Nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver: survival and associated features in a UK case series

Common variable immunodeficiency disorder-related liver disease is common and results in portal hypertension and an increased risk of death

BACKGROUND

Common variable immunodeficiency disorder (CVID) manifests with recurrent infections and inflammatory complications, including liver disease. We report the clinical features, natural history, and outcomes of patients with CVID-related liver disease (CVID-rLD) from a tertiary immunology and hepatology center.

METHODS

Two hundred eighteen patients were identified; CVID-rLD was defined by persistently abnormal liver function tests or evidence of chronic liver disease (CLD) or portal hypertension (PHTN) by radiological or endoscopic investigation, after exclusion of other causes. Patients with CVID-rLD were investigated and managed following a joint pathway between immunology and hepatology services. Data, including clinical parameters, investigations, and outcomes, were retrospectively collected.

RESULTS

A total of 91/218 (42%) patients had evidence of CVID-rLD, and 40/91 (44%) had PHTN. Patients with CVID-rLD were more likely to have other noninfectious complications of CVID (85/91, 93.4% vs. 75/127, 59.1%, p<0.001) including interstitial lung disease, gut disease, and autoimmune cytopenias. Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) was identified in 63.8% of liver biopsies, and fibrosis in 95.3%. Liver stiffness measurements (LSMs) were frequently elevated (median 9.95 kPa), and elevated LSM was associated with PHTN. All-cause mortality was higher in those with CVID-rLD (24/91, 26.4% vs. 14/127, 11%, p=0.003), which was the only organ complication associated with mortality (HR 2.24, 1.06-4.74, p=0.04). Factors predicting mortality in CVID-rLD included PHTN, increasing fibrosis, and LSM.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver disease is a common complication of CVID as part of complex, multi-organ involvement and is associated with high rates of PHTN and an increased hazard of mortality.

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.

Liver disease accompanied by enteropathy in common variable immunodeficiency: Common pathophysiological mechanisms

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is one of the inborn errors of immunity that have the greatest clinical impact. Rates of morbidity and mortality are higher in patients with CVID who develop liver disease than in those who do not. The main liver disorder in CVID is nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH), the cause of which remains unclear and for which there is as yet no treatment. The etiology of liver disease in CVID is determined by analyzing the liver injury and the associated conditions. The objective of this study was to compare CVID patients with and without liver–spleen axis abnormalities in terms of clinical characteristics, as well as to analyze liver and duodenal biopsies from those with portal hypertension (PH), to elucidate the pathophysiology of liver injury. Patients were divided into three groups: Those with liver disease/PH, those with isolated splenomegaly, and those without liver–spleen axis abnormalities. Clinical and biochemical data were collected. Among 141 CVID patients, 46 (32.6%) had liver disease/PH; 27 (19.1%) had isolated splenomegaly; and 68 (48.2%) had no liver–spleen axis abnormalities. Among the liver disease/PH group, patients, even those with mild or no biochemical changes, had clinical manifestations of PH, mainly splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, and esophageal varices. Duodenal celiac pattern was found to correlate with PH (p < 0.001). We identified NRH in the livers of all patients with PH (n = 11). Lymphocytic infiltration into the duodenal mucosa also correlated with PH. Electron microscopy of liver biopsy specimens showed varying degrees of lymphocytic infiltration and hepatocyte degeneration, which is a probable mechanism of lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity against hepatocytes and enterocytes. In comparison with the CVID patients without PH, those with PH were more likely to have lymphadenopathy (p < 0.001), elevated β₂-microglobulin (p < 0.001), low B-lymphocyte counts (p < 0.05), and low natural killer-lymphocyte counts (p < 0.05). In CVID patients, liver disease/PH is common and regular imaging follow-up is necessary. These patients have a distinct immunological phenotype that may predispose to liver and duodenal injury from lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity. Further studies could elucidate the cause of this immune-mediated mechanism and its treatment options.

Outcomes of idiopathic versus secondary nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver: A longitudinal study of 167 cases

BACKGROUND

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) is a rare condition characterized clinically by the development of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. NRH is the histopathological result in the liver of various systemic disease processes including autoimmune disorders, haematological malignancies and medications. However, natural history of this condition has been limited to small case series while patient outcomes pertaining to different aetiologies of NRH are largely unknown.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of consecutive patients diagnosed with pathology-confirmed NRH at Mayo Clinic between 2002 and 2017 was identified. The histological diagnosis of NRH was determined by expert liver pathologists. Patients with metastatic liver disease, history of liver transplantation or younger than 18 were excluded. Potential aetiologies of NRH were classified as haematological, rheumatological, drug-associated, miscellaneous or idiopathic. Long-term mortality was analysed using Kaplan-Meier estimation and Cox regression models.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty-seven consecutive patients with pathology-confirmed NRH were analysed over a 15-year period and followed for a median time of 50 months (1-306 months). The mean age at diagnosis was 53 years. No aetiology or risk factor for NRH was identified in the majority of patients (94, 56.3%), whereas an associated, possibly causal, condition was found in 73 patients (secondary NRH). The most common presenting feature was elevated liver tests (80%), but no significant differences in laboratory tests were seen based on aetiology of NRH. Compared to idiopathic NRH, those with an identified cause had a higher rate of splenomegaly at presentation (54% vs. 27%, p = 0.002). Portal hypertension-related complications at diagnosis were common, with ascites present in one-third of patients. Overall transplant-free survival was 63% at 5 years. Median survival in idiopathic NRH was 9.4 years compared to 7.3 years in secondary NRH. Age, renal function and volume status at presentation were significantly associated with survival; however, MELD score was not.

