[Porto sinusoidal vascular disease: an unusual cause of digestive bleeding]. / Enfermedad vascular porto sinusoidal: una causa inusual de sangrado digestivo.

Portal hypertension (PHT) is defined as an increase in pressure at the level of the portal vein above 5 mmHg, the most common cause being liver cirrhosis. Among the presinusoidal intrahepatic causes of PHT with portal venular involvement, what was traditionally known as idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCIH) is described, with the requirements of excluding those patients who did not present PHT, as well as those with the presence of liver cirrhosis and thrombosis. portal venous vein (PVT). Currently, the diagnostic criteria for this entity have been reconsidered, and its name, being known as porto-sinusoidal vascular disease (PSVD), also does not exclude patients with PHT or the presence of underlying liver disease. Liver biopsy continues to be the gold standard for diagnosis. The clinical manifestations are derived from PHT and the management is similar to the complications that occur in patients with liver cirrhosis. The case of a male patient is presented who presents with symptoms of digestive bleeding, with findings of esophageal varices in upper endoscopy in addition to a study of viral, autoimmune liver disease and negative deposits, with a conclusive liver biopsy of porto-sinusoidal vascular disease.

Hepatobiliary disease after bone marrow transplant.

INTRODUCTION: Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is the standard treatment for several hematologic pathologies. Post-BMT patients may develop hepatobiliary complications that impact morbidity and mortality. The differential diagnosis may include drug-induced liver injury (DILI), sepsis-associated liver injury (SALI), sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), viral hepatitis, ischemic and fulminant hepatitis, among others. AREA COVERED: Defining the etiology of hepatobiliary injury is challenging due to the overlapping symptoms. Thus, it is necessary to be aware of and understand the clinical characteristics of these hepatobiliary complications and provide adequate management with possible better outcomes. We reviewed the scientific literature focused on early hepatobiliary complications associated with BMT. We searched the PubMed database using the following descriptors: hepatic complications, drug-induced liver disease, graft-versus-host disease, cholestasis, sepsis, sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, cytomegalovirus, viral hepatitis, bone marrow transplantation, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. EXPERT OPINION: Post-BMT hepatobiliary complications comprise several differential diagnoses and are challenges for the hepatologist's clinical practice. When evaluating these patients, it is necessary to consider the temporality between the use of certain medications, the increase in liver enzymes, and the presence of infection, in addition to applying diagnostic criteria and complementary tests for a specific diagnosis.

Gynura segetum induces hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome in mice by impairing autophagy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the underlying mechanism of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS) induced by Gynura segetum by measuring autophagy in mouse models. METHODS: The model group was administered G. segetum (30 g/kg/d) by gavage, while the normal control group was administered an equal volume of saline daily for five weeks. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), hepatic histopathological examinations, and Masson staining were performed to evaluate liver injury. Liver intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and P-selectin were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Hepatocellular apoptosis was assessed using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Protein expression levels of autophagy markers were measured using Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Gynura segetum was found to significantly induce liver injury compared with control mice, as evidenced by the increase of serum transaminases, a decrease in triglyceride levels, and histopathological changes in mice. Gynura segetum remarkably induced hepatocellular apoptosis and upregulated the expressions of ICAM-1 and P-selectin and also downregulated the protein expression levels of LC3, Atg12 and cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that G. segetum induced liver injury with HSOS, and it was partly due to its ability to impair the autophagy pathway.

