Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension versus idiopathic portal hypertension

Histopathological features of idiopathic portal hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Portal hypertension (PH) is a clinically significant entity that could present with life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding. Cirrhosis is the most common cause of PH, with well-documented histopathology and etiology. However, in idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH), no single histopathologic finding is associated with PH. Our systematic review aims to identify and summarize the prevalence of the common histological findings of IPH.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Scopus till 1ST March 2022 for studies describing the histopathological features of IPH. Data were extracted from eligible studies and pooled as events rate and 95% confidence interval (CI) using binary random-effects model by open meta-analyst software.

RESULTS

We included 23 retrospective studies with a total sample size of 813 patients. The overall incidence of nodular regenerative hyperplasia was 38.6%, 59.8% for portal fibrosis, 51.3% for periportal fibrosis, 39.3% for perisinusoidal fibrosis, 89.8% for portal vein sclerosis, 42.2% for portal inflammation, 53.3% for mega-sinusoids, 39.5% for thickening of portal vein branches, 93.8% for narrowing of portal veins, 53.3% for hepatic veins/venous outflow obstruction, 51.4% for aberrant portal/periportal vessels, 42.4% for shunt vessel, 50.9% for ductular proliferation, and 16.3% for steatosis.

CONCLUSION

Due to the relatively non-pathognomonic and non-specific nature of IPH, a combination of different histological features such as the portal and periportal fibrosis, portal vein sclerosis, mega-sinusoids, narrowing of portal veins, hepatic venous outflow obstruction, aberrant portal or periportal vessels, and ductular proliferation may be of value in diagnosing IPH as the incidence rate of these features was at approximately 50%.

A Case of Non-cirrhotic Portal Hypertension With Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) and obliterative portal venopathy (OPV) are two causes of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH), which is a vascular liver disease wherein clinical signs of portal hypertension (PHT), such as esophageal varices, ascites, and splenomegaly develop in the absence of cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis. The etiology often remains unidentified, but herein we present the case of a 56-year-old male with NCPH and refractory ascites who underwent liver biopsy confirming NRH and OPV. Etiological workup revealed beta-2 glycoprotein-1 and anticardiolipin antibodies, concerning antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) despite no prior history of thrombosis. The patient underwent a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure for his refractory ascites and was started on prophylactic anticoagulation owing to a concern for APS with clinical improvement in his ascites and shortness of breath. Pursuing TIPS earlier in the setting of refractory ascites, as well as offering anticoagulation therapy for patients with possible APS to prevent the development of potential thromboses, could be appropriate recommendations to prevent complications in the disease course. This case report highlights the need for further investigations on the etiologies, diagnosis pathways, and treatment options for NCPH.

From Infection to Death: An Overview of the Pathogenesis of Visceral Leishmaniasis

Kala-azar, also known as visceral leishmaniasis (VL), is a disease caused by Leishmania infantum and L. donovani. Patients experience symptoms such as fever, weight loss, paleness, and enlarged liver and spleen. The disease also affects immunosuppressed individuals and has an overall mortality rate of up to 10%. This overview explores the literature on the pathogenesis of preclinical and clinical stages, including studies in vitro and in animal models, as well as complications and death. Asymptomatic infection can result in long-lasting immunity. VL develops in a minority of infected individuals when parasites overcome host defenses and multiply in tissues such as the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. Hepatosplenomegaly occurs due to hyperplasia, resulting from parasite proliferation. A systemic inflammation mediated by cytokines develops, triggering acute phase reactants from the liver. These cytokines can reach the brain, causing fever, cachexia and vomiting. Similar to sepsis, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) occurs due to tissue factor overexpression. Anemia, hypergammaglobulinemia, and edema result from the acute phase response. A regulatory response and lymphocyte depletion increase the risk of bacterial superinfections, which, combined with DIC, are thought to cause death. Our understanding of VL's pathogenesis is limited, and further research is needed to elucidate the preclinical events and clinical manifestations in humans.

HISTOPATHOLOGICAL, CLINICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL FEATURES OF HEPATOPORTAL SCLEROSIS IN A REFERRAL CENTER FOR LIVER DISEASE IN NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL

BACKGROUND

Hepatoportal sclerosis HPS or obliterative portal venopathy (OPV), one of the differential diagnoses for non-cirrohtic portal hypertension, is characterized by the disappearance of the portal branches, portal and septal fibrosis, perisinusoidal fibrosis and regenerative nodular hyperplasia (RNH). It is a spectral disease that may progress to severe portal hypertension. Its etiopathogenesis is still little understood, especially in Brazil, it has been probably misdiagnosed due to its histopatological similarities with the hepatosplenic form of schistosomiasis.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the profile of patients with HPS in Northeastern Brazil and to demonstrate the pathological characteristics of HPS.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed cases of OPV in liver biopsies and explants from a referral center for liver in Bahia - Brazil. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of the portal tracts and liver parenchyma was made so that comparisons could be done among the HPS findings of our population and the findings described by other authors.

RESULTS

From the 62 patients identified with HPS, 42% were male, while 58% were female. The average age at diagnosis was 48.3 years. From this group, we analyzed the liver biopsy of 10 patients whose diagnosis of schistosomiasis could be ruled out. From these 100% (10/10) presented dense portal fibrosis and portal venous obliteration. Liver parenchymal atrophy was present in 60% (6/10) of the patients, sinusoidal dilation was present in 30% (3/10), the presence of portal septa occurred in 50% (5/10) and dense portal fibrosis in all patients analyzed. Nodular regenerative hyperplasia was found in 30% (3/10) of the patients.

CONCLUSION

HPS seems to be neglected and misdiagnosed in Brazil, due to its similarities with schistossomiasis. In our study dense portal fibrosis, obliteration of the portal vein branches, parenchymal atrophy, sinusoidal dilatation and parenchymal nodular hyperplasia were the main histopathological findings and were similar to that described in other countries.

Histological analyses of trucut liver biopsies from patients with noncirrhotic portal fibrosis and extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction

Background

Both noncirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF) and extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) are important causes of noncirrhotic portal hypertension (PH) in the Asian region. In this study, we analyzed the histopathological changes of liver needle-core biopsies from patients with NCPF and EHPVO.

