Hepatobiliary involvement in systemic sclerosis and the cutaneous subsets: Characteristics and survival of patients from the Spanish RESCLE Registry

The autoimmune landscape of Porto-sinusoidal vascular disorder: What the rheumatologist needs to know

Porto-sinusoidal vascular disorder (PSVD) encompasses a group of vascular disorders characterized by lesions of the portal venules and sinusoids with clinical manifestations ranging from non-specific abnormalities in serum liver enzymes to clinically overt portal hypertension and related complications. Several reports have documented cases of PSVD in patients with systemic autoimmune conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. It is of note that these diseases share specific pathophysiological features with PSVD, including endothelial dysfunction, vascular inflammation, and molecular signatures. This narrative review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the association between PSVD and systemic autoimmune diseases, emphasizing the importance of promptly recognizing this condition in the rheumatological practice, and highlighting the key aspects where further research is necessary from both pathogenic and clinical perspectives.

Dissecting causal relationships between primary biliary cholangitis and extrahepatic autoimmune diseases based on Mendelian randomization

As an autoimmune disease, up to 73% of patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) have a combination of extrahepatic autoimmune diseases (EHAIDs); however, the causal relationship between PBC and EHAIDs is unclear. The genome-wide association analyses provided 14 GWAS data for PBC and EHAIDs, and bidirectional, two-sample MR analyses were performed to examine the relationship between PBC and EHAIDs. The analysis using MR provides a strong and meaningful estimation of the bidirectional correlation between PBC and 7 EHAIDs: rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome, systemic sclerosis, autoimmune hypothyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease and ulcerative colitis of its types. In addition, PBC increases the risk of autoimmune thyroid diseases such as autoimmune hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease, as well as multiple sclerosis and psoriasis. Additionally, PBC is identified as a risk factor for Crohn's disease and Celiac disease. Based on genetic evidence, there may be connections between PBC and specific EHAIDs: not all coexisting EHAIDs induce PBC, and vice versa. This underscores the significance of prioritizing PBC in clinical practice. Additionally, if any liver function abnormalities are observed during treatment or with EHAIDs, it is crucial to consider the possibility of comorbid PBC.

Systemic sclerosis and primary biliary cholangitis: Longitudinal data to determine the outcomes

Background

Several studies described the cross-sectional characteristics of systemic sclerosis patients and coexisting primary biliary cholangitis, but longitudinal prognostic data are lacking.

Aims

To describe the systemic sclerosis-primary biliary cholangitis phenotype, including baseline characteristics and outcomes.

Methods

We performed a multicentre the European Scleroderma Trials and Research Group study of systemic sclerosis patients with primary biliary cholangitis or with primary biliary cholangitis-specific antibodies, matched with systemic sclerosis controls free from hepatobiliary involvement matched for disease duration and cutaneous subset. Data were recorded at baseline and at the last available visit.

Results

A total of 261 patients were enrolled (115 primary biliary cholangitis-systemic sclerosis, 161 systemic sclerosis). At baseline, systemic sclerosis-primary biliary cholangitis patients had a higher prevalence of anti-centromere antibodies (p = 0.0023) and a lower prevalence of complete absence of digital ulcers. The milder vascular involvement was confirmed at follow-up when crucial differences emerged in the percentage of patients experiencing digital ulcers; a significantly higher number of patients who never experienced digital ulcers were observed among primary biliary cholangitis-systemic sclerosis patients (p = 0.0015). Moreover, a greater incidence of pulmonary arterial hypertension (p < 0.001) and of conduction blocks (p = 0.0256) was observed in systemic sclerosis patients without primary biliary cholangitis. Patients with primary biliary cholangitis had higher levels of liver enzymes at baseline than systemic sclerosis patients; a significant decrease in liver enzymes was observed at follow-up. Out of 18 patients with cholangitis, one received a liver transplant at follow-up.

Conclusion

Our data show that systemic sclerosis-primary biliary cholangitis exhibit a mild systemic sclerosis and primary biliary cholangitis phenotype with outcomes being in general favourable.

