Intravascular embolization therapy in patients with enlarged polycystic liver

Transcatheter arterial embolization therapy in patients with polycystic kidney disease and liver disease: review from case series

We have achieved good results of renal transarterial embolization (TAE) therapy as an alternative to surgical nephrectomy to decrease renal size in autosomal polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients with enlarged kidneys, but only in patients on dialysis. Renal transplantation is another treatment option, and patients who receive a donor kidney have achieved a reduction in kidney size after surgery. TAE has also been used in polycystic liver disease (PCLD), an extrarenal lesion of ADPKD. Although TAE is effective in some PCLD patients, others develop hepatomegaly, which leads to liver cyst infection and liver failure. Recently, liver transplantation has started to be performed in such patients. Initially, living donor liver transplants were performed from family members, but in 2010, deceased donor liver transplantation became available. This article gives an overview of the history of TAE for ADPKD and PCLD on the basis of our experience.

Autopsy of a 45-year-old Man with Liver Failure Due to Polycystic Liver Disease

A 37-year-old man with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) was admitted to our hospital with a liver volume of 8,000 cm3. Hepatic arterial embolization was performed using a microcoil but was ineffective. Eight years later, the hepatomegaly progressed to liver failure and death. At autopsy, the liver weighed 21.5 kg, and the entire liver had been replaced by cysts; in the few remaining areas of liver parenchyma, microscopic, small cysts of various sizes and fibrosis were evident, with only a few normal hepatocytes observed. Hepatic arterial branches developed; however, the portal vein could not be observed.

Genetic Analysis of Severe Polycystic Liver Disease in Japan

Key Points

Among patients with severe polycystic liver disease (PLD) (height-adjusted total liver volume of <1800 ml/m), PKD2 variants were found in 34%. Three patients with PKD1 or PKD2 variants are reported with severe PLD but normal-sized kidneys (hTKV of < 250 ml/m).

Background

Polycystic liver disease (PLD) is present in most patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). PLD can alternatively be found with few, if any, kidney cysts as a diagnosis of isolated PLD (autosomal dominant PLD [ADPLD]). Several genes are identified as causative for this spectrum of phenotypes; however, the relative incidence of genetic etiologies among patients with severe PLD is unknown.

Methods

Patients with ADPKD or ADPLD having severe PLD defined as height-adjusted total liver volume (hTLV) >1800 ml/m were recruited. Subsequent clinical care was followed. Genetic analysis was performed using whole exome sequencing.

Results

We enrolled and sequenced 49 patients (38 women, 11 men). Pathogenic or suspected pathogenic variants in polycystic disease genes were found in 44 of 49 patients (90%). The disease gene was PKD1 in 20 of 44 patients (45%), PKD2 in 15 of 44 patients (34%), PRKCSH in 5 of 44 patients (11%), GANAB in 2 of 44 patients (5%), SEC63 in 1 of 44 patients (2%), and ALG8 in 1 of 44 patients (2%). The median hTLV was no different between genetically defined ADPKD and ADPLD groups (4431 [range, 1817–9148] versus 3437 [range, 1860–8211]) ml, P = 0.77), whereas height-adjusted kidney volume was larger as expected in ADPKD than in ADPLD (607 [range, 190–2842] versus 179 [range, 138–234] ml/m, P < 0.01). Of the clinically defined ADPKD patients, 20 of 38 patients (53%) were PKD1 , 15 of 38 (39%) were PKD2 , and 3 (8%) remained genetically unsolved. Among patients with a pathogenic PKD1 or PKD2 variant, we found three patients with a liver-dominant ADPKD (severe PLD with height-adjusted total kidney volume <250 ml/m).

Conclusions

ADPLD-related genes represent 20% of patients with severe PLD in our cohort. Of those enrolled with ADPKD, we observed a higher frequency of PKD2 carriers than in any previously reported ADPKD cohorts. Although there was no significant difference in the hTLV between patients with PKD1 and PKD2 in this cohort, our data suggest that enrollment on the basis of severe PLD may enrich for patients with PKD2 .

Clinical manifestation, epidemiology, genetic basis, potential molecular targets, and current treatment of polycystic liver disease

