Hepatocellular carcinoma tumour burden score to stratify prognosis after resection.

BACKGROUND: Although the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system has been largely adopted in clinical practice, recent studies have emphasized the need for further refinement and subclassification of this system. METHODS: Patients who underwent hepatectomy with curative intent for BCLC-0, -A or -B hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) between 2000 and 2017 were identified using a multi-institutional database. The tumour burden score (TBS) was calculated, and overall survival (OS) was examined in relation to TBS and BCLC stage. RESULTS: Among 1053 patients, 63 (6·0 per cent) had BCLC-0, 826 (78·4 per cent) BCLC-A and 164 (15·6 per cent) had BCLC-B HCC. OS worsened incrementally with higher TBS (5-year OS 77·9, 61 and 39 per cent for low, medium and high TBS respectively; P < 0·001). No differences in OS were noted among patients with similar TBS, irrespective of BCLC stage (61·6 versus 58·9 per cent for BCLC-A/medium TBS versus BCLC-B/medium TBS, P = 0·930; 45 versus 13 per cent for BCLC-A/high TBS versus BCLC-B/high TBS, P = 0·175). Patients with BCLC-B HCC and a medium TBS had better OS than those with BCLC-A disease and a high TBS (58·9 versus 45 per cent; P = 0·005). On multivariable analysis, TBS remained associated with OS among patients with BCLC-A (medium TBS: hazard ratio (HR) 2·07, 95 per cent c.i. 1·42 to 3·02, P < 0·001; high TBS: HR 4·05, 2·40 to 6·82, P < 0·001) and BCLC-B (high TBS: HR 3·85, 2·03 to 7·30; P < 0·001) HCC. TBS could also stratify prognosis among patients in an external validation cohort (5-year OS 79, 51·2 and 28 per cent for low, medium and high TBS respectively; P = 0·010). CONCLUSION: The prognosis of patients with HCC varied according to the BCLC stage but was largely dependent on the TBS.

ANTECEDENTES: Aunque el sistema de estadificación del Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) ha sido adoptado en gran medida en la práctica clínica, estudios recientes han enfatizado la necesidad de un mayor refinamiento y subclasificación del sistema BCLC. MÉTODOS: Los pacientes con carcinoma hepatocelular (hepatocellular cancer, HCC) BCLC-0, A y B que se sometieron a una hepatectomía con intención curativa entre 2000 y 2017 fueron identificados utilizando una base de datos multi-institucional. Se calculó la puntuación de carga tumoral (tumour burden score, TBS) y se examinó la supervivencia global (overall survival, OS) en relación con la TBS y los estadios BCLC. RESULTADOS: En la serie de 1.053 pacientes, 63 (6%) tenían HCC BCLC-0, 826 (78,4%) HCC BCLC-A y 164 (15,6%) HCC BCLC-B. La OS disminuyó de forma incremental en función de la mayor TBS (OS a 5 años; TBS baja: 77,9% versus TBS media: 61% versus TBS alta: 39%, P < 0,001). No se observaron diferencias en la OS entre pacientes con una puntuación TBS similar, independientemente del estadio BCLC (BCLC-A/TBS media: 61,6% versus BCLC-B/TBS media: 58,9%, P = 0,93; BCLC-A/TBS alta: 45,1% versus BCLC-B/TBS alta: 12,8%, P = 0,175). Los pacientes con BCLC-B/TBS media tuvieron una mejor OS que los pacientes con BCLC-A/TBS alta (58,9% versus 45,1%, P = 0,005). En el análisis multivariable, la TBS se mantuvo asociada a la OS en el caso de BCLC-A (TBS media: cociente de riesgos instantáneos, hazard ratio, HR = 2,07, i.c. del 95%: 1,42-3,02, P < 0,001; TBS alta: HR = 4,05, i.c. del 95%: 2,40-6,82, P < 0,001) y BCLC-B pacientes (TBS alta: HR = 3,85, i.c. del 95%: 2,03-7,30, P < 0,001). La TBS también pudo estratificar el pronóstico entre pacientes en una cohorte de validación externa (OS a 5 años; TBS baja: 78,7% versus TBS media: 51,2% versus TBS alta: 27,6%, P = 0,01). CONCLUSIÓN: El pronóstico de los pacientes con HCC varió según el estadio BCLC, pero dependió en gran medida de la TBS.

