0.968,P<0.05)and 0.951(95%CI 0.903–0.998,P<0.05)in predicting malignancy in the development and validation cohorts,respectively.NRI=0.268;IDI=0.271(P<0.001 for improvement).The DCA curve indicated that our model yielded greater clinical benefits than the comparator model.Conclusions:The nomogram showed excellent performance in predicting malignant PCN and may help surgeons select patients for detailed examination and surgery.The nomogram is freely available at https://wangjunjinnomogram.shinyapps.io/DynNomapp/.

Spatial autocorrelation analysis of 13 leading malignant neoplasms in Taiwan: a comparison between the 1995-1998 and 2005-2008 periods

Spatial autocorrelation methodologies, including Global Moran’s I and Local Indicators of Spatial Association statistic (LISA), were used to describe and map spatial clusters of 13 leading malignant neoplasms in Taiwan. A logistic regression fit model was also used to identify similar characteristics over time. Two time periods (1995-1998 and 2005-2008) were compared in an attempt to formulate common spatio-temporal risks. Spatial cluster patterns were identified using local spatial autocorrelation analysis. We found a significant spatio-temporal variation between the leading malignant neoplasms and well-documented spatial risk factors. For instance, in Taiwan, cancer of the oral cavity in males was found to be clustered in locations in central Taiwan, with distinct differences between the two time periods. Stomach cancer morbidity clustered in aboriginal townships, where the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori is high and even quite marked differences between the two time periods were found. A method which combines LISA statistics and logistic regression is an effective tool for the detection of space-time patterns with discontinuous data. Spatio-temporal mapping comparison helps to clarify issues such as the spatial aspects of both two time periods for leading malignant neoplasms. This helps planners to assess spatio-temporal risk factors, and to ascertain what would be the most advantageous types of health care policies for the planning and implementation of health care services. These issues can greatly affect the performance and effectiveness of health care services and also provide a clear outline for helping us to better understand the results in depth.

Difficulty with diagnosis of malignant pancreatic neoplasms coexisting with chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is a relatively common disease. We encountered two different cases of belatedly demonstrated pancreatic carcinoma featuring underlying chronic pancreatitis. The first case was one that was highly suspected as that of a malignancy based upon imaging study, but unfortunately, it could not be confirmed by intra-operative cytology at that time. Following this, the surgeon elected to perform only conservative bypass surgery for obstructive biliary complication. Peritoneal carcinomatosis was later noted and the patient finally died. The second case, a malignant mucinous neoplasm,was falsely diagnosed as a pseudocyst, based upon the lesion's sonographic appearance and associated elevated serum amylase levels. After suffering repeated hemoptysis,the patient was found to exhibit lung metastasis and peritoneal seeding. We reviewed some of the literature,including those studies discussing chronic pancreatitis predisposing to a malignant change. These two case analyses illustrate clearly that the diagnosis for such conditions, which is simply based upon imagery or pathological considerations may end up being one of a mistaken malignancy. Some of our suggestions for the treatment of such malignancies as revealed herein include,total pancreatomy for univocal mass lesion, and needle aspiration of lesion-contained tissue for amylase, CA199and CEA levels for a suspicious cystic pancreatic mass.

Abdominal wall actinomycosis simulating a malignant neoplasm:Case report and review of the literature

Abdominal wall actinomycosis is a rare disease frequently associated with the presence of an intra uterine device.We report on a case of a 47-year-old woman who had used an intrauterine device for many years and had removed it about a month prior to the identif ication of an abdominal wall abscess caused by Actinomyces israelii.The abscess mimicked a malignancy and the patient underwent a demolitive surgical treatment.The diagnosis was obtained only after histopathological examination.Postoperatively,the patient developed an infection of the wound which was treated with daily medication.The combination of long-term high dose antibiotic therapy with surgery led to successful treatment.

Non Traumatic Myositis Ossificans Mimicking a Malignant Neoplasm: A Case Report

Myositis ossificans is a benign self limiting condition that usually related to trauma. Despite a clinically and histologically distinct entity, myositis ossificans still causes considerable difficulties in diagnosis. A 33-year-old Moroccan woman presented with a 2-month history of left inguinal inflammatory pain with limping gait, MRI examination suggested a malignant neoplasm such as soft tissue osteosarcoma. A diagnosis of myositis ossificans was made by incisional biopsy. Conservative management with clinical and radiological follow up of 19 months confirm the diagnosis. The symptoms resolved within seven months. Myositis ossificans should be considered by clinicians as a possible diagnosis for a soft tissue lesion.

