Short Communication
Appearance of Krukenberg Tumor from Gastric Carcinoma, US and CT Evaluation
Antonio Gligorievski*
University Clinic of Surgery "St. Naum Ohridski" Skopje, Macedonia
*Corresponding author: Antonio Gligorievski, University Clinic of Surgery "St. Naum Ohridski" Skopje, ul. 11 Octomvri br. 53, 1000, Skopje, Macedonia
Published: 08 Jul, 2018
Cite this article as: Gligorievski A. Appearance of
Krukenberg Tumor from Gastric
Carcinoma, US and CT Evaluation. Clin
Oncol. 2018; 3: 1490.
Abstract
Introduction: The Krukenberg tumor is a rare malignant tumor of the ovary, accounting from
1% to 2% of all ovarian tumors. It is usually a bilateral involvement of ovaries from the metastatic
deposit from adenocarcinoma of the stomach.
Patients and Methods: We present a patient at the age of 45, who visited a doctor because of pain
in the stomach, nausea, and vomiting and weight loss of more than 20 kg. Clinical, biochemical,
endoscopic, pathohistological, radiological and imaging studies (US and CT) have been performed.
The radiological examination was performed using a monocontrast and double-contrast technique.
The US examination was performed with a 3.75 MHz convex probe, using a standard overview
technique. CT was made after oral administration of 700 ml of water, i.v. application of a non-ionic
contrast agent of 90 ml in bolus, in hypotonia achieved by i.v. glucagon application, with a scanning
width of 10 mm.
Presentation of the Case: The radiological finding is in favor of diffuse neoplastic submucosal
infiltration of the stomach wall in the region of the corpus and antrum with expressed desmoplastic
reaction (linitis plastica). CT findings confirm the radiological findings of the stomach; clearly
visualize metastases in the ovaries and peritoneum-ascites, thus diagnosing the primary inoperable
neoplastic stomach process - linitis plastica, with metastases in the ovaries - Krukenberg
tumor. A comparison of the obtained radiological and imaging results with the endoscopic and
pathohistological findings has been made.
Conclusion: Krukenberg tumor is an ovarian metastasis of digestive tract cancer. Radiological and
especially imaging methods have high diagnostic value and accuracy.
Keywords: Signet ring cell gastric carcinoma; Linitis plastica; Krukenberg TU; Ovarian mass;
US and CT
Introduction
Krukenberg tumor is a rare metastatic signet ring cell tumor of the ovary, accounting for 1 - 2% of all ovarian tumors. The stomach is the primary site in the majority (75%) of Krukenberg tumor cases, followed by carcinomas of the colon, appendix, and breast. Krukenberg tumor is considered as a late‑stage disease with poor prognosis and may account for 5% to 30% of metastatic cancers to the ovaries [1-4]. It is bilateral in 80% of the cases [5]. It is commonly metastatic tumors of the ovaries whose primary site is in the stomach to be called Krukenberg's tumor. It was first described by Friedrich Krukenberg in 1896 who called it “sarcoma ovary muco cellulare [6]. Finally, in 1960, Novak described this tumor as in filtered mucin carcinoma with peripheral signet ring cells which sometimes will be observed with glandular structures [7]. Approximately 5% of all carcinomas metastatic to the ovaries are adenocarcinoma with pleomorphic mucin filled signet ring cells [8,9]. Metastatic ovarian carcinoma grows rapidly and reaches the size of a fist up till the size of a child's head, and, contrary to that, the primary tumor can be very small, and may not giving the slightest signs of its existence and revealing it even at autopsy [10]. Carcinoma of the stomach is a disease of the middle and old age group, with a tendency of shifting this border to a younger age, yet the occurrence of this disease in younger than 30 years is rare. It usually occurs between 40 and 60 years of age. Gender distribution of this disease varies from 2:1 to 2:1, 5 among men and women depending on regional and racial affiliation, but it is never equalized. The gastric carcinoma is on the rise in our population and it is characteristic that it is revealed in the already advanced stage when we have a large tumor mass, which affects almost all layers of the stomach wall and which penetrates through the serosa to the adjacent organs. The macroscopic, as well as the radiological gastric cancer of the stomach, can be: protrusive (polyposis, encephaloid) which runs into the cavity of the organ; infiltrative (scirrhous, stenotic) which most often involves the deeper layers of the stomach wall and ulcerative. About 10% of gastric carcinoma show locally or diffusely spread through the wall (linitis plastica) and 5% are superficially spreading into the normal mucosa of the stomach. The extensive spread of the mucosa of the stomach produces wide-plate lesions that level the gastric mucosa and unite the folds. The mucosa of the stomach loses its velvety appearance and becomes muddy, rigid and tied to deep layers. Even more frequent is the diffuse spreading through the wall where the entire thickness of the wall is infiltrated that is linitis plastica occurs. The wall is noticeably thickened up till 2 cm to 3 cm and becomes firm as cartilage. Without regard to the macroscopic appearance of the tumor, the histological picture usually shows a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, but different degrees of differentiation can be found, up to a completely undifferentiated growth [11-13]. Radiological, in the infiltrative type of stomach cancer, there is always an expressed desmoplastic reaction of the stomach wall, so that the only symptom can be the rigidity of the wall. In the case of significant occupancy of the wall, the final result is the narrowing of the lumen and the disappearance of the mucosa relief. Before the involvement of adjacent organs, pathological deposits in the lymphatic, liver and distant organs are quite common. The route of metastasis to the ovaries is mainly due to retrograde lymphatic spread as the gastrointestinal tract mucosa, and submucosa have a rich lymphatic plexus and also close proximity of the retroperitoneal lymph nodes [14].
