Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension - diagnosis and management

Transient splenic elastography predicts high-risk esophageal varices in patients with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) comprise a group of diseases that cause portal hypertension without cirrhosis, leading to a high risk of hemorrhage from esophageal varices. There are no non-invasive predictors of high-risk varices (HRV) described in the literature for NCPH. This study aimed to evaluate whether transient splenic elastography (TSE) can predict HRV in patients with NCPH.

METHODS

Prospective study of patients with NCPH who underwent a single timepoint evaluation with transient liver and spleen elastography, ultrasonography, upper endoscopy, and laboratory tests. The study was performed from January to September 2020. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of HRV. The relation between TSE, transient liver elastography (TLE), spleen size, and platelet count to the presence of HRV was evaluated.

RESULTS

Of 42 patients with NCPH, 50% (21/42) presented HRV. In univariate analysis, TSE (median, 58.4 vs. 28.3, p = 0.009) and spleen size (median, 17.5 vs. 14.5 cm, p = 0.013) were associated with HRV. No statistically significant relationship was found between the presence of HRV and platelet count or TLE. In multivariate analysis, TSE was the only variable related to HRV (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.02-1.38). TSE had a good performance in predicting HRV in our population (AUROC 0.878; 95% CI 0.751-1000). TSE > 35.4 kPa presents 93.3% sensitivity, 60.0% specificity, and 90.9% negative predictive value.

CONCLUSION

In our population of patients with NCPH, TSE is useful in predicting HRV. TLE, spleen size, and platelet count were not related to HRV.

The digestive system involvement of antiphospholipid syndrome: pathophysiology, clinical characteristics, and treatment strategies

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease mainly characterised by vascular thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity. APS has broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. The digestive system involvement of antiphospholipid syndrome is a critical but under-recognised condition. Digestive system involvement may be the result of direct (autoimmune-mediated) or indirect (thrombotic) mechanisms. Liver is the most commonly involved organ, followed by intestines, oesophagus, stomach, pancreas and spleen. This review describes possible digestive system manifestations in APS patients, and illustrates the epidemiology and possible pathophysiology of APS. The role of different treatment strategies in the management of digestive system manifestations of APS were also discussed.Key messagesAntiphospholipid syndrome is a multi-organ, multi-system disease and its clinical manifestation spectrum is gradually expanding. Since the first diagnosis of APS, the clinical manifestations of digestive system have been reported successively. This narrative review describes the major digestive system manifestations of APS and illustrates the epidemiology, pathophysiology and the role of therapeutic strategies of these patients.

A rare case of gastric varices and splenic artery aneurysm secondary to splenic arteriovenous fistula

A 33-year-old male with no past medical history presented with a few months of fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance and was found to have iron-deficiency anemia. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a cluster of isolated gastric fundal varices with high-risk stigmata. Serologic workup for cirrhosis was negative, and a FibroScan measured liver stiffness at 4.2 kilopascals. Computed tomography (CT) of his abdomen and pelvis showed non-cirrhotic portal hypertension, as well as the presence of a splenic arteriovenous (AV) fistula and splenic artery aneurysm (SAA). Resection of the fistula, SAA, and spleen completely resolved the gastric varices and anemia.

Identification of Genetic Predisposition in Noncirrhotic Portal Hypertension Patients With Multiple Renal Cysts by Integrated Analysis of Whole-Genome and Single-Cell RNA Sequencing

Background and Aims: The multiple renal cysts (MRC) occur in some patients with noncirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) could be a subset of ciliopathy. However, the potential genetic influencers and/or determinants in NCPH with MRC are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the potential candidate variants/genes associated with those patients. Methods: 8,295 cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension were enrolled in cohort 1 and 267 patients affected with NCPH were included in cohort 2. MRC was defined as at least two cysts in both kidneys within a patient detected by ultrasonography or computed tomography. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed in nine patients (four from cohort 1 and five from cohort 2). Then we integrated WGS and publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to prioritize potential candidate genes. Genes co-expressed with known pathogenic genes within same cell types were likely associated NCPH with MRC. Results: The prevalence of MRC in NCPH patients (19.5%, 52/267) was significantly higher than cirrhotic patients (6.2%, 513/8,295). Further, the clinical characteristics of NCPH patients with MRC were distinguishable from cirrhotic patients, including late-onset, more prominent portal hypertension however having preserved liver functions. In the nine whole genome sequenced patients, we identified three patients with early onset harboring compound rare putative pathogenic variants in the known disease gene PKHD1. For the remaining patients, by assessing cilia genes profile in kidney and liver scRNA-seq data, we identified CRB3 was the most co-expressed gene with PKHD1 that highly expressed in ureteric bud cell, kidney stromal cell and hepatoblasts. Moreover, we found a homozygous variant, CRB3 p.P114L, that caused conformational changes in the evolutional conserved domain, which may associate with NCPH with MRC. Conclusion: ScRNA-seq enables unravelling cell heterogeneity with cell specific gene expression across multiple tissues. With the boosting public accessible scRNA-seq data, we believe our proposed analytical strategy would effectively help disease risk gene identification.

Increased Prevalence of Left Lobe Atrophy in Long-standing Extrahepatic Portal Vein Obstruction

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to describe long-term changes in standard blood tests and ultrasound (US) findings in pediatric patients with Extrahepatic Portal Vein Obstruction (EHPVO) who have not undergone Meso-Rex Bypass (MRB) surgery.

METHODS

US, laboratory, and endoscopic data of 77 patients were analyzed and compared at 2 different points in time: at initial workup and at most recent follow-up. Differences were assessed using McNemar and Wilcoxon tests, while correlations were evaluated using generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding was the most frequent initial manifestation of EHPVO, in 45.4% of subjects. The mean age at diagnosis was 4.3 years. Seventy-four percentage had a previous history of umbilical catheterization and/or neonatal sepsis. Over time, there was a significant increase in the prevalence of leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and, interestingly, of left lobe atrophy (LLA), even though the number of esophageal varices and the need for endoscopic interventions reduced. A significant correlation was found between history of umbilical catheterization and LLA, splenomegaly and LLA, and gallbladder wall thickening and LLA. Overall, the number of patients with cholelithiasis at initial workup was low (and therefore, not analyzed with inferential statistics); however, we observed a relative increase over time.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort of patients with EHPVO followed over more than 8 years without treatment with MRB, we report the novel finding of a significant increase in the prevalence of LLA over time. LLA correlated with past medical history of umbilical catheterization, and findings of splenomegaly and gallbladder wall thickening. We propose that that LLA should be further explored as a marker of portal hypertension, particularly in the context of a history of umbilical catheterization.

Pediatric non-cirrhotic portal hypertension: Endoscopic outcome and perspectives from developing nations

Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) forms an important subset of portal hypertension in children. Variceal bleed and splenomegaly are their predominant presentation. Laboratory features show cytopenias (hypersplenism) and preserved hepatic synthetic functions. Repeated sessions of endoscopic variceal ligation or endoscopic sclerotherapy eradicate esophageal varices in almost all cases. After variceal eradication, there is an increased risk of other complications like secondary gastric varices, cholangiopathy, colopathy, growth failure, especially in extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO). Massive splenomegaly-related pain and early satiety cause poor quality of life (QoL). Meso-Rex bypass is the definitive therapy when the procedure is anatomically feasible in EHPVO. Other portosystemic shunt surgeries with splenectomy are indicated when patients present late and spleen-related issues predominate. Shunt surgeries prevent rebleed, improve growth and QoL. Non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF) is a less common cause of portal hypertension in children in developing nations. Presentation in the second decade, massive splenomegaly and patent portal vein are discriminating features of NCPF. Shunt surgery is required in severe cases when endotherapy is insufficient for the varices. Congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF) presents with firm palpable liver and splenomegaly. Ductal plate malformation forms the histological hallmark of CHF. CHF is commonly associated with Caroli’s disease, renal cysts, and syndromes associated with neurological defects. Isolated CHF has a favourable prognosis requiring endotherapy. Liver transplantation is required when there is decompensation or recurrent cholangitis, especially in Caroli’s syndrome. Combined liver-kidney transplantation is indicated when both liver and renal issues are present.

