Auxiliary partial orthotopic living donor liver transplantation for a child with congenital absence of the portal vein

Living donor liver transplantation in a pediatric patient with congenital absence of the portal vein

Congenital absence of the portal vein (CAPV) is a rare venous malformation in which mesenteric venous blood drains directly into the systemic circulation. We report a case of pediatric living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for CAPV combined with focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and hepatocellular adenoma. A 9-year-old girl who had been diagnosed with multiple FNH had CAPV. Her blood ammonia level was raised to 137 μg/dL. However, she did not complain of any symptoms. To treat CAPV and FNH, we decided to perform LDLT. The graft was a left liver graft from 39-year-old mother of the patient. Recipient hepatectomy was performed according to standard procedures of pediatric LDLT. Portal vein reconstruction was performed using interposition of an iliac vein homograft conduit to the superior mesenteric vein-splenic vein confluence. The CAPV-associated congenital splenorenal shunt was securely ligated. The pathology report of the explant liver showed a 2 cm-sized hepatocellular adenoma and multiple FNH lesions measuring up to 7.1 cm. The patient recovered uneventfully from the LDLT operation. The reconstructed portal vein was maintained well without any hemodynamic abnormalities. In conclusion, as CAPV patients can have various vascular anomalies, combined vascular anomalies should be thoroughly assessed before and during liver transplantation operation. The most effective reconstruction techniques should be used to achieve satisfactory results following liver transplantation.

An analysis of the outcomes in living donor liver transplantation for pediatric malignant hepatic tumors using nationwide survey data in Japan

Malignant hepatic tumors (MHTs) in children are rare and account for approximately 5% of candidates for pediatric liver transplantation (LT) in Japan. We conducted a national survey of pediatric patients undergoing living donor LT for MHTs between October 1990 and April 2018. In total, 116 children underwent LT for MHTs during this study period: 100 hepatoblastomas (HBLs), 10 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), and six other MHTs. The overall patient survival rate at 5 years was 81.3% for HBL, 60.0% for HCC, and 80.0% for other MHTs (P = 0.047). In patients with HBL, there was no significant difference in the 1- and 5-year patient survival rates between patients undergoing primary LT and those who received salvage LT for tumor recurrence (89.7%, 81.6% vs. 88.0%, 76%; P = 0.526). The 5-year overall survival rate after LT for HBL significantly improved from 63.2% in 1996-2008 to 89.8% in 2009-2018 (P = 0.018). The presence of lung metastasis before LT had no significant influence on the long-term survival (P = 0.742). Five patients with HCC died, including two who fell outside the Milan criteria. In conclusion, LT for pediatric MHTs, especially HBL, is a valuable treatment option for select patients.

Longterm Outcome of Liver Transplantation for Congenital Extrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt

Liver transplantation (LT) is often viewed as the last resort for the treatment of congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (CEPS) due to advancement of imaging and interventional radiology techniques. However, some patients still require LT, and criteria for LT are yet to be determined. We conducted a national survey of patients undergoing LT for CEPS between June 1998 and August 2018 and evaluated the clinical data and outcomes with a review of previously reported patients from the English-language medical literature. A total of 26 patients underwent LT in Japan at a median age of 5.2 years old. The most common indications for LT were persistent hyperammonemia (54%) and liver mass (50%), followed by pulmonary complications (38%). Pulmonary complications in all patients, including intrapulmonary shunt and pulmonary hypertension (PH), were improved after LT. Regarding the 29 previously reported patients in the English-language literature, a liver nodule (49%), including hepatoblastoma and hepatocellular carcinoma, was the most common indication for LT, followed by pulmonary complications (34%). A total of 25 (96%) patients in our survey and 26 (90%) patients in the literature review were alive with a median follow-up period of 9.5 and 1.6 years, respectively. Although LT has a limited role in management of CEPS, our study indicated that LT was safe as an alternative treatment for select patients with malignant tumor or pulmonary complications and those with complications related to new portosystemic collateral vessels after shunt closure, such as PH or hepatopulmonary syndrome.

Congenital absence of the portal vein: translated version

Congenital portosystemic shunt (CPS) is classified into type I (congenital absence of the portal vein) and type II, depending on the presence or absence of the intrahepatic portal vein. Reports still exist on cases in which psychiatric diseases or mental retardation was diagnosed or cases in which diagnosis and treatment are not performed until severe pulmonary complications occur, indicating the need to recognize CPS. Herein, we reviewed epidemiology, etiology, classification, symptom, diagnosis, and treatment based on clinical view points of CPS. For clinical view points, classification according to (1) the presence or absence of the intrahepatic portal venous system (IPVS) and (2) the extrahepatic or intrahepatic of shunt sites, facilitates the understanding of pathophysiological conditions and is useful in selecting a treatment for symptomatic CPS. Radiological and pathological examinations are important in IPVS evaluations, and IPVS evaluations are currently essential to make diagnoses by portography with balloon occlusion and liver biopsy. Symptomatic CPS (hepatic nodular lesions, portosystemic encephalopathy, and pulmonary complications, etc.) is an indication of treatment by shunt closure, but an indication of treatment for asymptomatic CPS is the challenge going forward.