Liver Involvement in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis: Role of Transient Elastography in the Assessment of Hepatic Fibrosis and Steatosis

Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare, multisystemic disorder of connective tissue characterized by widespread inflammation, vascular abnormalities, and both skin and visceral organ fibrosis. Tissue fibrosis is the final phase of a complex biological process of immune activation and vascular damage. Objectives The aim of the study was to assess hepatic fibrosis and steatosis in SSc patients by transient elastography (TE). Methods Fifty-nine SSc patients fulfilling the 2013 ACR/EULAR classification criteria were recruited. Clinical and laboratory findings, modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), activity index, videocapillaroscopy, echocardiography, and lung function data were analyzed. Liver stiffness (LS) was measured by transient elastography (TE), with 7 kPa used as the cut-off value for significant liver fibrosis. In addition, hepatic steatosis was evaluated by means of controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) findings. Specifically, CAP values ≥ 238 ≤ 259 dB/m were considered consistent with mild steatosis (S1), values ≥ 260 ≤ 290 dB/m were compatible with moderate steatosis (S2), and values ≥ 291 dB/m were indicative of severe steatosis (S3). Results The median age of patients was 51 years, with a median disease duration of 6 years. The median LS was 4.5 (2.9-8.3) kPa; 69.5% of patients had no evidence of fibrosis (F0); 27.1% displayed LS values between 5.2 and 7 kPa; and only 3.4% of patients had LS values > 7 kPa (F3). The median CAP value for liver steatosis was 223 dB/m (IQR: 164-343). Overall, 66.1% of patients did not show evidence of steatosis (CAP values < 238 dB/m); 15.2% showed values consistent with mild (S1) steatosis (CAP value ≥ 238 ≤ 259 dB/m); 13.5% had moderate (S2) steatosis (CAP value ≥ 260 ≤ 290 dB/m); and 5.1% were deemed to have severe steatosis (S3) due to CAP values ≥ 291 dB/m. Conclusions Although systemic sclerosis is associated with fibrosis of the skin and several organs, only 3.4% of our patient population showed evidence of marked liver fibrosis, which is the same prevalence as that expected in the general population. Therefore, fibrosis of the liver did not appear to be a significant concern in SSc patients, albeit moderate fibrosis could still be detected in a significant proportion of subjects. A prolonged follow-up may clarify whether liver fibrosis in SSc patients may still progress. Likewise, the prevalence of significant steatosis was low (5.1%) and depended on the same variables associated with fatty liver disease in the general population. TE was shown to be an easy and valuable method for detection and screening of hepatic fibrosis in SSc patients with no additional risk factors for liver disease and may be useful to assess the potential progression of liver fibrosis over time.

PACK syndrome: A case series and review

A rare overlap syndrome between CREST (calcinosis, Raynaud phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia) syndrome and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is described as PACK syndrome, an acronym for primary biliary cholangitis, anticentromere antibodies, CREST syndrome, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. In this retrospective cohort analysis and review, we present fourteen patients who meet diagnostic criteria for PACK syndrome in one of the largest case series of this group. All patients were female, 86% of whom were White with an average age of 66.7 years (range 39-78 years). The prevalence was 5.08% in our PBC cohort (n=256) similar to previous findings. CREST syndrome was diagnosed prior to PBC in 58% of our patients and limited pulmonary and renal involvement were observed. This syndrome is rare, but given its insidious development, clinicians should be aware of this potential overlap in CREST-only and PBC-only patients.

Systemic Sclerosis and Idiopathic Portal Hypertension: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature

Simple Summary

The presence of liver involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is considered atypical, besides the eventual coexistence of other autoimmune hepatic disorders. However, the occurrence of syndromes called idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) and regenerative nodular hyperplasia (RNH) have been anecdotally reported in the literature. We described a case of SSc complicated by IPH and we reviewed the literature on the topic. No specific SSc pattern linked to IPH emerged, even though the reports often described IPH in patients with limited skin subset SSc. Coexistence of prothrombotic states and overlap with other hepatic diseases could facilitate IPH onset. In spite of IPH being a rare condition, the rheumatologists should consider IPH as a possible hepatic complication in SSc patients.

Abstract

The presence of liver involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is considered atypical, besides the possible coexistence of other autoimmune hepatic disorders. However, the occurrence of portal hypertension and, more specifically, of the syndromes called idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) and regenerative nodular hyperplasia (RNH) have been anecdotally reported in the literature for SSc patients. We described a case of SSc woman complicated by IPH; moreover, we reviewed the literature on the topic. A 61-year-old female SSc patient was admitted to our hospital because of the onset of ascites. SSc, as a limited skin subset of disease with anticentromere antibodies, was diagnosed 11 years previously, with no significant visceral involvement. We excluded possible causes of portal hypertension, namely chronic infections, autoimmune hepatic diseases, neoplasia, thrombosis of portal vein, and Budd–Chiari syndrome. Finally, IPH was diagnosed. A review of the literature identified a number of case reports or case series that described IPH in the course of SSc. No specific SSc pattern linked to IPH emerged, even though reports from the literature often described the limited skin subset. Coexistence of prothrombotic states and overlap with other hepatic diseases could facilitate IPH onset. Besides being a rare condition, the onset of IPH in SSc patients is an occurrence that should be taken into account.

