Mucinous biliary cystadenoma with mesenchymal stroma: Expressions of CA 19-9 and carcinoembryonic antigen in serum and cystic fluid

a case of mucinous biliary cystadenoma with mesenchymal stroma (CMS tumor) in a 64-year-old woman is reported. The patient presented with acute abdominal pain and a palpable mass in the upper abdomen. Computed tomography and abdominal sonography showed characteristic multilocular cysts in the left lobe of the liver. Serum CA 19-9 was elevated to 108 U/ml with normal carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. The levels of CA 19-9 and CEA in the cystic fluid were high at 7430 U/ml and 576ng/ml, respectively. The serum CA 19-9 returned to 35 U/ml 4 weeks after tumor resection. These corresponding findings of both tumor markers in the serum and cystic fluid imply that (1) CA 19-9 and CEA both exist in the epithelial component of CMS tumors as evidenced by immunohistochemical stain, (2) serum CA 19-9 is a valuable marker in the diagnosis and monitoring of CMS, and (3) in cystic fluid, there are more significantly high levels of CA 19-9 in CMS compared with levels in simple cyst and polycystic liver disease. Therefore, measurement of CA 19-9 in cystic fluid and serum may be helpful in the differential diagnosis of hepatic cystic lesions.     

Giant epithelial cyst of the accessory spleen

Splenic cysts are uncommon, and cysts derived from the accessory spleen are rare. We report a case of a huge splenic cyst derived from the accessory spleen in the omentum, concomitant with multiple epithelial cysts of the primary spleen. Both serum and cystic fluid concentrations of carbohydrate antigen (CA)19-9 were markedly elevated. A huge monolocular cyst occupied the entire abdomen. A total of 7?l of aspirated cystic fluid was turbid and yellowish-brown. The cyst wall, which consisted of CA19-9-positive squamous epithelium, contained approximately 2 × 3 × 1?cm of splenic tissue. There was a separate multicystic 16 × 8-cm spleen in the normal position. The CA19-9 serum level returned to normal postoperatively.     

A splenic cyst and a high serum CA 19-9: a case report

A 22-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a palpable mass in the left upper quadrant. He had a history of blunt abdominal trauma. Computer tomography showed a large splenic cyst. Another finding was a markedly elevated concentration of the tumor marker CA 19-9 in his serum and cystic fluid. After surgical removal of the cyst this concentration decreased to a nearly normal level. Because no cellular lining of the cyst was found at histological examination, the cyst could have been regarded as 'false' or a 'pseudocyst'. However, since several cases of epithelial splenic cysts in combination with a high serum CA 19-9 have been described recently, our diagnosis was of an epithelial 'true' cyst. We assume that, for some reason, in primary splenic cysts, the thin cellular lining can be released before histological examination is performed.     

Significances of serum level and immunohistochemical stain of CA19-9 in simple hepatic cysts and intrahepatic biliary cystic neoplasms]

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In spite of various diagnostic modalities, biliary cystic neoplasms (biliary cystadenoma and cystadenocarcinoma) remain to be difficult to diagnose preoperatively. Recently, there are some reports that elevated CA19-9 level in serum and/or cystic fluid could be a useful finding in the differential diagnosis of biliary cystic neoplasm. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of CA19-9 and to elucidate its significances in intrahepatic biliary cystic neoplasms and simple hepatic cysts. METHODS: In 8 patients with biliary cystic neoplasms and 6 simple hepatic cysts, symptoms, radiologic and laboratory findings were reviewed retrospectively. In 5 biliary cystic neoplasms (4 biliary cystadenomas, 1 biliary cystadenocarcinoma) and 5 simple hepatic cysts, immunohistochemical stainings for CA19-9 were performed with formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues. RESULTS: In 8 biliary cystic neoplasms, two cases were suspected as biliary cystadenoma preoperatively and 6 cases could not be distinguished from simple cysts or cholangiocarcinoma preoperatively. In 6 simple hepatic cysts, 3 cases were diagnosed preoperatively and 3 cases could not be distinguished from biliary cystadenoma or pancreatic pseudocyst preoperatively. Expression of CA19-9 in simple hepatic cysts and biliary cystic neoplasms were 80% in both groups. Expression of CA19-9 is not related to the elevated level of CA19-9 in serum. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggests that the elevated level of CA19-9 in serum may not be helpful in the preoprative diagnosis of biliary cystic neoplasm.     