Factors associated with bleeding after endoscopic variceal ligation in children

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) is a widely accepted treatment for esophagogastric varices in patients with portal hypertension (PHT). It is used for urgent treatment and prophylactic treatment of esophagogastric varices in pediatric as well as adult patients. However, major life-threatening adverse events such as early rebleeding can occur. Although early rebleeding after EVL among children and adolescents has been reported, the risk factors remain obscure. This study evaluated the risk factors for early rebleeding after EVL in children and adolescents.

METHODS

The subjects were children and adolescents (<18 years) with PHT who underwent EVL for esophagogastric varices. Early rebleeding was defined as hematemesis, active bleeding, or blood retention in the stomach, confirmed by esophagogastroduodenoscopy from 2 h to 5 days after EVL.

RESULTS

A total of 50 EVL sessions on 22 patients were eligible for this study. There were four episodes of early rebleeding. No other major adverse event has occurred. Multivariate analysis showed that EVL implemented at cardiac varices just below the esophagogastric junction (EGJ), within 5 mm from the EGJ, is the independent factor for a higher risk of early rebleeding: odds ratio 18.2 (95% confidence interval: 1.40-237.0), P = 0.02.

CONCLUSIONS

Children and adolescents who undergo EVL for cardiac varices just below the EGJ have a higher risk of early rebleeding than those who do not.

Maternal and neonatal outcomes in extra hepatic portal vein obstruction: Our experience

Background:

Women with Extra hepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) are mostly young and belong to Asian countries. In the Indian subcontinent, 20–30% variceal bleeds are caused by EHPVO. Hence pregnancy is a concern in such patients. The objective of this study is to observe the maternal and neonatal outcomes in women with EHPVO.

Materials and Method:

Extra hepatic portal vein obstruction was studied retrospectively in 28 pregnancies in 20 women from Jan 2011 to July 2018 at a tertiary hospital in South India and the pregnancy outcomes were observed during this period. Institutional Review Board approval obtained.

Results:

The mean age of the women was 24.3 years and the mean age of diagnosis was 18.5 years. Splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia and anaemia were seen in 22 (78.5%), 17 (60.7%) and 8 (28.5%) of pregnancies, respectively. Rate of abortions and preterm deliveries were 2 (7.1%, n =28) and 10 (35.7%, n =28). There was one stillbirth (3.6%) in the study group. EHPVO was diagnosed in 25 (89.3%) women prenatally in our series. During pregnancy only one woman had variceal bleed, which was managed conservatively. Blood and blood product transfusion was required in 7(25%) of women and there was no maternal mortality.

Conclusion:

Pregnancies in EHPVO have good maternal and neonatal outcomes, provided they are taken care of by a multidisciplinary approach in a tertiary care centre.

Non-Cirrhotic Portal Hypertension in a Patient With Colonic Carcinoma Treated With Oxaliplatin

Oxaliplatin is a chemotherapeutic agent with direct toxic action on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which is known to cause an arrest in its synthesis and inducing cell death. It is a crucial medication for colorectal carcinoma, and in combination with other medications has demonstrated to exhibit synergism, managing to increase patients’ survival, especially when compared to monotherapy with 5-fluoracil. Neurotoxicity is its most well-known adverse effect. However, other less frequent secondary effects have been described in case reports, among them liver injury, which is usually secondary to liver sinusoid injury. Despite the wide frequency of the use of this drug, the relationship of oxaliplatin with the development of portal non-cirrhotic hypertension is largely unknown, which translates into a sub-diagnosis, representing an additional risk to patients who develop this complication. We present the case of an adult patient, who during treatment with the FOLFOX scheme for colorectal carcinoma, presents signs suggestive of portal hypertension, without other risk factors besides the administration of oxaliplatin.

Progress in clinical diagnosis and treatment of cavernous transformation of the portal vein

Cavernous transformation of the portal vein (CTPV) refers to the compensatory neoformation of venous collaterals around the hepatic portal after the main portal vein or its branches are blocked, in order to maintain liver blood perfusion. This disease is relatively rare, and in clinical practice, its etiology, diagnosis, and treatment are not well understood. Patients with portal hypertension-related syndromes need to receive active treatment. The main goal of treatment is to prevent upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage and hypersplenism caused by portal hypertension, and to restore hepatopetal portal blood perfusion. It is necessary to fully assess the patient's condition and understand the best indications for each treatment. On this basis, we should adopt individualized comprehensive treatment strategies. This article reviews the latest advances in the understanding of the etiology, diagnosis, classification, and treatment of CTPV.

New model predicting gastroesophageal varices and variceal hemorrhage in patients with chronic liver disease

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

The predictors for gastroesophageal varices (GOV) and hemorrhage development have not been well studied in different liver diseases or different population. This study aimed to evaluate whether a new algorithm focusing on chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients is also applicable to other chronic liver diseases (CLDs) in Chinese population.

PATIENTS OR MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 659 CHB patients and 386 patients with other CLDs. A total of 439 CHB patients were included in training set, the other 220 CHB patients and other patients with CLDs were included in validation set. A new algorithm for diagnosing GOV was established and its sensitivity and specificity for predicting the varices was verified.

RESULTS

Multivariable logistic regression revealed that the rough surface of the liver (p<0.001), splenic thickness (p<0.001), and liver stiffness (p=0.006) were independent predictors of GOV. The new algorithm was considered to be a reliable diagnostic model to evaluate the presence of varices. The AUROC was 0.94 (p<0.001) in CHB validation set and 0.90 (<0.001) in non-CHB validation set. When the cut-off value was chosen as -1.048, the sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing GOV in CHB population were 89.1% and 82.5%, respectively. Importantly, the new algorithm accurately predicted the variceal hemorrhage not only in CHB patients, but also in patients with other CLDs.

CONCLUSION

The new algorithm is regarded as a reliable model to prognosticate varices and variceal hemorrhage, and stratified not only the high-risk CHB patients, but also in patients with other CLDs for developing GOV and variceal bleeding.

Current Indications and Long-Term Outcomes of Surgical Portosystemic Shunts in Adults

BACKGROUND

Surgical portosystemic shunts are rare. We reviewed indications, operative details, and outcomes of patients undergoing surgical portosystemic shunt procedures.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed clinical data of consecutive patients between 1997 and 2018 from a single institution. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared between two groups: patients with portomesenteric venous thrombosis (PMVT) vs those with cirrhosis. Endpoints included 30-day mortality, shunt-related complications, patency, and survival.

RESULTS

There were 99 patients, 45 male and 54 female, with a mean age of 46 ± 18 years, enrolled in the study. There were 63 patients (63%) with PMVT and 36 patients (36%) with cirrhosis. Both groups had similar demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, and aneurysm extent, except for more diabetes among those with cirrhosis (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in procedural metrics and intra-procedure complications between groups, except that patients with PMVT underwent more non-selective shunts than those with cirrhosis (63% vs. 30%, p < 0.001). There were two 30-day deaths (2%), with no difference in mortality and MAEs between groups. On univariate analysis, cholangiopathy and PMVT were associated with graft thrombosis (HR = 9.22, 95% CI 1.22-70.27) while race, smoking, cardiac comorbidity, type of operative shunt, configuration of the shunt, and use of conduit were not (p > 0.05). Patients with PMVT had significantly lower 1-, 5-, and 10-year primary (77%, 71%, and 71% vs. 97%, p = 0.009) and secondary patency (88%, 76%, and 72% vs. 96%, p = 0.027) compared with those with cirrhosis. The 1-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates were 94%, 84%, and 61% for patients with PMVT compared with 88%, 58%, and 26% for those with cirrhosis (non-adjusted HR 0.40, 95% CI 0.19-0.84, p = 0.01, age-adjusted HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.24-1.09, p = 0.08). The survival of patients with PMVT without liver disease trended higher than those with liver disease; however, when adjusted for age, the survival gap narrowed, and the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.19), survival being lowest for those with PMVT and liver disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical portosystemic shunts are safe and effective for symptom relief in selected patients with portal hypertension. The odds of graft thrombosis is 9 times higher in patients with PMVT. Overall survival is similar in patients with PMVT or cirrhosis.