Live donor liver transplantation for a child presented with severe hepatopulmonary syndrome and nodular liver lesions due to Abernethy malformation

A 15-year-old boy first presented with severe lung lesions and hypoxia and he was considered as a lung transplant candidate. Upon evaluation, hepatopulmonary syndrome, multiple nodular liver lesions, and Abernethy type 1b malformation were diagnosed. The patient underwent successful right lobe live donor liver transplantation, and all of the symptoms disappeared soon after the transplant. He is currently alive and well with excellent liver and lung functions 4 years after surgery.

Surgical strategy according to the anatomical types of congenital portosystemic shunts in children

BACKGROUND

Congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) with intrahepatic portal vein (IHPV) hypoplasia or absence cause encephalopathy or pulmonary hypertension (PH). Acute shunt closure may result in postoperative portal hypertension. The aim of this study was to propose a surgical strategy according to the anatomical types of CPSS and IHPV.

METHODS

Twenty-three CPSS patients were diagnosed from1990 to 2015. All patients were evaluated by computed tomography, angiography, and PV pressure monitoring under a shunt occlusion test. CPSS were categorized into 5 types according to the anatomical shunt location.

RESULTS

The median age at diagnosis was 34months. Three of 23 total patients, who had an extrahepatic portosystemic shunt with a hypoplastic IHPV, died before treatment initiation because of severe PH. Fourteen cases received surgical or interventional treatment at the median age of 5years. A total of 6 cases received surgical therapy, including liver transplants for 2 absent IHPV cases. The remaining 8 cases received interventional coiling. All shunt ligations were successfully accomplished in 1-stage ligation without any complications. After the treatment, the hypoplastic IHPV gradually enlarged with an efficient portal inflow.

CONCLUSION

A precise pretreatment anatomical evaluation of CPSS and IHPV types is mandatory for the selection of surgical treatment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Diagnostic study - level II and treatment study - level III.

Liver transplantation in an adult with adenomatosis and congenital absence of the portal vein: a case report

Congenital absence of the portal vein (CAPV) is a rare congenital anomaly in which the superior mesenteric veins (SMV) and splenic veins converge and bypass the liver, effectively draining directly into the systemic venous circulation via the inferior vena cava (IVC), or alternatively the renal or iliac vein, creating a native portosystemic shunt. Portosystemic shunting results in clinical manifestations of hepatic encephalopathy as well as a predisposition to focal nodular hyperplasia and tumors, including adenomas, hepatoblastoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), by the disruption of enterohepatic blood flow. Historically, CAPV has been thought to be a rare condition found mainly at autopsy, however, in recent years due to advances in radiological techniques, CAPV detection has increased. Herein we describe a patient with known CAPV who initially underwent hepatic resection for HCC. During surveillance, additional masses were discovered and were identified as recurrent HCC. Unfortunately, this patient was not a candidate for further resection or locoregional therapy. We demonstrate that transplantation is a challenging but technically viable option for treatment of HCC complicating adenomatosis-associated CAPV.

Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Unresectable Liver Adenomatosis Associated with Congenital Absence of Portal Vein: A Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Abernethy malformation (AM), or congenital absence of portal vein (CAPV), is a very rare disease which tends to be associated with the development of benign or malignant tumors, usually in children or young adults.

CASE REPORT

We report the case of a 21-year-old woman diagnosed with type Ib AM (portal vein draining directly into the inferior vena cava) and unresectable liver adenomatosis. The patient presented mild liver dysfunction and was largely asymptomatic. Living donor liver transplantation was performed using a left hemiliver graft from her mother. Postoperatively, the patient attained optimal liver function and at 9-month follow-up has returned to normal life.

CONCLUSIONS

We consider that living donor liver transplantation is the best therapeutic solution for AM associated with unresectable liver adenomatosis, especially because compared to receiving a whole liver graft, the waiting time on the liver transplantation list is much shorter.

