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.

Gender disparities and woman-specific trends in Barrett’s esophagus in the United States:An 11-year nationwide populationbased study

BACKGROUND Barrett's esophagus(BE)is a known premalignant precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma(EAC).The prevalence rates continue to rise in the United States,but many patients who are at risk of EAC are not screened.Current practice guidelines include male gender as a predisposing factor for BE and EAC.The population-based clinical evidence regarding female gender remains limited.AIM To study comparative trends of gender disparities in patients with BE in the United States.METHODS A nationwide retrospective study was conducted using the 2009-2019 National Inpatient Sample(NIS)database.Patients with a primary or secondary diagnosis code of BE were identified.The major outcome of interest was determining the gender disparities in patients with BE.Trend analysis for respective outcomes for females was also reported to ascertain any time-based shifts.RESULTS We identified 1204190 patients with BE for the study period.Among the included patients,717439(59.6%)were men and 486751(40.4%)were women.The mean age was higher in women than in men(67.1±0.4 vs 66.6±0.3 years,P<0.001).The rate of BE per 100000 total NIS hospitalizations for males increased from 144.6 in 2009 to 213.4 in 2019(P<0.001).The rate for females increased from 96.8 in 2009 to 148.7 in 2019(P<0.001).There was a higher frequency of obesity among women compared to men(17.4%vs 12.6%,P<0.001).Obesity prevalence among females increased from 12.3%in 2009 to 21.9%in 2019(P<0.001).A lower prevalence of smoking was noted in women than in men(20.8%vs 35.7%,P<0.001).However,trend analysis showed an increasing prevalence of smoking among women,from 12.9%in 2009 to 30.7%in 2019(P<0.001).Additionally,there was a lower prevalence of alcohol abuse,Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori),and diabetes mellitus among females than males(P<0.001).Trend analysis showed an increasing prevalence of alcohol use disorder and a decreasing prevalence of H.pylori and diabetes mellitus among women(P<0.001).CONCLUSION The prevalence of BE among women has steadily increased from 2009 to 2019.The existing knowledge concerning BE development has historically focused on men,but our findings show that the risk in women is not insignificant.

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.

Colonoscopy plays an important role in detecting colorectal neoplasms in patients with gastric neoplasms

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)and colorectal cancer(CRC)are the fifth and third most common cancer worldwide,respectively.Nowadays,GC is reported to have a potential predictive value for CRC,especially for advanced CRC.AIM To evaluate the necessity of colonoscopy for gastric neoplasm(GN)patients.METHODS Four databases,including PubMed,EMBASE,the Cochrane Library,and Ovid,were used to perform the search strategy on May 2,2023.The prevalence of colorectal neoplasms(CRN)and baseline characteristics were compared between the neoplasm group and the control group.Continuous variables are expressed as the mean difference and standard deviation.Relationships of categorical variables in the two groups are expressed as odds ratios(OR)and 95%confidence intervals(95%CIs).Subgroup analysis according to different kinds of GNs was conducted for more in-depth analysis.The results of this study are represented by forest plots.Publication bias was evaluated by a funnel plot.All data analyses were performed by STATA SE 16.0 software.RESULTS A total of 3018 patients with GNs and 3905 healthy controls(age and sex matched)were enrolled for analysis.After comparing the prevalence of CRNs between the two groups,CRNs were detected significantly more frequently in GN patients than in controls(OR=1.69,95%CI=1.28 to 2.23,I^(2)=85.12%,P=0.00),especially in patients with GC(OR=1.80,95%CI=1.49 to 2.18,I^(2)=25.55%,P<0.1).Moreover,other risk factors including age(OR=1.08,95%CI=1.00 to 1.17,I^(2)=90.13%,P=0.00)and male sex(OR=2.31,95%CI=1.26 to 4.22,I^(2)=87.35%,P=0.00),were related to the prevalence of CRNs.For patients in the GN group,body mass index(BMI,OR=0.88,95%CI=0.80 to 0.98,I^(2)=0.00%,P=0.92)and smoking(OR=1.03,95%CI=1.01 to 1.05,I^(2)=0.00%,P=0.57)were protective and risk factors for CRNs,respectively.CONCLUSION Patients are recommended to undergo colonoscopy when diagnosed with GNs,especially GC patients with a low BMI and a history of smoking.

