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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hepatosplenic schistosomiasis-associated chronic portal vein thrombosis: risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma? / Esquistossomose hepatosplênica associada à trombose crônica da veia porta: fator de risco para o carcinoma hepatocelular?

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Hepatosplenic schistosomiasis is an endemic disease prevalent in tropical countries and is associated with a high incidence of portal vein thrombosis. Inflammatory changes caused by both parasitic infection and portal thrombosis can lead to the development of chronic liver disease with potential carcinogenesis. AIMS: To assess the incidence of portal vein thrombosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with schistosomiasis during long-term follow-up. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted involving patients with schistosomiasis followed up at our institution between 1990 and 2021. RESULTS: A total of 126 patients with schistosomiasis were evaluated in the study. The mean follow-up time was 16 years (range 5-31). Of the total, 73 (57.9%) patients presented portal vein thrombosis during follow-up. Six (8.1%) of them were diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma, all with portal vein thrombosis diagnosed more than ten years before. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with schistosomiasis and chronic portal vein thrombosis highlights the importance of a systematic long-term follow-up in this group of patients.

RESUMO RACIONAL: A esquistossomose hepatoesplênica é uma doença endêmica prevalente em países tropicais e está associada a uma alta incidência de trombose da veia porta. Alterações inflamatórias causadas tanto pela infecção parasitária quanto pela trombose portal podem levar ao desenvolvimento de doença hepática crônica com potencial carcinogênico. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a incidência de trombose da veia porta e carcinoma hepatocelular em pacientes com esquistossomose durante um seguimento de longo prazo. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado estudo retrospectivo envolvendo pacientes com esquistossomose acompanhados em nossa instituição entre 1990 e 2021. RESULTADOS: Um total de 126 pacientes com esquistossomose foram avaliados no estudo. O tempo médio de acompanhamento foi de 16 anos (variando de 5 a 31). Do total, 73 (57,9%) pacientes apresentaram trombose da veia porta durante o seguimento e seis (8,1%) deles foram diagnosticados com carcinoma hepatocelular, todos com trombose da veia porta diagnosticada há mais de 10 anos. CONCLUSÕES: A incidência de carcinoma hepatocelular em pacientes com esquistossomose e trombose da veia porta crônica destaca a importância de um acompanhamento sistemático de longo prazo nesse grupo de pacientes.

The impact of portal vein thrombosis on the long-term efficacy of endoscopic treatment for acute esophageal and gastric variceal bleeding patients / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To evaluate the long-term risk of rebleeding in patients with acute esophageal and gastric variceal bleeding and portal vein thrombosis after endoscopic treatment in liver cirrhosis.Methods:From January to December 2022, 57 patients with acute esophageal and gastric variceal bleeding who were treated by endoscopy in the emergency department of the Zhongshan Hospital affiliated to the Fudan University were included in the study. According to the results of portal vein CT angiography (CTA), the patients were divided into thrombosis group and non thrombosis group. We compared the basic information and endoscopic treatment status of two groups of patients. All patients were followed up until 1 year after endoscopic treatment or April 15, 2023, and re bleeding and survival were recorded during the follow-up period. The influencing factors of rebleeding after 1 year of treatment were analyzed.Results:The patient′s age was (55.9±11.4)years old, mainly male [78.95%(45/57)]. The average time from initial bleeding to endoscopic treatment for all patients was (6.6±2.8)days. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, sex, combined liver malignancy, Child-pugh score, first bleeding form, ascites, and first laboratory examination results (including hemoglobin, platelet, Prothrombin time, creatinine) (all P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the history of endoscopic treatment, bleeding distance from endoscopic treatment, the proportion of patients with esophageal varices and gastric varices, the proportion of patients with esophageal varices treated with ligation, and the proportion of patients with gastric varices treated with tissue glue between the two groups (all P>0.05). A total of 2 patients died after surgery, and 12 patients experienced rebleeding, including 10 in the thrombotic group and 2 in the non thrombotic group. Kaplan Meier analysis showed that the 1-year rebleeding rate in the thrombotic group was significantly higher than that in the non thrombotic group (59.02% vs 24.71%, RR=6.002, 95% CI: 1.06-34.00, P=0.020 8). Cox multivariate regression analysis suggests that the presence of portal vein thrombosis ( HR=7.669, 95% CI: 1.453-40.472, P=0.016) was an independent risk factor for recurrent bleeding after endoscopic treatment of acute esophageal and gastric variceal bleeding for one year. Conclusions:Portal vein thrombosis in liver cirrhosis increases the risk of recurrent bleeding after endoscopic treatment for acute esophageal and gastric variceal bleeding for one year. For patients with acute Upper gastrointestinal bleeding complicated with portal vein thrombosis, regular endoscopic and ultrasonic follow-up, individualized endoscopic sequential and selective anticoagulation therapy should be carried out.