Síndrome obstructivo sinusoidal hepático secundario al consumo de nitritos de alquilo. Presentación de caso / Hepatic sinusoidal obstructive syndrome due to the consumption of alkyl nitrites. A case report

El síndrome obstructivo sinusoidal es una causa de hipertensión portal hepática postsinusoidal. Se produce como consecuencia de agentes hepatotóxicos que lesionan el endotelio de la vénula central, lo que lleva a un bloqueo del flujo sanguíneo y congestión que generan hipertensión portal postsinusoidal. Esta patología es muy rara y su principal causa es el trasplante de células hematopoyéticas, aunque también se han descrito otras causas como el uso de agentes hepatotóxicos que incluyen quimioterapia, radioterapia e ingesta de alcaloides. La clínica de estos pacientes no varía significativamente con respecto a la clínica de los pacientes con otras causas de hipertensión portal por lo que las imágenes diagnósticas juegan un papel clave en el enfoque de estos pacientes. Se describe el caso de un paciente de 16 años de edad con antecedente de consumo de sustancias psicoactivas, quien se presenta con hipertensión portal hepática postsinusoidal por consumo de nitritos de alquilo.

The sinusoidal obstructive syndrome is a cause of post-sinusoidal hepatic portal hypertension. Caused by hepatotoxic agents that damage the endothelium of the central venule, which results in obstruction of the blood flow and congestion, leading to post-sinusoidal portal hypertension. This pathology is very rare, and its main etiology is hematopoietic cell transplantation, although other etiologies have been described such as the use of hepatotoxic agents that include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and intake of alkaloids. The clinical presentation of these patients does not vary significantly with respect to the other causes of portal hypertension, and therefore diagnostic images play a key role in the initial approach of these patients. We present the case of a 16 year old patient with a history of consumption of psychoactive substances, who showed portal hypertension due to the consumption of alkyl nitrites.

Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome secondary the intake of Senecio brasiliensis: A case report.

Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS) is a hepatic vascular disease histologically characterized by edema, necrosis, detachment of endothelial cells in small sinusoidal hepatic and interlobular veins and intrahepatic congestion, which leads to portal hypertension and liver dysfunction. In the Western world, most HSOS cases are associated with myeloablative pretreatment in a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation setting. Here we report a case of a 54 years old female patient, otherwise healthy, with no history of alcoholic ingestion, who presented with jaundice and signs of portal hypertension, including ascites and bilateral pleural effusion. She had no history of liver disease and denied any other risk factor for liver injury, except Senecio brasiliensis ingestion as a tea, prescribed as a therapy for menopause. Acute viral hepatitis and thrombosis of the portal system were excluded in complementary investigation, as well as sepsis, metastatic malignancy and other liver diseases, setting a RUCAM score of 6. Computed tomography demonstrated a diffuse liver parenchymal heterogeneity (in mosaic) and an extensive portosystemic collateral venous circulation, in the absence of any noticeable venous obstruction. HSOS diagnosis was confirmed through a liver biopsy. During the following-up period, patient developed refractory pleural effusion, requiring hemodialysis. Right before starting anticoagulation, she presented with abdominal pain and distention, with findings compatible of mesenteric ischemia by computed tomography. A laparotomy was performed, showing an 80cm segment of small bowel ischemia, and resection was done. She died one day after as a result from a septic shock refractory to treatment. The presented case was related to oral intake of S. brasiliensis, a plant containing pyrrolidine alkaloids, which are one of the main causes of HSOS in the East, highlighting the risk of liver injury with herbs intake.

Gynura segetum induces hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome in mice by impairing autophagy

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the underlying mechanism of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS) induced by Gynura segetum by measuring autophagy in mouse models. Methods: The model group was administered G. segetum (30 g/kg/d) by gavage, while the normal control group was administered an equal volume of saline daily for five weeks. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), hepatic histopathological examinations, and Masson staining were performed to evaluate liver injury. Liver intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and P-selectin were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Hepatocellular apoptosis was assessed using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Protein expression levels of autophagy markers were measured using Western blot analysis. Results: Gynura segetum was found to significantly induce liver injury compared with control mice, as evidenced by the increase of serum transaminases, a decrease in triglyceride levels, and histopathological changes in mice. Gynura segetum remarkably induced hepatocellular apoptosis and upregulated the expressions of ICAM-1 and P-selectin and also downregulated the protein expression levels of LC3, Atg12 and cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein. Conclusions: Our results suggested that G. segetum induced liver injury with HSOS, and it was partly due to its ability to impair the autophagy pathway.

