Metastatic clear cell sarcoma of the pancreas:A rare case report

BACKGROUND Clear cell sarcoma(CCS)is a rare soft-tissue sarcoma.The most common metastatic sites for CCS are the lungs,bones and brain.CCS is highly invasive and mainly metastasizes to the lung,followed by the bone and brain;however,pancreatic metastasis is relatively rare.CASE SUMMARY We report on a rare case of CCS with pancreatic metastasis in a 47-year-old man.The patient had a relevant medical history 3 years ago,with abdominal pain as the main clinical manifestation.No abnormalities were observed on physical examination and the tumor was found on abdominal computed tomography.Based on the medical history and postoperative pathology,the patient was diagnosed with CCS with pancreatic metastasis.The patient was successfully treated with surgical interventions,including distal pancreatectomy and sple-nectomy.CONCLUSION This report summarizes the available treatment modalities for CCS and the importance of regular postoperative follow-up for patients with CCS.

Intestinal glucagon-like peptide-1:A new player associated with impaired counterregulatory responses to hypoglycaemia in type 1 diabetic mice

BACKGROUND Impaired hypoglycaemic counterregulation has emerged as a critical concern for diabetic patients who may be hesitant to medically lower their blood glucose levels due to the fear of potential hypoglycaemic reactions.However,the pathogenesis of hypoglycaemic counterregulation is still unclear.Glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1)and its analogues have been used as adjunctive therapies for type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM).The role of GLP-1 in counterregulatory dysfunction during hypoglycaemia in patients with T1DM has not been reported.AIM To explore the impact of intestinal GLP-1 on impaired hypoglycaemic counterregulation in type 1 diabetic mice.METHODS T1DM was induced in C57BL/6J mice using streptozotocin,followed by intraperitoneal insulin injections to create T1DM models with either a single episode of hypoglycaemia or recurrent episodes of hypoglycaemia(DH5).Immunofluorescence,Western blot,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were employed to evaluate the influence of intestinal GLP-1 on the sympathetic-adrenal reflex and glucagon(GCG)secretion.The GLP-1 receptor agonist GLP-1(7-36)or the antagonist exendin(9-39)were infused into the terminal ileum or injected intraperitoneally to further investigate the role of intestinal GLP-1 in hypoglycaemic counterregulation in the model mice.RESULTS The expression levels of intestinal GLP-1 and its receptor(GLP-1R)were significantly increased in DH5 mice.Consecutive instances of excess of intestinal GLP-1 weakens the sympathetic-adrenal reflex,leading to dysfunction of adrenal counterregulation during hypoglycaemia.DH5 mice showed increased pancreaticδ-cell mass,cAMP levels inδcells,and plasma somatostatin concentrations,while cAMP levels in pancreaticαcells and plasma GCG levels decreased.Furthermore,GLP-1R expression in islet cells and plasma active GLP-1 levels were significantly increased in the DH5 group.Further experiments involving terminal ileal infusion and intraperitoneal injection in the model mice demonstrated that intestinal GLP-1 during recurrent hypoglycaemia hindered the secretion of the counterregulatory hormone GCG via the endocrine pathway.CONCLUSION Excessive intestinal GLP-1 is strongly associated with impaired counterregulatory responses to hypoglycaemia,leading to reduced appetite and compromised secretion of adrenaline,noradrenaline,and GCG during hypoglycaemia.

Contrast-enhanced guided endoscopic ultrasound procedures

Contrast-enhanced endoscopic ultrasound(CH-EUS)can overcome the limi-tations of endoscopic ultrasound-guided acquisition by identifying microvessels inside inhomogeneous tumours and improving the characterization of these tumours.Despite the initial enthusiasm that oriented needle sampling under CH-EUS guidance could provide better diagnostic yield in pancreatic solid lesions,further studies did not confirm the supplementary values in cases of tissue acquisition guided by CH-EUS.This review details the knowledge based on the available data on contrast-guided procedures.The indications for CH-EUS tissue acquisition include isoechoic EUS lesions with poor visible delineation where CH-EUS can differentiate the lesion vascularisation from the surrounding parenchyma and also the mural nodules within biliopancreatic cystic lesions,which occur in select cases.Additionally,the roles of CH-EUS-guided therapy in patients whose pancreatic fluid collections or bile ducts that have an echogenic content have indications for drainage,and patients who have nonvisualized vessels that need to be highlighted via Doppler EUS are presented.Another indication is represented if there is a need for an immediate assessment of the post-radiofrequency ablation of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours,in which case CH-EUS can be used to reveal the incomplete tumour destruction.

