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The presence of an abdominal wall mass may serve as the initial presentation of an unknown gastric malignancy. The invasion of the abdominal wall and the occurrence of multiple skeletal muscle metastases originating from gastric cancer are exceedingly uncommon. We present a case of a 45-year-old female patient exhibiting widespread abdominal wall infiltration and skeletal muscle metastases derived from gastric cancer. The primary presentation included a distressing diffuse abdominal mass in the left upper and lower quadrants. Abdominal computed tomography revealed extensive swelling of multiple skeletal muscles within the abdominal wall, raising suspicions of gastric malignancy. Biopsies of the affected muscles, along with upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy and colonoscopy, were performed. The upper endoscopy examination unveiled a poorly differentiated diffuse-type gastric adenocarcinoma, while the subsequent muscle biopsy confirmed infiltration by the recently diagnosed malignancy. At this stage of the disease, systemic chemotherapy was deemed the optimal choice for our patient. Subsequent abdominal computed tomography showed a decrease in the dimensions of the abdominal wall and other skeletal muscle lesions. Seventeen months after the initial diagnosis, our patient continues to be alive. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive review of the existing literature on similar reported cases of gastric cancer patients with concurrent muscle metastases., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Pichioni et al.)

Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus and causes significant morbidity, especially in endemic areas. It may remain asymptomatic for a long period. The clinical presentation depends on the exertion of pressure on adjacent organs or the sudden rupture of formed cysts. The presence of primary retroperitoneal echinococcal cysts, with no other organ involvement, has been scarcely reported in the literature. The aim of this study is to present the case of a 69-year-old male complaining of right flank pain for a month. Abdominal CT and MRI were performed, both revealing a large retroperitoneal mass measuring 18 centimeters in diameter, with daughter cysts and spots of calcification. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for hydatid was positive. The patient denied any prior history of hydatidosis; thus, the diagnosis of a primary retroperitoneal echinococcal cyst was established. The patient underwent a successful total cystectomy and is in follow-up, reporting no recurrence of symptoms. Although the presence of echinococcal cysts in locations other than the liver or the lungs is rare, clinicians should always consider the possibility of a hydatid cyst diagnosis and perform the required diagnostic tests., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Pichioni et al.)

Colonic lipomas are rare benign lesions of the gastrointestinal tract. They are asymptomatic in the majority of cases. This report aims to present a case involving a 65-year-old female patient reporting rectal bleeding, loss of appetite, and alteration in bowel habits. First, she was submitted to colonoscopy which revealed a sizable ulcerative polypoid lesion in the descending colon, displaying histological characteristics consistent with a hyperplastic polyp and devoid of malignancy indications. An abdominal computed tomography followed which showed diffuse thickening of the colonic wall in the descending colon, resulting in nearly complete luminal obstruction and also a submucosal lipoma measuring 2.6 centimeters at the same location. Laparoscopic intervention ensued, and following a conclusive intraoperative diagnosis of a submucosal lipoma via frozen biopsy, a successful laparoscopic segmental resection of the descending colon with primary anastomosis was executed. Additionally, a comprehensive review of contemporary literature is provided to enhance the understanding of the management approaches applied in analogous cases since established treatment guidelines for colonic lipomas are currently lacking., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Pichioni et al.)