Portal hypertension in the myeloproliferative syndrome and the reticuloses

Two Cases of Gastric Varices with Left-sided Portal Hypertension Due to Essential Thrombocythemia Treated with Gastric Devascularization or Partial Splenic Embolization

Left-sided portal hypertension (LSPH) is a condition of extrahepatic portal hypertension that often results in bleeding from isolated gastric varices (GVs). LSPH is sometimes caused by myeloproliferative diseases, such as essential thrombocythemia (ET). We herein report two cases of GVs with LSPH due to ET that were successfully controlled by gastric devascularization (GDS) or partial splenic embolization (PSE). Since each patient with LSPH due to ET has a different pathology, optimal treatment should be performed depending on the patient's condition, such as platelet counts, hemodynamics, or the prognosis. We believe that these cases will serve as a reference for future cases.

Portosystemic shunt is an effective treatment for complications of portal hypertension in hepatic myeloid metaplasia and improves nutritional status

In patients affected by myelofibrosis with hepatic myeloid metaplasia (HMM), portal hypertension (PHT) complications may develop. In this case series, we analysed the efficacy and safety of transjugular portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in the treatment of PHT-related complications and its effects on the nutritional status. Six patients were evaluated and the average follow-up period after TIPS was 33 (IQR 5) months. None of the patients developed hepatic failure, nor any recurrence of variceal bleeding was recorded. No additional paracentesis or endoscopic prophylactic treatment for PHT-related complications were required. In all subjects, the average dose of diuretics was almost halved three months after TIPS. Three patients died during the follow-up, but none for liver-related causes. All patients showed an improvement in the global nutritional status. In conclusion, TIPS represent an effective and safe treatment option for patients affected by complications of PHT secondary to HMM and drives to an improvement of the nutritional status.

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

BACKGROUND

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

CASE SUMMARY

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

CONCLUSION

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

Multicenter analysis of the use of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for management of MPN-associated portal hypertension

BCR-ABL1-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are clonal stem cell disorders defined by proliferation of one or more myeloid lineages, and carry an increased risk of vascular events and progression to myelofibrosis and leukemia. Portal hypertension (pHTN) occurs in 7-18% of MPN patients via both thrombotic and nonthrombotic mechanisms and portends a poor prognosis. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has been used in the management of MPN-associated pHTN; however, data on long-term outcomes of TIPS in this setting is limited and the optimal management of medically refractory MPN-associated pHTN is not known. In order to assess the efficacy and long-term outcomes of TIPS in MPN-associated pHTN, we performed a retrospective analysis of 29 MPN patients who underwent TIPS at three academic medical centers between 1997 and 2016. The majority of patients experienced complete clinical resolution of pHTN and its clinical sequelae following TIPS. One, two, three, and four-year overall survival post-TIPS was 96.4%, 92.3%, 84.6%, and 71.4%, respectively. However, despite therapeutic anticoagulation, in-stent thrombosis occurred in 31.0% of patients after TIPS, necessitating additional interventions. In conclusion, TIPS can be an effective intervention for MPN-associated pHTN regardless of etiology. However, TIPS thrombosis is a frequent complication in the MPN population and indefinite anticoagulation post-TIPS should be considered.

Case report and systematic literature review of a novel etiology of sinistral portal hypertension presenting with UGI bleeding: Left gastric artery pseudoaneurysm compressing the splenic vein treated by embolization of the pseudoaneurysm

INTRODUCTION

A novel case is reported of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding from sinistral portal hypertension, caused by a left gastric artery (LGA) pseudoaneurysm (PA) compressing the splenic vein (SV) that was successfully treated with PA embolization.

CASE REPORT

A 41-year-old man with previous medical history of recurrent, alcoholic pancreatitis presented with several episodes of hematemesis and abdominal pain for 48 hours. Physical examination revealed a soft abdomen, with no abdominal bruit, no pulsatile abdominal mass, and no stigmata of chronic liver disease. The hemoglobin declined acutely from 12.3 to 9.3 g/dL. Biochemical parameters of liver function and routine coagulation profile were entirely within normal limits. Abdominal CT revealed a 5-cm-wide peripancreatic mass compressing the stomach and constricting the SV. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed blood oozing from portal hypertensive gastropathy, small nonbleeding gastric cardial and fundal varices, gastric compression from the extrinsic mass, and no esophageal varices. MRCP and angiography showed that the mass was vascular, arose from the LGA, compressed the mid SV without SV thrombosis, and caused sinistral portal hypertension. At angiography, the PA was angioembolized and occluded. The patient has been asymptomatic with no further bleeding and a stable hemoglobin level during 8 weeks of follow-up.

