Primary pelvic Echinococcus granulosus infection: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Primary pelvic Echinococcus granulosus infection is clinically rare. The reported cases of pelvic Echinococcus granulosus infection are considered to be secondary to cystic echinococcosis in other organs. Single Echinococcus granulosus infection is very rare. CASE SUMMARY: In this report, we presented a case of primary pelvic Echinococcus granulosus infection admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University. We described the key diagnostic points and surgical treatment of this case. We also summarized the epidemiological characteristics and pathogenesis of the disease. CONCLUSION: Our case may provide clinical data for the diagnosis and treatment of primary pelvic Echinococcus granulosus infection.

ERCP management of acute cholangitis caused by rupture of Echinococcus hepaticus into the biliary tract.

Background: Hepatic cystic echinococcosis (HCE) rupture into the biliary tract, one of the most common and refractory complications, is treated by laparotomy to remove hydatid lesions. The aim of this article was to investigate the role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the treatment of this particular disease. Patients and Methods: This was is a retrospective analysis of 40 patients with HCE ruptured into the biliary tract in our hospital from September 2014 to October 2019. They were divided into two groups, ERCP group (group A, n = 14) and conventional surgery group (group B, n = 26). Group A was treated with ERCP first to control infection and improve the general condition before undergoing laparotomy at an optional stage while group B was treated with laparotomy directly. First, the infection parameters and liver, kidney and coagulation functions of group A patients before and after ERCP were compared to evaluate treatment effectiveness. Second, the intraoperative and post-operative parameters during the laparotomy of group A were compared with group B to evaluate the impact of ERCP treatment on laparotomy. Results and Conclusions: White blood cell, NE%, platelet, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, Total bilirubin (TBIL), alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase (ALT), ALT and Cr in group A significantly improved by ERCP (P < 0.05); during laparotomy, the bleeding amount and hospital stay in group A were better (P < 0.05); moreover, concerning the post-operative complications, the incidence of acute renal failure and coagulation dysfunction in group A was significantly less (P < 0.05). ERCP, which not only quickly and effectively controls infection and improves the patient's systemic condition but also provides good support for subsequent radical surgery, enjoys good prospects for clinical application.

Collateral circulation caused by end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE), as a benign parasitic disease with malignant infiltrative activity, grows slowly in the liver, allowing sufficient time for collateral vessels to emerge in the process of vascular occlusion. METHODS: The portal vein (PV), hepatic vein and hepatic artery were observed by enhanced CT and the inferior vena cava (IVC) by angiography, respectively. Analysis of the anatomical characteristics of the collateral vessels helped to look into the pattern and characteristics of vascular collateralization caused by this specific etiology. RESULTS: 33, 5, 12 and 1 patients were included in the formation of collateral vessels in PV, hepatic vein, IVC and hepatic artery, respectively. PV collateral vessels were divided into two categories according to different pathways: type I: portal -portal venous pathway (13 cases) and type II: type I incorporates a portal-systemic circulation pathway (20 cases). Hepatic vein (HV) collateral vessels fell into short hepatic veins. The patients with IVC collateral presented with both vertebral and lumbar venous varices. Hepatic artery collateral vessels emanating from the celiac trunk maintains blood supply to the healthy side of the liver. CONCLUSIONS: Due to its special biological nature, HAE exhibited unique collateral vessels that were rarely seen in other diseases. An in-depth study would be of great help to improve our understanding related to the process of collateral vessel formation due to intrahepatic lesions and its comorbidity, in addition to providing new ideas for the surgical treatment of end-stage HAE.

LncRNA Regulation Mechanism in Hepatic Alveolar Echinococcosis with Nanosecond Pulse.

BACKGROUND: The mortality of patients infected with hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) was higher. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) on HAE in rats and explore the related molecular mechanisms. METHODS: Establishment of HAE rat model and the lesions were treated with nsPEFs. The RNA of lesions in the high voltage nsPEFs treatment group and model group were extracted, and lncRNA and mRNA sequence analyses was performed. After obtaining the differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs between the two groups, enrichment analysis was performed for mRNAs. The target genes of lncRNAs were predicted through co-location and co-expression. The expression of important lncRNAs and target genes in lesions was detected by qPCR. RESULTS: The HAE rat model was successfully established. After nsPEFs treatment, the size of lesions was improved significantly. Then, we identified 270 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 1659 differentially expressed mRNAs between the high voltage nsPEFs treatment group and model group. Enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed mRNAs were mainly enriched in metabolism and inflammation. Five important lncRNAs regulatory networks were identified, then Cpa1, Cpb1, Cel, Cela2a, and Cela3b were identified as key target genes. Importantly, the expression of 5 lncRNAs and 5 target genes was verified in the lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results had shown that HAE treatment with nsPEFs can inhibit the growth of lesions. NsPEFs treatment altered gene expression in the lesions, and some genes were regulated by lncRNAs. The therapeutic mechanism may involve metabolism and inflammation.

