Noncirrhotic portal fibrosis/idiopathic portal hypertension: APASL recommendations for diagnosis and treatment

Non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis/idiopathic portal hypertension: APASL recommendations for diagnosis and management

Since the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) published guidelines on non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis/idiopathic portal hypertension in 2007, there has been a surge in new information, especially with the introduction of the term porto-sinusoidal vascular disorder (PSVD). Non-cirrhotic intra-hepatic causes of portal hypertension include disorders with a clearly identifiable etiology, such as schistosomiasis, as well as disorders with an unclear etiology such as non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF), also termed idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH). This entity is being increasingly recognized as being associated with systemic disease and drug therapy, especially cancer therapy. An international working group with extensive expertise in portal hypertension was assigned with formulating consensus guidelines to clarify the definition, diagnosis, histological features, natural history, and management of NCPF/IPH, especially in the context of PSVD. The guidelines were prepared based on evidence from existing published literature. Whenever there was paucity of evidence, expert opinion was included after detailed deliberation. The goal of this manuscript, therefore, is to enhance the current understanding and help create global consensus on the issues surrounding NCPF/IPH.

Porto-Sinusoidal Vascular Disease: A New Nomenclature Different from Idiopathic Non-Cirrhotic Portal Hypertension

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Porto-sinusoidal vascular disease (PSVD) as a novel clinical conception was modified on the basis of idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (INCPH). This study aimed to compare the clinical, biochemical histological features and prognosis between the diagnostic criteria for PSVD and that of INCPH.

METHODS

A total of 65 patients who underwent liver biopsies were analyzed retrospectively. The clinical, pathological and prognosis date were reviewed and screened according to the latest diagnostic criteria of PSVD and INCPH.

RESULTS

A total of 65 patients were diagnosed with PSVD, of which 31 (47.69%) also fulfilled INCPH criteria. Specific histological and specific clinical portal hypertension (PH) signs were found in 34 (52.31%) and 30 (46.15%) of the patients, respectively. PSVD patients showed higher LSM levels (11.45 (6.38, 18.08) vs. 7.90 (6.70, 13.00), p = 0.039) than the INCPH patients. INCPH patients had a higher cumulative incidence of liver-related complications than the PSVD patients (86.95% vs. 35.71%, log-rank p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Novel PSVD criteria facilitate early diagnosis. PSVD patients with other liver diseases may have higher LSM values. Disease progression and survival outcomes are correlated with PH in PSVD patients.

Porto-sinusoidal Vascular Disease: Classification and Clinical Relevance

Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) is a well-recognized clinico-pathological entity, which is associated with clinical signs and symptoms, imaging, and endoscopic features of portal hypertension (PHT), in absence of cirrhosis. In patients with NCPH without known risk factors of PHT or extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis, the condition is called idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (INCPH). There are multiple infectious, immune related causes, systemic diseases, drug and toxin exposures, haematological disorders, and metabolic risk factors that have been associated with this INCPH. However, the causal pathogenesis is still unclear. The Vascular liver disorders interest group group recently proposed porto-sinusoidal vascular disease (PSVD) as a syndromic entity, which provides definite histopathological criteria for diagnosis of NCPH (table 1). The three classical histo-morphological lesions specific for PSVD include obliterative portal venopathy, nodular regenerative hyperplasia, and incomplete septal fibrosis. The PSVD definition includes patients with portal vein thrombosis, PVT, and even those without PHT, thus broadening the scope of diagnosis to include patients who may have presented early, prior to haemodynamic changes consistent with PHT. However, this new diagnosis has pros and cons. The cons include mandating invasive liver biopsy to assess the PSVD histological triad in all patients with NCPH, an erstwhile clinical diagnosis in Asian patients. In addition, the natural history of the subclinical forms of PSVD without PHT and linear progression to develop PHT is unknown yet. In this review, we discuss the diagnosis and treatment of INCPH/PSVD, fallacies and strengths of the old and new schema, pathobiology of this disease, and clinical correlates in an Asian context. Although formulation of standardised diagnostic criteria is useful for comparison of clinical cohorts with INCPH/PSVD, prospective clinical validation in global cohorts is necessary to avoid misclassification of vascular disorders of the liver.

Radiological and Surgical Treatments of Portal Hypertension

Interventions for portal hypertension are continuously evolving and expanding beyond the realm of medical management. When complications such as varices and ascites persist despite conservative interventions, procedures including transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation, transvenous obliteration, portal vein recanalization, splenic artery embolization, surgical shunt creation, and devascularization are all potential interventions detailed in this article. Selection of the optimal procedure to address the underlying cause, treat symptoms, and, in some cases, bridge to liver transplantation depends on the specific etiology of portal hypertension and the patient's comorbidities.

Histopathological features of idiopathic portal hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Portal hypertension (PH) is a clinically significant entity that could present with life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding. Cirrhosis is the most common cause of PH, with well-documented histopathology and etiology. However, in idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH), no single histopathologic finding is associated with PH. Our systematic review aims to identify and summarize the prevalence of the common histological findings of IPH.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Scopus till 1ST March 2022 for studies describing the histopathological features of IPH. Data were extracted from eligible studies and pooled as events rate and 95% confidence interval (CI) using binary random-effects model by open meta-analyst software.

RESULTS

We included 23 retrospective studies with a total sample size of 813 patients. The overall incidence of nodular regenerative hyperplasia was 38.6%, 59.8% for portal fibrosis, 51.3% for periportal fibrosis, 39.3% for perisinusoidal fibrosis, 89.8% for portal vein sclerosis, 42.2% for portal inflammation, 53.3% for mega-sinusoids, 39.5% for thickening of portal vein branches, 93.8% for narrowing of portal veins, 53.3% for hepatic veins/venous outflow obstruction, 51.4% for aberrant portal/periportal vessels, 42.4% for shunt vessel, 50.9% for ductular proliferation, and 16.3% for steatosis.