Role of cystic fluid in diagnosis of the pancreatic cystadenoma and cystadenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Early and accurate diagnosis of cystic neoplasm of the pancreas is difficult especially for the differentiation of benign or malignancy. In this study, we try to compare EUS-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy combined with measurement of the cyst fluid and serum levels of CEA, and CA19-9 for the preoperative diagnosis of pancreatic cystadenoma or cystadenocarcinoma. METHODOLOGY: Retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 37 patients with pancreatic cystadenoma and 48 patients with cystadenocarcinoma from 1998 to 2005. RESULTS: Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and CA19-9 of the cyst fluid and serum combined with EUS-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy was made. Examination of serum CEA, and CA19-9 resulted in 21.0+/-18.0, 2.7+/-1.7 U/L and 18.7+/-17.5, 269.0+/-182.0 U/L for cystadenoma and cystadenocarcinoma respectively (P<0.05). The sensitivity of cyst fluid combined with biopsy was higher than that of a single marker. However, the sensitivity and specificity of tumor markers of cystic fluid were much higher than that of the serum (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EUS-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy combined with examination of cyst fluid level of CEA and CA19-9 will be a credible means for early diagnosis of pancreatic cystadenoma and cystadenocarcinoma.     

Two cases of pancreatic cystadenocarcinoma with elevated CA 19-9 levels in the cystic fluid in comparison with two cases of pancreatic cystadenoma

A 39-year-old woman was hospitalized with left hypochondralgia. Ultrasonography and abdominal computed tomography showed a cystic mass in the tail of the pancreas. Echo-guided aspiration of the cyst was performed, and a markedly elevated CA 19-9 level in the cystic fluid was found. A surgical operation was performed, and the tumor was radically resected. The pathologic diagnosis was papillary adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. Another case of pancreatic cystadenocarcinoma also had an extremely high cystic CA 19-9 level, whereas two cases with benign pancreatic cysts had very low cystic CA 19-9 levels. Moreover, positive localization of CA 19-9 in the cancerous tissue was clearly demonstrated by an immunohistochemical technique, indicating active secretion of CA 19-9 into the cyst, while CA 19-9 in the tissue of pancreatic cystadenoma was almost non-existent. Measurement of the CA 19-9 level in the cystic fluid might therefore be a valuable additional aid in the diagnosis of cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas.     

Giant benign true cyst of the spleen with high serum level of CA 19-9.

We report the case of a 21-year-old woman with a giant (20 cm) benign mesothelial splenic cyst and a high CA 19-9 serum level (1240 U/ml). The patient underwent resection of the cyst and splenectomy. True non-parasitic splenic cysts are very rare. Only 10 cases of benign true splenic cysts, with a high CA 19-9 serum level, have ever been published in the medical literature written in English. These are reviewed in this paper. We believe that the inner cellular lining of the cyst wall produces CA 19-9, which causes the high CA 19-9 serum level. This is supported by the facts that (1) the inner cellular lining is strongly positive for immunohistochemistry with CA 19-9, and (2) the CA 19-9 serum level returned to normal after resection of the cyst.     

Macrocystic serous cystadenoma of the pancreas: clinicopathologic features in seven cases.

BACKGROUND: Serous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas are uncommon tumors classified as microcystic adenomas. In this article, the authors report clinico-pathologic features of seven cases of macrocystic variant of the serous cystadenoma. METHODS: Seven patients (5 females and 2 males) with a diagnosis of cystic lesion of the pancreas were observed after 1995. Clinical, radiological, and pathologic features, including immunohistochemistry, were reported. Enzymes and tumor markers CEA, CA 19-9, CA 125, CA 15-3, CA 72-4, and mucin-like carcinoma-associated antigen (MCA) were investigated in the serum and cyst fluid of the patients. Cytology was also performed. RESULTS: Six patients were symptomatic complaining abdominal pain. All cases had radiologic evidence of unilocular cyst of the pancreas. The suspected diagnosis was consistent with mucinous cystic neoplasm. Serum tumor markers were all in the normal range. After surgery, pathology showed in all cases a cyst lined with cuboidal, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive epithelium, without mucin content or atypia. Minute microcysts were found surrounding the main cavity. Immunohistochemical stains were positive for cytokeratin, CA19-9, CA15-3, CA 72-4, and MCA. CEA was unexpressed. CA 125 in the cyst fluid were found elevated in three cases and CA 19-9 in three cases. Cytology was negative in all cases. CONCLUSION: When a unilocular pancreatic cyst is found, without history of pancreatitis and gallstones, having low serum tumor markers levels and negativity of CA 72-4 and MCA in the cyst fluid, the diagnosis of the macrocystic variant of the serous cystadenoma may be suggested. At present, the diagnosis is still based on pathological examination after cyst removal.     

