Outcomes after liver transplantation in Korea: Incidence and risk factors from Korean transplantation registry

Background/Aims@#To analyze the incidence and risk factors of outcomes after liver transplantation (LT) in the Korean population. @*Methods@#This study analyzed data from the liver cohort of Korean Organ Transplantation Registry (KOTRY) who had LT between May 2014 and December 2017. Study measures included the incidence of post-LT outcomes in recipients of living donor LT (LDLT) and deceased donor LT (DDLT). Cox multivariate proportional hazards model was used to determine the potential risk factors predicting the outcomes. @*Results@#A total of 2,563 adult recipients with LT (LDLT, n=1,956; DDLT, n=607) were included, with mean±standard deviation age of 53.9±8.9 years, and 72.2% were male. The post-LT outcomes observed in each LDLT and DDLT recipients were death (4.0% and 14.7%), graft loss (5.0% and 16.1%), rejection (7.0% and 12.0%), renal failure (2.7% and 13.8%), new onset of diabetes (12.5% and 15.4%), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence (both 6.7%). In both LDLT and DDLT recipients, the most common post-LT complications were renal dysfunction (33.6% and 51.4%), infection (26.7% and 48.4%), and surgical complication (22.5% and 23.9%). Incidence of these outcomes were generally higher among recipients of DDLT than LDLT. Multivariate analysis indicated recipient age and DDLT as significant risk factors associated with death and graft loss. DDLT and ABO incompatible transplant were prognostic factors for rejection, and HCC beyond Milan criteria at pre-transplant was a strong predictor of HCC recurrence. @*Conclusions@#This study is a good indicator of the post-LT prognosis in the Korean population and suggests a significant burden of post-LT complications.

Prospective Control Study of Clinical Effectivenessof Prophylactic Antibiotics in LaparoscopicCholecystectomy on Infection Rate

Purpose@#This study evaluated the effectiveness of prophylactic antibiotics in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LCC) for the reduction of postoperative infection rate. @*Materials and Methods@#Elective LCC was performed on 529 patients at Jeonbuk National University Hospital between April 2015 and August 2017. A total of 509 patients were enrolled based on the inclusion criteria. This prospective study compared the results for antibiotic group (AG) (n=249, cefotetan 1 g, 1 dose/prophylactic) and non-antibiotic group (NAG) (n=260). @*Results@#There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics between the two groups: AG and NAG (p=0.580, 0.782, and 0.325, respectively). Levels of C-reactive protein were higher in NAG compared to AG at postoperative day 2 (16.6±24.2 vs. 24.2±40.6; p=0.033). There were no significant differences in white blood cell counts and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Fever ≥38℃ on postoperative day 2 occurred in 3 (1.2%) and 9 (3%) patients in AG and NAG, respectively. One patient in each group had subhepatic fluid collection by abdominal computed tomography, but there was no evidence of infection. Two patients in NAG (3%) had serous wound drainage on postoperative day 14. @*Conclusion@#Our results showed no significant differences in patients receiving or not receiving prophylactic antibiotics during LCC. Therefore, it is not necessary to use prophylactic antibiotics during elective LCC in patients who meet the inclusion criteria.

Outcomes after liver transplantation in Korea: Incidence and risk factors from Korean transplantation registry

Background/Aims@#To analyze the incidence and risk factors of outcomes after liver transplantation (LT) in the Korean population. @*Methods@#This study analyzed data from the liver cohort of Korean Organ Transplantation Registry (KOTRY) who had LT between May 2014 and December 2017. Study measures included the incidence of post-LT outcomes in recipients of living donor LT (LDLT) and deceased donor LT (DDLT). Cox multivariate proportional hazards model was used to determine the potential risk factors predicting the outcomes. @*Results@#A total of 2,563 adult recipients with LT (LDLT, n=1,956; DDLT, n=607) were included, with mean±standard deviation age of 53.9±8.9 years, and 72.2% were male. The post-LT outcomes observed in each LDLT and DDLT recipients were death (4.0% and 14.7%), graft loss (5.0% and 16.1%), rejection (7.0% and 12.0%), renal failure (2.7% and 13.8%), new onset of diabetes (12.5% and 15.4%), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence (both 6.7%). In both LDLT and DDLT recipients, the most common post-LT complications were renal dysfunction (33.6% and 51.4%), infection (26.7% and 48.4%), and surgical complication (22.5% and 23.9%). Incidence of these outcomes were generally higher among recipients of DDLT than LDLT. Multivariate analysis indicated recipient age and DDLT as significant risk factors associated with death and graft loss. DDLT and ABO incompatible transplant were prognostic factors for rejection, and HCC beyond Milan criteria at pre-transplant was a strong predictor of HCC recurrence. @*Conclusions@#This study is a good indicator of the post-LT prognosis in the Korean population and suggests a significant burden of post-LT complications.

