Diagnosis of hepatic hydrothorax using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography with intraperitoneal injection of Sonazoid

Application of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound to Detect Hepatic Hydrothorax in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

PURPOSE

 Hepatic hydrothorax (HH) is defined as transudate in the pleural cavity in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis (DC) without concomitant cardiopulmonary or pleural disease. It is associated with high short-term mortality. HH can evolve via translocation through diaphragmatic gaps. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of injecting ultrasound contrast medium into the peritoneal cavity to detect HH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 This study included patients with concomitant ascites and pleural effusion who were admitted to our hospital between March 2009 and February 2019. A peritoneal catheter was inserted and ultrasound contrast medium was injected into the peritoneal cavity. In parallel, the peritoneal and pleural cavities were monitored for up to 10 minutes.

RESULTS

 Overall, 43 patients were included. The median age was 60 years and the majority of patients were male (n = 32, 74 %). Most patients presented with right-sided pleural effusion (n = 32, 74 %), 3 (7 %) patients with left-sided and 8 (19 %) patients had bilateral pleural effusion. In 12 (28 %) patients ascites puncture was not safe due to low volume ascites. Thus, the procedure could be performed in 31 (72 %) patients. No adverse events occurred. In 16 of 31 (52 %) patients we could visualize a trans-diaphragmic flow of microbubbles. The median time until transition was 120 seconds.

CONCLUSION

 Our clinical real-world experience supports the safety and feasibility of intraperitoneal ultrasound contrast medium application to detect HH in patients with DC, as a non-radioactive real-time visualization of HH. Our study comprises the largest cohort and longest experience using this method to date.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for pleuroperitoneal communication

Here we report the cases of five patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) who developed hydrothorax because of pleuroperitoneal communication. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) peritoneography revealed penetrated sites on the diaphragm in all patients. All patients underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), and a dialysate containing indigo carmine was injected intraperitoneally through a CAPD catheter to confirm the fistula. In all patients, a thinned bleb was found at the center of the diaphragmatic tendon consistent with that noted on preoperative CT peritoneography. The bleb was resected using a surgical stapler in four patients, and the pleuroperitoneal communication did not recur. However, in one patient, the bleb was only covered with reinforcement agents and the hydrothorax recurred after CAPD. This study demonstrates that VATS treatment for pleuroperitoneal communication is safe and effective but that lesion resection would be more useful for preventing hydrothorax recurrence in patients undergoing CAPD.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound in peritoneal dialysis: when and how to perform it

In the field of peritoneal dialysis contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a new add-on examination to B-mode ultrasound, but until recently it has never been systematically studied. Based on the experience of the Project Group "Integrated Imaging and Interventional Nephrology" of the Italian Society of Nephrology, CEUS is helpful for evaluating catheter malfunction, peritoneal-pleural communication, leakage, and herniation, and in particular it facilitates dynamic functional imaging of the catheter and its complications. The use of CEUS in peritoneal dialysis is simple, repeatable, safe, radiation-free, and appears to be less time-consuming and more cost-effective than other radiological imaging techniques such as peritoneography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance or peritoneal scintigraphy.

Optimal Management of Cirrhotic Ascites: A Review for Internal Medicine Physicians

Clinical history of liver cirrhosis is characterised by two phases: the asymptomatic phase, also termed 'compensated cirrhosis', and the phase of complications due to the development of portal hypertension and liver dysfunction, also termed 'decompensated cirrhosis', in which patients may develop ascites, the most frequent and clinically relevant complication of liver cirrhosis. Ascites can be classified into uncomplicated and complicated according to the development of refractoriness, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) or the association with hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). In this narrative review, we will extensively discuss the optimal pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of cirrhotic ascites with the aim to offer an updated practical guide to Internal Medicine physicians. According to the amount of fluid in the abdominal cavity, uncomplicated ascites is graded from 1 to 3, and the cornerstone of its management consists of restriction of salt intake, diuretics and large-volume paracentesis (LVP); in recent years, long-term administration of human albumin has acquired a new interesting role. Refractory ascites is primarily managed with LVP and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement in selected patients. The occurrence of renal impairment, especially HRS, worsens the prognosis of patients with cirrhotic ascites and deserves a specific treatment. Also, the management of SBP faces the rising and alarming spread of antibiotic resistance. Hepatic hydrothorax may even complicate the course of the disease and its management is a challenge. Last but not least, liver transplantation (LT) is the ultimate and more effective measure to offer to patients with cirrhotic ascites, particularly when complications occur.