Changes in serum leptin levels as well as sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 soluble adhesion molecules during carotid endarterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Leptin is an adipokine, known to be associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and atherogenesis. Leptin plays an essential role in atheromatosis-associated inflammatory cascade through stimulation of inflammatory mediators such as soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1). However, little is known about this association in patients with atherosclerosis and severe internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Our objective was to evaluate the variations of serum leptin levels, as well as sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels in these patients during the process of CEA and 24 hours postoperatively. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study group enrolled 50 patients undergoing CEA for ICA stenosis (> 70%). Serum leptin, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 plasma concentration measurements were performed at 4 distinct time points: before clamping of the ICA, 30 minutes after clamping of the ICA, 60 minutes after declamping of ICA and 24 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: Leptin was significantly decreased during CEA, but an overshooting in its levels was observed at 24 hours after the operation. Both sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 initially followed the pattern of leptin changes but after completing CEA and up to 24 hours postoperatively a steep increase in their levels was not established. sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 correlated with indices of oxidative stress at peak inflammatory burden. CONCLUSIONS: Leptin is a circulating marker of carotid atherosclerosis. Oxidative stress and expression of sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 on vascular endothelial cells are key features in the pathophysiological process of atherosclerosis.

Cardiac allograft vasculopathy after heart transplantation: current prevention and treatment strategies.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a leading cause of mortality in heart transplantation patients. Despite optimal immunosuppression therapy, the rate of CAV post-transplantation remains high. In this review, we gathered all recent studies as well as experimental evidence focusing on the prevention and treatment strategies regarding CAV after heart transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A complete literature survey was performed using the PubMed database search to gather available information regarding prevention and treatment strategies of CAV after heart transplantation. RESULTS: Several non-immune and immune factors have been linked to CAV such as ischemic reperfusion injury, metabolic disorders, cytomegalovirus infection, coronary endothelial dysfunction, injury and inflammation respectively. Serial coronary angiography combined with intravascular ultrasound is currently the method of choice for detecting early disease. Biomarkers and noninvasive imaging can also assist in the early identification of CAV. Treatment strategies such as mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors proceed to grow, but prevention remains the objective. CONCLUSIONS: Early detection is the key to therapy management. It enables early identification and diagnosis of patients with CAV, who would gain the most from prompt treatment. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the multifactorial pathophysiological process of CAV, develop detection methods and find treatments that prevent or slow disease progression.

An alternative management of a Littré hernia case: food for thought.

AIM: We present a novel approach to a Littré hernia case. CASE REPORT: A 62-year old male presented at our department with a painless mass in the inguinal area and was successfully treated for an inguinal Littré hernia. A Lichtenstein tension-free mesh repair was used without performing simultaneous diverticulectomy. DISCUSSION: Resection of an asymptomatic Meckel's diverticulum remains a controversial issue. In adult population, leaving an accidentally found silent Meckel's diverticula in situ could reduce the risk of postoperative complications without increasing late complications. Mesh-based techniques provide lower recurrence rates compared to non-mesh techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Management of asymptomatic Littré hernias presents a challenge for the operating surgeon. Treatment guidelines should be developed for the optimal management of these patients.

Gastric tube volvulus following an Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy.

Gastric tube conduit is the method of choice for restoring continuity of the digestive track after a partial or total esophagectomy. Redundant gastric conduit (i.e. an elongated, floppy conduit) is a rare cause of dysphagia in patients with long survival. Gastric tube volvulus is exceedingly rare with only three cases described in the literature. We present the diagnostic and therapeutic course of a 57-year-old man who presented to our department with gastric tube volvulus 32 months after an Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy. Diagnosis was made with computed tomography and volvulus was reduced endoscopically. To the best of our knowledge, this is only the fourth case of gastric tube volvulus described in the English literature. This rare situation might be a consequence of a redundant gastric tube. Endoscopic volvulus decompression was successful in our case.

Littre's hernia: a systematic review of the literature.