Hepatitis B Prophylaxis after Liver Transplantation in Korea: Analysis of the KOTRY Database

BACKGROUND: Prophylaxis for hepatitis B virus (HBV) recurrence is essential after liver transplantation (LT) in HBV-associated recipients. We conducted real-world analysis of HBV prophylaxis after LT in the Korean population.METHODS: Korean Organ Transplantation Registry (KOTRY) database and additionally collected data (n = 326) were analyzed with special reference to types of HBV prophylaxis.RESULTS: The study cohort comprised 267 cases of living-donor LT and 59 cases of deceased-donor LT. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was diagnosed in 232 (71.2%) of these subjects. Antiviral agents were used in 255 patients (78.2%) prior to LT. HBV DNA was undetectable in 69 cases (21.2%) and detectable over wide concentrations in the other 257 patients (78.8%) prior to LT. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of the store blood samples detected HBV DNA in all patients, with 159 patients (48.9%) showing concentrations > 100 IU/mL. Post-transplant HBV regimens during the first year included combination therapy in 196 (60.1%), hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) monotherapy in 121 (37.1%), and antiviral monotherapy in 9 (2.8%). In the second post-transplant year, these regimens had changed to combination therapy in 187 (57.4%), HBIG monotherapy in 112 (34.4%), and antiviral monotherapy in 27 (8.3%). Trough antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen titers > 500 IU/mL and >1,000 IU/mL were observed in 61.7% and 25.2%, respectively. The mean simulative half-life of HBIG was 21.6 ± 4.3 days with a median 17.7 days. Up to 2-year follow-up period, HCC recurrence and HBV recurrence developed in 18 (5.5%) and 6 (1.8%), respectively. HCC recurrence developed in 3 of 6 patients with HBV recurrence.CONCLUSION: Combination therapy is the mainstay of HBV prophylaxis protocols in a majority of Korean LT centers, but HBIG was often administered excessively. Individualized optimization of HBIG treatments using SHL is necessary to adjust the HBIG infusion interval.

Hepatitis B Prophylaxis after Liver Transplantation in Korea: Analysis of the KOTRY Database

BACKGROUND@#Prophylaxis for hepatitis B virus (HBV) recurrence is essential after liver transplantation (LT) in HBV-associated recipients. We conducted real-world analysis of HBV prophylaxis after LT in the Korean population.@*METHODS@#Korean Organ Transplantation Registry (KOTRY) database and additionally collected data (n = 326) were analyzed with special reference to types of HBV prophylaxis.@*RESULTS@#The study cohort comprised 267 cases of living-donor LT and 59 cases of deceased-donor LT. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was diagnosed in 232 (71.2%) of these subjects. Antiviral agents were used in 255 patients (78.2%) prior to LT. HBV DNA was undetectable in 69 cases (21.2%) and detectable over wide concentrations in the other 257 patients (78.8%) prior to LT. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of the store blood samples detected HBV DNA in all patients, with 159 patients (48.9%) showing concentrations > 100 IU/mL. Post-transplant HBV regimens during the first year included combination therapy in 196 (60.1%), hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) monotherapy in 121 (37.1%), and antiviral monotherapy in 9 (2.8%). In the second post-transplant year, these regimens had changed to combination therapy in 187 (57.4%), HBIG monotherapy in 112 (34.4%), and antiviral monotherapy in 27 (8.3%). Trough antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen titers > 500 IU/mL and >1,000 IU/mL were observed in 61.7% and 25.2%, respectively. The mean simulative half-life of HBIG was 21.6 ± 4.3 days with a median 17.7 days. Up to 2-year follow-up period, HCC recurrence and HBV recurrence developed in 18 (5.5%) and 6 (1.8%), respectively. HCC recurrence developed in 3 of 6 patients with HBV recurrence.@*CONCLUSION@#Combination therapy is the mainstay of HBV prophylaxis protocols in a majority of Korean LT centers, but HBIG was often administered excessively. Individualized optimization of HBIG treatments using SHL is necessary to adjust the HBIG infusion interval.