DISCUSSION

Literature review of the 14 reported cases of LGA PA revealed that this report of acute UGI bleeding from sinistral portal hypertension from a LGA PA constricting the SV is novel; one previously reported patient had severe anemia without acute UGI bleeding associated with sinistral portal hypertension from a LGA PA.

CONCLUSION

A patient presented with UGI bleeding from sinistral portal hypertension from a LGA PA compressing the SV that was treated by angiographic obliteration of the PA which relieved the SV compression and arrested the UGI bleeding. Primary therapy for this syndrome should be addressed to obliterate the PA and not the secondarily constricted SV.

Idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension: current perspectives

The term idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension (INCPH) has been recently proposed to replace terms, such as hepatoportal sclerosis, idiopathic portal hypertension, incomplete septal cirrhosis, and nodular regenerative hyperplasia, used to describe patients with a hepatic presinusoidal cause of portal hypertension of unknown etiology, characterized by features of portal hypertension (esophageal varices, nonmalignant ascites, porto-venous collaterals), splenomegaly, patent portal, and hepatic veins and no clinical and histological signs of cirrhosis. Physicians should learn to look for this condition in a number of clinical settings, including cryptogenic cirrhosis, a disease known to be associated with INCPH, drug administration, and even chronic alterations in liver function tests. Once INCPH is clinically suspected, liver histology becomes mandatory for the correct diagnosis. However, pathologists should be familiar with the histological features of INCPH, especially in cases in which histology is not only requested to exclude liver cirrhosis.

Hepatic Lesions Caused by Large Granular Lymphocyte Leukemia in Fischer 344 Rats: Similar Morphologic Features and Morphogenesis to Those of Nodular Regenerative Hyperplasia (NRH) in the Human Liver

To characterize the hepatic lesions in Fischer 344 (F344) rats afflicted with large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia, the livers of rats with LGL leukemia at various stages were examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically. The morphologic features in the livers of rats afflicted with LGL leukemia were diffuse, uniform-sized, granular, or micronodular lesions consisting of hepatocytes showing centrilobular atrophy and perilobular hypertrophy (CAPH) without fibrosis. With progression in the stage of the LGL leukemia, the severity of the CAPH of hepatocytes increased resulting in fatty change and/or single-cell necrosis, along with compensatory hyperplasia of the hepatocytes, finally resulting in lesions similar to those seen in nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) in the human liver. The CAPH of hepatocytes was a nonspecific tissue adaptation against ischemia or hypoxemia and/or imbalance in blood supply due to disturbance in the portal circulation and hemolytic anemia induced by the leukemia cells. In addition, direct and/or indirect hepatocellular injuries by leukemia cells were considered to be necessary for the formation of human NRH-like lesions. Morphogenetic investigation of the livers of rats afflicted with LGL leukemia may be helpful to clarify the pathogenesis of NRH in the human liver.

Concurrent liver hodgkin lymphoma and nodular regenerative hyperplasia on an explanted liver with clinical diagnosis of alcoholic cirrhosis at university hospital fundación santa fe de bogotá

Liver involvement by Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is well documented. However, secondary liver failure to this neoplastic process is rare and usually presents late in the course of the disease. We present a case of a HL associated with nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) diagnosed on an explanted liver from a 53-year-old patient with clinical diagnosis of alcoholic cirrhosis. Hematoxylin and eosin stain (H&E) showed abnormal liver architecture with hepatocytes nodules highlighted by reticulin stain with absent fibrosis on the trichrome stain. The portal spaces had diffuse infiltration by Reed-Sternberg cells positive for CD15, CD30, and latent membrane protein (LMP) on immunohistochemical studies. The patient also had a concurrent hilar lymph node biopsy that also showed HL involvement. Liver failure as the initial presentation of Hodgkin' lymphoma is rare. We believe that more research about the utility of performing liver biopsies in patients candidates for transplantation with noncirrhotic hepatic failure is needed in order to establish the etiology and the optimal treatment.

