Revisión Anatómica de Sistema Venoso Intrahepático. Hematoma Intrahepático Subcapsular en Colecistectomia Laparoscópica / Anatomical Review of Intrahepatic Venous System. Subcapsular Intrahepatic Hematoma In Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

La aparición del hematoma intrahepático subcapsular (SHI) después de la colecistectomía laparoscópica es una complicación poco frecuente. El estudio anatómico de las venas suprahepáticas nos permitió observar que existen numerosos patrones de ramificación de estos. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 37 años que, durante la intervención de colecistectomía laparoscópica, se observa en el acto quirúrgico, la formación espontánea de hematomas subcapsulares, secundario a la tracción forzada del fondo del órgano

The appearance of subcapsular intrahepatic hematoma (SHI) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy is an infrequent complication.The anatomical study of the suprahepatic veins allowed us to observe that there are numerous branching patterns of these. We present the case of a 37-year-old female who, during the laparoscopic cholecystectomy intervention, is observed in the surgical act, the spontaneous formation of subcapsular hematomas, secondary to forced traction of the fundus of the organ

Bases anatómicas y aplicación clínica inicial del abordaje glissoniano intrahepático en las hepatectomías / Anatomical bases and initial clinical application of the intrahepatic Glissonian approach in hepatectomies / Bases anatômicas e aplicação clínica inicial da abordagem glissoniana intra-hepática em hepatectomias

Introducción: El control pedicular durante las resecciones hepáticas puede hacerse mediante disección hiliar extrahepática (DHE) o abordaje glissoniano (AG). El AG intrahepático (AGI) según técnica de Machado puede brindar ciertas ventajas, especialmente en disecciones difíciles. Sin embargo, es menos empleado que la DHE. Objetivo: Analizar las bases anatómicas del AGI y comunicar nuestra experiencia clínica inicial. Material y métodos : El AGI según técnica de Machado se practicó en seis (6) hígados cadavéricos. Luego se hizo la disección hepática para valorar la efectividad del cargado pedicular y medir la profundidad de los diferentes pedículos glissonianos. La aplicación clínica de la técnica fue gradual y selectiva, aplicándola cuando nos parecía factible y que aportaba alguna ventaja sobre la DHE. Resultados: en los 6 hígados cadavéricos fue posible realizar el cargado de todos los pedículos glissonianos (lobares y sectoriales bilateralmente, así como los segmentarios izquierdos). Estos se encuentran a una profundidad menor a 2 cm de la capsula hepática, siendo accesibles para su control mediante AGI. La principal excepción es el pedículo anterior derecho, cuyo nacimiento es más profundo, lo que asociado a su origen en sentido cefálico y a veces ramificado, puede hacer más difícil su cargado. La aplicación del AGI se llevo a cabo en 5 pacientes, en todos fue efectiva, insumió poco tiempo y no tuvo complicaciones intraoperatorias. Conclusiones: el AGI según técnica de Machado es un procedimiento sistematizado, reproducible, factible y seguro, aún en su aplicación clínica inicial. El conocimiento anatómico de los pedículos glissonianos es fundamental para llevarlo a cabo con éxito.

Introduction: Pedicle control during liver resections can be done by extrahepatic hilar dissection (EHD) or the Glissonian approach (GA). Intrahepatic GA (IGA) according to the Machado technique can offer certain advantages, especially in difficult dissections. However, it is used less than the DHE. Objective : to analyze the anatomical bases of the IGA and to communicate our initial clinical experience. Material and methods : IGA according to the Machado technique was performed on six (6) cadaveric livers. Liver dissection was then performed to assess the effectiveness of pedicle loading and measure the depth of the different Glissonian pedicles. The clinical application of the technique was gradual and selective, applying it when it seemed feasible and that it provided some advantage over DUS. Results : in the 6 cadaveric livers it was possible to load all the Glissonian pedicles (lobar and sectoral bilaterally, as well as the left segmental ones). These are found at a depth of less than 2 cm from the hepatic capsule, being accessible for control by IGA. The main exception is the right anterior pedicle, whose origin is deeper, which, associated with its cephalad and sometimes branched origin, can make it more difficult to load. The application of the IGA was carried out in 5 patients, in all of them it was effective, it took little time and there were no intraoperative complications. Conclusions: the IGA according to the Machado technique is a systematic, reproducible, feasible and safe procedure, even in its initial clinical application. The anatomical knowledge of the Glissonian pedicles is essential to carry it out successfully.

