Associating IDH and TERT Mutations in Glioma with Diffusion Anisotropy in Normal-Appearing White Matter.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: IDH and TERT mutations might infiltratively manifest within normal-appearing white matter with specific phenotypes such as microstructural changes undetectable by standard MR imaging contrasts but potentially associable with DTI variables. The aim of this retrospective glioma study was to statistically investigate IDH and TERT associations and classifications with DTI reported microstructure in normal-appearing white matter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective data from patients imaged between March 2012 and February 2016 were analyzed by grouping them as IDH-TERT subgroups and by IDH and TERT mutation status. DTI variables in the IDH-TERT subgroups were first identified by the Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by Dunn-Sidák multiple comparisons with Bonferroni correction. IDH and TERT mutations were compared with the Mann-Whitney U test. Classification by thresholding was tested using receiver operating characteristic analysis. RESULTS: Of 170 patients, 70 patients (mean age, 43.73 [SD, 15.32] years; 40 men) were included. Whole-brain normal-appearing white matter fractional anisotropy (FA) and relative anisotropy (RA) (P = .002) were significantly higher and the contralateral-ipsilateral hemispheric differences, ΔFA and ΔRA, (P < .001) were significantly lower in IDHonly patients compared with TERTonly, with a higher whole-brain normal-appearing white matter FA and RA (P = .01) and ΔFA and ΔRA (P = .002) compared to double positive patients. Whole-brain normal-appearing white matter ADC (P = .02), RD (P = .001), λ2 (P = .001), and λ3 (P = .001) were higher in IDH wild-type. Whole-brain normal-appearing white matter λ1 (AD) (P = .003), FA (P < .001), and RA (P = .003) were higher, but Δλ1 (P = .002), ΔFA, and ΔRA (P < .001) were lower in IDH mutant versus IDH wild-type. ΔFA (P = .01) and ΔRA (P = .02) were significantly higher in TERT mutant versus TERT wild-type. CONCLUSIONS: Axial and nonaxial diffusivities, anisotropy indices in the normal-appearing white matter and their interhemispheric differences demonstrated microstructural differences between IDH and TERT mutations, with the potential for classification methods.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Hypertension After Liver Transplantation.

Pulmonary hypertension is one of the problems that can be encountered before liver transplantation. It is not expected in cases with no additional disease in postoperative period. Herein, we report on a 43-year-old woman who developed idiopathic pulmonary hypertension in the early postoperative period. Further investigation both pathologically and clinically is needed in patients undergoing living donor liver transplantation that may help to solve the problems such as pulmonary arterial hypertension before it occurs and manage complex hemodynamic changes successfully in the future.

Varicella-Zoster Virus-Induced Hepatitis in a Liver Transplant Recipient: A Case Report.

Infections after solid organ transplantation are a major cause of mortality and morbidity. Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection after solid organ transplantation is rare. Here we present a case presenting with acute hepatitis and shingles after a liver transplantation (LT). A 36-year-old male patient underwent a liver transplantation; 7 months later his liver function tests increased. An examination and test results revealed that he had VZV-induced hepatitis. After VZV treatment, his test results returned to normal levels. Hepatic involvement of VZV infection is rare, but it may be fatal in immunocompromised individuals. Early diagnosis and early initiation of antiviral therapy is important in the control of hepatitis and rare hepatotropic viruses in immunocompromised individuals.

Advantages of Epidural Analgesia on Pulmonary Functions in Liver Transplant Donors.

OBJECTIVE: Epidural analgesia (EA) has positive effects on anesthetic requirement, blood loss, postoperative analgesia, and pulmonary function tests (PFTs). The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of EA on postoperative PFTs in liver transplant donors (LTDs). METHODS: In the present study, 66 LTDs were classified as total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) and TIVA+EA groups. Patient's age, sex, body mass index, induction and maintenance dose of propofol (IDP and MDP), operation duration, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio, visual analog scale (VAS), atelectasis scores, and lengths of intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stays were recorded. RESULTS: In the TIVA+EA group, IPD, MPD, delta-FEV1 delta-FVC, VAS for all time, atelectasis score and length of hospital stay were significantly lower than in the TIVA group (P < .001 for all). Whereas VAS at the end of the operation was negatively correlated with delta-FEV1 and delta-FVC (r2 = 0.26 P < .001; r2 = 0.41 P < .001; respectively), it was positively correlated with atelectasis score and length of ICU stay (r2 = 0.49, P < .001; and r2 = 0.41, P < .001; respectively). Atelectasis score was positively correlated with length of ICU stay (r2 = 0.86, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Reduced anesthetic requirement, better postoperative analgesia, reduced atelectasis score, and preserved PFTs can be provided with the use of EA in LTDs. Positive effects of EA on anesthesia requirement, pain management and pulmonary function are associated with outcomes.

