-
BMC Medical Imaging Jun 2024Abdominal CT scans are vital for diagnosing abdominal diseases but have limitations in tissue analysis and soft tissue detection. Dual-energy CT (DECT) can improve these...
BACKGROUND
Abdominal CT scans are vital for diagnosing abdominal diseases but have limitations in tissue analysis and soft tissue detection. Dual-energy CT (DECT) can improve these issues by offering low keV virtual monoenergetic images (VMI), enhancing lesion detection and tissue characterization. However, its cost limits widespread use.
PURPOSE
To develop a model that converts conventional images (CI) into generative virtual monoenergetic images at 40 keV (Gen-VMI) of the upper abdomen CT scan.
METHODS
Totally 444 patients who underwent upper abdominal spectral contrast-enhanced CT were enrolled and assigned to the training and validation datasets (7:3). Then, 40-keV portal-vein virtual monoenergetic (VMI) and CI, generated from spectral CT scans, served as target and source images. These images were employed to build and train a CI-VMI model. Indexes such as Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR), and Structural Similarity (SSIM) were utilized to determine the best generator mode. An additional 198 cases were divided into three test groups, including Group 1 (58 cases with visible abnormalities), Group 2 (40 cases with hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]) and Group 3 (100 cases from a publicly available HCC dataset). Both subjective and objective evaluations were performed. Comparisons, correlation analyses and Bland-Altman plot analyses were performed.
RESULTS
The 192nd iteration produced the best generator mode (lower MAE and highest PSNR and SSIM). In the Test groups (1 and 2), both VMI and Gen-VMI significantly improved CT values, as well as SNR and CNR, for all organs compared to CI. Significant positive correlations for objective indexes were found between Gen-VMI and VMI in various organs and lesions. Bland-Altman analysis showed that the differences between both imaging types mostly fell within the 95% confidence interval. Pearson's and Spearman's correlation coefficients for objective scores between Gen-VMI and VMI in Groups 1 and 2 ranged from 0.645 to 0.980. In Group 3, Gen-VMI yielded significantly higher CT values for HCC (220.5HU vs. 109.1HU) and liver (220.0HU vs. 112.8HU) compared to CI (p < 0.01). The CNR for HCC/liver was also significantly higher in Gen-VMI (2.0 vs. 1.2) than in CI (p < 0.01). Additionally, Gen-VMI was subjectively evaluated to have a higher image quality compared to CI.
CONCLUSION
CI-VMI model can generate Gen-VMI from conventional CT scan, closely resembling VMI.
Topics: Humans; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Radiography, Abdominal; Aged; Adult; Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; Liver Neoplasms; Signal-To-Noise Ratio; Radiography, Dual-Energy Scanned Projection; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Aged, 80 and over; Contrast Media
PubMed: 38890572
DOI: 10.1186/s12880-024-01331-3 -
The Journal of Extra-corporeal... Jun 2024Venovenous bypass (VVB) is a technique used in liver transplantation (LT) to maintain hemodynamic stability and abdominal organ perfusion and thereby improve patient...
Venovenous bypass (VVB) is a technique used in liver transplantation (LT) to maintain hemodynamic stability and abdominal organ perfusion and thereby improve patient outcomes. Despite its perceived benefits, VVB utilization has declined globally due to concerns related to heparinization, major bleeding and the need for expertise. Recent advancements, such as percutaneous cannulation techniques and improved extracorporeal technology have improved the safety of VVB in LT. This paper presents a modified VVB circuit with enhanced safety features. Cannulation plays a pivotal role in VVB establishment, with percutaneous methods increasingly favored. Studies demonstrate VVB's efficacy in improving patient outcomes with lower incidence of acute kidney injury and reduced operative time and blood loss, with no added morbidity or mortality. However, its routine use faces challenges, with alternative techniques gaining traction. Our experience highlights VVB's role in various clinical scenarios, including patients with high Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores, challenging surgical anatomy, portal vein thrombosis and pre-existing cardiovascular disease, emphasizing its safety and efficacy. Continued research is needed to optimize VVB techniques and ensure better outcomes for liver transplant recipients.
Topics: Humans; Extracorporeal Circulation; Liver Transplantation; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38888551
DOI: 10.1051/ject/2024005 -
VideoGIE : An Official Video Journal of... Jun 2024Video 1A novel method of bilateral biliary decompression by EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy with bridging stenting using the partial stent-in-stent method for...