Differential Gene Expression Profiling in Alveolar Echinococcosis Identifies Potential Biomarkers Associated With Angiogenesis.

Background: Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a worldwide zoonosis caused by Echinococcus multilocularis. Alveolar echinococcosis is a severe chronic parasitic disease that exhibits a tumor-like growth, with the potential for invasion and distant metastasis; however, the molecular mechanism underlying this condition remains unclear. Methods: Transcriptome analyses were performed to detect differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in samples from patients with AE with invasion and distant metastasis. The results were further verified by immunohistochemistry. Results: A total of 1796 DEGs were identified, including 1742 upregulated and 54 downregulated DEGs. A subsequent functional analysis showed that the significant DEGs were involved in the angiogenesis process. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the reliability of the transcriptomic data. Conclusions: These results suggest that angiogenesis is a possible mechanism underlying the tumor-like biological behavior observed during E multilocularis infection. Genes related to this process may play important roles in AE invasion and distant metastasis.

Application of hepatic lobe hyperplasia techniques in the treatment of advanced hepatic alveolar echinococcosis: a single-centre experience.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to investigate clinical efficiency and application indications of hepatic lobe hyperplasia techniques for advanced hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (AE) patients. METHODS: A retrospective case series covering 19 advanced hepatic AE patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from September 2014 to December 2021 and undergoing hepatic lobe hyperplasia techniques due to insufficient remnant liver volume were analyzed. Changes of liver function, lesions volume, remnant liver volume, total liver volume before and after operation have been observed. RESULTS: Among the patients, 15 underwent portal vein embolization (PVE). There was no statistical difference in total liver volume and lesions volume before and after PVE (P > 0.05). However, the remnant liver volume was significantly increased after PVE (P < 0.05). The median monthly increase rate in future liver remnant volume (FLRV) after PVE stood at 4.49% (IQR 3.55-7.06). Among the four patients undergoing two-stage hepatectomy (TSH), FLRV was larger than that before the first stage surgery, and the median monthly increase rate in FLRV after it stood at 3.34% (IQR 2.17-4.61). Despite no statistical difference in total bilirubin (TBil), albumin (Alb), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) in all patients with PVE, four patients who underwent TSH showed a decrease in ALT, AST and GGT. During the waiting process before the second stage operation, no serious complications occurred in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: For patients suffering from advanced hepatic AE with insufficient FLRV, PVE and TSH are safe and feasible in promoting hepatic lobe hyperplasia.

Reconstruction of hepatic venous outflow and management of its complications using ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation: a single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to investigate the techniques of hepatic venous outflow reconstruction and the management of its complications using ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation (ELRA). METHODS: Being a retrospective case series covering 84 patients who underwent hepatic venous outflow reconstruction during ELRA from January 2016 to October 2020, 11 cases of postoperative hepatic venous outflow obstruction (HVOO), whose surgery details were described and survival rates analyzed. RESULTS: A total of the 84 alveolar Echinococcosis (AE) series was no intraoperative death. The 30-day mortality was 5.95% (5 /84). The most common postoperative complication was pleural effusion in 21 cases (25%). HVOO occurred in 11 cases, one of them died of liver failure, and the other 10 patients underwent interventional revascularization with good results. There was no significant difference in survival between patients with successful interventional revascularization due to HVOO and patients without HVOO (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Individualized and well design reconstruction of hepatic vein can be considered as a key procedure to reduce the complications of HVOO in ELRA. Once HVOO occurs, emergent management must be performed immediately before liver dysfunction. Interventional revascularization showed an effective approach, though the more clinical cases need to be evaluated.

Laparoscopic treatment of pyogenic liver abscess caused by fishbone puncture through the stomach wall and into the liver: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) due to foreign body penetration of the gastrointestinal tract is rare but can lead to serious consequences if not diagnosed and managed properly. We report a case of PLA caused by a fishbone puncture. CASE SUMMARY: This report describes the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of a 56-year-old male patient who presented with severe pneumonia, acute respiratory failure and septic shock. The main clinical manifestation was a nonspecific recurrent infection. Based on the findings of abdominal computed tomography examination and the detailed medical history, the diagnosis was made as PLA which was caused by fishbone puncture through the stomach wall and into the liver. After active anti-inflammatory treatment, the patient's general condition had improved. The laparoscopic drainage of the liver abscess and the foreign body removal was performed. There was no recurrence of abscess at discharge or during follow-up and the patient's general condition was satisfactory. CONCLUSION: PLA caused by foreign bodies usually requires surgical treatment or percutaneous drainage combined with antibiotics. Our case confirms that a laparoscopic approach is safe and feasible for such cases.