Effects of Intraoperative Magnesium Sulfate Administration on Postoperative Tramadol Requirement in Liver Transplantation: A Prospective, Double-Blind Study.

BACKGROUND: Magnesium is an N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor blocker and is known to have analgesic effect. Hypomagnesemia can often be seen in liver transplantation and may be associated with higher morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of intraoperative magnesium sulfate administration on postoperative tramadol requirement in liver transplant patients. METHODS: Liver transplant patients >18 years of age were screened prospectively from October 2014 to April 2015. Of these, 35 randomly selected patients with normal blood magnesium level (≥1.8 mmol/L) were included in a control group and another 35 randomly selected patients with low magnesium level (<1.8 mmol/L) were given 50 mg/kg intravenous magnesium sulfate replacement in the last 30 minutes of the operation. All patients received standard anesthesia induction and maintenance. Patient's age, sex, body mass index, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores, 24-hour tramadol requirement, mechanical ventilation duration, and time of 1st tramadol need were recorded. RESULTS: In the magnesium group, mean 24-hour total tramadol requirement (3.7 mg/kg/d) and duration of mechanical ventilation (6.3 h) were significantly lower and time of 1st tramadol need (17.5 h) was significantly higher than in the control group (P < .001 for each). In the multivariate analysis, duration of mechanical ventilation was decreased by the usage of magnesium sulfate (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative use of magnesium sulfate in liver transplantation reduces the need for postoperative tramadol and duration of mechanical ventilation and therefore it is a candidate to be adjuvant agent.

Urgency Priority in Kidney Transplantation: Experience in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: In Turkey, according to the directions of National Organ and Tissue Transplant Coordination System, a system has been established since 2008 of urgency priority for kidney transplantation in cases with imminent lack of access for either hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. In this study, we compared patient and graft outcomes between patients on the national waiting list having urgency priority for kidney transplantation (UKT) and those having the other kidney from the same deceased donor (control group). METHODS: We examined retrospective data of patients, who underwent transplantation under urgency priority allocation in Turkey from 2010 to 2014 and compared that group with other patients receiving kidney transplants from the same deceased donors (control group). Then we compared these patients for early and long-term patient and graft outcomes. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients had UKT, and 40 patients received transplants from the same deceased donors. Mean follow-up of patients after transplantation was 18 ± 12 months. Eight patients with UKT and 4 patients in the control group lost their grafts. At follow-up, 7 patients died in the UKT group, and 4 patients died in the control group. Patient survival in the UKT group was 90% at 1 year and 83% at 2 years, and in the control group was 93% at 1 year and 84% at 2 years (P = .384). Graft survival was 87% at 1 year and 81% at 2 years in UKT, and 91% at both 1 and 2 years in the control group (P = .260). CONCLUSIONS: Although patients with UKT showed lower graft and patient survivals than the control group, the difference was statistically nonsignificant. UKT can be an obligatory treatment model for patients with lack of vascular or peritoneal access for dialysis.

Brucella infection with pancytopenia after pediatric liver transplantation.

Brucellosis is considered the most widespread zoonosis in the world. It has been reported that the prevalence of seropositivity among the Turkish population varies from 3% to 14%. We present a case of brucellosis after pediatric liver transplantation. A 15-year-old boy with the diagnosis of neuro Wilson's disease underwent deceased-donor liver transplantation. The postoperative immunosuppressive protocol consisted of steroids and tacrolimus. Two months after the operation the patient experienced fever to 40°C. The patient complained of poor appetite, headache, and diarrhea. He had had pancytopenia. Despite administration of appropriate antibiotics, antiviral and antifungal agents, fever persisted for > 1 month. Multiple blood, urine, stool, and sputum cultures were negative. Bone marrow aspirate revealed hypocellularity. Liver biopsy was performed, but rejection was not observed on biopsy specimen. Brucella serology was positive and Brucella agglutination titer was 1:320. Bone marrow culture was positive for Brucella but blood culture was negative. The patient was then treated with oral doxycycline and rifampin for 8 weeks. No previous case report about Brucella infection after liver transplantation has appeared in the literature, to our knowledge; our case is presented as the first. Bone marrow hypoplasia is a rare feature of Brucella infection. Our patient with brucellosis and pancytopenia had had hypocellular bone marrow. The clinical and hematologic findings resolved with treatment of the infection. Brucella infection should be suspected in liver transplanted recipients with fever of unknown origin, especially in a recipient who has lived in an endemic area. Brucella also should be considered as a possible diagnosis in patients with pancytopenia.

