Vascular disorders of the liver

Interventions in Budd-Chiari syndrome: an updated review

Budd Chiari syndrome is a potentially treatable disease, and imaging is the key to its diagnosis. Clinical presentations may vary, ranging from asymptomatic to fulminant disease. Subacute BCS is the most common type encountered in clinical practice, characterized by ascites, hepatosplenomegaly, dilated abdominal wall veins, and varicosities in the lower limb and scrotum. While hepatic vein thrombosis is the leading cause in the West, membranous and short segmental occlusion are predominant in the Asian populations. These geographical variations have an impact on the treatment algorithm in managing BCS. Anticoagulation alone often fails to prevent disease progression, demanding further interventional therapy. Interventional therapy carries a lower morbidity and mortality than surgery. Anatomical recanalization and portosystemic shunting form the basis of endovascular management. Membranous or short-segment occlusion are best treated by angioplasty, which restores the physiological venous outflow and possibly disease reversal. Suboptimal results with angioplasty require stenting. Transjugular intrahepatic shunt (TIPS) or direct IVC to portal vein shunt (DIPS) decompresses the portal pressure and reduces the sinusoidal congestion, which in turn diminishes hepatocellular damage and hepatic fibrosis. Despite its ability to modify the disease course, TIPS carries several procedure and shunt-related complications, mainly hepatic encephalopathy. Thus, anatomical recanalization precedes TIPS in the traditional step-up approach in managing BCS. However, this concept is challenged by some authors, necessitating future reseach. TIPS is a valid bridge therapy in BCS with acute live failure awaiting liver transplantation. Despite all, interventional therapies fail in a subset of BCS patients, leaving them with only option of liver transplantation.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt combined with dual-access thrombolysis for acute severe non-cirrhotic portal-mesenteric vein thrombosis

OBJECTIVE

Non-cirrhotic porto-mesenteric vein thrombosis (NC-PMVT) is a rare but severe clinical condition. The study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) coupled with dual-access thrombolysis in patients with acute severe NC-PMVT.

METHODS

From January 2018 to February 2023, a total of 25 patients with acute severe NC-PMVT who were treated with TIPS in conjunction with mechanical thrombectomy and dual-access thrombolysis. The period of thrombolysis was determined by the improvement of clinical symptoms and vascular recanalization. The technical success, recanalization rate, clinical success, and procedure-related complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

The technical success rate was 100 %. The median duration for thrombolytic catheter removal was 5 (IQR 3.5 - 7) days. Full and partial recanalization were accomplished in 10 (40 %) and 15 (60 %) patients respectively before discharge. No significant procedure-related complications were reported. The clinical success rate was 88 %, with a mortality rate of 12 %. Over a median follow-up of 8 months, 3/22 (13.64 %) patients had a recurrence of thrombosis; 1/22 (4.54 %) patients underwent partial intestinal resection one and a half months post-discharge; the remaining patients did not experience any portal hypertensive complications.

CONCLUSION

The combination of TIPS and dual-access thrombolysis appears to be safe and effective for patients with acute severe NC-PMVT.

Safety and Efficacy of Portal Vein Recanalization with Creation of Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (PVR-TIPS) to Treat Chronic Portal Vein Thrombosis in Non-cirrhotic Patients

PURPOSE

This study assesses the efficacy and safety of Portal Vein Recanalization with Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (PVR-TIPS) in non-cirrhotic patients with chronic portal vein occlusion (CPVO), cavernomatous transformation, and symptomatic portal hypertension (PH) and/or portal vein thrombotic progression.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Medical records of 21 non-cirrhotic patients with CPVO and portal cavernoma undergoing PVR-TIPS were analyzed. Hemodynamic (intraprocedural reduction in portosystemic pressure gradient), clinical (data on gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal pain, ascites, and presence of esophageal varices from imaging exams) and technical success (PVR-TIPS) assessed efficacy. Safety was determined through complications classified according to the CIRSE Classification System.

RESULTS

PVR-TIPS was successfully performed in all patients, resulting in a significant reduction in portal pressure gradient by 10 mmHg (21.475 ± 9.7 mmHg - 11.454 ± 5,4 mmHg, p < 0.001), alleviating portal hypertension symptoms without thrombotic progression. Clinical success included resolution or reduction of ascites (p = 0.016), gastroesophageal varices (p = 0.004), abdominal pain (p = 0.0021), and cessation of gastrointestinal bleeding (p = 0.021). Complications occurred in 33% of patients, including six grade III events (1 perioperative liver bleeding, 5 delayed stent occlusions) and one grade VI event resulting in death (4.8%). Primary patency rate was 76% (21.3 months, range:0.2-82), secondary patency 100% (4 months, range:3.8-40.8). Survival at follow-up was 90.4%, with one unrelated death. One patient underwent liver transplantation, three became eligible post-recanalization.

CONCLUSION

PVR-TIPS proves effective and safe in reducing portal pressure gradient, thereby alleviating PH symptoms without evidence of portal thrombosis progression in non-cirrhotic patients with CPVO and portal cavernoma. It expands therapeutic options, including liver transplantation.

Mechanisms and management of thrombosis in cancer: Focus on gastrointestinal malignancies

Cancer patients have an increased risk of venous thromboembolism, which is their second cause of death after disease progression itself. Several thrombotic risk factors coexist in cancer patients, including the ability of both cancer and tumoral microenvironment's cells to directly or indirectly activate platelets and the enzymes of the coagulation cascade, resulting in a hypercoagulable state of blood. This narrative review gives an overview of the main mechanisms leading to venous thromboembolism in cancer patients, including the role that platelets and the clotting proteins may have in tumor growth and metastasis. Of note, the hemostatic balance is altered in cancer patients who may, next to a thrombosis tendency, also have an increased risk of bleeding. To highlight the complexity and the precariousness of the hemostatic balance of these patients, we discuss 2 specific gastrointestinal malignancies: hepatocellular carcinoma, which is frequently associated with liver cirrhosis, a condition that causes profound alterations of hemostasis, and colorectal cancer, which is characterized by a fragile mucosa that is prone to bleeding. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of cancer-associated thrombosis may give a unique opportunity to develop new innovative drugs, acting differently on distinct pathways and potentially allowing to reduce the risk of bleeding related to antithrombotic therapies. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The topic is significant because understanding the molecular mechanisms leading to cancer-associated thrombosis and bleeding, focusing on gastrointestinal malignancies, enables the development of more rationale and innovative antithrombotic strategies for cancer-associated thrombosis. Eventually, this will support an improved and patient-tailored antithrombotic management in vulnerable oncologic patients.

Endovascular Management of Noncirrhotic Acute Portomesenteric Venous Thrombosis

Acute portomesenteric venous thrombosis (PVT) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition in individuals without cirrhosis. Initial management typically involves anticoagulation therapy, but the optimal approach to interventional treatment remains a topic of ongoing research. This article explores both traditional and emerging endovascular techniques, providing an overview of the existing evidence supporting their use. Additionally, it delves into the significance of acute PVT in the context of contemporary pathologies, notably coronavirus disease 2019 infection, vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia, and liver transplantation.

Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic portal hypertension, extrahepatic portal obstruction, and Budd-Chiari syndrome in Japan

This is the English version of the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic portal hypertension, extrahepatic portal obstruction, and Budd-Chiari syndrome, which were established and revised in 2018 by the Aberrant Portal Hemodynamics Study Group under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare in Japan. These guidelines are excerpts, and the full version consists of 86 clinical questions and explanations, totaling 183 pages in Japanese.

