Indications et résultats de la splénectomie chez le drépanocytaire au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Libreville / Indications and results of splenectomy in sickle cell patients at the University Hospital Center of Libreville

Introduction : la drépanocytose est une affection génétique héréditaire responsable d'une déformation des hématies en «faucilles¼. Elle peut engendrer de nombreuses complications parmi lesquelles la séquestration splénique et l'hypersplénisme. La splénectomie fait partie de l'arsenal thérapeutique, induisant un état d'hyposplénie ou d'asplénie aux conséquences parfois mortelles, surtout chez le sujet drépanocytaire. Le but de ce travail mené au service de chirurgie du centre hospitalier universitaire de Libreville au Gabon, est de déterminer les indications et les résultats à moyen terme de la splénectomie chez le drépanocytaire.Matériel et méthodes : il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective, descriptive et monocentrique allant d'octobre 2016 à avril 2019. Tous les dossiers des patients drépanocytaires opérés d'une splénectomie seule ou associée à un autre geste chirurgical étaient retenus.Résultats : au total treize patients ont été inclus dans notre étude. L'âge moyen des patients était de 10,7 ans [3-25 ans]. L'indication opératoire était l'hypersplénisme (8 cas), la séquestration splénique (3 cas), et l'infarctus splénique (2 cas). Tous les patients étaient opérés d'une splénectomie totale par laparotomie. La vaccinothérapie et l'antibioprophylaxie post-opératoire étaient réalisées chez tous les patients. Aucune complication post-opératoire immédiate ni aucun décès n'avaient été noté chez tous les patients.Conclusion : l'indication des splénectomies chez le drépanocytaire est dominée par l'hypersplénisme. Dans notre context la splénectomie totale par laparotomie semble être la règle. La vaccination prophylactique est bien administrée. La morbi-mortalité post-opératoire immédiate est nulle.

Introduction: Sickle cell disease is a genetic inherited disorder responsible for the deformation of red blood cells into"sickles". It can lead to many complications including splenic sequestration and hypersplenism. Splenectomy is the indicated gesture. It induces a state of hyposplenia or asplenia with dreadful consequences, sometimes fatal especially in this sickle cell patient. The aim of this work, conducted at the Surgery Department of Libreville University Hospital Center in Gabon, is to determine the indications and results of splenectomy in sickle cell patients.Material and methods: this was a retrospective, descriptive and single-center study from October 2016 to April 2019.All records of sickle cell patients undergoing splenectomy alone or with other surgical procedures were included.Results: a total of thirteen patients were included in our study. The average age of the patients was 10.7 years [3-25years]. The operative indication was hypersplenism (8 cases), splenic sequestration (3 cases), and splenic infarction(2 cases). All patients underwent total splenectomy under laparotomy. Vaccine therapy and postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis were performed in all patients. No immediatepostoperativecomplications or deaths were noted in all patients. Conclusion: the indication of splenectomies in sickle cell disease is dominated by hypersplenism. In our context, total splenectomy under laparotomy was the rule. Prophylactic vaccination is well administered. Immediate postoperative morbidity and mortality is nil.

Percutaneous microwave ablation versus partial splenic embolization for treatment of hypersplenism in patients with liver cirrhosis

Background and study aim: In patients suffering from portal hypertension as result of liver cirrhosis, hypersplenism was ranged from 11 to 55%. The aim of our work was to compare between percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) and partial splenic artery embolization (PSE) in the management of hypersplenism in patients with liver cirrhosis as regard efficacy and safety. Patients and Methods: Sixty patients with liver cirrhosis complicated with splenomegaly and hypersplenism were divided randomly into three groups; Group (1): Twenty patients were underwent one session of MW ablation of splenic parenchyma with target ablation volume about 20%, Group (2): Twenty patients were underwent two sessions of MW ablation of splenic parenchyma with 1 week interval with target ablation up to 40%, Group (3): Twenty patients were underwent PSE. Results: There was an improvement in the hemoglobin, platelet and leucocyte levels in three groups, which was 9.47± 2.14 gm/dl, 42.75 ± 15.4 x103/ mm3 and 2.6±0.5 x103/mm3 before the procedure respectively and become 9.95 ± 2.29 gm/dl, 313.5±99.6 x103/mm3 and 6.88± 1.89 x103/mm3 after one month as regard PSE group. As regard one session of MWA was 9.73±2.02 gm/dl, 45.57±11.2 x103/mm3 and 2.8±0.85 x103/mm3 and become 11.83±0.74 gm/dl, 152±26.43 x103/mm3 and 5.85±1.01 x103/mm3 after one month. As regard two sessions of MWA group; was 9.2±2.15 gm/dl, 40.6± 11.5 x103/mm3 and 2.4±0.55 x103/mm3 and become 12.74±1.2 gm/dl, 183.4± 26.43 x103/mm3 and 6.29±1.17 x103/mm3 after one month. PSE was significantly more effective in the elevation of platelets and leucocytes than other two groups (p=0.00), and two sessions of MWA more than one session of MWA. The two sessions MWA group was significantly higher than other two groups while one session of MWA group was more than PSE group in the elevation of hemoglobin (p=0.00). No mortality occurred in the three groups, but PSE was associated with more serious complications than the other two groups. Conclusion: MWA and PSE were effective in treatment of hypersplenism in patients with liver cirrhosis, while percutaneous MWA has less serious complications than PSE

