ALPPS en cáncer colorrectal sincrónico en tiempos de COVID-19 / ALPPS in synchronous colorectal cancer in times of COVID-19

RESUMEN Durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 evidenciamos un aumento de la morbimortalidad secundario a procedimientos quirúrgicos. Se estima una mortalidad a los 30 días del 19,1% en cirugías programadas y del 26% en procedimientos quirúrgicos de emergencia, y alrededor de la mitad de los pacientes que se someten a cirugía estando infectados con SARS-CoV-2 experimentan complicaciones pulmonares posoperatorias. Los tratamientos oncológicos sufrieron deficiencias en nuestro país debido a las limitantes secundarias a la emergencia sanitaria, en cuanto a capacidad de internación e implementación de los tratamientos quimioterápicos. Informamos la primera cirugía de ALPPS (associating liver partition with portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy) realizada en el nordeste argentino en una paciente con metástasis colorrectales múltiples en contexto de la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2, con buenos resultados.

ABSTRACT During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, we observed an increase in morbidity and mortality secondary to surgical procedures. The mortality rate for elective surgery is estimated at 19.1% and is 26% for emergency procedures. Additionally, approximately half of patients who undergo surgery while infected with SARS-CoV-2 experience postoperative pulmonary complications. Due to limitations caused by the health emergency, cancer treatments in our country have been affected in terms of hospitalization capabilities and implementation of chemotherapy treatments. We report the first ALPPS (associating liver partition with portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy) procedure performed in northeastern Argentina on a patient with multiple colorectal metastases during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, with successful outcomes.

Sonographic and Anatomical Evaluation of the Liver and Portal Vein Reference Values / Evaluación Ecográfica y Anatómica de los Valores de Referencia del Hígado y la Vena Porta

SUMMARY: This paper's aim is a morphometric evaluation of liver and portal vein morphometry using ultrasonography in healthy Turkish population. This study was carried out with 189 subjects (107 females, 82 males). The demographic data and the body surface area were calculated. The longitudinal axis of the liver for two lobes, diagonal axis or liver span, anteroposterior diameter of the liver and portal vein, portal vein transverse diameter, caudate lobe anteroposterior diameter, and portal vein internal diameters as well as longitudinal liver scans in an aortic plane, sagittal plane, transverse plane, and kidney axis were measured. All measurements were analyzed according to age, sex, body mass index, obesity and alcohol consumption. The mean values of the age, height, weight and body mass index were calculated as 44.39 years, 167.05 cm, 74.23 kg, and 27.06kg/m2 in females, respectively. The same values were 44.13 years, 167.70 cm, 75.93 kg and 26.71 kg/m2 in males, respectively. There was significant difference between demographic characteristics, gender, and alcohol consumption in terms of anteroposterior diameter of the liver, portal vein transverse diameter of the right side and liver transverse scan. Also, some measurements including portal vein transverse diameter, liver transverse scan and at kidney axis longitudinal scan of liver showed significant difference between the age groups. There was significant difference in diagonal axis and anteroposterior diameter of liver, portal vein internal diameter, and longitudinal liver scans of the aortic plane parameters between obesity situation. The findings obtained will provide important and useful reference values as it may determine some abnormalities related liver diseases. Also, age, sex, obesity and body mass index values can be effective in the liver and portal vein morphometry related parameters.

El objetivo de este artículo fue realizar una evaluación de la morfometría del hígado y la vena porta mediante ecografía en una población turca sana. Este estudio se llevó a cabo en 189 sujetos (107 mujeres, 82 hombres). Se calcularon los datos demográficos y la superficie corporal. Se midió eleje longitudinal del de dos lóbulos del hígado, el eje diagonal o la extensión del hígado, los diámetros anteroposterior del hígado y de la vena porta, el diámetro transversal de la vena porta, anteroposterior del lóbulo caudado y los diámetros internos de la vena porta, así como las exploraciones longitudinales del hígado en un plano aórtico. Se midieron el plano sagital, el plano transversal y el eje del riñón. Todas las mediciones se analizaron según edad, sexo, índice de masa corporal, obesidad y consumo de alcohol. Los valores medios de edad, talla, peso e índice de masa corporal se calcularon como 44,39 años, 167,05 cm, 74,23 kg y 27,06 kg/m2 en las mujeres, respectivamente. Las mismas variable fueron 44,13 años, 167,70 cm, 75,93 kg y 26,71 kg/m2. Hubo diferencias significativas entre las características demográficas, el sexo y el consumo de alcohol en términos de diámetro anteroposterior del hígado, diámetro transversal de la vena porta del lado derecho y exploración transversal del hígado. Además, algunas mediciones, incluido el diámetro transversal de la vena porta, la exploración transversal del hígado y la exploración longitudinal del hígado en el eje del riñón, mostraron diferencias significativas entre los grupos de edad. Hubo diferencias significativas en el eje diagonal y el diámetro anteroposterior del hígado, el diámetro interno de la vena porta y los parámetros de las exploraciones hepáticas longitudinales del plano aórtico entre situaciones de obesidad. Los hallazgos obtenidos proporcionarán valores de referencia importantes y útiles ya que pueden determinar algunas anomalías relacionadas con enfermedades hepáticas. Además, los valores de edad, sexo, obesidad e índice de masa corporal pueden ser eficaces en los parámetros relacionados con la morfometría del hígado y la vena porta.