Liver Transplantation for Budd-Chiari Syndrome From Myeloproliferative Neoplasms - Management and Long-Term Results

Myeloproliferative neoplasms can cause primary Budd-Chiari-Syndrome with acute or chronic liver failure necessitating liver transplantation. However, preventing the recurrence remains challenging and the need for post-transplant anticoagulant and cytoreductive treatment is not sufficiently clear. We analyzed the treatment regimens for all patients who presented to our department with PBCS from MPN between 2004 and 2021. Eight patients underwent liver transplantation - 6 of them due to an acute liver failure. Post-transplant, all patients received anticoagulant and 7 patients cytoreductive medication. The mean survival after transplantation was 13.25 years. Liver transplantation shows favorable long-term outcome when combined with post-transplant anticoagulant and cytoreductive treatment.

Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt for Budd-Chiari Syndrome: A Single-Centre Experience

Background: Despite several challenges in clinical management, there has been significant progress in understanding the aetiology, natural history and outcomes of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) treatments. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) using covered stent in management of BCS. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 70 BCS patients who underwent TIPS using covered stents between January 2010 and December 2022 at a single tertiary liver transplant centre. Patients' clinical features, laboratory parameters, and imagine findings were collected before and after TIPS. The primary endpoint was overall survival. Results: TIPS was performed on 70 patients with BCS out of a total of 88 patients. The remaining patients (18) underwent liver transplantation. The mean age was 37.7 ± 11.2 years at time of diagnosis and the majority were female (64.35). The most common symptoms and signs at presentation were abdominal pain, jaundice, ascites, and variceal bleeding. Over a median followup of 76 months, the survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 98.8%, 97.9%, and 97.7%, respectively. Patients who underwent TIPS alone had better survival that patients with BCS who required liver transplantation (LTx) (p = 0.003). Conclusions: In our study TIPS provided a highly effective treatment option for BCS patients. The long-term favourability of the outcome was not impacted by the need for repeated TIPS revision. Use of covered stents was instrumental in reducing shunt dysfunction rates. Prospective and larger studies are needed to further optimize therapeutic strategies in this challenging population.

Hematological abnormalities in liver cirrhosis

Hematological abnormalities are common in cirrhosis and are associated with various pathophysiological mechanisms. Studies have documented a prevalence of thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and anemia in patients with compensated cirrhosis of 77.9%, 23.5%, and 21.1%, respectively. These abnormalities carry significant clinical implications, including considerations for invasive procedures, infection risk, bleeding risk, and prognosis. Previously, cirrhosis was believed to predispose patients to bleeding due to alterations observed in classical coagulation tests such as prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, international normalized ratio, and thrombocytopenia. However, this understanding has evolved, and cirrhosis patients are now also acknowledged as being at a high risk for thrombotic events. Hemostasis in cirrhosis patients presents a complex phenotype, with procoagulant and anticoagulant abnormalities offsetting each other. This multifactorial phenomenon is inadequately reflected by routine laboratory tests. Thrombotic complications are more prevalent in decompensated cirrhosis and may correlate with disease severity. Bleeding is primarily associated with portal hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, mechanical vessel injury, disseminated intravascular coagulation, endotoxemia, and renal injury. This review comprehensively outlines hematologic index abnormalities, mechanisms of hemostasis, coagulation, and fibrinolysis abnormalities, limitations of laboratory testing, and clinical manifestations of bleeding and thrombosis in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Vascular complications of liver abscess: A literature review

Extensive vascular network and proximity to the gastrointestinal tract make the liver susceptible to abscess formation. While pyogenic liver abscesses account for the majority of liver abscesses in the Western world, amebic liver abscesses are more prevalent in tropical and developing nations. Most liver abscesses heal without complications. However, various vascular complications can occur in these patients, including compression of the inferior vena cava, thrombosis of the portal vein and/or hepatic veins, hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm, direct rupture into major vessels or the pericardium, and biliovascular fistula. These complications can present significant clinical challenges due to the potential for haemorrhage, ischemia, and systemic embolism, thereby increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality. Mechanical compression, flow stasis, inflammation, endothelial injury, and direct invasion are some of the proposed mechanisms that can cause vascular complications in the setting of a liver abscess. For the diagnosis, thorough assessment, and therapeutic planning of vascular complications, more sophisticated imaging techniques such as multidetector computed tomography angiography or magnetic resonance angiography may be necessary. Although most vascular complications resolve with abscess treatment alone, additional interventions may be required based on the nature, severity, and course of the complications. This article aims to provide a systematic update on the spectrum of vascular complications of liver abscesses, offering insights into their pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management strategies.

Endoscopic ultrasound in portal hypertension: navigating venous hemodynamics and treatment efficacy

Portal hypertension-related complications increase mortality in patients, irrespective of its etiology. Classically, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) was used to assess the portal venous system and collaterals, considering size and hemodynamic parameters, which correlate with portal hypertension (PH) and related complications. Furthermore, therapeutic EUS guides treatment interventions, such as embolization of the gastric varices through coil placement and tissue adhesive injection, yielding encouraging clinical results. Recently, the direct measurement of portal pressure, emerging as an alternative to hepatic venous pressure gradient, has shown promise, and further research in this area is anticipated. In this review, we aimed to provide a detailed description of various possibilities for diagnosing vascular anatomy and hemodynamics in PH and actual knowledge on the EUS usefulness for PH vessel-related complications. Also, future promises for this field of endo-hepatology are discussed.

Hepatic Sinusoidal Disorders

Hepatic sinusoids are highly specialized microcirculatory conduits within the hepatic lobules that facilitate liver functions. The sinusoids can be affected by various disorders, including sinusoidal dilatation, sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), sinusoidal cellular infiltration, perisinusoidal infiltration, and endothelial neoplasms, such as hemangioendothelioma and angiosarcoma. While these disorders, particularly SOS and neoplasms, can be life threatening, their clinical manifestation is often nonspecific. Patients may present with right upper quadrant pain, jaundice, hepatomegaly, ascites, splenomegaly, and unexplained weight gain, although the exact manifestation depends on the cause, severity, and duration of the disease. Ultimately, invasive tests may be necessary to establish the diagnosis. A comprehensive understanding of imaging manifestations of various sinusoidal disorders contributes to early diagnosis and can help radiologists detect subclinical disease. Additionally, specific imaging features may assist in identifying the cause of the disorder, leading to a more focused and quicker workup. For example, a mosaic pattern of enhancement of the liver parenchyma is suggestive of sinusoidal dilatation; peripheral and patchy reticular hypointensity of the liver parenchyma on hepatobiliary MR images is characteristic of SOS; and associated diffuse multiple hyperintensities on diffusion-weighted images may be specific for malignant sinusoidal cellular infiltration. The authors provide an overview of the pathogenesis, clinical features, and imaging appearances of various hepatic sinusoidal disorders, with a special emphasis on SOS. ©RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article.

Gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome in a mouse model

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy can cause hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) in patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases and increases postoperative morbidity and mortality.

AIM

To evaluate T1 mapping based on gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnosis of hepatic SOS induced by monocrotaline.

METHODS

Twenty-four mice were divided into control (n = 10) and experimental (n = 14) groups. The experimental groups were injected with monocrotaline 2 or 6 days before MRI. MRI parameters were: T1 relaxation time before enhancement; T1 relaxation time 20 minutes after enhancement (T1post); a reduction in T1 relaxation time (△T1%); and first enhancement slope percentage of the liver parenchyma (ESP). Albumin and bilirubin score was determined. Histological results served as a reference. Liver parenchyma samples from the control and experimental groups were analyzed by western blotting, and organic anion transporter polypeptide 1 (OATP1) was measured.