Does Intermittent Pringle Maneuver Increase Postoperative Complications After Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma? A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

In a previous study, we have shown that intermittent Pringle maneuver (IPM) might increase postoperative complications after hepatectomy for various indications. Complications which thought to be related to IPM were ascites, pleural effusion, wound infection and intra-abdominal collection. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that applying IPM during hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) could increase postoperative complications.

METHODS

Between January 2013 and October 2016, eligible patients who received elective open hepatectomy for HCC were randomized to have IPM or no Pringle maneuver (NPM). Occurrence of various types of postoperative complications was specifically looked for. A routine postoperative day 5 abdominal ultrasound examination and chest X-ray were done to detect and grade any radiological ascites, pleural effusion and intra-abdominal collection.

RESULTS

Fifty IPM and 50 NPM patients with histological proven HCC were recruited for final analysis. Demographics and operative parameters were comparable between the two groups. The postoperative complication rates were similar (IPM 36.0 vs. NPM 28.0%, P = 0.391). However, in the IPM group, more patients developed radiological posthepatectomy ascites (42.0 vs. 22.0%, P = 0.032) and pleural effusion (66.0 vs. 38.0%, P = 0.005). In patients with histologically proven cirrhosis, there were 28 IPM and 25 NPM patients. Again, there was no difference in postoperative complication rate but more radiological posthepatectomy ascites and pleural effusion in the IPM group.

CONCLUSION

This trial was not able to detect a difference in postoperative complications whether IPM was applied or not, but use of IPM was associated with more subclinical ascites and pleural effusion. (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01759901).

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01759901.

Hepatic Hydrothorax

Hepatic hydrothorax (HH) is a pleural effusion that develops in a patient with cirrhosis and portal hypertension in the absence of cardiopulmonary disease. Although the development of HH remains incompletely understood, the most acceptable explanation is that the pleural effusion is a result of a direct passage of ascitic fluid into the pleural cavity through a defect in the diaphragm due to the raised abdominal pressure and the negative pressure within the pleural space. Patients with HH can be asymptomatic or present with pulmonary symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, hypoxemia, or respiratory failure associated with large pleural effusions. The diagnosis is established clinically by finding a serous transudate after exclusion of cardiopulmonary disease and is confirmed by radionuclide imaging demonstrating communication between the peritoneal and pleural spaces when necessary. Spontaneous bacterial empyema is serious complication of HH, which manifest by increased pleural fluid neutrophils or a positive bacterial culture and will require antibiotic therapy. The mainstay of therapy of HH is sodium restriction and administration of diuretics. When medical therapy fails, the only definitive treatment is liver transplantation. Therapeutic thoracentesis, indwelling tunneled pleural catheters, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt and thoracoscopic repair of diaphragmatic defects with pleural sclerosis can provide symptomatic relief, but the morbidity and mortality is high in these extremely ill patients.

Risk Factors for Postoperative Ascites in Patients Undergoing Liver Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Postoperative ascites is a common complication after liver resection. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for ascites in patients after liver resection and the relationship between postoperative ascites and other complications.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data that were obtained from 266 patients who underwent liver resection for treating hepatocellular carcinoma between 2008 and 2015. Postoperative ascites was defined as a daily ascitic fluid drainage exceeding 500 mL on postoperative day 3 or later. The participants were categorized and analyzed with respect to the presence or absence of postoperative ascites.

RESULTS

Overall, 17 (6.4%) patients developed postoperative ascites. A multivariate analysis identified that three significant factors-serum albumin, platelet count, and operation duration-were associated with the development of postoperative ascites. Sixteen (94.1%) of the 17 patients with postoperative ascites experienced other associated complications. The patients with ascites had more pleural effusion (70.6 vs. 17.7%, P < 0.001) than the patients without ascites. Postoperative morbidity, except for pleural effusion, was similar between the groups. The postoperative hospital stay duration was significantly longer in patients with ascites than in those without ascites.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative ascites frequently occurred in patients with decreased liver functional reserve. Moreover, the presence of ascites was associated with significantly increased pleural effusion rates, and postoperative hospital stay duration was significantly prolonged.