A Review of Type 1 and Type 2 Intraductal Papillary Neoplasms of the Bile Duct

Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct(IPNB)is a heterogeneous disease similar to intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas.These lesions have been recognized as one of the three major precancerous lesions in the biliary tract since 2010.In 2018,Japanese and Korean pathologists reached a consensus,classifying IPNBs into type l and type 2 IPNBs.IPNBs are more prevalent in male patients in East Asia and are closely related to diseases such as cholelithiasis and schistosomiasis.From a molecular genetic perspective,IPNBs exhibit early genetic variations,and different molecular pathways may be involved in the tumorigenesis of type 1 and type 2 IPNBs.The histological subtypes of IPNBs include gastric,intestinal,pancreaticobiliary,or oncocytic subtypes,but type 1 IPNBs typically exhibit more regular and well-organized histological features than type 2 IPNBs and are more commonly found in the intrahepatic bile ducts with abundant mucin.Due to the rarity of these lesions and the absence of specific clinical and laboratory features,imaging is crucial for the preoperative diagnosis of IPNB,with local bile duct dilation and growth along the bile ducts being the main imaging features.Surgical resection remains the optimal treatment for IPNBs,but negative bile duct margins and the removal of lymph nodes in the hepatic hilum significantly improve the postoperative survival rates for patients with IPNBs.

Practical hints for the diagnosis of mixed neuroendocrine-nonneuroendocrine neoplasms of the digestive system

In this editorial,a comment on the article by Díaz-López et al published in the recent issue of the 2024 is provided.We focus on the practical implications critical for providing a correct and complete diagnosis of mixed neuroendocrine-nonneuroendocrine neoplasm(MiNEN)in the gastrointestinal system.The diagnosis of MiNEN begins with the recognition of neuroendocrine features in one component of a biphasic tumor.The non-neuroendocrine counterpart can be virtually represented by any neoplastic type,even though the most frequent histologies are glandular and squamous.However,qualification of the neuroendocrine component requires histological and immunohistochemical confirmation.Neuroendocrine tumors are characterized by a peculiar architectural organization and bland nuclei with granular“salt and pepper”chromatin.Although neuroendocrine carcinomas have multiple and variable presentations,they typically show a solid or organoid architecture.The histological aspect needs to be confirmed by immunohistochemistry,and a diagnosis is confirmed whenever the expression of keratin and neuroendocrine markers is observed.Once both histopathological and immunohistochemical features of neuroendocrine neoplasms are identified,it is important to consider the three major pitfalls of MiNEN diagnostics:(1)Entrapment of neuroendocrine non-neoplastic cells within the tumor mass;(2)Differential diagnosis with amphicrine neoplasms;and(3)Differential diagnosis of tumors that partially express neuroendocrine markers.According to the current guidelines for diagnosing digestive MiNEN,each component must represent at least 30%of the entire neoplastic mass.Although the high-grade histopathological subtype frequently determines disease prognosis,both components can significantly affect prognosis.Thus,if one of the components,either neuroendocrine or non-neuroendocrine,does not fulfill the volumetric criteria,the guidelines still encourage reporting it.These strict criteria are essential for correctly recognizing and characterizing digestive MiNENs.This task is essential because it has prognostic relevance and substantial potential value for guiding further studies in this field.In the future,systematic analyses should be performed to validate or reconsider the current 30%cutoff value.