The protective effect of aprotinin and alpha-tocopherol on ischemia-reperfusion injury of the rat liver.

BACKGROUND: Liver injury caused by ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) processes is a complication of hepatic resection surgery and transplantation, particularly using grafts from marginal donors. Despite improvements in organ preservation and advances in surgical techniques, I/R injury remains a significant clinical problem. In this study, we investigated whether aprotinin provided protection against the adverse effects of I/R injury in liver tissue. METHODS: Forty rats were randomized into four groups (n = 10): group I: (control group) I/R + no medication; group II: sham-operated group + no medication or I/R; group III: I/R + aprotinin; group IV: I/R + alpha-tocopherol. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured in the liver tissue and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), as well as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in rat serum. RESULTS: Administration of aprotinin and alpha-tocopherol before I/R resulted in significant reductions of MDA levels compared to the I/R alone group (group I; P = .01 and P < .01, respectively). Administration of aprotinin or alpha-tocopherol prior to I/R resulted in significant increases in SOD and CAT levels compared with the I/R group (P < .05 each). Compared to the I/R group, significant decreases in plasma AST, ALT, and LDH levels were observed both in the aprotinin and in the alpha-tocopherol group (P < .05). Histological evaluation revealed the injury grade to be relatively lower among groups III and IV compared to group I. DISCUSSION: In conclusion, rat hepatic structures in aprotinin and alpha-tocopherol administered groups were well protected. Therefore, aprotinin may provide protection against the adverse effects of I/R injury in liver transplantation.

Alveolar echinococcosis of liver presenting with neurological symptoms due to brain metastases with simultaneous lung metastasis: a case report.

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a chronic and serious, even lethal, parasitic infection caused by the helminth Echinococcus multilocularis (EM). AE is an endemic disease in Turkey and it is particularly common in people living in the eastern Anatolia Region. In addition to various clinical presentations, symptoms which lead to diagnosis, however, are usually associated with the metastatic lesions. We herein reported a 62-year-old man who had liver alveolar hydatid disease with simultaneous lung and brain metastasis. We think there was only one therapeutic option, namely medical treatment with albendazol, which is the usual treatment for patients living in eastern Anatolia and who are admitted late resulting in a subsequent inoperable situation. Thus, radiological screening studies for the public in this region may increase the possibility of surgical treatment for alveolar hydatid disease.

Posttraumatic free intraperitoneal rupture of liver cystic echinococcosis: a case series and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: A serious complication of cystic echinococcus (CE) is the rupture of the cysts. Free intra-abdominal rupture occurs in approximately 3.2% of all cases. Posttraumatic rupture of liver CE is very rare. METHODS: The objective of the current study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic findings and surgical treatment of this complication. RESULTS: Twenty patients with posttraumatic ruptured liver CE were treated. The incidence rate of hydatid rupture was 3.06%. The common presenting symptom was abdominal pain. All patients were operated on under emergency conditions. There were 26 cysts in 20 patients, and all of the cysts were treated surgically. CONCLUSION: Hydatid cyst rupture must be kept in mind in the management of trauma patients with cystic mass in the liver in particular and free intra-abdominal fluid, especially in the endemic area. We preferred conservative (unroofing associated with various procedures for the management of the residual cavity) rather than radical procedures such as hepatic resection or pericystectomy for the surgical treatment.

Extravisceral primary hydatid cyst of the retroperitoneum.

