Background/Aim: We evaluated whether splenic volume (SV) predicts sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients receiving capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (CapeOX) therapy. Patients and Methods: In this retrospective study, we measured SV in 41 patients receiving adjuvant CapeOX for CRC at five different time points. We compared the clinical data of the 18 patients who experienced ≥30% increases in SV immediately after vs. before CapeOX (group A) with data for the remaining 23 patients (group B). Results: Platelet numbers decreased and the levels of hepatobiliary enzymes increased significantly 1 year after CapeOX compared with before CapeOX in group A. However, in group B, significantly decreased platelet numbers and significantly increased aspartate transaminase levels were confirmed only immediately after CapeOX, with no significant subsequent changes. Conclusion: SV was significantly associated with thrombocytopenia and liver dysfunction in CRC patients, and predicted SOS.

A 48-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of upper abdominal pain. Computer tomography showed an enhancing mass in the pancreatic body, dilation of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) and a filling defect within the splenic vein. On the basis of the preoperative diagnosis of pancreatic body cancer, distal pancreatectomy was scheduled. The pancreas was divided along the left edge of the gastroduodenal artery; however, frozen pathological examination of the pancreatic stump was tumor positive, and therefore a total pancreatectomy was performed. The lesion was a white expansive nodular mass that had spread into the MPD and protruded into the splenic vein. A pathological diagnosis of non-functioning neuroendocrine tumor (NET) was made. In general, imaging findings of disruption of the MPD and tumor vein thrombus are characteristics of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, but are uncommon in NET. However, NET should be included in the differential diagnosis for such patients.

Gallbladder torsion is a rare and potentially fatal condition presenting with acute abdominal pain. Gallbladder torsion requires early diagnosis and treatment; however, preoperative diagnosis is difficult. In the present case, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography provided definitive imaging findings and was very useful in making the preoperative diagnosis.

Spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection (SISMAD) is a rare and potentially fatal cause diagnosis presenting with acute abdominal; however, because of its rarity, the pathogenic factors of SISMAD remain unknown and no clear cause has been found. Moreover, there is a lack of evidence-based treatment guidelines.

Background/Aim: Following oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy, approximately half of all colorectal cancer patients develop sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS). SOS can be monitored by measuring splenic volume; however, obtaining this measurement is not a simple process. In this study, we evaluated changes in hyaluronic acid (HA) concentrations as a simpler marker of SOS. Patients and Methods: We measured splenic volume and laboratory data, including hyaluronic acid concentration, liver enzymes, and platelet counts, in 34 patients with colorectal cancer who underwent radical resection and who received capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (CapeOx) chemotherapy. Results: A strong correlation was identified between ≥30% increase in splenic volume and significantly elevated HA concentrations. Affected patients also had persistent thrombocytopenia and liver dysfunction compared to patients without elevated HA concentration. Conclusion: HA concentration may predict SOS in patients who receive CapeOx adjuvant chemotherapy.

Anaplastic carcinoma of the pancreas (ACP) is an aggressive pancreatic tumor that grows rapidly, and its clinical characteristics are poorly defined because of its rarity. Thus, preoperative diagnosis is difficult and most definitive diagnoses are generally made by surgery, highlighting the importance of collecting more cases of ACP. We report a case of a 79-year-old woman with ACP that was difficult to diagnose preoperatively. Abdominal enhanced computed tomography revealed a large and expansive tumor in the spleen containing multilocular cystic and solid components. The first preoperative diagnosis was splenic angiosarcoma, and the tumor could be resected by distal pancreatectomy, total gastrectomy and partial transverse colectomy. ACP was first diagnosed based on postoperative histopathological findings. ACP that spreads to the spleen and forms an intrasplenic mass is rare. However, ACP should be included in the differential diagnosis of such patients, and further research of ACP is essential for a favorable prognosis.

A 38-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for abdominal distension and vomiting. Abdominal CT scan revealed that ileum stenosis was the cause of the intestinal obstruction. The patient underwent placement of an indwelling intestinal tube for decompression of the distended bowel, and ileal stenosis was suspected based on an intestinal series. Through colonoscopy, stenosis was detected at the ileum, 75 cm proximal from the ileocecal valve. The cause of the stenosis was diagnosed as a nonspecific intestinal ulcer. We performed endoscopic marking at the anal side of the stenosis to execute single incisional laparoscopic surgery for resection of the lesion. During the procedure, the stenotic lesion could be detected at the preoperative marking point by single incisional laparoscopy. Additionally, another stenosis was found at 10 cm oral to the diagnosed stenosis. Partial resection of the small intestine, including the two stenotic lesions, was performed. Both stenotic lesions were diagnosed as being non-specific intestinal ulcers (UI-Ⅱ) with infiltration of inflammatory cells. We report herein on a case of ileum stenosis caused by a non-specific small intestinal ulcer that was successfully treated with single incisional laparoscopic surgery after intestinal endoscopic marking.

Spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection (SISMAD) is a rare and potentially fatal cause diagnosis presenting with acute abdominal; however, because of its rarity, the pathogenic factors of SISMAD remain unknown and no clear cause has been found. Moreover, there is a lack of evidence-based treatment guidelines.