Figure 1
Figure 1
Radiograph on the stomach with mono-contrast: The stomach
is with increased rigidity of the wall and markedly reduced volume, with
distorted or absent mucosal folds in the region of the corpus and antrum.
The stomach loses its ability to distend. Typical finding for the diffuse type of
gastric cancer of scirrhous type or linitis plastica.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Radiograph on the stomach dual-contrast: After the application of
an effervescent agent, the stomach remains with a markedly reduced volume
and an expressed desmoplastic reaction to the wall. Identical finding as for
the figure 1.
Case Presentation
In this report, we describe a case of a 45 - year - old woman
with bilateral Krukenberg tumour. The patient was received to the
Clinic of Surgery due to stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting, as well
as anamnesis data that of weight loose approximately 20 kg in the
last 6 - 8 weeks. The patient is at the age of 45, does not drink and
does not smoke, denies diseases of interest, and gives the impression
of a severely ill person. The diagnosis that occurs at the clinic after
performing radiological, endoscopic and pathohistological tests is
gastritis chronica. The radiological examination of the stomach was
performed and a diagnosis of chronic gastritis was made. A gastroscopy
of the stomach was made, showing a thickened wall in the antrum
area, and disturbed peristalsis. Mucosal folds are thickened, coarse
and rigid, after air insufflation does not spread. A biopsy was made
and 11 samples were taken for pathohistological analysis. The acquired
pathohistological findings are in favor of chronic gastritis. Due to the
severe general condition of a patient who is disproportionate to the
above - described finding, she is again hospitalized at the Clinic of
Surgery. Clinical investigations were made, and due to the severity of
the clinical picture, repeated radiological investigations, Ultrasound
Examination (US), and Computed Tomography (CT) of the stomach
and abdomen were indicated. Sedimentation is drastically elevated
and in the first hour, it is SE: 160, while we also have a decrease in
the value of hemoglobin, erythrocytes, hematocrit, and serum iron.
Serum tumor markers are made: CEA ng/ml 1.9 (0.0 - 3.4), CA19 - 9
U / ml >400.0 (0.0 - 20.24), CA125 U/ml >540.0 (0.0 - 35.0), CA72 - 4
U/ml 20.8 (0.0 - 9.6). We have an extreme increase in CA19 - 9 and
CA125, a moderate increase in CA72 - 4, while CEA is in the range
of normal values. The obtained values from serum TU markers, as
well as high sedimentation, are in favor of neo-infiltrating stomach
and ovarian disease. The repeated radiological examination of the
stomach was made after the standard preparation of the patient with
a monocontrast and double-contrast technique of examination. The
stomach is with pronounced wall infiltration, with reduced volume,
and with a strong diffuse rigidity. The process involves the corpus
and the antrum by both curves, circularly. The esophagus, the fornix,
duodenal bulbus and the duodenum are without changes (Figure
1). In the double - contrast examination of the stomach, after the
administration of effervescent agent, no distension of the stomach
was achieved; the reduction of volume and diffuse rigidity persisted
further. The finding is in favor of the neoinfiltrative process of the
stomach-linitis plastica (Figure 2). After standard preparation,
an US examination of the abdomen and pelvis was made using
a conventional examination technique. At the US examinations,
infiltration of the stomach wall is seen, it is bold and rigid (Figure 3).
