Time is of the Essence: Using Extended Hemin Treatment for a Case of Severe Acute Intermittent Porphyria.

Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is a disorder that affects heme synthesis, leading to accumulation of upstream precursors, and can cause an array of visceral and neurological symptoms. These can be severely debilitating and even fatal if not diagnosed and treated in a timely fashion. We outline a rare case of severe AIP masquerading as ascending polyneuropathy and how it was correctly diagnosed and treated with an extended course of hemin despite initial barriers to biochemical testing for AIP.

The Evolving Role of Advanced Endoscopic Techniques in Hepatology.

The role of advanced endoscopy in the field of hepatology has evolved rapidly over the last decade. Several novel diagnostic and therapeutic interventions can now be accomplished endoscopically both easily and safely in patients with liver disease; these include endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided liver biopsy, EUS-guided measurement of the portal pressure gradient, EUS-guided therapy for gastric varices, and EUS elastography. This article highlights advances in endoscopic tools and techniques that can be applied in the field of hepatology.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Metastatic Disease to the Pancreas.

Introduction: Metastatic disease to the pancreas is a rare entity from all malignant pancreatic masses. Its diagnosis is very challenging, but with the introduction of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-fine needle aspiration (FNA), now there is a feasible way to make an accurate histopathological and definitive diagnosis. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective review of 11 patients with metastasis to the pancreas diagnosed with EUS-FNA in a tertiary referral center over a period of 3 years. We describe our institutional experience in diagnosing metastatic disease to the pancreas through EUS-FNA. Results: Between January 2015 and June 2018, 115 patients were diagnosed with pancreatic malignancy by EUS-FNA and only 11 (10%) with metastatic disease to the pancreas. Most common primary malignancy was renal cell carcinoma, followed by colon carcinoma, squamous/small cell carcinoma of the lung, and urothelial carcinoma. Five of 11 patients presented as a solitary pancreatic mass on initial imaging without any evidence of primary or metastatic disease elsewhere. Conclusions: In our experience, metastatic disease to the pancreas can represent up to 10% of solid pancreatic masses, which is lower compared to the reported incidence in previous literature. Our findings reveal that early identification and diagnosis help patient management and limit surgical morbidity and mortality.

Knowledge and Perceptions of Hepatitis B and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Screening Guidelines Among Trainees: A Tale of Three Centers.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B (HBV), the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide, disproportionately affects minorities in the USA. Undiagnosed HBV precludes HCC screening and contributes to late-stage cancer presentation and decreased survival. Barriers to HBV and HCC screening include lack of insurance and limited diffusion of guidelines. We aimed to assess knowledge about HBV and HCC screening indications and explore barriers to screening. METHODS: We surveyed trainees from the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospitals, Palmetto General Hospital, and Mount Sinai Medical Center. We assessed knowledge using clinical vignettes. We performed bivariate and Chi-squared analyses. RESULTS: There were 183 respondents; median age was 31 and 52% were male. The sample was 35% Hispanic, 29% White, 18% Asian, and 9% Black. Training department was Internal Medicine, 71%; Family Medicine, 11%; Infectious Diseases, 6%; or Gastroenterology, 7%. Only 59% correctly estimated national HBV prevalence; 25% correctly estimated global prevalence. In vignettes with behavioral risk factors, trainees correctly advised screening, 63-96%. However, when the risk factor was the birthplace, correct responses ranged from 33 to 53%. Overall, 45% chose an incorrect combination of HBV screening tests. Perceived barriers to screening included limited expertise in screening of immigrants and limited patient education. Respondents were more likely to recommend HCC screening in cirrhotic patients versus non-cirrhotic HBV patients. Key barriers to HCC screening included uncertainty about HCC guidelines and patient financial barriers. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of HBV and HCC screening recommendations is suboptimal among trainees. Efforts to broadly disseminate HBV and HCC guidelines through targeted educational interventions are needed.

Hepatic Complications of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Hepatobiliary disorders are commonly encountered in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although primary sclerosing cholangitis is the stereotypical hepatobiliary disorder associated with IBD, other diseases, including autoimmune hepatitis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, also are encountered in this population. Several agents used for treatment of IBD may cause drug-induced liver injury, although severe hepatotoxicity occurs infrequently. Furthermore, reactivation of hepatitis B virus infection may occur in patients with IBD treated with systemic corticosteroids and biologic agents.