Spontaneous rupture of a nonparasitic liver cyst complicated by intracystic hemorrhage

A case of spontaneous rupture of simple liver cyst complicated by intracystic hemorrhage is described. This rare condition was detected in a 61-year-old man who underwent left trisegmentectomy of liver under a suspected diagnosis of cystadenocarcinoma because of elevated serum levels of carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 and DUPAN 2, and the presence of an intracystic structure. The resected specimen showed a benign liver cyst with intracystic hematoma and high levels of CA19-9 and DUPAN 2 in the cystic fluid. It is suggested that cyst rupture may increase serum levels of tumor markers whose levels are high in the cystic fluid, and that repeated observations of an intracystic structure may be the most reliable method to distinguish intracystic hemorrhage from cystic neoplasm. Received: November 30, 1998 / Accepted: February 26, 1999     

Macrocystic serous cystadenoma of the pancreas

Summary Background. Serous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas are uncommon tumors classified as microcystic adenomas. In this article, the authors report clinico-pathologic features of seven cases of macrocystic variant of the serous cystadenoma. Methods. Seven patients (5 females and 2 males) with a diagnosis of cystic lesion of the pancreas were observed after 1995. Clinical, radiological, and pathologic features, including immunohistochemistry, were reported. Enzymes and tumor markers CEA, CA 19-9, CA 125, CA 15-3, CA 72-4, and mucin-like carcinoma-associated antigen (MCA) were investigated in the serum and cyst fluid of the patients. Cytology was also performed. Results. Six patients were symptomatic complaining abdominal pain. All cases had radiologic evidence of unilocular cyst of the pancreas. The suspected diagnosis was consistent with mucinous cystic neoplasm. Serum tumor markers were all in the normal range. After surgery, pathology showed in all cases a cyst lined with cuboidal, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive epithelium, without mucin content or atypia. Minute microcysts were found surrounding the main cavity. Immunohistochemical stains were positive for cytokeratin, CA19-9, CA15-3, CA 72-4, and MCA. CEA was unexpressed. CA 125 in the cyst fluid were found elevated in three cases and CA 19-9 in three cases. Cytology was negative in all cases. Conclusion. When a unilocular pancreatic cyst is found, without history of pancreatitis and gallstones, having low serum tumor markers levels and negativity of CA 72-4 and MCA in the cyst fluid, the diagnosis of the macrocystic variant of the serous cystadenoma may be suggested. At present, the diagnosis is still based on pathological examination after cyst removal.     

Significance of serum receptor-binding cancer antigen (RCAS1) in pancreatic cancer and benign pancreatobiliary diseases.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: RCAS1 is a novel tumor marker, and there are no sufficient data about the utility of this antigen as a serum tumor marker and about its tumor specificity. We aimed at measuring the serum levels of RCAS1 in patients with pancreatic cancer and at determining its diagnostic efficacy. METHODS: Sera collected from patients with pancreas adenocarcinomas (39 cases) and benign biliary and pancreatic diseases (19 cases) and from healthy volunteers (13 cases) were analyzed for RCAS1 and the results compared with CA19-9. The relation between serum RCAS1 and tumor stage was also evaluated. RESULTS: The serum RCAS1 levels exceeded the normal limit in 92.3, 26.3, and 23.0% of the patients with pancreatic cancer and benign biliary and pancreatic diseases and healthy volunteers, respectively. RCAS1 had a specificity similar to that of CA19-9 in pancreatic cancer, whereas RCAS1 had a higher sensitivity (p < 0.05). Both tumor markers had similar predictive values of positive and negative tests for pancreatic cancer. The RCAS1 level was less influenced than the CA19-9 level by biliary stenoses. The median serum levels of RCAS1 increased, as the tumor stage increased. CONCLUSIONS: RCAS1 is a valuable serum marker for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The RCAS1 and CA19-9 levels increase the diagnostic efficiency of each other in pancreatic cancer.     

