Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) from colorectal cancer is rare. LM is characterized by rapid progression, making diagnosis and treatment challenging, and are associated with a poor prognosis. A 63-year-old man undergoing chemotherapy with bevacizumab for colorectal cancer was admitted to our hospital with loss of appetite. On admission, he experienced frequent episodes of loss of consciousness. Imaging to identify the underlying cause revealed no abnormalities. Cytological examination of cerebrospinal fluid confirmed LM. Because of worsening symptoms, the patient had difficulty communicating, thus preventing continuation of chemotherapy. He died at 3 weeks post-admission. In patients with cancer who exhibit central nervous system symptoms without abnormal imaging findings, LM should be considered even if the primary tumor is in the transverse colon. In such cases, cytological examination of cerebrospinal fluid and imaging studies should be conducted. This rare case of LM from colorectal cancer after resection and chemotherapy with molecularly targeted agents yielded insights that might guide future treatment strategies.

A 78-year-old man was diagnosed as having a submucosal gastric mass (diameter 4 cm). Preoperative findings from endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration suggested a diagnosis of gastric neuroendocrine neoplasm. Total gastrectomy with excision of a metastatic liver lesion and dissection of gastric lymph nodes was performed. Analysis of frozen sections indicated adenocarcinoma of the peritoneum, which suggested the possibility of a mixed neuroendocrine–non-neuroendocrine neoplasm (MiNEN), based on the presence of solid tubules, metastatic spread, and lymphovascular invasion. However, the smooth gastric mucosal surface, organoid architecture with rare atypia or necrosis, immunopositivity for neuroendocrine markers, a Ki-67 index of 21%, and the presence of somatostatin receptor 2 expression confirmed a final pathological diagnosis of grade 3 gastric neuroendocrine tumor (NETG3) with glandular formation. NETG3 with glandular formation can be difficult to distinguish from MiNEN because their histological features overlap. However, gastric NETG3 with glandular formation is distinguishable from MiNEN by the presence of a submucosal tumor with a histological organoid pattern without frequent mitoses and/or necrosis, immunopositivity for neuroendocrine markers, and the absence of an adenocarcinoma or neuroendocrine carcinoma component within the tumor, as determined by immunohistochemistry for somatostatin receptor 2 expression, Ki-67, and Rb1.

A transgender (trans) man is a trans person who was assigned female sex at birth. Some trans men undergo gender-affirming surgical procedures, particularly mastectomy. We present a case of keloid formation after gender-affirming mastectomy that highlights the importance of choosing the most appropriate mastectomy technique in patients at risk of keloid and the most effective therapeutic strategies for anterior-chest keloids. A 40-year-old Japanese trans man developed keloids along inverted-T mastectomy-induced anterior-chest scars. The keloids were completely excised, and the defects were closed by primarily using a layered technique. Starting the next day, the wounds were treated with radiotherapy over 3 consecutive days. The wounds/scars were carefully monitored and treated with continuous taping fixation for 1 year. There was no recurrence, and aesthetic outcomes at 18 months were good. To prevent keloids after gender-affirming mastectomy, surgeons must estimate individual risk of keloid formation. If the patient is young, of Asian or African descent, or has a personal or family history of keloids, surgical methods that leave long lateral scars on the anterior chest (e.g., the inverted T procedure) should be avoided. Tensionless or tension-reducing surgical techniques should also be used, along with postoperative radiotherapy, long-term taping or compression, close follow-up to detect early signs of keloid formation, and referral to a plastic surgery department if any scar induration or elevation is observed. Surgeons performing gender-affirming mastectomy can potentially reduce the risk of keloid formation by carefully considering these factors.

Introduction: Because of its lower risk of mediastinal complications, the retrosternal route is commonly used for reconstruction after subtotal esophagectomy. However, cases of postoperative gastric conduit obstruction at the thoracic inlet have been reported, as has passage disturbance at the feeding jejunostomy site. These obstructions are often managed by surgical treatment, but few reports have described endoscopic treatment.