There is free fluid in the peritoneal cavity, perihepatic and perilienal,
paracolic guter, between the intestinal loops, as well as in the pelvis.
Focal pathological lesions in the parenchymal abdominal organs
that accompany MS changes are not seen. Ultrasound examination
revealed, well defined hyper echoic predominantly solid pelvic tumor
mass with cystic elements in right ovary measuring approximately
10 cm in diameter with visible cystic elements hypoechoic areas in
the tumor formation in favor of necrotic zones (Figure 4). A similar
change can be seen in the left ovary, but with significantly smaller
dimensions. Intestinal loops are strongly distended, with stagnant
fluid and contents like ileus. Ascites perihepatic, perisplenic, paracolic
gutter on the right and left, between intestinal loops and in pelvis in
a quantity greater than 1500 ml. The right kidney calyx system is
deformed, dilated and distended with no visible calculus, in favor of
hydronephrosis of II degree. The proximal part of the right ureter is
also dilated. This occurs as a consequence of compression of the right
ureter by the tumor mass of the right ovary.
On the basis of previously performed radiological and US
examination, a diagnosis of gastric carcinoma of scirrhous-type
linitis plastica with MS changes in the ovaries - Krukenberg tumor
has been established. To confirm the diagnosis, a CT examination of
the stomach and abdomen was performed, including the pelvis, using
a modified technique. After water is given, as a contrast medium of
700 ml and intravenous application of non-ionic contrast medium
(Ultravist 300) of 90 ml, in the hypotonia achieved by intravenous
application of glucagon, CT scans of the abdomen in position of
supination with scan width and distance between the scans of 10
mm. The stomach is with a bold and rigid wall greater than 20 mm
to 30 mm, diffusely infiltrated, with no signs of the breakthrough of
the serosa and spreading to the adjacent organs. The volume of the
stomach is markedly reduced, and the changes of the stomach wall are
particularly pronounced in the area of the corpus and antrum (Figure
5). Parenchymal abdominal organs do not show signs of secondary
pathological deposits; they are with neat structure and morphology.
A collection of ascites fluid is perihepatic and perisplenic, between
the intestinal loops, paracolic guter as well as in the pelvis, which
is in favor of MS changes in the peritoneum. There are no enlarged
mesenteric and paraaortally lymph nodes, but there is no exclusion
of secondary pathological deposits in them. The right kidney calyx
system is deformed, dilated and distended in favor of hydronephrosis
of II degree, and the left kidney is with no pathologic changes. The
proximal part of the right ureter is dilated due to compression from
the tumor mass in the pelvis. The intestinal loops in the pelvis are
stagnant, and pushed laterally by soft - tissue tumor formations, which
are non - homogeneous, predominantly solid, but with apparent
zones of destructions that belong to the ovaries. The larger tumor
mass belongs to the right ovary (Figure 6). Based on the CT finding,
a diagnosis of malignant tumor of the stomach of scirrhous-type
linitis plastica with MS changes in the peritoneum and ovaries of the
Krukenberg tumor was made [6]. An aspiration biopsy is made; the
ascites are aspirated and given for cytological analysis. Millipore filter
products made of 20 ml of yellowish liquid were found rare grouped
cells with pronounced malignancy, around which there are numerous
lymphocytes and rare macrophages. The result of the cytological
finding is: Classification group V. By analyzing the obtained results
from the clinical, laboratory, radiological and imaging methods, the
final diagnosis was made, that is a inoperable stomach cancer of the
scirrhous type - linitis plastica, with MS changes in the peritoneum
and ovaries - Krukenberg tumor. In accordance with TNM
classification, the tumor is in stage IV - T3N1M1. The case ends with
a fatal outcome two months after the diagnosis has been established.
Figure 3
Figure 3
The US of the stomach: We can see a pronounced thickening
of the stomach wall, with volume reduction and impaired peristalsis, which
corresponds to a neo-infiltrative process. The stomach loses its ability to
distend. Typical finding for the diffuse type of gastric cancer of scirrhous type.