CONCLUSIONS

The rates of liver-related complications and mortality in NRH are low, and only a small number of patients ultimately require liver transplantation. Most patients do not have an identified risk factor or aetiology for NRH, and liver-related outcomes do not appear to differ based on associated, possibly causal, conditions.

Trastuzumab Emtansine-Induced Nodular Regenerative Hyperplasia: Is Dose Reduction Enough as a Preventable Measure?

INTRODUCTION

Trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) is a novel antibody-drug conjugate targeting the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, used in some recurrent metastatic cancers. It was linked to modest increases in serum aminotransferase elevations and bilirubin. More recently, some cases of noncirrhotic portal hypertension have been described in patients on long-term T-DM1. The underlying liver condition is usually nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) with elements of sinusoidal obstruction.

CASE REPORT

We report the case of a 52-year-old woman who started T-DM1 therapy for recurrent metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. Although a progressive reduction in lung nodules was noticed, there was a new-onset cytocholestasis and elevation in bilirubin. A reduction in platelet count was also apparent over several months during the T-DM1 therapy. Liver biopsy revealed NRH and so the dose of T-DM1 was reduced. Thereafter, the patient had normalization of liver tests and platelet count. T-DM1 was continued for more than 9 months with no signs of portal hypertension or cancer progression.

CONCLUSIONS

We presented a rare case of NRH induced by T-DM1 in a patient with lung adenocarcinoma. A high index of suspicion for liver injury and NRH must be maintained for patients who develop liver test abnormalities and/or signs of portal hypertension during treatment with T-DM1. This is the first report of a successful dose reduction in a patient with NRH induced by T-DM1, suggesting that it is possible to maintain the drug while it is being effective for lung cancer treatment.

Fatal liver mass rupture in a common-variable-immunodeficiency patient with probable nodular regenerating hyperplasia

Background

Nodular regenerating hyperplasia (NRH) is the most common liver involvement in common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). Most patients are asymptomatic with gradually increasing alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and mildly elevated transaminase enzymes over the years. We report the first case of fatal liver mass rupture in a CVID patient with probable NRH.

Case presentation

A 24-year-old man was diagnosed with CVID at the age of 1.25 years. Genetic testing revealed a transmembrane activator and calcium-modulator and cyclophilin-ligand interactor (TACI) mutation. He had been receiving intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) replacement therapy ever since then. The trough level of serum IgG ranged between 750–1200 mg/dL. However, he still had occasional episodes of lower respiratory tract infection until bronchiectasis developed. At 22 years old, computed tomography (CT) chest and abdomen as an investigation for lung infection revealed incidental findings of numerous nodular arterial-enhancing lesions in the liver and mild splenomegaly suggestive of NRH with portal hypertension. Seven months later, he developed sudden hypotension and tense bloody ascites. Emergency CT angiography of the abdomen showed NRH with intrahepatic hemorrhage and hemoperitoneum. Despite successful gel foam embolization, the patient died from prolonged shock and multiple organ failure.

Conclusions

Although CVID patients with NRH are generally asymptomatic, late complications including portal hypertension, hepatic failure, and hepatic rupture could occur. Therefore, an evaluation of liver function should be included in the regular follow-up of CVID patients.

Liver manifestations and complications in inflammatory bowel disease: A review

Hepatobiliary manifestations are common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with 30% of patients presenting abnormal liver tests and 5% developing chronic liver disease. They range from asymptomatic elevated liver tests to life-threatening disease and usually follow an independent course from IBD. The pathogenesis of liver manifestations or complications and IBD can be closely related by sharing a common auto-immune background (in primary sclerosing cholangitis, IgG4-related cholangitis, and autoimmune hepatitis), intestinal inflammation (in portal vein thrombosis and granulomatous hepatitis), metabolic impairment (in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or cholelithiasis), or drug toxicity (in drug induced liver injury or hepatitis B virus infection reactivation). Their evaluation should prompt a full diagnostic workup to identify and readily treat all complications, improving management and outcome.

Mild changes of hepatic nodular regenerative hyperplasia may cause portal hypertension and be visible on reticulin but not hematoxylin and eosin staining

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) can manifest as alternating parenchymal compression/expansion on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and as reticulin collapse/nodularity on reticulin staining. Histologic diagnosis can be challenging, especially when there is mild disease and on limited biopsy samples. We reviewed clinical and histologic parameters in a large series of NRH. We identified 60 liver specimens convincingly showing changes of NRH and reviewed them for clinical (age, sex, symptoms, lab values, portal hypertension [PHTN], NRH etiology) and histologic (inflammation, sinusoidal dilation, cholestasis, architectural change, portal vascular abnormalities, degree of changes on reticulin) parameters. The cases came from 28 women and 32 men (median age: 54 years). Most (55, 92%) were biopsies. Thirty patients were symptomatic. Forty-five cases showed mild NRH changes on reticulin; 24 of these (53%) showed them on H&E as well. Fifteen demonstrated well-developed changes on reticulin, which were always seen on H&E as well. Sinusoidal dilation was commonly observed in both of these subgroups (88% overall). Portal vascular abnormalities were seen in 33%. Well-developed NRH was diffuse more often than mild NRH (53% vs. 4%, P < 0.0001). Twenty-nine patients had clinically confirmed or likely PHTN. Of these, 21 showed mild and 8 showed well-developed NRH changes; only 3 had concomitant advanced fibrosis. Chemotherapy was the most frequent known cause of NRH; 30 patients lacked any definite etiology. NRH can be difficult to diagnose on biopsy, particularly since mild changes may be visible on reticulin but not H&E; even these patients can have PHTN. Additionally, NRH is often idiopathic, potentially lowering clinical and pathologic suspicion. Pathologists should have a low threshold for ordering reticulin stains, especially when a patient is known to have PHTN. Sinusoidal dilation, while nonspecific, commonly accompanies NRH.