RESULTS

T1post, △T1%, and ESP of the liver parenchyma were significantly different between two groups (all P < 0.001) and significantly correlated with the total histological score of hepatic SOS (r = -0.70, 0.68 and 0.79; P < 0.001). △T1% and ESP were positively correlated with OATP1 levels (r = 0.82, 0.85; P < 0.001), whereas T1post had a negative correlation with OATP1 levels (r = -0.83; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

T1 mapping based on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI may be useful for diagnosis of hepatic SOS, and MRI parameters were associated with OATP1 levels.

Splanchnic Vein Thrombosis: The State-of-the-Art on Anticoagulant Treatment

Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is a rare type of venous thromboembolism occurring within the splanchnic venous system. Portal vein thrombosis is the most common presentation, while Budd-Chiari syndrome is the least common. Liver cirrhosis and abdominal solid cancer are the main local risk factors for SVT, whereas myeloproliferative neoplasms are the predominant systemic risk factors. Signs and symptoms of SVT are nonspecific and include abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, and ascites. Asymptomatic SVT is not uncommon, and the majority would be detected incidentally on routine abdominal imaging performed for the follow-up of liver diseases and tumors. The management of SVT aims to prevent thrombus progression, promote vessel recanalization, and prevent recurrent venous thromboembolism. Anticoagulation should be started early in order to increase the chances of vessel recanalization and reduce the risk of portal hypertension-related complications. Direct oral anticoagulants have been included in recent guidelines, as alternatives to vitamin K antagonists, after clinical stability has been reached; however, caution is required in patients with liver or kidney dysfunction. Treatment duration is based on the presence (or absence) and type (transient vs. permanent) of risk factors. This narrative review aims to summarize the latest evidence on SVT, with a particular focus on the anticoagulant treatment in special categories of patients (e.g., liver cirrhosis, solid cancer, myeloproliferative neoplasms, pancreatitis, incidentally detected SVT, Budd-Chiari syndrome, and chronic SVT).

Budd-Chiari syndrome treated with direct intrahepatic portocaval shunt: A case report

Budd-Chiari syndrome is an uncommon disorder characterized by occlusion of hepatic veins. It can lead to portal hypertension. Most common causes of this syndrome are hypercoagulability states. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is often not possible given the portal venous thrombosis. In these cases, direct intrahepatic portocaval shunt, involving the creation of an access between the portal vein and the systemic circulation via the intrahepatic inferior vena cava has proven to be a feasible alternative, and can improve portal hypertension in these patients. Herein, we present a case of a 37-year-old woman diagnosed with Budd-Chiari syndrome that was successfully treated with percutaneous ultrasound (US)-guided direct intrahepatic portocaval shunt.

Homozygous MTHFR C677T carriers develop idiopathic portal vein thrombosis 20 years earlier than wild type

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) rs1801133 (C→T667 transition) on age at first idiopathic portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and to identify clinical and/or laboratory variables influencing age at first PVT, including plasma homocysteine and the prothrombin rs1799963 PT (G→A transition at position 20210) (PT) mutation. A retrospective cross-sectional cohort, including 15 MTHFR TT, 32 MTHFR TC and 22 MTHFR CC idiopathic PVT participants contributing demographics, age at PVT, plasma concentrations of homocysteine and of natural anticoagulants. MTHFR TT carriers presented with a lower age at PVT than heterozygous or wild-type genotypes (31 ± 8 vs. 48 ± 15 vs. 52 ± 13 years, P  = 0.001) and were more likely to have a plasma HC concentration above the cut-off (73.3 vs. 32 vs. 50%, P  = 0.04). MTHFR TT and protein C predicted age at PVT ( P  < 0.0001 and P  = 0.06); MTHFR TT predicted plasma homocysteine ( P  = 0.05). In the MTHFR TT group, plasma homocysteine inversely related to protein C ( P  = 0.03). Plasma homocysteine predicted the extent of PVT ( P  = 0.03). Compound MTHFR TT + PT GA did not lower age at first PVT compared to MTHFR TT alone (35 ± 9 vs. 30 ± 8 years). MTHFR TT is associated with a 20-year earlier PVT presentation than heterozygous and wild-type MTHFR genotypes. The inverse relation between plasma homocysteine and protein C contributes to the prematurity of PVT in the MTHFR TT group, whereas plasma homocysteine contributes to the extent of PVT. The recent exclusion of MTHFR genotyping from the thrombophilia screen needs revisiting in this setting.

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to portal hypertension in a patient with primary myelofibrosis: A case report

BACKGROUND

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding is a common medical emergency that has a 10% hospital mortality rate. According to the etiology, this disease can be divided into acute varicose veins and nonvaricose veins. Bleeding from esophageal varices is a life-threatening complication of portal hypertension. Portal hypertension is a clinical syndrome defined as a portal venous pressure that exceeds 10 mmHg. Cirrhosis is the most common cause of portal hypertension, and thrombosis of the portal system not associated with liver cirrhosis is the second most common cause of portal hypertension in the Western world. Primary myeloproliferative disorders are the main cause of portal venous thrombosis, and somatic mutations in the Janus kinase 2 gene (JAK2 V617F) can be found in approximately 90% of polycythemia vera, 50% of essential thrombocyrosis and 50% of primary myelofibrosis.

CASE SUMMARY

We present a rare case of primary myelofibrosis with gastrointestinal bleeding as the primary manifestation that presented as portal-superior-splenic mesenteric vein thrombosis. Peripheral blood tests revealed the presence of the JAK2 V617F mutation. Bone marrow biopsy ultimately confirmed the diagnosis of myelofibrosis (MF-2 grade).

CONCLUSION

In patients with acute esophageal variceal bleeding due to portal hypertension and vein thrombosis without cirrhosis, the possibility of myeloproliferative neoplasms should be considered, and the JAK2 mutation test should be performed.

Effectiveness of edoxaban in portal vein thrombosis associated with liver cirrhosis

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) worsens the long-term prognosis of patients with cirrhosis; however, the optimal treatment remains to be determined. Reports on the efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants are increasing, and further evidence is needed. Therefore, we investigated the effectiveness of treatment with edoxaban in patients with PVT. We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of edoxaban and warfarin as antithrombotic therapies for PVT. The median overall survival time was 4.2 years in patients with PVT, with a 1-year survival rate of 70.7% and a 5-year survival rate of 47.9%. The leading cause of death was hepatocellular carcinoma. The overall response rate for thrombolysis in the edoxaban group was 76.7% compared to 29.4% in the warfarin group, and edoxaban significantly improved PVT compared to warfarin. In addition, edoxaban provided long-term improvement of PVT. Warfarin, on the other hand, was temporarily effective but did not provide long-term benefits. The Child-Pugh and albumin-bilirubin scores did not change after edoxaban or warfarin use. No deaths occurred due to adverse events associated with edoxaban or warfarin. Edoxaban as a single agent can achieve long-term recanalization without compromising the hepatic reserves. Edoxaban is easy to initiate, even in an outpatient setting, and could become a major therapeutic agent for the treatment of PVT.

Intestinal obstruction induced by portal vein thrombosis in a female undergoing oral contraceptive therapy: a case report with comprehensive review

Introduction

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a rare medical condition that obstructs blood flow in the portal vein, with cirrhosis as a common predisposing factor. However, its association with oral contraceptive pills (OCPs), particularly with progestins, remains inadequately explored. This case report aims to contribute to this understanding, focusing on the rare presentation of PVT-induced intestinal obstruction in a female on prolonged OCP therapy.

Case presentation

A 45-year-old female presented with severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation. Diagnosis revealed PVT-induced intestinal obstruction, an exceptionally rare occurrence in the context of prolonged OCP therapy. The patient's symptoms improved with conservative management, including rivaroxaban, highlighting the crucial role of early intervention.