Patients and Methods

The patients were diagnosed as per the Asia Pacific Association for the Study of Liver (APASL) criteria. Minimum adequacy criteria for liver core biopsies were defined, and finally, 69 liver biopsies from patients with NCPF and 100 liver biopsies from patients with EHPVO were analyzed. All histological parameters were predefined, and three experienced pathologists analyzed the biopsies after reaching consensus. Institute ethics committee clearance was taken.

Results

Although some histological features were overlapping, phlebosclerosis of intra-hepatic branches of the portal vein (PV), periportal aberrant vascular channels, remnant portal tracts, and hepatic fibrosis beyond the portal tracts without the formation of complete hepatic nodules (P < 0.001 for all) were common histological characteristics of NCPF on core-needle liver biopsies; while maintained lobular architecture, nonspecific dilatation of PV branches, absence of intra-hepatic PV phlebosclerosis, aberrant vascular channels, and significant fibrosis were characteristics of EHPVO.

Conclusions

Despite the considerable histological overlap between NCPF and EHPVO, careful histological evaluation, supplemented by clinical features, radiological and biochemical findings can help in making a conclusive diagnosis. Patients with NCPF and EHPVO with clinical jaundice show transaminitis, high serum alkaline phosphatase level, more variceal bleed, and histological evidences of nodular regenerative hyperplasia.

A Case of Idiopathic Non-Cirrhotic Portal Hypertension in a Patient With a Left Ventricular Assist Device

Idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension is a rare diagnosis caused by an unknown etiology with elevated intrahepatic portal pressures in the absence of underlying liver disease. We present a unique case of a 57-year-old male with a left ventricular assist device and preserved right ventricular function that was found to have an elevated hepatic venous pressure gradient and sequelae of portal hypertension without underlying liver disease. There is limited treatment available as management is primarily aimed toward preventing complications of the disease. This case highlights the need for further investigative research of this disease entity and its pathogenesis.

Hematological Indices in Portal Hypertension: Cirrhosis versus Noncirrhotic Portal Hypertension

Portal hypertension (PHT) leads to several alterations on hematological indices (HI). The aim of the study is to investigate the differences in HI between cirrhotic subjects and subjects who have noncirrhotic PHT (NCPHT). This retrospective study included 328 patients with PHT (239 cirrhosis and 89 NCPHT). Demographic and clinical features, endoscopic and radiological findings, and HI including neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) at the time of PHT diagnosis were recorded. Severity of cirrhosis was assessed according to the Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) classification and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores. Hematological abnormalities were found in 92.5% of cirrhotic patients and in 55.1% of patients with NCPHT (p < 0.001). While thrombocytopenia was the most common HI in patients with cirrhosis, anemia was the most prevalent HI in NCPHT group. In the cirrhotic group, the NLR was the only parameter to differentiate each CTP group from two others. The NLR value increased with the severity of cirrhosis (2.28 ± 0.14 in CTP-A, 2.85 ± 0.19 in CTP-B and 3.26 ± 0.37 in CTP-C). The AUROC of NLR was 0.692 for differentiating compensated cirrhotic patients from decompensated. Hematological abnormalities are more prevalent and more severe in cirrhotic patients compared to patients with NCPHT. NLR may be used to assess the severity of cirrhosis.

Feasibility of transnasal endoscopy in screening for esophageal and gastric varices in patients with chronic liver disease

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

 Screening for esophageal and gastric varices is indicated for patients with portal hypertension or cirrhosis. Typically, conventional endoscopy is used; however, the need for sedation increases the costs and risks, especially in cirrhotic patients. Use of transnasal endoscopy with an ultrathin endoscope enables study of the upper gastrointestinal tract without the need for sedation. The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of transnasal endoscopy in screening for esophageal and gastric varices in patients with chronic liver disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a prospective study in which transnasal endoscopy was carried out in patients with cirrhosis or portal hypertension who had indications for screening of esophageal and gastric varices. The following variables were evaluated: demographical data, duration of procedure, patient tolerance and acceptance, adverse events (AEs), endoscopic findings and interobserver agreement related to portal hypertension alterations ( kappa index).

RESULTS

A total of 50 patients entered the study. The most common cause of liver disease was chronic viral hepatitis (66 %). Among the cirrhotic patients, most of the patients were Child-Pugh A (74 %). In 5 patients (10 %), nasal intubation was not possible. Two patients (4 %) experienced minor epistaxis. Tolerance was excellent or good in 92 % according with a visual analogic scale. In 16 patients (32 %), esophageal varices were detected and in 2 patients (4 %) gastric varices were detected. The mean duration of the procedure was 7 minutes.

CONCLUSIONS

Transnasal endoscopy is feasible, effective and well tolerated for screening of esophageal and gastric varices in patients with chronic liver disease. It can be performed in outpatient clinics safely and without the use of sedation.

Gastric Varices in Absence of Splenic Vein Thrombosis: A Rare Entity of Idiopathic Non-Cirrhotic Portal Hypertension

Idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (INCPH) is portal hypertension (PHT) without cirrhosis and other identifiable causes. Esophageal and gastric varices are seen in INCPH which are mostly asymptomatic. We present a rare case of symptomatic isolated gastric varices (IGV) in the setting of INCPH.

We report a case of a 60-year-old man who presented with an acute onset of hematemesis and no identifiable history. Upon further evaluation, he was found to have non-bleeding dilated gastric varices on esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and PHT without cirrhosis. Our patient is unique because he has symptomatic IGV and INCPH.

Diagnosis and treatment guidelines for aberrant portal hemodynamics: The Aberrant Portal Hemodynamics Study Group supported by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan

Idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH), causing aberrant portal hemodynamics, is a disease with an as yet unidentified cause and no established treatment protocol. The Japanese research group on IPH in Japan was set up in 1975 by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. Extrahepatic portal obstruction and Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) have since been added to the group's research subjects. The aims of the research group are to accurately evaluate the current status of the three diseases in Japan, elucidate their etiology and pathogenesis, and develop new treatments. Due to the long-term efforts of the Japanese research group, aberrant portal hemodynamics has been investigated in a variety of aspects, from epidemiological and pathological studies to molecular biology analyses. As a result, it has been shown that there are abnormal genes in the liver, specific for IPH. In addition, pathological findings of BCS were internationally compared and the difference in findings between Japan and Europe (or North America) has been clarified. Furthermore, it was found that complication rates of hepatocellular carcinoma in BCS were higher in Japan. Based on the research, "Diagnosis and treatment of aberrant portal hemodynamics (2001)", including diagnostic criteria for aberrant portal hemodynamics, was published in 2001. In 2013, it was revised to "Diagnosis and treatment guidelines for aberrant portal hemodynamics (2013)" after the incorporation of diagnosis and treatment in accordance with its current status.