BACKGROUND: Hydatid cyst (HC) continues to be endemic in the Mediterranean countries, such as Turkey. Living in a rural area is an important risk factor for the disease. HC is most commonly seen in the liver and lungs, but retroperitoneal hydatid cyst is very rare. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic findings and surgical treatment of this unusual lesion. METHODS: Between 1979 and 2004, 14 cases with primary retroperitoneal hydatid cyst were treated surgically at our clinic. RESULTS: Symptoms included flank pain in eight (57.1%) and palpable mass in six patients (42.8%). The cyst was located in the right retroperitoneum in seven patients (50%), left retroperitoneum in five patients (35.7%), retrovesical region in one patient (7.1%) and paravesical region in one patient (7.1%). Surgical approaches were right paramedian extraperitoneal approach in four patients, left paramedian extraperitoneal approach in two patients and midline transperitoneal approach in eight patients. Total pericystectomy was chosen as the surgical procedure in all patients except in five (35.7%), who had partial cystectomy for cysts located near the vital structures. There were no complications and mortality postoperatively. CONCLUSION: A primary HC of the retroperitoneum is a distinct clinical entity that must be considered when caring for a patient with a retroperitoneal mass in endemic regions. It should be treated after the diagnosis is confirmed without any delay because of secondary spillages due to perforations and other possible complications.

An algorithm for the management of sigmoid colon volvulus and the safety of primary resection: experience with 827 cases.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to review the outcomes of emergent treatment of sigmoid colon volvulus. METHODS: The records of 827 patients were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean age was 57.9 years (range, 10 weeks to 98 years), and 688 patients (83.2 percent) were male. Nonoperative reduction was applied in 575 patients (barium enema in 13, rigid sigmoidoscopy in 351, and flexible sigmoidoscopy in 211, with rectal tube placement in all patients). The results were as follows: success of 78.1 percent, mortality of 0.9 percent, complication of 3 percent, and early recurrence of 3.3 percent. Surgical treatment was performed on 393 patients (detorsion in 46, mesosigmoidopexy in 56, exteriorization in 4, resection with Hartmann's procedure in 146, resection with Mikulicz procedure in 14, resection with primary anastomosis in 51, tube cecostomy and colonic cleansing with resection in 75, and laparotomy in 1). The results were as follows: mortality of 15.8 percent, complication of 37.2 percent, early recurrence of 0.8 percent, and late recurrence of 6.7 percent. CONCLUSIONS: Nonoperative reduction is the initial treatment of sigmoid colon volvulus, and flexible sigmoidoscopy with rectal tube placement can be used successfully. Patients in whom bowel gangrene or peritonitis is present or nonoperative treatment is unsuccessful need emergency surgery. In surgical treatment, resection and primary anastomosis is the first choice, and it can be performed with acceptable mortality and morbidity rates if the patient is stable and a tension-free anastomosis is possible. Nondefinitive procedures have high recurrence rates; thus, definitive surgical techniques must be preferred.

Intestinal tuberculosis and secondary liver abscess.

The incidence of intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) has been increasing in the West, due to the AIDS epidemic, transglobal immigration, IV drug abuse, an aging population, and an increase in the number of immunocompromised patients. Obstruction and perforation of the intestine are the most common and serious complications of ITB. Another complication, tuberculous liver abscess (TLA), is rare and usually associated with foci of infection in the lung or gastrointestinal tract. We report a case of a 17-year-old boy with Down syndrome who presented with multiple TLAs secondary to obstructive and multiple perforated ileal tuberculosis.

Spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma: a case report and review of literature.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a tendency for fatal spontaneous rupture leading to massive haemorrhage. A 64-year-old man presented with sudden, severe epigastric pain for 6 h. Systolic blood pressure was 80/50 mmHg, and pulse rate was 100/min. The patient's history did not reveal any operation or disease up to date. Contrast enhancement-axial computed tomography (CT) scan showed a tumoral lesion with a necrotic centre measuring 6 x 5 cm within 6th segment of the liver and a fluid collection (haemoperitoneum) at the periphery of the liver. At exploratory laparotomy, the liver was found to be cirrhotic, and an actively bleeding tumour confirmed in 6th segment of the liver. The tumour was resected. Post-operative recovery was unremarkable, and the patient was discharged on the 14th post-operative day. Ruptured HCC should be included in the differential diagnosis of non-traumatic intra-abdominal haemorrhage.

Late complications of incisional hernias following prosthetic mesh repair.

