Peritoneal fibrosis in cirrhotics treated with peritoneovenous shunting for ascites. An autopsy study with clinical correlations

Primary sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis also known as cocoon abdomen is a rare chronic inflammatory condition of the peritoneum in which the bowel loops are encircled by a membrane (cocoon formation) within the peritoneal cavity leading to intestinal obstruction. It can be primary (idiopathic) or secondary (chemotherapy, beta-blockers, peritoneal dialysis, shunts, tuberculosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc.). The symptomatology report includes recurrent episodes of abdominal pain and vomiting. We present here a case of a 32-year-old male who presented with complaints of being unable to pass stools, vomiting (3-4 times), and abdomen pain for 4 days. This case is considered worth mentioning due to its rarity, lack of identification of secondary causes, and diminutive mention of histopathological aspect.

Intraabdominal urokinase in the treatment of loculated infected ascites in cirrhosis

Cirrhotic patients may present loculated ascites. We report a case of a 49-years old patient with cirrhosis and loculated infected ascites. Conventional and ultrasound (US)-guided paracentesis were ineffective. Moreover, US-guided drainages with 10 F drains could drain only small quantities of ascites localized in the largest loculated areas. Despite an adapted and long antibiotic therapy, the infection persisted. Intraabdominal fibrinolysis allowed the destruction of the fibrin septa, a better drainage and the sterilization of the ascites fluid. This is the first case report of effective intraabdominal fibrinolysis with urokinase in difficult to treat loculated infected ascites.

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis after living-donor liver transplantation: A case series, Kyoto experience

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP), or abdominal cocoon is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction, and still etiology remains unknown. We report a series of 4 patients with abdominal cocoon, and all the 4 patients had previously undergone living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT). There was no evidence of SEP before and during LDLT. At the time of diagnosis of SEP, 3 out of 4 patients had ascites. First and fourth patients had multiple episodes or attacks of cholangitis, which were managed by percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and hepaticojejunostomy, respectively. All 4 patients presented with intestinal obstruction and 3 of them underwent a successful operation. The fourth patient died due to liver failure and complications of the SEP. The first 3 patients are doing well without SEP recurrence. Our experience suggest that the prognosis of SEP is poor in patients with poor graft liver functions after LDLT.

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis in a long-term propranolol user

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) is a rare cause of bowel obstruction that is characterized by the encasement of the small bowel by a thick, whitish, and fibrous membrane. The pathophysiology of SEP is poorly understood and preoperative diagnosis is difficult. Previous reports suggest that SEP may be linked to the chronic use of β-adrenergic blockers. A 46-year-old man with liver cirrhosis and end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis presented with recurrent abdominal pain and borborygmi. He had been taking propranolol to prevent bleeding from gastroesophageal varices for the past 15 years. Abdominal computed tomography showed ileal loops encapsulated by soft tissue with dilatation of the proximal small bowel on the right side of the abdomen. Barium follow-through showed conglomerated distal ileal loops with a cauliflower-like appearance. Explorative laparotomy revealed a thick, fibrous, whitish capsule encapsulating the ileal loops. The covering membrane was dissected and excised, resulting in an improvement in symptoms after surgery. Accordingly, a final diagnosis of SEP was made. Due to the lack of other apparent causes for SEP, we conclude that in this case, the long-term use of propranolol may be associated with the development of SEP.

Idiopathic sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis presenting as a right iliac fossa mass in a teenaged girl

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) is a rare peritoneal condition characterised by a firm and thick membrane that encases a part of or the whole of the small intestine. It can be idiopathic or secondary to a variety of conditions. It usually presents as an acute or subacute small bowel obstruction, however, the presentation can vary. It may be diagnosed by radiology, although definitive diagnosis is by laparoscopy or laparotomy. It is treated by excision of the covering membrane. We report a case of a teenaged girl who presented with abdominal pain and a palpable mass in the right iliac fossa. The patient underwent emergency laparotomy after her work up was inconclusive, and was found to have a case of SEP. The distal ileum and the sigmoid colon appeared to be covered by a thick membrane, which was excised. Follow-up of the patient was unremarkable.

Idiopathic sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (abdominal cocoon) in adult male. A case report

INTRODUCTION

Abdominal cocoon (sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis) (SEP) is a rare condition, mostly affecting adolescent girls living in tropical/subtropical region. Its etiology is unknown. It may cause acute or sub-acute intestinal obstruction.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We report here a 39 year old male who complained of long standing colicky abdominal pain, with significant weight loss. Abdomen CT scan showed clumping of ileal loops at the level of umbilicus, with a thin capsule surrounding it. Laparoscopy revealed abdominal cocoon, biopsy of which showed dense hypocellular fibro-collagenous tissue with no neoplastic or granulomatous process. Excision of fibrous tissue and release of adhesions was done. Patient was symptoms free after five months follow up.