Case Presentation: A 75-year-old man with advanced mid-thoracic esophageal cancer underwent three courses of DCF chemotherapy, followed by robotic esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction via the retrosternal route and feeding jejunostomy. Preoperative CT showed no thoracic inlet stenosis. On postoperative day (POD) 7, a barium swallow test revealed cervical esophageal dilation and narrowing of the gastric conduit due to external compression at the thoracic inlet. In addition, a passage disturbance at the feeding jejunostomy site developed later. Endoscopic balloon dilation was performed at both sites on POD 26 and 31, resulting in resolution of both obstructions. The patient resumed adequate oral intake and was discharged without the need for reoperation.

Conclusions: This case suggests that endoscopic balloon dilation is an effective, minimally invasive alternative to surgery for managing postoperative gastric conduit and jejunostomy obstructions after esophagectomy.

Unlike Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) involving the skull, LCH of the vertebrae and lungs requires careful long-term follow-up because of the risks of motor and respiratory dysfunction; however, few reports have addressed this issue. A boy aged 7 years 7 months presented with bilateral shoulder pain and neck pain. Initial imaging revealed C6 vertebral bone lysis, a mass spanning C5–C7, C6 vertebral body flattening, and epidural extension. Chest radiographs and CT scans showed diffuse reticular and funicular shadows, ground-glass opacities, interlobular septal thickening, and swollen hilar lymph nodes. Bone scintigraphy showed cervical accumulation, while gallium scintigraphy revealed diffuse lung uptake. Lung biopsy confirmed LCH (CD1a, S-100, langerin positivity), confirming a diagnosis of multisystem LCH involving lung, bone, skin, and soft tissue. Treatment with cytarabine, vincristine, and prednisolone, in accordance with the Japan LCH Study Group-02 protocol, resulted in rapid respiratory improvement, withdrawal of oxygen, and resolution of neck pain. Seven years after completing chemotherapy, the patient had no neck discomfort and satisfactory cervical motion, normal respiratory function, and no respiratory symptoms. A cervical MRI scan at 1.5 years after the end of chemotherapy showed persistent C6 vertebral flattening from the compression fracture, which remained clinically stable throughout follow-up, with no herniation, mass formation, or epidural recurrence. Chest imaging at a 7-year follow-up examination showed no abnormalities. These findings suggest that timely diagnosis and appropriate chemotherapy yield favorable long-term outcomes in multisystem LCH with vertebral and pulmonary involvement, and avoid major sequelae.

Mucinous cystic neoplasms of the liver (MCNs-L) are rare cystic tumors characterized by multilocular cysts lined with a mucin-producing epithelium and supported by ovarian-like stroma. These tumors account for <5% of all cystic liver lesions and carry a potential risk of malignant transformation, necessitating early diagnosis and surgical resection. This report describes the successful laparoscopic partial liver resection of segments 4 and 5 for a large MCN-L in a woman in her 40s who presented with upper abdominal discomfort. Imaging studies revealed a multilocular cystic lesion measuring 11.9 × 8.5 × 13.0 cm in segments 4 and 5 of the liver. The primary challenges were the size of the lesion and the need to prevent cystic content spillage during surgery. Using meticulous techniques, including the use of a retrieval bag and controlled aspiration, we successfully excised the tumor laparoscopically and without contamination. Pathological analysis confirmed a diagnosis of mucinous cystic adenoma with no evidence of malignancy. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged on postoperative day 7. This case highlights the feasibility and safety of a laparoscopic approach for large MCNs-L. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of preoperative planning, precise surgical techniques, and measures to prevent cystic content dissemination. Minimally invasive surgery offers significant benefits, including reduced recovery time and improved cosmetic outcomes, and can be effectively applied to large hepatic cystic lesions by experienced surgical teams.