Establishment and validation of a risk prediction model for portal vein thrombosis in liver cirrhosis by nomogram / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective:To explore the independent risk factors of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in liver cirrhosis, and to establish and evaluate a risk prediction model for PVT in patients with cirrhosis.Methods:A total of 295 cases of cirrhosis hospitalized in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from December 2019 to October 2021 were divided into a modeling set ( n=207) and an internal validation set ( n=88) by the random number table. In addition, patients with cirrhosis hospitalized in Yichang Central People's Hospital, Wuhan Puren Hospital, No.2 People's Hospital of Fuyang City and People's Hospital of China Three Gorges University during the same period were collected as an external validation set ( n=92). The modeling set was divided into PVT group ( n=56) and non-PVT group ( n=151). Univariate analysis was used to preliminarily screen the related indicators of PVT, and then multivariate logistic regression analysis with forward stepwise regression was used to determine independent risk factors for PVT. A nomogram prediction model was constructed based on the independent risk factors obtained. The internal and external validation set were used to verify the predictive ability of the model. Distinction degree was used to evaluate the ability of the model to distinguish patients with or without PVT. Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test was used to evaluate the consistency between predicted risk and the actual risk of the model. Results:Univariate analysis showed that smoking, history of splenectomy, trans-jugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), gastrointestinal bleeding and endoscopic variceal treatment, and levels of hemoglobin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and D-dimer were significantly different between the PVT group and the non-PVT group ( P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that smoking ( P=0.020, OR=31.21, 95% CI: 1.71-569.40), levels of D-dimer ( P=0.003, OR=1.12, 95% CI: 1.04-1.20) and hemoglobin ( P=0.039, OR=0.99, 95% CI: 0.97-1.00), history of TIPS ( P=0.011, OR=18.04, 95% CI: 1.92-169.90) and endoscopic variceal treatment ( P=0.001, OR=3.21, 95% CI: 1.59-6.50) were independent risk factors for PVT in patients with liver cirrhosis. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for the internal validation set was 0.802 (95% CI: 0.709-0.895) ( P<0.001), and the AUC for the external validation set was 0.811 (95% CI: 0.722-0.900) ( P<0.001). Both AUC were larger than 0.75. The calibration curve of Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test showed that the P values of both internal validation set ( χ2=3.602, P=0.891) and the external validation set ( χ2=11.025, P=0.200) were larger than 0.05. Conclusion:Smoking, history of TIPS or endoscopic variceal treatment, levels of D-dimer and hemoglobin are independent risk factors for PVT in patients with liver cirrhosis. The prediction nomogram model based on the above factors has strong predictive ability.

Research advances of portal vein thrombosis in perioperative period of liver transplantation / 中华器官移植杂志

Correlated with such hepatic-systemic factors as cirrhosis, inflammation and immunity, portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is common in perioperative period of liver transplantation (LT) recipients.It affects negatively surgical procedures and outcomes due to its insidious onset and atypical clinical symptoms.With continuous improvements of LT techniques and refining of medical imaging, researchers have gained further insights into the pathophysiological processes, screening, diagnoses, evaluations, classifications and perioperative managements of PVT.This review focused upon perioperative managements of LT recipients with PVT to enhance the clinical problem-solving capability and long-term patient survival.

Clinical efficacy of TACE combined with PVE versus percutaneous microwave ablation liver partition with PVE for planned hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma with insufficient remnant liver volume / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with portal vein embolization (PVE) and percutaneous microwave ablation liver partition with PVE for planned hepatectomy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with insu-fficient remnant liver volume.Methods:The clinical data of 51 patients with initially unresectable HCC due to insufficient remnant liver volume admitted to Zhejiang Provincial Tongde Hospital and Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital from January 2014 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, including 37 males and 14 females, aged (56.7±11.2) years old. Patients were divided into two groups according to the treatment prior to hepatectomy: percutaneous microwave ablation liver partition combined with PVE (AP group, n=12) and TACE with PVE (TP group, n=39). Patients who successfully underwent planned hepatectomy in the above two groups were marked as resectable AP group ( n=10) and the resectable TP group ( n=29), respectively. Clinical data including the waiting time for surgery and the incidence of complications were analyzed. Patients were followed up by telephone or outpatient review. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank analysis were used for survival comparison. Results:The FLR growth rate was higher in AP group [76.5% (65.3%, 81.6%)] than that in TP group [31.4% (28.2%, 41.9%), P<0.01]. The waiting time for planned hepatectomy in the resectable AP group was 12.0 (11.3, 14.5) d, shorter than that in the resec-table TP group [21.0 (15.0, 29.0) d, P<0.05]. The incidence of postoperative complications was higher in the resectable AP group than that in the resectable TP group [80.0% (8/10) vs. 27.6% (8/29), P<0.05]. There was one perioperative death in the resectable AP group. The survival rate after PVE was lower in AP group than that in TP group, and the survival rate after hepatectomy was also lower in the resectable AP group than that in the resectable TP group (all P<0.05). Conclusion:For HCC patients with insufficient FLR, TACE combined with PVE is a safe and effective method for enlargement of liver remnant, whereas percutaneous microwave ablation liver partition with PVE showed a poor prognosis, despite the higher rate of FLR enlargement and shortened the waiting time for planned hepatectomy.