Congenital absence of the portal vein associated with focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver and congenital heart disease (Abernethy malformation): A case report and literature review

Abernethy malformation is a rare congenital malformation defined by an extrahepatic portosystemic shunt. The majority of affected patients are young (<18 years of age) and experience various symptoms, including vomiting, jaundice, dyspnea and coma. The current study presents a case of Abernethy malformation in an asymptomatic adult male patient. The patient exhibited congenital absence of the portal vein, congenital heart disease (postoperative ventricular septal defect status), and multiple liver lesions, confirmed to be focal nodular hyperplasia by biopsy. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging findings revealing the liver lesions, type II congenital absence of the portal vein and the portosystemic shunt are presented. In addition, the common clinical presentations, associated anomalies, diagnostic workup and treatment options of this disorder are investigated by reviewing 101 previously reported cases.

Congenital portosystemic shunt: characterization of a multisystem disease

OBJECTIVES

Congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSSs) are rare but increasingly recognized as a cause of important multisystem morbidity. We present new cases and a systematic literature review and propose an algorithm for the identification and care of affected patients.

METHODS

We reviewed the charts of consecutive patients seen in our pediatric liver clinic between 2003 and 2010 and systematically reviewed the literature of cases with CPSS.

RESULTS

We identified 316 published cases and 12 patients in our own clinic. Of the published cases (177 male), 185 had an extrahepatic and 131 an intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Diagnosis was made at any age, from prenatal to late adulthood. Cardiac anomalies were found in 22% of patients. The main complications were hyperammonemia/neurological abnormalities (35%), liver tumors (26%), and pulmonary hypertension or hepatopulmonary syndrome (18%). The spectrum of neurological involvement ranged from changes in brain imaging, subtle abnormalities on neuropsychological testing, through learning disabilities to overt encephalopathy. Spontaneous shunt closure occurred mainly in infants with intrahepatic shunts. Therapeutic interventions included shunt closure by surgery or interventional radiology techniques (35%) and liver transplantation (10%) leading to an improvement of symptoms in the majority. These findings mirror the observations in our own patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In this largest review of the reported clinical experience, we identify that children with CPSS may present with otherwise unexplained developmental delay, encephalopathy, pulmonary hypertension, hypoxemia, or liver tumors. When CPSS is diagnosed, children should be screened for all of these complications. Spontaneous closure of intrahepatic shunts may occur in infancy. Closure of the shunt is indicated in symptomatic patients and is associated with a favorable outcome.

The role of liver transplantation for congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt

BACKGROUND

Congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (CEPS) is reported more frequently because of advances in imaging techniques. Liver transplantation (LT) is a therapeutic option, although the indications for LT are still controversial.

METHODS

This study reviewed 34 cases of LT for CEPS, including 30 cases reported in the English medical literature and the patients treated in our department, to collect the clinical data associated with LT.

RESULTS

The median age at diagnosis and LT was 3.7 and 6.8 years, respectively. Hepatic encephalopathy, including persistent hyperammonemia, was the most common indication of LT. Pulmonary complications, including hepatopulmonary syndrome and pulmonary hypertension, were the second most common indications of LT, and those patients underwent LT soon after the diagnosis. Although a shunt directly draining into the inferior vena cava was the most common type and managed by a simple direct anastomosis of the portal vein at LT, some cases required the modification of the portal vein reconstruction, such as interposition. Thirty patients were alive with a median follow-up period of 18 months.

CONCLUSIONS

LT for CEPS showed an excellent outcome. The development of pulmonary complications is an early indication for LT. Precise planning of portal vein reconstruction is required before LT.

Integrating repopulation and regeneration of the auxiliarily transplanted small liver graft: the solution for organ shortage and immunosuppression

Cirrhosis is a common yet generally irreversible medical condition which would cause damaged liver function and regeneration after resection. When the disease progressed to end stage, liver transplantation, cadaveric or live donor, would be the only way to eliminate the disease. But both have their confinements, such as organ shortage, detriments to the donors, and immunosuppression. Now that the techniques of auxiliary transplantation are in practice, and the phenomenon of graft repopulated by cells of host origin has been observed, and that elevated blood inflow would stimulate the regenerative response, the combination of the three might give rise to a non-immunogeneic customized liver. We hypotheses that it can be achieved through a auxiliary transplantation of a extremely small but normal graft combined with progressive portal control on the portal inflow of the native liver to induce atrophy of the cirrhotic liver and the regeneration of the graft, as well as postoperative administration of bone marrow mobilizing agents and reduced administration of immunosuppressants to initiate repopulation. This will not only solve the issue of organ shortage as one organ can be shared by more, and in case of live donor, less detriments would occur due to reduced size needed; but diminish, even eliminate the adverse effect caused by immunosuppression as well.