Metabolomics as a diagnostic tool for idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (INCPH) is a rare life-threatening liver disease that lacks a specific diagnostic test being frequently misdiagnosed as cryptogenic cirrhosis. Preliminary data from our group identified a plasma metabolomic profile able to differentiate INCPH from patients with cirrhosis (CH) and healthy volunteers (HV). However, the untargeted methodology applied was unable to identify all the specific metabolites, hampering the possibility of building-up diagnostic models. This study applies a wide-coverage of previously identified metabolites through a high-throughput metabolomics technology, evaluating if there is a metabolomic profile that allows a non-invasive diagnosis of INCPH.

METHODS

We included 34 patients with INCPH, 34 with CH and 34 HV. We performed a targeted metabolomic analysis of serum samples using UPLC-MS. The best combination of a set of specific metabolites was obtained using stepwise logistic regression (LR) and recursive partitioning analysis (RPA).

RESULTS

After internal cross-validation, LR analysis identified a subset of 5-metabolites that clearly differentiate INCPH patients from CH and HV (average corrected optimism AUROC = 0.8871 [0.838-0.924]). Using high and low cut-off values the model has an excellent capacity to respectively diagnose or exclude INCPH. The RPA analysis strategy used the 3-metabolites signature differentiating INCPH from CH and the 2-metabolites signature differentiating INCPH from HV. A decision tree applying sequentially these metabolic profiles diagnosed 88% of INCPH patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Different metabolomic profiles allow the diagnosis of INCPH with high specificity and sensibility and may represent excellent clinical tools for its diagnosis avoiding multiple and invasive tests.

Well-tolerated portal hypertension and favorable prognosis in adult patients with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction in Japan

AIM

To evaluate the clinical features and prognoses in adult patients with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHO) from the aspect of portal hypertension during the last 20 years in Japan.

METHODS

There were 40 EHO patients (aged 21-77 years; mean ± standard deviation [SD], 54.6 ± 15.0). Clinical findings and prognoses were examined retrospectively during the median observation period of 71.6 months.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients (55%) showed positive signs of portal hypertension; 18 with esophageal varices (F0, one; F1, eight; F2, nine), two with gastric varices (F1, one; F2, one) and seven with mild ascites. Multivariate analysis showed that platelet count and spleen size were significant factors for the presence of gastroesophageal varices, with odds ratios of 0.989 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.980-0.997; P = 0.011) for platelet count and 1.003 (95% CI, 1.001-1.005; P = 0.003) for spleen size. Ten of 20 patients with gastroesophageal varices received primary prophylaxis and only one patient (10%) showed variceal recurrence. The cumulative overall survival rate was 100% at 1 year, 94.2% at 3-7 years and 68.7% at 10 years. The cumulative survival rates did not differ between the patients with and without gastroesophageal varices, with and without ascites, and patterns of portal cavernoma at baseline.

CONCLUSION

Forty-five percent of adult EHO patients in Japan were free from signs of portal hypertension, and platelet count and spleen size are predictive for identifying patients with gastroesophageal varices. EHO patients with gastroesophageal varices show favorable prognoses comparable to those without, if primary/secondary prophylaxis was performed appropriately.

Natural history and management of esophagogastric varices in chronic noncirrhotic, nontumoral portal vein thrombosis

In patients with chronic noncirrhotic, nontumoral portal vein thrombosis (PVT), the usually recommended strategy for endoscopic screening and management of varices is the same as in cirrhosis. However, the efficacy of this policy in patients with PVT is unknown. We assessed the course of gastroesophageal varices in a large cohort of patients with chronic PVT. Patients prospectively registered in two referral centers for vascular liver disorders were eligible for the study. Endpoints were development and growth of varices and the incidence and outcome of portal hypertension-related bleeding. Included were 178 patients with chronic PVT. Median follow-up was 49 (1-598) months. Variceal bleeding was the initial manifestation in 27 (15%) patients. Initial endoscopy in the remaining 151 patients showed no varices in 52 (34%), small esophageal varices in 28 (19%), large esophageal varices (LEVs) in 60 (40%), and gastric varices without LEVs in 11 (7%). Ascites and splenomegaly were independent predictors for the presence of varices. In patients without varices, the probability of developing them was 2%, 22%, and 22% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. In those with small esophageal varices, growth to LEVs was observed in 13%, 40%, and 54% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. In patients with LEVs on primary prophylaxis, probability of bleeding was 9%, 20%, and 32% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Nine (5%) patients died after a median 51 (8-280) months, only one due to variceal bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

The course of varices in chronic noncirrhotic, nontumoral PVT appears to be similar to that in cirrhosis; using the same therapeutic approach as for cirrhosis is associated with a low risk of bleeding and death.

Idiopathic Noncirrhotic Portal Hypertension: An Appraisal

Idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension is a poorly defined clinical condition of unknown etiology. Patients present with signs and symptoms of portal hypertension without evidence of cirrhosis. The disease course appears to be indolent and benign with an overall better outcome than cirrhosis, as long as the complications of portal hypertension are properly managed. This condition has been recognized in different parts of the world in diverse ethnic groups with variable risk factors, resulting in numerous terminologies and lack of standardized diagnostic criteria. Therefore, although the diagnosis of idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension requires clinical exclusion of other conditions that can cause portal hypertension and histopathologic confirmation, this entity is under-recognized clinically as well as pathologically. Recent studies have demonstrated that variable histopathologic entities with different terms likely represent a histologic spectrum of a single entity of which obliterative portal venopathy might be an underlying pathogenesis. This perception calls for standardization of the nomenclature and formulation of widely accepted diagnostic criteria, which will facilitate easier recognition of this disorder and will highlight awareness of this entity.