Porto-sinusoidal vascular disease with portal hypertension versus liver cirrhosis: differences in imaging features on CT and hepatobiliary contrast-enhanced MRI

PURPOSE

To differentiate the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of porto-sinusoidal vascular disease (PSVD) and liver cirrhosis (LC).

METHODS

In this retrospective case-control study of patients with PSVD matched in a 1:3 ratio with LC patients according to liver function, initial diagnosis and time to final diagnosis were analyzed. Imaging features on CT and the parenchymal enhancement on hepatobiliary phase of hepatobiliary agent-enhanced MRI (HBA-MRI) were compared using a generalized linear mixed model. Focal hepatic lesions in the PSVD group were analyzed.

RESULTS

In total, 43 PSVD patients and 129 LC patients were included. Among PSVD patients, 72.1% were initially misdiagnosed with LC. PSVD patients had a longer diagnostic delay than LC patients (32 months vs. 4 months; p < 0.001). Liver surface nodularity was less common in the PSVD group than in the LC group (16.3% vs. 89.2%, p < 0.001). Increased caudate-to-right lobe ratio, heterogeneous parenchymal enhancement, and portal vein abnormalities were more frequently noted in the PSVD group than in the LC group (all p < 0.001). The grade of portal hypertension was significantly higher in the PSVD group than in the LC group (p < 0.001), and they also had brighter parenchymal enhancement during the hepatobiliary phase of HBA-MRI (p < 0.001). In the PSVD group, 14% patients had at least one focal hepatic lesion, primarily a focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH)-like nodule.

CONCLUSIONS

Some imaging features on CT and HBA-MRI can distinguish PSVD from LC. Benign focal lesions, most commonly FNH-like nodules, can develop in PSVD.

Gastroesophageal varices in a patient presenting with essential thrombocythemia: A case report

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal varices are a rare complication of essential thrombocythemia (ET). ET is a chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) characterized by an increased number of blood platelets.

CASE SUMMARY

A 46-year-old woman, who denied a history of liver disease, was admitted to our hospital on presentation of hematemesis. Laboratory examination revealed a hemoglobin level of 83 g/L, and a platelet count of 397 × 10⁹/L. The appearance of gastric and esophageal varices with red colored signs as displayed by an urgent endoscopy was followed by endoscopic variceal ligation and endoscopic tissue adhesive. Abdominal computed tomography revealed cirrhosis, marked splenomegaly, portal vein thrombosis and portal hypertension. In addition, bone marrow biopsy and evidence of mutated Janus kinase 2, substantiated the onset of ET. The patient was asymptomatic with regular routine blood testing during the 6-mo follow-up period. Therefore, in this case, gastroesophageal varices were induced by ET.

CONCLUSION

MPN should be given considerable attention when performing differential diagnoses in patients with gastroesophageal varices. An integrated approach such as laboratory tests, radiological examination, and pathological biopsy, should be included to allow optimal decisions and management.

Key histopathologic features in idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension: an interobserver agreement study and proposal for diagnostic criteria

Histologic features of idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension (INCPH), loosely termed as obliterative portal venopathy (OPV), are heterogenous, often subtle, and overlap with other entities. To this date, no consensus histopathologic diagnostic criteria have been established for INCPH. For these reasons, rendering a reproducible consensus histologic diagnosis of OPV on a liver biopsy may often be challenging even for experienced hepatopathologists. We report herein a two-phase interobserver agreement study on the diagnosis of OPV and assessed the relative value of histologic features in 104 liver biopsies in distinguishing between INCPH and non-INCPH with the goal to obtain a consensus on specific practical diagnostic criteria. Six hepatopathologists blinded to clinical information and original pathologic diagnosis reviewed internet-based case study sets with high-resolution whole-slide images. The initial interobserver agreement on OPV was expectedly low, but significantly improved (moderate agreement in most categories) upon adopting a consensus view recognizing portal vein sclerosis as the only strong independent histologic predictor for INCPH, and that contrary to the conventional view, aberrant portal/periportal vessels does not significantly contribute to the positive assignment of OPV status. We propose a three-tiered classification with diagnostic criteria to facilitate the histologic assignment of OPV status for the evaluation of INCPH. Furthermore, we have validated the performance of the proposed criteria either based on histology alone or coupled with clinicopathologic correlation. This classification may aid in practical histologic assessment of liver biopsies with or without portal hypertension and help to improve diagnostic consistency and accuracy.

Combined lung and liver transplantation for noncirrhotic portal hypertension with severe hepatopulmonary syndrome in a patient with dyskeratosis congenita

DC is caused by defects at the level of telomere maintenance, and cells from patients with this disease have abnormally short telomeres and show premature senescence. One consequence of DC is bone marrow failure. Thus, patients with DC often require HSCT. However, HSCT does not ameliorate other DC-related manifestations. In fact, HSCT can accelerate organ dysfunction due to treatment-related complications, and solid organ transplantation is required in some patients with DC. In this report, we describe the clinical course of a 5-year-old boy who was transferred to our hospital because of progressive dyspnea, 2 years after HSCT. At admission, he had tachypnea and hypoxemia. A liver biopsy was performed for suspected HPS caused by PH, and LT was considered. Eventually, his hypoxemia worsened, and he was transferred to a PICU and started on VA ECMO. He subsequently underwent a CLLT. ECMO was stopped on post-operative day 12, extubation was achieved on post-operative day 29, and the patient recovered well from the surgery. Our results show that CLLT could be a life-saving treatment option for DC patients with very severe HPS in whom a poor outcome is expected after LT.

Unusual Clinical Course for Untreated Malformative Biliary Atresia Infant: Is Portal Hypertension an Important Driver of Liver Fibrosis?

In biliary atresia, infants left untreated, and in those with unsuccessful porto-enterostomy, hepatic condition and function worsen rapidly towards cirrhosis, malnutrition, portal hypertension with ascites, and variceal haemorrhage; many die within the first 3 years of life unless they benefit from liver replacement. We describe a girl with biliary atresia splenic malformation syndrome, who had portal vein cavernoma and microsplenia; she did not undergo porto-enterostomy. She survived with her native liver over the age of 3 years. Remarkably, she remained in satisfactory condition in absence of ascites or severe hepatic dysfunction, when 4 other similar patients-managed during the same period of time-all had the usual clinical deterioration and ascites, with the need for liver replacement. To our knowledge, there is no similar report in literature. Possible pathogenetic mechanisms and the role of portal hypertension as important factors are discussed.

Histological analyses of trucut liver biopsies from patients with noncirrhotic portal fibrosis and extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction

Background

Both noncirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF) and extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) are important causes of noncirrhotic portal hypertension (PH) in the Asian region. In this study, we analyzed the histopathological changes of liver needle-core biopsies from patients with NCPF and EHPVO.