Standardized incidence ratios and risk factors for cancer in patients with systemic sclerosis: Data from the Spanish Scleroderma Registry (RESCLE)

AIM

Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) are at increased risk of cancer, a growing cause of non-SSc-related death among these patients. We analyzed the increased cancer risk among Spanish patients with SSc using standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and identified independent cancer risk factors in this population.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Spanish Scleroderma Registry data were analyzed to determine the demographic characteristics of patients with SSc, and logistic regression was used to identify cancer risk factors. SIRs with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) relative to the general Spanish population were calculated.

RESULTS

Of 1930 patients with SSc, 206 had cancer, most commonly breast, lung, hematological, and colorectal cancers. Patients with SSc had increased risks of overall cancer (SIR 1.48, 95% CI 1.36-1.60; P < 0.001), and of lung (SIR 2.22, 95% CI 1.77-2.73; P < 0.001), breast (SIR 1.31, 95% CI 1.10-1.54; P = 0.003), and hematological (SIR 2.03, 95% CI 1.52-2.62; P < 0.001) cancers. Cancer was associated with older age at SSc onset (odds ratio [OR] 1.22, 95% CI 1.01-1.03; P < 0.001), the presence of primary biliary cholangitis (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.18-4.68; P = 0.015) and forced vital capacity <70% (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.24-2.70; P = 0.002). The presence of anticentromere antibodies lowered the risk of cancer (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.45-0.97; P = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

Spanish patients with SSc had an increased cancer risk compared with the general population. Some characteristics, including specific autoantibodies, may be related to this increased risk.

Clinical Relevance of Liver Involvement in the Clinical Course of Systemic Sclerosis

Liver involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is rare. We evaluated the prevalence of liver fibrosis and hepatic autoimmunity in SSc patients in a retrospective observational cohort (97 SSc or mixed connective tissue disease with sclerodermic manifestations patients undergoing transient elastography, evaluating liver stiffness (LS) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), due to clinical indications along with biochemistry assessments and major antibodies associated to liver autoimmunity). Among them, 11 had LS ≥ 7.5 kPa and 5 showed an LS compatible with cirrhosis (LS ≥ 12.5 kPa). Predictors of LS ≥ 7.5 fibrosis were alcohol consumption (>14 or >7 alcoholic units/week for men and women, respectively), waist circumference (>102 or >88 cm for men and women, respectively), elevated alkaline phosphatase, and anti-La and anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA) positivity. Six patients had CAP values compatible with severe steatosis (≥280 dB/m). Waist circumference, body mass index and diabetes mellitus were significant predictors of steatosis. Out of 97 patients, 19 were positive for AMA, 4 for anti-Sp100, 1 for anti-Gp210 and 7 were diagnosed with primary biliary cholangitis. Among SSc patients, hepatic fibrosis biomarkers and AMA prevalence are relatively high, suggesting the opportunity of performing a transient elastography and a screening for hepatic autoimmunity at diagnosis and/or during disease progression.

The significance of cytoplasmic antinuclear antibody patterns in autoimmune liver disease

We aimed to determine the significance of cytoplasmic antinuclear antibody (ANA) patterns using computer-aided immunofluorescence microscopy in patients with autoimmune liver diseases (AILD). ANA staining pattern was identified by treating cultured human epithelial type 2 (HEp-2) cells with the sera of the patients. Medical records of patients with suspected AILD who had positive cytoplasmic ANA patterns between February 2017 and November 2019 were retrospectively reviewed for clinical, laboratory, and immunological data. Cytoplasmic ANA patterns of AILD and non-AILD groups were compared. Further subgroup analysis of patients with AILD who had reticular or speckled cytoplasmic ANA patterns was conducted. We found that among the 196 patients with positive cytoplasmic ANA patterns, 113 (57.6%) were diagnosed with AILD. The percentage of reticular cytoplasmic pattern was higher in the AILD group than that in the non-AILD group (64.0% vs. 21.9%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, patients with AILD who exhibited a reticular ANA pattern demonstrated a higher positive rate for anti-mitochondrial antibodies (66.7% vs. 2.6%, p < 0.001) than those who exhibited the speckled ANA pattern. Moreover, AILD patients with the reticular ANA pattern displayed a lower positive rate for anti-smooth muscle antibodies (0% vs. 45%, p < 0.001) and nuclear ANA pattern (73.2% vs. 97.5%, p = 0.003) than those with the speckled ANA pattern. Therefore, cytoplasmic ANA patterns could be used to guide AILD characterization in suspected AILD cases, especially as the reticular ANA pattern is strongly associated with AILD. Thus, it is important to check cytoplasmic ANA patterns for AILD evaluation, even when nuclear ANA patterns are negative.