Current considerations on intraductal papillary neoplasms of the bile duct and pancreatic duct

Pancreatobiliary intraductal papillary neoplasms(IPNs)represent precursors of pancreatic cancer or bile duct cholangiocarcinoma that can be detected and treated.Despite advances in diagnostic methods,identifying these premalignant lesions is still challenging for treatment providers.Modern imaging,biomarkers and molecular tests for genomic alterations can be used for diagnosis and follow-up.Surgical intervention in combination with new chemotherapeutic agents is considered the optimal treatment for malignant cases.The balance between the risk of malignancy and any risk of resection guides management policy;therefore,treatment should be individualized based on a meticulous preoperative assessment of high-risk stigmata.IPN of the bile duct is more aggressive;thus,early diagnosis and surgery are crucial.The conservative management of low-risk pancreatic branch-duct lesions is safe and effective.

Intraductal neoplasm of the intrahepatic bile duct: Clinicopathological study of 24 cases

AIM: To investigate the clinicopathological features of intraductal neoplasm of the intrahepatic bile duct (INihB). METHODS: Clinicopathological features of 24 cases of INihB, which were previously diagnosed as biliary papillomatosis or intraductal growth of intrahepatic biliary neoplasm, were reviewed. Mucin immunohistochemistry was performed for mucin (MUC)1, MUC2, MUC5AC and MUC6. Ki-67, P53 and β-catenin immunoreactivity were also examined. We categorized each tumor as adenoma (low grade), borderline (intermediate grade), and malignant (carcinoma in situ , high grade including tumors with microinvasion). RESULTS: Among 24 cases of INihB, we identified 24 tumors. Twenty of 24 tumors (83%) were composed of a papillary structure; the same feature observed in intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB). In contrast, the remaining four tumors (17%) showed both tubular and papillary structures. In three of the four tumors (75%), macroscopic mucin secretion was limited but microscopic intracellular mucin was evident. Histologically, 16 tumors (67%) were malignant, three (12%) were borderline, and five (21%) were adenoma. Microinvasion was found in four cases (17%). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that MUC1 was not expressed in the borderline/adenoma group but was expressed only in malignant lesions (P = 0.0095). Ki-67 labeling index (LI) was significantly higher in the malignant group than in the borderline/adenoma group (22.2 ± 15.5 vs 7.5 ± 6.3, P < 0.01). In the 16 malignant cases, expression of MUC5AC showed borderline significant association with high Ki-67 LI (P = 0.0622). Nuclear expression of β-catenin was observed in two (8%) of the 24 tumors, and these two tumors also showed MUC1 expression. P53 was negative in all tumors. CONCLUSION: Some cases of INihB have a tubular structure, and are subcategorized as IPNB with tubular structure. MUC1 expression in INihB correlates positively with degree of malignancy.

GATIS score for predicting the prognosis of rectal neuroendocrine neoplasms:A Chinese multicenter study of 12-year experience

BACKGROUND There is currently a shortage of accurate,efficient,and precise predictive instruments for rectal neuroendocrine neoplasms(NENs).AIM To develop a predictive model for individuals with rectal NENs(R-NENs)using data from a large cohort.METHODS Data from patients with primary R-NENs were retrospectively collected from 17 large-scale referral medical centers in China.Random forest and Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify the risk factors for overall survival and progression-free survival,and two nomograms were constructed.RESULTS A total of 1408 patients with R-NENs were included.Tumor grade,T stage,tumor size,age,and a prognostic nutritional index were important risk factors for prognosis.The GATIS score was calculated based on these five indicators.For overall survival prediction,the respective C-indexes in the training set were 0.915(95%confidence interval:0.866-0.964)for overall survival prediction and 0.908(95%confidence interval:0.872-0.944)for progression-free survival prediction.According to decision curve analysis,net benefit of the GATIS score was higher than that of a single factor.The time-dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the predictive power of the GATIS score was higher than that of the TNM stage and pathological grade at all time periods.CONCLUSION The GATIS score had a good predictive effect on the prognosis of patients with R-NENs,with efficacy superior to that of the World Health Organization grade and TNM stage.

Mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasms in gastroenteropancreatic tract

Mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasms(MiNENs)are a hetero-geneous group of malignant neoplasms that can settle in the gastroenteropan-creatic tract.They are composed of a neuroendocrine(NE)and a non-NE compo-nent in at least 30%of each tumour.The non-NE component can include different histological combinations of glandular,squamous,mucinous and sarcomatoid phenotypes,and one or both of the components can be low-or high grade malignant.Recent changes in the nomenclature of these neoplasms might lead to great deal of confusion,and the lack of specific clinical trials is the main reason why their management is difficult.The review aims to clarify the definition of MiNEN and analyze available evidence about their diagnosis and treatment options according to their location and extension through careful analysis of the available data.It would be important to reach a general consensus on their diagnosis in order to construct a classification that remains stable over time and facilitates the design of clinical trials that,due to their low incidence,will require long recruitment periods.

Endoscopic ultrasonography-related diagnostic accuracy and clinical significance on small rectal neuroendocrine neoplasms

This research aimed to examine the diagnostic accuracy and clinical significance of endoscopic ultrasonography(EUS)in the context of small rectal neuroendocrine neoplasms(NENs).A total of 108 patients with rectal subepithelial lesions(SELs)with a diameter of<20 mm were included in the analysis.The diagnosis and depth assessment of EUS was compared to the histology findings.The prevalence of NENs in rectal SELs was 78.7%(85/108).The sensitivity of EUS in detecting rectal NENs was 98.9%(84/85),while the specificity was 52.2%(12/23).Overall,the diagnostic accuracy of EUS in identifying rectal NENs was 88.9%(96/108).The overall accuracy rate for EUS in assessing the depth of invasion in rectal NENs was 92.9%(78/84).Therefore,EUS demonstrates reasonable diagnostic accuracy in detecting small rectal NENs,with good sensitivity but inferior specificity.EUS may also assist physicians in assessing the depth of invasion in small rectal NENs before endoscopic excision.

Inflammation as a cause of acute myocardial infarction in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasm

Myeloproliferative neoplasms(MPN)are a group of diseases characterized by the clonal proliferation of hematopoietic progenitor or stem cells.They are clinically classifiable into four main diseases:chronic myeloid leukemia,essential thrombocythemia,polycythemia vera,and primary myelofibrosis.These pathologies are closely related to cardio-and cerebrovascular diseases due to the increased risk of arterial thrombosis,the most common underlying cause of acute myocardial infarction.Recent evidence shows that the classical Virchow triad(hypercoagulability,blood stasis,endothelial injury)might offer an explanation for such association.Indeed,patients with MPN might have a higher number and more reactive circulating platelets and leukocytes,a tendency toward blood stasis because of a high number of circulating red blood cells,endothelial injury or overactivation as a consequence of sustained inflammation caused by the neoplastic clonal cell.These abnormal cancer cells,especially when associated with the JAK2V617F mutation,tend to proliferate and secrete several inflammatory cytokines.This sustains a pro-inflammatory state throughout the body.The direct consequence is the induction of a pro-thrombotic state that acts as a determinant in favoring both venous and arterial thrombus formation.Clinically,MPN patients need to be carefully evaluated to be treated not only with cytoreductive treatments but also with cardiovascular protective strategies.

Combining lymph node ratio to develop prognostic models for postoperative gastric neuroendocrine neoplasm patients