Multiple esophageal variceal ruptures with massive ascites due to myelofibrosis-induced portal hypertension

A 75-year old man had been diagnosed at 42 years of age as having polycythemia vera and had been monitored at another hospital. Progression of anemia had been recognized at about age 70, and the patient was thus referred to our center in 2008 where secondary myelofibrosis was diagnosed based on bone marrow biopsy findings. Hematemesis due to rupture of esophageal varices occurred in January and February of 2011. The bleeding was stopped by endoscopic variceal ligation. Furthermore, in March of the same year, hematemesis recurred and the patient was transported to our center. He was in irreversible hemorrhagic shock and died. The autopsy showed severe bone marrow fibrosis with mainly argyrophilic fibers, an observation consistent with myelofibrosis. The liver weighed 1856 g the spleen 1572 g, indicating marked hepatosplenomegaly. The liver and spleen both showed extramedullary hemopoiesis. Myelofibrosis is often complicated by portal hypertension and is occasionally associated with gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to esophageal varices. A patient diagnosed as having myelofibrosis needs to be screened for esophageal/gastric varices. Myelofibrosis has a poor prognosis. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully decide the therapeutic strategy in consideration of the patient’s concomitant conditions, treatment invasiveness and quality of life.

Incidence and risk factors for early hepatotoxicity and its impact on survival in patients with myelofibrosis undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is commonly associated with hepatic complications. Patients with myelofibrosis (MF) often develop liver dysfunction in the early posttransplantation period; however, this has not yet been studied in a systematic fashion. We retrospectively evaluated 53 patients with MF who underwent HCT to assess the prevalence of acute liver toxicity and risk factors and the impact on survival. We compared the prevalence of acute hepatic complications in that group and a matched control group of 53 patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). In the MF group, during the first 6 weeks after HCT, the incidence of mild (34.2-102.6 μM), moderate (102.6-342 μM), and severe (>342 μM) hyperbilirubinemia was 34%, 40%, and 4%, respectively (normal, <22 μM). The incidence of mild/moderate transaminitis (2-10 times the upper limit of normal) was 23%, and that of severe transaminitis (>10 times the upper limit of normal) was 6%. Veno-occlusive disease as defined by the Baltimore criteria was observed in 19 patients (36%) in the MF group. Compared with MDS, MF was associated with a significantly higher incidence of moderate/severe hyperbilirubinemia (44% versus 21%; P = .02) and veno-occlusive disease (36% versus 19%; P = .05). A history of portal hypertension, biopsy-proven hepatic iron overload, or splanchnic vein thrombosis was a strong predictor of moderate/severe hyperbilirubinemia (P = .02). Acute hepatocellular injury with moderate/severe hyperbilirubinemia or transaminitis was associated with inferior survival at 12 months (P = .02) in the MF group. We conclude that patients with MF are at significant risk of early hepatotoxicity after HCT, which is associated with an adverse impact on survival.

Portal hypertension secondary to myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia: A study of 13 cases

AIM: To describe the clinical presentation and complications of portal hypertension (PH) secondary to myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM).

METHODS: Medical records for 123 patients with MMM were reviewed.

RESULTS: Thirteen patients with PH secondary to MMM were identified. Median ages at time of MMM and PH diagnosis were 61 and 66 years, respectively. The interval from MMM diagnosis to presentation with one of the PH features ranged from 1 to 11 years. Variceal bleeding and ascites were the most common presentations. Of the eight patients who presented with variceal bleeding, six patients underwent endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) with no variceal recurrence or hematological worsening during a 12-mo follow up period.

CONCLUSION: Patients with MMM might develop PH. Exact mechanisms leading to PH in MMM are still controversial. As in other etiologies, variceal bleeding and ascites are the most common presentations. Anemia may correlate with, and/or predict, the severity of the PH presentation in these patients. EVL can successfully control variceal bleeding in MMM. Further clinical studies are required.