Comprehensive Screening of Gene Function and Networks by DNA Microarray Analysis in Japanese Patients with Idiopathic Portal Hypertension

The functions of genes involved in idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) remain unidentified. The present study was undertaken to identify the functions of genes expressed in blood samples from patients with IPH through comprehensive analysis of gene expression using DNA microarrays. The data were compared with data from healthy individuals to explore the functions of genes showing increased or decreased expression in patients with IPH. In cluster analysis, no dominant probe group was shown to differ between patients with IPH and healthy controls. In functional annotation analysis using the Database for Annotation Visualization and Integrated Discovery tool, clusters showing dysfunction in patients with IPH involved gene terms related to the immune system. Analysis using network-based pathways revealed decreased expression of adenosine deaminase, ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 4, ATP-binding cassette, subfamily C, member 1, transforming growth factor-β, and prostaglandin E receptor 2; increased expression of cytochrome P450, family 4, subfamily F, polypeptide 3, and glutathione peroxidase 3; and abnormalities in the immune system, nucleic acid metabolism, arachidonic acid/leukotriene pathways, and biological processes. These results suggested that IPH involved compromised function of immunocompetent cells and that such dysfunction may be associated with abnormalities in nucleic acid metabolism and arachidonic acid/leukotriene-related synthesis/metabolism.

Differential Clinical Impact of Ascites in Cirrhosis and Idiopathic Portal Hypertension

Cirrhosis and idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) are 2 major diseases showing portal hypertension. However, characteristics and outcomes of IPH with ascites have not yet been determined. The aim of the study was to examine the influence of ascites on the long-term clinical course of IPH.This observational study compared the long-term clinical findings including portal hemodynamics demonstrated by Doppler ultrasonography between 166 cirrhosis (87 males and 79 females; mean age ± standard deviation, 62.5 ± 11.8 years; age range, 20-89 years) and 14 IPH patients (3 males and 11 females; mean age ± standard deviation, 64.2 ± 6.6 years; age range, 51-78 years). Both groups comprised of consecutive patients from November 2007 through February 2013 and were studied retrospectively. The median observation period was 33.4 months for ascites and 34.5 months for survival.Ascites was detected in 60/166 (36.1%) and 116/166 (69.9%) cirrhosis patients and in 7/14 (50%) and 9/14 (64.3%) IPH patients, at baseline and at the end of the observation period, respectively. The cumulative incidence of ascites was 12.3% at 1 year, 35.9% at 3 years, and 59.9% at 5 years in cirrhosis, and 25% at 3 years, and 50% at 5 years in IPH (P = 0.36). Deterioration of ascites in patients showing mild ascites at baseline was found in 32.4% of cirrhosis patients and 42.9% of IPH patients (P = 0.41). Serum creatinine (mg/dl) at baseline was significantly higher in IPH patients who developed ascites (n = 2, 0.74 ± 0.14) than in those who did not (n = 5, 0.526 ± 0.06, P = 0.029). The overall survival rate appeared to favor IPH (100% at 1 year, 92.9% at 3 and 5 years; P = 0.2) more than cirrhosis (87.7% at 1 year, 75.2% at 3 years, and 63.6% at 5 years), but did not reach statistical significance. However, in patients with ascites at baseline, the survival rate was significantly better in IPH (100% at 1, 3, and 5 years, P = 0.04) than in cirrhosis (69.1% at 1 year, 43% at 3 years, 34.4% at 5 years).The presence of ascites at baseline correlated with worse survival rates in patients with cirrhosis as compared to those with IPH as the underlying etiology.

Idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension: a review

Idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (INCPH) is a rare disease characterized of intrahepatic portal hypertension in the absence of cirrhosis or other causes of liver disease and splanchnic venous thrombosis. The etiology of INCPH can be classified in five categories: 1) immunological disorders (i.e. association with common variable immunodeficiency syndrome, connective tissue diseases, Crohn’s disease, etc.), 2) chronic infections, 3) exposure to medications or toxins (e.g. azathioprine, 6- thioguanine, arsenic), 4) genetic predisposition (i.e. familial aggregation and association with Adams-Oliver syndrome and Turner disease) and 5) prothrombotic conditions (e.g. inherited thrombophilias myeloproliferative neoplasm antiphospholipid syndrome). Roughly, INCPH diagnosis is based on clinical criteria and the formal exclusion of any other causes of portal hypertension. A formal diagnosis is based on the following criteria: 1) presence of unequivocal signs of portal hypertension, 2) absence of cirrhosis, advanced fibrosis or other causes of chronic liver diseases, and 3) absence of thrombosis of the hepatic veins or of the portal vein at imaging. Patients with INCPH usually present with signs or symptoms of portal hypertension such as gastro-esophageal varices, variceal bleeding or splenomegaly. Ascites and/or liver failure can occur in the context of precipitating factors. The development of portal vein thrombosis is common. Survival is manly limited by concomitant disorders. Currently, treatment of INCPH relies on the prevention of complications related to portal hypertension, following current guidelines of cirrhotic portal hypertension. No treatment has been studied aimed to modify the natural history of the disease. Anticoagulation therapy can be considered in patients who develop portal vein thrombosis.

Multiple comet tail artifacts in the liver: a case of congenital hepatic fibrosis showing unusual biliary appearance

Congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF) is a form of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease. Because of the common underlying pathophysiology of ductal plate malformation, CHF can be accompanied by an abnormal biliary appearance, which is characterized by a saccular or fusiform dilatation of the bile ducts. We encountered the case of a 35-year-old man suffering from CHF concomitant with esophageal varices, which were treated by endoscopic sclerotherapy. The patient had elevated serum concentrations of alkaline phosphatase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase without apparent biliary disease, including hepatolithiasis or a history of cholangitis. Magnetic resonance cholangiography showed an abnormal biliary appearance, which was not saccular or fusiform but had multiple stenosis with unknown causes. B-mode sonogram showed multiple comet tail artifacts in the liver parenchyma, probably corresponding to the compact fibrosis bands and bile in the bile duct as well as peripheral bile duct dilatation, which was proven pathologically. We propose that multiple comet tail artifacts in the liver may suggest the presence of a bile duct abnormality in patients with CHF, suggesting the potential risk for developing biliary complications.