CONCLUSION

Due to the relatively non-pathognomonic and non-specific nature of IPH, a combination of different histological features such as the portal and periportal fibrosis, portal vein sclerosis, mega-sinusoids, narrowing of portal veins, hepatic venous outflow obstruction, aberrant portal or periportal vessels, and ductular proliferation may be of value in diagnosing IPH as the incidence rate of these features was at approximately 50%.

[Portosinusoidal vascular disorder: A paradigm shift]

The term portosinusoidal vascular disorder (PSVD) refers to a clinical-pathological entity that encompasses those patients with intrahepatic vascular damage without cirrhosis at risk of developing severe complications of portal hypertension. Numerous systemic diseases, genetic disorders, and toxic agents have been associated with this pathology, making its diagnosis an important clinical challenge. The recent description of uniform diagnostic criteria and a better understanding of its pathophysiology will allow for better identification of patients, even in early stages of the disease. Although there is currently no effective etiological treatment available, early diagnosis allows for the development of preventive strategies for some severe complications of portal hypertension.

A Case of Idiopathic Portal Hypertension Diagnosed by Noninvasive Fibrosis Evaluation Using Elastography

Idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) is often misdiagnosed as liver cirrhosis. Because it is difficult to distinguish between the two using diagnostic imaging, invasive tests, such as pathology and hepatic vein pressure gradient measurement, are necessary to make a diagnosis. Several studies have shown that the measurement of liver and spleen stiffnesses using elastography is useful in the diagnosis of IPH; however, there are few concrete reports on this subject. Herein, we report the case of a 58-year-old woman with IPH in which elastography was helpful for the diagnosis.

A Case of Non-cirrhotic Portal Hypertension With Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) and obliterative portal venopathy (OPV) are two causes of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH), which is a vascular liver disease wherein clinical signs of portal hypertension (PHT), such as esophageal varices, ascites, and splenomegaly develop in the absence of cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis. The etiology often remains unidentified, but herein we present the case of a 56-year-old male with NCPH and refractory ascites who underwent liver biopsy confirming NRH and OPV. Etiological workup revealed beta-2 glycoprotein-1 and anticardiolipin antibodies, concerning antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) despite no prior history of thrombosis. The patient underwent a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure for his refractory ascites and was started on prophylactic anticoagulation owing to a concern for APS with clinical improvement in his ascites and shortness of breath. Pursuing TIPS earlier in the setting of refractory ascites, as well as offering anticoagulation therapy for patients with possible APS to prevent the development of potential thromboses, could be appropriate recommendations to prevent complications in the disease course. This case report highlights the need for further investigations on the etiologies, diagnosis pathways, and treatment options for NCPH.

Recent Advances in the Pathogenesis and Clinical Evaluation of Portal Hypertension in Chronic Liver Disease

In chronic liver disease, hepatic stellate cell activation and degeneration of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells lead to structural changes, which are secondary to fibrosis and the presence of regenerative nodules in the sinusoids, and to functional changes, which are related to vasoconstriction. The combination of such changes increases intrahepatic vascular resistance and causes portal hypertension. The subsequent increase in splanchnic and systemic hyperdynamic circulation further increases the portal blood flow, thereby exacerbating portal hypertension. In clinical practice, the hepatic venous pressure gradient is the gold-standard measure of portal hypertension; a value of ≥10 mm Hg is defined as clinically significant portal hypertension, which is severe and is associated with the risk of liver-related events. Hepatic venous pressure gradient measurement is somewhat invasive, so evidence on the utility of risk stratification by elastography and serum biomarkers is needed. The various stages of cirrhosis are associated with different outcomes. In viral hepatitis-related cirrhosis, viral suppression or elimination by nucleos(t)ide analog or direct-acting antivirals results in recompensation of liver function and portal pressure. However, careful follow-up should be continued, because some cases have residual clinically significant portal hypertension even after achieving sustained virologic response. In this study, we reviewed the current and future prospects for portal hypertension.

Caroli disease combined with Banti syndrome in a woman: a case report

Caroli disease is a rare congenital malformation that predisposes to segmental cystic dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts. Banti syndrome is characterized by persistent splenomegaly due to chronic congestion, resulting in a low hematocrit and ultimately leading to pancytopenia. In this report, we describe a 29-year-old woman who presented with a >20-year history of hepatitis B surface antigen positivity and a >1-year history of recurrent fatigue and malaise. On examination, the patient had abdominal distension with marked splenomegaly (7 cm below the ribs) and ascites with tenderness of the abdominal muscles to palpation. A complete blood count showed a low white blood cell count, red blood cell count, and hemoglobin concentration. During the course of treatment, the patient developed multiple symptoms of pancytopenia and concomitant splenomegaly, and she was discharged after total splenectomy with good recovery. The combination of Banti syndrome and Caroli disease results in severe symptoms of portal hypertension.