The diagnostic value of multiple tumor markers in malignantovarian neoplasms

Objective:To study the diagnostic value of multiple tumor markers in malignant ovarian neoplasm.Methods:Sera obtained from 430 patients with ovarian masses (110 cases were malignant ovarian tumors,320 cases were benign ovarian tumors) before operation,and from 50 healthy women as control.Serologic examination of tumor markers included CA125,TSGF,SA,CEA,AFP,HCG and Fer.Results:The serum levels of CA125,TSGF,SA and Fer in patients with ovarian cancer were higher than those in patients with benign ovarian tumors (P<0.05),also in control group (P<0.05).In the diagnostic value of application for malignant ovarian neoplasm,CA125,TSGF and SA were better than the others.The sensitivity,specificity and accuracy in diagnosis of ovarian cancer were 86.4%,82.8%and 83.7% respectively for CA125 alone,78.2%,81.3%and 80.5% for TSGF alone,74.5%,81.9%and 80.0% for SA alone,whereas 95.5%,45.6%and 58.4% for multiple tumor markers combined in which 1 or more indices showed positive,93.6%,80.6%and 84.0% for that in which 2 or more indices showed positive,and 87.3%,90.3%and 89.5% for that in which 3 or more indices show positive.Conclusion:multiple tumor markers examination could improve the diagnosis of ovarian cancer,and examination of CA125,TSGF and SA combined is most ideal.

Diagnosis and treatment of biliary mucinous cystic neoplasms: A single-center experience

Background: Biliary mucinous cystic neoplasms(BMCNs) are rare hepatobiliary cystic tumors, which can be divided into noninvasive and invasive types. This study aimed to investigate the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of BMCNs in a large single center. Methods: We analyzed 49 patients with BMCNs confirmed by postoperative pathology at the First Afflliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine between January 2007 and December 2021. Results: Among the 49 patients, 37 were female(75.5%), and the average age was 57.04 years. Common symptoms included abdominal discomfort, jaundice and fever, while 22 patients(44.9%) had no symptoms. Serum carbohydrate antigen(CA) 19-9 and CA125 concentrations were elevated in 34.8% and 19.6% of patients, respectively. Forty-eight patients had tumors in the intrahepatic bile ducts and only one had a tumor in the extrahepatic bile duct. Forty-eight patients with noninvasive intrahepatic BMCNs were further analyzed in terms of pathological features: 34(70.8%) had low-grade intraepithelial neoplasms(LGINs), and 14(29.2%) had high-grade intraepithelial neoplasms(HGINs). The potential immunohistochemical markers of BMCNs were cytokeratin(CK) 19, CK7, estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor. Follow-up data for 37 patients with intrahepatic BMCNs were obtained. The median overall survival(OS) of BMCNs was not reached. The longest survival time was 137 months.The 5-and 10-year OS rates were 100% and 85.4%, respectively. The 5-and 10-year recurrence-free survival(RFS) rates were 93.9% and 80.2%, respectively. Conclusions: BMCNs are rare cystic neoplasms that commonly occur in middle-aged females. BMCNs can only be diagnosed and classified by postoperative pathology, as there are no specific clinical presentations, serological indicators or imaging modalities for preoperative diagnosis. Complete surgical resection is necessary for BMCNs, and the postoperative prognosis is favorable.

Mucinous neoplasm of the appendix:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Appendiceal mucinous neoplasms(AMNs),although not classified as rare,are relatively uncommon tumors most often discovered incidentally during colorectal surgery.Accurate identification of AMNs is difficult due to non-specific sym-ptoms,overlapping tumor markers with other conditions,and the potential for misdiagnosis.This underscores the urgent need for precision in diagnosis to pre-vent severe complications.CASE SUMMARY This case report describes the unexpected discovery and treatment of a low-grade AMN(LAMN)in a 74-year-old man undergoing laparoscopic hemicolectomy for transverse colon adenocarcinoma(AC).Preoperatively,non-specific gastroin-testinal symptoms and elevated tumor markers masked the presence of AMN.The tumor,presumed to be an AMN peritoneal cyst intraoperatively,was con-firmed as LAMN through histopathological examination.The neoplasm exhibited mucin accumulation and a distinct immunohistochemical profile:Positive for Ho-meobox protein CDX-2,Cytokeratin 20,special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 2,and Mucin 2 but negative for cytokeratin 7 and Paired box gene 8.This profile aids in distinguishing appendiceal and ovarian mucinous tumors.Postoperative recovery was uncomplicated,and the patient initiated adjuvant chemotherapy for the colon AC.CONCLUSION This case highlights the diagnostic complexity of AMNs,emphasizing the need for vigilant identification to avert potential complications,such as pseudomyxoma peritonei.

