Multiple hepatic infarctions secondary to diabetic ketoacidosis: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic infarctions (HI) are ischemic events of the liver in which a disruption in the blood flow to the hepatocytes leads to focal ischemia and necrosis. Most HI are due to occlusive events in the liver's blood vessels, but non-occlusive HI may occur. They are associated with disruption of microvasculature, such as in diabetic ketoacidosis. While HI usually presents as peripheral lesions with clear borders, irregular nodular lesions may occur, indistinguishable from liver neoplasms and presenting a diagnostic challenge. CASE SUMMARY: We report a case of multiple extensive HI in a patient with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, who first presented to the emergency room with diabetic ketoacidosis. He then developed jaundice, thrombocytopenia, and a marked elevation of serum aminotransferases. An ultrasound of the liver showed the presence of multiple irregular lesions. Further investigation with a computerized tomography scan confirmed the presence of multiple hypoattenuating nodules with irregular borders and heterogeneous appearance. These lesions were considered highly suggestive of a primary neoplasm of the liver. While the patient was clinically stable, his bilirubin levels remained persistently elevated, and he underwent an ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy of the largest lesion. Biopsy results revealed extensive ischemic necrosis of hepatocytes, with no signs of associated malignancy. Three months after the symptoms, the patient showed great improvement in all clinical and laboratory parameters and extensive regression of the lesions on imaging exams. CONCLUSION: This case highlights that diabetic ketoacidosis can cause non-occlusive HI, possibly presenting as nodular lesions indistinguishable from neoplasms.

Refractory Hypernatremia and Osmotic Demyelination Syndrome After Liver Transplantation: A Case Report.

Osmotic demyelination syndrome is an uncommon neurologic condition, characterized by noninflammatory demyelination involving the pons and other areas of the central nervous system. As chronic hyponatremia is frequently associated with cirrhosis, patients undergoing liver transplantation are at an increased risk for developing this condition. We report the case of a patient who developed refractory hypernatremia and osmotic demyelination syndrome after liver transplantation. The patient was a 40-year-old man, who underwent liver transplantation for the treatment of cryptogenic cirrhosis, and had a preoperative sodium level of 128 mmol/L. Although there were no intraoperative complications, the patient showed signs of mental confusion and drowsiness in the second postoperative day, and we noticed an increase to 136 mmol/L in his serum sodium. Treatment with 5% dextrose and desmopressin was initiated, but his serum sodium continued to increase steadily, while his neurologic condition gradually worsened. Serum sodium rose to 157 mmol/L, and a magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed extensive lesions consistent with osmotic demyelination syndrome. The clinical condition of the patient continued to deteriorate until his death 17 days after the transplant. Although the occurrence of this syndrome after liver transplantation is well described, the steady increase in serum sodium despite early treatment, as described in this case, is highly unusual, and highlights the great attention that must be taken with monitoring and control of serum sodium in patients who undergo liver transplant in the context of chronic hyponatremia. This manuscript is compliant with the Helsinki Congress and the Istanbul Declaration.

Incidental Finding of Multiple Synchronous Neoplasms in Explanted Liver After Transplantation: A Case Report.

Liver transplantation is the only potentially curative treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease. After the procedure, histopathologic analysis of the liver explant may reveal neoplasms that were not previously diagnosed in preoperative imaging examinations. This incidental finding of primary liver neoplasms in the explant is not an uncommon situation in liver transplant, and hepatocarcinomas and cholangiocarcinomas are the types of tumors most frequently encountered in this scenario. These are the most common primary neoplasms of the liver, and liver transplantation is often a curative treatment for these types of tumors when they are in their earlier stages. In contrast, liver plasmacytoma is a rare type of plasma cell neoplasm, consisting of a single mass of monoclonal plasma cells, which is treated primarily by radiotherapy and is seldom encountered in the setting of liver transplant. We report the case of a patient who underwent liver transplantation for the treatment of cryptogenic cirrhosis, with no preoperative diagnosis of liver tumors. Analysis of the liver explant revealed the presence of three synchronous neoplasms with different histologic origins: a 27-mm hepatocellular carcinoma, a 17-mm intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and a 25-mm solitary hepatic plasmacytoma. The patient received no further adjuvant treatment and remained well and with no signs of disease recurrence over an observation period of 44 months. We found no previous report in the literature of the synchronous presence of these three types of liver neoplasms.

