Tenascin-W Is a Novel Stromal Marker in Biliary Tract Cancers.

Extrahepatic cancers of the biliary system are typically asymptomatic until after metastasis, which contributes to their poor prognosis. Here we examined intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (n = 8), carcinomas of perihilar bile ducts (n = 7), carcinomas of the gallbladder (n = 11) and hepatic metastasis from carcinomas of the gallbladder (n = 4) for the expression of the extracellular matrix glycoproteins tenascin-C and tenascin-W. Anti-tenascin-C and anti-tenascin-W immunoreactivity was found in all biliary tract tumors examined. Unlike tenascin-C, tenascin-W was not detected in normal hepatobiliary tissue. Tenascin-W was also expressed by the cholangiocarcinoma-derived cell line Huh-28. However, co-culture of Huh-28 cells with immortalized bone marrow-derived stromal cells was necessary for the formation and organization of tenascin-W fibrils in vitro. Our results indicate that tenascin-W may be a novel marker of hepatobiliary tumor stroma, and its absence from many normal tissues suggests that it may be a potential target for biotherapies.

Prognosis of refractory ascites in cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: Ascitic decompensation is a common major complication of cirrhosis and is associated with a poor outcome. In 5-10% of patients, ascites become resistant to treatment (either do not respond to a high dose of diuretics or because these drugs induce complications), which is called refractory ascites (RA). RA is associated with poor survival: 20-50% at 1 year. The aim of this study was to investigate the outcome of RA. METHODS: Retrospective study including consecutive cirrhotic patients admitted for controlling ascites between January 2010 and April 2013. Patients and cirrhosis characteristics were studied. Development of RA during follow-up was investigated. The impact of RA on the outcome (cirrhosis complications and survival) was evaluated. RESULTS: We included 124 cirrhotic patients: 59 females (47.6%); mean age was 58 years. Ascites was grade 3 in 38.5% and was the first episode in 45.1% of patients. Etiology of cirrhosis was mainly viral (57.3%). Child-Pugh score was B in 39.5% and C in 28.2%. Mean MELD score was 16 [6-40]. During follow-up, 27 patients developed RA, meaning a prevalence of 21.8%. RA type was diuretic intractable in all cases. Survival without complications was significantly reduced in patients with RA (4 vs 17 monthsp<10-3). RA was an independent predictive factor of global complications, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and hepatic encephalopathy. Global survival was reduced in patients with RA (12 vs 16 months, p=0.069). One year survival was 45% for patients with RA vs 63% for other cirrhotics. In multivariate analysis, only Child-Pugh score, but not RA was an independent prognostic factor. CONCLUSION: In this Tunisian sample we confirm that RA reduces survival and increases risk of cirrhosis complications, especially hepatic encephalopathy and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Therefore, these patients should be promptly listed for liver transplantation, over and above the MELD score.

Emergency surgery for Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND: Surgery has played an essential role in the treatment of Crohn's disease. Emergency can reveal previously unknown complications whose treatment affects prognosis. PURPOSE OF STUDY: Indicate the incidence of indications in emergent surgery for Crohn's disease. Specify the types of procedures performed in these cases and assess the Results of emergency surgery for Crohn's disease postoperatively,  in short , medium and long term. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of collected data of 38 patients, who underwent surgical resection for Crohn's disease during a period of 19 years from 1992 to 2011 at the department of surgery in MONGI SLIM Hospital, and among them 17 patients underwent emergency surgery for Crohn's disease. In addition to socio-demographic characteristics and clinical presentations of our study population, we evaluated the indications, the type of intervention, duration of evolution preoperative and postoperative complications and overall prognosis of the disease. RESULTS: Of the 38 patients with Crohn's disease requiring surgical intervention, 17/38 patients underwent emergency surgery. Crohn's disease was inaugurated by the complications requiring emergency surgery in 11 patients. The mean duration of symptoms prior to surgery was 1.5 year. The most common indication for emergency surgery was acute intestinal obstruction (n=6) followed by perforation and peritonitis (n=5). A misdiagnosis of appendicitis was found in 4 patients and a complicated severe acute colitis for undiagnosed Crohn's disease was found in 2 cases. The open conventional surgery was performed for 15 patients. Ileocolic resection was the most used intervention. There was one perioperative mortality and 5 postoperative morbidities. The mean of postoperative hospital stay was 14 days (range 4-60 days). Six patients required a second operation during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The incidence of emergency surgery for Crohn's disease in our experience was high (17/38 patients), and is not as rare as the published estimates. Emergency surgical indication could be frequently the first presentation of Crohn's disease.  Acute intestinal obstruction and perforation-peritonitis were the most common indications for emergent surgery in Crohn's disease in our study.

