Assessment of remnant liver function and volume after selective ligation of portal vein and hepatic artery in a rat model

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate liver regeneration after selective ligation of portal vein and hepatic artery by 3D Computed Tomography in an experimental model. Methods: Sixteen Wistar rats were randomized into four equal groups: Group I- control (sham), Group II- isolated selective ligation of the hepatic artery, Group III- isolated selective ligation of the portal vein and Group IV- combined ligation of portal vein and hepatic artery. Before procedure and five days after a 3D CT Scan was performed to analyze the hypertrophy, weight and function of the remnant liver. Results: The largest regeneration rate and increase of weight in the hypertrophied lobe was detected in group IV, the first with an average of 3.99 (p=0.006) and the last varying from 6.10g to 9.64g (p=0.01). However, total liver weight and the R1 ratio (Hypertrophied Lobe Weight/Total Liver Weight) was higher in group III (P<0.001) when compared with groups I, II and IV and showed no difference between them. The immunohistochemical examination with PCNA also found higher percentages with statistical significance differences in rats of groups III and IV. It was possible to confirm a strong correlation between hypertrophied lobe weight and its imaging volumetric study. Liver function tests only showed a significant difference in serum gamma-glutamyltransferase and phosphorous. Conclusion: There is a largest liver regeneration after combined ligation of portal vein and hepatic artery and this evidence may improve the knowledge of surgical treatment of liver injuries, with a translational impact in anima nobile.

Hemangioendotelioma hepático infantil multifocal / Multifocal hepatic hemangioendothelioma

INTRODUCCIÓN: El hemangioendotelioma hepático (HEH) es un tumor benigno, raro en niños, que se presenta frecuentemente en el primer año de vida. La presentación clínica es variable y su diagnóstico se realiza en base a la sospecha clínica, estudios de laboratorio y de imagen. El objetivo fue describir un caso de hemangioendotelioma hepático multifocal. CASO CLÍNICO: Niña de 3 meses que presentó hepatomegalia sin elementos de falla hepática ni cardiaca. Se realizó ecografía y tomografía de ab domen que orientaron al diagnóstico de HEH que se confirmó con la angioresonancia de abdomen. Recibió glucocorticoides a altas dosis en forma prolongada. Al año y medio de iniciado el tratamiento se evidenció remisión del tumor. Presentó efectos secundarios por el tratamiento instaurado. CONCLUSIONES: La presencia de una hepatomegalia aislada en un lactante asintomático debe hacer pensar en una probable patología tumoral, orientándonos por la clínica e imagenología al diagnóstico nosológico de la misma. Siempre se debe sospesar las posibles complicaciones con los riesgos de los tratamientos a realizar. En este caso la extensión del tumor y sus probables complicaciones justificó el uso de corticoterapia prologada a altas dosis a pesar de sus efectos adversos.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatic hemangioendothelioma is a rare benign tumor in children, which frequently occurs in the first year of life. The clinical presentation is variable and the diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion, and laboratory and imaging studies. The objective was to describe a case of multifocal hepa tic hemangioendothelioma. CLINICAL REPORT: 3-month-old girl who presented hepatomegaly without elements of hepatic or heart failure. Abdominal ultrasound and CT scan were used to diagnose hepatic hemangioendothelioma, which was confirmed by CT abdominal angiography. The patient received glucocorticoid treatment at high doses for a prolonged period. A year and a half after treatment, there was evidence of tumor remission. She had side effects from the established treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In asymptomatic patients with isolated hepatomegaly, it should be considered a probable tumor patho logy, considering the clinic and imaging studies. Possible complications and treatments risks must always be assessed. In this case, the tumor extension and its probable complications justified the use of prolonged corticosteroid therapy at high doses despite its adverse effects.

Gaucher's disease in a patient presenting with hip and abdominal pain

Summary Gaucher's disease is characterized by glucocerebroside accumulation in the cells of the reticuloendothelial system. There are three subtypes. The most common is type 1, known as the non-neuropathic form. Pancytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly and bone lesions occur as a result of glucocerebroside accumulation in the liver, lung, spleen and bone marrow in these patients. Findings associated with liver, spleen or bone involvement may be seen at radiological analysis. Improvement in extraskeletal system findings is seen with enzyme replacement therapy. Support therapy is added in patients developing infection, anemia or pain. We describe a case of hepatosplenomegaly, splenic infarction, splenic nodules and femur fracture determined at radiological imaging in a patient under monitoring due to Gaucher's disease.