BACKGROUND Lymph node ratio(LNR)was demonstrated to play a crucial role in the prognosis of many tumors.However,research concerning the prognostic value of LNR in postoperative gastric neuroendocrine neoplasm(NEN)patients was limited.AIM To explore the prognostic value of LNR in postoperative gastric NEN patients and to combine LNR to develop prognostic models.METHODS A total of 286 patients from the Surveillance,Epidemiology,and End Results database were divided into the training set and validation set at a ratio of 8:2.92 patients from the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University in China were designated as a test set.Cox regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between LNR and disease-specific survival(DSS)of gastric NEN patients.Random survival forest(RSF)algorithm and Cox proportional hazards(CoxPH)analysis were applied to develop models to predict DSS respectively,and compared with the 8th edition American Joint Committee on Cancer(AJCC)tumornode-metastasis(TNM)staging.RESULTS Multivariate analyses indicated that LNR was an independent prognostic factor for postoperative gastric NEN patients and a higher LNR was accompanied by a higher risk of death.The RSF model exhibited the best performance in predicting DSS,with the C-index in the test set being 0.769[95%confidence interval(CI):0.691-0.846]outperforming the CoxPH model(0.744,95%CI:0.665-0.822)and the 8th edition AJCC TNM staging(0.723,95%CI:0.613-0.833).The calibration curves and decision curve analysis(DCA)demonstrated the RSF model had good calibration and clinical benefits.Furthermore,the RSF model could perform risk stratification and individual prognosis prediction effectively.CONCLUSION A higher LNR indicated a lower DSS in postoperative gastric NEN patients.The RSF model outperformed the CoxPH model and the 8th edition AJCC TNM staging in the test set,showing potential in clinical practice.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy-assisted biliary polypectomy for local palliative treatment of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct

BACKGROUND Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct(IPNB)is a premalignant biliarytype epithelial neoplasm with intraductal papillary or villous growth.Currently reported local palliative therapeutic modalities,including endoscopic nasobiliary drainage,stenting and biliary curettage,endoscopic biliary polypectomy,percutaneous biliary drainage,laser ablation,argon plasma coagulation,photodynamic therapy,and radiofrequency ablation to relieve mechanical obstruction are limited with weaknesses and disadvantages.We have applied percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy(PTCS)-assisted biliary polypectomy(PTCS-BP)technique for the management of IPNB including mucin-hypersecreting cast-like and polypoid type tumors since 2010.AIM To assess the technical feasibility,efficacy,and safety of PTCS-BP for local palliative treatment of IPNB.METHODS Patients with mucin-hypersecreting cast-like or polypoid type IPNB and receiving PTCS-BP between September 2010 and December 2019 were included.PTCS-BP was performed by using a half-moon type snare with a soft stainless-steel wire,and the tumor was snared and resected with electrocautery.The primary outcome was its feasibility,indicated by technical success.The secondary outcomes were efficacy,including therapeutic success,curative resection,and clinical success,and safety.RESULTS Five patients(four with mucin-hypersecreting cast-like type and one with polypoid type IPNB)were included.Low-and high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia(HGIN)and recurrent IPNB with invasive carcinoma were observed in one,two,and two patients,respectively.Repeated cholangitis and/or obstructive jaundice were presented in all four patients with mucin-hypersecreting cast-like type IPNB.All five patients achieved technical success of PTCS-BP.Four patients(three with mucin-hypersecreting cast-like type and one with polypoid type IPNB)obtained therapeutic success;one with mucin-hypersecreting cast-like type tumors in the intrahepatic small bile duct and HGIN had residual tumors.All four patients with mucin-hypersecreting IPNB achieved clinical success.The patient with polypoid type IPNB achieved curative resection.There were no PTCS-BP-related serious adverse events.CONCLUSION PTCS-BP appears to be feasible,efficacious,and safe for local palliative treatment of both mucin-hypersecreting cast-like and polypoid type IPNB.

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm:Two case reports

BACKGROUND Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell tumor(BPDCN)is a rare and highly invasive lymphohematopoietic tumor that originates from plasmacytoid dendritic cells.BPDCN has an extremely poor prognosis.Skin lesions are usually the first manifestation of BPDCN,although the tumor may also invade the bone marrow,lymph nodes,peripheral blood,and other parts of the body,leading to several other manifestations,requiring further differentiation through skin biopsy and immunohistochemistry.CASE SUMMARY In the present paper,the cases of 2 patients diagnosed with BPDCN are discussed.The immunohistochemistry analysis of these 2 patients revealed positivity for CD4,CD56,and CD123.Currently,no standard chemotherapy regimen is available for BPDCN.Therefore,intensive therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia was applied as the treatment method for these 2 cases.CONCLUSION Although allogeneic bone marrow transplantation could be further effective in prolonging the median survival the ultimate prognosis was unfavorable.Future treatment modalities tailored for elderly patients will help prolong survival.

