CASE REPORT: Life-threatening haematochezia from a jejunal leiomyoma

Leiomyoma is a common benign intestinal tumour. Melaena is not rare in this tumour. Recently, rectal haematochezia has been considered as one of the very rare manifestations of leiomyoma. We report a case of jejunal leiomyoma showing life-threatening rectal bleeding. This 76-year-old man was admitted to hospital because of continuous rectal bleeding for 2 days. Haemorrhagic shock occurred and transfusion of 27 units of packed red blood cells failed to correct the shock. Emergent superior mesenteric angiography revealed a distal jejunal tumour showing evidence of active oozing. Segmental intestinal resection was performed to remove this jejunal tumour. Final pathological examination disclosed a jejunal leiomyoma with a ruptured artery responsible for the life-threatening bleeding. The patient recovered after tumour resection. Our presenting case was probably the second case of jejunal leiomyoma showing haematochezia. The diagnostic priority is discussed.     

Prevalence of ‘deep’ rectal varices in patients with cirrhosis: an EUS‐based study

Background: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) permits identification of dilated veins of the intrinsic rectal venous system (deep varices) in portal hypertension. The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to assess the prevalence of, and risk factors for, deep rectal varices, using EUS. Methods: A cohort of 96 patients with cirrhosis was studied. Both routine rectoscopy and rectal EUS were performed. Deep varices were assessed as peri‐rectal and para‐rectal. A three‐grade scale was used to assess the size of the deep varices. Results: On rectoscopic examination, congestive rectopathy was seen in 11(11%) patients, blue veins in 36(38%) and rectal varices in 13 (14%). On EUS, deep varices were seen in 49(51%) subjects. Small peri‐rectal varices were seen in 29 (30%) patients and large peri‐rectal varices in 10 (10%). Small para‐rectal varices were seen in 22 (23%) patients and large para‐rectal in 13 (14%). Of the 83 patients without rectal varices on rectoscopy, 39 (47%) had varices detectable with EUS. Patients with large deep varices had more advanced liver disease and significantly thicker rectal wall. They did not differ from other patients in terms of the other analysed factors. Conclusion: EUS permits identification of deep rectal varices in a large proportion of patients without detectable varices on rectoscopy. Unlike in previous study, we found that the presence of large deep rectal varices correlates with the degree of liver failure and thickness of rectal wall but not with the grade of portal hypertension in the oesophagus or the stomach. The clinical significance of these varices is uncertain and requires further study.     

Case report: intrahepatic portal-hepatic venous shunts associated with a huge pelvic leiomyoma

We present a case of portal-systemic encephalopathy due to intrahepatic multiple portal-hepatic venous shunts. A 71-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of recurrent episodes of disturbed consciousness. She showed no clinical signs of portal hypertension. Liver function was normal, except for an indocyanine green retention rate of 34% at 15 min and blood ammonia level of 282 microg/dL. Portal venography revealed dilatation of the portal vein and multiple portal-hepatic venous shunts, and a liver biopsy specimen revealed almost normal liver. Further clinical examination revealed a huge pelvic tumour. At laparotomy, two dilated veins were seen to arise from the pelvic tumour with blood flow into the mesentery. The tumour was resected successfully and a histological diagnosis of leiomyoma was made. The blood ammonia concentration decreased to the normal range postoperatively. A follow-up portal venogram demonstrated decreased portal vein dilatation and minor portal-hepatic venous shunts, considered to be congenital in origin. It is concluded that hepatic encephalopathy was produced in this patient due to an excess portal blood flow from the huge pelvic leiomyoma via the mesentery, with portosystemic shunting through pre-existent (probably congenital) intrahepatic anastomoses.     