A Narrative Review on Non-Cirrohotic Portal Hypertension: Not All Portal Hypertensions Mean Cirrhosis

Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH), also known as idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (INCPH) and porto-sinusoidal vascular disorder (PSVD), is a rare disease characterized by intrahepatic portal hypertension (IPH) in the absence of cirrhosis. The precise etiopathogenesis of IPH is an area of ongoing research. NCPH diagnosis is challenging, as there are no specific tests available to confirm the disease, and a high-quality liver biopsy, detailed clinical information, and an expert pathologist are necessary for diagnosis. Currently, the treatment of NCPH relies on the prevention of complications related to portal hypertension, following current guidelines of cirrhotic portal hypertension. No treatment has been studied that aimed to modify the natural history of the disease; however, transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunt (TIPS) placement, shunt and liver transplantation are considerable symptomatic options. In this review, we discuss the heterogeneity of NCPH as well as its etiopathogenesis, clinical presentation and management issues. Starting from the assumption that portal hypertension does not always mean cirrhosis, cooperative studies are probably needed to clarify the issues of etiology and the possible genetic background of this rare disease. This knowledge might lead to better treatment and perhaps better prevention.

Chronic Extrahepatic Portal Vein Occlusion in a Young Patient

Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) is a rare condition characterized by the occlusion or narrowing of the portal vein outside the liver. We present a case report of a patient with EHPVO secondary to combined protein C and S deficiency and pancytopenia secondary to hypersplenism, highlighting the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and management strategies. Early recognition of this condition and prompt initiation of appropriate treatment can prevent life-threatening complications such as variceal bleeding and portal hypertension. This case underscores the need for a high index of suspicion for inherited thrombophilias in patients presenting with portal vein thrombosis, particularly in the absence of traditional risk factors.

Liver Transplantation for Porto-sinusoidal Vascular Liver Disorder: Long-term Outcome

BACKGROUND

Porto-sinusoidal vascular liver disorder (PSVD) is a rare disease that occasionally requires liver transplantation (LT), despite usually presenting preserved liver function. There remains a paucity of data pertaining to LT in PSVD. The aim was to identify features associated with post-LT outcomes in PSVD.

METHODS

Retrospective multicentre study of 79 patients who received LT for PSVD.

RESULTS

Median post-LT follow-up was 37 (range 1-261) mo. Refractory ascites 24 (30%), hepatic encephalopathy 16 (20%), and hepatopulmonary syndrome 13 (16.3%) were the most frequent indications for LT. Hepatocellular carcinoma was the indication in only 2 patients. Twenty-four patients died, 7 due to liver and 17 to non-liver related causes. Post-LT survival was 82.2%, 80.7%, and 68.6% at 1, 2, and 5 y, respectively. Post-LT survival was significantly better in patients without (n = 58) than in those with a persistent severe PSVD-associated condition (n = 21). Pre-LT hyperbilirubinemia levels and creatinine >100 µmol/L were also independently associated with poor survival. Six patients (7.6%) required a second LT. Recurrence of PSVD was confirmed by liver biopsy in only 1 patient and in 3 further patients it was likely.

CONCLUSIONS

LT in PSVD is associated with an acceptable outcome in the absence of associated severe conditions. However, persistence of a severe associated condition, pre-LT high bilirubin levels, or creatinine >100 µmol/L impact outcome, and these are features that should be considered when evaluating PSVD patients for LT. PSVD recurrence is possible after LT and needs to be explored, at least, in cases of posttransplant portal hypertension.

Idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension in a patient with Talaromyces marneffei infection: a case report

BACKGROUND

The etiopathogenesis of idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (INCPH) is so far poorly understood. Altered immunity, blood diseases, infections, congenital defects and drug exposure have been documented in a part of patients with INCPH owing to increased recognition of the disorder in patients with HIV, or various haematological disorders or autoimmune diseases. We aim to discuss the possible etiopathogenesis of INCPH.

CASE PRESENTATION

We reported that a patient with intestinal infection of T. Marneffei and hyper-IgE syndrome, a group of rare primary immunodeficiency disorders, was finally diagnosed with INCPH for gastroesophageal variceal bleeding. The diagnosis was mainly based on histopathological features. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt was performed and there was no recurrence of melena during the six-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

In the context of immunodeficiency, INCPH may associated with intestinal infections. Thus, screening for enterogenic infection and immunological disorders in patients with unexplained portal hypertension is necessary.

Banti's Syndrome in an Adult Male: A Case Report

Banti’s syndrome is a chronic congestive enlargement of the spleen leading to the destruction of blood cells resulting in pancytopenia. It is also associated with cirrhosis and ascites along with symptoms of pancytopenia such as infection, bruising, weakness, and fatigue. Multiple factors such as hepatitis B infection, coagulation abnormalities and exposure to arsenic, etc. may also cause Banti’s syndrome. Clinical evaluation with blood profile along with use of imaging studies such as MRI and splenic venography is utilized for the determination of Banti’s syndrome. In this report, we present a 29-year-old diabetic male who presented with abdominal distention, right leg cellulitis, fever, and a past history of hematemesis and melena. On examination, distended abdomen showed marked splenomegaly with ascites (positive shifting dullness and fluid thrill). Also, the left leg was warm, swollen, and tender to the touch. Complete blood count showed decreased WBC, RBC, Hb, with peripheral smear negative for malarial parasites. Ultrasound scan of abdomen and pelvis was done illustrating massive splenomegaly with pelvic dilation and ascites.

Prediction of esophagogastric varices associated with oxaliplatin administration

Background

Oxaliplatin is a key drug for the chemotherapy of colorectal cancer; however, it is also known to cause non‐cirrhotic portal hypertension. We aimed to identify the characteristics of patients who developed esophagogastric varices (EGVs) after treatment with oxaliplatin.

Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed patients with colorectal cancer who were treated with chemotherapy including oxaliplatin between 2010 and 2016. All patients were evaluated by contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CE‐CT) every 3 months both during and after treatment; and endoscopy was performed when appearance of portal hypertension was suspected.