DISCUSSION

Abdominal exploration is usually needed for the diagnosis and treatment of abdominal cocoon. A thick fibrotic peritoneal wrapping of the bowel is usually found. Complete recovery is the result in majority of cases after surgical removal of the wrap causing the cocoon.

CONCLUSION

Primary sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (cocoon abdomen) diagnosis needs a high index of suspicion, as signs and symptoms are nonspecific and imaging findings are not always conclusive. Careful excision of the accessory peritoneal sac and lysis of adhesions between bowels is the best treatment. Prognosis is generally good.

Idiopathic sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (abdominal cocoon) in adult male. A case report

INTRODUCTION

Abdominal cocoon (sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis) (SEP) is a rare condition, mostly affecting adolescent girls living in tropical/subtropical region. Its etiology is unknown. It may cause acute or sub-acute intestinal obstruction.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We report here a 39 year old male who complained of long standing colicky abdominal pain, with significant weight loss. Abdomen CT scan showed clumping of ileal loops at the level of umbilicus, with a thin capsule surrounding it. Laparoscopy revealed abdominal cocoon, biopsy of which showed dense hypocellular fibro-collagenous tissue with no neoplastic or granulomatous process. Excision of fibrous tissue and release of adhesions was done. Patient was symptoms free after five months follow up.

DISCUSSION

Abdominal exploration is usually needed for the diagnosis and treatment of abdominal cocoon. A thick fibrotic peritoneal wrapping of the bowel is usually found. Complete recovery is the result in majority of cases after surgical removal of the wrap causing the cocoon.

CONCLUSION

Primary sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (cocoon abdomen) diagnosis needs a high index of suspicion, as signs and symptoms are nonspecific and imaging findings are not always conclusive. Careful excision of the accessory peritoneal sac and lysis of adhesions between bowels is the best treatment. Prognosis is generally good.

Abdominal cocoon with small bowel obstruction: two case reports

Abdominal cocoon is a rare condition that results in an intestinal obstruction due to total or partial encapsulation of the small bowel by a fibrocollagenous membrane. Treatment is surgical resection of the membrane and free the bowel. Preoperative diagnosis is possible with combination of sonography and CT scan. We report two cases where the diagnosis of abdominal cocoon was suggested preoperatively based on the sonography and CT scan of abdomen.

Idiopathic sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis: Abdominal cocoon

Abdominal cocoon, the idiopathic form of sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis, is a rare condition of unknown etiology that results in an intestinal obstruction due to total or partial encapsulation of the small bowel by a fibrocollagenous membrane. Preoperative diagnosis requires a high index of clinical suspicion. The early clinical features are nonspecific, are often not recognized and it is difficult to make a definite pre-operative diagnosis. Clinical suspicion may be generated by the recurrent episodes of small intestinal obstruction combined with relevant imaging findings and lack of other plausible etiologies. The radiological diagnosis of abdominal cocoon may now be confidently made on computed tomography scan. Surgery is important in the management of this disease. Careful dissection and excision of the thick sac with the release of the small intestine leads to complete recovery in the vast majority of cases.

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (abdominal cocoon) associated with liver cirrhosis and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: autopsy case

A case of sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) associated with liver cirrhosis (LC) and complicated by diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is reported herein. A 49-year-old Japanese man had undergone peritoneo-venous shunt against refractory ascites due to hepatitis C virus-positive uncompensated LC for 2 years. After he received a diagnosis of DLBCL of the left neck lymph node 3 months before his death, palliative care was given because of his poor general condition. He developed severe abdominal distention and pain over 1 week and was found to have marked ascites and whole bowel lumped together on abdominal CT. At autopsy, the peritoneum was covered with a thick white membrane and the bowel could not be distinguished, which was macroscopically characterized by a cocoon-like appearance. Histology indicated a proliferation of diffusely thickened or hyalinized fibrocollagenous tissue in the entire peritoneum with a slight chronic inflammatory infiltrate and without remarkable change of mucosa. A diagnosis of SEP, also known as abdominal cocoon, was established based on these features. Additionally, in the abdominal cavity, a large amount of serous ascites and multiple peritoneal nodules or masses involved by DLBCL were recognized. To the authors' knowledge this is the first case report of SEP associated with LC and complicated by the invasion of DLBCL in the abdominal cavity.