A novel method of bilateral biliary decompression by EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy with bridging stenting using the partial stent-in-stent method for reintervention of multiple metal stent failure.
Video 1A novel method of bilateral biliary decompression by EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy with bridging stenting using the partial stent-in-stent method for reintervention of multiple metal stent failure.We report a case in which anterior and posterior drainage was performed using the partial stent-in-stent method via the transpapillary approach. The patient had a bismuth type IV biliary obstruction, but only the right hepatic lobe was drained due to obstruction of the left portal vein. For the recurrent stent dysfunction, the patient underwent placement of a plastic stent within an uncovered self-expanding metal stent to correct stent dysfunction. A 7F plastic stent inside a metal stent is shown.The patient later experienced stent failure and jaundice due to tumor progression and was admitted for plastic stent replacement. Neither imaging results nor symptoms suggested duodenal stenosis. The transpapillary approach was attempted first but was unsuccessful. Duodenoscopy was challenging to perform because of duodenal stenosis. Fluoroscopy confirmed the duodenal stenosis. The plastic stent was extracted using an upper endoscope. Multiple uncovered metal stents are shown (1 stent in the anterior bile duct and 2 stents in the posterior bile duct). Jaundice did not resolve despite plastic stent removal.The patient refused to undergo percutaneous biliary drainage, so a decision was made to perform an EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy (HGS) instead. The left bile duct was observed in the stomach. The left bile duct was punctured with a 19-gauge FNA needle. A 0.025-inch hydrophilic guidewire was directed into the left bile duct. Enhancement of the bile duct showing malignant hilar biliary obstruction (bismuth IV) is seen. Insertion of the guide wire into the posterior bile duct is shown.The stent mesh was then dilated using a balloon dilator. However, there was difficulty inserting the catheter. Additional dilation was performed using a spiral dilator. This instrument is a tapered tip dilator that fits into 0.025-inch guidewires and is expandable to 7F. Insertion of a second guidewire with a larger caliber was done to straighten the bile duct and help stabilize stent insertion. A 0.035-inch hydrophilic guidewire into the posterior bile duct using a double-lumen cannula and insertion of a 0.025-inch hydrophilic guidewire into the anterior bile duct are shown.The stent mesh was then dilated using a spiral dilator. A metal stent was placed through the anterior bile duct at a steep angle. Insertion and deployment of the first uncovered self-expanding metal stent (8 × 60 mm) from the anterior bile duct into the left bile duct is shown. Multiple metal stents were implanted into the hilar area, and the new stent was placed using the partial stent-in-stent method to prevent overexpansion. Guidewire seeking the posterior bile duct from inside the deployed stent through the stent mesh is shown.The stent mesh was then dilated using a balloon dilator. Insertion and deployment of an uncovered self-expanding metal stent (8 × 60 mm) from the posterior bile duct to the left bile duct using the partial stent-in-stent method is shown. Enhancement of the bile duct shows drainage from the right bile duct. The fistula of the HGS was only dilated with the spiral dilator. The risk of bile leakage was low, so we decided to implant a plastic stent. A 7F × 15-cm plastic stent was placed from the posterior bile duct into the stomach. Anterior and posterior segment drainage by EUS-HGS with bridging stenting using the partial stent-in-stent method is shown, with left segment drainage by EUS-HGS with the plastic stent.We performed EUS-HGS on a patient with multiple metal stents in place. There were no adverse events, and total bilirubin levels were reduced by more than half within 2 weeks. Six months have passed without stent dysfunction.
PubMed: 38887729
DOI: 10.1016/j.vgie.2024.02.015 -
Annals of Gastroenterology and the... 2024The factors responsible for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) growth are not precisely known.
BACKGROUND
The factors responsible for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) growth are not precisely known.
AIMS
To study the clinical parameters associated with increases in maximum tumor diameter (MTD).
METHODS
A new cohort of 944 prospectively accrued HCC patients was analyzed for large size associations.