Nuclear Imaging to Detect Diaphragmatic Perforation as a Rare Complication of Microwave Ablation

Acquired diaphragmatic perforation leading to massive hepatic hydrothorax and respiratory failure is a rare complication of microwave ablation (MWA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Imaging modalities to detect pleuroperitoneal communication remain poorly described. We report a nuclear imaging technique used to efficiently diagnose and locate diaphragmatic defects. A 57-year-old male with cirrhosis and HCC presented with respiratory distress after undergoing MWA of a HCC lesion. He was admitted to the intensive care unit for noninvasive positive pressure ventilator support. Chest radiography revealed a new large right pleural effusion. Large-volume thoracentesis was consistent with hepatic hydrothorax. The fluid reaccumulated within 24 hours; therefore an acquired diaphragmatic perforation induced by the ablation procedure was suspected. To investigate,  ^99mTechnetium-labeled albumin was injected into the peritoneal cavity. The tracer accumulated in the right hemi thorax almost immediately. The patient then underwent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting in efforts to relieve portal hypertension and decrease ascites volume. Unfortunately, the patient deteriorated and expired after few days. Although diaphragmatic defects develop in cirrhotic patients, such small fenestrations do not normally lead to rapid development of life-threatening pleural effusion. MWA procedures can cause large diaphragmatic defects. Immediate detection of this complication is essential for initiating early intervention.

Endocavitary contrast-enhanced ultrasound: a technique whose time has come?

Endocavitary use of contrast agents in sonography (US) is a relatively new method in diagnostic imaging, competing against gray-scale US, fluoroscopy, and endoscopy. This article describes established indications, demonstrates the techniques of evolving applications, and discusses their potential benefits. These benefits include the ability to obtain precise information about the placement of drains and the extent of fluid collections, and to accurately identify the location and features of strictures in various organs, and those of complications of fluid collections or abscesses, without resorting to ionizing radiation.

Induced negative pressure proposed as a new method for diagnosing hepatic hydrothorax involving minor leaks

Key Clinical Message

Hepatic hydrothorax is known as pleural effusion of hepatic origin, and is difficult to diagnose. We herein report the novel strategy combining radioisotope scintigraphy with chest drainage to definitively diagnose hepatic hydrothorax of an 85-year-old patient which would have been missed with conventional diagnostic methods.

Hepatic hydrothorax

Hepatic hydrothorax (HH) is an uncommon complication in patients with end-stage liver disease. Only 5% to 10% of patients with end-stage liver disease develop HH, which may result in dyspnea, hypoxia, and infection, and portends a poor prognosis. The most likely explanation for development is passage of fluid from the peritoneal space to the pleural space due to small diaphragmatic defects. Initial management consists of diuretics with dietary sodium restriction and thoracentesis, and a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt may ultimately be required. Afflicted patients can develop morbid and fatal complications, pose management dilemmas, and should warrant evaluation for liver transplantation.

Evidence-based review of the management of hepatic hydrothorax

Hepatic hydrothorax (HH) is an example of a porous diaphragm syndrome. Portal hypertension results in the formation of ascitic fluid which moves across defects in the diaphragm and accumulates in the pleural space. Consequently, the treatment approach to HH consists of measures to reduce the formation of ascitic fluid, prevent the movement of ascitic fluid across the diaphragm, and drain or obliterate the pleural space. Approximately 21-26% of cases of HH are refractory to salt and fluid restriction and diuretics and warrant consideration of additional treatment measures. Ideally, liver transplantation is the best treatment option; however, most of the patients are not candidates and most of those who are eligible die while waiting for a transplant. Treatment measures other than liver transplantation may not only provide relief from dyspnea but also improve patient survival and serve as a bridge to liver transplantation.

Right diaphragmatic defect in hepatic hydrothorax exposed by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography after radiofrequency ablation

A 68-year-old male with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma treated by radiofrequency ablation was hospitalized for right hepatic hydrothorax and ascites. Perflubutane injected into the peritoneal cavity after an ultrasonography contrast agent revealed jet-like flow from the ascites to a pleural effusion, indicating a diaphragmatic defect. A hepatic hydrothorax was sutured under thoracoscopy and did not recur. An intraperitoneal injection of perflubutane enables a less-invasive diagnosis of a diaphragmatic defect.

Histological study of the biodynamics of iron oxide nanoparticles with different diameters

The biodynamics of ultrasmall and small superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO and SPIO, respectively) particles that were injected intraperitoneally into 36 C57BL/6 mice were investigated chronologically. Their distribution was studied histologically at six time points by measuring iron-positive areas (μm²) in organ sections stained with Prussian blue. The uptake of the differently sized particles was also compared by cultured murine macrophages (J774.1). Iron-positive areas in the liver were significantly larger in the mice injected with USPIO than those injected with SPIO at the first three time points (P < 0.05). The amount of USPIO in the lung parenchyma around the airway was larger than that of SPIO at four time points (P < 0.05); distribution to the lymph nodes was not significantly different. The amount of iron was significantly larger in SPIO- than USPIO-treated cultured cells (P < 0.05). In conclusion, it is suggested that intra peritoneally injected USPIO particles could be used more quickly than SPIO to make Kupffer images of the liver and that both agents could help get lymph node images of similar quality.