Pileflebitis en pediatría: un desafío diagnóstico / Pylephlebitis in pediatrics: A diagnostic challenge

La pileflebitis es definida como la trombosis supurativa de la vena porta como complicación de infecciones abdominales. En pediatría, la etiología más frecuente es la apendicitis, generalmente de diagnóstico tardío, que se presenta como sepsis, con una elevada mortalidad. Para el diagnóstico son necesarios métodos de diagnóstico por imágenes; los más utilizados son la ecografía Doppler y la angiotomografía. El tratamiento se basa en la intervención quirúrgica, la antibioticoterapia y la anticoagulación. Esta última tiene indicación controvertida, pero podría mejorar el pronóstico y disminuir la morbimortalidad. Se presenta un caso clínico de pileflebitis secundaria a sepsis por Escherichia coli con punto de partida en una apendicitis aguda, en un paciente pediátrico que evoluciona a la transformación cavernomatosa de la vena porta. Es de importancia conocer el manejo de esta entidad, ya que, una vez superado el cuadro inicial, requerirá un minucioso seguimiento por la posibilidad de evolucionar a la insuficiencia hepática.

Pylephlebitis is defined as suppurative thrombosis of the portal vein as a complication of abdominal infections. In pediatrics, the most frequent etiology is appendicitis, generally of late diagnosis, presenting as sepsis, with a high mortality rate. Imaging methods are necessary for diagnosis; the most common are the Doppler ultrasound and computed tomography angiography. Treatment is based on surgery, antibiotic therapy, and anticoagulation. The indication for the latter is controversial, but it may improve prognosis and decrease morbidity and mortality. Here we describe a clinical case of pylephlebitis secondary to Escherichia coli sepsis, which started as acute appendicitis in a pediatric patient who progressed to cavernomatous transformation of the portal vein. It is important to know the management of this disease because, once the initial symptoms are overcome, it will require close follow-up due to a potential progression to liver failure.

Preparado anatómico de la cara visceral del hígado humano para evidenciar las ramas de la vena porta hepática aplicando las técnicas de repleción, disección y conservación Laskowski / Anatomical preparation of the visceral aspect of the human liver to demonstrate the branches of the hepatic portal vein applying the Laskowski filling, dissection and conservation techniques

RESUMEN El curso de anatomía humana es crucial en la formación de los estudiantes de medicina y, debido a ello, la escasez de preparados anatómicos significa una dificultad en la enseñanza. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo realizar un preparado anatómico de la cara visceral del hígado que permita visualizar las ramas de la vena porta hepática mediante la aplicación de las técnicas de repleción, disección y conservación Laskowski. En el preparado, se logró visualizar la distribución de las venas suprahepáticas y las ramas de la vena porta que irrigan sus respectivos segmentos, sin encontrar variantes anatómicas. Mediante este trabajo, se logró crear un preparado anatómico que permite visualizar principalmente las ramas de la vena porta hepática. Se recomienda realizar una inspección de la pieza anatómica antes de realizar el trabajo y realizar pruebas para determinar la cantidad adecuada de tinte vegetal a utilizar.

ABSTRACT The human anatomy course is crucial in the education of medical students, and therefore, the shortage of anatomical specimens poses a challenge in teaching. This study aims to create an anatomical preparation of the visceral surface of the liver, allowing visualization of the branches of the hepatic portal vein using the repletion, dissection, and Laskowski preservation techniques. The preparation successfully revealed the distribution of suprahepatic veins and branches of the portal vein irrigating their respective segments, without encountering anatomical variations. Through this study, successfully, produced an anatomical specimen primarily showcasing the branches of the hepatic portal vein. It is recommended inspecting the anatomical specimen before commencing the work, as well as conducting tests to determine the appropriate amount of plant dye to use.