Efficacy, safety and drug survival of thioguanine as maintenance treatment for inflammatory bowel disease: a retrospective multi-centre study in the United Kingdom

BACKGROUND

Thioguanine (TG) is a thiopurine which has been used for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), who have failed azathioprine (AZA) or mercaptopurine (MP) due to adverse events or suboptimal response. Its widespread use has been hampered due to concerns about nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) of the liver. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term efficacy and safety of low-dose TG therapy in IBD patients failing AZA and MP.

METHODS

A retrospective multicentre study was performed in IBD patients who failed prior treatment with conventional thiopurines with or without following immunomodulation (thiopurine-allopurinol, biologicals, methotrexate, tacrolimus) and were subsequently treated with TG as rescue monotherapy between 2003 and 2019 at three hospitals in the United Kingdom. Clinical response, adverse events, laboratory results, imaging and liver biopsies were retrospectively collected.

RESULTS

A total of 193 patients (57% female and 64% Crohn's disease) were included, with a median daily TG dose of 20 mg (range: 20-40 mg), a median treatment duration of 23 months (IQR 10-47) and a median follow-up of 36 months (IQR 22-53). The clinical response rate at 12 months was 65 and 54% remained on TG until the end of follow-up. Adverse events consisted primarily of elevated liver tests (6%), myelotoxicity (7%) and rash (5%). NRH was histologically diagnosed in two patients and two other patients (1%) developed non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. The median 6-TGN and TPMT levels were 953 pmol/8 × 10⁵ RBC (IQR 145-1761) and 47 mu/L (IQR 34.5-96).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term follow-up suggests that TG can be an effective and well-tolerated therapy in more than half of difficult-to-treat and multi-therapy failing IBD patients. Findings of this study indicate that TG can be used safely and the occurrence of hepatotoxicity was low. The incidence rate of NRH was within the background incidence.

Heterogeneity of Liver Disease in Common Variable Immunodeficiency Disorders

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most frequent primary immunodeficiency (PID) in adulthood and is characterized by severe reduction of immunoglobulin serum levels and impaired antibody production in response to vaccines and pathogens. Beyond the susceptibility to infections, CVID encompasses a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations related to a complex immune dysregulation that also affects liver. Although about 50% CVID patients present persistently deranged liver function, burden, and nature of liver involvement have not been systematically investigated in most cohort studies published in the last decades. Therefore, the prevalence of liver disease in CVID widely varies depending on the study design and the sampling criteria. This review seeks to summarize the evidence about the most relevant causes of liver involvement in CVID, including nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH), infections and malignancies. We also describe the clinical features of liver disease in some monogenic forms of PID included in the clinical spectrum of CVID as ICOS, NFKB1, NFKB2, CTLA-4, PI3Kδ pathway, ADA2, and IL21-R genetic defects. Finally, we discuss the clinical applications of the various diagnostic tools and the possible therapeutic approaches for the management of liver involvement in the context of CVID.

Liver stiffness measurement in patients with nodular regenerative hyperplasia undergoing magnetic resonance elastography

PURPOSE

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) may mimic cirrhosis at imaging. We aim to investigate the effect of NRH on liver stiffness measurement (LSM) obtained with magnetic resonance elastography (MRE).

METHODS

This retrospective, Institutional Review Board-approved study included 37 subjects with NRH (Group 1) and no or minimal fibrosis (F0-F1), a control group (Group 2) made of 30 subjects with non-advanced fibrosis (F0-F2), and a control group (Group 3) made of 30 subjects with advanced fibrosis (F3-F4), all with available MRE. LSM was measured in each subject along with assessment of hepatic morphological features of cirrhosis and signs of portal hypertension. The significance of the difference in mean LSM between Group 1 and 2 and between Group 1 and 3 was evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test. The difference in distribution of imaging features among groups was assessed using the Pearson χ2 or Fisher exact test.

RESULTS

The mean ± SD LSM in Group 1 (3.56 ± 1.10 kPa) was significantly higher compared to Group 2 (2.91 ± 0.52 kPa, P = 0.019) and significantly lower compared to Group 3 (7.18 ± 2.08 kPa, P < 0.001). Twelve (32%) patients with NRH had LSM ≥ 4.11 kPa, and 6 (16%) patients had LSM ≥ 4.71 kPa. Surface nodularity (P = 0.032) and caudate lobe hypertrophy (P = 0.004) were more commonly visualized in Group 1 than in Group 2. At least one feature of portal hypertension was observed in 16 (43%) NRH subjects.

CONCLUSION

NRH may increase the LSM obtained with MRE and may represent a confounding factor when using liver stiffness for the non-invasive diagnosis of fibrosis.