Introdução: o controle pedicular durante as ressecções hepáticas pode ser feito por dissecção hilar extra-hepática (DHE) ou abordagem Glissoniana (AG). A AG intra-hepática (AGI) segundo a técnica de Machado pode oferecer algumas vantagens, principalmente em dissecções difíceis. No entanto, é usado menos do que o DHE. Objetivo: Analisar as bases anatômicas da AGI e comunicar nossa experiência clínica inicial. Material e métodos : A AGI segundo a técnica de Machado foi realizada em seis (6) fígados cadavéricos. A dissecção do fígado foi então realizada para avaliar a eficácia da carga pedicular e medir a profundidade dos diferentes pedículos Glissonianos. A aplicação clínica da técnica foi gradativa e seletiva, aplicando-a quando parecia viável e que proporcionava alguma vantagem sobre o USD. Resultados: nos 6 fígados cadavéricos foi possível carregar todos os pedículos Glissonianos (lobares e setoriais bilateralmente, assim como os segmentares esquerdos). Estes são encontrados a menos de 2 cm da cápsula hepática, sendo acessíveis para controle por AGI. A principal exceção é o pedículo anterior direito, cuja origem é mais profunda, o que, associado à sua origem cefálica e por vezes ramificada, pode dificultar o carregamento. A aplicação da AGI foi realizada em 5 pacientes, em todos foi eficaz, em pouco tempo e sem complicações intraoperatórias. Conclusões : AGI segundo a técnica de Machado é um procedimento sistemático, reprodutível, factível e seguro, mesmo em sua aplicação clínica inicial. O conhecimento anatômico dos pedículos Glissonianos é essencial para realizá-lo com sucesso.

Situs ambiguous and hepatic vein anomaly: a case report / Situs ambiguous y anomalía de la vena hepática: informe de un caso

SUMMARY: Situs ambiguous is the placement of vessels and organs in the thoracoabdominal space that are anatomically located outside its normal position in a certain order. This condition is a broad definition that includes many variations. In this case report, we reported a patient with Situs ambiguus with an abnormal hepatic vein who was diagnosed incidentally during medical imaging (computed tomography, sonography and MRI study).

RESUMEN: El Situs ambiguous es la colocación de vasos y órganos en el espacio toracoabdominal que anatómicamente se encuentran fuera de su posición normal en un cierto orden. Esta condición es una definición amplia que incluye muchas variaciones. En este reporte de caso, reportamos un paciente con Situs ambiguous con una vena hepática anormal que fue diagnosticado incidentalmente durante un estudio de imagen médica (tomografía computarizada, ecografía y resonancia magnética).

Migração para veia hepática de cateter totalmente implantável para quimioterapia em paciente com carcinoma de mama: relato de caso / Hepatic vein migration of a totally implantable venous access port-a-cath for chemotherapy in a breast carcinoma patient: case report

Resumo O cateter totalmente implantável (CTI) é utilizado na administração da quimioterapia. Em menos de 1% dos casos de complicação, pode ocorrer migração do CTI para quimioterapia para a circulação sistêmica. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever um caso de migração do CTI para a veia hepática. Uma paciente do sexo feminino, de 44 anos de idade, teve diagnóstico de câncer de mama com indicação de quimioterapia neoadjuvante. Realizou-se a implantação de cateter port-a-cath. Durante o procedimento de punção do cateter, houve retorno normal de sangue, e foi realizada infusão de soro fisiológico. Em seguida, houve um aumento de volume no local do port e não retorno de sangue à aspiração. A radiografia de tórax mostrou embolização do cateter em topografia hepática. Retirou-se o cateter pela técnica do laço (sem complicações), e a paciente recebeu alta no dia seguinte. Possíveis alterações no funcionamento do CTI devem chamar atenção da equipe responsável.

Abstract A totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) is used for chemotherapy administration. Venous port migration to the systemic circulation occurs in less than 1% of complications. The aim of this study is to describe a case of TIVAP migration to the hepatic vein. A 44-year-old female patient with breast cancer was prescribed neoadjuvant chemotherapy. A port-a-cath was surgically implanted for chemotherapy. During the port puncture procedure, blood returned normally when aspirated. When the port was first accessed and flushed with saline solution, swelling was observed at the port site and blood could no longer be aspirated. A chest radiography showed catheter embolization in the region of the hepatic vein. The catheter was retrieved using a snare technique (without complications) and the patient was discharged the next day. The care team should be alert to possible TIIVAP malfunction.