Results

A total of 106 patients were divided into two groups: EGV formation (n = 6) and EGV non‐formation (n = 100). In the EGV group, platelet counts decreased and the size of the spleen calculated by CT (CT spleen index; CT‐SI) increased markedly. The highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the change in platelet counts was 0.81 (80% sensitivity and 83% specificity) at 3 months post treatment, and the maximum AUC for CT‐SI was 0.89 (79% sensitivity and 83% specificity) at 6 months post treatment.

Conclusions

EGV formation could be predicted by the assessment of platelet counts and spleen size. If progressive splenomegaly and thrombocytopenia are observed not only during but also after completion of the oxaliplatin‐containing chemotherapy, EGVs should be confirmed by endoscopy for avoiding subsequent rupture.

Safety, Feasibility, Yield, Diagnostic and Prognostic Implications of Transjugular Liver Biopsy in Children and Adolescents

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the study were to evaluate the indications, feasibility, complications and clinical implications of transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) in children.

METHODS

Data of all TJLB performed in children <18 years old was retrieved from the computerized hospital information system. TJLB was done using a 19 G quick-core needle biopsy system with 20 mm throw length. Hepatic venous pressure gradient was additionally measured in children with portal hypertension. A single pathologist reviewed all the biopsies again and provided structured information.

RESULTS

A total of 102 children, including 5 with acute liver failure underwent TJLB with technical success in 101 (99%). A mean of 2.3 ± 0.9 passes (range: 1-5) was taken for the biopsy. The most common indications for TJLB in our cohort were elevated international normalized ratio >1.5 (66, 64.7%), ascites (46, 45.1%) and thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 60,000/mm3) (42, 41.2%). Mean size of the tissue received was 14.5 ± 5.6 mm with an average of 10.2 ± 4.7 portal tracts. Only one child developed major (category D) complication (hemobilia) and 12 (11.8%) developed minor complications post-procedure. Etiological diagnosis could be made in a total of 64 (63.9%) children undergoing TJLB, the most common diagnosis being autoimmune hepatitis (n = 31), non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (n = 16) and drug-induced liver injury (n = 4).

CONCLUSION

TJLB is well tolerated, feasible and helps make a diagnosis in close to 64% children allowing timely medical and/or surgical intervention. It is especially useful for diagnosis of autoimmune liver diseases, drug-induced liver injury and non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis.

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

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

Autoimmune biomarkers in porto-sinusoidal vascular disease: Potential role in its diagnosis and pathophysiology

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Porto-sinusoidal vascular disease (PSVD) is a rare disease that requires excluding cirrhosis and other causes of portal hypertension for its diagnosis because it lacks a specific diagnostical test. Although it has been occasionally associated with autoimmune diseases, the pathophysiology of PSVD remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential role of autoimmunity in the pathophysiology and diagnosis of PSVD.

METHODS

Thirty-seven consecutive patients with PSVD and 39 with cirrhosis matched by gender, signs of portal hypertension and liver function were included (training set). By using Indirect Immunofluorescence, ELISA and slot-blot methods data 22 autoantibodies were identified in patients with PSVD and cirrhosis. Presence of anti-endothelial cells antibodies (AECA) was assayed by a cell-based ELISA. Thirty-one PSVD, 40 cirrhosis patients, 15 patients with splenomegaly associated with haematological disease and 14 healthy donors were included in a validation set.

FINDINGS

The proportion of patients with at least one positive antibody was statistically significantly higher in patients with PSVD compared with cirrhosis (92% vs 56%; P < .01). Specifically, AECA were significantly more frequent in PSVD than in cirrhosis (38% vs 15%; P = .013). Results were confirmed in the validation set. In the overall population, presence of AECA had a 63% positive predictive value for diagnosing PSVD and a 71% negative predictive value, with a specificity of 94% when the 1/16 level is used as cut-off. AECA positive serum samples react with a 68-72 kDa protein of human liver endothelial sinusoidal cells.

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

PURPOSE

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

A case of idiopathic portal hypertension accompanying multiple hepatic nodular regenerative hyperplasia in a patient with systemic sclerosis

Idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) is one of the background diseases causing nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH). Furthermore, IPH patients accompanied with autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and systemic sclerosis (SSc), are more likely to form NRH in the liver. A 76-year-old woman had been aware of the Raynaud's phenomenon and scleroderma for the past 30 years. In this case, she presented with abdominal fullness, and her imaging analysis revealed ascites and multiple liver nodules. On Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (EOB-MRI), donut-like uptake was observed in the nodules in the hepatobiliary phase. Liver biopsy of a nodule demonstrated that it was composed of hyperplastic hepatocytes without fibrous septa, and dilated sinusoids were observed beside the nodule. Conversely, background liver showed that peripheral portal veins appeared stenotic with dense fibrosis in the portal area. The final diagnosis was that multiple NRH of the liver developed in SSc patient accompanying IPH. This case suggests that NRH may be unexpectedly diagnosed in patients with autoimmune diseases accompanying IPH.

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

Background

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

Patients and Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusions

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

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

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

COVID-19 Presenting as Banti's Syndrome

COVID causing Banti's syndrome has not been reported in literature yet. Banti’s syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by splenomegaly, ascites, and portal hypertension without coexisting cirrhosis of the liver. Here we report a case of a 32-year-old man who presented with hematemesis, and further workup revealed that the patient had bleeding varices, ascites, and splenomegaly, thus completing the picture of Banti’s syndrome. Although this is a rare disorder, Banti's syndrome must be taken into account in a patient presenting with hematemesis and splenomegaly. The patient had flu-like symptoms for three weeks but did not seek any medical help and eventually presented with Banti's syndrome. His serology was positive for COVID-19. The coronavirus (COVID-19), discovered in 2019, has been creating havoc since it first emerged in China and is now spreading worldwide. Its presentation is somewhat similar to influenza. 

