ABSTRACT
Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy historically has been confused as alcoholic cardiomyopathy. The key points for diagnosis of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy have been well explained, however this entity was neglected for a long time. Nowadays the diagnosis of this entity has become important because it is a factor that contributes significantly to morbidity-mortality in cirrhotic patients. Characteristics of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy are a hyperdynamic circulatory state, altered diastolic relaxation, impaired contractility, and electrophysiological abnormalities, particularity QT interval prolongation. The pathogenesis includes impaired function of beta-receptors, altered transmembrane currents and overproduction of cardiodepressant factors, such as nitric oxide, cytokines and endogenous cannabinoids. In addition to physical signs of hyperdynamic state and heart failure under stress conditions, the diagnosis can be done with dosage of serum markers, electrocardiography, echocardiography and magnetic resonance. The treatment is mainly supportive, but orthotopic liver transplantation appears to improve this condition although the prognosis of liver transplantation in patients with cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is uncertain.
Subject(s)
Humans , Liver Cirrhosis/complications , Cardiomyopathies/etiology , Liver Cirrhosis/physiopathology , Liver Cirrhosis/therapy , Cardiomyopathies/physiopathology , Cardiomyopathies/therapyABSTRACT
Herein, we describe the anesthetic management during the first combined heart-liver transplant (CHLT) performed in Korea. Though CHLT is a rare procedure, accumulating evidence suggests that it is a feasible option for patients with coexisting heart and liver failure. A 45-year-old female patient presented with severe cardiac dysfunction requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support and secondary congestive hepatopathy. The patient underwent consecutive heart and liver transplantation using extracorporeal circulatory devices—heart transplant with cardiopulmonary bypass, and liver transplant with peripheral ECMO. In this case report, we focus on the specific anesthetic considerations for CHLT pertaining to the challenges associated with dual pathophysiology.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Cardiopulmonary Bypass , Estrogens, Conjugated (USP) , Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation , Heart , Korea , Liver , Liver Failure , Liver TransplantationABSTRACT
Objective To investigate multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT) and MRI features of stasis cirrhosis and the diagnostic value of MSCT and MRI. Methods MSCT and MRI findings of 35 patients with stasis cirrhosis were studied. The size of liver and spleen, the diameter of hepatic vein (HV), enhancement pattern of liver parenchyma, contrast medium reflux in inferior vena cava (IVC) and (or) HV, ascites, number of varices and correlated abnormalities were reviewed. Results The volume index of liver and spleen of 35 patients was 4 434.95 cm3 and 621.92 cm3 respectively. The mean diameter of HV of 27 patients (77.1%) was 3.61 cm and HV of other 8 patients (22.9%) were too small to show. Number of patients showed waves of borderline, inhomogeneous pattern of parenchymal contrast enhancement, contrast medium reflux in IVC and (or) HV, varices and ascites was 5 (14.3%), 29 (82.9%), 20 (57.1%), 16 (45.7%), and 6 (17.1%), respectively. Correlated abnormalities included cardiac enlargement 4 cases (11.4%), pericardium thickening 11 cases (31.4%), and pericardial effusion 2 cases (5.7%). Conclusions Stasis cirrhosis mainly demonstrate liver enlargement, inhomogeneous pattern of parenchymal contrast enhancement, contrast medium reflux in IVC and (or) HV, and slight portal hypertension. MSCT and MRI play invaluable roles in diagnosis, differential diagnosis and etiological diagnosis of stasis cirrhosis.