Targeted-dose of busulfan: Higher risk of sinusoidal obstructive syndrome observed with systemic exposure dose above 5000 µMol⸱min. A historically controlled clinical trial.

Busulfan is given in the conditioning regimens preceding hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), and plasma levels can be monitored. A targeted, individualized systemic exposure (SE) dose can be achieved by calculating the area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC). The objective of this study was to determine a cutoff value for safety for the AUC for busulfan plasma levels in patients undergoing HSCT. A total of 149 consecutive HSCT patients were studied. After an oral test dose of busulfan, we set target doses of 4000, 5000, or 6000 µMol⸱min/day, and analyzed the AUC of oral or intravenous Bu. These patients were compared with 53 historical control subjects who had received myeloablative conditioning regimen without busulfan pharmacokinetic monitoring. Using a test dose and the administration route had no impact on the sinusoidal obstructive syndrome (SOS) incidence, transplant-related mortality or 1-year overall survival. However, patients receiving busulfan at doses set up at AUC > 5000 had an increased risk to develop SOS after HSCT (hazard ratio 3.39, p = 0.034, 95% CI 1.09-10.52). Adjusting the busulfan dose according to SE levels target dose during conditioning is associated with lower rates of oral severe mucositis and SOS. A cutoff of 5000 µMol⸱min is safe and does not impair survival.

Conservation of both hematocrit and liver regeneration in hepatectomies: a vascular occlusion approach in rats.

BACKGROUND: Hepatectomies promote considerable amount of blood loss and the need to administrate blood products, which are directly linked to higher morbimortality rates. The blood-conserving hepatectomy (BCH) is a modification of the selective vascular occlusion technique. It could be a surgical maneuver in order to avoid or to reduce the blood products utilization in the perioperative period. AIM: To evaluate in rats the BCH effects on the hematocrit (HT) variation, hemoglobin serum concentration (HB), and on liver regeneration. METHODS: Twelve Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control (n=6) and intervention (n=6). The ones in the control group had their livers partially removed according to the Higgins and Anderson technique, while the rats in the treatment group were submitted to BCH technique. HT and HB levels were measured at day D0, D1 and D7. The rate between the liver and rat weights was calculated in D0 and D7. Liver regeneration was quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated. RESULTS: The HT and HB levels were lower in the control group as of D1 onwards, reaching an 18% gap at D7 (p=0.01 and p=0.008, respectively); BCH resulted in the preservation of HT and HB levels to the intervention group rats. BCH did not alter liver regeneration in rats. CONCLUSION: The BCH led to beneficial effects over the postoperative HT and serum HB levels with no setbacks to liver regeneration. These data are the necessary proof of evidence for translational research into the surgical practice. A) Unresected liver; B) liver appearance after the partial hepatectomy (1=vena cava; 2=portal vein; 3=hepatic vein; 4=biliary drainage; 5=hepatic artery).

Splenic volume as a biomarker of hepatic damage after chemotherapy in patients with resected colorectal liver metastases (CRLM).

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-associated liver injury (CALI) is a matter of concern for hepatobiliary surgeons as it can entail postoperative liver failure after an extensive hepatectomy. Recent studies have taken special interest in liver function parameters which can correlate with CALI to decrease this adverse event. Therefore, the current study investigates the usefulness of splenic volume as a biomarker of CALI through a portal hypertension mechanism, in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). STUDY DESIGN: We carried out a study in patients with CRLM operated on between 2009 and 2014 in our center. All samples of healthy liver were graded for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and sinusoidal obstructive syndrome. Computarized tomography scans for spleen volumetry were analyzed for each patient at CRLM diagnosis, after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 1 and 6 months after resection. RESULTS: A group of 65 consecutive patients with CRLM of large bowel adenocarcinoma submitted to liver resection were included. Patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy had a greater spleen volume increase than those who did not receive treatment (p = 0.053), finding a statistically significant spleen growth in patients with NAFLD (p = 0.036). There was no correlation between spleen enlargement and postoperative complications or average stay. However, survival was decreased in patients with spleen growth and CALI. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy for liver metastasis surgery have a greater splenic volume increase, which correlates with NAFLD and a lower survival.