TIPS en pacientes cirróticos con trombosis venosa portal: una revisión de la literatura / TIPS in cirrhotic patients with portal vein thrombosis: A review of the literature

En los últimos años, la trombosis de la vena porta entre los pacientes cirróticos se ha comportado como una entidad reconocida y cada vez más estudiada, no solo por su creciente incidencia, sino por la asociación con gravedad y mal pronóstico en cirrosis. Asimismo, se hacen objeto de estudio las terapias disponibles para el manejo tanto médico como quirúrgico de estos pacientes, lo que ha dado un papel importante a la derivación portosistémica transyugular intrahepática (TIPS). El uso de TIPS en esta población se posiciona como una alternativa de manejo aceptable, no solo por brindar mejoría en las complicaciones derivadas de la hipertensión portal, sino también por sus resultados prometedores en diferentes estudios sobre el flujo y la recanalización portal, y por su perfil de seguridad. Sin embargo, la eficacia, los efectos adversos a largo plazo y el pronóstico de dicha intervención en la compleja fisiopatología de la cirrosis deben continuar en estudio. El objetivo de este artículo es revisar los avances del uso de TIPS en el manejo de pacientes con cirrosis hepática y trombosis portal.

In recent years, portal vein thrombosis among cirrhotic patients has been a well-recognized and continuously studied entity, not only because of its increasing incidence but also because of its association with severity and poor prognosis in cirrhosis. Likewise, therapies available for both medical and surgical management in these patients are being studied, which has given an important role to the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). The use of TIPS in this population is positioned as an acceptable management alternative, not only because it provides improvement in complications derived from portal hypertension, but also because of its promising results in different studies on portal flow and recanalization upgrade, and for its safety. However, the efficacy, long-term adverse effects, and prognosis of this intervention in the complex pathophysiology of cirrhosis must continue to be studied. The objective of this article is to review the advances in the use of TIPS in the management of patients with liver cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis.

Research progress on anatomic vascular reconstruction in rat models of orthotopic liver transplantation / 器官移植

Establishment of rat models of liver transplantation provides an ideal animal model for resolving the problems of postoperative complications and perioperative treatment of liver transplantation. With in-depth study of the establishment of rat models of liver transplantation, classic "two-cuff" technique has been gradually employed. However, poor surgical field, vascular torsion, biliary tract injury and long anhepatic phase remain unresolved in the process of liver transplantation using traditional techniques. At present, the rat models of liver transplantation at home and abroad are modified mainly from the reconstruction of four vital anatomic structures including the suprahepatic inferior vena cava, portal vein, infrahepatic inferior vena cava and bile duct. Therefore, the latest progress in the reconstruction of the suprahepatic inferior vena cava, portal vein, infrahepatic inferior vena cava and bile duct was reviewed, aiming to provide reference for the establishment of rat models of liver transplantation and promote further development of liver transplantation techniques.

Clinical efficacy of TIPS combined with catheter thrombolysis or local treatment for portal vein thrombosis / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)combined with indwelling catheter-directed thrombolysis for the treatment of portal vein thrombosis(PVT).Methods The clinical efficacy of 307 patients with portal hypertension complicated by PVT,who received successful TIPS combined with indwelling catheter-directed thrombolysis at the Affiliated Beijing Shijitan Hospital of Capital Medical University of China between January 2016 and December 2019,were retrospectively analyzed.Before and after TIPS,the inferior vena cava pressure(IVCP)and portal vein pressure(PVP)were measured,and the pre-TIPS,post-TIPS(before thrombolysis),and post-thrombolysis portal pressure gradient(PPG,PPG=PVP-IVCP)was separately calculated.Reexamination of portal venography DSA was performed to determine the degree of PVT disappearance and whether the shunt was unobstructed.All patients were followed up for one year.Results The pre-TIPS,post-TIPS(before thrombolysis),and post-thrombolysis mean PPG was(24.50±6.91)mmHg,(18.51±5.11)mmHg,and(10.17±3.97)mmHg,respectively.The post-thrombolysis mean PPG was strikingly lower than the pre-thrombolysis values,the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.001).Among the 307 patients,complete disappearance of PVT was observed in 221(72.3%),remarkable reduction of PVT in 86(27.7%),and no invalid result was seen.The patients having complete patency of the shunt flow accounted for 85.7%of the 307 patients(261/307),and the patients having partial patency of the shunt flow accounted for 14.3%of the 307 patients(46/307).Forty-two patients developed complications,and no death occurred.All patients were followed up for one year,and the main clinical symptoms were improved or completely disappeared.Among the 307 patients,an increase in thrombus volume was found in 17(5.5%)when compared to their postoperative values,which returned to the first-time postoperative level after local treatment of the thrombus via the TIPS shunt combined with catheter-directed thrombolysis.Within one year after TIPS and thrombolysis,overt hepatic encephalopathy(OHE)occurred in 54 patients(17.6%,54/307).One patient died of hepatic failure 9 months after TIPS,another patient died of cerebral hemorrhage 11 months after TIPS,and all the remaining patients were alive.Conclusion For patients with portal hypertension complicated by PVT,TIPS combined with indwelling catheter-directed thrombolysis is clinically safe and effective.The standardized,systematic management of the whole therapeutic process should be strengthened.(J Intervent Radiol,2024,32:22-27)