Premières données nigériennes à propos des étiologies de la Pancytopénie : une étude sur 285 patients au service d'Onco-Hématologie de l'Hôpital National de Niamey

Introduction : La pancytopénie est définie comme étant une baisse associée des lignées érythrocytaire, granulocytaire et plaquettaire. L'origine est centrale ou périphérique. Cliniquement elle est caractérisée par une pâleur, de la fièvre et un syndrome hémorragique. C'est la première étude spécifique consacrée à ce sujet. Matériels et Méthodes: Il s'agit d'une étude portant sur 285 dossiers de patients sur 14 années. La pancytopénie était définie en présence des critères suivants : un taux d'Hb < 11 g/dl ; un taux de globules blancs (GB) < 4000/mmᶾ avec un taux de PNN < 1500 /mmᶾ ; un taux de plaquettes < 150 000/mmᶾ.Les paramètres étudiés avaient porté sur l'âge, le sexe, les signes cliniques (Pâleur, asthénie, fièvre, syndrome hémorragique), les résultats des examens paracliniques : hémogramme, myélogramme, biopsie ostéo-médullaire, goutte épaisse, sérologie VIH, hémocultures et échographie. Les critères de non inclusion étaient les cas de bicytopénie et les pancytopénie chimio-induite. Résultats : La fréquence des pancytopénies était de 20,5 cas/an; le sex-ratio: 0,8. La population était très jeune avec 70% de moins de 45 ans. Les principales manifestations cliniques étaient: la pâleur (271 cas : 95,1%), asthénie (253 cas: 88,8%), le syndrome tumoral (143 cas: 50,1%), la fièvre (133 cas: 46,7%), le syndrome hémorragique (48 cas: 17%). Les étiologies étaient dominées par les carences vitaminiques (87 cas : 30,5%), l'hypersplénisme (67 cas : 23,5%), les infections (45 cas : 15,8%), les hémopathies malignes (19 cas : 6,7%). Conclusion: Les étiologies des pancytopénies sont dominées par les carences vitaminiques et l'hypersplénisme. L'enquête étiologique doit être essentiellement axée sur ces 2 causes après avoir éliminé un syndrome infectieux et une leucémie aigüe qui sont souvent des urgences

Laparoscopic Splenectomy for a Patient with Splenomegaly and Hypersplenism due to Idiopathic Portal Hypertension

Idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) is a rare disorder which is clinically characterized by portal hypertension, splenomegaly, hypersplenism and the absence of liver cirrhosis. Patients with IPH have massive splenomegaly leading to increased portal venous flow and subsequent portal hypertension. In selected IPH patients with splenomegaly and hypersplenism, splenectomy can be regarded as an effective treatment protocol for decreasing portal hypertension. We report a case of a 44-year-old woman who was diagnosed with IPH accompanied by splenomegaly and hypersplenism. She underwent laparoscopic splenectomy and clinical symptoms and hypersplenism resolved. Our study shows that laparoscopic splenectomy can be considered as a procedure for treating patients with splenomegaly and hypersplenism due to IPH.