Conservation of both hematocrit and liver regeneration in hepatectomies: a vascular occlusion approach in rats / Hepatectomia hemoconservadora no rato: preservação do hematócrito e da regeneração hepática

ABSTRACT Background: Hepatectomies promote considerable amount of blood loss and the need to administrate blood products, which are directly linked to higher morbimortality rates. The blood-conserving hepatectomy (BCH) is a modification of the selective vascular occlusion technique. It could be a surgical maneuver in order to avoid or to reduce the blood products utilization in the perioperative period. Aim: To evaluate in rats the BCH effects on the hematocrit (HT) variation, hemoglobin serum concentration (HB), and on liver regeneration. Methods: Twelve Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control (n=6) and intervention (n=6). The ones in the control group had their livers partially removed according to the Higgins and Anderson technique, while the rats in the treatment group were submitted to BCH technique. HT and HB levels were measured at day D0, D1 and D7. The rate between the liver and rat weights was calculated in D0 and D7. Liver regeneration was quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated. Results: The HT and HB levels were lower in the control group as of D1 onwards, reaching an 18% gap at D7 (p=0.01 and p=0.008, respectively); BCH resulted in the preservation of HT and HB levels to the intervention group rats. BCH did not alter liver regeneration in rats. Conclusion: The BCH led to beneficial effects over the postoperative HT and serum HB levels with no setbacks to liver regeneration. These data are the necessary proof of evidence for translational research into the surgical practice.

RESUMO Racional: As hepatectomias compreendem considerável perda sanguínea e utilização de hemoderivados, o que diretamente estão relacionados com maior morbimortalidade. A hepatectomia hemoconservadora (HH) é modificação da técnica de oclusão vascular seletiva em hepatectomia. Ela pode ser alternativa cirúrgica para evitar ou diminuir o uso de hemoderivados no perioperatório. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos da HH sobre o volume globular (VG), concentração de hemoglobina (HB) e sobre a regeneração hepática em ratos. Métodos: Dois grupos de ratos Wistar foram constituídos: controle (n=6) e intervenção (n=6). Os do grupo controle foram submetidos à hepatectomia parcial de Higgins e Anderson e os do grupo Intervenção à HH. VG e HB foram medidos nos dias D0, D1 e D7. A relação peso do fígado/peso do rato foi calculada em D0 e D7. A regeneração hepática foi analisada qualitativamente e quantitativamente. Resultados: Houve diminuição dos níveis de VG e HB nos ratos do grupo controle a partir de D1, atingindo decréscimo de 18% em D7 (p=0,01 e p=0,008 respectivamente); a HH permitiu a manutenção dos níveis de VG e HB nos ratos do grupo intervenção. A HH não alterou a regeneração hepática. Conclusão: HH resultou em níveis maiores de VG e HB pós-operatórios sem alterar a regeneração hepática. Pode-se considerar estes dados como a prova necessária para a translação à pesquisa clinicocirúrgica.

Ácido ursodeoxicolico para la profilaxis de síndrome de obstrucción sinusoidal en pacientes post trasplante de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas / Ursodeoxycholic acid for the prophylaxis of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome in post-hematopoietic progenitor cell transplant patients