Maternal-fetal outcome in pregnancies complicated with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension: experience from a Tertiary Centre in South India

OBJECTIVE

To assess the maternal and perinatal outcomes of pregnant women with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH).

METHODS

This was an observational study done by retrieving the records of pregnant women with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension admitted to a tertiary hospital in South India, over a 9-year study period. Data regarding the clinical course, complications during pregnancy, labor, and delivery details were reviewed. We also compared the outcomes among women with non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF) with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO).

RESULTS

During the study period, portal hypertension was noted in 0.07%(n = 108) of the pregnancies and 74.1% of them had NCPH. The diagnosis was made for the first time in 54.7% of them when presented with pancytopenia or splenomegaly. Variceal bleeding complicated 25% of the pregnancies in women with NCPH pregnancies, with three among them having a massive bleed. Eighteen among them underwent endoscopy following bleeding; variceal banding procedure was performed in nine of them without any complications. Preterm birth was the most common (20.6%) obstetric complication. There was one maternal death from severe sepsis, acute kidney injury, and disseminated intravascular coagulation, following a massive variceal bleed. Obstetric outcomes and medical complications were similar in women with NCPF and EHPVO. Perinatal loss was comparable in both the groups (14.3% vs. 9.6%, p = 0.417) CONCLUSION: Multidisciplinary team approach, with optimal and timely intervention with intensive monitoring, can reduce the morbidity and help achieve an optimal maternal-perinatal outcome in pregnancies complicated with portal hypertension.

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

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

Refractory ascites and graft dysfunction in early renal transplantation

The occurrence of ascites after Renal Transplant (RT) is infrequent, and may be a consequence of surgical or medical complications. Case report: 61 year-old, male, history of arterial hypertension, tongue carcinoma and alcoholic habits 12-20g/day. He had chronic kidney disease secondary to autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, without hepatic polycystic disease. He underwent cadaver donor RT in September 2017. He had delayed graft function by surgically corrected renal artery stenosis. He was admitted in January 2018 for ascites de novo, with no response to diuretics. HE had visible abdominal collateral circulation. Graft dysfunction, adequate tacrolinemia, Innocent urinary sediment, mild anemia, without thrombocytopenia. Serum albumin 4.0g / dL. Normal hepatic biochemistry. Peritoneal fluid with transudate characteristics and serum albumin gradient > 1.1. Ultrasound showed hepatomegaly, permeable vascular axes, without splenomegaly. Mycophenolate mofetil was suspended, with reduced remaining immunosuppression. He maintained refractory ascites: excluded infectious, metabolic, autoimmune and neoplastic etiologies. No nephrotic proteinuria and no heart failure. MRI: micronodules compatible with bile cysts. Upper Digestive Tract Endoscopy did not show gastroesophageal varicose veins. Normal abdominal lymphoscintigraphy. He underwent exploratory laparoscopy with liver biopsy: incomplete septal cirrhosis of probable vascular etiology some dilated bile ducts. He maintained progressive RT dysfunction and restarted hemodialysis. The proposed direct measurement of portal pressure was delayed by ascites resolution. There was further recovery of the graft function. Discussion: Incomplete septal cirrhosis is an uncommon cause of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. Its definition is not well known, morphological and pathophysiological. We have not found published cases of post-RT ascites secondary to this pathology, described as possibly associated with drugs, immune alterations, infections, hypercoagulability and genetic predisposition.

Clue to the cause of portal hypertension: Look at the raindrops

Portal hypertension is a clinical syndrome characterized by splenomegaly, with or without hypersplenism, and esphagogastric varices. Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) belongs to the presinusoidal sub category of portal hypertension. We present the case of a young 35-year-old male who had presented with two episodes of upper gastrointestinal bleed. On endoscopy, he was found to have large esophageal varices. On general physical examination, there were diffuse hyperpigmented papules and nodules all over the body, with palmoplantar thickening. His liver function tests were normal. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed a dilated portal and splenic vein with splenomegaly and normal liver size and histopathology showed non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF). He had history of intake of oral indigenous medications for skin lesions. On investigating, patient was found to have chronic arsenicosis, which was likely the underlying etiology for NCPF as well. Hence, while evaluating patients of NCPF, it is imperative to rule out the use of indigenous medications, especially in the Indian scenario.

What makes non-cirrhotic portal hypertension a common disease in India? Analysis for environmental factors

In India, an unexplained enteropathy is present in a majority of non-cirrhotic intrahepatic portal hypertension (NCIPH) patients. Small intestinal bacterial contamination and tropical enteropathy could trigger inflammatory stimuli and activate the endothelium in the portal venous system. Groundwater contaminated with arsenic is an environmental factor of epidemic proportions in large areas of India which has similar consequences. Von Willebrand factor (a sticky protein) expressed by activated endothelium may promote formation of platelet microthrombi and occlusion of intrahepatic portal vein branches leading to NCIPH. Environmental factors linked to suboptimal hygiene and sanitation, which enter through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, predispose to platelet plugging onto activated endothelium in portal microcirculation. Thus, NCIPH, an example of poverty linked thrombophilia, is a disease mainly affecting the lower socio-economic strata of Indian population. Public health measures to improve sanitation, provide clean drinking water and eliminate arsenic contamination of drinking water are urgently needed. Till such time as these environmental factors are addressed, NCIPH is likely to remain 'an Indian disease'.