Left-sided portal hypertension

Left-sided portal hypertension is a rare clinical syndrome which may lead to bleeding from isolated gastric varices. Pancreatic disease is the most common etiology. Left-sided portal hypertension should be considered in the presence of gastrointestinal bleeding with normal liver function and unexplained splenomegaly. It may be difficult to diagnose this entity both endoscopically and radiologically. While splenectomy is the treatment of choice for cases complicated by variceal bleeding, there is no consensus on the treatment of asymptomatic patients. The prognosis of left-sided portal hypertension mainly depends on the underlying etiology.

A patient with myelofibrosis complicated by refractory ascites and portal hypertension: to tips or not to tips? A case report with discussion of the mechanism of ascites formation

In patients with myelofibrosis, clinically significant portal hypertension is known to be predominantly presinusoidal; however, the exact mechanisms are still controversial. The pathophysiology is particularly enigmatic in those patients without histological and angiographic evidence of significant intra- or extrahepatic obstruction to portal blood flow, respectively. Moreover, ascites formation has been reported in such cases, but in general is rare in presinusoidal portal hypertension. Here we present such a patient in which ascites developed even in the presence of unchanged serum protein levels (oncotic pressure) and was refractory to sodium restricted diet and high-dose diuretic treatment. A discussion on the parameters influencing fluid exchange and ascites formation particularly emphasizing the potential importance of the hyperdynamic circulation in this case is given. Finally, the patient was treated by implanting a transjugular intrahepatic shunt (TIPS), exerting a diuretic effect sufficient enough to avoid re-formation of ascites for several months. However, ascites re-accumulated potentially due to the appearance of ectopic peritoneal myeloid metaplasia and the patient died soon afterwards. In conclusion, TIPS may be considered as rescue management for refractory ascites secondary to portal hypertension, but caution in respect to the presence and/or development of peritoneal or other ectopic haematopoesis has to be taken.

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver: an under-recognized cause of portal hypertension in hematological disorders

Portal hypertension has been described in a wide variety of hematological disorders, especially myeloproliferative and lymphoproliferative disorders. Its clinical manifestations may include bleeding esophageal varices, ascites, or hepatic encephalopathy. In patients with hematological disorders, there are a number of potential causes of portal hypertension, including nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver (NRH). This lesion is characterized by diffuse replacement of normal hepatic parenchyma by multiple small nodules composed of regenerating hepatocytes with minimal or no fibrosis. This lack of fibrosis distinguishes NRH from cirrhosis. Unlike cirrhosis, NRH only rarely results in compromised hepatic synthetic function. The major manifestation is portal hypertension related to increased resistance to blood flow within hepatic sinusoids. NRH has been linked to a variety of systemic diseases including collagen vascular diseases, myeloproliferative and lymphoproliferative disorders, as well as various medications. Although NRH is commonly associated with blood dyscrasias, the diagnosis is overlooked because of the complexity and wide differential diagnosis of liver diseases in the setting of hematological malignancy. We review herein nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver, including aspects of epidemiology, pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, clinical course, and treatment. We highlight its association with different forms of hematological disease, aiming to increase the awareness of this entity to the internist and the treating hematologist/oncologist.

Acquired thrombophilic syndromes

As the biochemical mechanisms of hypercoagulable states are revealed, the syndromes of venous thromboembolism have been increasingly associated with specific aberrations. Most of these changes involve an increase in procoagulant potential, for example, by activation of the coagulation cascade, or by a defect or decrease in natural inhibitors of clotting. Similar abnormalities of the fibrinolytic pathways may contribute, as can loss of inhibitory mechanisms of endothelial cells, as well as changes in vascular anatomy and rheologic patterns of blood flow. All of these factors can directly influence thrombus formation and/or the physiologic response to the thrombus.(1)

Massive ascites caused by peritoneal extramedullary hematopoiesis as the initial manifestation of myelofibrosis

An 83-year-old man presented with massive ascites. Cytological examination of the ascites revealed primitive hematopoietic cells. The specimen of bone marrow biopsy disclosed diffuse fibrosis, which suggested myelofibrosis with extramedullary hematopoiesis as the cause of ascites. His symptoms resolved dramatically after administration of hydroxyurea. Ascites formation in myelofibrosis is often attributed to presinusoidal portal hypertension and occurs in the context of well-established disease. This case demonstrates that myelofibrosis may manifest as massive ascites caused by peritoneal implants of myeloid tissues. Extramedullary hematopoiesis should be included in the differential diagnosis of ascites.