Surgical treatment of Crohn's disease: indications, results and predictive factors of recurrence and morbidity.

BACKGROUND: Crohn's disease management represents a major problem in gastroenterology and general surgery because it affects young subjects and has a major impact on their quality of life. The aims of our study were to identify the indications for surgery in Crohn's disease, the results and the complications of surgery in our series, and to identify possible predictive factors of recurrence and postoperative morbidity. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study including 38 cases of patients with Crohn's disease who underwent surgical treatment in the department of surgery in Mongi Slim Hospital, during the period between January 1992 and December 2011 was performed. RESULTS: The occurrence of stenosis was the most common indication for surgical treatment in Crohn's disease in our series, and ileocecal resection was the most performed surgery. Twenty six patients (58%) received maintenance therapy after surgery. Twenty two patients relapsed and 13 had surgical management for recurrence. In univariate analysis, predictive factors of post operative morbidity in our study were leukocytosis, penetrating phenotype and intraabdominal sepsis. Ileocecal location was the only factor that significantly improved the incidence of recurrence. In multivariate analysis, only penetrating phenotype was a predictive factor or post operative morbidity. CONCLUSION: Despite the development of medical treatment, surgical treatment keeps large indications for the management of complications of Crohn's disease. The surgery should be an alternative to immunosuppressive therapy. Currently, prevention postoperative recurrence is well codified, reducing the risk of complications.

Complete radiological response after sorafenib treatment for advanced hepato-cellular carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Sorafenib, an oral multikinase inhibitor, has recentlybeen shown to improve overall survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but only a handful of reports of complete remission on sorafenib have been issued. CASE REPORT: We report an intriguing case of advanced HCC complicating HCV infection with cirrhosis, in which the patient achieved complete remission by prolonged administration of sorafenib. CONCLUSION: Identifying factors that could be associated with good response to this therapy are needed.

Percutaneous treatment versus hepatic resection for the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma is the first liver tumor worldwide. Therefore, it is a matter of debate whether surgical treatment or percutaneous treatment should be preferred for the treatment of patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of our study was to compare the long-term outcome and the survival between surgically and percutaneously treated small hepatocellular carcinomas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in the department of hepatology during a period of 2009-2012. The study included all patients carrying small hepatocellular carcinoma which were divided in: group 1 including patients who underwent surgical treatment, and group 2 including patients who underwent percutaneous treatment. RESULTS: Among the 63 patients who were diagnosed for hepatocellular carcinoma, 28 carried a small hepatocellular carcinoma with a mean age of 63 years and sex-ratio of 0.64. Etiology of cirrhosis was viral in 96% cases. Surgical treatment (hepatic resection) was performed in 54% cases while percutaneous treatment was proposed for 46%: radiofrequency ablation in 69% and alcoholic injection in 31%. No major complications for both surgical and percutaneous treatment occurred in our study. The corresponding 6 months and 1- year overall survival rates for the surgical resection group and the percutaneous treatment group were 100%, 100%, 20%, and 52%, respectively (p=0,04). The disease free survival were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Our results showed the efficacy and safety of percutaneous ablation treatments (radiofrequency ablation and ethanol injection) in patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma.

Quality indicators for colonoscopy in a Tunisian endoscopy unit.