Biometria do fígado e do baço em pacientes com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico de início pediátrico / Liver and spleen biometrics in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients

RESUMOObjetivoAvaliar as dimensões do fígado e do baço em pacientes com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico de início pediátrico (LESp) e controles saudáveis.MétodosForam submetidos a uma ultrassonografia do abdome 30 pacientes com LESp e 30 voluntários saudáveis controle. Foram feitas duas medições do fígado no lobo hepático esquerdo (craniocaudal e anteroposterior) e três no lobo hepático direito (LHD) (craniocaudal posterior [CCP-LHD], craniocaudal anterior e anteroposterior). Foram também avaliadas três medidas das dimensões do baço: longitudinal, transversal e anteroposterior. Foram avaliados dados demográficos, clínicos e laboratoriais, SLEDAI-2K, ECLAM, SLAM e tratamento.ResultadosA idade média foi semelhante nos pacientes com LESp e controles (170,31 ± 27,81 vs. 164,15 ± 39,25 meses; p = 0,486). A média da dimensão CCP-LHD foi significativamente maior no grupo LESp em comparação com os controles (13,30 ± 1,85 vs. 12,52 ± 0,93, p = 0,044). Não houve diferenças nos outros parâmetros biométricos do fígado e do baço (p > 0,05). Uma análise especifica realizada apenas nos pacientes com LESp de acordo com a dimensão CCP-LHD ≥ 13,3 cm versus < 13,3 cm mostrou que a mediana do SLEDAI-2K [8 (0-18) vs. 2 (0-8), p = 0,004], ECLAM [4 (0-9) vs. 2 (0-5), p = 0,019] e SLAM [5 (1-13) vs. 2 (0-14), p = 0,016] era significativamente maior em pacientes com maior dimensão CCP-LHD, do mesmo modo que a frequência de nefrite (77% vs. 29%, p = 0,010). As enzimas hepáticas foram semelhantes nos dois grupos (p > 0,05). Foi observada uma correlação positiva entre o SLEDAI-2K e a dimensão CCP-LHD (p = 0,001, r = +0,595). Evidenciou-se uma correlação negativa entre a duração da doença e a dimensão longitudinal do baço (p = 0,031, r = −0,394).ConclusãoOs dados levantam a possibilidade de que a atividade da doença pode levar a uma hepatomegalia subclínica e localizada durante o curso da doença. A duração da doença resultou em atrofia do baço em pacientes com LESp.

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo evaluate liver and spleen dimensions in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (c-SLE) patients and healthy controls.Methods30 c-SLE patients and 30 healthy control volunteers underwent abdominal ultrasound. The following two liver measurements were performed in left hepatic lobe: craniocaudal and anteroposterior and three in right hepatic lobe (RHL): posterior craniocaudal (PCC-RHL), anterior craniocaudal and anteroposterior. Three spleen dimension measurements were also evaluated: longitudinal, transverse and anteroposterior. Demographic, clinical and laboratorial data, SLEDAI-2K, ECLAM, SLAM and treatment were assessed.ResultsMean current age was similar in c-SLE and controls (170.31 ± 27.81 vs. 164.15 ± 39.25months; p = 0.486). The mean of PCC-RHL dimension was significantly higher in c-SLE compared to controls (13.30 ± 1.85 vs. 12.52 ± 0.93, p = 0.044). There were no differences between the other hepatic biometrics and splenic parameters (p > 0.05). Further analysis in c-SLE patients according to PCC-RHL dimension ≥ 13.3 cm versus < 13.3 cm showed that the median of SLEDAI-2K [8(0-18) vs. 2(0-8), p = 0.004], ECLAM [4(0-9) vs. 2(0-5), p = 0.019] and SLAM [5(1-13) vs. 2(0-14), p = 0.016] were significantly higher in patients with higher PCC-RHL dimension, likewise the frequencie of nephritis (77% vs. 29%, p = 0.010). Liver enzymes were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). Positive correlation was observed between SLEDAI-2K and PCC-RHL (p = 0.001, r = +0.595). Negative correlation was evidenced between disease duration and longitudinal dimension of spleen (p = 0.031, r = −0.394).ConclusionOur data raises the possibility that disease activity could lead to a subclinical and localized hepatomegaly during the disease course. Long disease duration resulted to spleen atrophy in c-SLE patients.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Transient Abnormal Myelopoiesis in a Down Syndrome Fetus

