ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Hepatic encephalopathy is defined as brain dysfunction caused by liver insufficiency and/or portosystemic shunting. Symptoms include nonspecific cognitive impairment, personality changes and changes in consciousness. Overt (symptomatic) hepatic encephalopathy is a common complication of cirrhosis that is associated with a poor prognosis. Patients with hepatic encephalopathy may present to healthcare providers who do not have primary responsibility for management of patients with cirrhosis. Therefore, we developed a series of 'consensus points' to provide some guidance on management. METHODS: Using a modified 'Delphi' process, consensus statements were developed that summarize our recommendations for the diagnosis and management of patients with hepatic encephalopathy. Points on which full consensus could not be reached are also discussed. RESULTS: Our recommendations emphasize the role of all healthcare providers in the identification of cognitive impairment in patients with cirrhosis and provide guidance on steps that might be considered to make a diagnosis of overt hepatic encephalopathy. In addition, treatment recommendations are summarized. Minimal hepatic encephalopathy can have a significant impact on patients; however, in most circumstances identification and management of minimal hepatic encephalopathy remains the responsibility of specialists in liver diseases. CONCLUSION: Our opinion statements aim to define the roles and responsibilities of all healthcare providers who at times care for patients with cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy. We suggest that these recommendations be considered further by colleagues in other disciplines and hope that future guidelines consider the management of patients with cirrhosis and with a 'suspicion' of cognitive impairment through to a formal diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy.
Subject(s)
Gastroenterology , Hepatic Encephalopathy/diagnosis , Hepatic Encephalopathy/therapy , Specialization , Advisory Committees , Algorithms , Cognition , Consensus , Critical Pathways , Delphi Technique , Health Services Needs and Demand , Hepatic Encephalopathy/psychology , Humans , Needs Assessment , Physician's Role , Predictive Value of Tests , Treatment OutcomeSubject(s)
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/diagnosis , Liver Neoplasms/diagnosis , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/surgery , Humans , Liver/diagnostic imaging , Liver Failure, Acute/surgery , Liver Neoplasms/pathology , Liver Neoplasms/surgery , Liver Transplantation/methods , Mass Screening/methods , Neoplasm Staging , Tissue and Organ Procurement , Ultrasonography , United Kingdom , Waiting Lists , alpha-Fetoproteins/analysisABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) has been demonstrated as a reliable, non-invasive means of biliary tract imaging among patients with suspected choledocholithiasis. The aim of this study was to establish the impact of intravenous glucagon administration (IVGA) upon visualisation of the common bile duct (CBD) and ampulla of Vater during MRCP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two consecutive, non-diabetic subjects with a working diagnosis of symptomatic choledocholithiasis were scanned, pre- and post-IVGA using the half-Fourier, single shot, turbo-spin-echo (HASTE) sequence. Maximum intensity projections (optimised for the extra-hepatic biliary tree and ampulla of Vater) were reviewed blindly by three consultant radiologists. The CBD images were graded (0-3) according to the length of duct seen. The ampullary images were graded according to whether to it was visualised clearly (1), or not (0). RESULTS: Following IVGA the CBD was visualised at grade 3 (75-100% of length seen) in 14 additional patients compared with images prior to IVGA. Furthermore, ampullary visualisation was considered diagnostic in 18 additional patients post-IVGA. No glucagon-associated adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that IVGA improved visualisation of the CBD and ampulla of Vater during magnetic resonance cholangiopanctreatography. This may reduce the requirement for repeat investigation or recourse to invasive diagnostic procedures (e.g. endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)).