Laparoscopic splenectomy in children with sickle cell disease

Background: Many children with Sickle Cell Disease [SCD] might experience severe sickle cell crises due to splenic complications. These include hypersplenism, acute splenic sequestration, splenic abscess and massive splenic infarction. Splenectomy is indicated to decrease the rate of recurrence of complications and the associated morbidity and mortality. The laparoscopic approach has proved to be associated with a better outcome. Many laparoscopic techniques were implemented for the removal of the spleen, especially when it is enlarged and fragile

Objective: To evaluate laparoscopic assisted splenectomy technique and outcome in 51 children with SCD

Design: A Retrospective Review

Setting: Department of Pediatric Surgery, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Bahrain

Method: Fifty-one children who had laparoscopic assisted splenectomy with a small inguinal incision from January 2002 to December 2014 were reviewed

Result: Fifty-one children had laparoscopic assisted splenectomy for either hypersplenism 42 [82.4%] or acute splenic sequestration 9 [17.6%]; 32 [63%] males and 19 [37%] females. The age range was 6 to 14 years, a mean age of 9.8. Only one [1.9%] case required conversion to open procedure due to excessive bleeding. Only 7 [13.7%] were admitted in the ICU following the procedure. The mean length of hospital stay was four days; the measured decrease in the HBS was 38%, preoperative fever was seen in 16 [31%], and there was no mortality

Conclusion: Laparoscopic splenectomy with a left inguinal incision is a safe and effective approach in children with SCD

Individualized Immunosuppressive Protocol of Liver Transplant Recipient Should be Made Based on Splenic Function Status / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Lymphocyte subsets play important roles in rejection in liver transplant recipients, and the effect of splenic function on these roles remains unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility to adjust immunosuppressive agents based on splenic function status through detecting the lymphocyte subsets in liver transplantBeijing recipients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The lymphocyte subsets of 49 liver transplant recipients were assessed in the 309th Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army between June 2014 and August 2015. The patients were divided into splenectomy group (n = 9), normal splenic function group (n = 24), and hypersplenism group (n = 16). The percentages and counts of CD4+ T, CD8+ T, natural killer (NK) cell, B-cell, regulatory B-cell (Breg), and regulatory T-cell (Treg) were detected by flow cytometer. In addition, the immunosuppressive agents, histories of rejection and infection, and postoperative time of the patients were compared among the three groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was no significant difference of clinical characteristics among the three groups. The percentage of CD19+CD24+CD38+ Breg was significantly higher in hypersplenism group than normal splenic function group and splenectomy group (3.29 ± 0.97% vs. 2.12 ± 1.08% and 1.90 ± 0.99%, P = 0.001). The same result was found in CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg percentage (0.97 ± 0.39% vs. 0.54 ± 0.31% and 0.56 ± 0.28%, P = 0.001). The counts of CD8+ T-cell, CD4+ T-cell, and NK cell were significantly lower in hypersplenism group than normal splenic function group (254.25 ± 149.08 vs. 476.96 ± 225.52, P= 0.002; 301.69 ± 154.39 vs. 532.50 ± 194.42, P= 0.000; and 88.56 ± 63.15 vs. 188.33 ± 134.51, P = 0.048). Moreover, the counts of CD4+ T-cell and NK cell were significantly lower in hypersplenism group than splenectomy group (301.69 ± 154.39 vs. 491.89 ± 132.31, P= 0.033; and 88.56 ± 63.15 vs. 226.00 ± 168.85, P = 0.032).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Splenic function status might affect the immunity of liver transplant recipients, that should be considered when we make immunosuppressive protocols.</p>

Laparoscopic versus traditional open splenectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma with hypersplenism / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

This study aimed to examine the efficacy of the laparoscopic vs. traditional open splenectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with hypersplenism. Between 2002 and 2013, 51 Chinese HCC patients with hypersplenism underwent either simultaneous laparoscopic splenectomy plus anticancer therapies (Lap-S&A) (n=25) or traditional open splenectomy plus anti-cancer therapies (TOS&A) (n=26). The outcomes were reviewed during and after the operation. Anti-cancer therapies for HCC included laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) and laparoscopic microwave ablation (LMA). The results showed that there was no significant difference in the operating time between the two groups, but the blood loss and blood transfusion were less, pain intensity after surgery was weaker, the time to first bowel movement, time to the first flatus and postoperative hospital stay were shorter, and the postoperative complication rate and the readmission rate were lower in the Lap-S&A group than in the TO-S&A group. Two patients in the Lap-S&A group and one patient in the TO-S&A group died 30 days after surgery. However, no significant difference in the mortality rate was noted between the two groups. It was concluded that simultaneous Lap-S&A holds the advantages of more extensive indications, lower complication incidence and less operative expenditure than conventional open approach and it is a feasible and safe approach for HCC with hypersplenism.