Porto-Sinusoidal Vascular Disease Associated to Oxaliplatin: An Entity to Think about It

Portal sinusoidal vascular disease is a presinusoidal cause of portal hypertension (PHT) of unknown etiology, characterized by typical manifestations of PHT (esophageal varices, ascites, portosystemic collaterals), plaquetopenia and splenomegaly with a gradient of portal pressure slightly increased, according to the presinusoidal nature of the PHT. A few cases in the literature have shown a relationship between oxaliplatin and the development of presinusoidal portal hypertension, years after the chemotherapy for colorectal cancer (therefore, different to sinusoidal obstruction syndrome). There are three mechanisms through which oxaliplatin can cause sinusoidal damage: (1) damage at the level of endothelial cells and stimulates the release of free radicals and depletion of glutathione transferase, with altering the integrity of the sinusoidal cells. The damage in the endothelial sinusoidal cells allows to erythrocytes to across into the Dissé space and formation of perisinusoidal fibrosis, (2) the appearance of nodular regenerative hyperplasia is favored by the chronic hypoxia of the centrilobular areas and, finally, (3) oxaliplatin can generate an obliteration of the blood capillaries and zones of parenchymal extinction. These three facts can develop, in a minority of cases, the appearance of a presinusoidal increase of portal pressure, which typically appears years after the completion of chemotherapy and sometimes is underdiagnosed until variceal bleeding, ascites or encephalopathy appear. The knowledge of this pathology is essential to be able to perform an early diagnostic and consult to the hepatologist.

Noncirrhotic Portal Hypertension: Current and Emerging Perspectives

Idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) and extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) are prototype noncirrhotic causes of portal hypertension (PHT), characterized by normal hepatic venous pressure gradient, variceal bleeds, and moderate to massive splenomegaly with preserved liver synthetic functions. Infections, toxins, and immunologic, prothrombotic and genetic disorders are possible causes in IPH, whereas prothrombotic and local factors around the portal vein lead to EHPVO. Growth failure, portal biliopathy, and minimal hepatic encephalopathy are long-term concerns in EHPVO. Surgical shunts and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt resolve the complications secondary to PHT. Meso-Rex shunt is now the standard-of-care surgery in children with EHPVO.

Pediatric non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis: role of endoscopic management in determining long-term outcome

AIMS

Non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF) is a rare cause of pediatric portal hypertension. There is abundant literature in adults but paucity of data in children. We aimed to evaluate and compare the endoscopic and long-term outcomes of children with NCPF.

METHODS

Consecutive children (≤ 18 years) diagnosed with NCPF evaluated for clinical and endoscopic profile and outcome. The cohort underwent 3 weekly endoscopic sessions until esophageal variceal eradication followed by 6-12 monthly endoscopic surveillance. Non-bleeders and bleeders were compared for endoscopic outcome.

RESULTS

Forty-five NCPF children with median age of 14.5 (6-18) years and symptom duration 12 (1-120) months presented with spleen-related issues (78%), esophageal varices (96%), primary gastric varices (56%), and portal hypertensive gastropathy (89%). Thirty-three patients undergoing endotherapy (secondary prophylaxis n = 22, primary prophylaxis n = 11) showed primary eradication of varices after 5 (2-12) sessions. 36% showed recurrence of esophageal varices in 11 (6-42) months and secondary gastric varices developed in 12%. Overall 87% patients required endoscopic intervention at onset or follow-up. Poor outcome was observed in ten patients (n = 9 bleeders). Three children died of variceal bleeding before endoscopic eradication of esophageal varices. Three developed decompensation after a median follow-up of 48 (3-120) months and referred for liver transplantation. Four patients required surgery for portal hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, endoscopic outcome of NCPF is favorable. One-third patients have recurrence of esophageal varices. Small proportion of bleeders have poor outcome.

Clinical features of idiopathic portal hypertension in China: A retrospective study of 338 patients and literature review

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) refers to a relatively rare condition characterized by intrahepatic portal hypertension in the absence of underlying disease such as liver cirrhosis.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 338 patients with IPH that were diagnosed at the pathological consultation center of our hospital.

RESULTS

The ratio of male to female patients was 1:1. Mean age at onset was 35.1 ± 16.5 years; male patients on average were 12 years younger than female patients at onset. The median duration from onset to IPH diagnosis was 12 months. In 50 patients, medication use may have been an etiological factor. The most common clinical manifestations were splenomegaly (91.3%) and hypersplenism (68.9%); 57.0% patients presented varicosis, while 25.1% patients had a history of variceal bleeding. Nodular regenerative hyperplasia was found in 22.2% liver biopsies. Among patients for whom laboratory data were available, 65.0%, 50.3%, and 71.4% patients presented leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia due to hypersplenism. Liver function was mostly in the compensated stage. Female patients showed worse leukopenia and anemia, while male patients were more likely to have abnormal serum transaminase and bilirubin levels. Sixty-seven patients received surgical or interventional treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

High-quality liver biopsy, detailed clinical information, and expert pathologist are necessary for diagnosis of IPH. IPH can occur concurrently with other liver disease such as hepatitis and drug-induced liver injury. Medication appears to be an important etiological factor for IPH in China. Management approach was largely focused on treatment of portal hypertension and its complications.

Successful treatment of noncirrhotic portal hypertension with eculizumab in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria: A case report

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (INCPH) is mainly associated with thrombophilia in Western countries. Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare hematologic disease that manifests with hemolytic anemia, thrombosis, and peripheral blood cytopenias. Portal and hepatic venous thrombosis were reported in PNH. A rare case of INCPH complicating PNH is described.