Application value of venous excess ultrasound score (VExUS Score) in patients with sepsis complicated acute kidney injury / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of venous excess ultrasound score (VExUS Score) in the acute kidney injury(AKI) in Patients with sepsis, so as to reduce the risk of disease and improve the prognosis of patients.Methods:This experiment was a single-center prospective cohort study. Include septic patients with AKI who were admitted to the Department of Emergency Intensive Care Unit of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from February 2022 to February 2023, Those with inadequate window, inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombus, age<18 years and known case of cirrhosis with portal hypertension were excluded from the study. Patients underwent ultrasound examination with serial determination till AKI resolved or patient is initiated on dialysis.Results:Totally 86 patients were enrolled for the study. The mean age was (60.43±15.48) with 50 (58.1%) males. Mean sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score was (6.23±1.87). 38 patients (44.2%) were in AKI stage 1, while 24 patients (27.9%) were in AKI stage 2 and stage 3 each. 52 patients (60.5%) had VExUS grade Ⅲ. Resolution of AKI injury showed significant correlation with improvement in VExUS grade ( p value 0.003). Similarly, there was significant association between changes in VExUS grade and fluid balance ( p value 0.005). There was no correlation between central venous pressure (CVP), left ventricular function, and right ventricular function with change in VExUS grade. Conclusions:The study shows a significant correlation between the VExUS Score and AKI staging, With improvement in kidney function, there is decline in the VExUS grade as well. Moreover VExUS Score might reliably demonstrate venous congestion and aid in the clinical decision to perform fluid removal.

Progress of therapeutic proceeding of liver transplantation in hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis / 中华消化外科杂志

Hepatocellular carcinoma (hereinafter referred to as liver cancer) often invades portal vein system. Usually, 10%-40% of liver cancer patients present with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) at the time of diagnosis. In Europe and the United States, liver cancer combined with PVTT is defined as advanced stage, thus, systemic therapy is recommended for these patients according to most published guidelines. But, in Asian countries, liver cancer combined with PVTT is treated in a more positive way, since not all cases of liver cancer combined with PVTT are deemed as a contraindication of surgery. Up to now, no global consensus or standard guideline for liver cancer combined with PVTT has been reached yet. Liver transplantation (LT) serves as a curative therapeutic option for unresectable liver cancer, but liver cancer combined with PVTT has always been regarded as a contraindication for LT due to high tumor recurrence after LT. Meanwhile, liver cancer combined with PVTT is also deemed as a status of extra-hepatic metastasis. In practice, however, many patients with liver cancer combined with PVTT seek LT because other alternatives are not available or suitable. Finally, this part of patients successfully received LT. Moreover, emerging studies reveal that well-selected patients with liver cancer combined with PVTT could benefit from LT. Especially, compared to other alternatives, LT following successful downstaging treatment (such as. selective internal radiation therapy, external beam radiation therapy, estereotactic body radiation therapy, and/or transarterial chemoembolization), could bring survival benefit for patients with liver cancer combined with PVTT. The author concentrates on the issue whether patients with liver cancer combined with PVTT are candidates for LT, and reviews the PVTT diagnosis and classification, supporting evidence, and opposing evidence.