胆汁肿瘤标志物检测对于胆管远端良恶性狭窄鉴别诊断的价值

目的 探讨ERCP中胆汁肿瘤标志物的检测对于胆管远端良恶性狭窄鉴别诊断的价值.方法 对经手术或病理学确诊的20例胆管远端恶性狭窄,30例胆管远端良性狭窄患者及13例非胆胰疾病志愿者在ERCP或PTC时提取胆汁,采用免疫放射分析法(IRMA)检测胆汁和血清的CA19-9,CEA,AFP含量,评价其诊断价值.结果 当界定值...     

Intracystic hemorrhage of a simple hepatic cyst

An unusual case involving hemorrhage of a benign intrahepatic cyst in which the correct diagnosis was made preoperatively is reported. A 60-year-old man presented with acute onset of left upper quadrant abdominal pain. On admission, computed tomography and ultrasonography revealed an 8-cm hepatic cyst in the left lateral segment of the liver. Serum concentrations of CA19-9 (170 mu/mL), DUPAN2 (1600 mu/mL), and SPAN1 (94 mu/mL) were elevated. Twenty-three days after admission, magnetic resonance imaging revealed a hyperintense 13-cm lesion that appeared heterogeneous on T1-weighted sequences and relative hypointensity of the bottom on T2-weighted sequences. Percutaneous transhepatic drainage of the cyst was performed 27 days after admission, and serosanguineous fluid was obtained; abdominal pain resolved. Tumor marker concentrations decreased by 1 week after drainage. Six days after drainage, the drainage fluid became purulent. The infection persisted and a left lateral segmentectomy and cholecystectomy were performed 24 days after the cyst was drained. Pathology confirmed that the cyst was benign. The use of magnetic resonance imaging and tumor markers may allow the differentiation of benign hepatic cyst from malignant lesions and obviate the need for surgery.     

血清CA19-9对肝胆胰疾病的临床诊断价值

目的 观察血清CA19-9在肝胆胰良恶性疾病中的诊断和鉴别诊断价值.方法 回顾性调查2007年7月-2009年12月福建医科大学附属第一医院收治的180例伴有不同程度肝功能异常或胆管梗阻的肝胆胰良恶性疾病患者中血清CA19-9水平,并结合血清胆红素、肝转氨酶进行分析.结果 胰腺癌组和胆管癌组血清CA19-9水平较良性疾病组明显升高,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）,而肝细胞癌组与良性疾病组血清CA19-9水平比较,差异无统计学意义（P =0.143）;在恶性疾病中,胰腺癌组血清CA19-9水平明显高于胆管癌组和肝细胞癌组,差异有统计学意义（P ＜0.001）,胆管癌组则明显高于肝细胞癌组,差异有统计学意义（P=0.003）;血清CA19-9对胰腺癌、胆管癌、肝细胞癌的灵敏度分别为73.5％、53.8％、23.5％,胰腺癌和胆管癌灵敏度比较,差异无统计学意义（P =0.171）,但二者与肝细胞癌相比,灵敏度差异有统计学意义（P ＜0.0125）;良性疾病组血清CA19-9水平与胆红素水平呈明显正相关性（0.8＜r＜0.9,P ＜0.001）,与肝转氨酶相关性较弱（0.16 ＜r＜0.18,P＞0.10）,但恶性疾病组血清CA19-9与血清胆红素、肝转氨酶均无明显相关性（P＞0.10）;通过绘制ROC曲线确定血清CA19-9诊断胆胰癌的最佳阳性参考值为55.2 U/ml.结论 伴有不同程度的肝功能异常或胆管梗阻的肝胆胰疾病中,血清CA19-9对胆胰恶性肿瘤有一定的诊断和鉴别诊断价值,而对肝细胞癌的诊断价值不大;良性疾病中,不同程度的肝功能异常或者胆管梗阻可相应使血清CA19-9水平不同程度升高,但恶性疾病中血清CA19-9水平的高低主要与肿瘤本身表达强弱有关;使用CA19-9的最佳阳性参考值并联合检测其他肿瘤标志物可以明显提高其对胆胰癌的诊断效率.     