Síndrome de Budd-Chiari por obstrução da via de saída da veia hepática por membrana: tratamento percutâneo por angioplastia com balão / Budd-Chiari syndrome due to hepatic venous web outflow obstruction: percutaneous treatment with balloon angioplasty

Resumo A síndrome de Budd-Chiari é uma doença venosa hepática rara, mais incidente em adultos jovens, podendo se apresentar na forma aguda, subaguda ou crônica, o que resulta em hipertensão portal. O tratamento tradicional consiste em técnicas de trombólise e de shunts portossistêmicos intra-hepáticos, como pontes para o transplante hepático. Recentemente, técnicas de angioplastia com balão ou stents têm sido relatadas para o tratamento dessa afecção. Neste artigo, é relatado e discutido um caso de síndrome de Budd-Chiari por obstrução membranosa da via de saída da veia supra-hepática com trombose da veia hepática média em uma paciente de 24 anos. O tratamento estabelecido foi a angioplastia transjugular com balão, que obteve resultados satisfatórios e boa evolução clínica.

Abstract The Budd-Chiari syndrome is a rare hepatic venous disease. It is more prevalent in young adults and may present in acute, subacute, or chronic forms, causing portal hypertension. Traditional treatment consists of thrombolysis techniques and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, as a bridge to liver transplantation. Recently, use of balloon or stent angioplasty techniques has been reported for treatment of this condition. In this article, we report and discuss a case of BCS by membranous obstruction in the hepatic vein outflow tract, with middle hepatic vein thrombosis, in a 24-year-old patient. The treatment chosen and employed was transjugular balloon angioplasty, which achieved satisfactory results and good clinical evolution.

Anatomy of the liver (a05.8. 01. 001): worldwide review, 2019: new findings, concepts and definitions support a division of the liver into seven portal segments / Anatomía del hígado (a05. 8.01. 001): revisión mundial, 2019: nuevos hallazgos, conceptos y definiciones respaldan una división del hígado en siete segmentos portales

Due to a lack of consensus on the description of the human liver anatomy, we decided to explore different researches worldwide. Studies are focused on the hepatic vascularization. The results obtained through serial dissections in embryos, fetuses and adults have contributed to new definitions. Researchers around the world have agreed on finding the bases to propose a liver segmentation with seven portal segments.

La confusión existente en la descripción de la anatomía del hígado humano nos llevó a realizar esta revisión a nivel mundial. Las investigaciones se centran en la vascularización del hígado, el conocimiento obtenido mediante disecciones seriadas en embriones, fetos y adultos han aportado nuevos conocimientos que fundamentan nuevas definiciones. Investigadores de países distantes han coincidido en encontrar las bases para proponer una segmentación del hígado con siete segmentos portales.

Characterization of Flow Efficiency, Pulsatility, and Respiratory Variability in Different Types of Fontan Circuits Using Quantitative Parameters

PURPOSE: Details on the hemodynamic differences among Fontan operations remain unclear according to respiratory and cardiac cycles. This study was undertaken to investigate hemodynamic characteristics in different types of Fontan circulation by quantification of blood flow with the combined influence of cardiac and respiratory cycles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients [10 atriopulmonary connections (APC), 13 lateral tunnels (LT), and 12 extracardiac conduits (ECC)] were evaluated, and parameters were measured in the superior vena cava, inferior vena cava (IVC), hepatic vein (HV), baffles, conduits, and left and right pulmonary artery. Pulsatility index (PIx), respiratory variability index (RVI), net antegrade flow integral (NAFI), and inspiratory/expiratory blood flow (IQ/EQ) were measured by intravascular Doppler echocardiography. RESULTS: The PIx between APC and total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC; LT and ECC) showed significant differences at all interrogation points regardless of respiratory cycles. The PIxs of HVs and IVCs in APC significantly increased, compared with that in LT and ECC, and the RVI between APC and TCPC showed significant differences at all interrogation points (p < 0.05). The NAFI and IQ/EQ between APC and TCPC showed significant differences at some interrogation points (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with different types of Fontan circulation show different hemodynamic characteristics in various areas of the Fontan tract, which may lead to different risks causing long-term complications. We believe the novel parameters developed in this study may be used to determine flow characteristics and may serve as a clinical basis of management in patients after Fontan operations.