BACKGROUND: Colonoscopy is a powerful tool for prevention and early diagnosis of colorectal cancer. However, the effectiveness of colonoscopy is dependent on the quality of the procedure, which is assessed by a number of key quality indicators. Among them, cecal intubation and adenoma detection rate are historically the most commonly used indicators of quality of colonoscopy. The aim of our study was to evaluate these two indicators of quality of colonoscopy in a Tunisian endoscopy center. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study from January 2009 to March 2013. Data were collected from colonoscopies reports. Demographic data, indication of the procedure, and endoscopic diagnosis were collected. The quality of bowel preparation was subjectively classified at the time of the examination by each endoscopist as good, fair, or poor. Procedure related quality indicators considered for analysis were: cecal intubation rate (CIR) and polyp detection rate. RESULTS: During the period of the study, 859 colonoscopies were performed without sedation. The average age was 54.76 ± 17.5 years. Males represented the majority of our population (50.2%). Colic preparation was judged good, fair and poor in respectively 24 %, 61% and 15% of cases. The cecal intubation rate was 61.1 %. Causes of incomplete colonoscopy were especially poor preparation (47.3%) and poor tolerance (34.4%). Univariate analysis disclosed 3 predictive factors of CIR : the quality of bowel preparation (good vs fair or poor( (67.2 % vs 31.3%, p = 0.0001,OR: 4.5, 95% CI: 3.3-6), the screening indication (72.9% vs 60.1% , p = 0.03, OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1-3) and the presence of alarming signs (55% vs 43%, p=0.04; OR: 1.1, 95% CI:0.9-2.5). By multivariate analysis, the factors influencing independently the CIR were the quality of bowel preparation (p=10-3, OR=2.23, 95% CI: 1.47-3.3) and the screening indication (p=0.02, OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1-3.4). The polyp detection rate was 21% and was correlated, in univariate analysis with: age over 47 years (p=10-3, OR:3.2, 95 % CI:2-4.9), male gender (25.1% vs 16.8%, p=0.001, OR:2.36, 95% CI: 1.4-4), the quality of the preparation (26.5% vs 19.1%, p=0.03 OR:1.4, 95% CI:0.9 -2), the presence of colorectal cancer (50.9% vs 18.2%, p=0.0001, OR:4.6, 95% CI: 2.6-8) and the screening indication (35.7% vs 19%, p=0.001 OR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.4- 4). By multivariate analysis, 3 independent factors associated with polyp detection rate were identified: age over 47 years (p=10-3, OR: 3.5 95% CI:2-5.9), bowel preparation (p=10-3 OR=5, 95% IC:2.7-9.6) and the screening indication( p=0.01, OR 2.5, 95% IC 1.4-4.7). CONCLUSION: In our cohort, the quality of bowel preparation, tolerance of the procedure, age and the indication of colonoscopy were significantly associated with the indicators of quality. Bowel preparation and tolerance are targets on which we should act to improve performance.

Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas with concomitant Bochdalek's hernia. The first reported case.

BACKGROUND: Solid pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas are rare. The diagnosis is difficult because of its clinical and radiological polymorphism. It was described in the literature that this entity can be associated with congenital malformation. We report an exceptional case associating solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas to Bochdalek's hernia. CASE REPORT: A 31 year-old woman presented with abdominal pain. Radiological findings (ultrasound, CT scan, MRI) showed a heterogeneous mass evoking a stromal tumor of duodenal origin associated to a hernia through the foramen of Bochdalek. The patient underwent tumorectomy without lymphadenectomy with a hernia repair. Pathology report confirmed the diagnosis of solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas. The 3-years follow- up was uneventful. CONCLUSION: Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas is a rare benign tumor with a good prognosis after resection. Recognition of the association of congenital malformation with solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas is useful as it could have implications on the diagnosis and treatment.

[Chronic pancreatitis: clinical and therapeutic study. Six years of experience of a gastroenterology department]. / La pancréatite chronique calcifiante: Etude Clinique et thérapeutique Expérience de 6 ans d'un service de gasto-entérologie.

BACKGROUND: The chronic pancreatitis is an inflammatory chronic affection of the pancreatic parenchyma characterized by a mutilating fibrosis with a progressive set up. The endoscopic treatment is actually considered as the first-line treatment and can sometimes be complementary to surgery. AIM: To determine the epidemiological, clinical, para-clinical and therapeutic characteristics during chronic pancreatitis. METHODS: a retrospective study including patients having a chronic pancreatitis hospitalized in the gastroenterology department of Habib Thameur hospital between 2002 and 2008 was performed. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were included in this study (mean age 43 years, sex ratio 7). All the patients were symptomatic at the time of the diagnosis and the epigastric pain was the main symptom. A complication was noted at the time of diagnosis in 12 patients: endocrine and exocrine pancreatic failure was noted in respectively 5 and 3 patients, while other complications were less frequent: acute pancreatitis (2 patients), cholestatic jaundice (2 patients) and pancreatic pseudo-cyst (2 patients). The endoscopic treatment was performed in 62% of the patients with success of 63%. The surgical treatment was indicated in 37% of the cases. Mean follow up was 16 months. Survival rate was 93% at one year. One patient died because of hypoglycemia. No pancreatic neoplasia was noted in our study. CONCLUSION: In chronic pancreatitis, the contribution of endoscopic treatment is considerable but not without a certain risk. Therefore, collaboration between surgeons and endoscopists is needed and the best treatment should be considered individually.

[Nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux. About a pH metric series]. / Le reflux gastro-oesophagien acide nocturne pathologique. A propos d'une série pHmétrique.

BACKGROUND: Nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux has been shown to be associated with the more severe forms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), particularly with extraesophageal manifestations as well as complications of mucosal damage. AIM: To determine the frequency of nocturnal gastro esophageal reflux disease on 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring in patients with digestives or extra-digestives symptoms and to evaluate the clinical and pHmetric characteristics of nocturnal reflux in these patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study based on results of 24- hour esophageal pH monitoring during a 11-year period in patients with or without digestive symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The nocturnal gastroesophgeal reflux was defined. RESULTS: We studied 696 patients (299 men, 397 women; mean age: 34.05 years). Gastroesophageal reflux was found in 350 patients (50%). Nocturnal reflux was observed in 240 patients (34.3%), mostly in association with pathological reflux in the total period (223 cases). Compared to the diurnal period, the nocturnal period was characterized by fewer number of reflux episodes (21.9±27.4 vs 67.4±5.,1 ; p<0.0001), more longer duration of reflux episodes (24.4±37.9 minutes vs 13.9± 17.5 minutes ; p<0.001), and a lower symptomatic correlation (26% vs 45% ; p=0.0005). CONCLUSION: Nocturnal reflux is associated with overall reflux on the 24 hour examination. Nocturnal period is characterized by longer reflux episodes, less number of reflux episodes and less symptomatic correlation.

[Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome. A Tunisian monocentric Survey]. / Le syndrome d'ulcère solitaire du rectum. A propos d'une série Tunisienne monocentrique.

BACKGROUND: Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is an uncommon and benign defecation disorder. Occidental series are scarce and to our knowledge, Tunisian data are not available. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical, endoscopic and histological spectrum of the solitary rectal ulcer syndrome. METHODS: All the patients diagnosed with solitary rectal ulcer syndrome from January 2001 to 2012 were included in the study. The medical records were reviewed retrospectively to evaluate the clinical spectrum of the patients along with the endoscopic, histological and therapeutic findings. RESULTS: A total of 15 patients were evaluated: 7 males; mean age 42.6 years. Bleeding per rectum was present in 66% and dyschezia in 73%. Endoscopically, solitary lesion was present in 66% patients. The most frequent dynamic abnormalities shown by defecography were of rectal intussusception (53%). Anorectal manometry was performed in seven cases disclosing dyssynergia in 2 cases. Thirty patients underwent surgery, always after failure of medical treatment and one patient was treated with biofeedback. Rectopexy was the most utilized technic. After a mean follow-up of 29 months, total regression of symptoms was noted in 50% of patients who underwent surgery. CONCLUSION: In this cohort, diagnostic and therapeutic spectrum of solitary rectal ulcer syndrome was comparable to occidental features. Nevertheless, accesses to manometry and defecography as well as biofeedback were limited.

Appropriateness of indication for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in a Tunisian endoscopy unit.

BACKGROUND: Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) is an increasing and reliable procedure. Given the high costs and potential risks, appropriate indication of UGE may be facilitated by referring to qualifying criteria such as those devised by the European Panel (EPAGE). This prospective study evaluates the applicability and efficacy of these criteria in clinical practice. METHODS: Cross sectional study. Consecutive patients were referred to our unit endoscopy for diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy between January 2011 and June 2011. Demographic data, indication of the procedure, and endoscopic diagnosis were collected. The appropriateness of UGE was assessed based on EPAGE II criteria before the procedure. RESULTS: EPAGE criteria were applicable in 89.1% of cases. They were 78 men (48.1%) and mean age was 49 years [14 - 91]. Indications for UGE were extremely appropriate, appropriate, inappropriate and uncertain in 21.6%, 47.4%%, 8.8% and 22.2% respectively. Among patients with clinically significant lesions detected by UGE, 70.7% had an appropriate indication. Clinically significant lesions were disclosed in 59% of the appropriate group and 54% of the inappropriate group. All cancers were observed in patients with appropriate indications. Patients with appropriate indication were older than patients belonging to the inappropriate group (53.6 years versus 39.9 years, p =0,0001). CONCLUSION: In this present study, EPAGE criteria were applicable in 89.1% and indication was judged appropriate in more than two-third of cases. However, clinical significant lesions were observed in a proportion of patients with inappropriate indication, and in some relevant clinical situations EPAGE criteria were not applicable. Therefore, even if these criteria are helpful for decision-making, final decision must however rely upon practitioner. Qualifying criteria for an appropriate selection of endoscopical procedure adapted to our population are advisable.