Patients and Methods

The patients were diagnosed as per the Asia Pacific Association for the Study of Liver (APASL) criteria. Minimum adequacy criteria for liver core biopsies were defined, and finally, 69 liver biopsies from patients with NCPF and 100 liver biopsies from patients with EHPVO were analyzed. All histological parameters were predefined, and three experienced pathologists analyzed the biopsies after reaching consensus. Institute ethics committee clearance was taken.

Results

Although some histological features were overlapping, phlebosclerosis of intra-hepatic branches of the portal vein (PV), periportal aberrant vascular channels, remnant portal tracts, and hepatic fibrosis beyond the portal tracts without the formation of complete hepatic nodules (P < 0.001 for all) were common histological characteristics of NCPF on core-needle liver biopsies; while maintained lobular architecture, nonspecific dilatation of PV branches, absence of intra-hepatic PV phlebosclerosis, aberrant vascular channels, and significant fibrosis were characteristics of EHPVO.

Conclusions

Despite the considerable histological overlap between NCPF and EHPVO, careful histological evaluation, supplemented by clinical features, radiological and biochemical findings can help in making a conclusive diagnosis. Patients with NCPF and EHPVO with clinical jaundice show transaminitis, high serum alkaline phosphatase level, more variceal bleed, and histological evidences of nodular regenerative hyperplasia.

Variceal Bleed and Portal Hypertensive Gastropathy in a Noncirrhotic Patient with Isolated Splenomegaly

Portal hypertension caused by cirrhosis is the most common etiology of esophageal varices. However, abnormalities of the splenoportal axis in the absence of liver disease may also cause portal hypertension resulting in varices. We report a rare case of esophageal variceal bleed in a noncirrhotic patient with isolated splenomegaly secondary to chronic granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) therapy. The patient is a 26-year-old male with Cohen syndrome who required long-term G-CSF treatment for chronic neutropenia. He presented with large volume hematemesis and pancytopenia in the setting of known splenomegaly with no evidence of cirrhosis. An urgent EGD revealed active variceal bleeding and portal hypertensive gastropathy. The patient was appropriately resuscitated and underwent a successful transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt and CT-guided coil placement for the bleeding varices. We are the first to report variceal bleed as a complication of long-term G-CSF use, a life-threatening consequence that requires urgent intervention.

Cloning of human ABCB11 gene in E. coli required the removal of an intragenic Pribnow-Schaller Box before it's Insertion into genomic safe harbor AAVS1 site using CRISPR-Cas9

Background: Genomic safe harbors are sites in the genome which are safe for gene insertion such that the inserted gene will function properly, and the disruption of the genomic location doesn't cause any foreseeable risk to the host. The AAVS1 site is the genetic location which is disrupted upon integration of adeno associated virus (AAV) and is considered a 'safe-harbor' in human genome because about one-third of humans are infected with AAV and so far there is no apodictic evidence that AAV is pathogenic or disruption of AAVS1 causes any disease in man.  Therefore, we chose to target the AAVS1 site for the insertion of ABCB11, a bile acid transporter which is defective in progressive familial intra hepatic cholestasis type-2 (PFIC-2), a lethal disease of children where cytotoxic bile salts accumulate inside hepatocytes killing them and eventually the patient. Methods: We used the CRISPR Cas9 a genome editing system to insert the ABCB11 gene at AAVS1 site in human cell-lines. Results: We found that human ABCB11 sequence has a "Pribnow- Schaller Box" which allows its expression in bacteria and expression of ABCB11 protein which is toxic to E. coli; the removal of this was required for successful cloning. We inserted ABCB11 at AAVS1 site in HEK 293T using CRISPR-Cas9 tool.  We also found that the ABCB11 protein has similarity with E. coli endotoxin (lipid A) transporter MsbA. Conclusions: We inserted ABCB11 at AAVS1 site using CRISPR-Cas9; however, the frequency of homologous recombination was very low for this approach to be successful in vivo.

A comparative study of multi-detector CT portography versus endoscopy in evaluation of gastro-esophageal varices in portal hypertension patients

Background

Portal hypertension is a major complication resulting from obstruction of portal blood flow, like cirrhosis or portal vein thrombosis, that leads to portal hypertension. MDCT angiography has become an important tool for investigation of the liver as well as potentially challenging varices by detailing the course of these tortuous vessels. This information is decisive for liver transplantation as well as for common procedures in which an unexpected varix can cause significant bleeding.

Results

This study included an assessment of 60 cases of portal hypertension (28 males and 32 females), their age ranged from 42 to 69 years (mean age = 57.2 ± 6.63). All patients were diagnosed with portal hypertension, underwent upper GI endoscopy followed by a triphasic CT scan with CT angiographic assessment for the screening of gastro-esophageal varices.

CT is highly sensitive as compared to upper GI endoscopy (sensitivity 93%) in detecting esophageal varices. Gastric varices detected by CT in 22 patients (37%) compared to 14 patients (23%) detected by endoscopy. While paraesophageal varices were detected in 63% of patients and retro-gastric varices in 80% of patients that were not visualized by endoscopy. Our study reported that the commonest type of collaterals were the splenic collaterals, and we also found there is a significant correlation between the portal vein diameter and the number of collaterals as well as between the portal vein diameter and splenic vein diameter.

Conclusions

Multi-slice CT serves as an important non-invasive imaging modality in the diagnosis of collaterals in cases of portal hypertension. CT portography can replace endoscopy in the detection of high-risk varices. It also proved that there is a correlation between portal vein diameter, splenic vein diameter, and number of collaterals.

Ascites in children with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction: Etiology, risk factors and outcome

BACKGROUND

Ascites in extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO)  is uncommon. We studied the etiology and natural history of ascites and risk factors of post-bleeding ascites in children with EHPVO.

METHODS

All admitted EHPVO patients with clinically detectable ascites and/or gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in previous 6 weeks were analysed. Subjects with ascites were classified as post-bleeding ascites and de-novo ascites (no GI bleeding) Post-bleeding ascites group was compared with controls (GI bleeding without ascites) for risk factors of developing ascites.

RESULTS

Of the total 307 analysed EHPVO patients, 26% (n=79) had ascites. Majority (n=66, 83%) were post-bleeding ascites and 17% (n=13) had de-novo ascites due to secondary causes. Risk factors of ascites in post-bleeding ascites (n=56) versus controls (n=188) were younger age of disease onset, lower height z-scores and greater reduction in serum protein, albumin and hemoglobin from baseline non-bled state. 32%, 39%, and 29% of patients with post-bleeding ascites had ascites resolution with salt restriction, additional diuretics and large volume paracentesis respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Majority of ascites in EHPVO children is after GI bleeding where early age of disease onset, large volume of blood loss and poor nutritional status are risk factors. Overall outcome of EHPVO with ascites is favourable.

Noninvasive imaging assessment of portal hypertension

Portal hypertension (PH) is a spectrum of complications of chronic liver disease (CLD) and cirrhosis, with manifestations including ascites, gastroesophageal varices, splenomegaly, hypersplenism, hepatic hydrothorax, hepatorenal syndrome, hepatopulmonary syndrome and portopulmonary hypertension. PH can vary in severity and is diagnosed via invasive hepatic venous pressure gradient measurement (HVPG), which is considered the reference standard. Accurate diagnosis of PH and assessment of severity are highly relevant as patients with clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are at higher risk for developing acute variceal bleeding and mortality. In this review, we discuss current and upcoming noninvasive imaging methods for diagnosis and assessment of severity of PH.

Endoscopic prophylaxis and factors associated with bleeding in children with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with upper digestive hemorrhage and primary and secondary endoscopic prophylaxis outcomes in children with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction.

METHODS

This observational and prospective study included 72 children with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction who were followed from 2005 to 2017. Risk factors associated with upper digestive hemorrhage and the results of primary and secondary prophylaxis of these patients were evaluated.