Idiopathic non cirrhotic portal hypertension and spleno-portal axis abnormalities in patients with severe primary antibody deficiencies

Background and Aim. Portal hypertension has been reported in association with acquired and primary immune deficiencies without a comprehensive description of associated spleno-portal axis abnormalities. Pathological mechanisms are poorly defined. Methods. Observational, single centre study with the aim of assessing the prevalence of spleno-portal axis abnormalities in an unselected cohort of 123 patients with primary antibody deficiencies and without known causes of liver diseases regularly followed up for a mean time of 18 ± 14 years. A cumulative period of 1867 patients-year was analysed. Clinical and immunological data, abdominal ultrasounds, CT scans, and endoscopy features were included in the analysis. Results. Twenty-five percent of patients with primary antibody deficiencies had signs of portal vein enlargement but only 4% of them had portal hypertension, with portal systemic collaterals. Liver biopsies showed liver sinusoids congestive dilatation, endothelization, and micronodularity fulfilling the criteria for noncirrhotic portal hypertension. Patients with portal vein enlargement had severe clinical and immunological phenotypes. Conclusions. In primary antibody deficient patients, infections, inflammations, splenomegaly, increased blood venous flow, and lymphocyte abnormalities contribute to establishment of liver damage possibly leading to noncirrhotic portal hypertension. Patients with primary antibody deficiency should be considered a good model to give insight into the pathological mechanisms underlying noncirrhotic portal hypertension.

Immune Components of Liver Damage Associated with Connective Tissue Diseases

Autoimmune connective tissue diseases are associated with liver abnormalities and often have overlapping pathological and clinical manifestations. As a result, they can present great clinical challenges and evoke questions about diagnostic criteria for liver diseases. Moreover, discriminating between liver involvement as a manifestation of connective tissue disease and primary liver disease can be challenging since they share a similar immunological mechanism. Most patients with connective tissue diseases exhibit liver test abnormalities that likely result from coexisting, primary liver diseases, such as fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, autoimmune hepatitis, and drug-related liver toxicity. Liver damage can be progressive, leading to cirrhosis, complications of portal hypertension, and liver-related death, and, therefore, must be accurately identified. In this review, we highlight the challenges facing the diagnosis of liver damage associated with connective tissue disease and identify immune mechanisms involved in liver damage associated with connective tissue diseases.

Obliterative portal venopathy: a clinical and histopathological review

Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) is characterized by the elevation of the portal pressure in the absence of cirrhosis. Obliterative portal venopathy (OPV) as a cause of NCPH is being increasingly diagnosed, especially after recent reports of its occurrence in patients with HIV using didanosine. Patients usually present with episodes of variceal hemorrhage and other features of portal hypertension including jaundice, ascites, encephalopathy and hepatopulmonary syndrome. Hepatic synthetic function is typically well preserved and the laboratory evaluation in OPV patients typically reveals only mild nonspecific hematological abnormalities chiefly related to hypersplenism. Its diagnosis remains a challenge and patients are often mistakenly diagnosed as having cirrhosis. Despite the increasing recognition of OPV, its etiology and pathogenesis are still unclear. A number of etiologies have been proposed including genetic predisposition, recurrent bacterial infections, HIV infection and highly active antiretroviral therapy, an altered immune response, hypercoagulability, and exposure to chemicals and certain medications. Histopathological evaluation remains critical in excluding cirrhosis and other causes of portal hypertension, and is the only way of definitively establishing the diagnosis of OPV. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for OPV in patients who present with variceal bleeding and splenomegaly and who do not have other features of cirrhosis. The purpose of this review is to summarize the known etiologies for OPV and its associated clinical aspects and correlations, and to also provide ample histophotomicrographs of OPV to aid in the diagnosis. It will also help raise awareness of this entity amongst pathologists and clinicians alike.

Metabolomics discloses potential biomarkers for the noninvasive diagnosis of idiopathic portal hypertension

OBJECTIVES

Idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) is a rare cause of portal hypertension that lacks a specific diagnostic test. Requiring ruling-out other causes of portal hypertension it is frequently misdiagnosed. This study evaluates whether using high-throughput techniques there is a metabolomic profile allowing a noninvasive diagnosis of IPH.

METHODS

Thirty-three IPH patients were included. Matched patients with cirrhosis (CH) and healthy volunteers (HV) were included as controls. Metabolomic analysis of plasma samples was performed using UPLC-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry. We computed Student's P-values, corrected by multiple comparison and VIP score (Variable Importance in the Projection). The metabolites were selected with an adjusted Benjamini Hochberg P value <0.05. We use markers with a greater VIP score, to build partial least squares projection to latent structures regression with discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) representative models to discriminate IPH from CH and from HV. The performance of the PLS-DA model was evaluated using R(2) and Q(2) parameter. An additional internal cross-validation was done.

RESULTS

PLS-DA analysis showed a clear separation of IPH from CH with a model involving 28 metabolites (Q(2)=0.67, area under the curve (AUC)=0.99) and a clear separation of IPH from healthy subjects with a model including 31 metabolites (Q(2)=0.75, AUC=0.98). After cross-validation, both models showed high rates of sensitivity (94.8 and 97.5), specificity (89.1 and 89.7), and AUC (0.98 and 0.98), reinforcing the strength of our findings.

CONCLUSIONS

A metabolomic profile clearly differentiating patients with IPH from CH and healthy subjects has been identified using subsets of 28 and 31 metabolites, respectively. Therefore, metabolomic analysis appears to be a valuable tool for the noninvasive diagnosis of IPH.

Role of hepatic vein catheterisation and transient elastography in the diagnosis of idiopathic portal hypertension

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic portal hypertension is a rare cause of portal hypertension, frequently misdiagnosed as cryptogenic cirrhosis. This study evaluates specific findings at hepatic vein catheterisation or liver stiffness in idiopathic portal hypertension.

METHODS

39 cases of idiopathic portal hypertension patients were retrospectively reviewed. Hepatic vein catheterisation and liver stiffness measurements were compared to matched patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension, and non-cirrhotic portal vein thrombosis, included as controls.