Overview of ectopic pancreas

This editorial discusses the article written by Zheng et al that was published in the latest edition of the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery.Our primary focus is on the causes,location,diagnosis,histological classification,and therapy of ectopic pancreas.Ectopic pancreas refers to the presence of pancreatic tissue that is situated in a location outside its usual anatomical placement,and is not connected to the normal pancreas in terms of blood supply or anatomical struc-ture.Currently,the embryological origin of ectopic pancreas remains uncertain.The most prevalent form of ectopic pancreatic is gastric ectopic pancreas.Endoscopic ultrasonography examination can visualize the morphological charac-teristics of the ectopic pancreatic lesion and pinpoint its anatomical location.The histological categorization of ectopic pancreas evolves.Endoscopic treatment has been widely advocated in ectopic pancreas.

Unraveling the enigma:A comprehensive review of solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas

Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas(SPTP)is a rare neoplasm predom-inantly observed in young females.Pathologically,CTNNB1 mutations,β-catenin nuclear accumulation,and subsequent Wnt-signaling pathway activation are the leading molecular features.Accurate preoperative diagnosis often relies on imaging techniques and endoscopic biopsies.Surgical resection remains the mainstay treatment.Risk models,such as the Fudan Prognostic Index,show promise as predictive tools for assessing the prognosis of SPTP.Establishing three types of metachronous liver metastasis can be beneficial in tailoring individu-alized treatment and follow-up strategies.Despite advancements,challenges persist in understanding its etiology,establishing standardized treatments for unresectable or metastatic diseases,and developing a widely recognized grading system.This comprehensive review aims to elucidate the enigma by consolidating current knowledge on the epidemiology,clinical presentation,pathology,molecular characteristics,diagnostic methods,treatment options,and prognostic factors.

Imaging, pathology, and diagnosis of solitary fibrous tumor of the pancreas: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND A solitary fibrous tumor(SFT)is often located in the pleura,while SFT of the pancreas is extremely rare.Here,we report a case of SFT of the pancreas and discuss imaging,histopathology,and immunohistochemistry for accurate diagnosis and treatment.CASE SUMMARY A 54-year-old man presented to our hospital with pancreatic occupancy for over a month.There were no previous complaints of discomfort.His blood pressure was normal.Blood glucose,tumor markers,and enhanced computed tomography(CT)suggested a malignant tumor.Because the CT appearance of pancreatic cancer varies,we could not confirm the diagnosis;therefore,we performed endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy(EUS-FNB).Pathology and immunohistochemistry were consistent with SFT of the pancreas.The posto-perative pathology and immunohistochemistry were consistent with the puncture results.The patient presented for a follow-up examination one month after discharge with no adverse effects.CONCLUSION Other diseases must be excluded in patients with a pancreatic mass that cannot be diagnosed.CT and pathological histology have diagnostic value for pancreatic tumors.Endoscopic puncture biopsy under ultrasound can help diagnose pancreatic masses that cannot be diagnosed preoperatively.Surgery is an effective treatment for SFT of the pancreas;however,long-term follow-up is strongly recommended because of the possibility of malignant transformation of the tumor.