RESULTS

Fifty patients (69.4%) had one or more episodes of bleeding during follow-up, with a median age at first hemorrhage of 4.81 years. The multivariate analysis showed that medium- to large-caliber esophageal varices were associated with an 18-fold risk of upper digestive hemorrhage (95% CI: 4.33-74.76; p < 0.0001). Primary prophylaxis was administered to 14 patients, with eradication in 85.7%; however, 14.3% of these patients had hemorrhages during the follow-up period and 41.7% had a relapse of varices. Secondary prophylaxis was administered to 41 patients. Esophageal varices were eradicated in 90.2% of patients. There were relapse and re-bleeding of esophageal varices in 45.9% and 34.1% of the children, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Primary and secondary endoscopic prophylaxes showed high rates of esophageal varix eradication, but with significant relapses. Eradication of esophageal varices cannot definitively prevent recurrent upper digestive hemorrhage, since bleeding from alternate sites can occur. Medium- and large-caliber esophageal varices were associated with upper digestive hemorrhage in patients with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to evaluate bleeding risk factors in children with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction.

Sigmoid Colon Varices due to Massive Thrombosis of a Noncirrhotic Extrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt

A 33-year-old man presented with hepatic encephalopathy and was diagnosed to have a noncirrhotic extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (NCPSS). He presented with abdominal pain 16 months after the NCPSS diagnosis. Computed tomography revealed thrombosis between the intrahepatic portal vein and the left internal iliac vein, including the NCPSS, and varices of the sigmoid colon. Thrombosis was treated with danaparoid sodium and antithrombin III followed by edoxaban. After treatment, the thrombosis disappeared from the intrahepatic portal vein, but it remained in the NCPSS. The sigmoid colon varices were followed up without any treatment. Follow-up is needed in NCPSS patients in order to make an early detection of complications.

Cirrhotic portal hypertension: From pathophysiology to novel therapeutics

Portal hypertension and bleeding from gastroesophageal varices is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Portal hypertension is initiated by increased intrahepatic vascular resistance and a hyperdynamic circulatory state. The latter is characterized by a high cardiac output, increased total blood volume and splanchnic vasodilatation, resulting in increased mesenteric blood flow. Pharmacological manipulation of cirrhotic portal hypertension targets both the splanchnic and hepatic vascular beds. Drugs such as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II type receptor 1 blockers, which target the components of the classical renin angiotensin system (RAS), are expected to reduce intrahepatic vascular tone by reducing extracellular matrix deposition and vasoactivity of contractile cells and thereby improve portal hypertension. However, these drugs have been shown to produce significant off-target effects such as systemic hypotension and renal failure. Therefore, the current pharmacological mainstay in clinical practice to prevent variceal bleeding and improving patient survival by reducing portal pressure is non-selective -blockers (NSBBs). These NSBBs work by reducing cardiac output and splanchnic vasodilatation but most patients do not achieve an optimal therapeutic response and a significant proportion of patients are unable to tolerate these drugs. Although statins, used alone or in combination with NSBBs, have been shown to improve portal pressure and overall mortality in cirrhotic patients, further randomized clinical trials are warranted involving larger patient populations with clear clinical end points. On the other hand, recent findings from studies that have investigated the potential use of the blockers of the components of the alternate RAS provided compelling evidence that could lead to the development of drugs targeting the splanchnic vascular bed to inhibit splanchnic vasodilatation in portal hypertension. This review outlines the mechanisms related to the pathogenesis of portal hypertension and attempts to provide an update on currently available therapeutic approaches in the management of portal hypertension with special emphasis on how the alternate RAS could be manipulated in our search for development of safe, specific and effective novel therapies to treat portal hypertension in cirrhosis.

Ultrasound, shear-wave elastography, and magnetic resonance imaging in native liver survivor patients with biliary atresia after Kasai portoenterostomy: correlation with medical outcome after treatment

BACKGROUND

Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare obliterative cholangiopathy and Kasai portoenterostomy (KP) represents its first-line treatment; clinical and laboratory parameters together with abdominal ultrasound (US) are usually performed during the follow-up. Shear-wave elastography (SWE) is able to evaluate liver parenchyma stiffness; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has also been proposed to study these patients.

PURPOSE

To correlate US, SWE, and MRI imaging findings with medical outcome in patients with BA who are native liver survivors after KP.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled 24 patients. They were divided in two groups based on "ideal" (n = 15) or "non-ideal" (n = 9) medical outcome. US, SWE, and MRI exams were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively for imaging signs suggestive of chronic liver disease (CLD).

RESULTS

Significant differences were found in terms of liver surface (P = 0.007) and morphology (P = 0.013), portal vein diameter (P = 0.012) and spleen size (P = 0.002) by US, liver signal intensity (P = 0.013), portal vein diameter (P = 0.010), presence of portosystemic collaterals (P = 0.042), and spleen size (P = 0.001) by MRI. The evaluation of portal vein diameter (moderate, κ = 0.44), of portosystemic collaterals (good, κ = 0.78), and spleen size (very good, κ = 0.92) showed the best agreement between US and MRI. A significant (P = 0.01) difference in liver parenchyma stiffness by SWE was also found between the two groups (cut-off = 9.6 kPa, sensitivity = 55.6%, specificity = 100%, area under the ROC curve = 0.82).

CONCLUSION

US, SWE, and MRI findings correlate with the medical outcome in native liver survivor patients with BA treated with KP.

Incidence of Hyponatremia in Patients With Indwelling Peritoneal Catheters for Drainage of Malignant Ascites

IMPORTANCE

Indwelling peritoneal catheters (IPCs) are frequently used to drain tense, symptomatic, malignant ascites. Large-volume drainage may lead to hyponatremia owing to massive salt depletion. To date, no studies have examined the epidemiology of hyponatremia after placement of an IPC.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the incidence of hyponatremia after IPC placement, the risk factors associated with its development, and how it is managed.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cohort study retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 461 patients who had IPCs placed during the period between 2006 and 2016 at a tertiary care hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, of whom 309 patients met the inclusion criteria. Data analysis was performed from June to November 2019.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Main outcomes were the incidence of hyponatremia (with a serum sodium level <135 mEq/L) after IPC placement, the risk factors for its development, and how it was managed. We also examined the clinical course of a subset of 21 patients with hypovolemic hyponatremia.

RESULTS

Of the 309 eligible patients with laboratory results both before IPC placement and 2 days or more after IPC placement, 189 (72.1%) were female, and the mean (SD) age was 59 (12) years. The overall incidence of hyponatremia after IPC placement was 84.8% (n = 262), of whom 21 patients (8.0%) had severe hyponatremia. The mean (SD) decrease in serum sodium level before vs after IPC placement was 5 (5.1) mEq/L and decreased by 10 mEq/L or more among 52 patients (16.8%). Patients with hyponatremia prior to IPC placement had an 8-fold higher adjusted odds of having persistent hyponatremia after IPC placement (odds ratio, 7.9; 95% CI, 2.9-21.7). Patients with hepatopancreatobiliary malignant neoplasms were more likely to develop hyponatremia (78 of 262 patients with hyponatremia [29.8%] vs 7 of 47 patients without hyponatremia [14.9%]). Hyponatremia was either unrecognized or untreated in 189 patients (72.1%).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Although the placement of an IPC is often a palliative measure, hyponatremia is common and is often untreated or unrecognized. Patients at highest risk, such as those with hyponatremia at baseline and those with hepatopancreatobiliary malignant neoplams, should be evaluated carefully prior to IPC placement and may warrant closer monitoring after placement. In all cases, hyponatremia should be evaluated and managed within the context of a patient's overall goals of care.