Analysis of risk factors for portal vein thrombosis after liver resection

PURPOSE: We evaluated the risk factors for posthepatectomy thrombosis including portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and clinical outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 563 patients who had undergone hepatectomy from February 2009 to December 2014. Twenty-nine patients with preoperatively confirmed thrombosis and tumor recurrence-related thrombosis were excluded. We identified the location of the thrombosis as main portal vein (MPV), peripheral portal vein (PPV) and other site such as hepatic vein or inferior vena cava. Patients with MPV thrombosis and PPV thrombosis with main portal flow disturbance were treated with anticoagulation therapy. We performed operative thrombectomy before anticoagulation therapy who did combined portal vein (PV) segmental resection. RESULTS: Of the 534 patients, 22 (4.1%) developed posthepatectomy thrombosis after hepatectomy. Among them, 19 (86.4%) had PVT. The mean duration of Pringle's maneuver was significant longer in the PVT group than the no-thrombosis group (P = 0.020). Patients who underwent combined PV segmental resection during hepatectomy were more likely to develop posthepatectomy PVT (P = 0.001). Thirteen patients who had MPV thrombosis and PPV thrombosis with main portal flow disturbance received anticoagulation therapy immediately after diagnosis and all of them were improved. Among them, 2 patients who developed PVT at the PV anastomosis site after PV segmental resection, underwent operative thrombectomy before anticoagulation therapy and both were improved. There were no patients who developed complications related to anticoagulation therapy. CONCLUSION: Long duration of Pringle's maneuver and PV segmental resection were risk factors. Anticoagulation therapy or operative thrombectomy should be considered for PVT without contraindications.

Can we delineate preoperatively the right and ventral margins of caudate lobe of the liver?

PURPOSE: Complete removal of the caudate lobe, which is sometimes necessary, is accomplished via isolated caudate lobectomy or hepatectomy that includes the caudate lobe. It is impossible, however, to confirm the right and ventral margins of the caudate lobe by preoperative imaging. This study was undertaken to determine whether we could identify the right and ventral margins of the caudate lobe preoperatively using Synapse 3D visualization software. METHODS: Ninety-four preoperative 3-dimensional (3D) computed tomographic images (1-mm slices) of the liver from candidate donors were examined. The images of the caudate lobe were subjected to a counter-staining method according to Synapse 3D to delineate their dimensions. We first examined whether the right margin of the caudate lobe exceeded the plane formed by the root of the right hepatic vein (RHV) and the right side of the inferior vena cava (IVC). Second, we determined whether the ventral margin of the caudate lobe exceeded the plane formed by the root of the middle hepatic vein (MHV) and the root of the RHV. RESULTS: For the right margin, 17 cases (18%) exceeded the RHV-IVC plane by a mean of 10.2 mm (range, 2.4–27.2 mm). For the ventral margin, 28 cases (30%) exceeded the MHV-RHV plane by a mean of 17.4 mm (range, 1.2–49.1 mm). CONCLUSION: Evaluating the anatomy of caudate lobe using Synapse 3D preoperatively could be helpful for more precise anatomical resection of the caudate lobe.

Seven segmental pedicles at the porta hepatis / Siete pedículos segmentarios en la porta hepatis

SUMMARY: We wanted to know how many segmental portal branches were born from the primary branches of the hepatic portal vein in the porta hepatis, in order to determine the number of portal segments in human liver. We studied 286 human livers, age groups ranging from fetuses to octogenarians, both sexes and all races, using dissection, colored acrylic injection and reconstituted tomographic images. We found the porta hepatis channel formed by each and every portal segment; we found seven segmental terminal pedicles for seven portal segments, three planes of vertical and three planes of horizontal portal fissures. There are seven terminal portal pedicles that are formed in the porta hepatis from the right and left branches of the hepatic portal vein. The only variation was portal branch V emerging from the right branch in 79 % of cases or from the left branch in 21 %. The definition of hepatic portal segment is: Portion of parenchyma irrigated by terminal branches of the portal vein and the hepatic artery proper, isolated from the other segments by planes of portal fissures and forms the parenchymal channel of the porta hepatis where it receives its vascularization. We propose a new and simple portal segmentation based on the previous definition.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este trabajo consistió en conocer el número de ramas portales segmentarias que nacen de las ramas primarias de la vena porta hepática en la Porta hepatis, con la finalidad de determinar el número de segmentos portales en el hígado humano. Estudiamos 286 hígados, los grupos etarios fueron desde fetos hasta octogenarios, ambos sexos y todas las razas, usamos la disección en fresco, inyección de acrílico coloreado e imágenes tomográficas reconstituidas. El canal de la Porta hepatis estuvo formado por todos y cada uno de los segmentos portales, encontramos siete pedículos terminales segmentarios para siete segmentos portales, el pedículo portal para el segmento V nació de la porta derecha en 79 % de casos y de la porta izquierda en 21 %, encontramos tres planos de fisuras portales verticales y tres horizontales. Existen siete pedículos segmentarios portales terminales que se forman en la Porta hepatis a partir de las ramas derecha e izquierda de la vena porta hepática. La única variación fue que la rama portal para el segmento V nació de la rama derecha en 79 % de casos y de la rama izquierda en 21 %. Concluimos que la definición de segmento portal hepático es: Porción de parénquima irrigado por ramas terminales de la vena porta y la arteria hepática propia, aislada de los otros segmentos por planos de fisuras y que llega a conformar el canal parenquimal de la Porta hepatis donde recibe su vascularización. Proponemos una nueva y sencilla segmentación portal basada en la definición previa.