Differential diagnosis of benign and malignant branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm using contrastenhanced endoscopic ultrasonography

AIM: To elucidate the role of contrast-enhanced endoscopic ultrasonography(CE-EUS) in the diagnosis of branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm(BD-IPMN).METHODS: A total of 50 patients diagnosed with BDIPMN by computed tomography(CT) and endoscopic ultrasonography(EUS) at our institute were included in this study. CE-EUS was performed when mural lesions were detected by EUS. The diagnostic accuracy for identifying mural nodules(MNs) was evaluated by CT, EUS, and EUS combined with CE-EUS. In the patients who underwent resection, the accuracy of measuring MN height with each imaging modality was compared. The cut-off values to diagnose malignant BD-IPMNs based on MN height for each imaging modality were determined using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.RESULTS: Fifteen patients were diagnosed with BD-IPMN with MNs and underwent resection. The remaining 35 patients were diagnosed with BD-IPMN without MNs and underwent follow-up monitoring. The pathological findings revealed 14 cases with MNs and one case without. The accuracy for diagnosing MNs was 92% using CT and 72% using EUS; the diagnostic accuracy increased to 98% when EUS and CE-EUS were combined. The accuracy for measuring MN height significantly improved when using CE-EUS compared with using CT or EUS(median measurement error value, CT: 3.3 mm vs CE-EUS: 0.6 mm, P < 0.05; EUS: 2.1 mm vs CE-EUS: 0.6 mm, P < 0.01). A cut-off value of 8.8 mm for MN height as measured by CE-EUS improved the accuracy of diagnosing malignant BDIPMN to 93%. CONCLUSION: Using CE-EUS to measure MN height provides a highly accurate method for differentiating benign from malignant BD-IPMN.

Spatial autocorrelation calculations of the nine malignant neoplasms in Taiwan in 2005-2009: a gender comparison study

Spatial analytical techniques and models are often used in epidemiology to identify spatial anomalies (hotspots) in disease regions. These analytical approaches can be used to identify not only the location of such hotspots, but also their spatial patterns. We used spatial autocorrelation methodologies, including Global Moran's I and Local Getis-Ord statistics, to describe and map spatial clusters and areas in which nine malignant neoplasms are situated in Taiwan. In addition, we used a logistic regression model to test the characteristics of similarity and dissimilarity between males and females and to formulate the common spatial risk. The mean found by local spatial autocorrelation analysis was used to identify spatial cluster patterns. We found a significant relationship between the leading malignant neoplasms and well-documented spatial risk factors. For instance, in Taiwan, the geographic distribution of clusters where oral cavity cancer in males is prevalent was closely correspond to the locations in central Taiwan with serious metal pollution. In females, clusters of oral cavity cancer were closely related with aboriginal townships in eastern Taiwan, where cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, and betel nut chewing are commonplace. The difference between males and females in the spatial distributions was stark. Furthermore, areas with a high morbidity of gastric cancer were clustered in aboriginal townships where the occurrence of Helicobacter pylori is frequent. Our results revealed a similarity between both males and females in spatial pattern. Cluster mapping clarified the spatial aspects of both internal and external correlations for the nine malignant neoplasms. In addition, using a method of logistic regression also enabled us to find differentiation between gender-specific spatial patterns.

^(18)F-FDG PET/CT for malignant small intestinal neoplasms

In this paper, 18F-FDG PET/CT data of 19 malignant SINs (small intestinal neoplasms) were consecutively reviewed. Nnine patients accepted PET/CT scan for preoperative diagnosis and staging, while ten patients presented follow-up after treatment and restaging. The results were correlated with abdomen enhanced CT and surgical pathological findings. Abdominal pain and weight loss were the most common findings. About 16% SINs located in the duodenum, 52% in the jejunum and 32% in the ileum. Lymphoma was the most frequent neoplasms. PET/CT revealed residual or recurrent malignant SINs in 5 patients who had negative or non-definite findings by abdomen CT and demonstrated extra-abdomen metastasis in 3 patients. Clinical decisions of treatment were changed for 6 patients after PET/CT examinations. The 18F-FDG PET/CT were better than CT in accuracy, negative predictive value and positive predictive value (89.5% vs 68.4%, 100% vs 66.7%, and 81.8% vs 69.2%, respectively). Whole body 18F-FDG PET/CT may be an effective molecular imaging method for staging and restaging of malignant SINs.