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ANZ Journal of Surgery Jul 2024Colonoscopy is a key component of surveillance after colorectal cancer (CRC) resection. Surveillance intervals for colonoscopy vary across the world, with a limited...
BACKGROUND
Colonoscopy is a key component of surveillance after colorectal cancer (CRC) resection. Surveillance intervals for colonoscopy vary across the world, with a limited evidence-base to support guidelines.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the timing and outcome of colonoscopies after CRC resection.
METHODS
Retrospective cohort study on prospectively collected data. Included adult patients under surveillance following CRC resection. Patients with organ transplant, inflammatory bowel disease or colon cancer syndromes were excluded. The outcomes of the first (up to) three follow-up colonoscopies were audited and classified for presence of advanced neoplasia (advanced adenoma or adenocarcinoma).
RESULTS
980 patients underwent at least one follow-up colonoscopy with a median time to first colonoscopy of 12.4 months. The findings included 2.7% CRC and 13.2% advanced adenoma. Older age, stage IV disease, and synchronous cancers at surgery were significantly associated with a finding of advanced neoplasia at first colonoscopy. 562 patients underwent a second colonoscopy (median of 35 months after the first surveillance colonoscopy) with findings of 1.8% CRC and 11.4% advanced adenoma. Advanced adenoma on prior colonoscopy was associated with finding advanced neoplasia at the second colonoscopy. 288 patients underwent a third colonoscopy (median of 37 months from the preceding colonoscopy), with similar outcomes of advanced neoplasia being associated with advanced adenoma at the previous colonoscopy. 43 (4.4%) patients developed CRC whilst on surveillance.
CONCLUSIONS
Timely surveillance after CRC resection is important for detecting advanced neoplasia, and prolonged intervals between colonoscopies in the early years after surgery should be avoided.
PubMed: 38948942
DOI: 10.1111/ans.19132 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Jun 2024A single arm trial (NCT007773097) and a double-blind, placebo controlled randomized trial ( NCT02134925 ) were conducted in individuals with a history of advanced...
A single arm trial (NCT007773097) and a double-blind, placebo controlled randomized trial ( NCT02134925 ) were conducted in individuals with a history of advanced colonic adenoma to test the safety and immunogenicity of the MUC1 tumor antigen vaccine and its potential to prevent new adenomas. These were the first two trials of a non-viral cancer vaccine administered in the absence of cancer. The vaccine was safe and strongly immunogenic in 43% (NCT007773097) and 25% ( NCT02134925 ) of participants. The lack of response in a significant number of participants suggested, for the first time, that even in a premalignant setting, the immune system may have already been exposed to some level of suppression previously reported only in cancer. Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) on banked pre-vaccination peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 16 immune responders and 16 non-responders identified specific cell types, genes, and pathways of a productive vaccine response. Responders had a significantly higher percentage of CD4+ naive T cells pre-vaccination, but a significantly lower percentage of CD8+ T effector memory (TEM) cells and CD16+ monocytes. Differential gene expression (DGE) and transcription factor inference analysis showed a higher level of expression of T cell activation genes, such as Fos and Jun, in CD4+ naive T cells, and pathway analysis showed enriched signaling activity in responders. Furthermore, Bayesian network analysis suggested that these genes were mechanistically connected to response. Our analyses identified several immune mechanisms and candidate biomarkers to be further validated as predictors of immune responses to a preventative cancer vaccine that could facilitate selection of individuals likely to benefit from a vaccine or be used to improve vaccine responses.
PubMed: 38948837
DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.14.598031 -
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary... May 2024Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome (BHDS) is a rare hereditary autosomal dominant condition characterized by benign cutaneous lesions, lung cysts, and increased risk of...
Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome (BHDS) is a rare hereditary autosomal dominant condition characterized by benign cutaneous lesions, lung cysts, and increased risk of spontaneous pneumothorax and renal cancer. We report a case of a young Indian boy with bilateral pneumothorax as the first symptom of BHDS. Detailed history examination and investigation showed multiple facial lesions; his computerized tomography was suggestive of renal angiomyolipoma, hepatic angiomyolipoma, pulmonary cyst with pneumothorax, and small bilateral subependymal soft tissue density lesion with calcification in the brain, all of which were collectively suggestive of BHDS. Identification of the above commonly presented clinical features as a syndrome is important for even a primary care physician so as to ensure the timely management and if required referral to a higher center.
PubMed: 38948613
DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1451_23 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS) remains one of the most demanding diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for endocrinologists. Thymic neuroendocrine tumors account for 5%-10%...
Ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS) remains one of the most demanding diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for endocrinologists. Thymic neuroendocrine tumors account for 5%-10% of all EAS cases. We report a unique case of a 31-year-old woman with severe EAS caused by primary metastatic combined large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and atypical carcinoid of the thymus. The patient presented with severe hypercortisolemia, which was successfully controlled with continuous etomidate infusion. Complex imaging initially failed to detect thymic lesion; however, it revealed a large, inhomogeneous, metabolically active left adrenal mass infiltrating the diaphragm, suspected of primary disease origin. The patient underwent unilateral adrenalectomy, which resulted in hypercortisolemia resolve. The pathology report showed an adenoma with adrenal infarction and necrosis. The thymic tumor was eventually revealed a few weeks later on follow-up imaging studies. Due to local invasion and rapid progression, only partial resection of the thymic tumor was possible, and the patient was started on radio- and chemotherapy.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Thymus Neoplasms; Cushing Syndrome; Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; ACTH Syndrome, Ectopic; Adrenalectomy; Neoplasms, Multiple Primary
PubMed: 38948516
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1399930 -
Cureus May 2024The thyroid gland is an essential endocrine organ that secretes hormones to regulate homeostasis across multiple organ systems throughout the body. It is actively...
The thyroid gland is an essential endocrine organ that secretes hormones to regulate homeostasis across multiple organ systems throughout the body. It is actively regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, where negative feedback modulates the amounts of active hormone being released; thus, lesions that disrupt the proper functioning of this gland or its regulatory mechanisms can be destructive. Toxic thyroid adenomas are usually singular benign functioning nodules in the thyroid gland that cause thyrotoxicosis. Hyperthyroidism is commonly clinically silent, however, in most symptomatic cases, patients will be diagnosed based on abnormal laboratory findings and typical hyperthyroid symptoms. This case report examines an 81-year-old male with an extensive medical history who presented with complaints of new-onset generalized fatigue coupled with bilateral lower extremity muscle cramps. A positron emission tomography (PET) scan for other medical conditions incidentally noted mildly increased uptake in the thyroid gland, prompting a further investigation that resulted in a diagnosis of toxic thyroid adenoma. The patient responded well to treatment with methimazole and has remained in a euthyroid state.
PubMed: 38947590
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61322 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Jun 2024In this editorial we comment on the article by Agatsuma published in the . They suggest policies for more effective colorectal screening. Screening is the main policy...
In this editorial we comment on the article by Agatsuma published in the . They suggest policies for more effective colorectal screening. Screening is the main policy that has led to lower mortality rates in later years among the population that was eligible for screening. Colonoscopy is the gold standard tool for screening and has preventive effects by removing precancerous or early malignant polyps. However, colonoscopy is an invasive process, and fecal tests such as the current hemoglobin immunodetection were developed, followed by endoscopy, as the general tool for population screening, avoiding logistical and economic problems. Even so, participation and adherence rates are low. Different screening options are being developed with the idea that if people could choose between the ones that best suit them, participation in population-based screening programs would increase. Blood tests, such as a recent one that detects cell-free DNA shed by tumors called circulating tumor DNA, showed a similar accuracy rate to stool tests for cancer, but were less sensitive for advanced precancerous lesions. At the time when the crosstalk between the immune system and cancer was being established as a new hallmark of cancer, novel immune system-related biomarkers and information on patients' immune parameters, such as cell counts of different immune populations, were studied for the early detection of colorectal cancer, since they could be effective in asymptomatic people, appearing earlier in the adenoma-carcinoma development compared to the presence of fecal blood. sCD26, for example, detected 80.37% of advanced adenomas. To reach as many eligible people as possible, starting at an earlier age than current programs, the direction could be to apply tests based on blood, urine or salivary fluid to samples taken during routine visits to the primary health system.
Topics: Humans; Colorectal Neoplasms; Early Detection of Cancer; Colonoscopy; Mass Screening; Biomarkers, Tumor; Occult Blood; Feces; Adenoma
PubMed: 38947291
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i22.2849 -
World Journal of Gastrointestinal... Jun 2024Duodenal Brunner's gland hyperplasia (BGH) is a therapeutic target when complications such as bleeding or gastrointestinal obstruction occur or when malignancy cannot be...
BACKGROUND
Duodenal Brunner's gland hyperplasia (BGH) is a therapeutic target when complications such as bleeding or gastrointestinal obstruction occur or when malignancy cannot be ruled out. Herein, we present a case of large BGH treated with endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR).
CASE SUMMARY
An 83-year-old woman presented at our hospital with dizziness. Blood tests revealed severe anemia, esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed a 6.5 cm lesion protruding from the anterior wall of the duodenal bulb, and biopsy revealed the presence of glandular epithelium. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) demonstrated relatively high echogenicity with a cystic component. The muscularis propria was slightly elevated at the base of the lesion. EMR was performed without complications. The formalin-fixed lesion size was 6 cm × 3.5 cm × 3 cm, showing nodular proliferation of non-dysplastic Brunner's glands compartmentalized by fibrous septa, confirming the diagnosis of BGH. Reports of EMR or hot snare polypectomy are rare for duodenal BGH > 6 cm. In this case, the choice of EMR was made by obtaining information on the base of the lesion as well as on the internal characteristics through EUS.
CONCLUSION
Large duodenal lesions with good endoscopic maneuverability and no evident muscular layer involvement on EUS may be resectable EMR.