Heterotopic pancreas in the gallbladder:A case report

BACKGROUND Heterotopic pancreas(HP)refers to pancreatic tissue located in areas with no vascular or anatomical connection to the pancreas.HP occurs mostly in the stomach,duodenum,and colon,and rarely in the gallbladder.CASE SUMMARY A 57-year-old woman was referred to our hospital complaining of right upper quadrant discomfort for 3 years.An abdominal computed tomography scan revealed adenomyomatosis with a thickened fundus of the gallbladder.The patient underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy,and pathological examination unexpectedly showed heterotopic pancreatic tissue in the gallbladder.The patient had a favorable recovery and was discharged on postoperative day 3.She did not report any symptoms or complications at the 6-mo postoperative follow-up.Pathologists should pay close attention to such pancreatic tissue and carefully examine it for dysplasia or malignancy.CONCLUSION This case provides more information about HP in the gallbladder,a rare occurrence.

Metastatic clear cell sarcoma of the pancreas:A sporadic cancer

Primary or secondary clear cell sarcoma of the pancreas is an exceedingly rare and aggressive disease.In addition to pathology,molecular analysis is pivotal in differential diagnosis,especially with malignant melanoma.A key aspect in identifying clear cell sarcoma is specific genetic alterations,notably the translocation of t(12;22)(q13;q13),a diagnostic hallmark of this sarcoma subtype,which is absent in malignant melanoma.Treatment of primary clear cell sarcoma of the pancreas is the same as that for adenocarcinoma.

Reconstruction of Knowledge and Medical Images in the Convergence of Chinese and Western Medicine:Taking “Sweet Meat” as an Example

The pancreas is neither part of the five Zang organs(五脏) nor the six Fu organs(六腑).Thus,it has received little attention in Chinese medical literature.In the late 19th century,medical missionaries in China started translating and introducing anatomical and physiological knowledge about the pancreas.As for the word pancreas,an early and influential translation was “sweet meat”(甜肉),proposed by Benjamin Hobson(合信).The translation “sweet meat” is not faithful to the original meaning of “pancreas”,but is a term coined by Hobson based on his personal habits,and the word “sweet” appeared by chance.However,in the decades since the term “sweet meat” became popular,Chinese medicine practitioners,such as Tang Zonghai(唐宗海),reinterpreted it by drawing new medical illustrations for “sweet meat” and giving new connotations to the word “sweet”.This discussion and interpretation of “sweet meat” in modern China,particularly among Chinese medicine professionals,is not only a dissemination and interpretation of the knowledge of “pancreas”,but also a construction of knowledge around the term “sweet meat”.

Anatomical Retrofitting:Pi(脾)as Spleen and the Persistence of Ontological Ambivalence

Over the past decade,medical researchers in China have debated whether the Pi(脾)corresponds to the biomedical spleen or pancreas.This debate exemplifies a broader phenomenon of“anatomical retrofitting”,or the anachronistic imposition of contemporary categories onto living historical objects.“Anatomical retrofitting”as a means of rectifying cases of mistranslation further positions the biomedical spleen and pancreas as representing ahistorical,universal truths.This framework gives rise to a conceptual binary:while the biomedical spleen is universalized as what philosophers may describe as“logical”ontology,the Pi connects to a different nature of reality,or“metaphysical”ontology.Far from being an object of imprecision,the Pi was a dynamic vessel that also shared characteristics with the humoral spleen.Given that scholars in China have already subjected Pi to historical scrutiny,this paper urges scholars to do the same with biomedical anatomy.For instance,historically situating the humoral spleen demonstrates that it became less known and less articulated as it transformed into the biomedical spleen.Meanwhile,the pancreas remained an unstable epistemic object that took on the dynamic functions of the humoral spleen in nineteenth-century organotherapy.Through primary source analysis and literature review,this paper contends that the apparent ontological incommensurability between Pi and spleen is neither mutually exclusive nor irreconcilable.Instead,the dynamic nature of internal viscera,their many functions,and their participation in epistemic practices contribute to an ongoing ontological ambivalence that persists despite the forced certainty of anatomical retrofitting.

Pancreatic giant malignancy simulating a gastrointestinal stromal tumor

Pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma(PACC)is a rare malignant tumor of pancreatic epithelial cells,which produces pancreatic exocrine enzymes.PACC originates from acinar cells and terminal branches of the pancreatic ducts in the exocrine tissue of the pancreas.PACC accounts for 1%−2%of pancreatic exocrine tumors[1].Herein,we present an elderly woman with PACC who recovered after effective laparoscopic surgery.The tumor was located on the left side of the abdomen;imaging suggested that it was a gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the gastric wall origin,infiltrating the tail of the pancreas and omentum,while postoperative pathology suggested PACC.

Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas:A systematic review of clinical,surgical and oncological characteristics of 1384 patients underwent pancreatic surgery

Background:Pancreatic solid pseudopapillary tumors(SPTs)are rare clinical entity,with low malignancy and still unclear pathogenesis.They account for less than 2%of exocrine pancreatic neoplasms.This study aimed to perform a systematic review of the main clinical,surgical and oncological characteristics of pancreatic SPTs.Data sources:MEDLINE/PubMed,Web of Science and Scopus databases were systematically searched for the main clinical,surgical and oncological characteristics of pancreatic SPTs up to April 2021,in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses(PRISMA)standards.Primary endpoints were to analyze treatments and oncological outcomes.Results:A total of 823 studies were recorded,86 studies underwent full-text reviews and 28 met inclusion criteria.Overall,1384 patients underwent pancreatic surgery.Mean age was 30 years and 1181 patients(85.3%)were female.The most common clinical presentation was non-specific abdominal pain(52.6%of cases).Mean overall survival was 98.1%.Mean recurrence rate was 2.8%.Mean follow-up was 4.2 years.Conclusions:Pancreatic SPTs are rare,and predominantly affect young women with unclear pathogenesis.Radical resection is the gold standard of treatment achieving good oncological impact and a favorable prognosis in a yearly life-long follow-up.

Advancements in breath-based diagnostics for pancreatic cancer:Current insights and future perspectives

Recent decades have seen a concerning surge in carcinogenic diseases,with cancer cases and deaths on the rise globally.Conventional diagnostic methods are often invasive and time-consuming,highlighting the need for fast,accurate,and painless alternatives.Non-invasive exhaled breath analysis emerges as a promising solution,with over 200 volatile organic compounds(VOCs)detected in exhaled air,showing potential as biomarkers for various diseases,including cancer.Despite the lack of standardized methodologies,advancements in analytical instruments have expanded detection capabilities,reaching 3500 VOCs.Studies have identified specific VOC patterns associated with different cancers,offering hope for non-invasive diagnosis.Techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and electronic noses show promise in distinguishing between healthy individuals and cancer patients.However,further research and standardization are needed to realize the full clinical potential of breath-based diagnostics,particularly in the early detection of challenging cancers like pancreatic cancer.

Delayed postpancreatectomy hemorrhage as the role of endovascular approach:Four case reports

BACKGROUND Pancreatic resection is still associated with high morbidity rates and delayed postpancreatectomy hemorrhage(PPH)is the most feared complication as it may lead to hemorrhagic shock or serious septic complications.Today,endovascular approach represent safe and efficient method for minimally invasive management of extraluminal PPH.CASE SUMMARY We describe four patients whose postoperative recovery after pancreatic resection was complicated by postoperative pancreatic fistula(POPF)and visceral artery hemorrhage.In all cases endovascular approach was utilized and it resulted in satisfactory outcomes.We discuss modern diagnostic and therapeutic approach in this clinical scenario.CONCLUSION PPH is relatively uncommon,but it is a leading cause of surgical mortality after pancreatic surgery.Careful monitoring and meticulous follow-up are required for all patients post-operatively,especially in the case of confirmed POPF,which is the most significant risk factor for the development of a PPH.Angiography as a diagnostic and therapeutic method may be an optimal first-line treatment for the management of delayed PPHs.In our experience,endovascular treatment for hemorrhagic complications of pancreatic resections has shown satisfactory results.

