ABSTRACT
Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) consists in diffuse transformation of the hepatic parenchyma into small regenerative nodules without fibrosis, secondary to vascular occlusion and flow alterations. This gives a nodular appearance to theliver, as there is atrophy and compensatory hypertrophy of hepatocytes. We reporta 69-year-old male who suffered of colon cancer and was treated with Oxaliplatin (OX) and Bevacizumab (B). During treatment with B the patient presented a partial thrombosis of the portal vein, that one year later became permeable. Esophageal varices were found in an upper digestive endoscopy. Hepatic tests were normal. Aliver biopsy was performed and informed nodular regenerative hyperplasia. Thus, the different factors that could explain this pathology are analyzed. B, a monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor, reduces the anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and survival effects produced by this factor, affecting the vascular protection of the endothelial cell. On the other hand, OX activates metalloproteinasesand depletes sinusoidal glutathione producing sinusoidal lesions. Thus, (OX) would be associated with sinusoidal obstruction and NRH sporadically. It is important to discuss the possible etiologic factors that can cause NRH reviewing the hepatotoxic effects caused by both drugs.
Subject(s)
Aged , Humans , Male , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/adverse effects , Focal Nodular Hyperplasia/chemically induced , Organoplatinum Compounds/adverse effects , Portal Vein , Venous Thrombosis/chemically induced , Biopsy , Colonic Neoplasms , Hypertension, Portal/etiology , Liver Neoplasms/secondaryABSTRACT
Portal hypertension (PH) is defined as pathological increase of hydrostatic pressure in the portal venous system, usually related to liver cirrhosis. Among the uncommon causes of PH is the arteriovenous intra or extrahepatic fistula (AVF) of traumatic, iatrogenic or congenital origin. Clinical history and ultrasound findings of AVF are very important for the diagnosis. From a therapeutic point of view, there are three alternatives: clinical/imaging follow-up, surgical repair and transcutaneous catheter embolization. A report of a clinical case and a review of the literature are presented. Patient with portal hypertension as a result of intra hepatic AVF, successfully treated by transcutaneous catheter embolization. A 54 year-old female patient, and cholecystectomized and with history of breast cancer, presented altered liver function tests several months after gallbladder surgery. Once biliary disease was ruled out, liver biopsy was performed, which was compatible with autoimmune hepatitis. During follow-up, intrahepatic AVF was observed by means of ultrasound. Underlying disease was successfully managed with Prednisone and Azathioprine. Nine years later, she experienced an episode of confusion and disorientation compatible with hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and esophageal varices diagnosed by upper endoscopy. Laboratory tests and imaging did not show progression baseline liver disease. Angiographic procedures confirmed an intra hepatic AVF and selective embolization was carried out. There was clinical remission of HE and esophageal varices. We concluded, that transcutaneous catheter embolization is a valid alternative for the treatment of intra hepatic AVF, which accounted for the successful result for this particular patient.
La hipertensión portal (HP) se define como el aumento patológico de la presión hidrostática en el sistema venoso portal, habitualmente relacionada con cirrosis hepática. Entre las causas infrecuentes de HP está la fístula arterio-venosa (FAV) intra o extrahepática de origen traumáticas, iatrogénicas o congénitas entre otras. En el diagnóstico son importantes los antecedentes clínicos y hallazgos ecográficos que demuestran FAV. Desde el punto de vista terapéutico, existen tres alternativas: seguimiento clínico y de imágenes, reparación quirúrgica y embolización con catéter transcutáneo. Se presenta caso clínico de paciente con (HP) a consecuencia de una FAV intrahepática, tratada satisfactoriamente mediante embolización con catéter transcutáneo y revisión de la literatura pertinente. Se trata de una paciente de 54 años con antecedentes de cáncer mamario y colecistectomía en quien se constatan alteraciones de pruebas hepáticas varios meses con posterioridad a cirugía vesicular. Una vez descartada patología biliar, se realizó biopsia hepática la que fue compatible con hepatitis autoinmune. Durante el seguimiento se pesquisó FAV intrahepática como hallazgo ecográfi co. Su enfermedad de base se trató satisfactoriamente con Prednisona y Azatioprina. Nueve años más tarde, consulta por episodio de confusión y desorientación compatible con encefalopatía hepática (EH) y presencia de várices esofágicas a la endoscopia. Tanto el laboratorio como imágenes no mostraron progresión de enfermedad hepática de base. Es sometida a procedimiento angiográfico, que confirmó FAV intrahepática, procediendo a embolización selectiva. Hubo remisión del cuadro clínico de EH y regresión de las várices esofágicas. Se concluye que la embolización con catéter transcutáneo, es una alternativa válida en el tratamiento de FAV intrahepáticas, terapia que constituyó la solución definitiva del cuadro clínico reportado.