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Barone M, Suppressa P, Viggiani MT, Lenato GM, Scardapane A, Chiumarulo L, Ambrosini N, Leo AD, Sabbà C. Minimal portosystemic encephalopathy: A new nosological entity in patients with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia. Eur J Intern Med 2021; 90:43-48. [PMID: 34020869 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2021.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Portosystemic shunts in Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) are often overlooked by conventional imaging although they could reduce hepatic clearance of gut-derived toxins. AIMS To evaluate, the presence of subclinical neurological alterations (SNAs), that we named "minimal portosystemic encephalopathy" (mPSE) in HHT patients without advanced liver disease (ALD). METHODS In this cross sectional study, consecutive HHT outpatients were firstly screened by critical flicker frequency (CFF) test (abnormal ≤39Hz), and the simplified animal naming test (S-ANT1) (abnormal <15) was used to confirm the diagnosis of mPSE. Furthermore, we evaluated the effect of lactulose administration on mPSE. Multi-slice CT, cerebral dynamic magnetic resonance, laboratory analyses and transient elastography were also used. RESULTS None of the 37 enrolled patients showed portosystemic shunts at imaging techniques. However, 33 patients had normal CFF values (CFF-) and 4 displayed CFF alterations (37.0±0.7Hz, CFF+). The S-ANT1 confirmed an impaired neurological performance (10.2±2.8) in CFF+ patients thus confirming the presence of mPSE. Noteworthy, lactulose administration determined a CFF increase (39.1±0.4Hz) and S-ANT1 normalization in these patients. Neither mPSE- nor mPSE+ patients had ALD and showed similar demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters. Finally, no mPSE+ patient showed radiologically-detectable brain vascular malformations or other brain abnormalities at imaging. CONCLUSIONS HHT patients represent a human model of mPSE secondary to portosystemic shunts escaping radiological detection. mPSE evaluation should be incorporated in HHT surveillance protocols since it can affect both health-related/social aspects and pharmacokinetics of orally administered drugs with a narrow therapeutic index and high hepatic first-pass uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Barone
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, (D.E.T.O.), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Policlinico University Hospital, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Suppressa
- "Frugoni" Internal Medicine Unit, Centre for Rare Diseases, Interdepartmental Centre for Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine (D.I.M.), VascERN HHT Reference Centre, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Policlinico University Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Viggiani
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, (D.E.T.O.), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Policlinico University Hospital, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Gennaro Mariano Lenato
- "Frugoni" Internal Medicine Unit, Centre for Rare Diseases, Interdepartmental Centre for Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine (D.I.M.), VascERN HHT Reference Centre, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Policlinico University Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Arnaldo Scardapane
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine-Radiology Unit, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Policlinico University Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Luigi Chiumarulo
- Neuroradiology Unit, Policlinico University Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Ambrosini
- "Frugoni" Internal Medicine Unit, Centre for Rare Diseases, Interdepartmental Centre for Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine (D.I.M.), VascERN HHT Reference Centre, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Policlinico University Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Alfredo Di Leo
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, (D.E.T.O.), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Policlinico University Hospital, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Carlo Sabbà
- "Frugoni" Internal Medicine Unit, Centre for Rare Diseases, Interdepartmental Centre for Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine (D.I.M.), VascERN HHT Reference Centre, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Policlinico University Hospital, Bari, Italy
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Lactulose to the Rescue: A Case of Toxic Hepatic Encephalopathy Caused by Portosystemic Shunting and Epistaxis in a Patient with Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia. Case Reports Hepatol 2019; 2019:7573408. [PMID: 31032126 PMCID: PMC6457288 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7573408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an uncommon autosomal dominant disorder characterized by telangiectasias and arteriovenous malformations. Multiple organ systems are involved including the skin, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and brain. Hepatic encephalopathy is an extremely rare complication of HHT and early diagnosis and treatment can be life-saving. We present a rare case of hepatic encephalopathy caused by HHT-induced portosystemic shunting treated with lactulose.
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Sacco KM, Barkley TW. Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia: A Primer for Critical Care Nurses. Crit Care Nurse 2018; 36:36-48. [PMID: 27252100 DOI: 10.4037/ccn2016270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is a rare, autosomal dominant genetic disease that causes abnormal growth of blood vessels and, subsequently, life-threatening arteriovenous malformations in vital organs. Epistaxis may be one of the initial clues that a patient has more serious, generalized arteriovenous malformations. Recommended treatment involves careful evaluation to determine the severity and risk of spontaneous rupture of the malformations and the management of various signs and symptoms. The disease remains undiagnosed in many patients, and health care providers may miss the diagnosis until catastrophic events happen in multiple family members. Prompt recognition of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and early intervention can halt the dangerous course of the disease. Critical care nurses can assist with early diagnosis within families with this genetic disease, thus preventing early death and disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M Sacco
- Kathleen M. Sacco is the director, Intensive Care Unit and Cardiopulmonary Services, Simi Valley Hospital, Simi Valley, California.Thomas W. Barkley, Jr, is president of Barkley and Associates, West Hollywood, California.
| | - Thomas W Barkley
- Kathleen M. Sacco is the director, Intensive Care Unit and Cardiopulmonary Services, Simi Valley Hospital, Simi Valley, California.Thomas W. Barkley, Jr, is president of Barkley and Associates, West Hollywood, California
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Martín-Llahí M, Albillos A, Bañares R, Berzigotti A, García-Criado MÁ, Genescà J, Hernández-Gea V, Llop-Herrera E, Masnou-Ridaura H, Mateo J, Navascués CA, Puente Á, Romero-Gutiérrez M, Simón-Talero M, Téllez L, Turon F, Villanueva C, Zarrabeitia R, García-Pagán JC. Enfermedades vasculares del hígado. Guías Clínicas de la Sociedad Catalana de Digestología y de la Asociación Española para el Estudio del Hígado. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2017; 40:538-580. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2017.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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13C Methacetin Breath Test for Assessment of Microsomal Liver Function: Methodology and Clinical Application. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2017; 2017:7397840. [PMID: 28757868 PMCID: PMC5516731 DOI: 10.1155/2017/7397840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Assessment of the liver function, and the need of constant monitoring of the organ's capacity, concerns not only patients with primary liver diseases, but also those at risk of hepatopathies secondary to other chronic diseases. Most commonly, the diagnostics is based on measurements of static biochemical parameters, which allow us to draw conclusions only indirectly about the function and the degree of damage of the organ. On the other hand, liver biopsy is an invasive procedure and therefore it is associated with a considerable risk of complications. Dynamic tests enable us to assess quantitatively the organ's functional reserve by analyzing the kinetics of the metabolization of the substrate by the liver. In practice applied are breath tests using substances such as aminopyrine, caffeine, methacetin, erythromycin (for assessment of the microsomal function); phenylalanine, galactose (for assessment of the cytosolic function); methionine, octanoate, ketoisocaproic acid (for assessment of the mitochondrial function). The test with 13C methacetin belongs to the best described and most widely applied methods in noninvasive liver function assessment. Due to the rising availability of this method, knowledge concerning its limitations and controversies regarding the methodology, as well as its usefulness in chosen groups of patients, seems to be vital.
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