Cytokine gene polymorphisms in Irritable bowel syndrome in Indian population - A pilot case control study.

Aim: This study aimed at evaluating the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in five cytokine genes regulating inflammation at altogether 8 different loci and compared their frequencies in patients with Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) versus healthy age and sex matched controls. Methods: Peripheral blood was collected for DNA cytokine analysis from 23 patients with IBS and 20 healthy controls. The cytokine SNPs studied include TNF-á (-308G/A), TGF-â1 (codon10T/C, codon25G/C), IL-10 promoter (-1082A/G; -819T/C; -592A/C), IL-6 promoter (-174G/C), and IFN-ã (+874T/A). Results: There was a significant difference between a SNP in IL-10 (-592A/C) among cases and controls. There was also a trend to significance as regards to IL-6 promoter (-174G/C). Frequencies of other SNPs were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion: This pilot study shows that there are polymorphism differences in cytokine genes between patients with IBS and healthy controls from India.

Idiopathic non-cirrhotic intrahepatic portal hypertension: common cause of cryptogenic intrahepatic portal hypertension in a Southern Indian tertiary hospital.

Background and aim Patients with intrahepatic portal hypertension and negative etiological work-up for liver disease are often labeled as having cryptogenic cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate causes of liver disease in patients with unexplained intrahepatic portal hypertension. Methods We retrospectively analyzed cause of liver disease in all patients with cryptogenic intrahepatic portal hypertension who underwent liver biopsies between June 2005 to June 2007 in our center. Results Five hundred and seventeen patients underwent liver biopsies of whom 227 had portal hypertension. Of these, the cause of liver disease could not be detected prior to liver biopsy in 62 patients. Causes of liver disease identified after liver biopsy in these 62 patients were: idiopathic non-cirrhotic intrahepatic portal hypertension (NCIPH) (30 patients, 48 ), cirrhosis (14), fatty liver disease (7) and other causes (11). Initial presentations in idiopathic NCIPH patients were splenomegaly and anemia (18 patients), variceal bleed (9) and ascites (3). Median age (range) of patients at first presentation was 32 (15-57) years, and 19 were male. Majority (90 ) were in Child’s class A. Hepatic vein pressure gradient was <5 mmHg in 2 of 7 NCIPH patients tested. Conclusions We identified 30 patients with idiopathic NCIPH at our center over the 2 year study period. The clinical presentation and investigations of NCIPH closely mimic cryptogenic cirrhosis. Idiopathic NCIPH should be considered as a differential diagnosis of cryptogenic cirrhosis in India.

Clinicopathological features and genotype distribution in patients with hepatitis C virus chronic liver disease.

Background and Objective Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype influences the severity of disease and response to therapy. This retrospective study examined the clinical and histological features and the genotype distribution in biopsied patients with HCV related chronic liver disease. Methods Of 105 biopsies from patients with HCV infection, 96 from patients with chronic liver disease were reviewed. The Ishak scoring system was used for histological analysis. Results Genotype 3 was most common accounting for 77.1%, and genotype 1 for 9.4% of cases. There was no significant association of transaminase levels, viral load or necroinflammatory activity score with genotype. A severe degree of fibrosis was seen in 77.8% cases of genotype 1 and in 63.5% of genotype 3 (p=0.76). Variable degrees of steatosis were noted in 68.8% of cases. However, severe steatosis was noted only in genotype 3 (7 cases). Serum transaminase levels did not correlate with either histological activity (p=0.43) or degree of fibrosis (p=0.72). Severe fibrosis / cirrhosis was seen in 74.24% of patients above 40 years of age as compared to 33.3% of patients below 40 years (p=0.001). The frequency of Mallory hyaline was significantly different between genotypes 1 and 3 infection (P<0.001). Conclusions This study confirms the preponderance of genotype 3 in Indian patients with HCV related chronic liver disease. Severe steatosis was seen only in genotype 3 and Mallory hyaline was very common in genotype 1. The small numbers of patients in non genotype 3 could be a reason for the apparent lack of histological differences between different HCV genotypes. Severe fibrosis seen in older age groups confirms that HCV infection is progressive and major acceleration of the disease process occurs after 40 years of age.

Eosinophilic cholangiopathy - a report of two cases.

Eosinophilic cholangiopathy is an unusual and benign form of biliary disease characterized by peripheral blood eosinophilia and cholangitis. Dramatic response to steroids is the hallmark of the disease. We present two cases of eosinophilic cholangiopathy.

Direct intrahepatic cavo-portal shunts in Budd-Chiari syndrome: Role of simultaneous fluoroscopy and trans-abdominal ultrasonography.

BACKGROUND: Transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunt (TIPS) for Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) can be inserted from inferior vena cava or hepatic vein to portal vein. The former is performed when hepatic veins are not suitable and is technically more challenging. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 7 patients with chronic BCS needed cavo-portal shunt as hepatic veins were neither amenable to plasty nor provided access for TIPS placement. Simultaneous fluoroscopic and trans-abdominal ultrasound guidance was used at the time of portal vein puncture. RESULTS: Technical success and clinical improvement were obtained in all patients. Median 3 (range 1-4) attempts were needed to puncture the portal vein. There were no significant complications. Uncovered stents were used in six patients and stent occlusion was common, but could be managed by re-intervention. CONCLUSION: Cavo-portal shunt is an effective technique for patients with BCS uncontrolled by medical therapy. Additional trans-abdominal ultrasound in oblique parasagittal plane keeps the procedure safe.

Pancreatico-pericardial fistula: a rare complication of chronic pancreatitis.

A 16-year-old boy presented with pericardial effusion, bilateral pleural effusion and mediastinal fluid collection. CT scan of abdomen revealed pancreatic calcification and a fistulous tract from a pseudocyst going along the inferior vena cava wall up to the pericardial cavity. After initial pericardiocentesis and pleurocentesis, lateral pancreatico-jejunostomy with Roux-en-Y loop was performed. The patient is well at 6 months follow up.

Giant splenic artery mycotic aneurysm presenting with massive hematemesis.

We report a 40-year-old man with rheumatic heart disease who presented with abdominal pain for three weeks and hematemesis for 24 hours. CT scan showed a large splenic artery aneurysm without evidence of pancreatitis. Mycotic aneurysm due to infective endocarditis was considered and confirmed by echocardiogram, which showed aortic and mitral valve regurgitation and vegetations. He was managed successfully with coil embolization of the aneurysm and antibiotics.