PURPOSE: A hernia containing Meckel's diverticulum is called a Littre's Hernia. It's a rare entity and its diagnosis is often incidental during routine hernia repair surgery. The objective of this study is the evaluation of the current evidence on Littre's hernias regarding their clinical presentation and optimal treatment approach. METHODS: PubMed and Cochrane bibliographical databases were searched from the beginning of time (last search: August 1st, 2018) for studies reporting on Littre's hernias in adult population. RESULTS: Forty-five studies met our inclusion criteria and reported collectively on 53 patients (21 males and 32 females) presenting at health care units with a Littre's hernia. The most common sites of occurrence were femoral (39.6%) and inguinal (34%). The vast majority of cases (77.4%) concerned incarcerated hernias. All patients underwent surgical hernia repair accompanied by a diverticulectomy and 16.9% of them received mesh. Only 7.5% of patients experienced immediate postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: A Littre hernia is a rare complication of Meckel's diverticulum. It requires surgical attention and all medical professionals should be encouraged to report such cases to expand our experience and optimize the therapeutic approach.

Tumor potential in rat wounds after short- and long-term administration of platelet-rich plasma: an update.

Comment on: Omar NN, et al. Tumor potential in rat wounds after short- and long-term administration of platelet-rich plasma. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2017 Oct-Dec;31(4):889-899. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a promising concentrate. But are there any disadvantages or contraindications regarding its application? Is the use of PRP indicated in wounds of patients undergoing resection for cancer. The presence of growth factors could promote tumor proliferation and recurrence. It is of the utmost importance to recognize any possible contraindication before we call it safe. The role of PRP in tumorigenicity deserves further experimental investigation and large-scale prospective randomized clinical trials.

Diverticulitis of the transverse colon manifesting as colocutaneous fistula.

The transverse colon is a particularly rare site for a diverticulum to develop, with only few reports of solitary diverticula described in the literature. Among the reported complications, colocutaneous fistulas appear relatively infrequently. We describe the case of an 80-year-old woman with a solitary diverticulum of the transverse colon presenting as acute diverticulitis with abscess formation in the epigastric region. A fistulous tract was found between the inflamed colon and the skin. A wedge resection of the inflamed colon together with the fistula and the solitary diverticulum was performed followed by primary suturing of the healthy colonic tissue. Despite the sufficient treatment and thorough clearance of the area, the patient died ten days later from ventilator associated pneumonia. Although rare, in patients presenting with a subcutaneous abscess in the abdominal region, there should be a high level of suspicion for active intraperitoneal inflammation derived from complicated diverticular disease given the continuously elevated prevalence of the condition in Western societies. The decision regarding proper management of this clinical state should be based on thorough clinical examination and imaging.

Cryoablation for atrial fibrillation and antiarrhythmic drug pretreatment: a single referral center experience.

OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) ablation has emerged as the gold standard of ablative strategies to treat medically refractory paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Regardless of the superiority of catheter ablation based on PVI over antiarrhythmic drug therapy, recurrence rates of AF remain higher than desired. PVI via cryoablation has rapidly become a mainstream treatment for AF, due to its effectiveness and fast learning curve. Our objective was to assess the safety and efficacy of cryoablation in a single referral center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of results after cryoablation treatment of AF over three years. 146 patients with AF underwent a cryoablation procedure in our clinical center and were followed-up for three years after the procedure. All patients received cryoablation of the pulmonary veins, although concomitant procedures were performed in 6 patients (re-ablation), including radiofrequency and cryoablation. RESULTS: Cryoablation was clinically successful in 90.83% of the patients with paroxysmal AF and 60% of those with persistent AF. The clinical success of cryoablation was correlated with pretreatment with amiodarone and in the case of re-ablation. Concerning postoperative complications, major bleeding was correlated with female gender, treatment with rivaroxaban and amiodarone. CONCLUSIONS: Among large trials, freedom from recurrent AF is about 65% with follow-up limited to 1 to 2 years. PVI via balloon cryoablation is a safe and efficient guideline-based treatment for AF, producing a durable event-free result in most patients out to 3 years with better outcomes than previously reported.

Successful combined surgical approach in a rare case of retrotracheal goitre in a patient with anatomical impediments.