Insulin Secretion and Insulin Resistance Trajectories over 1 Year after Kidney Transplantation: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study

Background@#We investigated the changing patterns of insulin secretion and resistance and risk factors contributing to the development of post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) in kidney recipients under tacrolimus-based immunosuppression regimen during 1 year after transplantation. @*Methods@#This was a multicenter prospective cohort study. Of the 168 subjects enrolled in this study, we analyzed a total 87 kidney transplant recipients without diabetes which was assessed by oral glucose tolerance test before transplantation. We evaluated the incidence of PTDM and followed up the index of insulin secretion (insulinogenic index [IGI]) and resistance (homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]) at 3, 6, 9 months, and 1 year after transplantation by oral glucose tolerance test and diabetes treatment. We also assessed the risk factors for incident PTDM. @*Results@#PTDM developed in 23 of 87 subjects (26.4%) during 1 year after transplantation. More than half of total PTDM (56.5%) occurred in the first 3 months after transplantation. During 1 year after transplantation, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was increased in both PTDM and no PTDM group. In no PTDM group, the increase in insulin secretory function to overcome insulin resistance was also observed. However, PTDM group showed no increase in insulin secretion function (IGI). Old age, status of prediabetes and episode of acute rejection were significantly associated with the development of PTDM. @*Conclusion@#In tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive drugs regimen, impaired insulin secretory function for reduced insulin sensitivity contributed to the development of PTDM than insulin resistance during 1 year after transplantation.

Hepatitis B Prophylaxis after Liver Transplantation in Korea: Analysis of the KOTRY Database

BACKGROUND@#Prophylaxis for hepatitis B virus (HBV) recurrence is essential after liver transplantation (LT) in HBV-associated recipients. We conducted real-world analysis of HBV prophylaxis after LT in the Korean population.@*METHODS@#Korean Organ Transplantation Registry (KOTRY) database and additionally collected data (n = 326) were analyzed with special reference to types of HBV prophylaxis.@*RESULTS@#The study cohort comprised 267 cases of living-donor LT and 59 cases of deceased-donor LT. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was diagnosed in 232 (71.2%) of these subjects. Antiviral agents were used in 255 patients (78.2%) prior to LT. HBV DNA was undetectable in 69 cases (21.2%) and detectable over wide concentrations in the other 257 patients (78.8%) prior to LT. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of the store blood samples detected HBV DNA in all patients, with 159 patients (48.9%) showing concentrations > 100 IU/mL. Post-transplant HBV regimens during the first year included combination therapy in 196 (60.1%), hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) monotherapy in 121 (37.1%), and antiviral monotherapy in 9 (2.8%). In the second post-transplant year, these regimens had changed to combination therapy in 187 (57.4%), HBIG monotherapy in 112 (34.4%), and antiviral monotherapy in 27 (8.3%). Trough antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen titers > 500 IU/mL and >1,000 IU/mL were observed in 61.7% and 25.2%, respectively. The mean simulative half-life of HBIG was 21.6 ± 4.3 days with a median 17.7 days. Up to 2-year follow-up period, HCC recurrence and HBV recurrence developed in 18 (5.5%) and 6 (1.8%), respectively. HCC recurrence developed in 3 of 6 patients with HBV recurrence.@*CONCLUSION@#Combination therapy is the mainstay of HBV prophylaxis protocols in a majority of Korean LT centers, but HBIG was often administered excessively. Individualized optimization of HBIG treatments using SHL is necessary to adjust the HBIG infusion interval.

Insulin Secretion and Insulin Resistance Trajectories over 1 Year after Kidney Transplantation: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study

Background@#We investigated the changing patterns of insulin secretion and resistance and risk factors contributing to the development of post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) in kidney recipients under tacrolimus-based immunosuppression regimen during 1 year after transplantation. @*Methods@#This was a multicenter prospective cohort study. Of the 168 subjects enrolled in this study, we analyzed a total 87 kidney transplant recipients without diabetes which was assessed by oral glucose tolerance test before transplantation. We evaluated the incidence of PTDM and followed up the index of insulin secretion (insulinogenic index [IGI]) and resistance (homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]) at 3, 6, 9 months, and 1 year after transplantation by oral glucose tolerance test and diabetes treatment. We also assessed the risk factors for incident PTDM. @*Results@#PTDM developed in 23 of 87 subjects (26.4%) during 1 year after transplantation. More than half of total PTDM (56.5%) occurred in the first 3 months after transplantation. During 1 year after transplantation, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was increased in both PTDM and no PTDM group. In no PTDM group, the increase in insulin secretory function to overcome insulin resistance was also observed. However, PTDM group showed no increase in insulin secretion function (IGI). Old age, status of prediabetes and episode of acute rejection were significantly associated with the development of PTDM. @*Conclusion@#In tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive drugs regimen, impaired insulin secretory function for reduced insulin sensitivity contributed to the development of PTDM than insulin resistance during 1 year after transplantation.