Abernethy malformation complicated by hepatopulmonary syndrome and a liver mass successfully treated by liver transplantation

A seven-yr-old boy presented with persistent oxygen requirement following a respiratory infection. Physical exam was remarkable for orthodeoxia and digital clubbing. Laboratory evaluation showed elevated A-a oxygen gradient of 48 mmHg and mildly elevated transaminases. Sonography showed a 13 cm multilobulated liver mass and a biopsy revealed histological findings consistent with focal nodular hyperplasia. MAA scan revealed 23% right to left shunting. Abdominal CTA and MRV demonstrated the absence of the intrahepatic portal vein with an extrahepatic portocaval shunt. Abernethy malformation is a rare anomalous intra- or extrahepatic communication between portal blood flow and systemic venous return. In rare cases, Abernethy malformation results in HPS. Ours is the sixth case report to describe the co-existence of these two entities. Surgical correction of anomalous hepatic vasculature or liver transplant is imperative to restoration of lung function and also to prevent progression of possible malignant liver tumors. We describe the second patient with Abernethy and HPS who underwent liver transplant with complete resolution of HPS.

The role of operative intervention in management of congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (CEPS) is a rare venous malformation in which mesenteric venous blood drains directly into the systemic circulation. It is still a matter of debate whether conservative or operative strategies should be used to treat symptomatic CEPS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of operative intervention in the management of CEPS.

METHODS

Between June 2004 and August 2010, 6 consecutive patients with symptomatic CEPS were treated in our department. There were 3 male and 3 female patients, with a median age of 3.5 years (range, 1-8). Their demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were analyzed. All patients were scheduled to undergo shunt ligation or liver transplantation (LT).

RESULTS

Living donor LT was carried out in 4 patients, and shunt ligation in 2. After a median follow-up of 25 months, all the patients are alive currently with marked relief of symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Shunt ligation or LT for symptomatic CEPS is potentially curative.

Pediatric orthotopic living-donor liver transplantation cures pulmonary hypertension caused by Abernethy malformation type Ib

A 3.3-yr-old boy was diagnosed with PH caused by a PSS of Abernethy malformation type Ib. After control of PH, he underwent OLDLT at 4.9 yr. His PV flowed directly into the confluence of the CCLMHV and the IVC. To shorten the anhepatic phase, hepatic arterial flow was partially maintained. Removal of the native liver began simultaneously with the graft harvest. The proximal PV was cut at the optimal point for reconstruction. The distal PV was cut at the concrescence of the PV and the CCLMHV. After IVC-plasty, the LHV of the graft was attached with an anterior patch by venous grafting and was then anastomosed to the IVC. Although the mPAP temporarily increased above the mean arterial pressure, mPAP was stable during OLDLT. FNH and steatosis were confirmed histopathologically. In summary, pediatric OLDLT was performed successfully in PH caused by PSS.

Shunt diameter in agenesis of the ductus venosus with extrahepatic portosystemic shunt impacts on prognosis

OBJECTIVES

Agenesis of the ductus venosus (ADV) is a rare condition in which there are two variants of umbilical vein drainage: intrahepatic shunt or extrahepatic (portosystemic) shunt. It has been posited that the extrahepatic variant carries a poorer prognosis. However, in the absence of associated anomalies there is still a wide variation in outcome. We evaluated the portal system in cases of ADV and aimed to identify parameters that might predict outcome.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of cases of ADV with extrahepatic shunt that had been examined in two centers, and collected new cases prospectively. The route of the shunt was depicted using two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound imaging. In an attempt to characterize portal system and shunt developmental variations and their possible impact on outcome, the diameter of the shunt was compared with the diameter of the umbilical vein and the entire portal vasculature was assessed. Poor outcome was defined as persistent morbidity or fetal or neonatal death.

RESULTS

Twenty-two cases of ADV were identified: nine retrospectively and 13 prospectively. Aberrant shunts from the umbilical vein were identified to the right atrium, coronary sinus, inferior vena cava (IVC) and iliac vein. In seven of 22 cases (32%) a wide connection was observed. In six of these seven cases (86%) the outcome was poor, including four with severe associated anomalies and two with hepatic dysfunction. In five of these cases, cardiomegaly with tricuspid regurgitation was observed, as well as underdevelopment of the portal system. In only five of 15 cases with a narrow shunt (33%) was the outcome poor, and in all five cases the poor outcome was related to associated anomalies.

CONCLUSION

In cases of ADV with extrahepatic shunt, portal system development is impacted by the diameter of the shunt. If the shunt is narrow, the portal system will have developed normally. A wide shunt is associated with underdevelopment or absence of the portal system. In cases of ADV with extrahepatic shunt, prognosis is determined by the severity of associated anomalies, the diameter of the shunt and development of the portal system.