Discussion

This case brings attention to the limited literature exploring the link between OCPs and PVT. Despite the generally safe reputation of OCPs, they can induce pro-thrombotic conditions, emphasizing the need for heightened clinical awareness. In this case, the rarity of intestinal obstruction in PVT, compounded by the absence of common risk factors, underscores the diagnostic challenges associated with such presentations.

Conclusion

PVT-induced intestinal obstruction in a patient on prolonged OCP therapy is exceptionally rare, emphasizing the necessity for multidisciplinary management. It provides crucial insights into suspecting, identifying, and treating this uncommon complication in non-cirrhotic individuals, contributing to the limited existing literature on the subject.

Splanchnic vein thrombosis in necrotizing pancreatitis: a post-hoc analysis of a nationwide prospective cohort

BACKGROUND

Treatment guidelines for splanchnic vein thrombosis in necrotizing pancreatitis are lacking due to insufficient data on the full clinical spectrum.

METHODS

We performed a post-hoc analysis of a nationwide prospective necrotizing pancreatitis cohort. Multivariable analyses were used to identify risk factors and compare the clinical course of patients with and without SVT.

RESULTS

SVT was detected in 97 of the 432 included patients (22%) (median onset: 4 days). Risk factors were left, central, or subtotal necrosis (OR 28.52; 95% CI 20.11-40.45), right or diffuse necrosis (OR 5.76; 95% CI 3.89-8.51), and younger age (OR 0.94; 95% CI 0.90-0.97). Patients with SVT had higher rates of bleeding (n = 10,11%) and bowel ischemia (n = 4,4%) compared to patients without SVT (n = 14,4% and n = 2,0.6%; OR 3.24; 95% CI 1.27-8.23 and OR 7.29; 95% CI 1.31-40.4, respectively), and were independently associated with ICU admission (adjusted OR 2.53; 95% CI 1.37-4.68). Spontaneous recanalization occurred in 62% of patients (n = 40/71). Radiological and clinical outcomes did not differ between patients treated with and without anticoagulants.

DISCUSSION

SVT is a common and early complication of necrotizing pancreatitis, associated with parenchymal necrosis and younger age. SVT is associated with increased complications and a worse clinical course, whereas anticoagulant use does not appear to affect outcomes.

Management of Nonmalignant Portal Vein Thrombosis in Cirrhosis

Nonmalignant portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common complication of cirrhosis especially at the stage of decompensations. The diagnosis of PVT in cirrhosis is often incidental and it may be detected during routine semestral abdominal ultrasound with Doppler during screening for hepatocellular carcinoma or during hospitalization for decompensated cirrhosis. After detection of PVT on abdominal ultrasound, it is important to evaluate patients with cross-sectional imaging to determine the age of thrombus, whether acute or chronic, the extent and degree of luminal occlusion of the portal vein, and to rule out hepatocellular carcinoma or other underlying malignancy. Factors influencing management include the degree and extent of luminal occlusion of PVT, potential listing for liver transplantation, and portal hypertension (PHT) complications such as variceal hemorrhage and refractory ascites, severity of thrombocytopenia, and other comorbidities including chronic kidney disease. Anticoagulation is the most common therapeutic option and it is specially indicated in patients who are candidates for liver transplantation. Interventional procedures including transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement and mechanical thrombectomy may be used on a case-by-case basis in patients with contraindications or adverse events related to anticoagulation, who develop worsening PVT while on anticoagulant therapy, or have chronic PVT and PHT complications that are not manageable medically or endoscopically.

Pseudocirrhosis: A Case Series with Clinical and Radiographic Correlation and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Pseudocirrhosis is a poorly understood acquired morphologic change of the liver that occurs in the setting of metastatic malignancy and radiographically resembles cirrhosis. Pseudocirrhosis has been primarily described in metastatic breast carcinoma, with few case reports arising from other primary malignancies. We present 29 cases of pseudocirrhosis, including several cases from primary malignancies not previously described.

METHODS

Radiologic, clinical, demographic, and biomedical data were collected retrospectively and analyzed. We compared clinical and radiologic characteristics and outcomes between patients with pseudocirrhosis arising in metastatic breast cancer and non-breast primary malignancies.

RESULTS

Among the 29 patients, 14 had breast cancer and 15 had non-breast primaries including previously never reported primaries associated with pseudocirrhosis, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, appendiceal carcinoid, and cholangiocarcinoma. Median time from cancer diagnosis to development of pseudocirrhosis was 80.8 months for patients with primary breast cancer and 29.8 months for non-breast primary (p = 0.02). Among all patients, 15 (52%) had radiographic features of portal hypertension. Radiographic evidence of portal hypertension was identified in 28.6% of breast cancer patients, compared to 73.3% of those with non-breast malignancies (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Pseudocirrhosis has most commonly been described in the setting of metastatic breast cancer but occurs in any metastatic disease to the liver. Our study suggests that portal hypertensive complications are more common in the setting of non-breast primary cancers than in metastatic breast cancer. Prior exposure to multiple chemotherapeutic agents, and agents known to cause sinusoidal injury, is a common feature but not essential for the development of pseudocirrhosis.

Fatal acute portal vein thrombosis associated with hepatic cysts in a patient with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) often involves polycystic liver disease (PLD). In severe cases, PLD can develop various complications. However, fatal acute portal vein thrombosis (APVT) associated with PLD has not been reported. A 64-year-old male reported mild consciousness disorder. He had been under maintenance hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease due to ADPKD with PLD. Because of recurring hepatic cyst infections, he had sustained high levels of C-reactive protein. Regarding the mild consciousness disorder, a diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy was made based on an elevation of serum ammonia without any other abnormal liver function tests. Several days after his admission, hepatobiliary enzymes elevated, and acute liver failure progressed. Enhanced abdominal computed tomography suggested the possibility of complete occlusion of the portal vein by a thrombus. Based on an absence of obvious portosystemic collaterals, a diagnosis of APVT was made. The patient died 19 days after admission. Patients with PLD with repeated cystic infections have been seen to develop liver failure, and APVT formation may be one cause of the rapid progression of fatal liver failure. In conclusion, this is the first paper to report on the involvement of APVT in patients with PLD.

Application of ultrasonography-elastography score to suspect porto-sinusoidal vascular disease in patients with portal vein thrombosis

BACKGROUND

Porto-sinusoidal vascular disease (PSVD) and portal vein thrombosis (PVT) are causes of portal hypertension characterized respectively by an intrahepatic and a pre-hepatic obstacle to the flow in the portal system. As PVT may be a consequence of PSVD, in PVT patients at presentation, a pre-existing PSVD should be suspected. In these patients the identification of an underlying PSVD would have relevant implication regarding follow-up and therapeutic management, but it could be challenging. In this setting ultrasonography may be valuable in differential diagnosis. The aim of the study was to use ultrasonography to identify parameters to discriminate between PSVD and "pure" PVT and then to suspect PVT secondary to a pre-existing PSVD.

METHODS

Fifty-three patients with histologically proven PSVD and forty-eight patients affected by chronic PVT were enrolled and submitted to abdominal ultrasonography with elastography by acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI).

RESULTS

ARFI was higher and superior mesenteric vein (SMV) diameter was wider in PSVD patients than in PVT patients. Thus, a prognostic score was obtained as linear combinations of the two parameters with a good discrimination capacity between PSVD and PVT (the area under the curve = 0.780; 95% confidence interval: 0.690-0.869).

CONCLUSIONS

A score based on ARFI and SMV diameter may be useful to suspect an underlying PSVD in patients with PVT and to identify a subgroup of patients to be submitted to liver biopsy.