RESULTS
Patients were ordered into MTD terciles. Blood platelets, GGT and AST levels significantly increased and total bilirubin decreased with increase in MTD. Similar results were found only for platelets, in patients with low alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, for whom biomarkers are scanty. Survival significantly decreased for patients with high platelet or GGT levels, even when AFP levels were low.Comparison of patients with low and high platelet levels showed that in the ≤6cm MTD group, patients with higher platelet numbers had lower total bilirubin and AST, and higher albumin, hemoglobin and percent patients with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) than those with lower platelets. Univariable logistic analysis on HCCs >6cm versus ≤6cm revealed significantly higher odds ratios for elevated blood platelet, AFP, GGT and ALKP levels. Cox regression analysis on death showed that in ≤6cm MTD patients, significant hazard ratios were for platelets, GGT, AFP, ALKP and PVT; but not for >6cm MTD patients, suggesting different mechanisms. Given the association of higher platelets with larger tumors and good liver function, their precursors are suggested to be small tumors with higher platelets and endogenous tumor factors. However, patients with low platelets and larger HCCs might have a different HCC lineage, likely associated with liver inflammation factors.
CONCLUSIONS
Blood platelet levels are a potential marker for HCC phenotype and prognosis, including in patients with low AFP. They may also be a therapeutic target.
PubMed: 38887309
DOI: No ID Found -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Diabetes is a prevalent chronic disease that traditionally requires severe reliance on medication for treatment. Oral medication and exogenous insulin can only... (Review)
Review
Diabetes is a prevalent chronic disease that traditionally requires severe reliance on medication for treatment. Oral medication and exogenous insulin can only temporarily maintain blood glucose levels and do not cure the disease. Most patients need life-long injections of exogenous insulin. In recent years, advances in islet transplantation have significantly advanced the treatment of diabetes, allowing patients to discontinue exogenous insulin and avoid complications.Long-term follow-up results from recent reports on islet transplantation suggest that they provide significant therapeutic benefit although patients still require immunotherapy, suggesting the importance of future transplantation strategies. Although organ shortage remains the primary obstacle for the development of islet transplantation, new sources of islet cells, such as stem cells and porcine islet cells, have been proposed, and are gradually being incorporated into clinical research. Further research on new transplantation sites, such as the subcutaneous space and mesenteric fat, may eventually replace the traditional portal vein intra-islet cell infusion. Additionally, the immunological rejection reaction in islet transplantation will be resolved through the combined application of immunosuppressant agents, islet encapsulation technology, and the most promising mesenchymal stem cells/regulatory T cell and islet cell combined transplantation cell therapy. This review summarizes the progress achieved in islet transplantation, and discusses the research progress and potential solutions to the challenges faced.
Topics: Islets of Langerhans Transplantation; Humans; Animals; Graft Rejection; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1
PubMed: 38887292
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1391504 -
Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical... Jun 2024Hepatic infarction is a rare liver condition. The purpose of this study is to report a case of hepatic infarction caused by thrombus formation following portal vein...
BACKGROUND
Hepatic infarction is a rare liver condition. The purpose of this study is to report a case of hepatic infarction caused by thrombus formation following portal vein stent implantation in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma and portal vein tumor thrombus, and to explore the underlying causes.
CASE REPORT
The patient in this study was a 52-year-old male admitted with diffuse hepatocellular carcinoma involving the right lobe and portal vein tumor thrombus. After undergoing portal vein stent implantation and I particle strand implantation treatment, the portal vein was patent, and the pressure decreased. However, multiple instances of hepatic artery chemoembolization combined with targeted immunotherapy resulted in gradual reduction in the diameter of the hepatic artery and affecting hepatic arterial blood flow. Two months post-stent implantation, thrombus formation within the stent was noted, and the patient's condition did not improve with anticoagulant therapy, as evidenced by follow-up CT scans showing an increase in thrombi. Six months later, the patient suffered from gastrointestinal bleeding and, despite emergency esophagogastric variceal ligation and hemostatic treatment, developed hepatic parenchymal infarction and liver function failure.
CONCLUSIONS
We reveal the underlying cause is that (1) thrombus formation within the portal vein stent, leading to portal vein embolism and obstructed blood flow due to exacerbate portal hypertension after various treatments; and (2) the effect of hepatic artery chemoembolization, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy on tumor angiogenesis, causing reduced hepatic artery diameter and impaired arterial blood flow. These factors disrupt the liver's dual blood supply system, ultimately contributing to hepatic infarction. To our knowledge, this is the first report of hepatic infarction as a complication following portal vein stent implantation for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus, and it holds significant reference value for guiding the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with concurrent portal vein tumor thrombus in a clinical setting.
