Marcos Túlio Meniconi

Clinical regression of infected pancreatic necrosis

SummaryInfected pancreatic necrosis was diagnosed clinically and radiologically in a patient admitted for acute pancreatitis. As free gas in the pancreatic area was recognized, antibiotic therapy (ceftriaxone) was empirically introduced, whilesurgical drainage was being planned. After the second week, the patient rapidly started to improve, to the point that he could be discharged home without operation. Control CT-scans and general laboratory tests, at this phase and later on, confirmed a still enlarged gland but free of infection or ongoing inflammation. Cholelithiasis, which had been identified in an early ultrasound scan, was electively treated by cholecystectomy 2 mo after the onset of pancreatitis, in the absence of sepsis, and with uneventful recovery. This case illustrates the rare possibility of spontaneous regression of infected necrotic pancreatitis, without any type of operation or nonoperative drainage.

Metastatic cutaneous adenocarcinoma of unknown primary site: Case report

BACKGROUND Metastases may be the first manifestation of adenocarcinoma. Up to 60% are cutaneous and present in advanced stage neoplasms. Research for the primary site is costly and requires endoscopy, imaging and immunohistochemical exams. The primary site becomes obvious in only 15% to 20% of live patients and is detected mainly at autopsy. AIM To report a case of metastatic cutaneous moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma of unknown primary site, located in the lower left abdomen. RESULTS The lesion was surgically resected. Primary site was not found by any imaging or endoscopy exams. The immunohistochemistry was negative for CEA, CK20, PSA and positive for CK7. Based on these exams, prostate and colorectal cancer were excluded. The pancreas and biliary tract were considered as the probable primary site. CONCLUSION The research for the primary site still is difficult, expensive and is not effective to the treatment of metastatic adenocarcinomas.