CASE SUMMARY

A 63-year old woman with a 2-year past medical history of PNH without treatment was admitted because of jaundice and refractory ascites requiring large volume paracentesis. Liver histology revealed portal venopathy with portal fibrosis and sclerosis, nodular regenerative hyperplasia, parenchymal ischemic changes, and focal sinusoidal and perivenular fibrosis without bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis, all indicative of INCPH. The flow cytometry confirmed PNH diagnosis and eculizumab treatment was initiated. Her condition was improved gradually, bilirubin was normalized 6 months following initiation of eculizumab, and 1 year later diuretics were stopped.

CONCLUSION

Eculizumab improved intravascular hemolysis and reversed clinical manifestations of INCPH in a patient with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.

TIPSS for variceal bleeding in patients with idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension: comparison with patients who have cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

In patients with idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (INCPH), the usual recommended strategy for management of variceal bleeding is the same as that in cirrhosis. However, this policy has been challenged by the different natural history between INCPH and cirrhosis.

AIM

To compare outcomes after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS) between INCPH and cirrhotic patients admitted for variceal bleeding.

METHODS

Between March 2001 and September 2015, 76 consecutive patients with biopsy-proven INCPH undergoing TIPSS for variceal bleeding in a tertiary-care centre were included. 76 patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension receiving TIPSS for variceal bleeding, and matched for age, sex, Child-Pugh class, stent type and index year of TIPSS creation served as controls.

RESULTS

Patients with INCPH, compared to those with cirrhosis, had significantly lower mortality (11% vs 36% at 5 years, adjusted HR, 0.37; 95% CI 0.15-0.87, P = 0.022), overt hepatic encephalopathy (16% vs 33% at 5 years, adjusted HR, 0.35; 95% CI 0.16-0.75, P = 0.007) and hepatic impairment, despite similar rates of further bleeding (33% vs 32% at 5 years, adjusted HR, 0.72; 95% CI 0.36-1.44, P = 0.358), and shunt dysfunction (35% vs 36% at 5 years, adjusted HR, 0.84; 95% CI 0.41-1.72, P = 0.627). These findings were consistent across different relevant subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with INCPH treated with TIPSS for variceal bleeding had similar progression of portal hypertension (further bleeding and shunt dysfunction) but fewer complications of liver disease (overt hepatic encephalopathy and hepatic insufficiency) and lower mortality rate compared with cirrhotic patients with comparable liver function.

Idiopathic portal hypertension presenting with hepatic nodular regenerative hyperplasia after splenectomy: a case report

Idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) is a rare disease, and its etiology and pathogenesis have not yet been fully clarified. The main clinical manifestations are non-cirrhotic intrahepatic portal hypertension, accompanied by splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, and recurrent upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The liver histopathologic changes are diverse. Splenectomy is considered an effective treatment for hypersplenism. We report a patient who presented with splenomegaly, then underwent splenectomy to relieve thrombocytopenia based on routine treatment strategies. However, multiple space-occupying lesions were found in the liver about one year later. Thereafter, the lesions were confirmed as nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) by liver biopsy, the patient was finally diagnosed with IPH. We consider that although splenectomy is generally recommended for IPH, under certain circumstances splenectomy may disturb blood flow in the liver, leading to the formation of NRH. Therefore, splenectomy in IPH patients should be chosen carefully.

Noninvasive Predictors of High-Risk Varices in Patients with Non-Cirrhotic Portal Hypertension

Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) comprises a heterogeneous group of liver disorders causing portal hypertension without cirrhosis and carries a high risk of variceal bleeding. Recent guidelines, based largely on patients with viral cirrhosis, suggest low likelihood of high risk varices (HRV) in patients with a liver stiffness measurement (LSM) <20 kPa and platelet count >150 × 10⁹/L. In NCPH, LSM is often higher than healthy controls but lower than matched cirrhotic patients. The aim of this study was to assess whether LSM or other noninvasive assessments of portal hypertension could predict HRV in NCPH patients. Methods. Records of patients with NCPH seen at a single centre between 2007 and 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. Primary outcome measure was presence or absence of HRV at gastroscopy within 12 months of clinical assessment. Association of LSM or other clinical features of portal hypertension (spleen size, platelet count, platelet count/spleen length ratio (PSL), LSM-spleen length/platelet count ratio score (LSP)) with HRV and ability of these variables to predict HRV was analysed. Results. Of 44 patients with NCPH who met inclusion criteria, 34% (15/44) had HRV. In a multivariate model, spleen size and PSL correlated with HRV but platelet count, LSM, and LSP did not (spleen size: β = 0.35, p = 0.02; OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.06-1.92; PSL: β = -1.47, p = 0.02; OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.07-0.80). There was no significant difference between spleen size and PSL in predicting HRV (AUROC 0.81 (95% CI 0.66 - 0.91) versus 0.71 (95% CI 0.54 - 0.84), respectively, p = 0.400). Spleen size >17.2cm had sensitivity 78.6% and specificity 64.3% for prediction of HRV. Conclusions. In NCPH patients, spleen size may predict risk of HRV at gastroscopy within 12 months. LSM and platelet count are not useful to assess risk of HRV in NCPH.

Safety and Efficacy of a Novel Shunt Surgery Combined with Foam Sclerotherapy of Varices for Prehepatic Portal Hypertension: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVES

This pilot study investigated the safety and efficacy of a novel shunt surgery combined with foam sclerotherapy of varices in patients with prehepatic portal hypertension.