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia - An under-recognized vascular disorder of liver

INTRODUCTION

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) is a rare hepatic vascular disorder which is often associated with wide variety of systemic diseases. Intrahepatic microvascular injury and subsequent altered perfusion state leads to development of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension in many of these patients. Diagnosis of NRH often remains unsuspected clinically and liver biopsy is essential for the diagnosis and exclusion of fibrosis. We herein, present clinicopathological features of 22 NRH cases. In addition we assessed CK7 and CD34 expression in hepatocytes and sinusoidal endothelial cells respectively.

RESULTS

Most of the cases were associated with systemic disorders, predominantly immunological, inflammatory and drug-related injuries. Signs and symptoms of portal hypertension were found in 86.4 % patients. Majority of the patients showed a predominant mild cholestatic pattern of liver function tests. Nearly all the (21/22) cases showed CK7 positivity in centrizonal hepatocytes which ranged from <10 % cells to diffuse perivenular positivity extending into the midzonal areas. CD34 positivity in sinusoidal endothelial cells was seen in all the cases, which was prominent in periportal areas in all cases; while perivenular (n = 20) and midzonal (n = 14) areas also showed CD34 positive sinusoidal endothelial cells.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the role of pathologist in the diagnosis of NRH and stresses upon the need for awareness of NRH as a cause of unexplained portal hypertension in patients with underlying systemic diseases. The altered perfusion state in NRH leads to phenotypic shift in centrizonal atrophic hepatocytes and sinusoidal endothelial cells (as depicted by IHC) which may be responsible for development of portal hypertension.

Mycobacterium chimaera Hepatitis: A New Disease Entity

Mycobacterium chimaera was identified as a species within the Mycobacterium avium complex in 2004. Until recently, it was predominantly seen in immunocompromised patients. In 2015, an outbreak of disseminated M. chimaera disease was described in European patients after undergoing open-heart surgery in which contaminated heater-cooler water units were used. Using whole genomic sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, investigators found a highly clonal outbreak from the German manufacturing site of the heater-cooler water units. This outbreak has now proven to be world-wide. Patients present with fever, fatigue, and weight loss months to many years after surgery. They are found to have systemic manifestations, including endocarditis, pancytopenia, renal dysfunction, chorioretinitis, and hepatitis. Preliminary reports suggest a high mortality rate despite aggressive treatment. In some patients, the predominant laboratory abnormalities are elevations in liver function tests, leading to diagnostic hepatobiliary work-ups, including liver biopsy. The pathologic changes in the liver have not yet been described. Herein, we report the clinicopathologic findings of the largest series of M. chimaera liver disease in the United States to date: 7 cases within a large, multihospital health care network. Five (71%) patients died of disease, despite aggressive treatment. Liver function test abnormalities were predominantly biliary: mean values of alkaline phosphate 288 U/L, aspartate aminotransferase 79 U/L, alanine aminotransferase 64 U/L. All 7 biopsies showed a consistent and characteristic dual pattern of injury: small, ill-formed collections of sinusoidal histiocytes with rare multinucleated giant cells, and scattered architectural changes of venous outflow obstruction. Two (29%) cases showed mild pericellular fibrosis. Nodular regenerative hyperplasia was seen in 2 (29%) cases, consistent with a sinusoidal/venous obstructive pattern of injury. We postulate that the sinusoidal location of the granulomas contributes to the venous obstructive changes. Recognition of this characteristic dual pattern of injury can allow pathologists to suggest the diagnosis and prompt the appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

Nodular Regenerative Hyperplasia of the Liver: A Rare Vascular Complication in Systemic Sclerosis

Objective.

To investigate nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) as a vascular complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc) with microvasculopathy as a common denominator.

Methods.

Cases of SSc-NRH were identified by systematic literature review and by screening the Zurich cohort. NRH had to be diagnosed by liver biopsy.

Results.

Literature review retrieved 22 cases. In our cohort, 1.4% of patients with SSc were diagnosed with NRH. Most had vasculopathy, were positive for anticentromere antibodies, had elevated alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels, normal liver morphology on ultrasound yet increased stiffness on ultrasound elastography, and had portal hypertension.

Conclusion.

NRH might represent a rare yet potentially life-threatening vascular complication in SSc.

Drug-induced liver injury in inflammatory bowel disease: 1-year prospective observational study

AIM

To analyze 1-year liver injury burden in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients.

METHODS

During a 6-mo inclusion period, consecutive IBD cases having a control visit at IBD center were included. Basic demographics, IBD phenotype and IBD treatment were recorded on entry. Aminotransferase (AT) activities of ALT, AST, ALP and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) were measured at baseline, 3 mo prior to study entry and prospectively every 3 mo for 1 year. Liver injury patterns were predefined as: Grade 1 in ALT 1-3 × upper limit of normal (ULN), grade 2 in ALT > 3 × ULN, hepatocellular injury in ALT > 2 × ULN, cholestatic injury in simultaneous GGT and ALP elevation > ULN. Persisting injury was reported when AT elevations were found on > 1 measurement. Risk factors for the patterns of liver injury were identified among demographic parameters, disease phenotype and IBD treatment in univariate and multivariate analysis. Finally, implications for the change in IBD management were evaluated in cases with persisting hepatocellular or cholestatic injury.