Value of the measurement of portal flow velocity in the differential diagnosis of asymptomatic splenomegaly

AIM AND METHODS

This prospective study was carried on 20 patients (10 with liver cirrhosis and 10 with myelo-lymphoproliferative disorders), consecutively admitted to our ward for splenomegaly and thrombocytopenia, with the aim of evaluating the ability of Duplex-Doppler ultrasonography (DDUS) to discriminate between congestive splenomegaly and enlarged spleen caused by haematological disorders.

RESULTS

Comparing the clinical/laboratory and DDUS findings for the two groups, it emerged that maximum-portal flow velocity (PFV) values revealed the most statistically significant differences: 17.31 SD 2.48 vs. 28.27 SD 3.53 (cm/s, P < 0.001). Discriminant analysis showed that max-PFV is the variable which by itself maximizes the separation between the two groups (F = 71.56; P < 0.0001). The patients with congestive splenomegaly exhibited lower max-PFV than the controls (17.31 SD 2.48 vs. 26.29 SD 2.38 cm/s, P < 0.001), unlike those with haematological diseases, whose max-PFV values were greater, albeit not significantly so (28.27 SD 3.53 vs. 26.29 SD 2.38 cm/s, P = 0.161).

CONCLUSIONS

DDUS assessment of portal haemodynamics thus proved useful in the differential diagnosis of splenomegaly in asymptomatic patients since it distinguishes rapidly and non-invasively between congestive and haemotological splenomegaly. A lower-than-normal max-PFV value indicates congestive splenomegaly; a highish value, on the other hand, suggests a splenomegaly of haematological origin.

Ascites revealing peritoneal and hepatic extramedullary hematopoiesis with peliosis in agnogenic myeloid metaplasia: case report and review of the literature

A 61-year-old man presented with ascites in the course of agnogenic myeloid metaplasia (AMM). Ascitic fluid was exudative and contained mature and immature leukocytes, erythroid cells, and megakaryocytes as observed on a bone marrow smear. Peritoneal biopsy showed myeloid metaplasia, and liver biopsy revealed intrasinusoidal myeloid metaplasia and peliosis. Ascites cleared after abdominal radiotherapy but treatment resulted in transient aplasia. Subsequently, portal hypertension was demonstrated by hepatic transjugular catheterization. Complications of splenomegaly led to splenectomy and splenorenal shunt followed by fatal acute hepatitis and septic shock. A review of the literature and an analysis of mechanisms of ascites occurring in AMM, especially peritoneal implants of myeloid tissue and occurrence of peliosis in myeloproliferative disorders, are presented.

Hepatic vascular disease and portal hypertension in polycythemia vera and agnogenic myeloid metaplasia: a clinicopathological study of 145 patients examined at autopsy

The pathogenesis of portal hypertension arising in patients with myeloproliferative disorders has been difficult to understand because liver biopsy findings often show minimal changes. It has been suggested that increased splenic blood flow, hepatic infiltration with hematopoietic cells or sinusoidal fibrosis may be important. We have reviewed the autopsy findings and clinical histories of 97 patients with polycythemia vera and 48 patients with agnogenic myeloid metaplasia collected from three institutions and from the Polycythemia Vera Study Group. Cirrhosis was present in seven patients, one of whom had bleeding varices. Esophageal varices were present clinically in 10 patients without cirrhosis (seven polycythemia and three agnogenic myeloid metaplasia). All of these patients had lesions in small or medium-sized portal veins and four had stenosis of the extrahepatic portal vein with histology compatible with organized thrombi. Nodular regenerative hyperplasia occurred in 14.6% and correlated closely with the presence of portal vein lesions. Thirty patients had greater than 500 ml of ascites, seven of these patients also had varices and six of them had hepatic vein thrombosis. Ascites also correlated with hepatic vein disease confined to small intrahepatic branches. No correlation was seen between hepatic hematopoietic infiltration and signs of portal hypertension. We conclude that esophageal varices are common and are almost always associated with portal vein lesions visible by light microscopy. These portal vein lesions, and the secondary effects of nodular regenerative hyperplasia and portal hypertension, are most likely a result of portal vein thrombosis in patients with myeloproliferative disorders.