Topics: Humans; Male; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Middle Aged; Liver Neoplasms; Portal Vein; Stents; Iodine Radioisotopes; Infarction; Venous Thrombosis; Chemoembolization, Therapeutic
PubMed: 38884802
DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05826-y -
European Review For Medical and... Jun 2024End-stage liver disease is commonly associated with portal vein thrombosis (PVT). Lastly, PVT is no longer an absolute contraindication for liver transplantation, and...
OBJECTIVE
End-stage liver disease is commonly associated with portal vein thrombosis (PVT). Lastly, PVT is no longer an absolute contraindication for liver transplantation, and many centers adopt portal vein thrombectomy. PVT imposes special technical difficulties during living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). In this research, the experience with PVT cases during LDLT in a high-volume center is introduced.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Between January 2018 and July 2023, 312 patients underwent LDLT. After 88 cases were excluded, 224 cases were included, and their incidence of pre-transplant PVT was 16.5% (37/224). Demographic and clinical features, perioperative variables, and post-transplant outcomes of patients with PVT (PVT group, n=37) were compared to patients who had no PVT (non-PVT group, n=187).
RESULTS
According to Yerdel classification, 16, 16, 2, and 3 patients had PVT grade I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Complete venous thrombectomy was accomplished in 34 patients, while for three patients, thrombectomy was not feasible, and graft inflow was established by interposition vascular graft. For portal flow modulation, splenectomy and splenic artery ligation were performed in 7 and 4 patients, respectively, while two patients underwent post-transplant splenic artery embolization. The PVT group had longer operation time (p<0.001), longer warm ischemia time (p=0.031), longer anhepatic phase (p<0.001), and intraoperatively required more than 3 packed RBCs units (p=0.029) and ≥1 platelet unit transfusion (p=0.021) than the non-PVT group. No statistically significant difference was found between groups in terms of re-exploration (p=0.954), post-transplant PVT (p=0.375), biliary (p=0.253) and arterial complications (p=0.593), ICU stay (p=0.633), hospital stay (p=896), and 30-day mortality (p=1.000). Survival analysis showed no statistically significant difference regarding 1-year survival (p=0.176) between both groups.
CONCLUSIONS
This study showed that patients with different stages of PVT can successfully undergo LDLT in experienced centers and that they do not differ from patients without PVT in terms of post-transplant complications.
Topics: Humans; Liver Transplantation; Portal Vein; Female; Male; Venous Thrombosis; Living Donors; Middle Aged; Adult; Thrombectomy; Retrospective Studies; End Stage Liver Disease
PubMed: 38884510
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202406_36380 -
Annals of Surgery Open : Perspectives... Mar 2024This is a preplanned, health economic evaluation from the LIGRO trial. One hundred patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) and standardized future liver remnant...
OBJECTIVE
This is a preplanned, health economic evaluation from the LIGRO trial. One hundred patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) and standardized future liver remnant <30% were randomized to associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) or two-staged hepatectomy (TSH).
SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA
TSH, is an established method in advanced CRLM. ALPPS has emerged providing improved resection rate and survival. The health care costs and health outcomes, combining health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and survival into quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), of ALPPS and TSH have not previously been evaluated and compared.
METHODS
Costs and QALYs were compared from treatment start up to 2 years. Costs are estimated from resource use, including all surgical interventions, length of stay after interventions, diagnostic procedures and chemotherapy, and applying Swedish unit costs. QALYs were estimated by combining survival and HRQoL data, the latter being assessed with EQ-5D 3L. Estimated costs and QALYs for each treatment strategy were combined into an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Nonparametric bootstrapping was used to assess the joint distribution of incremental costs and QALYs.
RESULTS
The mean cost difference between ALPPS and TSH was 12,662€, [95% confidence interval (CI): -10,728-36,051; = 0.283]. Corresponding mean difference in life years and QALYs was 0.1296 (95% CI: -0.12-0.38; = 0.314) and 0.1285 (95% CI: -0.11-0.36; = 0.28), respectively. The ICER was 93,186 and 92,414 for QALYs and life years as outcomes, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the 2-year data, the cost-effectiveness of ALPPS is uncertain. Further research, exploring cost and health outcomes beyond 2 years is needed.