Rupture, Breakdown, and Pulmonary Artery Embolism of a Balloon Catheter Tip during Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty of Arteriovenous Fistula

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is a well-known treatment for arteriovenous fistula stenosis. Balloon rupture during endovascular procedures is a rare but possible complication. The bursting balloon itself does not cause a serious problem, but it can occasionally cause entrapment, especially in case of breakdown of the balloon catheter tip. Here, we present four cases of balloon rupture during angioplasty in the hemodialysis circuit. In three cases, the ruptured balloon catheter was removed by cutdown of access conduit, while in one case, tip of ruptured balloon catheter was migrated into the pulmonary artery and was removed surgically. The operator must attempt to reduce the risk of balloon rupture by gradually expanding the balloons under bursting pressure. If the balloon bursts, it should not be removed excessively and attempt should be made to remove it using endovascular techniques. Surgical removal is considered after careful evaluation of the condition of the balloon and vessel.

Nutritional Therapy Related Complications in Hospitalized Adult Patients: A Korean Multicenter Trial

PURPOSE: Nutritional therapy (NT), such as enteral nutrition (EN) or parenteral nutrition (PN), is essential for the malnourished patients. Although the complications related to NT has been well described, multicenter data on symptoms in the patients with receiving NT during hospitalization are still lacking. METHODS: Nutrition support team (NST) consultations, on which NT-related complications were described, were collected retrospectively for one year. The inclusion criteria were patients who were (1) older than 18 years, (2) hospitalized, and (3) receiving EN or PN at the time of NST consultation. The patients' demographics (age, sex, body mass index [BMI]), type of NT and type of complication were collected. To compare the severity of each complication, the intensive care unit (ICU) admission, hospital stay, and type of discharge were also collected. RESULTS: A total of 14,600 NT-related complications were collected from 13,418 cases from 27 hospitals in Korea. The mean age and BMI were 65.4 years and 21.8 kg/m2. The complications according to the type of NT, calorie deficiency (32.4%, n=1,229) and diarrhea (21.6%, n=820) were most common in EN. Similarly, calorie deficiency (56.8%, n=4,030) and GI problem except for diarrhea (8.6%, n=611) were most common in PN. Regarding the clinical outcomes, 18.7% (n=2,158) finally expired, 58.1% (n=7,027) were admitted to ICU, and the mean hospital days after NT-related complication were 31.3 days. Volume overload (odds ratio [OR]=3.48) and renal abnormality (OR=2.50) were closely associated with hospital death; hyperammonemia (OR=3.09) and renal abnormality (OR=2.77) were associated with ICU admission; “micronutrient and vitamin deficiency” (geometric mean [GM]=2.23) and volume overload (GM=1.61) were associated with a longer hospital stay. CONCLUSION: NT may induce or be associated with several complications, and some of them may seriously affect the patient's outcome. NST personnel in each hospital should be aware of each problem during nutritional support.

Estimation of Standard Liver Volume Using CT Volume, Body Composition, and Abdominal Geometry Measurements

PURPOSE: The present study developed formulas for estimation of standard liver volume (SLV) with high accuracy for the Korean population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SLV estimation formulas were established using gender-balanced and gender-unbalanced measurements of anthropometric variables, body composition variables, and abdominal geometry of healthy Koreans (n=790). Total liver volume excluding blood volume, was measured based on CT volumetry. RESULTS: SLV estimation formulas as preferred in various conditions of data availability were suggested in the present study. The suggested SLV estimation formulas in the present study were found superior to existing formulas, with an increased accuracy of 4.0–217.5 mL for absolute error and 0.2–18.7% for percentage of absolute error. CONCLUSION: SLV estimation formulas using gender-balanced measurements showed better performance than those using gender-unbalanced measurements. Inclusion of body composition and abdominal geometry variables contributed to improved performance of SLV estimation.

A growing hepatic mass in a cryptogenic cirrhosis patient

No abstract available.