Liver Transplantation After Acute Portal Vein Thrombosis: Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Portal vein thrombosis is a relatively frequent complication in patients with liver cirrhosis. Its detection and management are essential to avoid worsening portal hypertension or liver function complications. This complication can also negatively impact or even preclude liver transplant. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a patient who presented with acute portal vein thrombosis, which allowed the diagnosis of liver cirrhosis and hepatocarcinoma within the Milan criteria. Chemical thrombolysis was performed with a mechanical aspiration of the thrombus, and in a second moment, the patient was submitted to a liver transplant. CONCLUSIONS: Advances in the therapeutic approach to portal vein thrombosis and surgical techniques have allowed the condition to no longer be an absolute contraindication to liver transplantation. Diagnosis in the acute phase is associated with greater therapeutic success, aiming to avoid the extension of thrombosis and achieve portal vein recanalization.

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Secondary to Tuberculosis After Liver Transplantation: A Case Report.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HL) is a rare syndrome characterized by a hyperinflammatory state, resulting from an excessive but ineffective immune response. There is a continuous stimulation of TCD8 + lymphocytes, associated with an uncontrolled release of cytokines, causing the infiltration of multiple organs by histiocytes and activated lymphocytes. HL can be a primary condition as a consequence of genetic disorder that most often affects children, or it can be secondary to neoplasms, autoimmune conditions or various infectious diseases in patients of all ages. HL caused by infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis is highly unusual, with few cases reported in the literature. There is no clinical manifestation or laboratorial finding that is specific to HL, and a high index of clinical suspicion is necessary for the correct diagnosis, which is usually confirmed by biopsy. Treatment consists of controlling the causative event and the use of immunosuppressant drugs such as corticosteroids, etoposide, and cyclosporine to suppress the exacerbated immune response. We report the case of a patient who developed HL 2 months after liver transplantation. The initial presentation was persistent fever, prompting a search for a site of infection and the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. As the clinical condition of the patient continued to deteriorate, HL was diagnosed through a bone marrow biopsy, and a cerebrospinal fluid culture positive for M. tuberculosis established the diagnosis of disseminated tuberculosis. Despite optimal treatment with immunosuppressors and antituberculosis drugs, there was no significant response and the patient died. This article is compliant with the Helsinki Congress and the Istanbul Declaration.

Donor-derived TB after kidney transplantation: a case report / TB derivada do doador após transplante renal: um relato de caso

Abstract Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is a possible serious complication of solid organ transplantation, associated with high mortality and morbidity. Post-transplant TB has varied pathogenesis with many approaches to its prevention, which is the most important way to reduce its incidence. Treatment of TB in organ recipients is challenging because of drug toxicity and interaction with immunosuppressants. Case report: an 18-year-old woman that underwent kidney transplantation from a deceased donor and was discharged with fair renal function was readmitted at 37th postoperative day with fever. CT showed signs of miliary TB and fluid collection besides graft fistulization through the skin. The patient presented positive BAAR in the drained fluid and Koch's bacillus in the urine. She was treated with a four-drug regimen (rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and etambutol), with great response and preserved graft function. We were informed that the recipient of the contralateral kidney also presented post-transplant TB, implying in a donor-derived origin. Conclusion: TB is an important differential diagnosis for infectious complications in patients after solid-organ transplantation, especially in endemic regions. Its initial clinical presentation can be unspecific and it should be suspected in the presence of fever or formation of fluid collections. The suspicion of TB is the key to early diagnosis and satisfactory outcomes in post-transplant TB.

Resumo Introdução: A tuberculose (TB) é uma possível complicação grave do transplante de órgãos sólidos, associada à alta mortalidade e morbidade. A TB pós-transplante tem patogênese variada com muitas abordagens para sua prevenção, que é a forma mais importante de reduzir sua incidência. O tratamento da TB em receptores de órgãos é um desafio devido à toxicidade dos medicamentos e à interação com imunossupressores. Relato de caso: uma mulher de 18 anos que foi submetida a transplante renal de um doador falecido e recebeu alta com função renal adequada foi readmitida no 37º dia de pós-operatório com febre. A TC mostrou sinais de TB miliar e coleção de fluidos além de fistulização do enxerto através da pele. A paciente apresentou BAAR positivo no fluido drenado e bacilo de Koch na urina. Ela foi tratada com um esquema de quatro medicamentos (rifampicina, isoniazida, pirazinamida e etambutol), com ótima resposta e função de enxerto preservada. Fomos informados de que o receptor do rim contralateral também apresentou TB pós-transplante, implicando em uma origem derivada do doador. Conclusão: A TB é um importante diagnóstico diferencial para complicações infecciosas em pacientes após transplante de órgãos sólidos, especialmente em regiões endêmicas. Sua apresentação clínica inicial pode não ser específica e deve ser suspeitada na presença de febre ou formação de coleções de fluidos. A suspeita de TB é a chave para o diagnóstico precoce e desfechos satisfatórios na TB pós-transplante.