Sclerosing peritonitis and mortality after liver transplantation

Sclerosing peritonitis describes the development of a peel or rind of fibrosis that spreads over the peritoneal surface and can lead to recalcitrant ascites, bowel obstruction, and sepsis. It is well described as a complication of peritoneal dialysis, especially with episodes of bacterial peritonitis. It is also a complication of end-stage liver disease with ascites and liver transplantation. This article describes 3 cases of sclerosing peritonitis present at the time of liver transplantation or soon after. All 3 patients had massive refractory ascites with episodes of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis prior to transplantation. Two patients had evidence of a fibrous peel at the time of transplantation. Postoperatively, all 3 patients continued to have refractory ascites and episodes of peritonitis, along with partial small bowel obstructions, abdominal pain, and malnutrition. Two patients also had constriction of the graft, including biliary obstruction and inferior vena cava and outflow obstruction, which has not been previously described. All 3 patients eventually died from complications related to the sclerosing peritonitis.

Epidemiology of abdominal cocoon in China during the past 14 years

AIM: To study the epidemiological features of abdominal cocoon and its diagnosis and treatment in China during the past 14 years.

METHODS: Reports on abdominal cocoon published from January 1994 to June 2007 were retrieved from various databases, such as Chinese Medical Current Content (CBM) and National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). The epidemiological features of abdominal cocoon and its diagnosis and treatment were analyzed.

RESULTS: A total of 776 patients with abdominal cocoon were reported in China during the past 14 years. The male to female ratio was approximately 1:1.37. The mean age of patients at the time of their diagnosis was 29.3 years. Fifty-seven percent of the patients were distributed in East China. Intestinal obstruction of different types was the main clinical manifestation in 91.5% of the patients, diffuse abdominal cocoon was found in 68.3% of the patients, and greater omentum was absent in 40.5% of the patients. Capsule resection was the main procedure for the treatment of abdominal cocoon.

CONCLUSION: Abdominal cocoon is more common in East China and is difficult to diagnose before operation. Capsule removal and adhesion release are effective against the disease.

Idiopathic sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (or abdominal cocoon): A report of 5 cases

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction that is characterized by a thick grayish-white fibrotic membrane encasing the small bowel. SEP can be classified as idiopathic, also known as abdominal cocoon, or secondary. It is difficult to make a definite pre-operative diagnosis. We experienced five cases of abdominal cocoon, and the case files were reviewed retrospectively for the clinical presentation, operative findings and outcome. All the patients presented with acute, subacute and chronic intestinal obstruction. Computed tomography (CT) showed characteristic findings of small bowel loops congregated to the center of the abdomen encased by a soft-tissue density mantle in four cases. Four cases had an uneventful post-operative period, one case received second adhesiolysis due to persistent ileus. The imaging techniques may facilitate pre-operative diagnosis. Surgery is important in the management of SEP.

Peritoneovenous shunt as a bridge to liver transplantation

Intractable ascites carries great morbidity. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of peritoneovenous shunt (PVS) in patients listed for liver transplantation (LT). Between January 1999 and January 2004, PVS was inserted in 36 (30 males and 6 females) cirrhotic patients, 50.3 years of median age (range: 30-66), who failed multiple large-volume paracenteses and diuretic therapy, when listed for LT. Data were collected until LT or the present time, and were compared to an historical cohort (1997-1998) as control. No operative death occurred. Four patients died before LT in a median delay of 9 months after PVS insertion. PVS provided palliation for intractable ascites in 30 patients (83%). Renal function significantly improved (glomerular filtration rate (GFR) improved from 0.642 to 0.987 mL/s, p<0.05). Eighteen patients were transplanted in a median delay of 6 months (range: 3-12 months) after PVS insertion. When compared to the historical cohort of 18 patients, the occurrence of post-LT acute renal failure was significantly lower in the PVS group (3/18 vs. 13/18, p<0.05). Our results suggest that PVS might be beneficial in patients with refractory ascites waiting for LT and could prevent postoperative acute renal failure.

Ascites

Ascites is the most common presentation of decompensated cirrhosis, and its development heralds a poor prognosis, with a 50% 2-year survival rate. Effective first-line therapy for ascites includes sodium restriction (2 g/d), use of diuretics, and large-volume paracentesis (LVP). Ideally, a combination of a loop-acting diuretic (eg, furosemide) and a distal-acting diuretic (eg, spironolactone) is used. LVP has the advantage of producing immediate relief from ascites and its associated symptoms. When 5 L or more ascitic fluid is removed, albumin (6 to 8 g per liter of fluid removed) should be administered intravenously to minimize hemodynamic and renal dysfunction. The development of refractory ascites is particularly ominous, and 50% of such patients die within 6 months of its development. Liver transplantation is the only effective therapy for patients with refractory ascites associated with cirrhosis; unfortunately, this therapy is not available for many of those with refractory ascites. Other therapies that are available include LVP, peritoneovenous shunts, and transjugular intrahepatic portasystemic shunts (TIPS). LVP alleviates ascites rapidly, but ascites recurs universally, requiring repeated hospitalizations and paracenteses and decreasing patient quality of life. Peritoneovenous shunts rarely are used due to their high complication rate and tendency to become occluded. Recently, the use of TIPS has been shown to be an effective therapy for patients with refractory ascites. It is most effective when liver function is relatively well preserved. On the other hand, TIPS may hasten death in those with advanced liver failure. TIPS has not been shown to have a clear-cut beneficial effect on survival in patients with refractory ascites. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is the most common complication of ascites and is associated with a worsening hyperdynamic circulation and a mortality rate of approximately 20%. Following an episode of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, the 1-year mortality rate approaches 70%. Patients at risk should be considered for prophylaxis with an orally administered quinolone (eg, norfloxacin). Alternatives include trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Active spontaneous bacterial peritonitis should be treated with an intravenously administered third-generation cephalosporins (eg, cefotaxime) in most circumstances.