Standard or Variant Meso-Rex Shunts for Children with Variceal Bleeding due to Extrahepatic Portal Vein Obstruction: A Report of Two Cases

Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) is the most common cause of pediatric portal hypertension and can cause life-threatening variceal bleeding. Meso-Rex shunt (MRS) is a surgical procedure that restores physiological portal venous blood flow to the liver by using a graft to connect the superior mesenteric vein and the left portal vein within the Rex recess, and can relieve variceal bleeding and other complications associated with EHPVO. Although the MRS is regarded as an optimal and potentially curative treatment with good long-term patency, graft thrombosis or failure due to unknown causes is not rare, prompting the need for further research on the risk factors of graft failure or poor patency. Herein, we report two cases of EHPVO in patients with recurrent or uncontrolled variceal bleeding, one treated with the classic Rex shunt and the other with the modified Rex shunt, which resulted in a failure and success, respectively.

Quantitative CT Predictors of Portal Venous Intervention in Uncontrolled Variceal Bleeding

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to quantify abdominal CT predictors of endoscopically refractory, uncontrolled variceal hemorrhage requiring portal venous intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS. From 2009 to 2018, 64 patients with endoscopically refractory variceal hemorrhage requiring portal venous intervention (variceal hemorrhage group) and 67 patients without hemorrhage but with symptomatic, pressure gradient-proven portal hypertension (control group) underwent CT. CT scans were retrospectively reviewed for the following: varix size, variceal intraluminal protrusion, liver and spleen volumes, and portal vein diameter. RESULTS. Gastric variceal protrusion was found to be a strong CT parameter associated with refractory hemorrhage (mean depth, 0.75 mm in variceal hemorrhage group vs -2.91 mm in control group; p = 0.001). Gastric varix size was also associated with variceal hemorrhage (mean diameter, 8.03 vs 6.51 mm; p = 0.001). However, this trend was not observed in the sizes of the esophageal varices (mean diameter, 6.28 vs 6.43 mm; p = 0.370). Larger spleen volume (mean, 1312 vs 1152 cm³; p = 0.029) and liver volume (mean, 1514 vs 1143 cm³; p = 0.004) were also found to be predictors of variceal hemorrhage. Significant CT threshold findings included gastric variceal protrusion depth more than 0 mm (odds ratio [OR], 6.44), gastric varix size more than 6 mm (OR, 3.89), spleen volume more than 1000 cm³ (OR, 2.63), and liver volume more than 1000 cm³ (OR, 2.82). CONCLUSION. Quantitative imaging parameters on abdominal CT, such as intraluminal protrusion of gastric varices, gastric varix size, and larger spleen and liver volumes, were predictive of portal venous intervention, whereas esophageal varix size was not.

An unusual presentation of portal vein thrombosis in a 2-year-old girl

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is the most common cause of extrahepatic portal vein obstruction in children. Upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and splenomegaly are the most common presenting features. PVT diagnosis is usually delayed in the absence of upper GI bleeding and many children undergo a hematologic work-up due to splenomegaly and signs of hypersplenism. Here, we present a case of a 2-year-old girl who had pancytopenia and splenomegaly. The hematologic work-up including a bone marrow aspirate was unrevealing and she was thought to have viral-induced bone marrow suppression and severe iron deficiency anemia. She presented 2 months later with hematemesis and abdominal CT angiography confirmed the diagnosis of PVT with portal cavernoma. Conclusion: PVT should be suspected in any child who presents with afebrile splenomegaly and signs of hypersplenism even in the absence of upper GI bleeding.

Vein resection without reconstruction (VROR) in pancreatoduodenectomy: expanding the surgical spectrum for locally advanced pancreatic tumours

PURPOSE

Pancreatic malignancy with mesenterico-portal venous involvement can be safely managed with en bloc vein resection with comparable survival outcomes. Non-constructible venous encasement is regarded as criteria of unresectability in pancreatic cancer. In long-standing extra-hepatic venous obstruction, hepatopetal blood flow is established by collateralization in the hepatoduodenal and mesenteric region. Their importance in pancreatic malignancies is being recently acknowledged.

METHODS

The records of patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomies were retrospectively evaluated from 2012 to 2019. Pre and intraoperative records of patients undergoing concomitant vein resection were evaluated for the presence of venous collaterals, and its impact on oncological management was studied.

RESULTS

Over a period of 7 years, 947 pancreatoduodenectomies were performed, of which 56 patients underwent concomitant vein resection. Among these, six patients had significant collaterals due to venous obstruction. They had pancreatic adenocarcinoma (2), neuroendocrine tumour (2) and solid pseudopapillary epithelial neoplasm (2) respectively. All these patients successfully underwent pancreatoduodenectomy with vein resection without vascular reconstruction. Superior mesenteric vein (SMV) was resected in four patients, whereas spleno-portal junction was resected in two patients. Dominant collaterals were preserved in all, without compromising oncological safety. Bowel congestion was checked by tolerability to 20-minute mesenteric venous clamping test. There was no major morbidity or hospital mortality following this surgical approach.

CONCLUSION

We recommend vein resection without reconstruction (VROR) as a novel approach in locally advanced pancreatic tumours (due to non-constructible vein involvement) with significant venous collaterals and emphasize the need to assess venous collateralization pre and intraoperatively.

Update on Shunt Surgery

Background

Bleeding from esophagogastric varices is a life-threatening complication from portal hypertension. It occurs in 15% of patients and has a mortality rate of 20-35%.

Summary

The primary therapy for variceal bleeding is medical. In cases of recurrent bleeding, a definitive therapy is required. In cases of parenchymal decompensation, liver transplantation is the causal therapy, but if liver function is preserved, portal decompression is the therapy of choice. The use of the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has achieved widespread acceptance, although evidence for surgical shunts is comparable or better in patients with good hepatic reserve. The type of surgical shunt depends on the patent veins of the portomesenteric system. If total occlusion is present, a devascularization procedure might be indicated.

Key Messages

Therapy, taking into account liver function, morphology of the portovenous system, and imminent liver transplantation, should be performed by an interdisciplinary team of gastroenterologists, interventional radiologists, and gastrointestinal surgeons.

Discrimination of ascitic fluid infection in malignant ascites by polymorphonuclear neutrophil ratio and count: Investigating the validity of count ≥250/mm3 as the one-size-fits-all criterion

AIM

Neutrocytic ascites, traditionally defined as a polymorphonuclear neutrophil count ≥250/mm³ , is infrequently reported during paracenteses to relieve malignant ascites (MA). This study aims to explore new potential diagnostic criteria to discriminate ascitic fluid infection associated with MA and to examine the clinical and laboratory characteristics of neutrocytic ascites.

METHODS

The investigators retrospectively collected data on paracenteses to relieve MA at the Emergency Department of National Cancer Center, Korea, from January 2014 to February 2017. We analyzed the patients whose ascites fulfilled the traditional criteria for classification as neutrocytic ascites; polymorphonuclear neutrophils ≥250/mm³ with no history of either hepatocellular carcinoma or liver cirrhosis.

RESULTS

In total, 1467 patients underwent paracentesis to relieve MA. Excluding 98 follow-up paracenteses cases, 112 cases (8.2%) showed neutrocytic ascites. Of these 112 patients, 27 (24.1%) had positive culture results. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis indicated that the area under the curve (AUC) values were 0.90 (95% CI 0.82-0.95) and 0.86 (95% CI 0.78-0.92) for polymorphonuclear neutrophil ratio and count, respectively. The difference between the two AUCs was not statistically significant (P = .29). Moreover, the best cutoff points were 70% and 1500/mm³ for polymorphonuclear neutrophil ratio and count, respectively. In addition, extensive liver metastasis was a significant independent risk factor of MA associated with ascitic fluid infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Both polymorphonuclear neutrophil ratio and count had good discriminative abilities for culture results in MA. Polymorphonuclear neutrophil ratio was somewhat better despite lacking statistical significance compared to polymorphonuclear neutrophil count, with 70% as best cutoff.