Influence of PVE and PVE combined with TACE on secondary hepatectomy and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the influencing of portal vein embolization (PVE) and PVE combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) on secondary hepatectomy and prognosis of patients with initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods:The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 102 patients with initially unresectable HCC who were admitted to the Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University from October 26,2015 to December 31,2022 were collected. There were 82 males and 20 females, aged 52(range,25?73)years. Of 102 patients, 72 cases undergoing PVE combined with TACE were set as the PVE+TACE group, and 30 cases undergoing PVE were set as the PVE group. Observation indicators: (1) surgical resection rate of secondary hepatectomy and increase of future liver remnant (FLR); (2) situations of secondary hepatectomy; (3) follow-up. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was conducted using the independent sample t test. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M(range), and comparison between groups was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Count data were described as absolute numbers, and comparison between groups was conducted using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. Comparison of ordinal data was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival rate and draw survival curve, and Log-Rank test was used for survival analysis. Results:(1) Surgical resection rate of secondary hepatectomy and increase of FLR. The surgical resection rate of secondary hepatectomy in the PVE+TACE group and the PVE group were 72.2%(52/72) and 53.3%(16/30), respectively, showing no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2=3.400, P>0.05). The surgical waiting time, increasing volume of FLR, growth rate of FLR in the 52 patients of PVE+TACE group receiving secon-dary hepatectomy were 20(range, 14?140)days, 140(range, 62?424)mL, 9.8(range, 1.5?26.5)mL/day, respectively. The above indicators in the 16 patients of PVE group receiving secondary hepatectomy were 16(range, 12?35)days, 160(range, 95?408)mL, 10.5(range, 1.2?28.0)mL/day, respectively. There was no significant difference in the above indicators between the 52 patients of PVE+TACE group and the 16 patients of PVE group ( Z=1.830, 1.498, 1.266, P>0.05). (2) Situations of secondary hepatectomy. The operation time, rate of tumor necrosis (>90%, 60%?90%,<60%), cases with complications ≥ grade Ⅲa in the 52 patients of PVE+TACE group receiving secondary hepatectomy were 200(range, 125?420)minutes, 8, 4, 40, 28, respectively. The above indicators in the 16 patients of PVE group receiving secondary hepatectomy were 170(range, 105?320)minutes, 0, 0, 16, 4, respectively. There were significant differences in the above indicators between the 52 patients of PVE+TACE group and the 16 patients of PVE group ( Z=2.132, ?2.093, χ2=4.087, P<0.05). (3) Follow-up. Sixty-eight patients who completed the surgery were followed up for 40(range, 10?84)months. The 1-, 3-, 5-year recurrence free survival rate in the 52 patients of PVE+TACE group receiving secondary hepatectomy were 73.0%, 53.3%, 35.4%, respectively. The above indicators in the 16 patients of PVE group were 62.5%, 37.5%, 18.8%, respectively. There was a significant difference in the recurrence free survival rate between the 52 patients of PVE+TACE group and the 16 patients of PVE group ( χ2=4.035, P<0.05). The 1-, 3-, 5-year overall survival rate in the 52 patients of PVE+TACE group receiving secondary hepatectomy were 82.5%, 61.2%, 36.6%, respectively. The above indica-tors in the 16 patients of PVE group receiving secondary hepatectomy were 68.8%, 41.7%,20.8%, respectively. There was a significant difference in the overall survival rate between the 52 patients of PVE+TACE group and the 16 patients of PVE group ( χ2=4.767, P<0.05). Conclusion:Compared with PVE, PVE+TACE as stage Ⅰ surgery can increase the surgical resection rate of secondary hepatec-tomy and the recurrence free survival rate of patients with initially unresectable HCC, prolong the long-term survival time, but not influence the growth rate of FLR.

Research progress in perioperative management of portal vein thrombosis in liver transplantation / 器官移植

Portal vein thrombosis is one of the common complications of liver cirrhosis. The incidence of portal vein thrombosis is increased with the progression of diseases. The incidence and progression of portal vein thrombosis are associated with multiple factors. The indications of anticoagulant therapy remain to be investigated. At present, portal vein thrombosis is no longer considered as a contraindication for liver transplantation. Nevertheless, complicated portal vein thrombosis will increase perioperative risk of liver transplantation. How to restore the blood flow of portal vein system is a challenge for surgical decision-making in clinical practice. Rational preoperative typing, surgical planning and portal vein reconstruction are the keys to ensure favorable long-term prognosis of liver transplant recipients. In this article, epidemiological status, risk factors, typing and identification of portal vein thrombosis, preoperative and intraoperative management of portal vein thrombosis in liver transplantation, and the impact of portal vein thrombosis on the outcomes of liver transplantation were reviewed, aiming to provide reference for perioperative management of portal vein thrombosis throughout liver transplantation.

