Liver metastasis originating from colorectal cancer with macroscopic portal vein tumor thrombosis: a case report and review of the literature

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Macroscopic tumor thrombi occupying the main portal branch are rarely seen in patients with liver metastasis.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 55-year-old Japanese man who had previously undergone surgery for adenocarcinoma of the ascending colon presented with a metastatic liver tumor accompanied by a macroscopic tumor thrombus in the right portal branch. Right lobectomy and removal of the tumor thrombus were performed, and the liver metastasis and tumor thrombus were successfully resected. Histopathological examination of the liver tumor revealed adenocarcinoma, consistent with that of the previous colon cancer, confirming that the liver tumor was a metastasis from the colon cancer. Our patient remains well without recurrence at 51 months after the liver surgery.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The prognosis of patients with liver metastasis accompanied by a portal vein tumor thrombus remains unknown, but, considering several previous reported cases together with our case report, a better prognosis may be expected if the tumor is successfully removed by anatomical liver resection.</p

Evaluation of the spread of pandemic influenza A/H1N1 2009 among Japanese university students

The pandemic influenza A/H1N1 2009 virus is commonly known to affect younger individuals. Several epidemiological studies have clarified the epidemic features of university students in Japan. In this study, we reviewed these studies in Japan in comparison with reports from other countries. The average cumulative incidence rate among university students was 9.6 %, with the major symptoms being cough, sore throat, and rhinorrhea. These epidemiological features were similar between Japan and other countries. Attitudes and behaviors toward pandemic influenza control measures were different before and improved during and after the epidemic. These features were also similar to those in other countries. On the other hand, the epidemic spread through club activities or social events, and transmission was attenuated after temporary closure of such groups in Japan. This transmission pattern was inconsistent among countries, which may have been due to differences in lifestyle and cultural habits. Based on these results, infection control measures of pandemic influenza for university organizations in Japan should be considered