ABSTRACT
Objective: Lenvatinib is an oral multitarget tyrosine kinase inhibitor (mTKI) and is recommended for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with Child-Pugh A liver function, who are not amenable to surgical resection, locoregional treatment, or transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. Hepatogastric fistula is a rare complication with a poor prognosis in patients with HCC. Previous reports on fistula formation during mTKI therapy for HCC were all associated with sorafenib. Here, we report the first case of recurrent hepatogastric fistula during lenvatinib therapy for advanced HCC managed using an over-the-scope clip (OTSC).Patient: We present the case of a 73-year-old man with alcoholic liver cirrhosis who was treated for multiple HCC for 7 years. HCC was treated using repetitive transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, radiofrequency ablation, and sorafenib. Owing to disease progression, lenvatinib treatment was started. During lenvatinib treatment, recurrent hepatogastric fistulas developed. An OTSC was useful for fistula closure and prevention of recurrence.Results: The major cause of fistula formation is considered to be the direct invasion of HCC; however, HCC treatment might also be a contributing factor in our case. In addition, OTSC was useful for fistula closure.Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware of the fatal complications during HCC treatment.
ABSTRACT
A 65-year-old man was admitted with a high fever and back pain. Because magnetic resonance imaging revealed osteomyelitis in the lumbar spine, we started antibiotic therapy. Echocardiography revealed large vegetation on the tricuspid valve, and abdominal contrast computed tomography revealed a pancreatic abscess. As the vegetation increased in size and mobility it became non-responsive to medical treatment, and surgical removal of the vegetation with tricuspid valve repair were therefore performed. After additional antibiotic therapy, he was discharged 42 days after surgery. No further recurrence of endocarditis has been observed as of the time of writing.
ABSTRACT
Anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome (APLS) is characterized by the presence of anti-phospholipid antibodies, arterial or venous thrombosis, recurrent abortion, and thrombocytopenia. Although heart valve abnormalities are found in most patients with APLS, acute type A dissection associated with APLS is rare. A 44-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus and APLS, who had been treated with corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, and warfarin, was admitted with severe back pain. Computed tomography demonstrated aortic dissection extending from the ascending to the abdominal aorta. Emergency ascending aorta replacement was performed. The hypercoagulation associated with APLS made it difficult to achieve optimal postoperative anticoagulant control. Moreover, corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents may result in postoperative infection. However, this patient was discharged without complications 14 days after the operation.