PubMed: 38883960
DOI: 10.1097/AS9.0000000000000367 -
Annals of Surgery Open : Perspectives... Mar 2024The most relevant limiting factor for performing end-to-end anastomosis is portal vein thrombosis (PVT), which leads to challenging vascular reconstructions. This study...
INTRODUCTION
The most relevant limiting factor for performing end-to-end anastomosis is portal vein thrombosis (PVT), which leads to challenging vascular reconstructions. This study aimed to analyze a single center's experience using the left gastric vein (LGV) for portal flow reconstruction in liver transplantation (LT).
METHODS
This retrospective observational study reviewed laboratory and imaging tests, a description of the surgical technique, and outpatient follow-up of patients with portal system thrombosis undergoing LT with portal flow reconstruction using the LGV. This study was conducted at a single transplant reference center in the northeast region of Brazil from January 2016 to December 2021.
RESULTS
Between January 2016 and December 2021, 848 transplants were performed at our center. Eighty-two patients (9.7%) presented with PVT, most of whom were treated with thrombectomy. Nine patients (1.1% with PVT) had extensive thrombosis of the portal system (Yerdel III or IV), which required end-to-side anastomosis between the portal vein and the LGV without graft, and had no intraoperative complications. All patients had successful portal flow in Doppler ultrasound control evaluations.
DISCUSSION
The goal was to reestablish physiological flow to the graft. A surgical strategy includes using the LGV graft. According to our reports, using LGV fulfilled the requirements for excellent vascular anastomosis and even allowed the dispensing of venous grafts. This is the largest case series in a single center of reconstruction of portal flow with direct anastomosis with the LGV without needing a vascular graft.
PubMed: 38883933
DOI: 10.1097/AS9.0000000000000382 -
Translational Cancer Research May 2024The preoperative conversion therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still being explored. This study reported the potential of combination of...
Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE)-hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) combined with PD-1 inhibitors plus lenvatinib as a preoperative conversion therapy for nonmetastatic advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a single center experience.
BACKGROUND
The preoperative conversion therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still being explored. This study reported the potential of combination of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC), programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) inhibitors and lenvatinib as preoperative conversion therapy for nonmetastatic advanced HCC.
METHODS
This retrospective study gathered data on patients with nonmetastatic advanced HCC who received this combination therapy. We used drug-eluting bead (DEB) instead of conventional iodized oil in TACE. The clinical data, conversion rate, adverse events (AEs) and short-term survival were summarized. A stratified analysis based on whether or not the patient received surgery was conducted.
RESULTS
A total of 28 patients were included in the analysis. No grade 4 AEs were observed. The overall objective response rate (ORR) was 64.3%. Ten (35.7%) patients eventually received R0 resection after 2 cycles of combination therapy. Patients succeeding to resection (surgery group) had significantly higher ORR (90.0% 50.0%, P=0.048). The proportion of patients with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) >1,000 µg/L was significantly lower in surgery group (10.0% 66.7%, P=0.006). After combination therapy, more patients in surgery group experienced significant reduction of >90% in AFP levels (75.0% 23.1%, P=0.03), as well as standardized uptake value (SUV) of F-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) both in primary tumors and portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) (60.0% 5.6%, P=0.003; 57.1% 8.3%, P=0.04). Of note, 85.7% of PVTT exhibited major pathological response (MPR) in pathological examination although only 28.6% achieved downstage in preoperative imaging examination. MPR was more commonly observed in PVTT than in main tumors (85.7% 20.0%). In non-surgery group, the median overall survival (OS) was 7 months with a 1-year survival rate of 27.8%, while in surgery group, the median OS was not reached and 1-year survival rate was 60.0%.
CONCLUSIONS
The combination of TACE-HAIC, PD-1 inhibitors and lenvatinib showed its benefit as a preoperative conversion therapy for nonmetastatic advanced HCC. In addition to imaging evaluation, significant reduction of F-FDG uptake and AFP can be used as predictors of successful conversion, especially for PVTT.
PubMed: 38881913
DOI: 10.21037/tcr-24-93