Donor-derived TB after kidney transplantation: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis (TB) is a possible serious complication of solid organ transplantation, associated with high mortality and morbidity. Post-transplant TB has varied pathogenesis with many approaches to its prevention, which is the most important way to reduce its incidence. Treatment of TB in organ recipients is challenging because of drug toxicity and interaction with immunosuppressants. CASE REPORT: an 18-year-old woman that underwent kidney transplantation from a deceased donor and was discharged with fair renal function was readmitted at 37th postoperative day with fever. CT showed signs of miliary TB and fluid collection besides graft fistulization through the skin. The patient presented positive BAAR in the drained fluid and Koch's bacillus in the urine. She was treated with a four-drug regimen (rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and etambutol), with great response and preserved graft function. We were informed that the recipient of the contralateral kidney also presented post-transplant TB, implying in a donor-derived origin. CONCLUSION: TB is an important differential diagnosis for infectious complications in patients after solid-organ transplantation, especially in endemic regions. Its initial clinical presentation can be unspecific and it should be suspected in the presence of fever or formation of fluid collections. The suspicion of TB is the key to early diagnosis and satisfactory outcomes in post-transplant TB.

Transmission of cryptococcosis by liver transplantation: A case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection caused by the yeast-like encapsulated basidiomycetous fungus of the Cryptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans) species complex. These fungi are ubiquitous in soil and bird droppings, and infection by them is an important global health concern, particularly in immunosuppressed patients, such as organ transplant recipients and those infected by the human immunodeficiency virus. The fungus usually enters the body through the respiratory tract, but extremely rare cases of infection acquired by transplantation of solid organs have been reported. CASE SUMMARY: We report a case of disseminated cryptococcosis in a liver transplant recipient, diagnosed 2 wk after the procedure. The patient initially presented with fever, hyponatremia and elevated transaminase levels, manifesting intense headache after a few days. Blood cultures were positive for C. neoformans. Liver biopsy showed numerous fungal elements surrounded by gelatinous matrix and sparse granulomatous formations. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed multiple small lesions with low signal in T2, peripheric enhancement and edematous halo, diffuse through the parenchyma but more concentrated in the subcortical regions. Treatment with amphotericin B for 3 wk, followed by maintenance therapy with fluconazole, led to complete resolution of the symptoms. The recipients of both kidneys from the same donor also developed disseminated cryptococcosis, confirming the transplant as the source of infection. The organ donor lived in a rural area, surrounded by tropical rainforest, and had negative blood cultures prior to organ procurement. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the risk of transmission of fungal diseases, specifically of C. neoformans, through liver graft during liver transplantation.

Colonic Infection by Histoplasma capsulatum in a Liver Transplant Patient: A Case Report.

Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. While the lungs are the most common site of infection, disseminated disease affecting multiple organs can occur, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Gastrointestinal histoplasmosis is usually diagnosed in the context of disseminated disease and can present in any part of the digestive system, the ileum being the most frequently affected. We report the case of a 60-year-old female patient who underwent liver transplant for alcoholic liver cirrhosis. The patient had a 10 mm polypoid lesion in the sigmoid colon diagnosed in a screening colonoscopy performed 8 months prior to the transplant, but biopsy was not done for fear of bleeding due to extensive anorectal varices. There were no other lesions in the rest of the colon at that time. Four months after the transplant, the patient was asymptomatic and was submitted to a control colonoscopy, which showed 8 polypoid lesions in different parts of the colon, all of which were biopsied. Histologic results showed extensive infiltration of the colonic mucosa by Histoplasma capsulatum. Imaging and laboratorial screening for other sites of infection was negative, and the patient was treated with itraconazole for 12 months. A marked reduction in the dose of tacrolimus was necessary to maintain therapeutic levels during itraconazole treatment. Asymptomatic isolated colonic histoplasmosis is an uncommon manifestation of infection by Histoplasma capsulatum, with no previous reports in the literature of this condition affecting liver transplant recipients. This manuscript is compliant with the Helsinki Congress and the Istanbul Declaration.

Acute Liver Failure Caused by Use of Fat Burner: A Case Report.

Acute liver failure is a rare condition consisting of abrupt and extensive hepatocyte injury, leading to significant liver dysfunction associated with a high mortality. Liver transplantation is the most effective treatment in severe cases. The most common cause of acute liver failure in Western countries is drug-induced liver injury caused by prescription drugs and herbal and dietary supplements. Thermogenics, or fat burners, are a category of dietary supplements that claim to increase the resting metabolic rate, leading to weight loss. There are previous reports of acute liver failure associated with specific thermogenic formulations. We report the case of a 36-year-old male patient who developed jaundice 7 days after he started taking a thermogenic dietary supplement (Thermo Gun), with progressive deterioration of hepatic function and development of hepatic encephalopathy 19 days after the beginning of the symptoms. He had a Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score of 38 and fulfilled 4 of the King's College Criteria for poor prognosis in patients with acute liver failure. He underwent liver transplantation, receiving a graft from a cadaveric donor, and is alive with good liver graft function 2 years after the transplant. No possible causes for acute liver injury were identified other than the use of the supplement, which contained N-acetyl-L-tyrosine; 1,3,7-trimenthylxanthine; white willow; and 1-hydroxypholedrine. We found no previous reports in the literature of acute liver failure associated with those particular substances. This manuscript is compliant with the Helsinki Congress and the Istanbul Declaration.