RESULTS

Two hundred and fifty-one patients were included having 917 ALT and 895 ALP and GGT measurements. Over one year, grade 1 injury was found in 66 (26.3%), grade 2 in 5 (2%) and hepatocellular injury in 16 patients (6.4%). Persisting hepatocellular injury was found in 4 cases. Cholestasis appeared in 11 cases (4.4%) and persisted throughout the entire study period in 1 case. In multivariate analysis, hepatocellular injury was associated with BMI (OR = 1.13, 1.02-1.26), liver steatosis (OR = 10.61, 2.22-50.7), IBD duration (1.07, 1.00-1.15) and solo infliximab (OR = 4.57, 1.33-15.7). Cholestatic liver injury was associated with prior intestinal resection (OR = 32.7, 3.18-335), higher CRP (OR = 1.04, 1.00-1.08) and solo azathioprine (OR = 10.27, 1.46-72.3). In one case with transient hepatocellular injury azathioprine dose was decreased. In 4 cases with persisting hepatocellular injury, fatty liver or alcohol were most likely causes and IBD treatment was pursued without change. In the case with persisting cholestatic injury, no signs of portal hypertension were identified and treatment with infliximab continued.

CONCLUSION

Liver injury was frequent, mostly transient and rarely changed management. Infliximab or azathioprine were confirmed as its risk factors indicating the need for regular AT monitoring.

Hepatic Issues and Complications Associated With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Clinical Report From the NASPGHAN Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Hepatology Committees

Hepatobiliary disorders are common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and persistent abnormal liver function tests are found in approximately 20% to 30% of individuals with IBD. In most cases, the cause of these elevations will fall into 1 of 3 main categories. They can be as a result of extraintestinal manifestations of the disease process, related to medication toxicity, or the result of an underlying primary hepatic disorder unrelated to IBD. This latter possibility is beyond the scope of this review article, but does need to be considered in anyone with elevated liver function tests. This review is provided as a clinical summary of some of the major hepatic issues that may occur in patients with IBD.

Hepatic manifestations of inflammatory bowel diseases

Inflammatory bowel diseases are associated with various hepatobiliary disorders, reported both in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. They may occur at any moment in the natural course of the disease. The prevalence of liver dysfunction rises from 3% to 50% accordingly to definitions used in different studies. Fatty liver is considered as the most common hepatobiliary complication in inflammatory bowel diseases while primary sclerosing cholangitis is the most specific one. Less frequently, inflammatory bowel diseases-associated hepatobiliary disorders include: autoimmune hepatitis/ primary sclerosing cholangitis overlap syndrome, IgG4-associated cholangiopathy, primary biliary cholangitis, hepatic amyloidosis, granulomatous hepatitis, cholelithiasis, portal vein thrombosis and liver abscess. The spectrum of these manifestations varies according to the type of inflammatory bowel diseases. Treatments of inflammatory bowel diseases may cause liver toxicity, although incidence of serious complications remains low. However, early diagnosis of drug-induced liver injury is of major importance as it affects future clinical management. When facing abnormal liver tests, clinicians should undertake a full diagnostic work-up in order to determine whether the hepatic abnormalities are related to the inflammatory bowel diseases or not. Management of hepatic manifestations in inflammatory bowel diseases usually involves both hepatologists and gastroenterologists because of the complexity of some situations.

A case of nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver combined with toxic hepatitis

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) is an uncommon liver condition characterized by diffuse transformation of the hepatic parenchyma into regenerative nodules without fibrosis. Portal vasculopathy caused by abnormal hepatic venous flow may induce hepatocyte hyperplasia, which forms regenerative nodules. Underlying diseases or certain drugs may also be the cause of NRH. This condition is often underdiagnosed as the patients remain asymptomatic until development of portal hypertension, and histopathologic confirmation by liver biopsy is the only way of making a definite diagnosis. The management mainly involves prevention and treatment of the complications of portal hypertension. The frequency of diagnosis of NRH has increased rapidly in recent years, however, only a few cases have been reported in Korea. Here, we report on a case of NRH of the liver combined with toxic hepatitis.

The Prevalence of Nodular Regenerative Hyperplasia in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients Treated with Thioguanine Is Not Associated with Clinically Significant Liver Disease

BACKGROUND

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) of the liver is associated with inflammatory-mediated diseases and certain drugs. There is conflicting data on the prevalence of NRH and its clinical implications in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients treated with thioguanine.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study involving 7 Dutch centers comprised all IBD patients who were being treated with thioguanine and underwent a liver biopsy as part of the standard toxicity screening. Liver biopsy specimens were reviewed by 2 experienced liver pathologists. Clinical data as well as liver chemistry, blood counts, and abdominal imaging were collected.

RESULTS

One hundred eleven IBD patients who submitted to liver biopsy were treated with thioguanine in a daily dose of 0.3 mg/kg for a median duration of 20 (4-64) months. NRH was detected in 6% of patients (7; 95% confidence interval, 3-14 patients). Older age (P = 0.02), elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (P = 0.01) and alkaline phosphatase (P = 0.01) levels, a higher mean corpuscular volume (P = 0.02), and a lower platelet or leukocyte count (P < 0.01 and P = 0.02, respectively) were associated with NRH. Three of the 7 patients with NRH did not have any associated clinical symptoms or signs. The other 4 had minor biochemical abnormalities only. Ultrasonography revealed splenomegaly in 3 of the 78 patients (4%; 95% confidence interval, 0%-9%), only one of whom had NRH. There was no clinically overt portal hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of NRH was 6% in liver biopsies obtained from IBD patients treated with thioguanine. Histopathological irregularities including NRH were not associated with clinically significant findings over the period of observation.