Diffuse Systemic Sclerosis in a Patient with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis and Autoimmune Hepatitis Overlap Syndrome: A Case Report

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic systemic disease of unknown etiology characterized by vasculopathy, excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix, and fibrosis of the skin and other internal organs. Although its etiology remains elusive, approximately one third of SSc patients presents with additional autoimmune disease, which suggests that an autoimmune mechanism is a major component of the underlying pathophysiology. On the other hand, primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) are two main autoimmune liver diseases. A 41-year-old female previously diagnosed with PBC/AIH overlap syndrome presented with multiple, painful brownish to erythematous firm patches on the hands, arms, axillae, neck, abdomen, and thighs. Laboratory work-up yielded positive results for anti-nuclear antibody, anti-Ro/Sjögren's-syndrome-related antigen A autoantibodies, and perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies while punch biopsy of her left hand showed characteristics that are consistent with scleroderma. Herein, we report the first case of a patient with diffuse cutaneous SSc and concurrent PBC/AIH overlap syndrome and suggest that this coexistence of multiple autoimmune diseases is not a coincidence but rather that a common autoimmune pathogenesis may exist.

Evaluation of the primary biliary cholangitis-related serologic profile in a large cohort of Belgian systemic sclerosis patients

Background

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) are autoimmune diseases that may occur concomitantly and are both strongly associated with disease-specific autoantibodies. This study investigated the prevalence and fine specificity of PBC-specific serology (PBC-Ab) and associations with the SSc-subtypes and SSc-specific antibodies as well as the association with cholestatic liver enzymes. Furthermore, three different techniques for the detection of PBC-Ab were compared.

Methods

Serum of 184 Belgian SSc patients with a known SSc-antibody profile, was analyzed for PBC-Ab (antimitochondrial antibodies [AMA], anti-Gp210, anti-Sp100 and anti-PML) using indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) analysis on human epithelioma-2000 (HEp-2000) cells (ANA-IIF, Immunoconcepts) and liver-kidney-stomach tissue sections (IIF-LKS) (Menarini), and a line immunoblot (LB) (EuroImmun). Alkaline phosphatase/γ-glutamyl transferase (ALP/GGT) were evaluated at time of first sampling (t0) and after 3 years of follow-up (t3).

Results

PBC-Ab were present in 13% of patients and significantly correlated with centromere antibodies (anti-CENP-B), but not correlated with the limited cutaneous SSc subgroup (lcSSc). The most frequent reactivities were AMA (11%, with 9% AMA-M2) and Sp-100 antibodies (5%), showing a major overlap. There was no relevant association between the presence of PBC-Ab and ALP or GGT elevation at t0 nor at t3. Detection of AMA with IIF-LKS is comparable to LB. ANA-IIF screening was less sensitive compared to LB.

Conclusions

A wide range of PBC-Ab is detectable in SSc in the absence of cholestatic liver enzyme elevations, even after 3 years of follow-up. However, as these antibodies may precede PBC-disease up to 10 years further prospective follow-up of our cohort will be necessary.

Rheumatologic manifestations of hepatic diseases

The course of hepatic diseases may be complicated by a multitude of rheumatologic manifestations, which can complicate the diagnostic approach and alter the natural history of primary liver disease, sometimes worsening prognosis due to associated multiple organ dysfunction. These manifestations can occur in association with a multitude of liver diseases, including viral hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, hemochromatosis, or Wilson’s disease. It is necessary not only for rheumatologists, but also for other clinicians, to be aware that these atypical manifestations may reflect an undiagnosed hepatic disease. On the other hand, it is crucial that, in a patient with known hepatic disease presenting with rheumatologic symptoms, an accurate distinction be made between the rheumatologic manifestations of hepatic disease and primary rheumatologic disease, since the treatment is often different. This review aims to summarize the current evidence regarding rheumatologic manifestations of hepatic diseases, how to distinguish them from primary rheumatologic disorders, and how to provide adequate management.

Extrahepatic autoimmunity in autoimmune liver disease

The most important autoimmune liver disease include: autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis. In general, about one in three patients with an autoimmune liver disease have a concomitant extrahepatic autoimmune disease, which may include rheumatological, endocrinological, gastrointestinal, pulmonary or dermatological conditions. The pathogenesis of these conditions includes the production of both innate and adaptive immune responses targeting cholangiocytes as well as different extrahepatic tissues. In this sense, extrahepatic autoimmunity represent a continuous spectrum of autoimmunity involving liver and extrahepatic tissues. This review aims to focus the clinical and pathophysiological aspects of extrahepatic autoimmunity associated to autoimmune liver diseases.