Small rectal carcinoid with lymph node metastasis diagnosed prior to treatment

We treated a 59-year-old man with a small, yellowish, submucosal rectal tumour that was detected incidentally during a colonoscopic examination. Endoscopic ultrasonography revealed a hypoechoic submucosal tumour 13 mm in diameter. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging studies were performed, and pararectal and para-obturator lymph node involvement was confirmed. The patient underwent Miles' operation with lymph node dissection; 24 months later, he is disease free. We were able to diagnose rectal carcinoid tumour and evaluate the lymph node metastasis prior to surgery. Even with a small carcinoid, it is important to determine the depth of invasion and the presence of lymph node metastasis prior to treatment.     

Clinical Impact of Endoscopic Ultrasound and Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration in the Management of Rectal Carcinoma

PURPOSE: There is scant data about the clinical impact of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration in rectal carcinoma. This study was designed to determine the impact of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration on the staging and management of rectal carcinoma and to compare the staging accuracy of computed tomography scan, endoscopic ultrasound, and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration. METHODS: The records of 60 consecutive patients diagnosed with rectal carcinoma referred for endoscopic ultrasound staging were reviewed. Computed tomography scans, endoscopic ultrasound imaging, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration staging, surgical pathology, and subsequent treatment were compared. RESULTS: Of 48 patients who underwent computed tomography scan imaging, the additional information provided by endoscopic ultrasound changed management in 38 percent of patients. Sixteen patients identified as having nonjuxtatumoral lymph nodes underwent fine-needle aspiration and the additional information obtained changed therapy in three (19 percent) of these patients. All five cases of recurrent rectal carcinoma were correctly diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration. Tumor staging accuracy was 45 percent (computed tomography) and 89 percent (endoscopic ultrasound; P < 0.0001); nodal staging accuracy was 68 percent (computed tomography), 85 percent (endoscopic ultrasound), and 92 percent (endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration; P = not significant). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic ultrasound imaging was better than computed tomography scanning at overall tumor staging, whereas endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration demonstrated a trend toward more accurate nodal staging. Preoperative staging with endoscopic ultrasound resulted in a change of management in 38 percent of patients. The addition of fine-needle aspiration changed the management in 19 percent of those who underwent nonjuxtatumoral lymph node sampling. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration accurately diagnosed 100 percent of those with recurrent rectal carcinoma. Clearly, endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration are important for the staging and management of rectal carcinoma and for detecting disease recurrence.Presented at the EUS 13th International Symposium on Endoscopic Ultrasound, New York, New York, October 4 to 6, 2002     

Robot-assisted tumorectomy for an unusual pelvic retroperitoneal leiomyoma: A case report

Rationale:Extrauterine leiomyoma occasionally occurs in rare locations with unusual growth patterns, especially pelvic retroperitoneal leiomyoma, which brings great challenges for surgeons to make a diagnosis. It is essential to distinguish benign from malignant retroperitoneal neoplasms according to the imaging manifestations. Laparotomy and laparoscopy are the common options for pelvic retroperitoneal neoplasms, while they may cause side effects during operation such as secondary damage. Appropriate surgical techniques should be adopted to ensure the complete excision of neoplasms meanwhile preserve the urination, defecation, and sexual function.Patient concerns:A 30-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of dull pain in the perianal region for 1 month. Laboratory results including tumor markers were all within normal limits. The digital rectal examination revealed a huge and tough mass with smooth mucosa protruding into the rectal cavity from the rear area of rectum.Diagnosis:Imaging examinations were performed. Contrasted computed tomography (CT) of pelvis showed an enhanced retroperitoneal solid mass in the space between sacrum and rectum, and very close to the levator ani muscle. The mass was about 11.0*8.0 cm in size. Computerized tomography angiography (CTA) showed the distal branches of bilateral internal iliac artery went into the mass. Endoscopic ultrasonography (US) showed the mass compressed the rectum, as well as a clear boundary to the rectal wall. A histopathologic examination confirmed the mass was a pelvic retroperitoneal leiomyoma.Interventions:The patient underwent an operative resection with da Vinci Si surgical system after routine preoperative preparation. Anorectal motility was weekly monitored postoperation. No additional adjuvant therapy was performed.Outcomes:The patient could walk after 1 day and defecate normally on the third day after operation. She was discharged on the seventh postoperative day. No adverse events including pelvic floor hernia or defecation dysfunction occurred in the follow-up period. At 4 weeks follow-up, the patient was pain-free and recovered well.Lessons:Although imaging examinations were crucial for retroperitoneal neoplasms, histopathological examination remains the “gold standard” for making a definite diagnosis. This case highlights the possibility of retroperitoneal leiomyoma occurring in a woman of reproductive age and the advantages of robotic surgical system in pelvic retroperitoneal surgeries.     