Development of Models to Predict Postoperative Complications for Hepatitis B Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment remains the best option for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) caused by chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, there is no optimal tool based on readily accessible clinical parameters to predict postoperative complications. Herein, our study aimed to develop models that permitted risk of severe complications to be assessed before and after liver resection based on conventional variables. METHODS: A total of 1,047 patients treated by hepatectomy for HCC with HBV infection at three different centers were recruited retrospectively between July 1, 2014, and July 1, 2018. All surgical complications were recorded and scored by the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI). A CCI ≥26.2 was used as a threshold to define patients with severe complications. We built two models for the CCI, one using preoperative and one using preoperative and postoperative data. Besides, CCI and other potentially relevant factors were evaluated for their ability to predict early recurrence and metastasis. All the findings were internally validated in the Hangzhou cohort and then externally validated in the Lanzhou and Urumqi cohorts. RESULTS: Multivariable analysis identified National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance (NNIS) index, tumor number, gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), total cholesterol (TC), potassium, and thrombin time as the key preoperative parameters related to perioperative complications. The nomogram based on the preoperative model [preoperative CCI After Surgery for Liver tumor (CCIASL-pre)] showed good discriminatory performance internally and externally. A more accurate model [postoperative CCI After Surgery for Liver tumor (CCIASL-post)] was established, combined with the other four postoperative predictors including leukocyte count, basophil count, erythrocyte count, and total bilirubin level. No significant association was observed between CCI and long-term complications. CONCLUSION: Based on the widely available clinical data, statistical models were established to predict the complications after hepatectomy in patients with HBV infection. All the findings were extensively validated and shown to be applicable nationwide. Such models could be used as guidelines for surveillance follow-up and the design of post-resection adjuvant therapy.

Experimental study on the peripheral blood immune cells NK, NKT and T cells induced by rat hepatic vesicular hydatid ablation with nanosecond knife at different energy levels / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the changes of natural killer (NK) cells, natural killer T (NKT) cells and T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood after nanosecond pulse ablation of hepatic vesicular hydatid in rats with different energy levels.Methods:A total of 32 SD rats were randomly divided into hepatic vesicular hydatid model group, low voltage group (1 000 V), medium voltage group (1 500 V) and high voltage group (2 000 V). The hydatid model of rats was established by selective injection of 100 μl of echinococcosis head suspension with concentration of 500/100 μl into the left hepatic portal vein in all the 4 groups. After 3 months, nanosecond pulse therapy was applied to the left lobe vesicular hydatid lesions in the low voltage group, medium voltage group and high voltage group. On the third day after treatment, flow detector was used to calculate the ratio of CD 4+ T to CD 8+ T in peripheral blood of four groups by CD 3+ T, CD 4+ T, CD 8+ T, NK cells and NKT cells. Results:CD 3+ T was expressed in the high voltage group with (62.08±2.75)%, the medium voltage group with (63.84±7.73)%, the low voltage group with (55.19±8.55)% and the control group with (54.76±8.28)% ( P<0.05). CD 4+ T number was larger in high voltage group (43.7±6.51)% than medium voltage group (38.82±5.47)%, low voltage group (37.31±6.96)% and model group (38.12±3.04)% ( P<0.05). CD 8+ T ratio in the high voltage group was (20.03±2.40)%, the medium voltage group was (21.22±1.74)%, the low voltage group was (19.00±3.06)%, and the model group (20.56±3.98)%, with no statistically significant difference ( P>0.05). NK cells ratio in high voltage group was (6.49±1.60)%, medium voltage group was (3.02±0.32)%, low voltage group was (3.42±0.91)% and model group was (3.44±0.55)% ( P<0.05). NKT cells ratio in high voltage group was (1.53±0.16)%, medium voltage group was (0.82±0.09)%, in low voltage group was (0.70±0.17)% and model group (0.78±0.10)% ( P<0.05). CD 4+ T/CD 8+ T high voltage group was (2.26±0.65), medium voltage group was (1.90±0.40), low voltage group was (1.98±0.37) and model group was (2.06±0.35) ( P<0.05). Conclusion:High voltage (2 000 V) increased number of T, NK and NKT cells in peripheral blood compared with medium voltage (1 500 V) and low voltage (1 000 V), which may be the immune response of the body caused by nanosecond pulse ablation of hepatic vesicular hydatid in rats.