Diagnosis, toxicological mechanism, and detoxification for hepatotoxicity induced by pyrrolizidine alkaloids from herbal medicines or other plants

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are one type of phytotoxins distributed in various plants, including many medicinal herbs. Many organs might suffer injuries from the intake of PAs, and the liver is the most susceptible one. The diagnosis, toxicological mechanism, and detoxification of PAs-induced hepatotoxicity have been studied for several decades, which is of great significance for its prevention, diagnosis, and therapy. When the liver was exposed to PAs, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) loss, hemorrhage, liver parenchymal cells death, nodular regeneration, Kupffer cells activation, and fibrogenesis occurred. These pathological changes classified the PAs-induced liver injury as acute, sub-acute, and chronic type. PAs metabolic activation, mitochondria injury, glutathione (GSH) depletion, inflammation, and LSECs damage-induced activation of the coagulation system were well recognized to play critical roles in the pathological process of PAs-induced hepatotoxicity. A lot of natural compounds like glycyrrhizic acid, (-)-epicatechin, quercetin, baicalein, chlorogenic acid, and so on were demonstrated to be effective in alleviating PAs-induced liver injury, which rendered them huge potential to be developed into therapeutic drugs for PAs poisoning in clinics. This review presents updated information about the diagnosis, toxicological mechanism, and detoxification studies on PAs-induced hepatotoxicity.

Portal vein thrombosis in patients with liver cirrhosis

Background/Aim. Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) has a prevalence of 0.6?26%. It is most commonly discovered incidentally as part of the evaluation of LC or in the context of acute decompensation of LC due to portal hypertension. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of PVT in patients with LC in relation to the severity of the disease and individual elements of portal hypertension. Methods. A total of 326 patients treated for LC decompensation were included in a retrospective study. Standard laboratory analyses, abdominal ultrasonography and/or computed tomography, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy were performed. Results. The diameter of the portal vein (PV) differed between patients without esophageal varices (12.2 mm) and those with large varices (13.6 mm), p = 0.026. PVT was identified in 6.1% of patients with LC. The patients were classified according to the Child-Pugh scoring system, which has the A, B, and C categories used to assess the severity of liver disease. PVT was present in 3.0% of patients in class C and 12.0% in class B, while none of the patients in class A had PVT (p = 0.005). PVT was present in 4.4% of patients with small varices and 16.7% with large varices (p < 0.001). There was no difference in the presence of PVT between the groups of patients with and without variceal bleeding nor between groups with different degrees of ascites. A fatal outcome occurred in 29.4% of patients, but there was no difference between patients with and without PVT. Conclusion. PVT is present in more advanced stages of LC and predominantly in patients with large esophageal varices. There was no higher prevalence of PVT observed with the occurrence of variceal bleeding or with the death outcome in patients with LC.

Budd-Chiari syndrome in children: Challenges and outcome

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is an uncommon disease of the liver, characterised by obstruction of the hepatic venous outflow tract. The etiological spectrum of BCS as well as venous obstruction pattern show wide geographical and demographic variations across the globe. Compared to adults with BCS, children have primary BCS as the predominant etiology, earlier clinical presentation, and hence better treatment outcome. Underlying prothrombotic conditions play a key role in the etiopathogenesis of BCS, though work-up for the same is often unyielding in children. Use of next-generation sequencing in addition to conventional tests for thrombophilia leads to better diagnostic yield. In recent years, advances in radiological endovascular intervention techniques have revolutionized the treatment and outcome of BCS. Various non-invasive markers of fibrosis like liver and splenic stiffness measurement are being increasingly used to assess treatment response. Elastography techniques provide a novel non-invasive tool for measuring liver and splenic stiffness. This article reviews the diagnostic and therapeutic advances and challenges in children with BCS.

Differentiation between small hepatocellular carcinoma (<3 cm) and benign hepatocellular lesions in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome: the role of multiparametric MR imaging

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the value of multiparametric MR imaging to differentiate between small hepatocellular carcinoma (s-HCC) versus benign liver lesions in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome.

METHODS

12 patients with benign hepatocellular lesions and 32 patients with small (<3 cm) HCCs were assessed. MRI images were reviewed by two radiologists blinded to the patient background information; lesion T1 and T2 signal intensities and ADC values were compared with the background liver. Enhancement of lesion relative to hepatic parenchyma [(T1Enh-T1liver)/T1liver] in the arterial, venous, and delayed phases was also compared between the two groups. A multivariable logistic model was developed using these categorical measures; the predictive value of the model was tested using the Area Under the Receiver operating characteristic (AU-ROC) curve for logistic models. P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

There were consistent differences in T1lesion/T1liver, and T2lesion/T2liver, and ADClesion/ADCliver between benign hepatocellular lesions versus the sHCC group (p<0.001, p<0.001, p = 0.045, respectively). Lesion-to-background liver enhancement in the portal venous and delayed phases was different between the benign lesions versus sHCC (p=0.001). ROC analysis for the logistic model that included the T1 ratio, T2 ratio, and portal venous enhancement ratio demonstrated excellent discriminatory power with the area under the curve of 0.94.

CONCLUSION

Multiparametric MR imaging is a useful method to help differentiate benign liver lesions from sHCC in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome.

Transhepatic inferior vena cava recanalization in a case of Budd Chiari syndrome: A novel approach

Sharp recanalization for short-segment intravascular occlusion, using an endovascular route, has been described for inferior vena cava (IVC) occlusion. Often, the technical challenge to the endovascular management of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is the recanalization of the occluded hepatic vein or suprahepatic IVC. Presented here, the challenge was the level of occlusion of the suprahepatic IVC, with the resultant separation of both the patent IVC segments in a horizontal plane, making it technically challenging for sharp recanalization. We describe the use of percutaneous transhepatic access into the suprahepatic IVC via the middle hepatic vein under ultrasound guidance with eventual sharp recanalization of the occluded segment of the IVC, in a woman with BCS. This novel approach has not been described in the literature and can serve as an important addition to guide complex suprahepatic IVC recanalization.

Clinical outcomes and prognostic factors in non-cirrhotic non-neoplastic patients with portal vein thrombosis: A single-centre experience

INTRODUCTION

The knowledge of natural history and prognostic factors of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is still based on a limited number of studies.

AIM

To describe our single-center experience with 79 consecutive non-neoplastic non-cirrhotic patients with PVT (15 recent/64 chronic PVT).

RESULTS

Among patients with recent PVT, 7 received anticoagulation alone, 4 systemic thrombolysis, 3 direct thrombolysis through a TIPS and 1 TIPS alone. Portal recanalization was achieved in 11 patients. In patients with chronic PVT, the rate of variceal progression was high (20% at one year and 50% at two years). The thrombotic involvement of splenic and superior mesenteric veins was the only risk factor for variceal enlargement. The cumulative bleeding rates were 10% at one year and 20% at two years. A multisegmental thrombosis and large varices at entry and a previous variceal bleeding were the independent predictors for variceal bleeding. The cumulative rate of new thrombotic events was 14% at one year and 18% at two years. Eight patients died, 2 because of thrombotic events. There were no bleeding-related deaths. Two-year cumulative survival rate was 90%.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study supports the importance of anticoagulation especially when a more extended thrombosis is present. Moreover, in patients with chronic PVT, the timing of follow-up endoscopy should be based on the extension of thrombosis and not, as in cirrhosis, on the size of varices at first endoscopy.