Polycystic liver disease (PLD) is a rare condition observed in three genetic diseases, including autosomal dominant polycystic liver disease (ADPLD), autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). PLD usually does not impair liver function, and advanced PLD becomes symptomatic when the enlarged liver compresses adjacent organs or increases intra-abdominal pressure. Currently, the diagnosis of PLD is mainly based on imaging, and genetic testing is not required except for complex cases. Besides, genetic testing may help predict patients' prognosis, classify patients for genetic intervention, and conduct early treatment. Although the underlying genetic causes and mechanisms are not fully understood, previous studies refer to primary ciliopathy or impaired ciliogenesis as the main culprit. Primarily, PLD occurs due to defective ciliogenesis and ineffective endoplasmic reticulum quality control. Specifically, loss of function mutations of genes that are directly involved in ciliogenesis, such as Pkd1, Pkd2, Pkhd1, and Dzip1l, can lead to both hepatic and renal cystogenesis in ADPKD and ARPKD. In addition, loss of function mutations of genes that are involved in endoplasmic reticulum quality control and protein folding, trafficking, and maturation, such as PRKCSH, Sec63, ALG8, ALG9, GANAB, and SEC61B, can impair the production and function of polycystin1 (PC1) and polycystin 2 (PC2) or facilitate their degradation and indirectly promote isolated hepatic cystogenesis or concurrent hepatic and renal cystogenesis. Recently, it was shown that mutations of LRP5, which impairs canonical Wnt signaling, can lead to hepatic cystogenesis. PLD is currently treated by somatostatin analogs, percutaneous intervention, surgical fenestration, resection, and liver transplantation. In addition, based on the underlying molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways, several investigational treatments have been used in preclinical studies, some of which have shown promising results. This review discusses the clinical manifestation, complications, prevalence, genetic basis, and treatment of PLD and explains the investigational methods of treatment and future research direction, which can be beneficial for researchers and clinicians interested in PLD.

Fatal acute portal vein thrombosis associated with hepatic cysts in a patient with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) often involves polycystic liver disease (PLD). In severe cases, PLD can develop various complications. However, fatal acute portal vein thrombosis (APVT) associated with PLD has not been reported. A 64-year-old male reported mild consciousness disorder. He had been under maintenance hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease due to ADPKD with PLD. Because of recurring hepatic cyst infections, he had sustained high levels of C-reactive protein. Regarding the mild consciousness disorder, a diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy was made based on an elevation of serum ammonia without any other abnormal liver function tests. Several days after his admission, hepatobiliary enzymes elevated, and acute liver failure progressed. Enhanced abdominal computed tomography suggested the possibility of complete occlusion of the portal vein by a thrombus. Based on an absence of obvious portosystemic collaterals, a diagnosis of APVT was made. The patient died 19 days after admission. Patients with PLD with repeated cystic infections have been seen to develop liver failure, and APVT formation may be one cause of the rapid progression of fatal liver failure. In conclusion, this is the first paper to report on the involvement of APVT in patients with PLD.

The Safety and Efficacy of Hepatic Transarterial Embolization Using Microspheres and Microcoils in Patients with Symptomatic Polycystic Liver Disease

Purpose: We investigated the long-term safety and efficacy of hepatic transarterial embolization (TAE) in patients with symptomatic polycystic liver disease (PLD). Materials and Methods: A total of 26 patients were included, mean age of 52.3 years (range: 33−78 years), undergoing 32 TAE procedures between January 2012 and December 2019 were included in this retrospective study. Distal embolization of the segmental hepatic artery was performed with 300−500 µm embolic microspheres associated with proximal embolization using microcoils. The primary endpoint was clinical efficacy, defined by an improvement in health-related quality of life using a modified Short Form-36 Health Survey and improvement in symptoms (digestive or respiratory symptoms and chronic abdominal pain), without invasive therapy during the follow-up period. Secondary endpoints were a decrease in total liver volume and treated liver volume and complications. Results: Hepatic embolization was performed successfully in 30 of 32 procedures with no major adverse events. Clinical efficacy was 73% (19/26). The mean reduction in hepatic volume was −12.6% at 3 months and −27.8% at the last follow-up 51 ± 15.2 months after TAE (range: 30−81 months; both ps < 0.01). The mean visual analog scale pain score was 5.4 ± 2.8 before TAE and decreased to 2.7 ± 1.9 after treatment. Three patients had minor adverse events, and one patient had an adverse event of moderate severity. Conclusion: Hepatic embolization using microspheres and microcoils is a safe and effective treatment for PLD that improves symptoms and reduces the volume of hepatic cysts.

Polycystic Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Treatment

Polycystic liver disease (PLD) is a clinical condition characterized by the presence of more than 10 cysts in the liver. It is a rare disease Of genetic etiology that presents as an isolated disease or assoc\iated with polycystic kidney disease. Ductal plate malformation, ciliary dysfunction, and changes in cell signaling are the main factors involved in its pathogenesis. Most patients with PLD are asymptomatic, but in 2-5% of cases the disease has disabling symptoms and a significant reduction in quality of life. The diagnosis is based on family history of hepatic and/or renal polycystic disease, clinical manifestations, patient age, and polycystic liver phenotype shown on imaging examinations. PLD treatment has evolved considerably in the last decades. Somatostatin analogues hold promise in controlling disease progression, but liver transplantation remains a unique curative treatment modality.