INTRODUCCIÓN: El síndrome de obstrucción sinusoidal (SOS) es una complicación potencialmente fatal que clásicamente se asocia al trasplante de células progenitoras hematopoyéticos (TPH). Otras causas identificadas son: Irradiación, administración de alcaloides de pirrolizidina presentes en plantas tipo crotalaria y senecio (tés de arbustos medicinales) y otras hierbas (p. ej., consuelda), otras hepatotoxinas (p. ej., dimetilnitrosamina, aflatoxina, azatioprina, algunos antineoplásicos). A. Cuadro clínico: Debido a la elevada morbilidad y mortalidad del SOS, y a los malos resultados obtenidos con la mayoría de las medidas terapéuticas empleadas, la prevención debe tener carácter prioritario. Las medidas preventivas deben dirigirse, en primer lugar, a reducir al máximo el impacto de los factores de riesgo modificables conocidos, siendo uno de éstos el ácido ursodesoxicólico (ursodeoxycholic acid, UDCA por sus siglas en inglés), entre otros. B. Tecnología sanitaria: El Ácido Ursodesoxicolico (UDCA) es un ácido biliar secundario endógeno altamente hidrofilico que interfiere en la suspensión de cristales de colesterol, bloqueando parcialmente su precipitación. Este acido biliar, no tóxico, presenta multiples actividades hepatoprotectoras, de las que destacan las propiedades citoprotectoras, antiapoptoticas e inmunomoduladoras, así como su efecto colerético. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la eficacia y seguridad, así como documentos relacionados a la decisión de cobertura del ácido ursodeoxicolico en la profilaxis de síndrome de obstrucción sinusoidal. METODOLOGÍA: Se realizó una búsqueda en las principales bases de datos bibliográficas: MEDLINE, LILACS, COCHRANE, así como en buscadores genéricos de Internet incluyendo Google Scholar y TRIPDATABASE. Adicionalmente, se hizo una búsqueda dentro de la información generada por las principales instituciones internacionales de enfermería y agencias de tecnologías sanitarias que realizan revisiones sistemáticas (RS), evaluación de tecnologías sanitarias (ETS) y guías de práctica clínica (GPC). RESULTADOS: Se selecciono una RS y cuatro GPC, no se identificaron evaluaciones de tecnología sanitaria ni evaluaciones económicas de la región. CONCLUSIONES: La evidencia con respecto al ácido ursodeoxicolico en la profilaxis de síndrome de obstrucción sinusoidal es escasa. Basada en una revisión sistemática de ensayos clínicos aleatorizados de alta calidad metodológica, se muestra que UDCA podría prevenir la incidencia de SOS comparado con placebo, no profilaxis o heparina. Además, se encontraron resultados superiores para UDCA con respecto a la mortalidad post-transplante después de 100 días y la mortalidad asociada a SOS. No se encontraron diferencias en la sobrevida global a largo plazo con los mismos comparadores. Tres GPC recomiendan el uso de UDCA en profilaxis de SOS mientras que una GPC no lo recomienda. En general, las GPC que recomiendan UDCA lo hacen mostrando defibrótido como otra opción no preferente para la misma indicación en la profilaxis de SOS. No existen estudios de comparaciones directas o indirectas entre UDCA y defibrotido.

Pattern of Vascular Involvement in Egyptian Patients with Budd-Chiari Syndrome: Relation to Etiology and Impact on Clinical Presentation.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is caused by hepatic venous outflow obstruction. This work aims to analyze the pattern of vascular involvement in Egyptian patients with BCS, demonstrates its relation to etiology and shows its impact on clinical presentation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The current retrospective study was conducted at The Tropical Medicine Department, Ain Shams University on one hundred Egyptian patients with confirmed diagnosis of primary BCS who were presented to the Budd-Chiari Study Group (BCSG) from April 2014 to May 2016 by collecting clinical, laboratory and radiological data from their medical records. RESULTS: Isolated hepatic vein occlusion (HVO) was the most common pattern of vascular involvement (43%), followed by combined HVO and inferior vena cava (IVC) compression by enlarged caudate lobe (32%), then combined HVO and IVC stenosis/webs (21%), and lastly isolated IVC occlusion (4%). Ascites was more significantly encountered in BCS patients with HVO than in those with isolated inferior vena cava (IVC) occlusion and patent HVs (P = 0.005). Abdominal pain was significantly encountered in patients with occluded three major HVs (P = 0.044). Behcet's disease was significantly detected in isolated IVC occlusion. Protein C deficiency was significantly detected in patients with combined HVO and IVC compression. CONCLUSION: Isolated HVs occlusion was the most common pattern of vascular involvement in Egyptian patients with primary BCS. Vascular pattern of involvement affected the clinical presentation and was related to the underlying thrombophilia in those patients.