Lymphoepithelial cyst of the pancreas associated with elevated CA 19-9 levels

An extremely rare case of a lymphoepithelial cyst associated with persistent elevation of serum carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 levels is described. A 72-year-old man was incidentally found to have a cystic tumor in the uncus of the pancreas and to have a high serum CA 19-9 level. At 2-year follow up, the tumor size had gradually increased and the high CA 19-9 level persisted. Because the malignant potential of the tumor could not be ruled out, a laparotomy was performed. The tumor was excised from the pancreas. On pathological examination, the tumor was proven to be a lymphoepithelial cyst. After the operation, the patient’s serum CA 19-9 level decreased to the normal range. Lymphoepithelial cysts of the pancreas are a rare, benign entity. They are true pancreatic cysts, characterized by a mature, keratinizing, squamous lining surrounded by lymphoid tissue. Because the treatment options and the prognosis of these entities are quite different from those of other cystic neoplasms of the pancreas, preoperative differential diagnosis is the main issue. Thus, although they are rare, lymphoepithelial cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic tumors of the pancreas.     

Improved early diagnosis of cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas

IntroductionT here are great differences between the therapy for cystadenocarcinomas and benign pancreatic lesions. Early diagnosis is propitious to selecting the appropriate therapy, and may directly influence the prognosis.[1-4] Differential diagnosis between cystadenocarcinoma and benign pancreatic lesion is difficult, because they lack typical clinical symptoms in early stage. In the commonly used examinations, the specificity of B-ultrasonography (B-US) and CT is very poor; they are di…     

Comparative studies of DU-PAN-2, carcinoembryonic antigen, and CA19-9 in the serum and bile of patients with pancreatic and biliary tract diseases: evaluation of the influence of obstructive jaundice

The levels of DU-PAN-2 antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen, and CA19-9 in serum and bile of patients with pancreatic and biliary tract diseases were measured. The sensitivities (true positive) of DU-PAN-2 in serum to pancreatic carcinoma (64%) and to biliary tract carcinoma (62%) were similar to those of CA19-9 in serum (69% and 72%, respectively). Nine of 18 (50%) patients with CA19-9-negative pancreatic carcinoma tested positive for DU-PAN-2. The sensitivities of CEA to pancreatic carcinoma (56%) and to biliary tract carcinoma (52%) were lowest. The measurement of these antigens in bile seemed to be of little diagnostic value in differentiating between malignant and benign diseases. False positives of these three assays occurred frequently in patients with benign pancreatic or biliary tract disease coupled with obstructive jaundice. After percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage, serum DU-PAN-2 and CA19-9 levels returned to normal ranges in patients with benign diseases, but not in patients with carcinoma of the pancreas or of the biliary tract. Serum CA19-9 and DU-PAN-2 antigens are useful tumor markers for pancreatic and biliary tract carcinomas. Longitudinal assays of these antigens may be useful for the differential diagnosis of patients with obstructive jaundice.     

Thymic cyst with elevated SLX levels in serum and cystic fluid]

A 24-year-old man was admitted to our hospital in June 1996 with complaints of anterior chest discomfort. Chest X-ray films on admission showed an abnormal mediastinal shadow with well-defined margin. Chest X-ray examinations about 6 weeks earlier had not detected any abnormalities. Laboratory tests on admission showed a high serum concentration of Siaryl Lewis X-i antigen (SLX). A computed tomographic scan of the chest showed a large (6 x 6 x 12 cm) homogeneous mass in the right anterior mediastinum. The mass was removed completely and histologically diagnosed as a thymic cyst. Biochemical analysis of fluid from the cyst revealed remarkably high levels of SLX, CA 19-9, and CEA. In immunohistochemical studies, epithelial cells from the cystic walls stained positive for SLX, CA 19-9, and CEA. After the operation, the level of serum SLX returned almost to normal.     

A case of common bile duct stone with cholangitis presenting an extraordinarily high serum CA19-9 value.

A 63-year-old male complained of right upper abdominal pain and jaundice. Laboratory data on admission showed hyperbilirubinemia, elevation of biliary enzymes and an extraordinarily high value of serum CA19-9 (60,000 U/ml). Diagnostic imaging modalities including abdominal ultrasonogram, abdominal CT and PTC suggested a stone impaction of the common bile duct. Jaundice subsided after PTC-drainage in association with decreasing serum CA19-9 value, which returned to the normal level six weeks later. Spontaneous delivery of the stone via the fistula was confirmed by cholangiography through the drainage tube. Though there are few reports of such a high serum CA19-9 level, the possibility of benign biliary tract disease should be considered in patients showing an extraordinarily high serum CA19-9 value.     

Autoimmune pancreatitis associated with a large pancreatic pseudocyst

INTRODUCTIONAutoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a benign disease that responds well to steroid treatment. Characteristics in-clude radiological evidence of an irregular narrowing of the pancreatic main duct and a diffuse enlargement of the pancreas, together…