Diffuse nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver (DNRH). A clinicopathologic study of 24 cases

The authors report 24 cases of diffuse nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver (DNRH) seen in a General Hospital during the last 9 years (prevalence: 3'1/100,000, incidence: 0'34/100,000). DNRH was diagnosed in 0.52% of the liver biopsies and 0.72 of the autopsies. These results suggest that DNHR is probably more frequent than suspected, and 1 DNRH was seen for each 39 biopsied cases of liver cirrhosis. Fourteen patients did not have hepatic symptoms. Portal hypertension was present in 9 cases. The biochemical disturbance most frequently found was a moderate elevation of GGT and APh, associated with slight elevation of SGOT, SGPT and bilirubin levels. Normal liver function tests could be seen (3 cases). Previous exposure to potentially hepatotoxic drugs or chemicals was discovered in 15 cases (62.5%). Diseases associated were circulatory disturbances (6 cases), autoimmune disease (5 cases), hemopathies (5 cases), and visceral carcinomas (4 cases). Two patients were recipients of renal transplant. Nodules distributed through the whole liver tissue were found in 16 cases, while 8 patients showed areas of normal parenchyma in their livers. Impairment of small hepatic vessels was detected in 16 cases. Some uneven cytologic findings were discovered: clusters of small basophilic cells (4 cases), large clear cells (8 cases), and dysplastic hepatocytes (10 cases), which suggests that DNRH could be a preneoplastic condition.

Extrahepatic portal venous obstruction of different pathogenesis in pancreatic diseases: reports of 4 autopsy cases with chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic carcinoma

Four autopsy cases of extrahepatic portal venous obstruction associated with pancreatic diseases, 1 case of pancreatitis and 3 cases of pancreatic carcinoma, are presented. The pathogenesis of portal obstruction was different in each case; old thrombosis with recanalization due to chronic pancreatitis with pseudocysts formation in 1 case, fresh thrombosis due to intraportal venous catheterization for pancreatic carcinoma in 1 case, fresh thrombosis probably due to pancreatitis accompanying pancreatic carcinoma in 1 case, and direct invasion of pancreatic carcinoma into the portal vein in the remaining 1 case. Morphologic evidence for portal hypertension was present in each case. In the pancreatitis case and one pancreatic carcinoma case with portal tumor invasion, both of which had chronic portal obstruction, there were many thin-walled vascular channels (cavernous transformation) around the occluded portal vein. Their endothelia were positive for factor VIII-related antigen and Ulex europaeus lectin I, implying that these vessels were hepatopetal blood vascular collaterals. It was shown that pancreatic diseases resulted in portal venous obstruction by several different mechanisms and chronic portal obstruction in pancreatic diseases led to the formation of hepatoperal blood vascular collaterals.

Development of cavernous vasculatures in livers with hepatocellular carcinoma. An autopsy study

The incidence and morphology of cavernous vasculatures in livers with hepatocellular carcinoma were examined. These vasculatures were grossly or microscopically found in 64% of 102 autopsied livers with hepatocellular carcinoma, though the incidence of grossly visible vasculatures was only 7%. These vasculatures were preferentially found within the portal tracts in the vicinity of portal veins obstructed by tumor emboli, especially in the cases with marked tumor emboli of the portal venous system. A majority of these vasculatures showed histochemical and immunohistochemical characteristics of blood vessels. Our findings suggest that these vasculatures frequently develop as collaterals of portal veins obstructed by the tumor emboli in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Refractory ascites due to POEMS syndrome

A 52-yr-old woman developed exudative ascites 2 yr after the onset of peripheral neuropathy. Extensive evaluation revealed that the patient had no underlying liver disease, malignancy, infection, or cardiac or renal disease. The ascites initially responded to high-dose corticosteroid therapy. The patient had many clinical features of the recently described POEMS syndrome, including a persistent IgA lambda-paraprotein. Initially, her ascites responded to treatment with steroids. This is characteristic of the syndrome and should be considered in patients with POEMS syndrome and refractory ascites.