Portal Vein Thrombosis (PVT) Secondary to Protein C Deficiency in a Young Male

A disorder known as portal venous thrombosis (PVT) is characterized by a partial or total obstruction of the portal vein. Although PVT is somewhat uncommon, liver illness is frequently linked to it. Cirrhosis, carcinoma of the liver, myeloproliferative neoplasms, other malignancies, the use of oral contraceptives, intestinal infections, and genetic hypercoagulable illnesses are typical risk factors. In this case report, we discuss the case of a young male patient who had PVT as a result of a protein C deficit. The patient first had abdominal distention due to ascites, and the diagnosis of portal vein thrombosis was later confirmed by a triphasic computed tomography (CT) scan and Doppler ultrasonography. Anticoagulant medications were successfully administered to treat the patient. The importance of identifying PVT in patients with hypercoagulable diseases and the efficacy of anticoagulant therapy in such circumstances are both highlighted by this case.

Functionalised Carbon Nanotubes: Promising Drug Delivery Vehicles for Neurovascular Disorder Intervention

Neurovascular diseases are linked to the brain's blood vessels. These disorders are complicated to treat due to the strict selective characteristics of the blood-brain barrier. Consequently, the potency of the pharmacological treatments for these conditions is immensely diminished, leading to a rise in neurovascular-associated morbidity and mortality. Carbon nanotubes are regarded as essential nanoparticles with a promise of treating neurovascular disorders. Current findings have demonstrated the effectiveness of carbon nanotubes as vehicles for ferrying drugs to the site of interest. This review accentuates the theoretical utilisation of carbon nanotubes as drug nanocarriers equipped with the penetrating capability to the blood-brain barrier for treating neurovascular disorders such as ischemic stroke. The success of the carbon nanotube system may result in the development of a new and highly relevant drug delivery procedure. This review will also cover carbon nanotube functionalisation for applications in the biomedical fields, toxicity, in vitro and in vivo drugs and biomolecule delivery, and the future outlook of carbon nanotubes.

[A rare case of neonatal-onset hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome]

A male infant, aged 1 month and 14 days, was admitted to the hospital due to abdominal distension lasting for 2 weeks and worsening for 3 days. The infant had a history of omphalitis. Physical examination revealed severe abdominal distension, prominent abdominal wall veins, hepatosplenomegaly, and massive ascites. There was a slight elevation in liver transaminase levels. Liver ultrasound and CT scans demonstrated the absence of visualization of the intrahepatic segment of the portal vein and the left, middle, and right veins of the liver, indicating occlusion of these vessels, along with surrounding fibrous hyperplasia. The clinical diagnosis was hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome resulting from omphalitis. A large amount of bloody ascites developed after 12 days of hospitalization, resulting in hypovolemic shock and respiratory failure. The infant passed away following the family's decision to discontinue treatment. This article focuses on the diagnostic approach and multidisciplinary management of neonatal-onset hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, as well as provides insights into the differential diagnosis of hepatomegaly and ascites.

Identification of potential genetic Loci and polygenic risk model for Budd-Chiari syndrome in Chinese population

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is characterized by hepatic venous outflow obstruction, posing life-threatening risks in severe cases. Reported risk factors include inherited and acquired hypercoagulable states or other predisposing factors. However, many patients have no identifiable etiology, and causes of BCS differ between the West and East. This study recruited 500 BCS patients and 696 normal individuals for whole-exome sequencing and developed a polygenic risk scoring (PRS) model using PLINK, LASSOSUM, BLUP, and BayesA methods. Risk factors for venous thromboembolism and vascular malformations were also assessed for BCS risk prediction. Ultimately, we discovered potential BCS risk mutations, such as rs1042331, and the optimal BayesA-generated PRS model presented an AUC >0.9 in the external replication cohort. This model provides particular insights into genetic risk differences between China and the West and suggests shared genetic risks among BCS, venous thromboembolism, and vascular malformations, offering different perspectives on BCS pathogenesis.

Buddi-Chiari syndrome associated with hypereosinophilic syndrome: A case report

RATIONALE

Budd-Chiari Syndrome (BCS) is a relatively rare clinical disorder with a wide range of symptoms, caused by the obstruction of the hepatic venous outflow. The etiology and pathogenesis of BCS vary in different countries and regions. In Western countries, hepatic venous obstruction is the most common type, and its main cause is closely related to the hypercoagulable state of the body. Inferior vena cava obstruction is common in Asia, and its etiology progresses slowly due to the lack of epidemiological data. [3] Here, we report a rare case of BCS associated with the hypereosinophilic syndrome and discuss the possible causal relationship between the two.

PATIENT CONCERNS

The patient was a 33-year-old female with intermittent epistaxis, gum bleeding, and excessive menstrual flow for the past 6 months. The routine blood tests showed elevated levels of eosinophils, and the liver function test showed mildly elevated levels of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and alkaline phosphatase, and abdominal ultrasound showed hepatosplenomegaly and suspicion of intrahepatic arteriovenous or arteriovenous-portal fistula.

DIAGNOSES

Finally, through the improvement of bone marrow aspiration, digital subtraction angiography and gene detection, the diagnosis of BCS combined with hypereosinophilic syndrome was confirmed, and JAK2V617F mutation was highly associated with it.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient received endovascular stent implantation and regular oral rivaroxaban anticoagulation therapy after operation.

OUTCOMES

Seven months later, enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the hepatobiliary showed that the hepatic bruise-like changes were significantly reduced compared with before, and the right hepatic vein and the right perihepatic vein stent were left in place with a good filling of contrast in the stent.

LESSONS

The patient, in this case, was finally diagnosed with BCS combined with hypereosinophilic syndrome, and to our knowledge, such case reports are rare. Our case report suggest an association between BCS and hypereosinophilic syndrome, but relevant studies are minimal, we hope to conduct larger and higher quality studies on these patients in the future, to provide new directions and basis for the etiology and pathogenesis of these diseases, as well as provide new targets and ideas for clinical treatment.

Natural History and Outcomes of Cavernous Transformation of the Portal Vein in Cirrhosis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Cavernous transformation of the portal vein can occur after portal vein thrombosis (PVT). In this study, we investigated clinical complications associated with cavernous transformation in the context of cirrhosis and PVT.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort analysis, 204 patients with cirrhosis and PVT with or without cavernous transformation were identified using MUSC's Clinical Data Warehouse between January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2019. Complete demographic data, clinical history, and laboratory tests were abstracted from the electronic medical record.

RESULTS

Of 204 patients, 41 (20%) had cavernous transformation. MELD, Child-Pugh, and Charlson Comorbidity Index scores were similar among groups. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of esophageal varices (with or without bleeding), splenomegaly, or hepatic encephalopathy in patients with and without cavernous transformation, although ascites tended to be lower in patients with cavernous transformation (31/41 (76%) vs 142/163 (87%), p = 0.06). Patients with cavernous transformation were significantly less likely to have hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (13/41 (32%) vs 81/163 (50%), p < 0.05) and had significantly lower APRI (1.4 vs 2.0, p < 0.05) and Fib-4 (4.7 vs 6.5, p < 0.05). Patients with cavernous transformation had lower 5-year mortality (12/41 (29%) vs 81/163 (49%) died, p = 0.06). The 10-year mortality of patients with cavernous transformation without HCC was significantly lower than in those without cavernous transformation (8/28 (29%) vs 46/82 (56%), respectively, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with cavernous transformation appeared to have better outcomes than those without cavernous transformation.

Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome with hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome: A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is classified as primary, secondary or idiopathic. Idiopathic HES (IHES) has a variable clinical presentation and may involve multiple organs causing severe damage. Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS) is characterized by damage to the endothelial cells of the hepatic sinusoids of the hepatic venules, with occlusion of the hepatic venules, and hepatocyte necrosis. We report a case of IHES with HSOS of uncertain etiology.