Efficacy of splenic artery trunk embolization with detachable balloon for portal hypertension and hypersplenism / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the efficacy of detachable balloon for splenic artery trunk embolization in patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension and hypersplenism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eight patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension received splenic artery trunk disconnection using detachable balloons under the guidance of digital subtraction angiography. The diameter and blood flow of the portal vein, the superior mesenteric vein, the splenic vein and the hepatic artery were measured by color Doppler ultrasound. Markers of liver function and blood coagulation, and routine blood parameters were assessed. Gastroscopy was used to evaluate to the degree of gastroesophageal varices. All complications experienced during the perioperative period were recorded.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The portal vein diameter decreased from 1.55±0.38 cm to 1.55±0.38 cm, and the splenic artery diameter decreased from 1.45±0.10 cm to 1.41±0.09 cm (P < 0.05). The portal vein blood flow was reduced from 971.52±174.77 ml/min to 785.86±100.17 ml/min, and the splenic vein blood flow decreased from 938.01±208.86 ml/min to 644.02±188.15 ml/min, while the hepatic artery blood flow increased from 261.25±65.47 ml/min to 449.32±84.05 ml/min (P < 0.05). The symptoms of splenism were improved effectively, with platelet counts rising from 37.75±10.61*109/L to 138.63±28.22*109/L after the procedure (P < 0.05). There were no episodes of severe complications or death in the perioperative period, and all patients showed remarkable improvement in markers of liver function and coagulation function, and improvement of esophagogastric varices.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The interventional disconnection technique of the splenic artery trunk using detachable balloon for the treatment of portal hypertension and hypersplenism is safe and effective.</p>

Role of PRKCD and ASK1 in U937 cell differentiation / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expression of ASK1 and PRKCD in the process of monocyte differentiation, and explore their role in functional changes of hypersplenism spleen macrophages (Mφ) in portal hypertension (PH).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>U937 cells were stimulated to differentiate into monocyte/macrophage-like cells by cultivation in PMA and the mRNA expressions of ASK1 and PRKCD were detected by q-PCR and the changes of protein expression were identified by western blot analysis. The secretion of phagocytose related cytokines such as IL-10 and TNF-α were tested by ELISA, and the function of the macrophage-like cells were studied by chicken red blood cell phagocytose test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expressions of PRKCD and ASK1 mRNA were gradually decreased along with the cell differentiation, while the secretion of TNF-α was increased, IL-10 secretion reached a maximum at 24 h after PAM stimulation, and then gradually fell. The expression of ASK1 and p-ASK1 were rapidly increased compared with the non-stimulated U937 cells, while the expression of PRKCD and p-PRKCD were sightly declined. The phagocytose test show that U937 cells induced with PMA were able to swallow the chicken red blood cell.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Up-regulated protein expression of ASK1 and p-ASK1 and down-regulated protein expression of PRKCD and p-PRKCD in the process of PMA induced monocyte differentiation, are consist with the expression changes of splenic macrophage phagocytosis in hypersplenism, which leads to increased activity of Mφ.</p>

Frequency of different causes of pancytopenia in a tertiary care hospital

To determine the frequency of different causes of pancytopenia on bone marrow examination. Descriptive study. The study was carried out at Haematology [pathology] department of Army Medical College, National University of Sciences and Technology [NUST] and Military Hospital Rawalpindi from Jan 2012- Dec 2012. Total 67 cases of pancytopenia were included in the study. Bone marrow aspiration was done using 16 GLP needle and biopsy was done by using 11 G Trephine biopsy needle. Out of 67 patients, [15%] were children and [52%] were adults. Among children leishmaniasis and hypersplenism were the most common causes [20%] of pancytopenia followed by acute leukemia [3.8%], aplastic anaemia [6.7%] and megaloblastic anaemia [6.7%]. Among adults megaloblastic anaemia was the most common cause [40.4%] followed by lymphoproliferative disorder [15.4%], hypersplenism [7.7%], aplastic anaemia megaloblastic anaemia, acute leukemia and myelodysplasia. Major causes of pancytopenia in children were leishmaniasis and hypersplenism where as in adults they were megaloblastic anaemia and lymphoproliferative disorders