Prevalence of Malnutrition in Hospitalized Patients: a Multicenter Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is associated with many adverse clinical outcomes. The present study aimed to identify the prevalence of malnutrition in hospitalized patients in Korea, evaluate the association between malnutrition and clinical outcomes, and ascertain the risk factors of malnutrition. METHODS: A multicenter cross-sectional study was performed with 300 patients recruited from among the patients admitted in 25 hospitals on January 6, 2014. Nutritional status was assessed by using the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA). Demographic characteristics and underlying diseases were compared according to nutritional status. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors of malnutrition. Clinical outcomes such as rate of admission in intensive care units, length of hospital stay, and survival rate were evaluated. RESULTS: The prevalence of malnutrition in the hospitalized patients was 22.0%. Old age (≥ 70 years), admission for medical treatment or diagnostic work-up, and underlying pulmonary or oncological disease were associated with malnutrition. Old age and admission for medical treatment or diagnostic work-up were identified to be risk factors of malnutrition in the multivariate analysis. Patients with malnutrition had longer hospital stay (SGA A = 7.63 ± 6.03 days, B = 9.02 ± 9.96 days, and C = 12.18 ± 7.24 days, P = 0.018) and lower 90-day survival rate (SGA A = 97.9%, B = 90.7%, and C = 58.3%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Malnutrition was common in hospitalized patients, and resulted in longer hospitalization and associated lower survival rate. The rate of malnutrition tended to be higher when the patient was older than 70 years old or hospitalized for medical treatment or diagnostic work-up compared to elective surgery.

Donor Complication in Living Donor Liver Transplantation / 대한이식학회지

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has become an inevitable procedure due a shortage of deceased donors under the influence of religious and native cultures. The most important concern in LDLT is donor safety. This study reviewed the safety of LDLT donors from reported studies of morbidity and mortality. Many studies have reported mortality and morbidity rates ranging from 0% to 33% for healthy liver donors. Use of laparoscopic surgery on LDLT donors has advantages of reduced blood loss, lower postoperative morbidity and shorter hospital stay relative to conventional open surgery. There is a consensus that remnant liver volume (RLV), degree of steatosis, and donor age are the most important factors influencing donor safety. In LDLT, donor hepatectomy can be performed successfully with minimal and easily controlled complications. However, a large-scale prospective cohort study is needed to better understand the risk factors and accurately determine the complication rates for LDLT.

Determination of the Stress Factor Calculated from the Changes in the Measured Resting Energy Expenditure with Indirect Calorimetry in Patients Undergoing Pancreaticoduodenectomy

PURPOSE: To predict the energy expenditure using the stress factor representing the ratio of the metabolic variation between pre-operation and post-operation in a pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). METHODS: This was a prospective study conducted on 17 patients (11 males and 6 females) who underwent PD at Chonbuk National University Hospital between March 2010 and October 2011. The rest energy expenditure was measured by indirect calorimetry 1 day before and 3 days after surgery. The height, weight, and fat free mass were also measured 1 day before surgery. RESULTS: The mean measured rest energy expenditure 1 day before PD (mREEpre) and 3 days after PD (mREEpost) were significantly different (16.8±2.6 vs. 18.8±3.5 kcal/kg/d, P=0.0076). The stress factor, representing the ratio of the metabolic changes between pre- and post-PD, was 1.12±0.17. The recommended energy requirement for PD patients is estimated to be 23∼24 kcal/ideal body weight/d [determined from the measured preoperative rest energy expenditure (16.8±2.6 kcal/kg/d)×activity factor (1.2∼1.3)×stress factor (1.12)]. CONCLUSION: PD patients maintained a hypermetabolic status and the applicable stress factor was 1.12.

Predictive Factors of Malignant Potential in Gallbladder Polyps / 대한췌담도학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Although the incidence of GB polyps is increasing with improved surveillance, the study of predictive factors of malignant potential has not been sufficient. The aim of this retrospective study is to investigate the predictive factors of malignant potential in GB polyps. METHODS: Among 3,159 patients with laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Chonbuk National University hospital January 2009 to December 2013, 437 patients confirmed GB polyps pathologically were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups; one with benign GB polyp and another with GB adenoma and incidental GB cancer. RESULTS: Group I with benign GB polyp was seen in 359 patients. On the other hand, 53 patients with GB adenoma and 25 patients with GB cancer in gourp II were identified. The patients in group II had shown a significantly higher incidence of age older than 50 years (53/78, 67.9% vs. 163/359, 45.4%, p=0.001), size larger than 10mm (40/78, 51.3% vs. 37/359, 10.3%, p<0.001), and GB wall thickening (36/78, 46.2% vs. 77/359, 21.5%, p<0.001). The presence of GB stone had not shown significant differences between two groups (26/78, 33.3% vs. 96/359, 26.7%, p=0.378). CONCLUSIONS: Cholecystectomy should be considered for the patients with GB polyp with these predictive factors.