We report a case of transient abnormal myelopoiesis in a Down syndrome fetus diagnosed at 28(+3) weeks of gestation that rapidly progressed to intrauterine death 10 days later. Fetal hepatosplenomegaly with cerebral ventriculomegaly, although not specific, may be a suggestive finding of Down syndrome with transient abnormal myelopoiesis. Prompt fetal blood sampling for liver function test and chromosomal analysis are mandatory for early detection and management.

Cirrosis hepatiaa en lactante: una forma de presentacion de la tiroinnemia / Hepatic circosis in infant: a form of presentation of thyrosynemia

We present two documented cases of patients with Tyrosinemia type I (Hepatorenal Tyrosinemia) in infants. The most constant imaging findings in target organs: Liver (Hepatic Cirrhosis), Kidneys (Nefromegaly) are described and compared with pathological findings in one case. In the presence of confusing clinical manifestations, radiological findings of hepatic cirrhosis in infants associated with renal involvement are almost diagnostic of this entity.

Se presentan 2 casos documentados de lactantes portadores de Tirosinemia tipo I (Hepatorenal). Se describen los hallazgos imagenológicos principales de ella en los órganos blanco: Hígado (Cirrosis Hepática) y riñones (Nefromegalia) y se confrontan con los de la anatomía patológica en un caso. En un lactante, con un cuadro clínico poco claro, el hallazgo imagenológico de cirrosis hepática sumado a un compromiso renal, deben hacer plantear el diagnóstico de tirosinemia.

Clinical and sonographic findings of hepatic masses in infancy and childhood

Thirty patients having liver lesions were studied and their symptoms and physical findings were analyzed. Ultrasonography was done to all of them and focal lesions detected and described. The diagnosis was confirmed by further investigations such as computed tomography, tumor markers and liver biopsy for needle aspiration. Sixteen cases were found to have malignant masses, four cases were hepatocellular carcinoma, five cases were hepatoblastoma and seven cases were metastatic tumors. One case was found to have benign tumor of vascular origin. Simple cysts were diagnosed in five patients and hydatid cysts in one case. Four cases of pyogenic abscesses and three cases of amebic abscesses were included. Finally, the study concluded that ultrasonography is the most readily available simple and cheap investigation and can be considered as primary investigation in every case of hepatomegaly. Ultrasonography may be the only clue to recognize certain disease conditions such as hemangioma and also early hepatocellular carcinoma. Under the guide of sonography, biopsy can be taken from a mass or aspiration from a cyst to provide conclusive pathological diagnosis

Echodoppler measurments of portal venous system in portal hypertension due to schistosomal hepatic fibrosis

This work was carried out on thirty adult male patients with portal hypertension due to schistosomal hepatic fibrosis, and ten age matched normal individuals as controls. All patients and control were examined clinically, by ultrasonography and by echodoppler for measurement of congestion index, maximum blood flow velocity, mean blood flow velocity, blood flow volume and cross sectional area of portal vein and transplenic portal venous pressure. The congestion index is a new parameter of hepatic hemodynamics. It is increased in SHF up to two and a half times the normal values [0.266 +/- 0.128/0.096 +/- 0.03]. It means show an increase in the cross sectional area of portal vein [2.44 +/- 1.1/1.23 +/- 0.42] and significant decrease in the mean blood flow velocity [9.4 +/- 11.88/12.85 +/- 1.99]. The resultant significant increase in blood flow volume of portal circulation [1396 +/- 675/1173 +/- 478] favours increased collateral blood flow and directly correlates with the incidence of bleeding gastro-oesophageal varices. The congestion index has a positive direct correlation with the CSA, and correlates negatively with blood flow velocity. It reflects an augmented hepatic vascular resistance to portal venous perfusion