Endosonographic probe-guided endoscopic removal of colonic pedunculated leiomyoma

We report a rare case of endoscopic removal of colonic pedunculated leiomyoma with an aid of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). A 46-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with complaints of lower abdominal pain and alternating constipation and diarrhea. Colonoscopy revealed a small pedunculated polyp in the transverse colon covered with almost normal mucosa. EUS showed a hypoechoic solid tumor with clear margins and smooth contour in the second to third layer. We considered this lesion as a submucosal tumor of the colon with no continuity to the muscularis propria. We performed endoscopic removal of this tumor successfully, and histological diagnosis was a leiomyoma. Endoscopic removal of colonic pedunculated leiomyoma is rare. Moreover, in our case, EUS showed typical findings of colonic leiomyoma and was useful to assess the location of the submucosal tumor. We describe herein our experience and discuss similar cases reported in the English literature.     

Benign Metastasizing Leiomyoma in the Heart of a 45-Year-Old Woman

We report a rare case of benign metastasizing leiomyoma in the heart of a 45-year-old woman 2 years after a uterine leiomyoma had been discovered during hysterectomy. Computed tomograms at presentation showed a large mixed cystic mass in the pelvis and bilateral lung nodules suggestive of metastatic disease. A large cardiac mass, attached to the chordae of the tricuspid valve and later shown to be histopathologically consistent with uterine leiomyoma, was successfully resected through a right atriotomy. This case suggests that benign metastasizing leiomyoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of right-sided cardiac tumors.     

CASE REPORT: Hypoechoic submucosal nodules: A sign of Epstein-Barr virus-associated early gastric cancer

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been reported to be detectable in about 10% of gastric carcinomas. We performed a comparative study of endosonographic findings of EBV-positive and -negative early gastric carcinomas. Epstein-Barr virus was detected in 11.8% (four of 34) of endosonographically observed early gastric carcinoma lesions. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) revealed a hypoechoic mass in the third layer, which reflected submucosal nodules, in 75% (three of four) of EBV-associated lesions. Endoscopically, in 66.7% (two of three) of EBV-associated carcinomas, the depressed lesion was surrounded by a raised margin covered with normal mucosa and was similar to a submucosal tumour ( P < 0.05). Histologically, all three cases of EBV-associated lesions with submucosai tumour invasion had submucosal nodules of carcinoma with lymphoid stroma and 75% (three of four) were located in the gastric body. The ratio of maximal thickness to width of EBV-associated lesions was significantly larger than that of EBV-negative lesions, and this tendency was marked in lesions with submucosal rumour invasion ( P < 0.05). This study indicated that EUS and endoscopy are of great use for the determination of EBV association with early gastric carcinoma.     