Prevalence and clinical significance of nodular regenerative hyperplasia in liver biopsies

BACKGROUND

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) is a rare histological disorder associated with a wide variety of systemic diseases.

AIMS

We aimed (i) to report the prevalence of NRH in a database of liver biopsies (LBs) and the frequency of portal hypertension (PHT) at diagnosis, and (ii) to investigate whether associated diseases and/or specific histological lesions, including abnormalities of the microvasculature, were related to PHT.

METHODS

Patients with a histological diagnosis of NRH, referred by seven clinical departments, were retrospectively selected. Clinical, biological, radiological, haemodynamic and endoscopic data at diagnosis were recorded. LBs were reassessed for microvascular abnormalities.

RESULTS

NRH was diagnosed in 4.4% of LBs (n = 159, male: 52%, mean age: 54). Among patients referred for unexplained liver enzyme abnormalities, 15% had NRH. PHT was present at diagnosis in 45 patients (38%), including 13 with portal thrombosis; 65% of patients had an associated disorder. Obliteration of portal vein branches, observed in the LBs of 17 patients (11%), was significantly associated with PHT (P = 0.02). Periportal angiomatosis, observed in 101 patients (63%), was associated with the absence of PHT (P < 10(-4) ).

CONCLUSION

We suggest that NRH is a frequent histological lesion in the setting of unexplained liver enzyme abnormalities. PHT is present at the time of diagnosis in 1/3 of patients regardless of the presence of associated disease. The frequency of periportal angiomatosis in NRH without obliteration of portal vein branches, and its association with the absence of PHT suggest that obstructive portal venopathy would not represent the most frequent mechanism involved in NRH.

Practical guidelines for examination of adults with asymptomatic hypertransaminasaemia

The causes of sustained elevation of serum transaminases in asymptomatic adults, both hepatic and extrahepatic, are varied. In order to reach an aetiological diagnosis, a standardized protocol should be applied, aimed firstly at ruling out the most common causes, such as chronic hepatitis (viral or autoimmune), metabolic diseases, and toxic liver diseases. Several biochemical patterns, which take into account transaminase, cholestatic enzyme, muscle enzyme, ferritin and ceruloplasmin levels, as well protein electrophoresis and autoantibody measurement, will identify most causes. In cases in which a diagnosis cannot be reached with the use of these non-invasive methods, a needle liver biopsy will be justified.

[Nodular regenerative hyperplasia associated with common variable immunodeficiency and other comorbidities]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Currently, there are not many data on the evolution of nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) associated or not with underlying diseases and in particular that associated with common variable inmunodeficiency (CVID). Twenty cases of NRH are presented, and the differences between the cases associated with CVID and those related to other diseases are analysed.

METHODS

Retrospective and descriptive study over a period of 14 years.

RESULTS

Twelve out of the 20 patients were men; the median age was 51 years. CVID was the main illness associated with NRH. In patients with CVID and NRH, gastrointestinal haemorrhage was more common, all the patients had high gamma glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase and none had altered albumin and bilirubin levels compared to the patients without CVID. On follow-up, 50% of patients with CVID (2/4) had died compared to 33.3% (5/15) without CVID.

CONCLUSIONS

NRH in patients with CVID seems to have more biochemical data of anicteric cholestasis and portal hypertension and could be associated with lower survival.

Benign liver tumors in pediatric patients - Review with emphasis on imaging features

Benign hepatic tumors are commonly observed in adults, but rarely reported in children. The reasons for this remain speculative and the exact data concerning the incidence of these lesions are lacking. Benign hepatic tumors represent a diverse group of epithelial and mesenchymal tumors. In pediatric patients, most benign focal liver lesions are inborn and may grow like the rest of the body. Knowledge of pediatric liver diseases and their imaging appearances is essential in order to make an appropriate differential diagnosis. Selection of the appropriate imaging test is challenging, since it depends on a number of age-related factors. This paper will discuss the most frequently encountered benign liver tumors in children (infantile hepatic hemangioendothelioma, mesenchymal hamartoma, focal nodular hyperplasia, nodular regenerative hyperplasia, and hepatocellular adenoma), as well as a comparison to the current knowledge regarding such tumors in adult patients. The current emphasis is on imaging features, which are helpful not only for the initial diagnosis, but also for pre- and post-treatment evaluation and follow-up. In addition, future perspectives of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in pediatric patients are highlighted, with descriptions of enhancement patterns for each lesion being discussed. The role of advanced imaging tests such as CEUS and magnetic resonance imaging, which allow for non-invasive assessment of liver tumors, is of utmost importance in pediatric patients, especially when repeated imaging tests are needed and radiation exposure should be avoided.

Diagnosing Nodular Regenerative Hyperplasia of the Liver Is Thwarted by Low Interobserver Agreement

Background and Aims

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) of the liver is associated with several diseases and drugs. Clinical symptoms of NRH may vary from absence of symptoms to full-blown (non-cirrhotic) portal hypertension. However, diagnosing NRH is challenging. The objective of this study was to determine inter- and intraobserver agreement on the histopathologic diagnosis of NRH.