Automatic 3D modeling of liver segments including segmental branches of portal triad and hepatic vein based on the sectioned-images / Modelado 3D automático de segmentos hepáticos, con las ramas segmentarias de la tríada portal y la vena hepática basadas en las imágenes seccionadas

SUMMARY: The liver dimensional (3D) models, consists of eight segments including portal triad (portal vein, hepatic artery, and bile duct), are necessary because it is difficult to dissect a liver and its inner structures. But it is difficult to produce 3D models from high resolution and color sectioned-images. This study presents automatic and accurate methods for producing liver 3D models from the sectionedimages. Based on the sectioned-images and color-filled-images of the liver, a 3D model including both the portal triad and hepatic vein was made. Referring to the 3D model, 3D models of liver's eight segments including the segmental branches of the portal triad and hepatic vein were completed and saved as STL format. All STL files were combined and saved as Liver-3D in PDF format for the common user. By functional subdivision of liver, the Liver-3D was divided into left (segments II, III, and, IV) and right (segments V, VI, VII, and VIII) liver in bookmark window of the PDF file. In addition, in Liver-3D, the primary to tertiary segmental branches of the portal triad could be shown in different colors. Owing to the difficulty of 3D modeling of liver including eight segments and segmental branches of the portal triad and hepatic, we started this research to find automatic methods for producing 3D models. The methods for producing liver 3D models will assist in 2D selection and 3D modeling of other complicated structures.

RESUMEN: Los modelos hepáticos dimensionales (3D) consisten en ocho segmentos que incluyen la tríada portal (vena porta, arteria hepática y conducto biliar), y son necesarios ya que es difícil disecar un hígado y sus estructuras internas. Sin embargo, es difícil producir modelos 3D a partir de imágenes en alta resolución e imágenes seccionadas en color. Este estudio presenta métodos automáticos y precisos para producir modelos 3D de hígado a partir de las imágenes seccionadas. Sobre la base de las imágenes seccionadas y las imágenes del hígado llenas de color, se realizó un modelo 3D que incluía tanto la tríada portal como la vena hepática. En referencia al modelo 3D, se completaron modelos 3D de los ocho segmentos del hígado que incluían las ramas segmentarias de la tríada portal y la vena hepática y se guardaron como formato STL. Todos los archivos STL fueron combinados y guardados como Liver-3D en formato PDF para el usuario común. Por subdivisión funcional del hígado, el hígado-3D se dividió en hígado izquierdo (segmentos II, III y IV) y derecho (segmentos V, VI, VII y VIII) en la ventana de marcador del archivo PDF. Además, en Liver-3D, las ramas segmentarias primarias a terciarias de la tríada portal podrían mostrarse en diferentes colores. Debido a la dificultad del modelado 3D del hígado, incluidos ocho segmentos y ramas segmentarias de la tríada portal y hepática, comenzamos esta investigación para encontrar métodos automáticos para producir modelos 3D. Los métodos para producir modelos 3D de hígado ayudarán en la selección 2D y el modelado 3D de otras estructuras complicadas.

Porción hepática izquierda (A05. 8. 01. 037) / Left part of the liver

RESUMEN: El conocimiento anatómico es necesario para la cirugía hepática. Los conocimientos acerca de la porción izquierda del hígado que aparecen en los textos de anatomía, cirugía y en la Internet deben ser mejorados y enriquecidos, proponemos hacerlo con este trabajo. Se estudiaron 286 hígados humanos que nos permitieron determinar entre otros conocimientos los siguientes: La porción izquierda del hígado fue más grande que la derecha en 21 % de casos. 2) La porción izquierda del hígado estuvo formada por los cuatro primeros segmentos portales (79 %) o por los cinco primeros (21 %). 3) La fisura umbilical se inclinó 50 grados hacia la izquierda en relación al plano sagital del hígado y no contuvo a la vena hepática izquierda en 100 % de casos. 4) La vena hepática izquierda tuvo un trayecto intrasegmentario y presentó tres modalidades de drenaje. 5) La irrigación arterial de los segmentos izquierdos I y IV nació de la rama derecha en 16 % y de ambas ramas en 24 %. 6) El drenaje biliar de los segmentos derechos VI-VII llegó al conducto hepático izquierdo en 21 % de casos. Estos resultados fueron diferentes de los conocimientos que figuran en los textos de anatomía humana usados en las Escuelas de Medicina a nivel general.