Histological study of intrahepatic cavernous transformation in a patient with primary myelofibrosis and portal venous thrombosis

Cavernous transformation in the liver was examined histologically by serial section observations, in an autopsy case of portal venous thrombosis and primary myelofibrosis. Cavernous transformation was present from the hepatic hilus to medium-sized portal tracts and was composed of dilated and thin-walled vessels. Serial sections disclosed that these vascular channels were anastomotic and occasionally communicated with occluded portal venous radicles. In places they entered directly into the hepatic parenchyma without accompanying biliary or arterial elements, and also drained into the patent portal venous branches beyond the occluded segment. The study demonstrated that cavernous transformation in the liver develops as hepatopetal collaterals secondary to the portal venous obstruction. Periportal and peribiliary capillary plexus may become cavernous in the presence of portal venous occlusion.

Noncirrhotic portal hypertension due to lymphoma. Reversal following splenectomy

We report a case of bleeding esophageal varices associated with lymphoma. Splenectomy alone reversed the patient's portal hypertension as assessed hemodynamically and clinically. Mechanisms leading to portal hypertension in the setting of splenomegaly from hematologic disorders are discussed. An approach to operative management of these patients, based on preoperative hemodynamic measurements, is suggested for future consideration.

Agnogenic myeloid metaplasia, portal hypertension, and sinusoidal abnormalities

A patient with agnogenic myeloid metaplasia suffered from gastrointestinal bleeding due to ruptured esophageal varices. The portal vein and its intrahepatic branches were patent. Except for the presence of myeloid cells, mainly megakaryocytes, in the sinusoids, liver histology was more or less normal. However, on Sirius red staining there was marked perisinusoidal fibrosis. In addition to numerous collagen bundles in the Disse space, electron microscopy also revealed the presence of hemopoietic cells, the transformation of perisinusoidal cells into fibroblasticlike or myofibroblasticlike cells, or both, and fragmentary deposits of basement membrane-like material. In the pathogenesis of sinusoidal hypertension as it occurs in agnogenic myeloid metaplasia, all the factors mentioned above should probably be taken into consideration.

Intractable ascites in systemic mastocytosis treated by portal diversion

A 50-year-old male presented with intractable ascites due to systemic mastocytosis. The diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis was established by histology of the bone marrow which showed mast cell infiltration and fibrosis. Ascites was related to portal hypertension which was documented by esophageal varices at endoscopy and by an increase of wedged-free hepatic venous pressure gradient. Liver biopsy disclosed dense fibrosis of hepatic arterial and portal venule walls, resulting in complete obstruction of some portal radicles. Peliosis hepatis and fibrous deposits in the walls of hepatic venules were also present. Because of intractable ascites and significant malnutrition, a portacaval shunt was performed which cleared ascites and dramatically improved the general condition of the patient.

Gaucher disease of the liver: CT appearance

We present a child with Gaucher disease with hepatic involvement that caused portal hypertension. Computerized tomography (CT) showed distortion of liver parenchyma and central necrosis of the liver.

Myeloid metaplasia, perisinusoidal fibrosis, and nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver

We describe two patients with myeloid metaplasia in whom portal hypertension resulted, not from infiltration of the liver sinusoids by myeloid cells, but from perisinusoidal fibrosis and nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver. We hypothesize that myeloid metaplasia induced the development of perisinusoidal fibrosis, which resulted in heterogeneous hepatic tissue blood perfusion, with atrophy of the liver cells in the underperfused areas and nodular regenerative hyperplasia in the normally perfused areas.

Ascites in agnogenic myeloid metaplasia: association with peritoneal implant of myeloid tissue and therapy

The case of a patient with agnogenic myeloid metaplasia and myelofibrosis engrafted upon a longstanding treated case of polycythemia rubra vera and presenting with ascites due to peritoneal implants of myeloid tissue is presented. Comments on the differential diagnosis of ascites in general, and especially in myelofibrosis, are entered. The specific simple methodology for the confirmation of this diagnosis through microscopic examination of the sediment of the ascitic fluid for the detection of megakaryocytes and erythroblasts is presented. Radiotherapy in moderate amounts offers a very effective and long-lasting form of this entity.