Methods

Liver specimens (n=48) previously diagnosed as NRH, were reviewed for the presence of NRH by seven pathologists without prior knowledge of the original diagnosis or clinical background. The majority of the liver specimens were from thiopurine using inflammatory bowel disease patients. Histopathologic features contributing to NRH were also assessed. Criteria for NRH were modified by consensus and subsequently validated. Interobserver agreement was evaluated by using the standard kappa index.

Results

After review, definite NRH, inconclusive NRH and no NRH were found in 35% (23-40%), 21% (13-27%) and 44% (38-56%), respectively (median, IQR). The median interobserver agreement for NRH was poor (κ = 0.20, IQR 0.14-0.28). The intraobserver variability on NRH ranged between 14% and 71%. After modification of the criteria and exclusion of biopsies with technical shortcomings, the interobserver agreement on the diagnosis NRH was fair (κ = 0.45).

Conclusions

The interobserver agreement on the histopathologic diagnosis of NRH was poor, even when assessed by well-experienced liver pathologists. Modification of the criteria of NRH based on consensus effort and exclusion of biopsies of poor quality led to a fairly increased interobserver agreement. The main conclusion of this study is that NRH is a clinicopathologic diagnosis that cannot reliably be based on histopathology alone.

Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension

Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) encompasses a wide range of disorders, primarily vascular in origin, presenting with portal hypertension (PHT), but with preserved liver synthetic functions and near normal hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). Non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis/Idiopathic PHT (NCPF/IPH) and extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) are two prototype disorders in the category. Etiopathogenesis in both of them centers on infections and prothrombotic states. Presentation and management strategies focus on repeated well tolerated episodes of variceal bleed and moderate to massive splenomegaly and other features of PHT. While the long-term prognosis is generally good in NCPF, portal biliopathy and parenchymal extinction after prolonged PHT makes outcome somewhat less favorable in EHPVO. While hepatic schistosomiasis, congenital hepatic fibrosis and nodular regenerative hyperplasia have their distinctive features, they often present with NCPH.

Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension - diagnosis and management

NCPH is a heterogeneous group of liver disorders of vascular origin, leading to PHT with near normal HVPG. NCPF/IPH is a disorder of young adults or middle aged women, whereas EHPVO is a disorder of childhood. Early age acute or recurrent infections in an individual with thrombotic predisposition constitute the likely pathogenesis. Both disorders present with clinically significant PHT with preserved liver functions. Diagnosis is easy and can often be made clinically with support from imaging modalities. Management centers on control and prophylaxis of variceal bleeding. In EHPVO, there are additional concerns of growth faltering, portal biliopathy, MHE and parenchymal dysfunction. Surgical shunts are indicated in patients with failure of endotherapy, bleeding from sites not amenable to endotherapy, symptomatic hypersplenism or symptomatic biliopathy. Persistent growth failure, symptomatic and recurrent hepatic encephalopathy, impaired quality of life or massive splenomegaly that interferes with daily activities are other surgical indications. Rex-shunt or MLPVB is the recommended shunt for EHPVO, but needs proper pre-operative radiological assessment and surgical expertise. Both disorders have otherwise a fairly good prognosis, but need regular and careful surveillance. Hepatic schistosomiasis, CHF and NRH have similar presentation and comparable prognosis.

Human immunodeficiency virus and nodular regenerative hyperplasia of liver: A systematic review

AIM: To investigate the diagnosis, pathogenesis, natural history, and management of nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the medical literature regarding NRH in patients with HIV. Inclusion criteria include reports with biopsy proven NRH. We studied the clinical features of NRH, in particular, related to its presenting manifestation and laboratory values. Combinations of the following keywords were implemented: “nodular regenerative hyperplasia”, “human immunodeficiency virus”, “noncirrhotic portal hypertension”, “idiopathic portal hypertension”, “cryptogenic liver disease”, “highly active antiretroviral therapy” and “didanosine”. The bibliographies of these studies were subsequently searched for any additional relevant publications.

RESULTS: The clinical presentation of patients with NRH varies from patients being completely asymptomatic to the development of portal hypertension – namely esophageal variceal bleeding and ascites. Liver associated enzymes are generally normal and synthetic function well preserved. There is a strong association between the occurrence of NRH and the use of antiviral therapies such as didanosine. The management of NRH revolves around treating the manifestations of portal hypertension. The prognosis of NRH is generally good since liver function is preserved. A high index of suspicion is required to make a identify NRH.

CONCLUSION: The appropriate management of HIV-infected persons with suspected NRH is yet to be outlined. However, NRH is a clinically subtle condition that is difficult to diagnose, and it is important to be able to manage it according to the best available evidence.

Clinical analysis of 15 cases of liver nodular regenerative hyperplasia

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) of liver may be one of the leading causes of non-cirrhotic intrahepatic portal hypertension (NCIPH), although the exact relationship is currently unknown. Diagnosis of NRH is relatively difficult and involves surgical pathology, and thus it is necessary to improve the preoperative recognition of NRH. Here, we analyze 15 cases of NRH to better understand this disease. All the liver specimens were microscopically examined by hematoxylin-eosin staining and reticulin and Masson trichrome staining. Diagnoses of NRH were confirmed by pathological examination. Clinically, NRH presents as diffused liver lesions with mildly increased liver enzymes. Portal hypertension is the most common clinical manifestation presenting prominently as splenomegaly, hypersplenism, and esophageal varices bleeding. NRH is often associated with autoimmune or collagen vascular diseases, and such patients often present with a variety of positive autoantibodies and increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Ig and γ %. Pathological examination of the liver showed diffuse small regenerative nodules without fibrous septa and obstructive portal venopathy. For those patients with portal hypertension of unknown cause and preserved liver function, especially, those combined with autoimmune diseases, NRH should be considered.