Preoperative staging of rectal carcinoma by endorectal ultrasound: is there a learning curve?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) is becoming an essential tool in the management of rectal cancer. However, accuracy in the assessment of disease staging may be dependent on operator experience. The aim of this study was to determine if a learning curve exists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 1999 to December 2004, all patients with rectal cancer had a pre-operative ERUS performed by a single radiologist. ERUS staging was compared with post-operative pathology findings using the tumour, node, metastases (TNM) classification. The accuracy of ERUS in tumour (T) and node (N) staging after each additional consecutive ten patients was calculated. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty one patients were investigated by ERUS, of which 36 were excluded, leaving 95 patients in the study (60 men). Overall accuracy for T staging was 71.6%. No improvement with experience was noted (p > 0.05). With regard to T staging, ERUS tended to overstage more frequently than understage (24.2 versus 4.2%). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of uT3 staging were 96.6, 33.3, 70.4 and 85.7%, respectively. Overall accuracy of uN staging was 68.8%. ERUS tended to overstage nodal disease more frequently than understage (16.1 versus 15.1%). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were calculated for ultrasound-detected nodal disease (73.2, 62.2, 74.5 and 60.5%, respectively). Nodal staging accuracy improved from 50% after assessment of 10 cases to 77% after 30 cases were examined. CONCLUSIONS: ERUS is an accurate method for staging rectal cancer pre-operatively. Accurate assessment of tumour stage can be achieved immediately by an experienced radiologist without specific training in ERUS. Nodal staging accuracy tends to improve with experience but reaches a plateau after 30 cases.     

经内镜切除消化道黏膜下肿瘤

目的 探讨内镜切除消化道黏膜下肿瘤(SMT)的疗效、安全性以及切除前内镜超声检查(EUS)的价值。方法 SMT71例中食管36例，胃29例，十二指肠和直肠各3例，64例(90．1％)治疗前行EUS检查。SMT大小6～20mm，平均14．2mm。55例用双活检管道内镜行黏膜切除术(EMR)，把持钳剥离SMT后，将其切除；6例先用圈套器在SMT基底部勒紧，再注入生理盐水，切除SMT；10例≤10mm的用透明帽吸引法切除。结果 71例SMT中68例(95．8％)内镜下完全切除；2例(1例异位胰腺、1例胃平滑肌瘤)病变残留(4周时胃镜发现)；l例直肠平滑肌瘤，未能切除改行外科手术。67例平均随访18．7个月未见复发。组织学诊断平滑肌瘤51例(71．8％)，颗粒细胞瘤、纤维瘤、异位胰腺、脂肪瘤、间质瘤和类癌共15例(21．1％)，5例(7．0％)间叶肿瘤未做免疫染色，不能确定组织来源。并发症：9例局部少量出血，1例胃间质瘤切除后胃穿孔。结论 内镜切除SMT是一种较安全、有效的方法，并可获得组织学诊断，EUS对内镜治疔SMT选择适应证有重要的价值。     

Plexiform leiomyoma of the esophagus: A peculiar gross variant simulating plexiform neurofibroma

A plexiform variant of leiomyoma of the esophagus in a 51-year-old woman is reported. The patient was diagnosed with a tumor of the esophagus in an X-ray mass survey of the upper gastrointestinal tract. She was referred to the Ryukyu University Hospital for further examination. She appeared healthy with no complaints. Upper gastrointestinal series revealed an oval, well-defined filling defect in the lower esophagus just above the esophagogastric junction. Endoscopy revealed an undulating bulge covered with normal esophageal mucosa. Endoscopic ultrasonography showed a sharply demarcated hypoechoic mural tumor with internal linear pattern, with no evidence of penetration into the surrounding tissue. These findings were evaluated as consistent with a leiomyoma. Removing the tumor by enucleation was easily accomplished. Unexpectedly, on gross inspection, the tumor was a plexiform type, mimicking a plexiform neurofibroma. Light and electron microscopic examination and immunohistochemistry of the tumor tissue confirmed leiomyoma. Since the enucleation of the tumor, the patient has been free of recurrence and symptoms for 1.5 years at the time of this report.     