Nodular transformation (nodular "regenerative" hyperplasia) of the liver. A clinicopathologic study of 30 cases

Nodular transformation, a rare hyperplastic condition of the liver, has been reported in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, Felty's syndrome, the CRST syndrome, and myeloproliferative disorders. Associated disorders in the present clinicopathologic study of 30 cases included the foregoing as well as extrahepatic neoplasms, endocrine disorders, and other diseases producing immune dysfunction; some patients had received drug therapy for a prolonged time. Clinically nodular transformation may be confused with cirrhosis; histologic evaluation of liver biopsy material is essential for diagnosis. Complications include portal hypertension, hepatic failure, and rupture of the liver. Histologic and experimental evidence suggests that nodular transformation is preneoplastic, possibly giving rise to hepatocellular adenomas or carcinomas. Experimental and clinical data suggest that drugs should be considered as possible etiologic factors in the development of the nodules.

Segmental biliary ectasia and congenital hepatic fibrosis in a patient with chromosomal abnormality

An unusal case of intrahepatic biliary ectasia and congenital hepatic fibrosis confined to one segment of the liver is described in a young woman who died from a ruptured splenic artery aneurysm in the third trimester of pregnancy. The possible mechanisms for production of the severe portal hypertension in this patient and the association of an aneurysm in the splenic artery are discussed. The patients karyotype was 45, XX, -D, -D +t (13q 15q).

Polycythaemia vera-transformation to myelofibrosis and subsequent reversal

A woman aged 67 who developed polycythaemia vera 21 years ago has been seen regularly since the diagnosis was first made. She was treated initially with pyrimethamine and then for 10 years by repeated venesections. After a 4 year period when her myeloproliferative disease was considered to be transitional a complete transformation to myelofibrosis occurred. She was treated by splenic irradiation and later with alkylating agents in an attempt to give her symptomatic relief from massive splenomegaly. Repeated and massive haemorrhage from gastro-oesophageal varices was treated initially by percutaneous transhepatic sclerosis of the gastro-oesophageal collateral vessels. A subsequent dacron mesocaval jump graft operation was successful in preventing further haematemesis and melaena. During the last year transformation back to polycythaemia vera has occurred. The evolution of her myeloproliferative disease has been fully documented by detailed blood counting, bone marrow aspirates and trephine biopsies, blood volume studies and other radioisotope investigations including the quantitation of functional erythropoietic tissue with 52Fe.

Noncirrhotic portal hypertension in Felty's syndrome

A case of Felty's syndrome with nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver, presinusoidal portal hypertension, and bleeding esophageal varices is reported. Increased splenic blood flow may be a contributing factor to the development of the regenerative nodules. The portal hypertension is postulated to be a result of intrahepatic vascular compression.

Portal hypertension in chronic leukaemia

Portal haemodynamic studies were carried out in 11 subjects, seven with chronic myeloid leukaemia and four with chronic lymphatic leukaemia, and results compared with those obtained in five patients with 'idiopathic' splenomegaly and with control subjects. All 11 patients with chronic leukaemia had intrasplenic pressures above 11 mmHg and of these four had pressures above 20 mmHg. Portosystemic collaterals were seen on splenovenography in four of these patients. Hepatic vein wedge pressure was above 7 mmHg in nine patients and these high levels were a result of increased free hepatic vein pressure. The corrected sinusoidal pressure and post sinusoidal resistance were essentially normal in all patients. Evidence of increased pre-sinusoidal resistance was seen in six patients. Estimated hepatic blood flow above 1500 ml/min was seen in six patients and all had evidence of histological portal or sinusoidal infilatration. Patients with 'idiopathic' splenomegaly regardless of increased liver blood flow did not have a significant increase in intrasplenic pressure and no alteration in other haemodynamic parameters. It appears that increased liver blood flow alone in a normal liver can only minimally elevate intrasplenic pressure but can play a significant part in the pathogenesis of portal hypertension when liver structure is altered.