CASE SUMMARY

A 70-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital with pruritus and a rash on the extremities for > 5 mo. He had previously undergone antiallergic treatment and herbal therapy in the local hospital, but the symptoms recurred. Relevant examinations were completed after admission. Bone marrow aspiration biopsy showed a significantly higher percentage of eosinophils (23%) with approximately normal morphology. Ultrasound-guided hepatic aspiration biopsy indicated HSOS. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the upper abdomen showed hepatic venule congestion with hydrothorax and ascites. The patient was initially diagnosed with IHES and hepatic venule occlusion. Prednisone, low molecular weight heparin and ursodeoxycholic acid were given for treatment, followed by discontinuation of low molecular weight heparin due to ecchymosis. Routine blood tests, biochemical tests, and imaging such as enhanced CT of the upper abdomen and pelvis were reviewed regularly.

CONCLUSION

Hypereosinophilia may play a facilitating role in the occurrence and development of HSOS.

Gut microbiota-derived tryptophan metabolites alleviate liver injury via AhR/Nrf2 activation in pyrrolizidine alkaloids-induced sinusoidal obstruction syndrome

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS) is caused by toxic injury, such as pyrrolizidine alkaloids, to the liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, and the gut microbiota may be involved. However, the specific role and underlying mechanism of gut microbiota in HSOS is unknown.

METHODS

HSOS model was established by gavage of monocrotaline (MCT) in rats. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) with HSOS-derived or healthy gut flora was also conducted to validate the role of gut microflora in MCT-induced liver injury. The microbial 16 s rRNA analysis and untargeted metabolomics analysis in the faeces were performed to identify HSOS-related flora and metabolites. Finally, by supplementation with specific tryptophan metabolites, such as indole-3-acetaldehyde (IAAld) and indole acetic acid (IAA), we further confirmed the role of tryptophan metabolism in HSOS and the role of the AhR/Nrf2 pathway in MCT-induced liver injury.

RESULTS

MCT induced HSOS-like liver injury in rats with significantly altered gut microbiota. Particularly, some tryptophan-metabolizing bacteria reduced in MCT-treated rats, such as Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Clostridium, and accompanied by a decrease in microbial tryptophan metabolic activity and a series of tryptophan derivatives. Restoring the gut microbiota via FMT improved MCT-induced liver damage, while HSOS-derived gut microbiota aggravated the liver injury induced by MCT. Supplementation with microbial tryptophan derivatives (IAAld or IAA), or 6-formylindolo(3,2-b)carbazole (Ficz, an AhR agonist) could activate the AhR/Nrf2 signaling pathway, thereby attenuating the MCT-induced liver oxidative stress and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Gut microbiota plays a critical role in MCT-induced HSOS, with inadequate microbial tryptophan metabolism in the gut and consequently a lower activity of the AhR/Nrf2 signaling pathway in the liver, which should be a potential target for the management of HSOS.

An Update of Treatment of Pancreatic Arteriovenous Malformations

Pancreatic arteriovenous malformation is a rare entity (0.9%). There are about 200 articles available in PubMed. This review article includes 86 published articles, with 117 cases published after 2000. The median age at diagnosis was 51, and most of the patients were male (87.0%). The symptoms included pain, bleeding, pancreatitis, ulcers in the duodenum or stomach, varix formation, jaundice, and ascites. The diagnostic modalities were angiography, contrast-enhanced CT, MRI, and/or Ultra Sound. The most common treatments were surgery and embolization. The clinical success rate of embolization reported was 57.7%. The tailored embolization based on each agio-architecture had a clinical success rate of 80%. If embolic therapy is ineffective, surgical intervention should be considered.

Therapeutic anticoagulation for splanchnic vein thrombosis in acute pancreatitis: A national survey and case-vignette study

BACKGROUND

Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is a major complication of moderate and severe acute pancreatitis. There is no consensus on whether therapeutic anticoagulation should be started in patients with acute pancreatitis and SVT.

AIM

To gain insight into current opinions and clinical decision making of pancreatologists regarding SVT in acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

A total of 139 pancreatologists of the Dutch Pancreatitis Study Group and Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Group were approached to complete an online survey and case vignette survey. The threshold to assume group agreement was set at 75%.

RESULTS

The response rate was 67% (n = 93). Seventy-one pancreatologists (77%) regularly prescribed therapeutic anticoagulation in case of SVT, and 12 pancreatologists (13%) for narrowing of splanchnic vein lumen. The most common reason to treat SVT was to avoid complications (87%). Acute thrombosis was the most important factor to prescribe therapeutic anticoagulation (90%). Portal vein thrombosis was chosen as the most preferred location to initiate therapeutic anticoagulation (76%) and splenic vein thrombosis as the least preferred location (86%). The preferred initial agent was low molecular weight heparin (LMWH; 87%). In the case vignettes, therapeutic anticoagulation was prescribed for acute portal vein thrombosis, with or without suspected infected necrosis (82% and 90%), and thrombus progression (88%). Agreement was lacking regarding the selection and duration of long-term anticoagulation, the indication for thrombophilia testing and upper endoscopy, and about whether risk of bleeding is a major barrier for therapeutic anticoagulation.

CONCLUSION

In this national survey, the pancreatologists seemed to agree on the use of therapeutic anticoagulation, using LMWH in the acute phase, for acute portal thrombosis and in the case of thrombus progression, irrespective of the presence of infected necrosis.

Collateral circulation caused by end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis

BACKGROUND

Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE), as a benign parasitic disease with malignant infiltrative activity, grows slowly in the liver, allowing sufficient time for collateral vessels to emerge in the process of vascular occlusion.

METHODS

The portal vein (PV), hepatic vein and hepatic artery were observed by enhanced CT and the inferior vena cava (IVC) by angiography, respectively. Analysis of the anatomical characteristics of the collateral vessels helped to look into the pattern and characteristics of vascular collateralization caused by this specific etiology.

RESULTS

33, 5, 12 and 1 patients were included in the formation of collateral vessels in PV, hepatic vein, IVC and hepatic artery, respectively. PV collateral vessels were divided into two categories according to different pathways: type I: portal -portal venous pathway (13 cases) and type II: type I incorporates a portal-systemic circulation pathway (20 cases). Hepatic vein (HV) collateral vessels fell into short hepatic veins. The patients with IVC collateral presented with both vertebral and lumbar venous varices. Hepatic artery collateral vessels emanating from the celiac trunk maintains blood supply to the healthy side of the liver.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to its special biological nature, HAE exhibited unique collateral vessels that were rarely seen in other diseases. An in-depth study would be of great help to improve our understanding related to the process of collateral vessel formation due to intrahepatic lesions and its comorbidity, in addition to providing new ideas for the surgical treatment of end-stage HAE.

Interventional Treatment of Budd-Chiari Syndrome

Medical treatment is regarded as the primary course of action in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS). Its efficacy, however, is limited, and most patients require interventional treatment during follow-up. Short-segment stenosis or the occlusion (the so-called web) of hepatic veins or the inferior vena cava are frequent in Asian countries. An angioplasty with or without stent implantation is the treatment of choice to restore hepatic and splanchnic blood flow. The long-segment thrombotic occlusion of hepatic veins, common in Western countries, is more severe and may require a portocaval shunting procedure to relieve hepatic and splanchnic congestion. Since it was first proposed in a publication in 1993, the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has gained more and more attention, and in fact it has been so successful that previously utilized surgical shunts are only used for few patients for whom it does not work. Both interventional treatment options can be performed successfully in about 95% of patients even after the complete obliteration of the hepatic veins. The long-term patency of the TIPS, a considerable problem in its early years, has been improved with PTFE-covered stents. The complication rates of these interventions are low and the survival rate is excellent with five- and ten-year survival rates of 90% and 80%, respectively. Present treatment guidelines recommend a step-up approach indicating interventional treatment after the failure of medical treatment. However, this widely accepted algorithm has several points of contention, and early interventional treatment is proposed instead.

