Large and Extensive Multilocular Peritoneal Inclusion Cysts Lack Genomic Alterations and Follow an Indolent Clinical Course Despite Rare Recurrences

Peritoneal inclusion cysts (PICs) are unilocular or multilocular cystic lesions lined by bland mesothelial cells. While most are small and localized, rare examples may be large or multifocal with diffuse peritoneal involvement, causing clinical and even pathologic concern for malignancy. We examined 20 PIC, including 8 large solitary and 12 multifocal lesions. Solitary PIC were found in 7 female and 1 male patients ranging from 19 to 55 (median: 37) years. Expanded collagenous (n=2) or edematous (n=1) areas were occasionally seen in the septae, and 1 had microscopic foci of myxoid stroma. Four had hobnail cells, and 1 had minor areas of papillary mesothelial hyperplasia. Multifocal PICs occurred in 9 female and 3 male patients ranging from 26 to 80 (median: 53) years. Three showed extensive associated fibrosis with entrapment of preexisting adipose tissue, 2 had areas resembling granulation tissue, and 3 had scattered foci of myxoid stroma. Hobnail cells were present in 9, papillary mesothelial hyperplasia in 2, entrapped single cells in 1, and 2 had areas resembling adenomatoid tumors. Two of the multifocal PICs had limited local recurrences at 18 and 21 months. No patients died of disease. Clonal alterations were not identified in any of the tested PICs (mutational and fusion analysis in 5, chromosomal microarray in 1). Despite limited local recurrences, we demonstrate that even large and multifocal PICs may lack identifiable genomic alterations and are associated with benign outcomes.