METHODS

Twenty-seven patients who were diagnosed with prehepatic portal hypertension and underwent shunt surgeries were divided into three groups by surgery type: shunt surgery alone (Group A), shunt surgery and devascularization (Group B), and shunt surgery combined with foam sclerotherapy (Group C). Between-group differences in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, portal pressure decrease, postoperative complications, rebleeding rates, encephalopathy, mortality rates and remission of gastroesophageal varices were compared.

RESULTS

Groups A, B and C had similar operation times, intraoperative bleeding, and portal pressure decrease. The remission rates of varices differed significantly (p<0.001): one patient in Group A and 6 patients in Group B had partial response, and all 9 patients in Group C had remission (2 complete, 7 partial). Two Group A patients and one Group B patient developed recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding postoperatively within 12 months. No postoperative recurrence or bleeding was observed in Group C, and no sclerotherapy-related complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Shunt surgery combined with foam sclerotherapy obliterates varices more effectively than shunt surgery alone does, decreasing the risk of postoperative rebleeding from residual gastroesophageal varices. This novel surgery is safe and effective with good short-term outcomes.

Idiopathic Portal Hypertension

Idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) is a rare disorder characterized by clinical portal hypertension in the absence of a recognizable cause such as cirrhosis. Laboratory tests often reveal a preserved liver function with anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia due to splenomegaly. Imaging studies reveal signs of portal hypertension, whereas liver stiffness and portal pressure values are usually normal or slightly elevated. Liver biopsy is considered mandatory in order to rule out other causes of portal hypertension, mainly cirrhosis. Liver histology may only show subtle or mild changes, and the definite diagnosis of IPH often requires an expert pathologist and a high-quality specimen. The most frequent clinical presentation is variceal bleeding. Ascites is rarely observed initially, although it may occasionally appear during follow-up. Typical histological findings associated with IPH have been described in patients without portal hypertension, probably representing early stages of the disease. Although the pathophysiology of this entity remains largely unknown, it is frequently associated with underlying immunological disorders, bacterial infections, trace metal poisoning, medications, liver circulatory disturbances, and thrombotic events. The long-term prognosis of patients with IPH, where ascites and the underlying condition are important prognostic factors, is better than in patients with cirrhosis. Treatments that modify the natural history of the disease remain an unmet need, and management of IPH is frequently restricted to control of portal hypertension-related complications.

Natural history of patients with non cirrhotic portal hypertension: Comparison with patients with compensated cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

The knowledge of natural history of patients with portal hypertension (PH) not due to cirrhosis is less well known than that of cirrhotic patients.

AIM

To describe the clinical presentation and the outcomes of 89 patients with non-cirrhotic PH (25 with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension, INCPH, and 64 with chronic portal vein thrombosis, PVT) in comparison with 77 patients with Child A cirrhosis.

METHODS

The patients were submitted to a standardized clinical, laboratory, ultrasonographic and endoscopic follow-up. Variceal progression, incidence of variceal bleeding, portal vein thrombosis, ascites and survival were recorded.

RESULTS

At presentation, the prevalence of varices, variceal bleeding and ascites was similar in the 3 groups. During follow-up, the rate of progression to varices at risk of bleeding (p < 0.0001) and the incidence of first variceal bleeding (p = 0.02) were significantly higher in non-cirrhotic then in cirrhotic patients. A PVT developed in 32% of INCPH patients and in 18% of cirrhotics (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

In the patients with non-cirrhotic PH variceal progression is more rapid and bleeding more frequent than in cirrhotics. Patients with INCPH are particularly prompt to develop PVT. This observational study suggests that the management of patients with non-cirrhotic PH should take into consideration the natural history of portal hypertension in these patients and cannot be simply derived by the observation of cirrhotic patients.

Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension: an imaging review

Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) comprises a group of diseases that are characterized by increased portal pressure in the absence of cirrhosis of the liver. It may arise as a result of either primary hepatic disease or the effects of systemic disorders on liver. The natural course of NCPH is largely indolent and benign with an overall better outcome than cirrhosis, as long as the complications of portal hypertension are properly managed and regular surveillance is carried out. However, due to the numerous and variable etiological factors and lack of standardized diagnostic criteria, this entity is under-recognized clinically as well as pathologically and often gets mislabeled as cryptogenic cirrhosis. Therefore, it is imperative for radiologists to be aware of the imaging features of various entities that constitute NCPH to facilitate early recognition of this disorder. The present review shall comprehensively discuss the role of imaging in the diagnosis of obliterative portal venopathy, which is a common and one of the most poorly understood disorders leading to NCPH. The other radiologically relevant entities will also be briefly appraised.

Noncirrhotic portal hypertension

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Noncirrhotic portal hypertension represents a heterogeneous group of liver disorders that is characterized by portal hypertension in the absence of cirrhosis. The purpose of this review is to serve as a guide on how to approach a patient with noncirrhotic portal hypertension with a focus on recent developments.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies pertaining to noncirrhotic portal hypertension have investigated aetiological causes, mechanisms of disease, noninvasive diagnostic modalities, clinical characteristics in the paediatric population and novel treatment targets.

SUMMARY

Noncirrhotic portal hypertension is an underappreciated clinical entity that can be difficult to diagnosis without a healthy suspicion. Diagnosis then relies on a comprehensive understanding of the causes and clinical manifestations of this disease, as well as a careful interpretation of the liver biopsy. Noninvasive approaches to diagnosis may play a significant role moving forward in this disease. Treatment in NCPH remains largely targeted at the individual sequalae of portal hypertension.