Hepatic hemodynamics in 24 patients with nodular regenerative hyperplasia and symptomatic portal hypertension

BACKGROUND AND AIM

To evaluate hepatic hemodynamics in patients with nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver (NRH) with portal hypertension (PHT).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 24 patients referred for PHT related to biopsy-proven NRH. Hemodynamic measurements included wedged hepatic vein (WHVP) and inferior vena cava (IVCP), and, in 12 patients, portal vein pressure (PVP). Hepatic vein pressure gradient (HVPG: WHVP-IVCP) and portal vein pressure gradient (PVPG: PVP-IVCP) were calculated.

RESULTS

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia was associated in 24 patients with various diseases (oxaliplatin chemotherapy, treatment with purine antagonists, post liver transplantation, hematologic and rheumatologic conditions and HIV infection). Liver function parameters were either completely normal or slightly impaired. Patients were referred for gastroesophageal varices (n = 18), and/or ascites (n = 11), and/or splenomegaly (n = 20). In patients with varices or ascites, HVPG was lower than 10 mmHg (a cut-off point for the presence of varices and/or ascites) in 15/21, suggesting a pre-sinusoidal component to their PHT confirmed by a PVP higher than 12 mmHg in 12/12 patients. The mean difference between HVPG and PVPG was 8.7 mmHg in these patients. Ten patients were treated by transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. None of them re-bled, and one presented transient hepatic encephalopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

Presinusoidal PHT associated with NRH is probably related to compression of portal venules by the regenerative nodules. In patients with HTP and a HVPG < 10 mmHg, the diagnosis of NRH must be suspected and PVP measured, which is important in the management of these patients.

Aetio-pathogenesis and the management of spontaneous liver bleeding in the West: a 16-year single-centre experience

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous liver bleeding (SLB) is a rare but potentially fatal complication. In contrast to the East, various benign pathologies are the source of SLB in the West. An accurate diagnosis and a timely implementation of appropriate treatment are crucial in the management of these patients. The present study presents a large Western experience of SLB from a specialist liver centre.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients presented with SLB between January 1995 and January 2011.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven patients had SLB, 44 (66%) were female and the median age at presentation was 47 years. Abrupt onset upper abdominal pain was the presenting symptom in 65 (97%) patients. The aetiology for SLB was hepatic adenoma in 27 (40%), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in 17 (25%) and various other liver pathologies in the rest. Emergency treatment included a conservative approach in 42 (64%), DSA and embolization in 6 (9%), a laparotomy and packing in 6 (9%) and a liver resection in 11 (16%) patients. Eleven (16%) patients had further planned treatments. Seven (10%) died during the same admission but the mortality was highest in patients with HELLP syndrome. At a median follow-up of 54 months all patients with benign disease are alive. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival of patients with HCC was 59%, 35% and 17%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

SLB is a life-threatening complication of various underlying conditions and may represent their first manifestation. The management should include initial haemostasis followed by appropriate staging investigations to provide a definitive treatment for each individual patient.

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia: Evolving concepts on underdiagnosed cause of portal hypertension

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) is a rare liver condition characterized by a widespread benign transformation of the hepatic parenchyma into small regenerative nodules. NRH may lead to the development of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. There are no published systematic population studies on NRH and our current knowledge is limited to case reports and case series. NRH may develop via autoimmune, hematological, infectious, neoplastic, or drug-related causes. The disease is usually asymptomatic, slowly or non-progressive unless complications of portal hypertension develop. Accurate diagnosis is made by histopathology, which demonstrates diffuse micronodular transformation without fibrous septa. Lack of perinuclear collagen tissue distinguishes NRH from typical regenerative nodules in the cirrhotic liver. While the initial treatment is to address the underlying disease, ultimately the therapy is directed to the management of portal hypertension. The prognosis of NRH depends on both the severity of the underlying illness and the prevention of secondary complications of portal hypertension. In this review we detail the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of NRH.

Assessment of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension associated with thiopurine therapy in inflammatory bowel disease

Thiopurines represent an effective and widely used immunosuppressant in the therapeutic armamentarium of inflammatory bowel disease. However up to 25% of patients may be unable to continue the drug due to side effects. The incidence of hepatotoxicity associated with thiopurine use is reported between 0% and 32%. Veno-occlusive disease, peliosis hepatis, perisinusoidal fibrosis and nodular regenerative hyperplasia have all been described with thiopurines. Recent trials of 6-tioguanine, although successful in patients with allergies to azathioprine or mercaptopurine, have been compromised by increased hepatotoxicity, either veno-occlusive disease or nodular regenerative hyperplasia. We describe a report of nodular regenerative hyperplasia in a Crohn's disease patient associated with 6-mercaptopurine therapy and have reviewed the management and the literature regarding this complication. Our report strengthens the importance of further safety studies to evaluate the etiology, prevalence, risk factors and screening modalities for hepatotoxicity, in particular of nodular regenerative hyperplasia, in patients treated with thiopurines for inflammatory bowel disease.