Diagnosis and treatment of the portal vein complications for children undergoing spilt liver transplantation / 器官移植

Objective To investigate the diagnosis and treatment strategy of the portal vein complications in children undergoing split liver transplantation. Methods The clinical data of 88 pediatric recipients who underwent split liver transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. Intraoperative anastomosis at the bifurcating site of the portal vein or donor iliac vein bypass anastomosis was performed depending on the internal diameter and development of the recipient's portal vein. A normalized portal venous blood stream monitoring was performed during the perioperative stage. After operation, heparin sodium was used to bridge warfarin for anticoagulation therapy. After portal vein stenosis or thrombosis was identified with enhanced CT or portography, managements including embolectomy, systemic anticoagulation, interventional thrombus removal, balloon dilatation and/or stenting were performed. Results Among the 88 recipients, a total of 10 children were diagnosed with portal vein complications, of which 4 cases were diagnosed with portal vein stenosis at 1 d, 2 months, 8 months, and 11 months after surgery, and 6 cases were diagnosed with portal vein thrombosis at intraoperative, 2 d, 3 d (n=2), 6 d, and 11 months after surgery, respectively. One patient with portal vein stenosis and one patient with portal vein thrombosis died perioperatively. The fatality related to portal vein complications was 2% (2/88). Of the remaining 8 patients, 1 underwent systemic anticoagulation, 2 underwent portal venous embolectomy, 1 underwent interventional balloon dilatation, and 4 underwent interventional balloon dilatation plus stenting. No portal venous related symptoms were detected during postoperative long term follow up, and the retested portal venous blood stream parameters were normal. Conclusions The normalized intra- and post-operative portal venous blood stream monitoring is a useful tool for the early detection of portal vein complications, the early utilization of useful managements such as intraoperative portal venous embolectomy, interventional balloon dilatation and stenting may effectively treat the portal vein complications, thus minimizing the portal vein complication related graft loss and recipient death.

Analysis of three-dimensional visualization imaging of severe portal vein stenosis after liver transplantation and clinical efficacy of portal vein stent implantation / 器官移植

Objective To analyze three-dimensional imaging characteristics and advantages for severe portal vein stenosis after liver transplantation, and to evaluate clinical efficacy of portal vein stent implantation. Methods Clinical data of 10 patients who received portal vein stent implantation for severe portal vein stenosis after liver transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. Imaging characteristics of severe portal vein stenosis, and advantages of three-dimensional reconstruction imaging and interventional treatment efficacy for severe portal vein stenosis were analyzed. Results Among 10 patients, 3 cases were diagnosed with centripetal stenosis, tortuosity angulation-induced stenosis in 2 cases, compression-induced stenosis in 2 cases, long-segment stenosis and/or vascular occlusion in 3 cases. Three-dimensional reconstruction images possessed advantages in accurate identification of stenosis, identification of stenosis types and measurement of stenosis length. All patients were successfully implanted with portal vein stents. After stent implantation, the diameter of the minimum diameter of portal vein was increased [(6.2±0.9) mm vs. (2.6±1.7) mm, P<0.05], the flow velocity at anastomotic site was decreased [(57±19) cm/s vs. (128±27) cm/s, P<0.05], and the flow velocity at the portal vein adjacent to the liver was increased [(41±6) cm/s vs. (18±6) cm/s, P<0.05]. One patient suffered from intrahepatic hematoma caused by interventional puncture, which was mitigated after conservative observation and treatment. The remaining patients did not experience relevant complications. Conclusions Three-dimensional visualization technique may visually display the location, characteristics and severity of stenosis, which is beneficial for clinicians to make treatment decisions and assist interventional procedures. Timely implantation of portal vein stent may effectively reverse pathological process and improve portal vein blood flow.

Establishment and application of animal models for portal vein thrombosis / 临床肝胆病杂志

Portal vein thrombosis （PVT） refers to thromboembolism that occurs in the extrahepatic main portal vein and/or intrahepatic portal vein branches. PVT is the result of the combined effect of multiple factors， but its pathogenesis remains unclear. Animal models are an important method for exploring the pathophysiological mechanism of PVT. Based on the different species of animals， this article reviews the existing animal models of PVT in terms of modeling methods， principles， advantages and disadvantages， and application.