Auxiliary partial orthotopic living donor liver transplantation with a small-for-size graft for congenital absence of the portal vein

Congenital absence of the portal vein (CAPV) with an extrahepatic portosystemic shunt is a rare malformation; the completely absent type, Abernethy malformation type I, is especially rare. Liver transplantation for CAPV type I has been recently recognized as the only curative operation, but few reports have been published so far; meanwhile, auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation (APOLT) has been proposed to be a very effective option, especially for pediatric patients. Here we present an 18-year-old adult patient with CAPV, asplenia, and an iliac shunt vessel who was managed successfully with APOLT using a small-for-size graft. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first adult patient who has experienced success with APOLT for CAPV. This is a feasible procedure: it not only fulfills the metabolic demands of the liver for adult patients but also potentially cures CAPV.

Clinical classification of congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts

AIM

Congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (CEPS) is a rare anomaly in which the enteric blood bypasses the liver and drains into the systemic veins through various venous shunts. Patients with CEPS often have liver tumors and complications such as cardiac or other anomalies, but portosystemic encephalopathy and gastrointestinal bleeding occur only occasionally. The clinical problems differ for each individual with CEPS, and establishing a prognosis can be very difficult.

METHODS

We reviewed the clinical features of 136 reported cases of CEPS and classified these cases according to their portosystemic shunts.

RESULTS

We classified portal blood flow directly into the inferior vena cava (IVC) as type A (88 cases), portal blood flow into the renal vein as type B (36 cases), and portal blood flow into the iliac vein via an inferior mesenteric vein as type C (12 cases). Type A patients were complicated with cardiac anomalies at a higher rate than other types. Type C patients had lower prevalences of cardiac anomalies and portosystemic encephalopathy than the other types, but the prevalence of gastrointestinal bleeding was significantly higher (P < 0.0001). The prognosis of CEPS has improved, and only six deaths have been previously reported, all of which occurred in type A patients.

CONCLUSIONS

We reviewed the previously reported cases of CEPS. Classification according to the portosystemic shunt system might be useful for investigating the clinical features of CEPS.

Successful living donor liver transplant in a child with Abernethy malformation with biliary atresia, ventricular septal defect and intrapulmonary shunting

Congenital portosystemic shunts are the anomalies in which the mesenteric venous drainage bypasses the liver and drains directly into the systemic circulation. This is a report of a rare case of LDLT in a four-yr old male child suffering with biliary atresia (post-failed Kasai procedure) associated with (i) a large congenital CEPSh from the spleno-mesentric confluence to the LHV, (ii) intrapulmonary shunts, (iii) perimembranous VSD. The left lobe graft was procured from the mother of the child. Recipient IVC and the shunt vessel were preserved during the hepatectomy, and the caval and shunt clamping were remarkably short while performing the HV and portal anastomosis. Post-operative course was uneventful; intrapulmonary shunts regressed within three months after transplantation and currently after 18 months following transplant child is doing well with normal liver functions. CEPSh has been extensively discussed and all the published cases of liver transplantation for CEPSh were reviewed.

Insight into congenital absence of the portal vein: Is it rare?

Congenital absence of portal vein (CAPV) was a rare event in the past. However, the number of detected CAPV cases has increased in recent years because of advances in imaging techniques. Patients with CAPV present with portal hypertension (PH) or porto-systemic encephalopathy (PSE), but these conditions rarely occur until the patients grow up or become old. The patients usually visit doctors for the complications of venous shunts, hepatic or cardiac abnormalities detected by ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The etiology of this disease is not clear, but most investigators consider that it is associated with abnormal embryologic development of the portal vein. Usually, surgical intervention can relieve the symptoms and prevent occurrence of complications in CAPV patients. Moreover, its management should be stressed on a case-by-case basis, depending on the type or anatomy of the disease, as well as the symptoms and clinical conditions of the patient.

Resolution of hepatopulmonary syndrome after auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation in Abernethy malformation. A case report

Congenital absence of portal vein and extrahepatic portocaval shunt, also referred to as an Abernethy type 1, is a rare malformation of the mesenteric vasculature. A 9-year-old girl presented with dyspnea on exertion and orthodeoxia. A diagnosis of an Abernethy malformation type 1b and hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) was made, and she underwent auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation (APOLT). Symptoms and signs of HPS resolved 2 months after the operation. HPS in Abernethy syndrome is a manifestation of normal portal blood flow bypassing the liver and can be ameliorated by redirecting blood flow to a segment of liver with normal portal anatomy. APOLT is a feasible and successful surgical procedure for patients with Abernethy malformation and HPS.