SUMMARY: Accurate anatomical knowledge is necessary for liver surgery. Much of the knowledge about the left portion of the liver in the anatomy, surgery and internet texts must be improved and enriched; we propose to do this with this work. We studied 286 human livers that allowed us to determine further knowledge, along with the following information: 1) The left liver portion was larger than the right liver in 21 % of cases. 2) The left portion of the liver was formed by the first four portal segments (79 %) or by the first five (21 %). 3) The umbilical fissure tilted 50 degrees to the left relative to the sagittal plane of the liver and did not contain the left hepatic vein in 100 % of cases. 4) The left hepatic vein had an intrasegmental path and presented three drainage modalities. 5) Arterial irrigation of the left segments I and IV were born from the right branch in 16 % and from both branches in 24 %. 6) Bile drainage of right segments VI-VII reached the left hepatic canal in 21 % of cases. These results were different from the knowledge contained in the human anatomy texts used in medical schools at the general level.

Long-term outcomes after stent insertion in patients with early and late hepatic vein outflow obstruction after living donor liver transplantation

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the long-term effects of stenting in patients with hepatic venous outflow obstruction (HVOO), who underwent living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). METHODS: Between January 2000 and December 2009, 622 adult patients underwent LDLT at our hospital, and of these patients, 21 (3.3%) were diagnosed with HVOO; among these patients, 17 underwent stenting. The patients were divided into early or late groups according to the time of their HVOO diagnoses (cutoff: 60 days after liver transplantation). RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 54.2 months (range, 0.5–192.4 months). Stent insertion was successful in 8 of 10 patients in the early group and 6 of 7 in the late group. The 5-year primary patency rates were 46% and 20%, respectively. In both groups, patients with recurrent HVOO at the beginning showed kinking confirmed by venography. Patients who carried their stents for more than 3 years maintained long-term patency. There was no significant difference in spleen size between groups; however, when the groups were compared according to whether they maintained patency, spleens tended to be smaller in the patency-maintained group. CONCLUSION: Unlike stenosis, if kinking is confirmed on venography, stenting is not feasible in the long term for patients with LDLT.

Optimal Monochromatic Imaging of Spectral Computed Tomography Potentially Improves the Quality of Hepatic Vascular Imaging

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficiency of spectral computed tomography (CT) optimal monochromatic images in improving imaging quality of liver vessels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The imaging data of 35 patients with abdominal CT angiography were retrospectively analyzed. Hepatic arteries, portal veins, and hepatic veins were reconstructed with mixed energy (quality check, QC), 70 keV and optimal monochromatic mode. Comparative parameters were analyzed including CT value, image noise (IN), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and subjective qualitative analysis. RESULTS: The optimal monochromatic value for assessment of the common hepatic artery, portal vein, and hepatic vein ranged between 49 keV and 53 keV, with a mean of 51 keV. There were statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) among the optimal monochromatic, 70 keV and QC images with regards to the hepatic vascular CT value, IN, CNR, SNR, and subjective qualitative score. CNR of the common hepatic artery in the optimal monochromatic, 70 keV and QC groups was 24.6 ± 10.9, 18.1 ± 8.3, and 11.6 ± 4.6, respectively (p < 0.001) with subjective scores of 4.7 ± 0.2, 4.0 ± 0.3, and 3.6 ± 0.4, respectively (p < 0.001). CNR of the hepatic portal vein was 6.9 ± 2.7, 4.3 ± 1.9, and 3.0 ± 2.1, respectively (p < 0.001) with subjective scores of 4.5 ± 0.3, 3.9 ± 0.4, and 3.3 ± 0.3, respectively (p < 0.001). CNR of the hepatic vein was 5.7 ± 2.3, 4.2 ± 1.9, and 2.7 ± 1.4, respectively with subjective scores of 4.3 ± 0.3, 3.8 ± 0.4, and 3.2 ± 0.3, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Optimal monochromatic images can lead to improvement in the imaging parameters and optimization of the image quality of the common hepatic artery, hepatic portal vein and hepatic vein compared with conventional mixed kV and with 70 keV datasets.

