[Normalization of menstrual cycles and pregnancy after liver transplantation]

The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effects of successful liver transplantation on menstrual cycles abnormalities and on reproductive function of women with chronic liver disease. Twelve women with age between 17 and 54 years who underwent liver transplantation were evaluated. The following variables were analyzed: age, etiology of chronic liver disease, pattern of menstrual function and period of amenorrhea before and after transplantation, and occurrence of pregnancy after transplantation. The mean age of patients was 36 +/- 12.6 years. Patients with primary biliary cirrhosis did not have menstrual abnormalities before transplantation. The other patients presented amenorrhea for 3 months to 11 years before the transplantation. Rapid recovery of menstrual function was observed in all patients after the transplantation (3.1 +/- 1.2 months). Two patients became pregnant one and three years after the transplantation. It is concluded from this study that most women who present amenorrhea secondary to chronic liver disease have normal menstrual cycles in approximately three months following liver transplantation and they may become pregnant.

Isolated tuberculosis of the pancreas after orthotopic liver transplantation

A patient presented with intermittent high fever, upper abdominal pain, and loss of appetite 9 months after an orthotopic liver transplantation. Computed tomography showed a large mass in the pancreas that was confirmed at laparotomy. Pathological examination of the pancreatic biopsy specimen showed several chronic granulomatous lesions with caseating necrosis. Two and one half months after beginning antituberculous treatment, there was an important reduction of the pancreatic mass.