Exercise benefits meet the esophagus

Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)is defined by recurrent and troublesome heartburn and effortless regurgitation or by the specific complications of this condition—that is,esophagitis,esophageal peptic strictures,and Barrett esophagus.1Although GERD is caused by gastric contents'reaching the esophagus,gastric juices can also reach other anatomical locations(pharynx,mouth,larynx,and airways),leading to(or worsening)extra-esophageal conditions(notably asthma)or symptoms(e.g.,wheezing,cough).1 Together with obesity,GERD is the main risk factor for gastroesophageal malignancies.

Tri-modal death distribution towards personalized management of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct patients:Every story has its own conclusion

The concept of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct(IPNB)has gained recognition as a discrete entity[1,2],possessing many features including multiplicity[3,4],mucin production[3],slow progression[3,5],various morphology[6,7],easy sloughing and seeding[8],and having unique risk factors[2,9-11].We have previously proposed a morphologic classification[6]and a progression model of IPNB[12].

Robotic Surgery: An Effective Treatment Option for Epiphrenic Diverticulum Associated with Nutcracker Esophagus

Background: Epiphrenic Diverticulum is frequently associated with esophageal motility disorders, such as nutcrackers esophagus. The diagnosis is usually made using imaging studies such as a Barium esophagogram, and esophageal manometry. Surgical treatment options for epiphrenic diverticulum and EN include diverticulectomy and wide myotomy. Aim: The resection of three epiphrenic diverticula and extensive myotomy were performed by robotic thoracoscopy uneventfully. Case presentation: A 65-year-old female complaining of dysphagia for solid foods, Chest pain and regurgitation. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EDG) with difficulty in advancing the endoscope at 25 cm and demonstrating an ED, no hiatal hernia and normal stomach and duodenum. Barium Esophagogram showed multiple diverticula and tortuosity throughout the esophagus. Conclusion: With robotic surgery, surgeons can perform highly precise operations with enhanced 3D vision and control. Through this cutting-edge approach, the treatment of ED associated with EN can be drastically changed, promising better outcomes for patients.

Myocardial metastasis from ZEB1-and TWIST-positive spindle cell carcinoma of the esophagus:A case report

BACKGROUND Metastatic cardiac tumors are known to occur more frequently than primary cardiac tumors,however,they often remain asymptomatic and are commonly dis-covered on autopsy.Malignant tumors with a relatively high frequency of cardiac metastasis include mesothelioma,melanoma,lung cancer,and breast cancer,whereas reports of esophageal cancer with cardiac metastasis are rare.CASE SUMMARY The case of a 60-year-old man who complained of dysphagia is presented.Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed a submucosal tumor-like elevated lesion in the esophagus causing stenosis.Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed left atrial compression due to the esophageal tumor,multiple liver and lung metastases,and a left pleural effusion.Pathological examination of a biopsy speci-men from the esophageal tumor showed spindle-shaped cells,raising suspicion of esophageal sarcoma.The disease progressed rapidly,and systemic chemotherapy was deemed necessary,however,due to his poor general condition,adminis-tration of cytotoxic agents was considered difficult.Given his high Combined Positive Score,nivolumab was administered,however,the patient soon died from the disease.The autopsy confirmed spindle cell carcinoma(SCC)of the esophagus and cardiac metastasis with similar histological features.Cancer stem cell markers,ZEB1 and TWIST,were positive in both the primary tumor and the cardiac metastasis.CONCLUSION To the best of our knowledge,there have been no prior reports of cardiac metastasis of esophageal SCC.This case highlights our experience with a patient with esophageal SCC who progressed rapidly and died from the disease,with the autopsy examination showing cardiac metastasis.