Stem Cells and Niemann Pick Disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Niemann Pick A disease causes a progressive accumulation of sphyngomyelin in several organs and the survival of the patients is usually limited to three years. We describe the outcome of a patient suffering from Niemann Pick A disease, who first underwent an haploidentical bone marrow transplantation, and then intrathecal and I.V injections of mesenchymal cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: While the outcome of bone marrow transplantation was a complete failure, one month after the treatment with the mesenchymal cells the patient improved from the psychomotor and the parenchymal storage perspective. When hypersplenism was solved platelets rose quickly from 20,000 to 120,000/microliter. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore cellular therapy should be considered as a possible choice of treatment of NPA disease.

A Case of Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura Associated with Scrub Typhus / 대한내과학회지

Thrombocytopenia is a common manifestation of rickettsial disease. However, the pathogenesis of thrombocytopenia in many rickettsial diseases is poorly understood. Thrombocytopenia may be associated with consumption due to widespread endothelial damage or disseminated intravascular coagulation, hypersplenism, decreased marrow production, and immune-mediated platelet destruction. Some reports have found anti-platelet antibodies detected in thrombocytopenic patients with rickettsial disease. In addition to thrombocytopenia, facial palsy and Guillain-Barre syndrome were also reported as immune-mediated phenomena in scrub typhus. Here we report a case diagnosed as immune-mediated thrombocytopenia associated with scrub typhus. This is the first report of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) associated with scrub typhus in Korea. The patient exhibited eschar with a high titer of anti-tsutsugamushi antibody, thrombocytopenia, severe gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and purpura on the lower region of both legs. After steroid treatment, the sustained thrombocytopenia recovered.

Peripheral blood cell variations in cirrhotic portal hypertension patients with hypersplenism

OBJECTIVE@#To explore peripheral blood cell variations in hepatic cirrhosis portal hypertension patients with hypersplenism.@*METHODS@#Clinical data of 322 hypersplenism patients with decreased peripheral blood cells, admitted with cirrhotic portal hypertension, was retrospectively studied over the last 17 years.@*RESULTS@#In 64% (206/322) of patients, more than 2 kinds of blood cell were decreased, including 89 cases of pancytopenia (43.2%), 52 cases of WBC + PLT decrease (25.2%), 29 cases of RBC + PLT decrease (14.1%), and 36 cases of WBC + RBC decrease (17.5%); in 36% (116/322) of patients, single type blood cell decrease occurred, including 31 cases of PLT decrease (26.7%), 29 cases of WBC decrease (25%) and 56 cases of RBC decrease (48.3%). Of 227 routine bone marrow examinations, bone marrow hyperplasia was observed in 118 cases (52.0%), the remainder showed no hyperplasia. For the distinct scope and extent of peripheralblood cell decreases, preoperative blood component transfusions were carried out, then treated by surgery, after whole group splenectomy, the peripheral blood cell count was significantly higher (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Of portal hypertensive patients with splenomegaly and hypersplenism, 64% have simultaneous decrease in various blood cells, 36% have decrease in single type blood cells, 52% of patients have bone marrow hyperplasia. A splenectomy can significantly increase the reduction of peripheral blood cells.

Relationship between splenomegaly and hematologic findings in patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis

BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis is a tropical disease. Patients who develop hepatosplenic schistosomiasis have clinical findings including periportal fibrosis, portal hypertension, cytopenia, splenomegaly and gastrointestinal hemorrhage. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to analyze the hemostatic and hematologic findings of patients with schistosomiasis and correlate these to the size of the spleen. METHODS Fifty-five adults with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis and 30 healthy subjects were selected through a history of contact with contaminated water, physical examination and ultrasound characteristics such as periportal fibrosis and splenomegaly in the Gastroenterology Service of the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco. Blood samples were collected to determine liver function, blood counts, prothrombin (international normalized ratio), partial thromboplastin time and fibrinogen and D-Dimer levels using the Pentra 120 hematological analyzer (HORIBA/ABX), Density Plus (test photo-optical Trinity Biotech, Ireland) and COBAS analyzer 6000 (Roche). Furthermore, the longitudinal size of the spleen was measured by ultrasound (Acuson X analyzer 150, Siemens). The Student t-test, the Fisher test and Pearson's correlation were used to analyze the results with statistical significance being set for a p-value < 0.05. RESULTS The mean age was higher for the Study Group than for the Control Group (54 ± 13.9 vs. 38 ± 12.7 years). The average longitudinal diameter of the spleen was 16.9 cm (Range: 12.3-26.3 cm). Anemia is a common finding in patients with schistosomiasis (36.3%). The mean platelet and leukocyte counts of patients were lower than for the Control Group (p-value < 0.001). Moreover, the international normalized ratio (1.42 vs. 1.04), partial thromboplastin time (37.9 vs. 30.5 seconds) and D-Dimer concentration (393 vs. 86.5 ng/mL) were higher for the Study Group compared to the Control Group...

Blood changes after splenectomy in portal hypertension. The "Amna model"

Splenectomy is a frequently performed operation for patients with portal hypertension and hypersplenism in areas endemic for schistosomiasis. Reactive thrombocytosis [RT] has been described following splenectomy. Nevertheless, data are lacking on the long term changes of platelet count and other blood cells and indices after splenectomy in such patients. To determine the hematological changes following splenectomy in portal hypertension due to schistosomiasis. This is a prospective, observational, case study in which we did a series of full blood counts before and after splenectomy on two patients. The periods of study were 12 days and 5 months, respectively. Platelets [RT>500x10[9]] occurred after the 7[th] post-splenectomy day in both patients. In the longer study, RT continued from day 8 to week10. Extreme thrombocytosis [> 1000x 10[9]] occurred from day 11 to day 21 postoperatively. The count was back to normal by week 17. Reactive leukocytosis occurred immediately after ligation of the splenic artery, but returned to normal levels during the 2[nd] postoperative week. Erythrocytes, however, showed changes different from both platelets and leukocytes. There was "persistent anaemia" for about one month postoperatively. This study provides data that were lacking on the long term haematological effects of splenectomy in Sudanese patients with portal hypertension. Knowing these changes can have important implications on the management and follow up of such patients, and provide evidence needed for discussing guidelines of treatment. RT and leukocytosis occur after splenectomy whereas anaemia persists. RT can reach extreme levels and it is wise to monitor the platelets after the discharge of patients from the hospital. It may also be wise to consider the use of antiplatelet drugs postoperatively till the count normalizes. The persistent anaemia, however, seems to correct itself without giving haematinics or blood transfusion.

[Primary pancreatic non-hodgkin's lymphoma in a young man with abdominal pain and hypersplenism: a case report]

Primary pancreatic lymphoma is really rare and comprising about 0.2-4.9% of all pancreatic malignancies. The diagnosis of this lymphoma is very difficult because the clinical symptoms and signs resemble those of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. A 30-year old man was admitted to the hospital with the complaint of left upper abdominal pain. Because of his splenomegaly and pancytopenia he was candidate for splenectomy but during operation a large mass was found in the pancreas and biopsy was taken from it. Pathology reported lymphoblastic lymphoma of pancreas. It is important to differentiate between primary lymphoma and the adenocarcinoma of the pancreas as prognosis and treatment of them differ significantly. Primary pancreatic lymphoma should be considered in differential diagnosis of pancreatic tumors and an attempt to obtain tissue diagnosis is always necessary before radical surgery, especially in young patients

Comparative study of glucocorticoids versus NSAIDS for treatment of partial splenic embolization syndrome / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the clinical effect of glucocorticoids and NSAID in the treatment of partial splenic embolization syndrome.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty patients with cirrhosis and spleen hyperactivity who developed partial splenic embolization syndrome after partial splenic embolization with Seldinger technique were randomized equally into two groups to receive treatments with intravenous dexamethasone or oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). White blood cell counts, liver functions, fever duration, abdominal pain duration, hospital stay, and occurrence of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage and spleen abscess were recorded and analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In dexamethasone group, the average fever duration, abdominal pain duration, and hospitalization days was 3.36∓2.31, 7.39∓4.00, and 11.48∓3.29 days, respectively, significantly shorter than those in NSAIDs group (5.72∓3.83, 9.59∓4.22, and 15.07∓7.93 days, respectively, P<0.05). Seven days after the operation, white blood cell count (×10(9)=L) significantly increased from 4.23∓5.09 to 8.49∓3.53 in dexamethasone group (P<0.05), and from 3.21∓1.33 to 6.52∓2.37 in NSAIDs group (P<0.05); the increment was more obvious in dexamethasone group (P<0.05). The two groups of patients showed no significant difference in liver functions after the operation. None of the patients developed upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage or spleen abscess.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Intravenous dexamethasone produces better therapeutic effect than oral NSAIDs in the management of partial splenic embolization syndrome.</p>