RESULTS

Hepatic vein-to-vein communications were found in 49% idiopathic portal hypertension patients precluding adequate hepatic venous pressure gradient measurements in 12. In the remaining 27 patients, mean hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) was 7.1 ± 3.1 mm Hg. Only 5 patients had HVPG≥10mmHg. HVPG was markedly lower than in cirrhosis (17 ± 3 mm Hg, p<0.001). Mean liver stiffness in idiopathic portal hypertension was 8.4 ± 3.3 kPa; significantly higher than in non-cirrhotic portal vein thrombosis (6.4 ± 2.2 kPa, p=0.009), but lower than in cirrhosis (40.9 ± 20.5 kPa, p=0.005). Only 2 idiopathic portal hypertension patients had liver stiffness >13.6 kPa.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with idiopathic portal hypertension frequently have hepatic vein-to-vein communications and, despite unequivocal signs of portal hypertension, HVPG and liver stiffness values much lower than the cut-off for clinical significant portal hypertension in cirrhosis. These findings oblige to formally rule-out idiopathic portal hypertension in the presence of signs of portal hypertension.

Case report: portal hypertension secondary to isolated liver tuberculosis

In this report, we present a case of isolated liver tuberculosis (TB) as a cause of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension leading to bleeding esophageal varices. Although TB has been known to cause portal hypertension in a variety of ways, this case was notable for the presence of periportal inflammation and granulomas, also seen in hepatic schistosomiasis. Herein, we discuss isolated liver TB and the differential diagnosis of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. In endemic areas, TB should be considered in the differential diagnosis of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension.

Management of hepatic vascular diseases

Primary damage to hepatic vessels is rare. (i) Hepatic arterial disorders, related mostly to iatrogenic injury and occasionally to systemic diseases, lead to ischemic cholangiopathy. (ii) Hepatic vein or inferior vena cava thrombosis, causing primary Budd-Chiari syndrome, is related typically to a combination of underlying prothrombotic conditions, particularly myeloproliferative neoplasms, factor V Leiden, and oral contraceptive use. The outcome of Budd-Chiari syndrome has markedly improved with anticoagulation therapy and, when needed, angioplasty, stenting, TIPS, or liver transplantation. (iii) Extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis is related to local causes (advanced cirrhosis, surgery, malignant or inflammatory conditions), or general prothrombotic conditions (mostly myeloproliferative neoplasms or factor II gene mutation), often in combination. Anticoagulation at the early stage prevents thrombus extension and, in 40% of the cases, allows for recanalization. At the late stage, gastrointestinal bleeding related to portal hypertension can be prevented in the same way as in cirrhosis. (iv) Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (or venoocclusive disease), caused by agents toxic to bone marrow progenitors and to sinusoidal endothelial cells, induces portal hypertension and liver dysfunction. Decreasing the intensity of myeloablative regimens reduces the incidence of sinusoidal toxicity. (v) Obstruction of intrahepatic portal veins (obliterative portal venopathy) can be associated with autoimmune diseases, prothrombotic conditions, or HIV infection. The disease can eventually be complicated with end-stage liver disease. Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction is common. Anticoagulation should be considered. (vi) Nodular regenerative hyperplasia is induced by the uneven perfusion due to obstructed sinusoids, or portal or hepatic venules. It causes pure portal hypertension.

Bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 in patients with idiopathic portal hypertension

In idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) typical vascular lesions are present in the branches of the portal vein or in the perisinusoidal area of the liver. Similar histological alterations have been reported in the pulmonary vasculature of patients with idiopathic pulmonary artery hypertension (IPAH). As IPAH is associated with mutations of the bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 (BMPR2) gene, the aim of this study was to investigate whether this association might also be found in patients with IPH. Twenty-three samples belonging to 21 unrelated caucasian patients with IPH followed in the hepatic haemodynamic laboratory of the Hospital Clinic in Barcelona were included in the study. All patients were studied for the entire open reading frame and splice site of the BMPR2 gene by direct sequencing and multiple ligation probe amplification (MLPA) in order to detect large deletions/duplications. None of the 23 patients had pulmonary artery hypertension. Four patients presented one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in intron 5, four patients had a SNP in exon 12 and a SNP in exon 1 was found in two cases. Two patients had both intron 5 and exon 12 polymorphisms. All SNPs were previously described. Except for these three SNPs, neither mutations nor rearrangements have been identified in the BMPR2 gene in this population. We did not detect mutations or rearrangements in the coding region of the BMPR2 gene in our patients with IPH. These findings suggest that, in contrast to IPAH, mutations in BMPR2 are not involved in the pathogenesis of IPH.

Noncirrhotic portal hypertension

Portal hypertension is characterized by an increase in portal pressure (> 10 mmHg) and could be a result of cirrhosis of the liver or of noncirrhotic diseases. When portal hypertension occurs in the absence of liver cirrhosis, noncirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) must be considered. The prognosis of this disease is much better than that of cirrhosis. Noncirrhotic diseases are the common cause of portal hypertension in developing countries, especially in Asia. NCPH is a heterogeneous group of diseases that is due to intrahepatic or extrahepatic etiologies. In general, the lesions in NCPH are vascular in nature and can be classified based on the site of resistance to blood flow. In most cases, these disorders can be explained by endothelial cell lesions, intimal thickening, thrombotic obliterations, or scarring of the intrahepatic portal or hepatic venous circulation. Many different conditions can determine NCPH through the association of these various lesions in various degrees. Many clinical manifestations of NCPH result from the secondary effects of portal hypertension. Patients with NCPH present with upper gastrointestinal bleeding, splenomegaly, ascites after gastrointestinal bleeding, features of hypersplenism, growth retardation, and jaundice due to portal hypertensive biliopathy. Other sequelae include hyperdynamic circulation, pulmonary complications, and other effects of portosystemic collateral circulation like portosystemic encephalopathy. At present, pharmacologic and endoscopic treatments are the treatments of choice for portal hypertension. The therapy of all disorders causing NCPH involves the reduction of portal pressure by pharmacotherapy or portosystemic shunting, apart from prevention and treatment of complications of portal hypertension.

Hematologic and oncologic diseases and the liver

Malignant and nonmalignant disorders may affect the liver, causing signs and symptoms ranging from mild increases of liver tests to fulminant hepatic failure. This article discusses the most common hematologic and oncologic disorders and their effect on the liver. The section on nonmalignant hematologic disorders includes the anemias, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, disseminated intravascular coagulation, malaria, Banti syndrome, the porphyrias, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, and hemolytic uremic syndrome. Malignant hematologic conditions include leukemias, lymphomas, and myeloproliferative disorders. Other conditions causing portal hypertension and hepatic metastases are also discussed. The most commonly encountered hepatic manifestations of hematologic and oncologic disorders are reviewed.

