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Small colorectal cystic metastases to the liver: still a diagnostic dilemma? A report of a case and a review of the literature

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An Erratum to this article was published on 24 November 2011

Abstract

Background

Although cystic colorectal metastases are rare (1.8%), they are still a crucial challenge for the surgeon especially in terms of detection and differential diagnosis. Since prognosis after resection is very good (40% 5-year survival), early diagnosis is essential.

Case report

A 55-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a suspected diagnosis of multiple small liver metastases. He had previously undergone left sided-cholectomy followed by chemotherapy for colonic carcinoma. Computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple small (<15 mm) intrahepatic biliary cysts, suspected for cystic colorectal liver metastases.

Conclusion

The diagnosis of cystic colorectal liver metastases is quite difficult and it is mostly based on the last-generation magnetic resonance (MR). In spite of this, we must often rely on histological results for a definitive diagnosis.

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Abbreviations

PET:

Positron-emission tomography

MR:

Magnetic resonance

CT:

Computed tomography

MDCT:

New multidetector computed tomography

LE:

Laparotomic exploration

IOUS:

Intraoperative ultrasound

RFA:

Radiofrequency ablation

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Acknowledgments

We thank M. Maggioni MD and G.P Bulfamante MD (Pathology Division, S. Paolo Hospital, University of Milan), for their contribution to pathological analysis of the case.

Conflict of interest

Davide Papis, M.D and other co-authors have no conflict of interest.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. General and Laparoscopic Surgery Division, European Institute of Oncology, University of Milan, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141, Milan, Italy

    Davide Papis

  2. Hepatobilyopancreatic Surgery Division, S. Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Via A. Di Rudini’ 8, 20142, Milan, Italy

    Matteo Barabino, Alessandro Cadeo & Enrico Opocher

  3. Radiology Division, European Institute of Oncology, University of Milan, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141, Milan, Italy

    Giuseppe Petralia

Authors
  1. Davide Papis
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  2. Matteo Barabino
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  3. Giuseppe Petralia
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  4. Alessandro Cadeo
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  5. Enrico Opocher
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Davide Papis.

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Papis, D., Barabino, M., Petralia, G. et al. Small colorectal cystic metastases to the liver: still a diagnostic dilemma? A report of a case and a review of the literature. Updates Surg 64, 297–300 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13304-011-0115-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13304-011-0115-2

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