Portal vein thrombosis in liver cirrhosis： Risk factors and protection strategies / 临床肝胆病杂志

Portal vein thrombosis （PVT） is one of the common complications during the natural course of liver cirrhosis and has an important influence on the progression of liver cirrhosis. This article mainly summarizes the research advances in the risk factors for PVT. There are many risk factors for PVT， and Virchow’s triad， namely venous stasis， hypercoagulability， and vascular endothelial injury and systemic inflammation caused by surgery or trauma， are considered the main reasons for the development and progression of PVT. At present， more prospective studies are still needed to validate the predictive models for the risk of PVT that have certain application prospects in clinical practice. Cirrhotic patients with PVT tend to have a poor prognosis， and complete obstructive PVT is associated with increased mortality after liver transplantation. Recent studies have shown that prophylactic anticoagulant therapy is safe and effective in patients with liver cirrhosis and can thus help with the prevention and treatment of PVT.

Portal thrombosis after surgical treatment of schistosomatic portal hypertension

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Several studies have investigated the correlation between the effects of different surgical treatments and laboratory exams for schistosomal portal hypertension, especially concerning portal system thrombosis. The etiopathogenic factors of this thrombosis are not fully understood. In this study, the correlation between surgical treatment for schistosomal portal hypertension and the occurrence of postoperative portal system thrombosis was investigated. METHODS: A total of 61 patients who underwent surgical treatment for schistosomal portal hypertension were distributed into four groups: Patients in Group 1 (n=12) underwent portal variceal disconnection associated with splenic artery ligation and spleen preservation. Patients in Group 2 (n=20) underwent portal variceal disconnection and total splenectomy. Patients in Group 3 (n=20) underwent portal variceal disconnection with subtotal splenectomy, preserving the upper splenic pole supplied by the splenogastric vessels. Patients in Group 4 (n=9) underwent portal variceal disconnection with total splenectomy and autogenous splenic implants on the greater omentum. Late postoperative portal vein thrombosis was diagnosed using Doppler ultrasound. RESULTS: Over the 10-year follow-up, portal vein thrombosis occurred in 26 operated patients (42.6%), with no significant difference observed among the four surgical groups (p=0.217). Most of the thrombi only partially occluded the portal system veins. All the patients presented with a thrombus inside the portal vein. There was no difference in hematological and biochemical tests between groups with or without portal vein thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: Portal vein thrombosis is often observed in the late postoperative period, irrespective of the surgical treatment employed, and is not associated with patient characteristics or any hematological and biochemical tests.

Trombosis venosa mesentérica y portal como causa infrecuente de obstrucción e isquemia intestinal en paciente joven. Reporte de caso / Mesenteric and Portal Venous Thrombosis as an infrequent cause of intestinal Obstruction and Ischemia in young patients. A case report

Resumen La isquemia mesentérica aguda se asocia a una mortalidad de entre el 50 y el 100%, la causa más rara de esta es la trombosis venosa de los vasos mesentéricos (5%) y portal (1%). Las manifestaciones clínicas son diversas, siendo el dolor abdominal el principal síntoma. La tomografía computarizada con contraste intravenoso en fase portal es la imagen más precisa para el diagnóstico. El tratamiento en fase aguda se basa en anticoagulación, fluidos intravenosos, antibióticos profilácticos, descanso intestinal y descompresión. La laparotomía de control de daños, incluida la resección intestinal y el abdomen abierto, pueden estar justificados en última instancia para pacientes con necrosis intestinal y sepsis. Caso clínico: Hombre de 35 años, sin antecedentes de importancia, solo tabaquismo desde hace 15 años. Refirió que 5 días previos comenzó a presentar dolor en el epigastrio tipo cólico, de intensidad moderada, posteriormente refirió que el dolor se generalizó y aumentó de intensidad, acompañado de náusea, vómito, intolerancia a la vía oral y alza térmica. Al examen físico tuvo datos de respuesta inflamatoria sistémica, estaba consciente y orientado, con abdomen doloroso a la palpación superficial y profunda a nivel generalizado, pero acentuado en el flanco derecho, rebote positivo con resistencia, timpanismo generalizado, peristalsis ausente. Se ingresó a quirófano a laparotomía exploradora, encontrando lesión a intestinal isquémica-necrótica a 190-240 cm del ángulo de Treitz, y 400 cc de líquido hemático; se realizó resección de la parte intestinal afectada, con entero-enteroanastomosis término-terminal manual. Se envió pieza a patología, y se reportó un proceso inflamatorio agudo con necrosis transmural y congestión vascular. Ante estos hallazgos se realizó angiotomografía abdominal que reportó defecto de llenado en la vena mesentérica superior, secundario a trombosis que se extendía hasta la confluencia y la vena porta. Conclusión: La trombosis venosa mesentérica y portal es una patología muy infrecuente en pacientes jóvenes sin factores de riesgo en los que se presenta dolor abdominal. El diagnóstico es complejo debido a que los datos clínicos y de laboratorio son poco específicos. Sin embargo, debemos tenerla en cuenta en el diagnóstico diferencial de etiologías de dolor abdominal.