Splenectomy in a patient with treatment-resistant visceral leishmaniasis: a case report / A esplenectomia na leishmaniose visceral refratária ao tratamento clínico: relato de caso

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), also known as Kala-azar, is a systemic infection caused by a protozoan (Leishmania) and, in its classic form, is a serious illness associated with malnutrition, anemia, hepatosplenomegaly, infectious processes and coagulopathies. The effect of splenectomy in patients with visceral leishmaniasis is not well defined; however, it is known that the spleen is the largest reservoir of infected cells belonging to the reticulo endothelial system. Therefore, the surgical procedure is an option for the debulking of parasites, providing a cure for refractory VL and minimizing the complications of hypersplenism.

A leishmaniose visceral (LV) ou calazar é uma infecção sistêmica causada por um protozoário (Leishmania) e na sua forma clássica é uma doença grave. Cursa com desnutrição, anemia, hepatoesplenomegalia, processos infecciosos e coagulopatias. O papel da esplenectomia em pacientes com leishmaniose visceral não é bem definido; entretanto, sabe-se que o baço é o maior reservatório de células parasitadas do sistema reticulo endotelial e o procedimento cirúrgico é, dessa forma, uma opção para debulking de parasitas, propiciando a cura da LV refratária e minimizando as complicações do hiperesplenismo.

Enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for evaluation of hypersplenism after high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the value of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluating the curative effect of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for hypersplenism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A retrospective analysis of dynamic contrast enhanced MRI data was conducted in 15 patients with hypersplenism before and after HIFU treatment to observe the signal changes and enhancement features of the lesions.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with that before treatment, the signal intensity of the lesions after HIFU could be increased, reduced or remained unchanged on T(1)WI without specificity; on T(2)WI, the signal intensity of the lesions was reduced after HIFU treatment. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI showed larger ablation areas than those displayed by T(1)WI and T(2)WI, and no enhancement was found in the lesions.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>T(2)WI has a greater specificity in demonstrating coagulation necrosis of hypersplenism after HIFU ablation, and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI has a higher sensitivity in displaying the ablation area by highlighting the blood supply and enhancement characteristics of the lesions. MRI is efficient and noninvasive in follow-up evaluation of the signal intensity as well as histological changes of the treated region after HIFU.</p>

Bone marrow biopsy findings in brucellosis patients with hematologic abnormalities / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Brucellosis can mimic various multisytem diseases, showing wide clinical polymorphism that frequently leads to misdiagnosis and treatment delay, further increasing the complication rates. In this study, we aimed to examine bone marrow biopsy findings in brucellosis cases presenting with hematologic abnormalities.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-eight brucellosis cases were prospectively investigated. Complaints and physical examination findings of patients were recorded. Patients' complete blood count, routine biochemical tests, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and serological screenings were performed. Bone marrow biopsy and aspiration was performed in patients with cytopenia, for bone marrow examination and brucella culture, in accordance with the standard procedures from spina iliaca posterior superior region of pelvic bone.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 48 patients, 35 (73%) were female and 13 (27%) were male. Mean age was (34.8 ± 15.4) years (age range: 15 - 70 years). Anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and pancytopenia were found in 39 (81%), 28 (58%), 22 (46%) and 10 patients (21%), respectively. In the examination of bone marrow, hypercellularity was found in 35 (73%) patients. Increased megacariocytic, erythroid and granulocytic series were found in 28 (58%), 15 (31%) and 5 (10%) patients, respectively. In addition, hemophagocytosis was observed in 15 (31%) patients, granuloma observed in 12 (25%) and increased eosinophil and plasma cells observed in 9 (19%) patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>According to the results of our series, hemophagocytosis, microgranuloma formation and hypersplenism may be responsible for hematologic complications of brucellosis.</p>