Identification of breath volatile organic compounds to distinguish pancreatic adenocarcinoma,pancreatic cystic neoplasm,and patients without pancreatic lesions

BACKGROUND Volatile organic compounds(VOCs)are a promising potential biomarker that may be able to identify the presence of cancers.AIM To identify exhaled breath VOCs that distinguish pancreatic ductal adenocar-cinoma(PDAC)from intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm(IPMN)and healthy volunteers.METHODS We collected exhaled breath from histologically proven PDAC patients,radiological diagnosis IPMN,and healthy volunteers using the ReCIVA®device between 10/2021-11/2022.VOCs were identified by thermal desorption-gas chromatography/field-asymmetric ion mobility spectrometry and compared between groups.RESULTS A total of 156 participants(44%male,mean age 62.6±10.6)were enrolled(54 PDAC,42 IPMN,and 60 controls).Among the nine VOCs identified,two VOCs that showed differences between groups were dimethyl sulfide[0.73 vs 0.74 vs 0.94 arbitrary units(AU),respectively;P=0.008]and acetone dimers(3.95 vs 4.49 vs 5.19 AU,respectively;P<0.001).After adjusting for the imbalance parameters,PDAC showed higher dimethyl sulfide levels than the control and IPMN groups,with adjusted odds ratio(aOR)of 6.98(95%CI:1.15-42.17)and 4.56(1.03-20.20),respectively(P<0.05 both).Acetone dimer levels were also higher in PDAC compared to controls and IPMN(aOR:5.12(1.80-14.57)and aOR:3.35(1.47-7.63),respectively(P<0.05 both).Acetone dimer,but not dimethyl sulfide,performed better than CA19-9 in PDAC diagnosis(AUROC 0.910 vs 0.796).The AUROC of acetone dimer increased to 0.936 when combined with CA19-9,which was better than CA19-9 alone(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Dimethyl sulfide and acetone dimer are VOCs that potentially distinguish PDAC from IPMN and healthy participants.Additional prospective studies are required to validate these findings.

Solid pancreatic masses:What’s hidden beneath?Insights into rare pancreatic lesions

The diagnostic approach to solid pancreatic masses has significantly evolved from the era when a focal pancreatic mass was almost synonymous to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma,to a wide spectrum of pancreatic lesions,some of which have good prognosis.With the advent of advanced diagnostic tools,particularly refined imaging and tissue acquisition techniques,a broader spectrum of differential diagnoses has been recognized,encompassing conditions ranging from neuroendocrine tumors or inflammatory masses,to rare entities like metastatic clear cell sarcoma or solitary fibrous tumors.We herein discuss case reports of some rare pancreatic lesions,which were diagnosed by combining clinical and imaging features and endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue sampling and confirmed on surgical specimens.Further reports on these rare pancreatic tumors will contribute to a better understanding of their pathogenesis and effective management.

Shedding light on pancreatic metastasis of clear cell sarcoma:An exceptional journey

This editorial comments on the study by Liu et al investigating pancreatic metastasis of clear cell sarcoma(CCS)published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases.CCS is a rare and aggressive melanocytic tumor,that typically arises from tendons and aponeuroses of the limbs,and metastasizes to the lungs,bones,and brain.However,pancreatic metastasis has rarely been reported,presenting unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.Elucidating the clinical characteristics,imaging features,prognostic factors,and treatment outcomes of patients with pancreatic CCS metastasis is crucial.Surgery remains an effective management strategy for CCS.However,the high recurrence rate and low effectiveness of traditional adjuvant treatments necessitate a shift towards more personalized and targeted treatment plans.Research is needed to investigate and validate novel therapeutic approaches specifically tailored to the distinct genetic and molecular characteristics of rare malignancies like CCS.Additionally,the development of late metastases after a long disease-free interval is common in CCS patients.Therefore,routine postoperative surveillance for metastasis using computed tomography,magnetic resonance imaging,bone scans,and positron emission tomography scans is crucial.Moving forward,enhanced collaboration,investigation,and creative thinking among scientists,medical professionals,and legislators are essential to gain a deeper understanding of these rare presentations.