Photoshop软件对胃间质瘤和胃平滑肌瘤内镜超声图像的鉴别价值

背景:内镜超声(EUS)已成为消化道黏膜下隆起性病变的首选检查方法,但对胃间质瘤和胃平滑肌瘤的鉴别十分困难,目前有学者尝试利用Photoshop软件鉴别容易误诊的疾病。目的:探讨Photoshop软件对胃间质瘤与胃平滑肌瘤EUS图像的鉴别价值。方法:选取经病理和免疫组化确诊的118例胃间质瘤和42例胃平滑肌瘤的EUS图像,利用Photoshop软件分别测定两组病灶的灰度平均值(代表回声强度)和灰度标准偏差平均值(代表回声均匀度),分析其鉴别价值。结果:胃间质瘤组和胃平滑肌瘤组EUS图像灰度平均值分别为71.94和48.99,差异有统计学意义(P0.01);两组EUS图像灰度标准偏差分别为16.63和9.80,差异有统计学意义(P0.01)。结论:EUS下,胃间质瘤的回声强度高于胃平滑肌瘤,而胃平滑肌瘤的回声更均匀,EUS联合Photoshop软件通过分析EUS图像的灰度平均值和灰度标准偏差有助于鉴别胃间质瘤和胃平滑肌瘤。     

Transsacral removal of rectal leiomyomas from the same patient on two occasions: Report of a case

Summary An unusually large rectal leiomyoma was excised by the transsacral approach. It recurred six years later and was removed once again in similar fashion. Reoperation was found to be not difficult, though added care is necessary to identify the sphincters, which have a paler appearance. Nerve damage can be kept to a minimum if the same incision is employed. Despite the palliative nature of the operation, the patient was spared total rectal excision and colostomy.     

Transrectal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging in the staging of rectal cancer. Effect of experience

Objective. To evaluate the effect of experience on preoperative staging of rectal cancer using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS). Material and methods. From January 2002 to May 2006, 134 consecutive patients with biopsy-proven rectal cancer were examined with a 1.5-Tesla MRI unit and TRUS using a 6.5-MHz transducer. An experienced gastrointestinal radiologist (R1) or a general radiologist (R2) performed the evaluations. All patients (78 M, 56 F, mean age 69.1 years, range 38–89) were treated with surgery alone. The mean size of the tumour was 4.0 cm (range 1.1–7.5). A complete postoperative histopathological examination was used as the gold standard. Results. At pathology, 42 of 134 (31%) tumours were classified as T1-T2 and 92 (69%) were classified as T3-T4. The TRUS sensitivity in rectal tumour T-staging was 93% for R1 and 75% for R2 (p<0. 01); specificity was 83% for R1 and 46% for R2 (p<0.05). The MRI sensitivity in rectal tumour T-staging was 96% for R1 and 77% for R2 (p<0. 05); the specificity was 74% for R1 and 40% for R2 (p<0.05). There was no difference in the results of N-staging between R1 and R2 for either TRUS or MRI. Conclusion. Reader experience had a statistically significant positive effect on the preoperative prediction of tumour involvement of the rectal wall. To obtain high-quality preoperative prediction of rectal cancer T-stage, it is suggested that preoperative TRUS and MRI staging should be supervised by an expert in the colorectal cancer team. In addition to this supervision, the person responsible for staging should be trained through a defined training programme.     

Epithelial cell proliferation during colonic chemical carcinogenesis in the rat

To define the significance of alterations in epithelial cell proliferation as a marker of high risk mucosa for colorectal cancer, we examined cell proliferative events in the colonic mucosa during chemical carcinogenesis using in vitro bromodeoxyuridine labelling and by analysing serial colonoscopic biopsy specimens from dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-treated rats. In both the rectum and flexure of the colon, an increased labelling index of colonic epithelial cells, an upward extension of the proliferating zone and an upward shift of the major area of DNA synthesis of epithelial cells were observed during DMH-induced colonic carcinogenesis in rats. These changes preceded the development of the colonic tumour and were observed in endoscopically normal rectal mucosa where the tumour was absent. We confirmed the altered cell proliferative events preceding the development of the tumour by examining serial colonoscopic biopsies. The results suggest that these alterations are features that identify premalignant colonic mucosa in DMH-treated rats.     