Measurement of hepatic vein pressure gradient in children with chronic liver diseases

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The aim of this study is to present our preliminary experience with Hepatic Vein Pressure Gradient (HVPG) measurements in pediatric patients with chronic liver disease.

METHODS

Institutional review board approval was obtained. HVPG was measured in 20 pediatric patients, mean age 82+/-54 months, with chronic liver disease, without extrahepatic portal vein obstruction. In nine patients the end-stage liver disease was secondary to biliary atresia; in the remaining 11, to various causes. Eleven patients had esophageal varices at endoscopy, 14 had perigastric and periesophageal collaterals at imaging scan, three had ascites, 12 had low platelet count, and all had splenomegaly.

RESULTS

Hepatic vein catheterization was technically possible in all patients without complications. HVPG values were elevated in all but three patients, ranging between 2 and 33 mmHg (mean 11.3+/-7.2 mmHg), thus indicating a sinusoidal component in portal hypertension. A salient finding was the presence of hepatic venovenous shunts in 7 out of 9 patients with biliary atresia; however, the HVPG could still be measured distal to the shunts, but in three patients (with an HVPG of 8 mmHg) it was determined in an area with a small venovenous communication still visible, therefore underestimating the actual portal pressure gradient. No venovenous shunts were detected in the non-biliary atresia patients.

CONCLUSIONS

HVPG is a feasible procedure in pediatric patients. Patients with biliary atresia very frequently have communicating vessels between hepatic veins. This hitherto unacknowledged finding can lead to the underestimation of portal pressure by HVPG measurement.

Idiopathic portal hypertension in patients with HIV infection treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy

OBJECTIVES

Idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) is the presence of PH in the absence of liver disease. Recently, IPH was reported in HIV patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). We describe for the first time the hepatic and systemic hemodynamic profile, liver stiffness, and histological features of eight patients with HIV-related IPH.

METHODS

HIV-positive patients were identified from our IPH database over 3 years.

RESULTS

Five patients presented with variceal bleeding, two with splenomegaly, and one with ascites. All had large esophageal varices. Median hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) was 8 mm Hg (range 3.5-14.5), clearly underestimating the true portal pressure. This is probably because of a presinusoidal component of PH and because of the presence of intrahepatic venous collaterals. Median liver stiffness was 8.9 kPa (range 6.8-14.9) and was unreliable in predicting the presence of fibrosis or of esophageal varices. The main histological features were absence of portal vein radicles and areas of regenerating hepatocytes. Six patients (75%) developed portal vein thrombosis during a 2-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a subset of HIV patients without cirrhosis but with PH compatible with IPH. In these patients, the hepatic and systemic hemodynamic profile is similar to other forms of IPH. The histological profile reflects an underlying vascular disorder affecting the medium-sized portal vein branches. Development of portal vein thrombosis is a frequent complication and requires close monitoring.

Effect of signal intensity from the accumulated microbubbles in the liver for differentiation of idiopathic portal hypertension from liver cirrhosis

PURPOSE

To examine the possibility of using contrast material-enhanced ultrasonography (US) to differentiate idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) from cirrhosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was an institutional review board-approved prospective study with written informed consent. The study consisted of 23 patients (mean age, 60 years +/- 11; range, 37-85 years) with biopsy-proved cirrhosis, 10 patients (mean age, 65 years +/- 8; range, 51-78 years) with IPH, and 27 control subjects (mean age, 46 years +/- 17; range, 26-82 years) without any focal hepatic lesions or portal vein thrombosis. The patients underwent contrast-enhanced US for the observation of the right liver lobe. The time of the onset of contrast enhancement in the right hepatic artery and right portal vein was examined at vascular phase under continuous low-power emission, and signal intensity differences (in decibels) by using instantaneous high-power emission in the liver parenchyma were analyzed at late phase (15 minutes). Interobserver variability was quantified as coefficients of variation.

RESULTS

Onset time of contrast enhancement in the right portal vein was significantly longer for both IPH (22 sec +/- 3.9, P = .0035) and cirrhosis (19.3 sec +/- 4.7, P = .04) patients than for control subjects (17 sec +/- 3.3), with no significant difference in the onset time in the right hepatic artery. Images obtained in both IPH patients (21.2 dB +/- 1.4) and control subjects (22.1 dB +/- 2.2) had significantly higher signal intensity differences than those obtained in cirrhosis patients (13.8 dB +/- 2.8, P < .0001), with no significant difference between images of IPH patients and control subjects. Signal intensity differences of more than 18 dB had 100% sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis in IPH patients and control subjects. Interobserver variability for signal intensity differences was 8.7%.

CONCLUSION

Contrast-enhanced US may offer the possibility for a simple, easy, and noninvasive diagnosis of IPH.

Celiac disease as a potential cause of idiopathic portal hypertension: a case report

Introduction

Idiopathic portal hypertension is a disorder of unknown etiology, clinically characterized by portal hypertension, splenomegaly and anemia secondary to hypersplenism.

Case presentation

A 54-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for evaluation of malaise, weight loss, abdominal swelling and lower limb edema. His paraclinical tests revealed pancytopenia, large ascites, splenomegaly and esophageal varices consistent with portal hypertension. Duodenal biopsy and serologic findings were compatible with celiac disease. His symptoms improved on a gluten-free diet, but his clinical course was further complicated with ulcerative jejunoileitis, and intestinal T-cell lymphoma.

Conclusion

It seems that celiac disease, by an increased immune reaction in the splenoportal axis, can result in the development of idiopathic portal hypertension in susceptible affected patients.

Idiopathic portal hypertension in an "inactive" HBV carrier: a case report

Idiopathic portal hypertension belongs to the group of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension, its etiology is still unknown but its prognosis is excellent. We report a case of 45 year old female with inactive hepatitis B virus (HBV) carrier status and persistently elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), presented with features of portal hypertension and without evidence of cirrhosis or fibrosis on liver biopsy.

Magnetic resonance images of the globus pallidus in patients with idiopathic portal hypertension: a quantitative analysis of the relationship between signal intensity and the grade of portosystemic shunt

BACKGROUND AND AIM

To elucidate a quantitative relationship between hyperintensity of the globus pallidus on T1-weighted magnetic resonance images (MRI) and portosystemic shunt (PSS) in portal hypertension.