Rescue from complications after pancreaticoduodenectomies at a low-volume Caribbean center:Value of tailored peri-pancreatectomy protocols

BACKGROUND Pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD)is a technically complex operation,with a re-latively high risk for complications.The ability to rescue patients from post-PD complications is as a recognized quality measure.Tailored protocols were instituted at our low volume facility in the year 2013.AIM To document the rate of rescue from post-PD complications with tailored protocols in place as a measure of quality.METHODS A retrospective audit was performed to collect data from patients who experienced major post-PD complications at a low volume pancreatic surgery unit in Trinidad and Tobago between January 1,2013 and June 30,2023.Stan-dardized definitions from the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery were used to define post-PD complications,and the modified Clavien-Dindo classification was used to classify post-PD complications.RESULTS Over the study period,113 patients at a mean age of 57.5 years(standard deviation[SD]±9.23;range:30-90;median:56)underwent PDs at this facility.Major complications were recorded in 33(29.2%)patients at a mean age of 53.8 years(SD:±7.9).Twenty-nine(87.9%)patients who experienced major morbidity were salvaged after aggre-ssive treatment of their complication.Four(3.5%)died from bleeding pseudoaneurysm(1),septic shock secondary to a bile leak(1),anastomotic leak(1),and myocardial infarction(1).There was a significantly greater salvage rate in patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists scores≤2(93.3%vs 25%;P=0.0024).CONCLUSION This paper adds to the growing body of evidence that volume alone should not be used as a marker of quality for patients requiring PD.Despite low volumes at our facility,we demonstrated that 87.9%of patients were rescued from major complications.We attributed this to several factors including development of rescue protocols,the competence of the pancreatic surgery teams and continuous,and adaptive learning by the entire institution,cul-minating in the development of tailored peri-pancreatectomy protocols.

Metastatic clear cell sarcoma of the pancreas:An overview

Clear cell sarcoma(CCS)is a rare soft-tissue sarcoma that accounts for less than 1%of all cases and was originally reported in 1965.The incidence of CCS is estimated to be approximately 0.014/100000 depending on the surveillance,epidemiology and end results databases.CCS is a highly invasive type that mainly metastasizes to the lungs,followed by the bones and brain;however,pancreatic metastasis is relatively rare.It has a high probability of recurrence or metastasis and has a poor prognosis with a high mortality rate.Finally,even after recovery,it is fundamental to keep regular postoperative follow-up for CCS patients.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors:Are tumors smaller than 2 cm truly indolent?

BACKGROUND Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors(PNETs)are relatively rare but rank as the second most common pancreatic neoplasm.They can be functional,causing early metabolic disturbances due to hormone secretion,or non-functional and diagnosed later based on tumor size-related symptoms.Recent diagnoses of PNETs under 2 cm in size have sparked debates about their management;some practitioners advocate for surgical removal and others suggest observation due to the tumors’lower potential for malignancy.However,it is unclear whether managing these small tumors expectantly is truly safe.AIM To evaluate poor prognostic factors in PNETs based on tumor size(>2 cm or<2 cm)in surgically treated patients.METHODS This cohort study included 64 patients with PNETs who underwent surgical resection between 2006 and 2019 at a high-complexity reference hospital in Medellín,Colombia.To assess patient survival,quarterly follow-ups were conducted during the first year after surgery,followed by semi-annual con-sultations at the hospital's hepatobiliary surgery department.Qualitative variables were described using absolute and relative frequencies,and quantitative variables were expressed using measures of central tendency and their corresponding measures of dispersion.RESULTS The presence of lymph node involvement,neural involvement,and lymphovascular invasion were all associated with an increased risk of mortality,with hazard ratios of 5.68(95%CI:1.26–25.61,P=0.024),6.44(95%CI:1.43–28.93,P=0.015),and 24.87(95%CI:2.98–207.19,P=0.003),respectively.Neural involvement and lymphovascular invasion were present in tumors smaller than 2 cm in diameter and those larger than 2 cm in diameter.The recurrence rates between the two tumor groups were furthermore similar:18.2%for tumors smaller than 2 cm and 21.4%for tumors larger than 2 cm.Patient survival was additionally comparable between the two tumor groups.CONCLUSION Tumor size does not dictate prognosis;lymph node and lymphovascular involvement affect mortality,which high-lights that histopathological factors-rather than tumor size-may play a role in management.