Diving goitres can descend the cervical region expanding directly into the thoracic cavity. In most cases, diving goitres extend into the anterosuperior compartment, but they may also extend behind the trachea. We herein present a case of a male patient with retrotracheal goitre and history of left thyroid lobectomy and median sternotomy for thoracic aortic aneurysm repair with graft placement. After detailed preoperative evaluation, the patient underwent surgical resection of the mass through a combined approach; the existing cervical incision and a right posterolateral mini-thoracotomy. The postoperative course of the patient was uncomplicated. One year after surgery, the patient is asymptomatic and disease-free. (Folia Morphol 2018; 77, 1: 166-169).

The role of prasugrel in the management of acute coronary syndromes: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is the treatment of choice in the medical management of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The combination of aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor in patients who receive a coronary stent reduces the rate of stent thrombosis and the rates of major adverse cardiovascular events. However, patients with acute coronary syndrome remain at risk of recurrent cardiovascular events despite the advance of medical therapy. The limitations of clopidogrel with variable antiplatelet effects and delayed onset of action are well established and lead to the development of newer P2Y12 inhibitors. Prasugrel is a selective adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptor antagonist indicated for use in patients with ACS. Prasugrel provides greater inhibition of platelet aggregation than clopidogrel and has a rapid onset of action. We have conducted a systematic review to retrieve current evidence regarding the role of prasugrel in the management of ACS. Evidence comparing prasugrel, clopidogrel, and ticagrelor remain scant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A complete literature survey was performed using PubMed database search to gather available information regarding management of acute coronary syndromes and prasugrel. An explorative comparison of the safety and efficacy of prasugrel, clopidogrel, and ticagrelor was also conducted. RESULTS: Prasugrel and ticagrelor are more efficacious than clopidogrel in reducing the occurrence of non-fatal myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular (CV) death but they have also an increased risk of major bleeding in comparison to clopidogrel. CONCLUSIONS: Prasugrel and ticagrelor are today the recommended first-line agents in patients with ACS. The estimation of which drug is superior over the other cannot be reliably established from the current trials.

Animal models in the research of abdominal aortic aneurysms development.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a prevalent and potentially life threatening disease. Many animal models have been developed to simulate the natural history of the disease or test preclinical endovascular devices and surgical procedures. The aim of this review is to describe different methods of AAA induction in animal models and report on the effectiveness of the methods described in inducing an analogue of a human AAA. The PubMed database was searched for publications with titles containing the following terms "animal" or "animal model(s)" and keywords "research", "aneurysm(s)", "aorta", "pancreatic elastase", "Angiotensin", "AngII" "calcium chloride" or "CaCl(2)". Starting date for this search was set to 2004, since previously bibliography was already covered by the review of Daugherty and Cassis (2004). We focused on animal studies that reported a model of aneurysm development and progression. A number of different approaches of AAA induction in animal models has been developed, used and combined since the first report in the 1960's. Although specific methods are successful in AAA induction in animal models, it is necessary that these methods and their respective results are in line with the pathophysiology and the mechanisms involved in human AAA development. A researcher should know the advantages/disadvantages of each animal model and choose the appropriate model.

Inflammatory pseudotumour of the colon.

Introduction A colorectal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour (IMT) is a rare but benign entity masquerading as a malignant tumour. Although the lung is considered the most common site of occurrence, IMTs may arise in diverse extrapulmonary locations. We describe a case of a colonic IMT in a patient who presented in the emergency setting. Case History A 77-year-old man was admitted at our emergency department with acute abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed vague tenderness of the lower abdomen and non-palpable masses. Preoperative evaluation revealed a mass in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, possibly originating from the terminal ileum, 1-2cm from the caecum. Owing to the clinical impression of a potentially malignant lesion, the patient underwent subtotal colectomy and omentectomy. The pathology report suggested the morphological and immunohistochemical features were more compatible with a colonic IMT. Conclusions A colorectal IMT is a rare clinical entity that can easily mimic a highly malignant tumour and cannot be distinguished clinically or radiologically. An accurate diagnosis is based on histological examination and surgical resection is therefore usually required.