METHODS

Fifteen patients with idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) and 44 patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) underwent brain MRI to asses signal intensity at the globus pallidus and Doppler sonography to examine the blood flow volume of PSS. Blood manganese (Mn) levels were examined in 36 patients and neuropsychological tests were performed in 15 patients without overt hepatic encephalopathy.

RESULTS

Pallidal hyperintensity on MRI was more prominent in patients with IPH than in patients with LC. There was no correlation between MRI pallidal hyperintensity and the severity of liver dysfunction or hepatic encephalopathy. The grade of hyperintensity correlated well with the grade of PSS. The correlation was stronger in patients with IPH than in patients with LC. The plasma ammonia level and whole blood Mn level significantly correlated with MRI pallidal hyperintensity, but blood Mn level showed a stronger correlation than plasma ammonia.

CONCLUSION

Hyperintensity of the globus pallidus on T1-weighted MRI correlated with the development of PSS independent of liver cell function. This brain image should be an index of the grade of PSS rather than a landmark of chronic liver failure.

Does endothelium agree with the concept of idiopathic hepatic vessel thrombosis

AIM: To investigate the major steps of thrombogenesis and to identify the differences in these steps between idiopathic patient group and control group.

METHODS: Fibrinogenesis was studied by measuring the activated factor VII, total and free levels of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI). The fibrinolysis step was investigated by determining the global fibrinolytic capacity. The endothelial function was assessed by measuring the levels of soluble adhesion molecules, namely soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1) and soluble E-selectin molecule. The exclusion criteria from “idiopathic” patient group were abdominal surgery, pregnancy, use of oral contraceptives, anti-phospholipid syndrome, Behçet’s disease, cancer, myeloproliferative diseases. The congenital factors like mutations of factor-V Leiden and prothrombin, deficiencies of proteins C and S, antithrombin, hyperhomocysteinemia and hyperfibrinogenemia were ruled out. The total number of patients was reduced from 96 to 9 (7 with portal vein thrombosis, 2 Budd Chiari syndrome) by exclusion criteria.

RESULTS: The levels of adhesion molecules sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, free TFPI levels and global fibrinolytic capacity were significantly different (P < 0.05) in the patient group indicating an endothelial dysfunction and a lower fibrinolytic activity.

CONCLUSION: These results show that this patient group should be tested by means of endothelial dysfunction and managed differently.

Study of portal vein thrombosis in patients with idiopathic portal hypertension in Japan

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The aim of this study was to elucidate the incidence and clinical manifestations of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in patients with idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) in Japan during long-term follow-up.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-two patients with IPH were examined for PVT by sonography during a follow-up of 12+/-6 years. Clinical manifestations and patient outcome related to PVT were studied. Seventy patients with liver cirrhosis were examined by sonography as an incidence control of thrombosis.

RESULTS

Nine IPH patients had portal thrombosis (9/22, 41%), a higher incidence than in liver cirrhosis patients (7/70, 10%). Those with thrombosis showed ascites, marked hypersplenism, and low serum albumin. Four patients with thrombosis died. Patients without thrombosis showed less clinical problems after long-term follow-up. Plasma antithrombin III and protein C activity decreased in almost half of the patients. However, there were no differences in these parameters between patients with and without thrombosis.

CONCLUSIONS

In Japan, IPH patients had a high incidence of portal thrombosis, a significant factor for poor prognosis. Whether the management of PVT contributes to an improvement of a clinical course of IPH or not should be clarified in further study.

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Extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis in children: etiology and long-term follow-up

OBJECTIVE

Mortality of extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis depends on underlying causes other than gastrointestinal bleeding. The aim of this study was to evaluate the etiology, treatment, and prognosis of patients with extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis.

METHODS

The records of 12 patients (age range: 1-9 years) diagnosed with extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis with a minimum follow-up of 2 years were analyzed retrospectively. Their diagnostic evaluations, treatment modalities, complications and long-term follow-ups were noted.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up period was 7.4 +/- 3.9 years (2-14 years). Hemorrhage from esophageal varices was the prevalent symptom in 6 patients (50%). Six patients had signs of hypersplenism, 5 were found to have thrombophilia: 2 protein C, 1 protein S, 1 combined protein S, C, and antithrombin III deficiency, and 1 homozygous factor V Leiden mutation. Two patients had congenital cardiovascular abnormalities, and 1 patient developed portal thrombosis after splenectomy operation. None of the patients who started propranolol prophylaxis before first bleeding episode bled during their follow-up periods. Endoscopic sclerotherapy succeed in 66.6% variceal hemorrhages. Shunt surgery was performed in 1 patient. The patients neither faced a life-threatening variceal bleeding nor died during follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Prognosis of extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis is good in childhood. Thrombophilic states are the most frequent precipitating causes. Propranolol for prophylaxis of variceal bleeding and sclerotherapy might be the preferred modalities.

Congenital hepatic fibrosis: CT findings in 18 adults

PURPOSE

To evaluate the computed tomographic (CT) findings in adult patients with pathologically proved congenital hepatic fibrosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective review of congenital hepatic fibrosis cases identified at two institutions over the course of 8 years. Eight men and 10 women with an age range of 22-72 years (mean age, 39 years) were included. Contrast material-enhanced and unenhanced CT scans were obtained through the liver in all patients. Two radiologists evaluated size of and morphologic findings (atrophy or hypertrophy localized according to hepatic segments) in the liver; increased diameter or number of hepatic arteries at the hilum; presence of hepatic nodules, varices, spontaneous splenorenal shunts, and splenomegaly; and association with other hepatic ductal plate malformations and renal abnormalities.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients had morphologic abnormalities in the liver, 15 had splenomegaly (three underwent splenectomy for portal hypertension), and 14 had varices or spontaneous splenorenal shunts. An enlarged hepatic artery and a tangle of abnormally enlarged arterial vessels were identified in five and four patients, respectively, and four of these nine patients had large benign regenerative nodules. Ten patients had renal abnormalities and nine had an associated ductal plate malformation.

CONCLUSION

This retrospective study shows that certain findings (ie, liver morphologic and associated ductal plate abnormalities, varices, splenomegaly, and renal abnormalities) are frequently observed in combination in patients with congenital hepatic fibrosis.