Caso clínico: Enfermedad Veno-Oclusiva Hepática secundaria a Quimioterapia en un paciente con Sarcoma de Ewing / Case report: Veno-Occlusive liver disease secondary to Chemotherapy in a patient with Ewing's Sarcoma

Introducción: La enfermedad veno-oclusiva hepática o síndrome de obstrucción sinusoidal se caracteriza clínicamente por presentar hepatomegalia dolorosa, ictericia, ascitis, edema y aumento de peso, que generalmente ocurre como una complicación del trasplante de médula ósea. Caso clínico: Se trata de un escolar masculino de 9 años de edad con Sarcoma de Ewing quien presentó una Enfermedad Veno-oclusiva Hepática secundaria a la administración de quimioterapia con ciclofosfamida y vincristina. Evolución: Se realizó el diagnóstico diferencial con daño hepático por causas infecciosas y autoinmunes a través de pruebas serológicas y biopsia. Conclusión: Siendo este el primer reporte que describe la asociación entre la enfermedad Veno-oclusiva Hepática con Sarcoma de Ewing.

Introduction: Hepatic Veno-occlusive Disease or Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome is a clinical syndrome characterized by painful hepatomegaly, jaundice, ascites, edema and weight gain, which usually occurs as a complication of bone marrow transplantation. Clinical Case: We describe a new case of male school age 9 with Ewing Sarcoma who had Hepatic Veno-occlusive Disease secondary to chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide and vincristine. Evolution: We set the differential diagnosis from liver damage due to infection and autoimmune diseases through serological tests and biopsy. Conclusion: This is the first report that describes the association between Ewing Sarcoma and Hepatic Veno-occlusive Disease.

Enfermedad Veno-oclusiva Hepática/Síndrome de Obstrucción Sinusoidal: actualización de los aspectos fisiopatológicos, criterios diagnósticos y opciones terapéuticas / Venous-Occlusive Hepatic Disease / Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome: update of the pathophysiological aspects, diagnostic criteria and therapeutic options

La enfermedad veno-oclusiva hepática o síndrome de obstrucción sinusoidal se caracteriza clínicamente por presentar hepatomegalia dolorosa, ictericia, ascitis, edema, aumento de peso y/o trombocitopenia refractaria, que generalmente ocurre como una complicación del trasplante de médula ósea y la quimioterapia en algunos tumores sólidos. La fisiopatología es compleja y se relaciona con daño endotelial en los sinusoides hepáticos que condiciona un estado proinflamatorio, protrombótico e hipofibrinolítico. El tratamiento varía de acuerdo a la severidad de cada caso, cuando son cuadros leves a moderados se presenta una resolución espontánea requiriendo medidas de soporte y tratamiento sintomático; mientras que en los casos severos o muy severos se requiere adicionar tratamiento específico debido a la alta mortalidad que presentan estos pacientes. Considerando la alta mortalidad y las escasas opciones terapéuticas aprobadas actualmente, la identificación de factores de riesgo sigue siendo la principal estrategia para disminuir la incidencia de esta enfermedad, de ahí la importancia de esta revisión.

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease or sinusoidal obstruction syndrome is clinically characterized by painful hepatomegaly, jaundice, ascites, edema, weight gain and / or refractory thrombocytopenia, which usually occurs as a complication of bone marrow transplantation and chemotherapy in some solid tumors. The pathophysiology is complex and is related to endothelial damage in the hepatic sinusoids that conditions a proinflammatory, prothrombotic and hypofibrinolytic state. The treatment depends on the severity of each case, when there are mild to moderate cases a spontaneous resolution is presented requiring support measures and symptomatic treatment; while in severe or very severe cases it is necessary to add specific treatment due to the high mortality that these patients present. Considering the high mortality and the scarce therapeutic options currently approved, the identification of risk factors remains the main strategy to reduce the incidence of this disease.