Magnetic Resonance Venography Findings of Obstructed Hepatic Veins and the Inferior Vena Cava in Patients with Budd-Chiari Syndrome

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to illustrate the magnetic resonance venography (MRV) manifestations of obstructed hepatic veins (HVs), the inferior vena cava (IVC), and accessory hepatic veins (AHVs) in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) and to evaluate the visualization capacity of MRV in the diagnosis of BCS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two patients with chronic BCS were included in this study. All patients were examined via MRV performed with a 3T system following injections of gadolinium-diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) or Gd-ethoxibenzyl-DTPA. HV and IVC lesions were classified, and their characteristics were described. HV cord-like occlusions detected via MRV were compared using ultrasonography (US). Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed as a contrast in the MRV detection of IVC lesions. The HVs draining collaterals, mainly AHVs, were carefully observed. HV lesions were classified as segmental stenosis, segmental occlusion, membranous stenosis, membranous occlusion, cord-like occlusion, or non-visualized. Except for patent IVCs, IVC lesions were classified as segmental occlusion, segmental stenosis, membranous occlusion, membranous stenosis, and hepatomegaly-induced stenosis. RESULTS: All patients (52/52, 100%) showed HV lesions of different degrees. MRV was inferior to US in detecting cord-like occlusions (6 vs. 19, χ2 = 11.077, p < 0.001). Dilated AHVs, including 50 (50/52, 96.2%) caudate lobe veins and 37 (37/52, 71.2%) inferior HV and AHV lesions, were well-detected. There were no significant differences in detecting segmental lesions and thrombosis between MRV and DSA (χ2 = 0.000, p1 = 1.000, p2 = 1.000). The capacity of MRV to detect membranous lesions was inferior to that of DSA (7 vs. 15, χ2 = 6.125, p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: In patients with BCS, MRV can clearly display the lesions in HVs and the IVC, as well as in AHVs, and it has diagnostic and therapeutic value.

Sorafenib Treatment in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Tumor Thrombus Nearly Occupying the Entire Right Atrium

Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with tumor thrombus extending through the hepatic veins, inferior vena cava, and right atrium (RA) is very rare. However, whether active treatments such as radiation, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, and sorafenib in advanced HCC with RA involvement prolong survival is uncertain. We present a rare case of advanced HCC with tumor thrombus nearly occupying the entire RA that was treated with sorafenib. The patient received 400 mg sorafenib twice daily. However, her liver enzyme levels continued to increase and abdominal computed tomography showed an increase in the tumor size in the liver and RA. In the present case, active treatment with sorafenib was ineffective; thus, palliative care may be more beneficial in advanced HCC with extensive RA involvement.

Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension in an ankylosing spondylitis patient / 영남의대학술지

Idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (INCPH) is a disease with an uncertain etiology consisting of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension and portal pressure increase in the absence of liver cirrhosis. In INCPH, patients exhibit normal liver functions and structures. The factors associated with INCPH include the following: Umbilical/portal pyremia, bacterial diseases, prothrombic states, chronic exposure to arsenic, vinyl chloride monomers, genetic disorders, and autoimmune diseases. Approximately 70% of patients present a history of major variceal bleeding, and treatment relies on the prevention of complications related to portal hypertension. Autoimmune disorders associated with INCPH are mainly systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. To the best of our knowledge, a case of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) associated with INCPH has not been reported thus far. Therfore, we report our experience of a patient with AS accompanied by INCPH, who showed perisplenic varices with patent spleno-portal axis and hepatic veins along with no evidence of cirrhosis on liver biopsy, and provide a brief literature review.

Maternal hepatic venous hemodynamics and cardiac output in normal and fetal growth restricted pregnancies / 中南大学学报(医学版)

To evaluate relationship of maternal hepatic vein Doppler flow parameters and cardiac output (CO) with neonatal birth weight in uncomplicated pregnancies (UP) and pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction (FGR) .
 Methods: Hepatic vein impedance index (HVI), venous pulse transit time (VPTT), and CO were measured in women with UP at the 14th-37th weeks and complicated by FGR at the 26th-37th weeks who underwent maternal hepatic hemodynamic and echocardiographic examination during the ultrasonography. After delivery, the birth weight and the birth weight percentile of each neonate in this study were recorded. Correlations among HVI, VPTT, and CO were analyzed.
 Results: In the UP group, HVI, VPTT, and CO changed with the increase of gestation. In the FGR group, HVI was higher, VPTT was shorter, CO and neonatal birth weight were obviously lower than those in the UP at the 26th-37th weeks (P<0.05).
 Conclusion: There is a series of adaptive changes in hepatic venous hemodynamics and CO in UP with the increase of gestation to meet the demand of fetal growth, while the maladaptive changes in hepatic venous hemodynamics and CO in pregnant woman may contribute to FGR.