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis caused by hepatitis C virus in a liver transplant recipient: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Infection by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is currently considered to be a global health issue, with a high worldwide prevalence and causing chronic disease in afflicted individuals. The disease largely involves the liver but it can affect other organs, including the skin. While leukocytoclastic vasculitis has been reported as one of the dermatologic manifestations of HCV infection, there are no reports of this condition as the first symptom of HCV recurrence after liver transplantation. CASE SUMMARY: We report here a case of leukocytoclastic vasculitis in a liver transplant recipient on maintenance immunosuppression. The condition presented as a palpable purpura in both lower extremities. Blood and urine cultures were negative and all biochemical tests were normal, excepting evidence of anemia and hypocomplementemia. Imaging examination by computed tomography showed a small volume of ascites, diffuse thickening of bowel walls, and a small bilateral pleural effusion. Skin biopsy showed leukocytoclasia and fibrinoid necrosis. Liver biopsy was suggestive of HCV recurrence in the graft, and HCV polymerase chain reaction yielded 11460 copies/mL and identified the genotype as 1A. Treatment of the virus with a 12-wk direct-acting antiviral regimen of ribavirin, sofosbuvir and daclatasvir led to regression of the symptoms within the first 10 d and subsequent complete resolution of the symptoms. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the difficulties of diagnosing skin lesions caused by HCV infection in immunosuppressed patients.

Use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for treating acute cardiomyopathy after liver transplantation: a case report. / Uso de oxigenação por membrana extracorpórea para tratamento de miocardiopatia aguda após transplante hepático: relato de caso.

We report the case of a female patient, 58 years of age, without known heart disease, who underwent liver transplantation without complications. On the second postoperative day, the patient developed cardiogenic shock secondary to stress-induced cardiomyopathy (Takotsubo-like syndrome). The patient was successfully managed with veno-arterial peripheral extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for 6 days, with complete recovery of cardiac function and of the hepatic graft. Coronary syndrome and acute myocarditis were excluded as the causes of the shock. The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in this scenario is possible and safe, considering its specialized protocols and treatment.

Reportamos o caso de paciente do sexo feminino, 58 anos, sem doença cardíaca conhecida, submetida a transplante hepático sem intercorrências. No segundo dia do pós-operatório desenvolveu choque cardiogênico secundário à miocardiopatia induzida pelo estresse (síndrome de Takotsubo-like). A paciente foi manejada com sucesso com oxigenação por membrana extracorpórea venoarterial periférica, por 6 dias, com recuperação completa da função cardíaca, bem como do enxerto hepático. Síndrome coronariana e miocardite aguda foram excluídas como causas do choque. O uso de oxigenação por membrana extracorpórea neste cenário é possível e seguro, considerando protocolos e tratamento especializado neste tipo de suporte.

Uso de oxigenação por membrana extracorpórea para tratamento de miocardiopatia aguda após transplante hepático: relato de caso / Use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for treating acute cardiomyopathy after liver transplantation: a case report

RESUMO Reportamos o caso de paciente do sexo feminino, 58 anos, sem doença cardíaca conhecida, submetida a transplante hepático sem intercorrências. No segundo dia do pós-operatório desenvolveu choque cardiogênico secundário à miocardiopatia induzida pelo estresse (síndrome de Takotsubo-like). A paciente foi manejada com sucesso com oxigenação por membrana extracorpórea venoarterial periférica, por 6 dias, com recuperação completa da função cardíaca, bem como do enxerto hepático. Síndrome coronariana e miocardite aguda foram excluídas como causas do choque. O uso de oxigenação por membrana extracorpórea neste cenário é possível e seguro, considerando protocolos e tratamento especializado neste tipo de suporte.

ABSTRACT We report the case of a female patient, 58 years of age, without known heart disease, who underwent liver transplantation without complications. On the second postoperative day, the patient developed cardiogenic shock secondary to stress-induced cardiomyopathy (Takotsubo-like syndrome). The patient was successfully managed with veno-arterial peripheral extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for 6 days, with complete recovery of cardiac function and of the hepatic graft. Coronary syndrome and acute myocarditis were excluded as the causes of the shock. The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in this scenario is possible and safe, considering its specialized protocols and treatment.