BACKGROUND: Incisional hernias still continue to be a serious problem for surgeons. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of polypropylene mesh and mersilene mesh, which are frequently employed in incisional hernias, as well as the effects of their application techniques on late complications. METHODS: Two-hundred-sixty-four open abdominal hernia repairs were performed between 1986--2000, using prosthetic materials: polypropylene mesh and mersilene mesh were used in hernia repair. Mesh was placed as onlay, underlay and sandwich techniques. Follow-up data were obtained from medical records. RESULTS: Comparisons were made with respect to surgical techniques and to late complications such as recurrence, enterocutaneous fistula, intestinal obstruction, and infections. Enterocutaneous fistulas developed in two patients. Recurrence occurred in 6.4 per cent. Chronic infection and wound sinus formation occurred in 5 per cent. The causes of recurrence included smoking, cellulitis, chronic infection/sinus tract, upper abdominal localization, and obstruction. Fistula formation occurred in patients with no peritoneal prevention, which was statistically significant (p=0.012). Chronic infection/sinus tract was high in patients for whom mersilene mesh was used, and enterocutaneous fistula occurred in 2 patients. CONCLUSION: To prevent late complications, it is necessary to avoid the contact of mesh with bowel.

Primary tuberculous liver abscess. A case report and review of literature.

Tuberculous liver abscess (TLA) is an extremely rare condition, even in the country where tuberculosis is an alarming public health problem. Primary TLA, with no evidence of infection elsewhere, is even less common. Herein, we report a case with primary TLA and review the literature.

Ileosigmoidal knotting: outcome in 63 patients.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to review the outcomes of 63 patients with ileosigmoidal knotting. METHODS: Sixty-three, surgically treated patients (47 males; 74.6 percent) were reviewed retrospectively. The mean age was 45.6 (range, 7-75) years. The most common symptoms were abdominal pain and obstipation, and the most common signs were abdominal tenderness and distention. The preoperative diagnosis was obstructive emergencies in 49 patients (77.8 percent) and nonobstructive emergencies in 14 (22.2 percent). RESULTS: All patients underwent emergency laparotomy. The most common type of ileosigmoidal knotting was Type 1A in 30 patients (47.6 percent), in which the active ileum encircled the passive sigmoid colon in a clockwise direction. Fifty patients (79.4 percent) developed gangrenous bowel. Resection of gangrenous segments and enteroenteric or enterocolic anastomosis combined with the Hartmann procedure was the most preferred operation, used in 34 patients (54 percent). The mortality rate was 15.9 percent (10 patients), and toxic shock was the most frequent cause of death. CONCLUSIONS: Ileosigmoidal knotting is a rare but serious form of intestinal obstruction. Its preoperative diagnosis is difficult and may present as an obstructive or nonobstructive emergency. Early and effective resuscitation, prompt surgical intervention selected on the basis of clinical and operative findings, and effective postoperative intensive care are the basis of treatment.

Percutaneous drainage of hydatid cyst of the liver: long-term results.

BACKGROUND: Previously surgical operation was the only accepted treatment for hydatid liver cysts. Recently percutaneous management has become more preferable because of its low morbidity rate and lower cost. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 101 patients harbouring 120 hydatid cysts of the liver were treated by percutaneous drainage between October 1994 and December 1997. Of these cysts, 89 were in the right liver and 31 in the left liver.Thirty-one patients had had previous operations for hydatid disease. All cysts had an anechoic or hypoechoic unilocular appearance on ultrasound scan. The mean dimension of the cysts was 7.5+/-2.9 cm (range 3-10.4 cm). All patients received oral albendazole 10 mg/kg perioperatively. After aspiration under sonographic guidance, cysts were irrigated with 95% ethanol. RESULTS: The amount of cyst fluid aspirated was 220+/-75 ml and the amount of irrigation solution used was 175+/-42 ml. Four patients developed mild fever and three had urticaria. Mean length of hospital stay was 2.1+/-0.7 (range 1-4) days, and patients were followed up for 43-62 months (mean 54+/-5.4 months). Maximal cyst diameter decreased from 7.5+/-2.9 cm to 3.2+/-15 cm (p<0.001). Sonographic examinations revealed high-level heterogeneous echoes in the cyst cavity (heterogeneous echo pattern), while the cyst cavity was completely obliterated by echogenic material (pseudotumour echo pattern). DISCUSSION: Most hydatid cysts of the liver can be managed successfully by a combination of drug therapy and percutaneous drainage.