Comparative Analysis of Immunoactivation by Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Fields and PD-1 Blockade in Murine Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Nanosecond pulsed electric field (NsPEF) ablation effectively eliminates early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by local ablation and advanced HCC by inducing a remarkable and sustained host immune response. However, this approach is not sufficient to prevent cancer progression, and complementary approaches are necessary for effective immunotherapy. In this study, we evaluated the immunoactivating effects and mechanisms of action of nsPEF ablation and PD-1 blockade on an HCC orthotopic xenograft mouse model. Briefly, 24 C57BL-6J tumor-bearing mice were randomly assigned to three groups: nsPEF ablation group, anti-PD-1 administration group, and untreated control group. Tumor-infiltrating T, B, and NK cell levels and plasma concentrations of Th1 (IL-2, IFN-γ, and TNF-α), Th2 (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-10), Th9 (IL-9), and Th17 (IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22) cytokines were evaluated. Both nsPEF ablation and anti-PD-1 treatment induced immune cell infiltration in local tumors and modulated cytokine levels in the peripheral blood, with distinct changes in the two treatment groups. Based on these findings, both nsPEF ablation and PD-1 antibody administration can trigger a local and systemic immune response in a partially complementary manner, and nsPEF ablation should be considered along with PD-1 blockade for the treatment of HCC.

A study on the clinical outcomes using different laparoscopic methods to treat hepatic cystic hydatidosis / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective@#To study the clinical outcomes using laparoscopic complete dissection of cysts, subtotal cystectomy and partial hepatectomy in the treatment of hepatic cystic echinococcosis.@*Methods@#A retrospective study was conducted on 40 patients with hepatic cystic echinococcosis treated by laparoscopic surgery from January 2014 to June 2018 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University. According to the different surgical methods, these patients were divided into three groups: group A (n=14): the laparoscopic complete capsulectomy group, group B (n=14): the laparoscopic subtotal capsulectomy group, group C (n=12): the laparoscopic partial hepatectomy group. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, time to pass first flatus, duration of drainage tube placement, days of hospitalization after operation, hospitalization expenses, complications of the residual cavity and local recurrence were compared among the 3 groups.@*Results@#In this study, all the 40 patients with hepatic cystic hydatidosis were cured, and no death occurred during the perioperative period. The intraoperative blood loss, postoperative duration of drainage tube placement, and hospitalization cost of the three groups were significantly the highest in group C (all P<0.05). The operative time and the time to pass first flatus in group C were both significantly greater than group B (P<0.05). The length of postoperative hospitalization in group A was significantly less than in group C (P<0.05). Postoperative recurrence and complications in group B were significantly worse than those in group A and group C (all P<0.05).@*Conclusion@#Laparoscopic complete dissection of the external capsule turned out to be the best laparoscopic treatment of hepatic cystic echinococcosis, followed by laparoscopic partial hepatectomy. Open surgery should be considered in patients with lesions which are evaluated preoperatively to have difficulty in carrying out laparoscopic complete dissection of capsule or partial hepatectomy.

A study on the clinical outcomes using different laparoscopic methods to treat hepatic cystic hydatidosis / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective To study the clinical outcomes using laparoscopic complete dissection of cysts,subtotal cystectomy and partial hepatectomy in the treatment of hepatic cystic echinococcosis.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 40 patients with hepatic cystic echinococcosis treated by laparoscopic surgery from January 2014 to June 2018 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University.According to the different surgical methods,these patients were divided into three groups:group A (n =14):the laparoscopic complete capsulectomy group,group B (n =14):the laparoscopic subtotal capsulectomy group,group C (n =12):the laparoscopic partial hepatectomy group.The operation time,intraoperative blood loss,time to pass first flatus,duration of drainage tube placement,days of hospitalization after operation,hospitalization expenses,complications of the residual cavity and local recurrence were compared among the 3 groups.Results In this study,all the 40 patients with hepatic cystic hydatidosis were cured,and no death occurred during the perioperative period.The intraoperative blood loss,postoperative duration of drainage tube placement,and hospitalization cost of the three groups were significantly the highest in group C (all P ＜ 0.05).The operative time and the time to pass first flatus in group C were both significantly greater than group B (P ＜ 0.05).The length of postoperative hospitalization in group A was significantly less than in group C (P ＜ 0.05).Postoperative recurrence and complications in group B were significantly worse than those in group A and group C (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Laparoscopic complete dissection of the external capsule turned out to be the best laparoscopic treatment of hepatic cystic echinococcosis,followed by laparoscopic partial hepatectomy.Open surgery should be considered in patients with lesions which are evaluated preoperatively to have difficulty in carrying out laparoscopic complete dissection of capsule or partial hepatectomy.

