Bile duct is not visible on this flow-sensitive sequence.C, Axial half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo image indicates that right hepatic artery (arrowhead) is seen as flow void immediately posterior to common bile duct

Pancreatic and liver ultrasound examinations of twenty-five patients without evidence of liver or pancreatic disease and who had been on Prednisone (greater than 7.5 mg per day for longer than six months) were compared with corresponding age- and sex-matched normal controls. Statistical analysis enabled effects of known variables that determine pancreatic echogenicity to be taken into account and showed that steroid ingestion had a statistically significant effect on pancreatic echogenicity, a previous unreported observation.

No abstract

Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) is a rare dermatologic malignancy with significant morbidity and mortality associated with metastatic disease. In this case, we discuss and extremely rare presentation of MCC with metastasis to the stomach in a patient that presented with profound anemia. Unfortunately, mortality following diagnosis of MCC with gastric metastasis approaches 67% at 4 months based on available published reports. Due to its rarity and high rate of mortality, there is a lack of available research and literature to help guide treatment of this rare presentation of MCC. This case report presents a positive outcome associated with a partial gastrectomy for the treatment of symptomatic MCC with gastric metastasis and continued survival with persistently stable hemoglobin at 12 months. Key clinical message: Anemia may be a significant cause of the morbidity and mortality associated with MCC with gastric metastasis. Our case demonstrates a positive outcome associated with partial gastric resection and presents a possible treatment option for this rare disease process.