PubMed: 38946860
DOI: 10.4253/wjge.v16.i6.368 -
World Journal of Gastrointestinal... Jun 2024Improved adenoma detection rate (ADR) has been demonstrated with artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted colonoscopy. However, data on the real-world application of AI and...
BACKGROUND
Improved adenoma detection rate (ADR) has been demonstrated with artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted colonoscopy. However, data on the real-world application of AI and its effect on colorectal cancer (CRC) screening outcomes is limited.
AIM
To analyze the long-term impact of AI on a diverse at-risk patient population undergoing diagnostic colonoscopy for positive CRC screening tests or symptoms.
METHODS
AI software (GI Genius, Medtronic) was implemented into the standard procedure protocol in November 2022. Data was collected on patient demographics, procedure indication, polyp size, location, and pathology. CRC screening outcomes were evaluated before and at different intervals after AI introduction with one year of follow-up.
RESULTS
We evaluated 1008 colonoscopies (278 pre-AI, 255 early post-AI, 285 established post-AI, and 190 late post-AI). The ADR was 38.1% pre-AI, 42.0% early post-AI ( = 0.77), 40.0% established post-AI ( = 0.44), and 39.5% late post-AI ( = 0.77). There were no significant differences in polyp detection rate (PDR, baseline 59.7%), advanced ADR (baseline 16.2%), and non-neoplastic PDR (baseline 30.0%) before and after AI introduction.
CONCLUSION
In patients with an increased pre-test probability of having an abnormal colonoscopy, the current generation of AI did not yield enhanced CRC screening metrics over high-quality colonoscopy. Although the potential of AI in colonoscopy is undisputed, current AI technology may not universally elevate screening metrics across all situations and patient populations. Future studies that analyze different AI systems across various patient populations are needed to determine the most effective role of AI in optimizing CRC screening in clinical practice.
PubMed: 38946853
DOI: 10.4253/wjge.v16.i6.335 -
The Pan African Medical Journal 2024Syringomatous tumor of the nipple is a benign, locally infiltrative tumor. There are reports in the literature of tumor recurrence in cases of incomplete excision....
Syringomatous tumor of the nipple is a benign, locally infiltrative tumor. There are reports in the literature of tumor recurrence in cases of incomplete excision. Clinical and mammographic findings in syringomatous tumors are like those of breast carcinoma and the pathologist has a fundamental role in final tumor diagnosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to report a case of syringoma located in the areolar region. A 33-year-old woman reported that she had noticed a nodule in her left areolar region 4 years previously (February 2019). A breast ultrasound was performed, detecting intraparenchymatous breast cysts. Surgical resection of the nodule was indicated although it was not performed. Two years later, in August 2021, the patient underwent a mastopexy with prosthesis inclusion. Histopathology study of the surgical specimen revealed a syringomatous tumor with positive margins. Thirteen (13) months after diagnosis (September 3, 2021 - October 16, 2022), the patient is doing well and receives clinical follow-up.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Breast Neoplasms; Nipples; Syringoma; Ultrasonography, Mammary; Sweat Gland Neoplasms; Follow-Up Studies; Mammaplasty
PubMed: 38946744
DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2024.48.1.37845 -
European Journal of Endocrinology Jul 2024There is increasing evidence that multisystem morbidity in patients with Cushing's disease (CD) is only partially reversible following treatment. We investigated...
OBJECTIVE
There is increasing evidence that multisystem morbidity in patients with Cushing's disease (CD) is only partially reversible following treatment. We investigated complications from multiple organs in hospitalized patients with CD compared to patients with non-functioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) after pituitary surgery.
DESIGN
Population-based retrospective cohort study using data from the Swiss Federal Statistical Office between January 2012 and December 2021.
METHODS
Through 1:5 propensity score matching, we compared hospitalized patients undergoing pituitary surgery for CD or NFPA, addressing demographic differences. The primary composite endpoint included all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiac events (i.e., myocardial infarction, unstable angina, heart failure, cardiac arrest, ischemic stroke), hospitalization for psychiatric disorders, sepsis, severe thromboembolic events, and fractures in need of hospitalization. Secondary endpoints comprised individual components of the primary endpoint and surgical reintervention due to disease persistence or recurrence.
RESULTS
After matching, 116 patients with CD (mean age 45.4 years [SD, 14.4], 75.0% female) and 396 with NFPA (47.3 years [14.3], 69.7% female) were included and followed for a median time of 50.0 months (IQR 23.5, 82.0) after pituitary surgery. CD presence was associated with a higher incidence rate of the primary endpoint (40.6 vs. 15.7 events per 1,000 person-years, HR 2.75; 95% CI, 1.54 to 4.90). CD patients also showed increased hospitalization rates for psychiatric disorders (HR 3.27; 95% CI, 1.59 to 6.71) and a trend for sepsis (HR 3.15; 95% CI, 0.95 to 10.40).
CONCLUSIONS
Even after pituitary surgery, CD patients faced a higher hazard of complications, especially psychiatric hospitalizations and sepsis.
PubMed: 38946089
DOI: 10.1093/ejendo/lvae069