EUS-guided endoscopic resection using band ligation of oesophageal granular cell tumour: report of a case

A 60-year-old Japanese man was referred for treatment of a polypoid oesophageal tumour. Radiographic examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract disclosed a nodule with central depression in the lower esophagus. By endoscopy the nodule was yellowish and appeared submucosal. Endoscopic ultrasonography demonstrated a hypoechoic solid tumour limited in submucosa without lymph node involvement. Endoscopic resection using band ligation was performed under guidance by endoscopic ultrasonography. By histologic examination the tumour consisted of large cells arranged in nests. These cells had abundant granular cytoplasm and small round nuclei. They expressed S-100 protein and were CD68, and periodic acid-Schiff positive. No expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin was noted. The tumour was limited in submucosa. Findings were consistent with complete endoscopic resection. This report may be the first concerning an oesophageal granular cell tumour successfully treated with EUS-guided endoscopic resection using band ligation.     

Relevance of segmental colitis with diverticulosis (SCAD) to other forms of inflammatory bowel disease

A well localized inflammatory process involving only the sigmoid colonic segment associated with diverticulosis (SCAD), has become increasingly recognized as a distinct clinical and pathological disorder, usually described in older adults, often with rectal bleeding. Although some resolve spontaneously, most patients appear to respond to treatment only with 5-aminosalicylate. Endoscopic evaluation reveals a nonspecific inflammatory process localized in the sigmoid colon that usually completely resolves with histologically normal colonic mucosa. Recurrent symptoms with evidence of recurrent segmental colitis may occur, but most have an entirely benign clinical course. Further definition of the underlying molecular signalling that occurs in this apparently distinctive disorder may be critically important to understand the elements of a colonic inflammatory process that can completely and spontaneously resolve.     

Large solitary ovarian metastasis from colorectal cancer diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound

A case is presented of rectal carcinoma in which during staging by endoscopic ultrasound （EUS） a second large extra recta l mass was seen not otherwise visualized on computer tomograghy （CT） that was a solitary ovarian metastasis. The surgeon was alerted to the EUS finding prior to the planned laparoscopic colectomy. On retrospective review of the CT pelvis after surgery, the radiologist could still not diagnose the ovarian lesion separated from the primary rectal tumor due to their close proximity. However, on EUS we were able to clearly see on real-time imaging that there was a distinct peri-rectal mass apart from the primary rectal tumor.     

Experience of Endoscopic Transanal Resections With a Urologic Resectoscope in 131 Patients

Purpose Endoscopic transanal resection of rectal adenomas and other presumably benign lesions is not widespread. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of endoscopic transanal resection. Methods Patients who underwent endoscopic transanal resection at three Stockholm hospitals between 1993 and 2004 were studied retrospectively with respect to patient and lesion characteristics, complications, follow-up time, and recurrence rates. Results One hundred eighty endoscopic transanal resection procedures were performed in 131 patients. The tissue diagnosis was adenoma in 160 operative cases, cancer in 12 operative cases, and hyperplasia, fibrosis, or normal mucosa in the remaining 8 operative cases. Among the patients with rectal adenomas, one endoscopic transanal resection was sufficient in 77 cases and in 16 cases the surgery was performed in more than one session because of the large size of the adenoma. In 27 cases there were recurrences that needed additional endoscopic transanal resection or other surgery. The median time until recurrence was seven months, but there were no recurrent rectal carcinomas. In 16 operative cases there were complications. Two patients had to undergo a Hartman's procedure as a result of a bowel perforation, and one patient had to be reoperated on because of bleeding. There were no perioperative deaths. The median follow-up time without recurrence was 32 (range, 0–67) months. Conclusions Endoscopic transanal resection is a feasible and oncologically safe option for treatment of rectal adenomas, especially in cases where conventional transanal resection or transanal endoscopic microsurgery are unavailable or unsuitable because of the characteristics and localization of the lesion. Presented at the Swedish Surgical Week, G?vle, Sweden, August 22 to 26 2005. Reprints are not available.