A 3-year-old boy presented with recurrent eczema that began at 2 months of age. The patient was treated by multiple dermatologists using topical steroids, topical immunosuppressants, and oral antihistamines. The patient was subsequently referred to our clinic for improved symptom control. During the initial visit, he exhibited serous erythema, scaling, and scratch marks on the scalp, face, and limbs. Laboratory findings revealed elevated levels of immunoglobulin E at 5400 IU/mL, thymus and activation-regulated chemokine at 3029 pg/mL, and an Eczema Area and Severity Index score of 16. Due to sleep disturbances caused by nocturnal itching and substantially reduced quality of life, we initiated treatment with dupilumab. A pediatrician conducted pre-treatment assessments, including blood tests and chest radiography. Following the initiation of dupilumab therapy, the pediatrician monitored the patient for potential reactions and side effects, and the dermatologist managed the skin symptoms. This case underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between pediatrics and dermatology in managing severe eczema in young children treated with dupilumab.

High blood flow and intravariceal pressure in pipeline esophageal varices (EVs) can cause refractory variceal bleeding that is difficult to control with endoscopic procedures and interventional radiology. We used combination therapy with Hassab's procedure (HP) and subsequent endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) to successfully treat two patients with pipeline EVs.

Case 1

A woman in her 30s with recurrent hemorrhagic pipeline EVs caused by idiopathic portal hypertension was referred for surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a dilated left gastric vein (LGV) connected to EVs with no palisade zone. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) identified high-risk EVs (Ls, F3, Cw, RC1) and gastric varices (GVs) (Lg-c, F2, Cw, RC0). Eradication of the esophagogastric varices was maintained 5 years after laparoscopic HP followed by EVL at 1, 6 and 16 months postoperatively.

Case 2

A woman in her 50s with cirrhosis (type B) and enlarged pipeline EVs was referred for prophylactic surgery. Computed tomography (CT) imaging revealed that the EVs were supplied by a dilated LGV without a palisade zone. EGD identified high-risk EVs (Lm, F3, Cb, RC2) and GVs (Lg-c, F3, Cw, RC1). Combination therapy with laparoscopic HP and EVL at 2, 4, and 6 months showed the eradication of esophagogastric varices 8 months after surgery. CT scanning performed 10 days postoperatively in case 2 revealed residual EVs supplied by gastric intramural blood flow, strongly supporting the need for additional EVL after HP. HP involves gastroesophageal devascularization and splenectomy, which reduce blood supply to EVs, facilitating subsequent EVL to eradicate pipeline EVs. This combination therapy appears to enhance outcomes and should be considered a viable option for treating refractory pipeline EVs.

Surgical repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) is a complex procedure that is associated with marked morbidity and mortality. Endovascular TAAA repair, initially reserved for patients at high risk, has yielded promising results and is performed on an increasing range of patients. This case report describes a hybrid approach—a combination of endovascular and open repair—for a patient with high-risk TAAA after aortic dissection. A 79-year-old man had undergone aortic replacement for chronic aortic dissection 20 years previously. His saccular TAAA, extending from the Th12 level to the renal artery origin, demonstrated progressive enlargement (56–60 mm) on computed tomography (CT) scans and compressed the celiac artery. In light of the patient' s age and thoracotomy history, a hybrid repair strategy involving total debranching thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with four-branch abdominal reconstruction was selected to minimize surgical risk. The surgery was performed via a midline abdominal incision. Bypass surgery was first performed using a quadrant artificial graft to restore left renal, right renal, superior mesenteric, and common hepatic artery blood flow. The celiac artery was coiled, and TEVAR was completed. Intraoperative contrast and postoperative CT showed no endoleak and a patent debranching graft. The patient recovered without complications and was discharged 10 days postoperatively. The findings for the present hybrid procedure indicate that debranching TEVAR is less invasive and yields better outcomes than open aortic replacement, particularly for patients at high risk.