[Minimal hepatic encephalopathy: a better diagnostic to improve prognostic]. / Encéphalopathie hépatique minime : un diagnostic précoce pour améliorer le pronostic.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is the mildest form of the spectrum of hepatic encephalopathy that impairs health-related quality of life. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of MHE in patients with liver cirrhosis and analyze risk factors. METHODS: Between September 2011 and December 2012, consecutive cirrhotic patients seen in our department were evaluated. Patients included were screened by the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES) battery comprising 5 tests: number connection test A and B, line tracing test, serial dotting test and digit symbol test. Patients included were regularly followed-up for the development of overt hepatic encephalopathy, driving accidents, falls and death. RESULTS: We included 45 cirrhotic patients. Etiology of cirrhosis was viral in half of cases. Child-Pugh score was A in 55.6 %, B in 26.7 % and C in 17.8 %. Median Meld score was 14. According to the PHES score, MHE was detected in 44.4 % of patients. Univariate analysis identified 4 variables significantly associated with the presence of MHE: age ≥ 55 years (P=0.031), poor educational status with years of study< 9 years (P=0.007), MELD score ≥ 15 (P=0.002) and Child-Pugh ≥ 7 (P=0.001). At multivariate analysis, the only independent risk factor of MHE was a MELD score≥15 (OR=15.4; P<0.001). During the follow-up, patients with MHE developed more often overt encephalopathy, falls and driving accidents, and had a lower survival, although the difference was not statically significant. CONCLUSION: In this preliminary small series, prevalence of MHE in Tunisian cirrhotic patient was 44.4 %. A MELD score ≥ 15 was the only independent risk factor. MHE had a negative impact on the outcome, justifying an early diagnostic. Adequate therapy may improve cognitive function.

[What's new in rectal cancer?]. / Quoi de neuf dans le cancer du rectum?

BACKGROUND: In recent years, multidisciplinary therapeutic management of rectal cancer has evolved. This progress had interest radio and chemotherapy. AIM: To describe the main spots of the progress in the therapeutic strategies of the disease, surgical techniques and standardization of these techniques, particularly regarding locoregional extension in the mesorectum. METHOD: Literature review. RESULTS: Treatment of rectal cancer is multidisciplinary. On the surgical field, excision of the mesorectum (total mesorectal excision [TME]) has reduced local recurrence and the genitourinary sequelae. Meanwhile, chemoradiotherapy has become important. The standard now is to indicate to T3 T4 N+ tumors to decrease local recurrence without improving survival, however. CONCLUSION: Advances in the management of rectal cancer with both imaging progress and therapeutic modalities have improved the prognosis and survival of this cancer.

Percutaneous treatment versus hepatic resection for the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma is the first liver tumor worldwide. Therefore, it is a matter of debate whether surgical treatment or percutaneous treatment should be preferred for the treatment of patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of our study was to compare the long-term outcome and the survival between surgically and percutaneously treated small hepatocellular carcinomas. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in the department of hepatology during a period of 2009-2012. The study included all patients carrying small hepatocellular carcinoma which were divided in: group 1 including patients who underwent surgical treatment, and group 2 including patients who underwent percutaneous treatment. RESULTS: Among the 63 patients who were diagnosed for hepatocellular carcinoma, 28 carried a small hepatocellular carcinoma with a mean age of 63 years and sex-ratio of 0.64. Etiology of cirrhosis was viral in 96% cases. Surgical treatment (hepatic resection) was performed in 53.5% cases while percutaneous treatment was proposed for 46.5%: radiofrequency ablation in 69% and alcoholic injection in 31%. No major complications for both surgical and percutaneous treatment occurred in our study. Overall survival was significantly lower in the surgical resection group. The corresponding 6 months and 1-year overall survival rates for the surgical resection group and the percutaneous treatment group were 100%, 100%, 20%, and 52%, respectively (p=0,04). The disease free survival were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Our results showed the efficacy and safety of percutaneous ablation treatments which were better than those of surgical treatment in patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma.