Nanosecond pulse ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma effect on the immune cells in the liver region of mice / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective@#To analyze the changes of local immune cells in liver of mice caused by nanosecond pulse therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma.@*Methods@#Forty C57BL-6J of mice were randomly divided into four groups: negative control group (n=10), tumor group (n=10), surgical resection group (n=10) and nanosecond pulse group (n=10). Hepa 1-6 cells were injected into the left hepatic lobe of mice in tumor group, resection group and nanosecond pulse group to construct the orthotopic xenograft tumor model. Left hepatic lobectomy was performed in the surgical excision group and nanosecond pulse was performed in the nanosecond pulse group 7 days after the construction. All mice were sacrificed 7 days after the treatment. CD3＋ was detected by flow cytometry in the left hepatic lobe lesion, the nanosecond pulse group and the normal liver tissue of the right hepatic lobe in the liver and tumor groups of the blank control group. T, CD4＋T, CD8＋T, regulatory T cells (Treg), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), natural killer cells (NK), B cells, and the ratio of CD4＋T to CD8＋T.@*Results@#In the blank control group, the tumor group the number of lesion in the mice and the pulse area of the nanosecond pulse group CD4＋T cells in blank control group (normal liver)>nanosecond pulse group>tumor group [(25.77±3.76)% vs. (15.72±2.70)% vs. (12.68±3.13)%, P<0.05]; CD8＋T cell tumor group>blank control group>nanosecond pulse group [(14.01±2.75)% vs. (13.99±1.41)% vs. (8.42±2.21)%, P<0.05]. The ratio of CD4＋T to CD8＋T in nanosecond pulse group > blank control group > tumor group [(1.90±0.17) vs. (1.86±0.32) vs. (0.93±0.21), P<0.05]; B cell nanosecond pulse group> blank control group > tumor group [(47.65±3.77)% vs. (33.74±3.91)% vs. (15.94±6.10)%, P<0.05]; MDSC cell tumor group > nanosecond pulse group > blank control group [(18.49±2.74)% vs. (8.41±3.05)% vs. (2.15±0.69)%, P<0.05]. However, CD3＋T cells, NK cells and Treg cells showed no statistical significance among the three groups (all P>0.05). Normal liver tissue in right lobe of liver in 4 groups the ratio of CD4＋T to CD8＋T in blank control group >nanosecond pulse group >surgical resection group >tumor group [(1.86±0.32) vs. (1.85±0.43) vs. (1.52±0.16) vs. (1.36±0.29), P<0.05]; B cell nanosecond pulse group >surgical resection group >blank control group> Tumor group [(46.85±8.30)% vs. (34.23±6.17)% vs. (33.74±3.91)% vs. (27.64±2.20)%, P<0.05]; Treg cell tumor group >resection group>nanosecond pulse group>blank control group [(26.34±6.23)% vs. (7.01±2.04)% vs. (3.63±1.59)% vs. (3.19±1.50)% , P<0.05]; MDSC in tumor group >resection group>nanosecond pulse group>blank control group [(12.22±2.02)% vs. (5.00±0.73)% vs. (2.87±0.96)% vs. (2.15±0.69)%, P<0.05]. However, there were no statistically significant differences in CD3＋T, CD4＋T, CD8＋T and NK cells among the four groups (all P>0.05).@*Conclusion@#Nanosecond pulse ablation of primary hepatocellular carcinoma of mice can induce immune response in ablation area and other hepatic lobes, which may be due to the anti-tumor immunity induced by nanosecond pulse.

Research advances in immune enhancement by heat shock protein 70 induced by local ablation for liver cancer / 临床肝胆病杂志

Liver cancer still threatens human health nowadays, so it is urgent to explore new minimally invasive methods for the treatment of liver cancer. This article reviews the general status of liver cancer in China and describes local ablation and immunotherapy for liver cancer. This article also introduces the basic principle of nanosecond pulse in the treatment of liver cancer and the mechanism of action of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in antitumor immunity and points out that as an exogenous electrical stimulation, nanosecond pulse can increase the expression of HSP70 in the body to strengthen the body′s anti-tumor immunity. This article perfects the immunological mechanism of nanosecond pulse in the treatment of liver cancer and provides new thoughts for immunotherapy for liver cancer.