Figure 4
Figure 4
The US of the ovaries: There are two large soft tissue TU
formations belonging to the ovaries, with ascites in the peritoneum. It clearly
shows a heterogeneous echo pattern, predominantly hyperechoic, and clearcut
margins. Finding in favors of MS changes in the ovaries.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Hydro CT on the stomach: Expressed infiltration of the stomach
wall, the same is thickened, rigid with reduced volume in the region of the
corpus and antrum. The stomach loses its ability to distend. It is most often
seen in diffuse adenocarcinoma of the stomach. There is a fluid collection
or ascites around the liver and the spleen. Finding for the neo - infiltration
process of the stomach of scirrhous type - linitis plastica, with metastases in
the peritoneum.
Figure 6
Figure 6
CT of the abdomen and pelvis: Two large soft tissue TU formations
that originate from the ovaries are seen in the pelvis and a free fluid is seen in
the peritoneum. TU masses are with expressed and heterogeneous contrast
enhancement. Finding for MS changes in the ovaries and peritoneum.
Discussion
Krukenberg tumour is a metastatic signet ring cell adenocarcinoma accounting for 1% to 2% of all ovarian tumours [15] usually presented in younger female with average age of 45 years [5,9]. Krukenberg tumor is secondary to a neoplastic process in the gastrointestinal tract. Krukenberg tumors were more common in premenopausal women (75%) rather than in postmenopausal women [16]. It was reported that patients with Krukenberg tumor were younger compared with those who had primary ovarian cancer, whereas the functioning ovary was prone to metastatic disease due to the rich ovarian blood supply predisposing to hematogenous metastasis [17]. Most of the cases originate from gastric adenocarcinoma, followed by the colon [1,9]. However, recent observations have reported a higher incidence of colorectal rather than gastric origin and, in particular, more frequently from the colon rather than the rectum [18]. Only 2% of all women with gastric cancer develop ovarian metastasis. Krukenberg tumor typically present as large, bilateral, solid ovarian masses, with clear well - defined margins and ascites. Krukenberg tumors have well defined histologic characteristics carcinoma with signet-ring cells and stroma with sarcomatoid reaction. Patients usually present with symptoms related to ovarian involvement such as abdominal pain and distension. Ascites is usually present in 50% of cases [9]. At US Krukenberg tumor typically present as irregular hyperechoic solid pattern and moth - eaten like cyst formation are also characteristic, allowing with some confidence to distinguish these lesions from primary ovarian neoplasms. CT shows solid masses and frequently intratumoral cysts, with strong contrast enhancement, a pattern that allows a differential diagnosis with primary ovarian cancer, where such a marked enhancement of the cyst walls is absent. Majority of cases they are synchronous, but 20% to 30% occur as metachronous lesion after removal of primary. As the tumor is usually well encapsulated and rarely shows any ovarian surface involvement, theory of peritoneal seeding from primary lesion is questioned. Rich lymphatics draining gastric mucosa and submucosa initiating retrograde lymphatic spread to ovary is mostly accepted theory. Carcinoma of the stomach is not only common but also a severe disease that is most often detected in an advanced stage, with a low survival rate that depends on the differentiation of the malignant and stage of the disease. Digestive linitis plastica is a special form of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, which can affect all segments of the digestive tube, the most common localization in the stomach, and the most common is the double involvement of the stomach and rectum. Berrada S et al. [12] in their study indicate the possibility of linitis plastica ingesting the entire digestive tube, and it is possible, however, to have a small percentage of a dual localization at the same time on the stomach and rectum. In our practice, we have cases of single localization of the stomach process, and very rarely on the rectum (3 cases). The case we present is gastric adenocarcinoma with MS changes in ovaries, i.e. synchronous Krukenberg tumor. CT allows TNM staging in gastric carcinoma, in assessing the extent of the tumor process, the condition of the lymph nodes and distant metastases, thus allowing estimation of tumor operability and planning of operative treatment. The involvement of the ovary, which is most commonly bilateral and can reach huge proportions, is thought to be the consequence of selective retrograde lymphatic spread of the primary tumor along the stomach ovarian axis [19]. The prognosis of patients with Krukenberg tumour is extremely poor with a median survival time of 14 months [9]. Only 10% of patients survive more than 2 years after diagnosis [14]. Peritoneal dissemination was reported as an adverse factor affecting survival [20]. We can conclude that Krukenberg tumor of the ovary is a rare metastatic tumor in young women. The primary tumor is gastrointestinal, most commonly the stomach. The pathophysiology is unclear. The diagnosis is often delayed. Imaging methods, and in particular CT, have great diagnostic value in setting the exact diagnosis and staging of the lesion. This allows for adequate planning of further treatment. The prognosis is bad.
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