Risk factors of psychological disorders in inflammatory bowel disease in a tunisian survey. Results of a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Little is known in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) regarding risk factors for psychological distress. The aims of our work were to evaluate the frequency of anxiety and depression among patients with IBD and to determine the factors associated with these psychological disorders in Tunisian patients. METHODS: From June 2012 to April 2013, 60 consecutive patients with IBD answered a questionnaire about psychological and socioeconomic factors and adherence to treatment. In this study we focused the analysis on the characteristics of IBD (type, localization, severity, treatment) and socioeconomic factors (professional, educational, and marital status). Anxiety and depression were assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). RESULTS: According to the HADS, 25 patients (41.6%) were anxious while 4 (6.6%) were depressed. Three had anxiety and depression at the same time. Twelve patients had a probable anxiety, 2 patients had a probable depression and 3 patients had a probable depression and anxiety at the same time. By univariate analysis, factors associated with anxiety and depression were: female gender (p<0.03), rent (p<0.03), high school graduation (p<0.009), IBD type ulcerative colitis (p<0.05). By multivariate analysis, independent factors associated with these emotional disorders were: female gender (p=0.005, OR 11.3), the high school graduation (p=0.004, OR 12.1). CONCLUSION: In our cohort, risk factors for anxiety and depression were the high school graduation and IBD type ulcerative colitis. Consequently, psychological interventions would be useful when these factors are identified.

Gender difference in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma represents the fifth most common cancer worldwide and account for approximately 90% of primary liver cancer. Men have a higher prevalence than women; the sex ratio varies between 2:1 and 4:1, depending on the geographic region. AIM: To determine the influence of gender on the clinicopathologic characteristics and survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of medical records was performed in 63 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and their clinicopathologic features and survival were compared in relation to gender. The data was summarized by descriptive statistics and analysed with SPSS version 11.5. RESULTS: Among these patients, 36 were men (57.1%) with male-to female ratio of 2:1.5, the mean female age was 59.8 years (p=0.054). Serum albumin level was significantly lower in women (p=0.0061).The average size of the tumor was 45.8mm and the difference was not significant (p=0.638). Hepatocellular carcinoma was significantly more prevalent among 16 men with post viral B cirrhosis (p=0.04). The main reason for therapeutic abstention was multifocal character of the hepatocellular carcinoma. The median survival time (6.52 months) was not different between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: At diagnosis, men were younger than women. The viral C etiology was statistically more frequent in women than in men. Hepatocellular carcinoma was more aggressive in male but median survival time was not significant between groups. Screening and early treatment can limit this problem.

The Budd-Chiari syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The Budd-Chiari syndrome is a rare disease, often fatal if not treated optimally. It is characterized by a blocked hepatic venous outflow tract. aim: This review attempted to present pathophysiology, aetiologies,diagnosis and therapeutic modalities of the Budd-Chiari syndrome. METHODS: Review of literature. RESULTS: Budd-Chiari syndrome is a complex disease with a wide spectrum of aetiologies and presentations. Hematologic abnormalities, particularly myeloproliferative disorders, are the most common causes of the Budd-Chiari syndrome. The clinical presentation is governed by the extent and rapidity of the hepatic vein occlusion. Doppler-ultrasound, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of hepatic veins and inferior vena cava are usually successful in demonstrating non-invasively the obstacle or its consequences. A therapeutic strategy has been proposed where anticoagulation, correction of risk factors, diuretics and prophylaxis for portal hypertension are used first; then angioplasty for shortlength venous stenosis; then Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS); and ultimately liver transplantation. Treatment progression is dictated by the response to previous therapy. This strategy has achieved 5-year survival rates approaching 70%. Medium-term prognosis depends on the severity of liver disease. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of the Budd-Chiari syndrome must be considered in any patients with acute or chronic liver disease. Management of this syndrome should follow a step by step strategy.