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis after orthotopic liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

The etiology of abdominal cocoon (a rare cause of intestinal obstruction) is unknown. It has occurred in adolescent girls, cirrhotic patients after peritoneal-venous shunting, and patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. We report our experience with patients after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).

METHODS

Five patients (4 male, 1 female, aged 16 to 57 years) underwent OLT (3 whole liver, 2 right lobe grafts) and subsequently developed abdominal cocoon.

RESULTS

All developed pyrexia by 66 +/- 21 hours posttransplant. Additional symptoms (epigastric discomfort and intermittent vomiting) occurred 12 +/- 10 days later. Bacterial peritonitis was confirmed by microbiology in 2 cases and diagnosed by exclusion in the others. C-reactive protein levels were persistently elevated in all patients (35 to 82 mg/L). While abdominal CT consistently demonstrated marked ascites with the small intestine confined to a particular area of the abdomen, intestinal contrast studies and ultrasound were not diagnostic. All patients underwent surgical removal of the cocoon membrane by 58 +/- 22 days after transplant.

CONCLUSIONS

Sclerosing peritonitis may complicate liver transplantation and occurs because of low-grade intra-abdominal sepsis.

Management of medically refractory ascites

BACKGROUND

Medically refractory ascites is a clinical entity for which there exists few effective therapeutic options. Available treatment modalities include diuresis and sodium restriction, peritoneovenous shunt, liver transplant, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts and surgical shunts, and large-volume paracentesis. Herein we review the current therapeutic options for medically refractory ascites focusing on indications, benefits, and drawbacks of each specific therapy.

DATA SOURCES

Data and recommendations are based on the authors' cumulative experience with complicated cirrhotic and cancer patients and on past and current literature addressing intractable ascites.

CONCLUSIONS

The absence of a single, effective therapy in the management of refractory ascites speaks to the complex nature of this complication. Although most patients will respond to medical management, thoughtful application of available therapeutic options in patients who fail, as described herein, not only makes decisions regarding their care easier but also provides the best palliation in a vexing clinical scenario.

Management of ascites

The evaluation of ascites includes a directed history, focused physical examination, and diagnostic paracentesis with ascitic fluid analysis. Dietary sodium restriction and oral diuretics are the mainstay of therapy for the majority of patients with cirrhotic ascites. Transjugular intrahepatic portocaval shunt has emerged as the treatment of choice for selected patients with refractory ascites, although serial large-volume paracenteses should be attempted first. Early diagnosis, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and albumin infusion contribute to the successful management of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). Referral for liver transplant evaluation should be considered at the first sign of decompensation and should not be delayed until development of ominous clinical features, such as refractory ascites and SBP.

Peritoneal sclerosis: one or two nosological entities?

The frequency, pathology, animal models, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic criteria, therapy and prevention of peritoneal sclerosis are reviewed. Many of these aspects have a bimodal configuration which suggests that peritoneal sclerosis, usually considered a single pathology in peritoneal dialysis, is actually two distinct nosological entities: simple sclerosis and sclerosing peritonitis. The former is very frequent, with minor anatomical alterations and low clinical impact; it is reproducible in animals by means of peritoneal dialysis, and is clearly due to the poor biocompatibility of peritoneal dialysis solutions. The latter is rare, with radical anatomical alterations and high mortality requiring valid methods of diagnosis, therapy and prevention; it can only be reproduced in animal models by means other than peritoneal dialysis and seems to be due to factors both related and unrelated to peritoneal dialysis.

Management of adult patients with ascites caused by cirrhosis

Ascites is the most common of the major complications of cirrhosis. The development of ascites is an important landmark in the natural history of cirrhosis and has been proposed as an indication for liver transplantation. The initial evaluation of a patient with ascites should include a history, physical evaluation, and abdominal paracentesis with ascitic fluid analysis. Treatment should consist of abstinence from alcohol, sodium restricted diet, and diuretics. This regimen is effective in approximately 90% of patients. The treatment options for the diuretic-resistant patients include serial therapeutic paracenteses, liver transplantation, and peritoneovenous shunting.