Diagnostic challenges in non-cirrhotic portal hypertension - porto sinusoidal vascular disease

Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension consists of a group of diseases characterized by signs and complications of portal hypertension, which differ from cirrhosis through histological alterations, hemodynamic characterization and, clinical outcome. Because of the similarities in clinical presentation and imaging signs, frequently these patients, and particularly those with porto-sinusoidal vascular disease (PSVD), are misdiagnosed as having liver cirrhosis and thus raising difficulties in their diagnosis. The most challenging differentiation to be considered is between PSVD and cirrhosis and, although not pathognomonic, liver biopsy is still the standard of diagnosis. Although they still require extended validation before being broadly used, new non-invasive methods for the diagnosis of porto-sinusoidal vascular disease, like transient elastography, contrast-enhanced ultrasound or metabolomic profiling, have shown promising results. Another issue is the differentiation between PSVD and chronic extrahepatic portal vein obstruction, especially now when it is known that 40% of patients suffering from PSVD develop portal vein thrombosis. In this particular case, once the portal vein thrombosis occurred, the diagnosis of PSVD is impossible according to the current guidelines. Moreover, so far, the differentiation between PSVD and sinusoidal obstruction syndrome has not been clear so far in particular circumstances. In this review we highlighted the diagnostic challenges regarding the PSVD, as well as the current techniques used in the evaluation of these patients.

Porto-sinusoidal vascular disease: proposal and description of a novel entity

Portal hypertension in the absence of portal vein thrombosis and without cirrhosis, but with mild or moderate alterations of liver histology (eg, obliterative venopathy, nodular regenerative hyperplasia, or incomplete septal cirrhosis) is being increasingly recognised. Owing to the heterogeneity of causes and histological findings, a substantial number of terms have been used to describe such idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. Patients with the same clinical and histological features exist, but without portal hypertension at the time of diagnosis. Therefore, improved criteria are needed to define this form of liver disease. Here, we propose the term porto-sinusoidal vascular disease, since all lesions found involve the portal venules or sinusoids. The definition of this entity is based on the characteristic absence of cirrhosis with or without signs of portal hypertension or histological lesions. The presence of known causes of liver disease does not rule out porto-sinusoidal vascular disease, but specific causes of vascular liver disease are excluded from its definition. The diagnosis of porto-sinusoidal vascular disease is based on liver biopsy and might include signs specific for portal hypertension with normal or mildly elevated liver stiffness values and no complete portal vein thrombosis. We provide simple diagnostic criteria, because agreement on a uniform nomenclature is an essential requirement for future collaborative studies.

Long-term results of variceal bleeding management in 302 patients with chronic extrahepatic portal vein obstruction

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Treatment modalities of variceal bleeding or rebleeding for extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) are limited, and their long-term results and prognostic factors are unclear. This study aimed at assessing the long-term results of EHPVO treated with current recommendations and investigating the influencing factors.

METHODS

Between 2009 and 2016, 302 consecutive patients with EHPVO were included. Watch-and-wait policy was applied for those with no (n = 59) or small varices (n = 55), nonselective beta-adrenergic blocker and nonselective beta-adrenergic blocker plus endotherapy were for primary (n = 115) and secondary prophylaxis (n = 87), transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) or combination therapy was for those with recurrent bleeding (n = 92).

RESULTS

The median follow up was 58.8 months. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year cumulative rates were 3.6%, 19.2%, 32.3% for small varices development and 4.5%, 30.9%, 53.4% for large varices development. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year cumulative rates were 11.1%, 20.9%, and 34.9% for first variceal bleeding and 16.0%, 26.9%, and 33.6% for variceal rebleeding. For those with recurrent variceal bleeding, only TIPS (n = 37, technical success rate: 90.2%) was associated with a reduced risk of variceal rebleeding (1-, 3-, and 5-year: 5.6%, 11.7%, and 21.9%). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 96.9%, 95.8%, and 91.9%. Prothrombotic factors and anticoagulation did not influence the risk of variceal bleeding, rebleeding, and survival.

CONCLUSIONS

By applying the same variceal management as recommended for patients with liver cirrhosis, patients with non-cirrhotic EHPVO showed a similar development of varices and variceal bleeding. This is also true for the beneficial effect of TIPS to prevent rebleeding.

Aberrant von Willebrand factor expression of sinusoidal endothelial cells and quiescence of hepatic stellate cells in nodular regenerative hyperplasia and obliterative portal venopathy

AIMS

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) and obliterative portal venopathy (OPV), entities that comprise idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (INCPH), are under-recognised diseases of uncertain aetiology and the diagnosis can be easily missed on liver biopsy. The expression of CD34 and von Willebrand factor (vWF) in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (ASMA) in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is unknown in NRH and OPV. We sought to investigate the pathogenesis and potential immunomarkers that might aid in making the diagnosis of NRH and OPV.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for CD34, vWF and ASMA was performed in clinically and histologically well-characterised NRH (n = 15) and OPV (n = 47) liver specimens. Among the 47 OPV cases, 37 (78.7%) had concurrent features of NRH. CD34 positive staining was mainly confined to small vessels in the portal tracts and LSECs in periportal areas, a finding similar to that in non-NRH/OPV livers. However, expression of vWF in LSECs was positive in the compressed sinusoids of NRH and in a patchy or geographic pattern, particularly prominent in the perivenular areas and dilated sinusoids of OPV cases. HSCs were negative for ASMA in all NRH and OPV cases.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that NRH may be a subtle but common concurrent morphological feature in OPV. The aberrant expression of vWF in LSECs suggests that endothelial injury may play a role in the pathogenesis, which may thus aid in the recognition and diagnosis of NRH and OPV, particularly when confronted with otherwise apparent normal liver histology on needle biopsy.

Splenectomy with endotherapy in non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis related portal hypertension: Can it be an alternative to proximal spleno-renal shunt?

Backgrounds/Aims

Proximal splenorenal shunt (PSRS) is usually done in symptomatic non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF). The outcomes of splenectomy with endotherapy in non-bleeder NCPF patients has not been well studied. We here by aimed to study the post-surgical outcomes on short and long-term basis between PSRS and splenectomy among non-bleeder NCPF patients.

Methods

The consecutive non-bleeder NCPF patients whom underwent either splenectomy or PSRS from 2008 to 2016 were enrolled. The patients were followed up post-surgery clinically and biochemical investigations, Doppler ultrasound and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were done as required. The peri-operative parameters compared were operative time, blood loss, hospital stay and morbidity. The long-term outcome measures compared were incidence of portal hypertension (PHTN) related bleed, change in grade of varices, shunt patency, shunt complications and thrombosis of spleno-portal axis.

Results

Among 40 patients with non-bleeder status, 24 underwent splenectomy and 16 underwent PSRS. The baseline characteristics including indication of surgery, biochemical investigations and grade of varices were comparable between PSRS and splenectomy. The peri-operative morbidity was not significantly different between two groups. The median follow up duration was 42 months (12-72 months), the decrement in grade of varices was significantly higher in PSRS group (p=0.03), symptomatic PHTN related UGIB was non-significant between PSRS and splenectomy (p=0.5). In PSRS group, 3 (18.3%) patients had shunt thrombosis (n=1) & encephalopathy (n=2) while in splenectomy group two patients developed thrombosis of splenoportal axis.

Conclusions

Splenectomy with endotherapy is alternative to PSRS in non-bleeder NCPF patients with indications for surgery.

Thromboelastography Detects Possible Coagulation Disturbance in Pediatric Patients with Portal Cavernoma

Background

Thromboelastography (TEG) allows a dynamic assessment of clot formation and dissolution that might be useful for assessing the relative contribution of the coagulation components to overall clot formation and dissolution, but it has not been fully defined in patients with portal cavernoma (PC).