Trombosis y trasplante de progenitores hematopoyéticos: patogénesis y complicaciones trombóticas más frecuentes / Thrombosis and hematopoetic progenitor cells transplant: pathogenesis and most frequent thrombotic complications

Las complicaciones trombóticas son comunes en el contexto del trasplante de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas. El daño al endotelio vascular aparece como el factor desencadenante en la cascada de evento que conlleva a la trombosis en el paciente trasplantado. Estas complicaciones son diversas y aparecen en las fases inmediatas o tardías. El síndrome de obstrucción sinusoidal hepático, caracterizado por trombosis en los pequeños vasos de la microcirculación, constituye la complicación más frecuente y mejor estudiada. En este trabajo se revisa la patogénesis de las complicaciones trombóticas en el paciente con trasplante de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas y se describen las más frecuentes(AU)

Thrombotic complications are very common during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The damage to vascular endothelium appears like the triggering factor leading to thrombosis in the transplanted patient. There are several thrombotic complications after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and they can occur in the early or late phases. The sinusoidal obstruction syndrome is the most frequent and well studied of these complications and is characterized by thrombosis of small vases of microcirculation. We hereby review the pathogenesis of thrombotic complications and describe the more frequent ones(AU)

Computed tomography findings of hepatic veno-occlusive disease caused by Sedum aizoon with histopathological correlation

This study investigated the value of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatic veno-occlusive disease (HVOD) caused by Sedum aizoon (SA). The clinical manifestations, treatment results, imaging findings, and histological findings of the liver were analyzed in 39 patients with HVOD caused by SA. Hepatomegaly, liver dysfunction, abdominal effusion, and geographic density changes on liver CT scans were found in all 39 patients. The pathological findings of histological liver examination included swelling and point-like necrosis of liver cells, significant expansion and congestion of the sinuses, endothelial swelling, and wall thickening with incomplete lumen occlusion of small liver vessels. CT geographic density changes were confirmed by histological examination of the liver in 18 patients. Sixteen patients with small amounts of ascites that started within 4 weeks of treatment recovered completely or significantly improved after symptomatic and supportive treatment. However, only 43.75% of the patients with larger amounts of ascites improved following symptomatic and supportive treatment. In conclusion, liver CT examination is a valuable, safe, and noninvasive tool for the diagnosis of HVOD caused by SA. In selected cases, liver CT examination may replace liver biopsy and histological analysis.

Computed tomography findings of hepatic veno-occlusive disease caused by Sedum aizoon with histopathological correlation.

This study investigated the value of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatic veno-occlusive disease (HVOD) caused by Sedum aizoon (SA). The clinical manifestations, treatment results, imaging findings, and histological findings of the liver were analyzed in 39 patients with HVOD caused by SA. Hepatomegaly, liver dysfunction, abdominal effusion, and geographic density changes on liver CT scans were found in all 39 patients. The pathological findings of histological liver examination included swelling and point-like necrosis of liver cells, significant expansion and congestion of the sinuses, endothelial swelling, and wall thickening with incomplete lumen occlusion of small liver vessels. CT geographic density changes were confirmed by histological examination of the liver in 18 patients. Sixteen patients with small amounts of ascites that started within 4 weeks of treatment recovered completely or significantly improved after symptomatic and supportive treatment. However, only 43.75% of the patients with larger amounts of ascites improved following symptomatic and supportive treatment. In conclusion, liver CT examination is a valuable, safe, and noninvasive tool for the diagnosis of HVOD caused by SA. In selected cases, liver CT examination may replace liver biopsy and histological analysis.