Abstract Acute Mesenteric Ischemia is associated with a mortality rate between 50% and 100%; the rarest cause of this is venous thrombosis of the mesenteric (5%) and portal (1%) vessels. The clinical manifestations are diverse, with abdominal pain being the main symptom. Computed tomography with intravenous contrast in the portal phase is the most accurate image for diagnosis. Treatment in the acute phase is based on anticoagulation, intravenous fluids, prophylactic antibiotics, intestinal rest, and decompression. Damage control laparotomy, including bowel resection and open abdomen, may ultimately be warranted for patients with bowel necrosis and sepsis. Clinical case: 35-year-old man, with no significant history, only smoking for 15 years. For 5 days before, he reported crampy epigastric pain of moderate intensity. He subsequently reported that the pain became generalized and increased in intensity, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, oral intolerance, and temperature rise. The physical examination showed signs of a systemic inflammatory response, conscious and oriented, abdomen painful on superficial and deep palpation at a generalized level but accentuated on the right flank, positive rebound with resistance, generalized tympanism, absent peristalsis. The operating room was entered for exploratory laparotomy, finding an ischemic-necrotic intestinal lesion at 190 - 240 cm from the angle of Treitz, and 400cc of blood fluid. Resection of the affected intestinal part is performed, with entire manual terminal end anastomosis. The specimen was sent to pathology, reporting an acute inflammatory process with transmural necrosis and vascular congestion. Given these findings, abdominal CT angiography was performed, which reported a filling defect in the superior mesenteric vein, secondary to thrombosis that extended to the confluence and the portal vein. Conclusion: Mesenteric and portal venous thrombosis is a very rare pathology in young patients without risk factors in whom abdominal pain occurs. The diagnosis is complex because the clinical and laboratory data are not very specific. However, we must take it into account in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain etiologies.

Enfermedad hepática en la fibrosis quística pediátrica. Una revisión de los conocimientos actuales / Cystic fibrosis liver disease in children ­ A review of our current understanding

La fibrosis quística, la segunda enfermedad genética más frecuente, es el resultado de una proteína de canal mutada, la CFTR, que secreta iones de cloro que fluidifican las secreciones. La esperanza de vida en los pacientes ha aumentado en años recientes gracias a mejoras en el tratamiento. No obstante, las complicaciones hepáticas son la tercera causa de muerte y la comprensión de su fisiopatología es aún deficiente. Se considera que la obstrucción biliar secundaria a la presencia de secreciones espesas conduce a la cirrosis. Sin embargo, el ácido ursodesoxicólico no ha modificado la historia natural. Además, la presencia de hipertensión portal en ausencia de cirrosis no puede ser explicada. Se ha propuesto el rol de la CFTR como modulador de tolerancia inmune, que explica la presencia de una inflamación portal persistente que culmina en fibrosis. El eje intestino-hígado tendría un rol importante en la presentación y la progresión de esta enfermedad

Cystic fibrosis is the second most common genetic disease in infancy. It is the result of a mutated channel protein, the CFTR, which secretes chloride ions, fluidifying secretions. Recent improvements in the treatment have increased life expectancy in these patients. Nevertheless, liver involvement remains the third cause of death. Unfortunately, our understating of the physiopathology is still deficient. Biliary obstruction secondary to the presence of thick secretions is considered to lead to cirrhosis. However, treatment with ursodeoxycolic acid has not changed the natural history. Furthermore, the presence of portal hypertension in the absence of cirrhosis cannot be explained. Recently, the role of CFTR as modulator of immune tolerance has been proposed, which could explain the presence of a persistent portal inflammation leading to fibrosis, and the gut-liver axis would also have a role in disease presentation and progression.

Recent Research Advance to Differentiate Portal Hypertension Associated with Primary Myelofibrosis and Cirrhosis --Review / 中国实验血液学杂志

Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) is easily confused with cirrhosis, due to its main clinical manifestations of splenomegaly and the blood cytopenia. This review focuses on clinical studies to identify primary myelofibrosis and cirrhosis related portal hypertension, to analyze the differences between the two diseases, in order to distinguish PMF and cirrhosis from the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations and treatment principles, and simultaneously improve clinicians' understanding of PMF, which is a reference for exploring the early screening or diagnostic indicators of PMF, also provides a clinical basis for the application of new targeted drugs such as ruxolitinib.