A 10-year Australian experience of rare intraabdominal venous thrombosis with comparison to deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism

OBJECTIVE

Intra-abdominal venous thromboembolism is rare with heterogeneous management. We aim to evaluate these thrombosis and compare them to deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism.

METHOD

A 10-year retrospective evaluation of consecutive venous thromboembolism presentations (January 2011-December 2020) at Northern Health, Australia, was conducted. A subanalysis of intraabdominal venous thrombosis involving splanchnic, renal and ovarian veins was performed.

RESULTS

There were 3343 episodes including 113 cases of intraabdominal venous thrombosis (3.4%) - 99 splanchnic vein thrombosis, 10 renal vein thrombosis and 4 ovarian vein thrombosis. Of the splanchnic vein thrombosis presentations, 34 patients (35 cases) had known cirrhosis. Patients with cirrhosis were numerically less likely to be anticoagulated compared to noncirrhotic patients (21/35 vs. 47/64, P  = 0.17). Noncirrhotic patients ( n  = 64) were more likely to have malignancy compared to those with deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism (24/64 vs. 543/3230, P  < 0.001), including 10 patients diagnosed at time of splanchnic vein thrombosis presentation. Cirrhotic patients reported more recurrent thrombosis/clot progression (6/34) compared to noncirrhotic patients (3/64) (15.6 vs. 2.3 events/100-person-years; hazard ratio 4.7 (95% confidence interval 1.2-18.9), P  = 0.030) and other venous thromboembolism patients (2.6/100-person-years; hazard ratio 4.7, 95% confidence interval 2.1-10.7; P  < 0.001) with comparable major bleeding rates. All renal vein thrombosis were provoked including five malignant-related cases while three ovarian vein thrombosis occurred postpartum. No recurrent thrombotic or bleeding complications were reported in renal vein thrombosis and ovarian vein thrombosis.

CONCLUSION

These rare intraabdominal venous thromboses are often provoked. Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) patients with cirrhosis have a higher rate of thrombotic complications, while SVT without cirrhosis was associated with more malignancy. Given the concurrent comorbidities, careful assessment and individualized anticoagulation decision is needed.

Budd-Chiari syndrome in myeloproliferative neoplasms: A review of literature

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are defined as clonal disorders of the hematopoietic stem cell in which an exaggerated production of terminally differentiated myeloid cells occurs. Classical, Philadelphia-negative MPNs, i.e., polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosis, exhibit a propensity towards the development of thrombotic complications that can occur in unusual sites, e.g., portal, splanchnic or hepatic veins, the placenta or cerebral sinuses. The pathogenesis of thrombotic events in MPNs is complex and requires an intricate mechanism involving endothelial injury, stasis, elevated leukocyte adhesion, integrins, neutrophil extracellular traps, somatic mutations (e.g., the V617F point mutation in the JAK2 gene), microparticles, circulating endothelial cells, and other factors, to name a few. Herein, we review the available data on Budd-Chiari syndrome in Philadelphia-negative MPNs, with a particular focus on its epidemiology, pathogenesis, histopathology, risk factors, classification, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management.

Anticoagulation for Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis: Bold and Brave?

Atrial fibrillation is frequently diagnosed in patients with liver cirrhosis, especially in those with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or alcoholic etiology. Anticoagulant treatment is recommended for thromboembolic protection in patients with atrial fibrillation. Considering the impaired coagulation balance in liver cirrhosis, predisposing patients to bleed or thrombotic events, the anticoagulant treatment is still a matter of debate. Although patients with liver cirrhosis were excluded from the pivotal studies that confirmed the efficacy and safety of the anticoagulant treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation, data from real-life cohorts demonstrated that the anticoagulant treatment in patients with liver cirrhosis could be safe. This review aimed to evaluate the recent data regarding the safety and efficacy of anticoagulant treatment in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. Direct oral anticoagulants are safer than warfarin in patients with compensated liver cirrhosis. In Child-Pugh class C liver cirrhosis, direct oral anticoagulants are contraindicated. New bleeding and ischemic risk scores should be developed especially for patients with liver cirrhosis, and biomarkers for bleeding complications should be implemented in clinical practice to personalize this treatment in a very difficult population represented by decompensated liver cirrhosis patients.

Treatment of portal vein thrombosis in cirrhosis: a multicenter real life cοhort study

BACKGROUND

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common complication of cirrhosis and can be a cause or consequence of liver disease progression. It is unclear whether PVT treatment is affecting clinical outcomes in cirrhotics.

METHODS

This is a multicenter study of cirrhotics with PVT, initially retrospectively and thereafter prospectively registered in a data base. We studied the impact of PVT treatment on this population for efficacy, safety and the impact on survival. In survival analysis Mantel-Cox and Wilcoxon-Breslow-Gehan tests were used. A P value of <0.05, was considered significant. For statistical computations the STATA 12.1 was used.

RESULTS

Seventy-six patients were included (76% decompensated, median MELD score 12 and Child-Pugh score 7), 47% with concomitant HCC. Fifty-one patients with PVT were treated with Vitamin-K antagonists or Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin. Patients were followed up for at least 6 months after PVT diagnosis, or until death or transplantation. PV patency after 6 months was not statistically different between patients receiving or not anticoagulation (complete-partial recanalization 27.4% of treated vs. 20% of untreated, P=0.21). Median survival was statistically worse between patients treated with anticoagulation than those untreated (10 vs. 15 months, P=0.036). Less portal hypertensive bleeding and less decompensation rates were found in treated cirrhotics vs. untreated (45.8% vs. 54.2%, P=0.003 and 78% vs. 80.9%, P=0.78, respectively). Patients with HCC had worse survival when treated vs. untreated (P=0.047).

CONCLUSIONS

In our cohort of cirrhotics with PVT, treatment was feasible with acceptable side effects, but without meaningful clinical benefits.

Technical Feasibility of Suction Thrombectomy Using a Large-Bore Aspiration System in the Portomesenteric Venous System

PURPOSE

To assess technical feasibility and safety of portal vein thrombectomy with suction thrombectomy using a large-bore thrombectomy device for portomesenteric venous thrombosis (PMVT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After receiving approval from institutional review board, patients undergoing PMVT treatment using a large-bore aspiration thrombectomy device (Inari FlowTriever or ClotTriever) between July 2019 and June 2021 were identified at 2 medical centers. Charts were reviewed for demographic information, imaging findings, and procedural details. PMVT was categorized using the Yerdel grading system. The thrombectomy procedure was performed via transjugular access through the existing or a new transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) or transsplenic or transhepatic approach. Technical success was defined as successful clot reduction and restoration of portal venous flow at the conclusion of the procedure. Patient outcomes based on clinical presentation, adverse events, and thrombectomy-associated adverse events were recorded.

RESULTS

Twenty patients, with a median age of 58 years (range, 23-72 years), underwent large-bore aspiration thrombectomy, which was technically successful in 19 of 20 (95%) patients. In 9 of 20 (45%) patients, 9 of 20 (45%) patients, and 2 of 20 (10%) patients, the 20-F, 16-F, and 24-F devices were used, respectively. Fourteen patients had a pre-existing TIPS, and 6 patients had a TIPS created. In 5 of 20 (25%) patients, overnight lysis was performed in conjunction with Inari thrombectomy. Thrombus resolution with restoration of flow was achieved in 19 of 20 (95%) cases. There were no thrombectomy-associated adverse events. The mean follow-up time was 70 days (±113) at which time primary patency of the portal venous system was present in 16 of 20 (80%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Large-bore aspiration portal vein thrombectomy is feasible for PMVT.