Methods

We retrospectively recruited consecutive patients with PC between July 2006 and June 2016 who had no abdominal malignancy or liver cirrhosis. Blood samples were drawn on admission and were subjected to coagulation parameter assessment, including conventional coagulation tests, measurement of the circulating levels of procoagulant and anticoagulant factors, and TEG assessment.

Results

Compared with controls, patients with PC showed significant reductions in the serum levels of procoagulant factors and anticoagulants factors, whereas factor VIII was slightly elevated. TEG showed clot formation (α-angle), and the maximal clot strength (MA) was higher in patients with PC than in controls, indicating a hypercoagulable state. Thrombocytopenia decreased both clot formation (α-angle) and the maximal clot strength (MA) but was still significantly higher than the control. Furthermore, patients with PC had a higher level of D-dimer and LY30 than did controls, indicating the in vivo activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis.

Conclusion

TEG analysis showed that patients with PC were in a hypercoagulable state that could be partially masked by thrombocytopenia secondary to splenomegaly and hypersplenism in these patients, which indicates that our current prophylaxis and therapy regimen could be improved.

Long-term Outcomes and Health Perceptions in Pediatric-onset Portal Hypertension Complicated by Varices

OBJECTIVES

Outcomes of pediatric-onset portal hypertension are poorly defined. We aimed to assess population-based long-term outcomes of pediatric-onset portal hypertension complicated by varices.

METHODS

All children with esophageal varices (n = 126) were identified from 14,144 single nationwide referral center endoscopy reports during 1987 to 2013, and followed up through national health care and death registers. A questionnaire was sent to survivors (n = 94) of whom 65 (69%) responded.

RESULTS

Nineteen underlying disorders included biliary atresia (35%), extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (35%), autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (7%), and other disorders (23%). During median follow-up of 15.2 (range 0.5-43.1) years patients underwent median 9 (1-74) upper gastrointestinal endoscopies. Esophageal varices were first observed at a median age of 4.0 (0.3-18.2) years, 112 (89%) patients underwent median 6 (1-56) sclerotherapy/banding sessions, and 61 (48%) experienced median 2 (range 1-20) variceal bleeding episodes. Forty-eight surgical shunt procedures were performed to 41 (36%) patients and 38% underwent liver transplantation. Portal hypertensive biliopathy was diagnosed in 4 patients. Hepatopulmonary syndrome necessitated liver transplantation in 2 patients, hepatic encephalopathy in 2, and hepatorenal syndrome in 1. No patient died of variceal bleeding. Patient-reported perception of health on a scale of 1 to 10 was 9 (range 4-10), and 86% reported no current symptoms attributable to esophageal varices.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric-onset portal hypertension is a heterogeneous disease with significant long-term morbidity, requiring multimodal approach with considerable resources and continuation of follow-up in adulthood. Although mortality to variceal bleeding was avoided, bleeding episodes recurred also in adulthood, while patient-reported health of long-term survivors was encouraging.

Idiopathic refractory ascites after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: a previously unrecognized entity

At our center, we observed a series of patients who developed transudative refractory ascites secondary to noncirrhotic, non-veno-occlusive disease (VOD)-related portal hypertension after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Patients were considered to have idiopathic portal hypertension-related refractory ascites (IRA) if they developed ascites secondary to intrahepatic portal hypertension (serum ascites albumin gradient ≥1.1 g/dL or hepatic venous pressure gradient [HVPG] >5 mm Hg), but did not meet the clinical criteria for classical VOD/sinusoidal obstructive syndrome (SOS) and did not have any alternate etiology of portal hypertension. From our institutional database, we identified 40 patients who developed IRA after allo-HSCT between 2004 and 2018. The patients' median age at the time of allo-HSCT was 54 years (range, 21-73 years). The median time to development of IRA after allo-HSCT was 80 days (range, 16-576 days). The median number of paracentesis was 3 (range, 1-11), and 15 (38%) patients had an intraperitoneal catheter placed for continued drainage of the rapidly accumulating ascites. Portal pressures were measured in 19 patients; 6 (15%) had moderate portal hypertension (HVPG 6-9 mm Hg), and 13 (33%) had severe portal hypertension (HVPG ≥ 10 mm Hg). Liver biopsy was performed in 24 patients. None of the patients met the criteria for classical VOD/SOS (clinical/histological) or cirrhosis (histological). The cumulative incidence of nonrelapse mortality was 63%, and the median survival duration after the development of the IRA was 7 months (range, 0.8-125.6 months). IRA is a poorly understood and often fatal complication of allo-HSCT.

Wisteria floribunda agglutinin-positive human Mac-2-binding protein as a predictive marker of liver fibrosis in human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus coinfected patients

AIM

In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfected patients, the progression of liver failure is reported to be more aggressive than that in HCV mono-infected patients. Wisteria floribunda agglutinin-positive human Mac-2-binding protein (WFA⁺ -M2BP) is well recognized as a liver fibrosis glycobiomarker with a unique fibrosis-related glycoalteration. We analyzed HIV/HCV coinfected patients' M2BP levels as a possible marker for predicting liver fibrosis.

METHODS

M2BP was measured in 31 HIV/HCV coinfected patients, and we analyzed the correlation between WFA⁺ -M2BP and several markers of fibrosis, liver function, and tumor markers. We compared the WFA⁺ -M2BP levels in HIV/HCV coinfected patients with those of HCV mono-infected patients by performing a propensity score matching analysis.

RESULTS

In the HIV/HCV coinfected patients, the serum level of WFA⁺ -M2BP was well correlated with the markers type IV collagen, hyaluronic acid, and alpha-fetoprotein, but not protein induced by vitamin K absence-II. In the propensity score matching with HCV mono-infected patients, the WFA⁺ -M2BP levels were significantly higher in the HIV/HCV coinfected patients compared with the levels in the HCV mono-infected patients.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, WFA⁺ -M2BP might be a feasible predictive marker of fibrosis in HIV/HCV coinfected patients.

Liver stiffness measurement in patients with nodular regenerative hyperplasia undergoing magnetic resonance elastography

PURPOSE

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) may mimic cirrhosis at imaging. We aim to investigate the effect of NRH on liver stiffness measurement (LSM) obtained with magnetic resonance elastography (MRE).

METHODS

This retrospective, Institutional Review Board-approved study included 37 subjects with NRH (Group 1) and no or minimal fibrosis (F0-F1), a control group (Group 2) made of 30 subjects with non-advanced fibrosis (F0-F2), and a control group (Group 3) made of 30 subjects with advanced fibrosis (F3-F4), all with available MRE. LSM was measured in each subject along with assessment of hepatic morphological features of cirrhosis and signs of portal hypertension. The significance of the difference in mean LSM between Group 1 and 2 and between Group 1 and 3 was evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test. The difference in distribution of imaging features among groups was assessed using the Pearson χ2 or Fisher exact test.

RESULTS

The mean ± SD LSM in Group 1 (3.56 ± 1.10 kPa) was significantly higher compared to Group 2 (2.91 ± 0.52 kPa, P = 0.019) and significantly lower compared to Group 3 (7.18 ± 2.08 kPa, P < 0.001). Twelve (32%) patients with NRH had LSM ≥ 4.11 kPa, and 6 (16%) patients had LSM ≥ 4.71 kPa. Surface nodularity (P = 0.032) and caudate lobe hypertrophy (P = 0.004) were more commonly visualized in Group 1 than in Group 2. At least one feature of portal hypertension was observed in 16 (43%) NRH subjects.

CONCLUSION

NRH may increase the LSM obtained with MRE and may represent a confounding factor when using liver stiffness for the non-invasive diagnosis of fibrosis.