Measuring Intrahepatic Vascular Changes Using Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography to Predict the Prognosis of Alcoholic Hepatitis Combined with Cirrhosis: A Prospective Pilot Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Acute hepatic dysfunction combined with alcoholic hepatitis (AH) in alcoholic cirrhosis is related to hepatic hypo-perfusion secondary to intrahepatic necroinflammation, neoangiogenesis, and shunt. The hepatic vein arrival time (HVAT) assessed by microbubble contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) is closely correlated with the severity of intrahepatic changes. We investigated the usefulness of HVAT to predict short-term mortality of AH in cirrhosis. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with alcoholic cirrhosis (27 males) and AH were prospectively enrolled. HVAT study was performed within 3 days after admission using ultrasonic contrast (SonoVue®). The primary outcome was 12-week mortality. RESULTS: Twelve-week mortality developed in nine patients. HVAT was significantly different between the mortality and survival groups (9.3±2.0 seconds vs 12.6±3.5 seconds, p=0.002). The odds ratio of a shortened HVAT for 12-week mortality was 1.481 (95% confidence interval, 1.050–2.090; p=0.025). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of HVAT for 12-week mortality was 0.787 (p=0.010). The combination of MDF and HVAT ≥11.0 seconds resulted in an 87.5% survival rate even if the MDF score ≥32; however, HVAT < 11.0 seconds was related with mortality despite a MDF score < 32. CONCLUSIONS: HVAT using microbubble CEUS could be a useful additional index to predict short-term mortality in patients with AH and cirrhosis.

Predicting the presence of an accessory hepatic vein using abdominal computed tomography / Predicción de la presencia de una vena hepática accesoria mediante tomografía computarizada abdominal

The incidence of detection of accessory hepatic vein (AHV) using MRI or CT has been reported. However, previous studies had a small sample size or only reported on the incidence of hepatic vein variants. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no previous report evaluating the factors predictive of the presence of an AHV. To evaluate the incidence and morphology of the accessory hepatic vein (AHV) using multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) and to investigate the factors which may be helpful in predicting the presence of an AHV. We enrolled 360 patients who underwent abdominal MDCT. We investigated whether the AHV was present and evaluated the frequency of AHVs greater than 5 mm in diameter. We classified the morphology of the AHV entering the inferior vena cava (IVC). We also examined the factors that predicted the presence of an AHV by comparing the diameter of the middle hepatic vein (MHV) and the right hepatic vein (RHV). We identified an AHV in 164 of the 360 patients (45.6 %). Among the 164 AHVs, 56.7 % were larger than 5 mm in diameter. The most common morphologies of the inferior RHV were a single main trunk (58.5 %), followed by two main trunks with a V-shape (19.5 %) and two trunks entering the IVC separately (17.0 %). The possibility that an AHV will be present was significantly higher when the diameter of the RHV was smaller than that of the MHV. MDCT can provide important information regarding AHV incidence and morphology. The possibility of an AHV being present was significantly higher when the diameter of the RHV was smaller than that of the MHV.

Se ha informado de la incidencia de la detección de la vena hepática accesoria (VHA) mediante RM o TC. Sin embargo, estudios previos tenían un tamaño muestral pequeño o solo informaban sobre la incidencia de variantes de las venas hepáticas. Hasta donde sabemos, no ha habido ningún informe previo que evalúe los factores predictivos de la presencia de una VHA. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la incidencia y morfología de la vena hepática accesoria (VHA) mediante tomografía computarizada multidetector (TCMD) e investigar los factores que pueden ser útiles para predecir la presencia de un VHA. Se evaluaron 360 pacientes que se sometieron a TCMD abdominal. Se investigó si la VHA estaba presente y se evaluó la frecuencia de VHA mayores de 5 mm de diámetro. Se clasificó la morfología del VHA que drenaba en la vena cava inferior (VCI). Además, se examinaron los factores que predijeron la presencia de una VHA mediante la comparación del diámetro de la vena hepática media (VHM) y la vena hepática derecha (VHD). Se identificó un VHA en 164 de los 360 pacientes (45,6%). Entre las 164 VHA, el 56,7% tenía más de 5 mm de diámetro. Las morfologías más frecuentes del VHD inferior fueron un tronco principal único (58,5%), seguido por dos troncos principales con forma de V (19,5%) y dos troncos que drenaban en la VCI por separado (17,0%). La posibilidad de que una VHA esté presente fue significativamente mayor cuando el diámetro de la VHD era menor que la de la VHM. La MDCT puede proporcionar información importante sobre la incidencia de la VHA y su morfología. La posibilidad de que un VHA estuviera presente era significativamente mayor cuando el diámetro del VHD era menor que la VHM.