Clinical efficacy of portal vein embolization with different embolization materials in patients with initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To study the clinical effects of portal vein embolization (PVE) with N-butyl cyanoacrylate copolymer (NBCA) and with gelatin sponge (GS) as embolization materials in patients with initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods:Clinical data of 90 patients with initial unresectable HCC who underwent PVE treatment at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University from November 2014 to April 2020 were included. There were 77 males and 13 females, aged 48 (25, 67) years old. Patients were divided into two groups according to the embolization materials selected in PVE: NBCA group ( n=60) and GS group ( n=30). Forty-eight and 18 patients finally underwent secondary hepatectomy in NBCA group (resectable NBCA group) and GS group (resectable GS group), respectively. Clinical data including future liver remnant (FLR) growth rate and secondary hepatectomy rate were analyzed. Survivals after hepatectomy was followed up by telephone, WeChat, and outpatient review. Results:The secondary hepatectomy rate in NBCA group was higher than that in GS group [80%(48/60) vs. 60%(18/30), P=0.043]. The waiting time from primary intervention to secondary hepatectomy in resectable NBCA group was 15 (7, 96) d, which was shorter than that in resectable GS group [40 (28, 118) d, P<0.001]. The FLR growth rate of resectable NBCA group was 9.03 (1.24, 29.64) ml/d, which was faster than that in resectable GS group [3.76 (0.08, 8.03) ml/d, P<0.001]. The recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates of patients in resectable NBCA group were 69.1%, 62.0% and 44.7% at 1, 2 and 3 years after surgery, and the overall survival (OS) rates were 76.4%, 69.5% and 59.6%, respectively. The RFS rates of patients in resectable GS group were 60.6%, 48.5% and 35.4% at 1, 2 and 3 years after surgery, and the OS rates were 66.7%, 60.6% and 42.4%, respectively. There were no significant differences in RFS and OS between two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions:PVE with NBCA and GS as embolization material showed good efficacy in patients with initially unresectable HCC. The FLR growth rate and secondary hepatectomy rate of patients using NBCA were better than those of patients using GS.

Research progress of accelerated liver regeneration induced by associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) can induce accelerated regeneration of future liver remnant (FLR) and provide the opportunity of radical resection for previously inoperable patients with liver cancer, which has been considered to be one of the most important breakthroughs in liver surgery during the 21st century. It is of great significance to fully understand the mechanism of accelerated liver regeneration induced by ALPPS. This article comprehensively reviews the research progress in this field during the past 10 years.

Research progress on the formation mechanism of hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a common malignant disease in clinical practice, and portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) is one of the important factors affecting the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. PVTT has strong oncologic characteristics and is highly susceptible to extrahepatic metastasis, complicating portal hypertension, leading to gastrointestinal bleeding or liver failure and causing death. In this paper, we review the formation mechanism of hepatocellular carcinoma combined with PVTT in terms of local anatomy, hemodynamics, molecular biology and tumor microenvironment to provide effective reference for clinical treatment.

Analysis of risk factors causing early postoperative portal vein thrombosis after salvage devascularization for failed endoscopic therapy / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To study the risk factors of early postoperative portal vein thrombosis (PVT) after salvage devascularization for failed endoscopic therapy.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 525 cirrhotic patients who underwent pericardial devascularization for portal hypertension and esophagogastric variceal bleeding at the Department of General Surgery, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2012 to January 2022. There were 435 males and 90 females, aged 47(37, 58) years old. These patients were divided into two groups based on whether PVT occurred after devascularization: the PVT group ( n=225) and the non-PVT group ( n=300). Clinical data including gender, age, portal vein diameter and postoperative platelet elevation level (PPEL) were studied and the related factors of PVT were analyzed by univariate analysis. Factors with statistically significant differences were included in logistic regression analysis. Results:Univariate analysis showed that the significant risk factors of PVT were the scores of the model of end-stage liver disease, platelets, portal vein diameter, endoscopic therapy, operation duration, surgical bleeding volume, intraoperative blood transfusion and PPEL on the first and third postoperative days (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that portal vein diameter ≥13 mm ( OR=6.000, 95% CI: 3.418-10.533), endoscopic injection ( OR=1.894, 95% CI: 1.196-2.998), operation duration ≥ 180 min ( OR=8.520, 95% CI: 5.333-13.554), PPEL ≥ 20×10 9/L on the first postoperative day ( OR=2.125, 95% CI: 1.306-3.456) and PPEL≥50×10 9/L on the third postoperative day ( OR=1.925, 95% CI: 1.192-3.109) increased the risk of PVT (all P<0.05). Conclusion:The diameter of portal vein, endoscopic treatment, operation duration and PPEL on the first and third days after operation were independent risk factors of early postoperative PVT development.