Renal paratransplant hernia revealed: a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Renal paratransplant hernia (RPH) is an uncommon variant of internal hernias developed in renal transplant recipients. The aim of this review is to meticulously present and analyze all data coming mainly from case reports or short-case studies on this very uncommon surgical entity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MEDLINE/PubMed database was searched for publications with the medical subject heading ''renal paratransplant hernia''. All the references from the identified articles were searched for relevant information. The end date of the literature search was set to March 2016. RESULTS: Our search revealed five publications, three short clinical series (three cases each) and two case reports. The total number of cases retrieved was 11. RPH should be considered as an iatrogenic surgical complication. The incidence is around 0.45%. CONCLUSIONS: RPH is a relatively uncommon but potentially fatal complication after renal transplantation, and its non-specific symptoms may lead to misdiagnosis. Physician awareness, prompt diagnosis, and early surgical intervention are critical. In addition, meticulous surgical technique during transplantation may help avoid this complication.

Evaluation of cerebrovascular reserve capacity in symptomatic and asymptomatic internal carotid stenosis with transcranial Doppler.

Cerebrovascular reserve capacity (CVRC) is a hemodynamic parameter indicating the brain's capacity to overcome ischemia. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) is a useful device to measure CVRC, with high availability and low cost. The aim of the study is to investigate asymptomatic patients with affected CVRC, who could benefit from CEA. One hundred and forty five consecutive patients (60 symptomatic and 65 asymptomatic), with internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis >70 % and 20 healthy individuals without internal carotid stenosis underwent TCD-inhalation CO(2) tests in order to measure the CVRC in both hemispheres of each patient. CVRC between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients were significantly different in the 95 % confidence interval (CI) as well as the mean CVRC value in contralateral carotid artery. The correlation between CVRC in the carotid artery with stenosis and the existence of symptoms is significant at the 0.01 level. Additionally, symptoms and CVRC of the contralateral carotid artery are also significant at the 0.05 level and CVRC values in asymptomatic patients and the control group at the 0.01 level. None of the covariant factors, except the age, are significantly correlated with CRVC. CVRC could be an early mark-index to evaluate the risk of stroke in this group of patients and to design their therapeutic approach.

A safe and feasible "clock-face" duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy with a very low incidence of anastomotic failure: A single center experience of 248 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is one of the most frequent and serious postoperative complications of pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). We sought to assess the impact of a novel pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) on the rates of POPF and overall postoperative complications. METHODS: Between 01/2010 and 12/2013, a total of 248 consecutive patients who underwent PD with a modified PJ were identified from our database and retrospectively analyzed. POPF cases were divided into three categories (ISGPF-international study group-guidelines): biochemical fistula without clinical sequelae (grade A), fistula requiring any therapeutic intervention (grade B), and fistula with severe clinical sequelae (grade C). Perioperative outcomes were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: The overwhelming majority of patients had no evidence of fistula. Grade A POPF was observed in 9 (3.62%), grade B in 1 (0.40%), and grade C in 0 patients. There were no postoperative deaths. Overall complications occurred in 61 patients (24.59%) of patients after PD. CONCLUSIONS: This modified pancreaticojejunostomy is widely applicable and is associated with very low rates of POPF, low postoperative morbidity and mortality. Overall, it is a feasible and safe novel approach with excellent short-term outcomes.

Surgical Dead End in a Renal Transplant Recipient Associated With a Rare Thrombohemorrhagic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Primary breast angiosarcoma is an extremely rare malignancy. Association of this type of tumor with Kasabach-Merritt syndrome has only been reported in 3 cases in the past. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a solid-organ recipient. METHODS: A 53-year-old woman who underwent a deceased-donor renal transplantation 5 years previously presented with a 12-month history of a giant ulcerated lesion on her left breast. Biopsy of the overlying skin suggested primary angiosarcoma. Concurrently, the patient's bleeding from the site of the biopsy and hematology investigations indicated the presence of Kasabach-Merritt syndrome. RESULTS: The case was discussed in a multidisciplinary setting. The decision was to use anthracycline-based chemotherapy as up-front treatment to assess tumor response and gain a local benefit for a subsequent resection. After the completion of 1 cycle of chemotherapy, the patient died of cardiovascular insufficiency. Primary angiosarcoma of the breast occurs in the third to fourth decade and has been reported only in women. CONCLUSIONS: A high clinical suspicion and referral to a specialized center are necessary. Total mastectomy appears to be the only treatment conferring benefit; chemotherapy and radiation therapy are of little value.