Kidney Transplant Patient with a Facial Redness / 대한이식학회지

Posttransplant erythrocytosis (PTE) is a common complication of renal transplantation, which can occur in approximately 10% to 15% of renal transplant patients and usually affects males with relatively good renal function. It is also associated with an increased incidence of thromboembolic events. Clinical manifestations of PTE include malaise, headache, plethora, lethargy, and dizziness. It is correlated with use of cyclosporin, gender, posttransplant renal function, and type of antihypertensive medication. The angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor is preferred as an initial treatment for PTE because these agents are effective and reasonably safe in the majority of patients with PTE, and can also provide a necessary antihypertensive effect for kidney transplant patients. We report here on a 35-year-old male who had erythrocytosis after renal transplantation. After renal transplantation, his level of hemoglobin was 21 g/dL. We treated this patient with ARB and his symptoms and signs have been completely relieved.

Usefulness of Artificial Jump Graft to Portal Vein Thrombosis in Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation

Severe portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is often considered a relative contraindication for living donor liver transplantation due to high associated risks and morbidity. Meanwhile, improvement in operative techniques, resulting in higher success rates has removed PVT from the list of contraindications in deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT). In this report, we describe a surgical technique for DDLT using polytetrafluoroethylene graft from the inferior mesenteric vein for portal inflow in patient with portomesenteric thrombosis.

The Results of Self-Expandable Kissing Stents in Aortic Bifurcation

PURPOSE: Kissing stent reconstruction is a widely used technique for the management of aortoiliac occlusive disease involving the aortic bifurcation or proximal common iliac arteries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of self-expandable kissing stents in the aortic bifurcation. METHODS: We reviewed medical records of the patients treated with a kissing stent retrospectively from January 2007 to December 2012. The primary and secondary patencies were determined with Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Cox regression was used to determine the factors associated with patency. RESULTS: A total of 21 patients were included, and all were male (median age 53+/-15 years, range 48-78 years). Major symptoms were claudication (n=16, 61.9%), rest pain (n=5, 23.8%) and gangrene (n=5, 23.8%). Tans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus for the Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease (TASC) II classification was A 2 (9.5%), B 5 (23.8%), C 7 (33.3%) and D 8 (38%). The mean follow-up was 40.7 months. Major complication occurred in only one case which consisted of distal limb ischemia by emboli. Six patients developed symptomatic restenosis or occlusion. There was no major amputation, but minor amputation occurred in 3 patients. There were 2 mortalities not associated with the procedure (lung cancer and intracranial hemorrhage). Primary patency was 89.6% at 1 year, 74.7% at 3 years and 64.0% at 5 years. Secondary patency was 94.1% at 1 year, 88.2% at 3 years and 68.6% at 5 years. No risk factors for restenosis or occlusion were identified. CONCLUSION: Self-expandable kissing stents can be used successfully with comparable patency for endovascular treatment of symptomatic atherosclerotic occlusive lesions in the aortic bifurcation area.

An anomalous portal vein crossing the lesser sac and ending at the upper part of ductus venosus / 대한해부학회지

In serial sagittal sections of a fetus on week 9 (crown-rump length, 36 mm), we incidentally found absence of the usual portal vein through the hepatoduodenal ligament. Instead, an anomalous portal vein originated behind the pancreatic body, crossed the lesser sac and merged with the upper part of the ductus venosus. During the course across the lesser sac, the vein provided a deep notch of the liver caudate lobe (Spiegel's lobe). The hepatoduodenal ligament contained the hepatic artery, the common bile duct and, at the right posterior margin of the ligament, and a branch of the anomalous portal vein which communicated with the usual right branch of the portal vein at the hepatic hilum. The umbilical portion of the portal vein took a usual morphology and received the umbilical vein and gave off the ductus venosus. Although it seemed not to be described yet, the present anomalous portal vein was likely to be a persistent left vitelline vein. The hepatoduodenal ligament was unlikely to include the left vitelline vein in contrast to the usual concept.