Síndrome de DIOS en dos pacientes con fibrosis quística: revisión de la literatura / Case Studies of Two Cystic Fibrosis Patients with distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS) and a Literature review

En los pacientes con fibrosis quística (FQ) el íleo meconial, el síndrome de obstrucción distal y la constipación conforman un grupo de manifestaciones gastrointestinales con una gravedad variable como consecuencia del incremento en la viscosidad del moco y el tiempo prolongado del tránsito intestinal. El grupo de trabajo de fibrosis quística de la Sociedad Europea de Gastroenterología, Hepatología y Nutrición Pediátrica realizó un consenso en 2010 y definió el síndrome de obstrucción intestinal distal (DIOS) como un cuadro agudo de obstrucción intestinal que puede ser completo o incompleto. El DIOS completo se define como un cuadro de vómito bilioso y/o niveles hidroaéreos en el intestino delgado observados en la radiografía de abdomen, masa fecal a nivel ileocecal, y dolor y/o distensión abdominal; el incompleto se define como el cuadro de dolor abdominal y/o distensión y masa fecal a nivel ileocecal, pero sin los otros signos de obstrucción completa. La frecuencia de presentación de esta entidad en pacientes con FQ es variable y depende de las definiciones utilizadas; se ha considerado que la prevalencia va del 7% a 8% en niños y en adultos puede ser tan alta como de 23,3 episodios por 1000 pacientes/año, con una prevalencia que varía entre el 14% y el 16%. Dadas las dificultades que se presentan en estos pacientes para definir y establecer el diagnóstico, quisimos ilustrar este síndrome con 2 niños que consultaron a nuestra institución; además, se realizó una revisión del tema para generar sensibilización sobre el diagnóstico temprano y su manejo.

Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) have greater than normal mucosal viscosity and prolonged intestinal transit times which can result in meconium ileus, distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS) and constipation of varying severity. The cystic fibrosis working group of the European Society of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Pediatric Nutrition produced a consensus in 2010 that defined distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS) as acute intestinal obstruction which may be complete or incomplete. Fully developed DIOS is defined as bilious vomiting and/or sufficient amounts of fluid and air in the small intestine to be observed in an abdominal X-ray, a fecal mass in the ileocecal area, pain and/or bloating. Incomplete DIOS is defined as abdominal pain and/or bloating and fecal mass in the ileocecal area, but without the other signs of complete obstruction. The incidence of this condition in cystic fibrosis patients varies. Depending on the definition used, the prevalence of DIOS has been measured between 7% and 8% in children with cystic fibrosis, but has been reported to be as high as 23.3 episodes per 1,000 patients per year for adult cystic fibrosis patients with a prevalence ranging between 14% and 16%. Given the difficulties of establishing this diagnosis in these patients, we wanted to illustrate this syndrome with two children who were treated in our institution and to review this subject in order to generate awareness about early diagnosis and management.

Which is the best technique for hepatic venous reconstruction in pediatric living-donor liver transplantation? Experience from a single center.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The introduction of the piggyback technique for reconstruction of the liver outflow in reduced-size liver transplants for pediatric patients has increased the incidence of hepatic venous outflow block (HVOB). Here, we proposed a new technique for hepatic venous reconstruction in pediatric living-donor liver transplantation. METHODS: Three techniques were used: direct anastomosis of the orifice of the donor hepatic veins and the orifice of the recipient hepatic veins (group 1); triangular anastomosis after creating a wide triangular orifice in the recipient inferior vena cava at the confluence of all the hepatic veins (group 2); and a new technique, which is a wide longitudinal anastomosis performed at the anterior wall of the inferior vena cava (group 3). RESULTS: In groups 1 and 2, the incidences of HVOB were 27.7% and 5.7%, respectively. In group 3, no patient presented HVOB (P = .001). No difference was noted between groups 2 and 3. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic venous reconstruction in pediatric living-donor liver transplantation must be preferentially performed by using a wide longitudinal incision at the anterior wall of the recipient inferior vena cava. As an alternative technique, triangulation of the recipient inferior vena cava, including the orifices of the 3 hepatic veins, may be used.