An emergency hybrid procedure that combines endoscopic treatment with partial splenic embolization for bleeding esophagogastric varices

Management of splenomegaly is important in the treatment of portal hypertension. We report 2 cases who were treated by an emergency hybrid procedure combining endoscopic treatment and partial splenic embolization (PSE) based on a new concept "splanchnic caput Medusae". Case 1 with refractory esophageal variceal bleeding due to alcoholic liver cirrhosis was treated by endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) with ligation and PSE at the same time. Case 2 with gastric variceal bleeding due to polycystic liver disease was treated by EIS using n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate and PSE at the same time. Six days after the hybrid procedure, transjugular retrograde obliteration was added. In both cases, post-treatment 3D-CT reconstruction images revealed that the spleen-portal system reversed to almost normal form. We conclude that an emergency hybrid procedure combining endoscopic treatment and PSE is effective for patients with bleeding esophagogastric varices.

Polycystic Kidney/Liver Disease

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a genetic disorder that leads to chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Polycystic liver disease (PCLD) is the most common extrarenal manifestation of ADPKD. Though isolated PCLD and PCLD due to ADPKD are genetically distinct, they follow a similar clinical course of hepatomegaly from multiple cysts with preserved liver function. Tolvaptan use in ADPKD can slow down the deterioration of renal function and growth of cysts. Somatostatin analogs can slow the growth of polycystic livers but the effect is short-lived. The only curative therapy for PCLD is liver transplantation. Renal transplantation can significantly improve survival in patients with ESKD due to ADPKD.

Potential effect of tolvaptan on polycystic liver disease for patients with ADPKD meeting the Japanese criteria of tolvaptan use

Polycystic liver disease (PLD) is a common extrarenal complication of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), which causes compression-related syndrome and ultimately leads to liver dysfunction. Tolvaptan, a V2 receptor antagonist, is widely used to protect kidney function in ADPKD but its effect on PLD remains unknown. An observational cohort study was conducted to evaluate tolvaptan’s effect on patients with PLD due to ADPKD. After screening 902 patients, we found the 107 ADPKD patients with PLD who met the criteria of tolvaptan use in Japan. Among them, tolvaptan was prescribed for 62 patients (tolvaptan group), while the other was defined as the non-tolvaptan group. Compared with the non-tolvaptan group, the tolvaptan group had larger height-adjusted total kidney volume (median 994(range 450–4152) mL/m, 513 (405–1928) mL/m, p = 0.01), lower albumin level (mean 3.9±SD 0.4 g/dL, 4.3±0.4g/dL, p<0.01), and higher serum creatinine level (1.2±0.4 mg/dL, 0.9±0.2 mg/dL, p<0.01). Although the median change in annual growth rate of total liver volume (TLV) was not statistically different between the tolvaptan group (-0.8 (-15.9, 16.7) %/year) and the non-tolvaptan group (1.7 (-15.6–18.7) %/year)(p = 0.52), 20 (43.5%) patients in the tolvaptan group experienced a decrease in the growth rate of TLV (responders). A multivariable logistic regression model adjusting for related variables showed that older age (odds ratio 1.15 [95% CI 1.01–1.32]) and a higher growth rate of TLV in the non-tolvaptan period (odds 1.45 95% CI 1.10–1.90) were significantly associated with responders. In conclusion, the change in annual growth rate of TLV in ADPKD patients taking tolvaptan was not statistically different compared with that in ADPKD patients without taking tolvaptan. However, tolvaptan may have the potential to suppress the growth rate of TLV in some PLD patients due to ADPKD, especially in older patients or those that are rapid progressors of PLD. Several limitations were included in this study, therefore well-designed prospective studies were required to confirm the effect of tolvaptan on PLD.

Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease in which the Polycystic Liver Volume Was Reduced by Rigorous Blood Pressure Control

Polycystic liver disease (PLD) is the most common extrarenal manifestation of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). However, current treatments for PLD are only supportive. We experienced a case of enlarged kidneys and liver in a 53-year-old Japanese man with ADPKD who was on hemodialysis. He underwent renal transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for enlarged kidneys. His blood pressure (BP) decreased after renal TAE, and his liver volume decreased from 5,259 mL to 4,647 mL (11.6% reduction) within 1 year after renal TAE. This case suggests that rigorous blood pressure control may be beneficial for ameliorating enlarged PLD.

Cyst infection in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: our experience at Toranomon Hospital and future issues

Cyst infection is a frequent and serious complication of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) that is often difficult to treat and can be fatal. However, much is still unknown about cyst infection. Positron emission tomography (PET) is generally recommended for detecting infected cysts, but it has the disadvantages of limited availability, high cost, and radiation exposure. We have devised magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnostic criteria for cyst infection. Lipid-soluble antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones show good penetration into cysts and are recommended for cyst infection. However, we reported that fluoroquinolone-resistant microorganisms showed a high prevalence in cyst infection. We should, therefore, reconsider the empirical use of fluoroquinolones for ADPKD patients with cyst infection. We have suggested a new antibiotic strategy according to the severity of cyst infection. It may be important to consider the drug half-life in serum in addition to the drug susceptibility when selecting antibiotics Cyst drainage is necessary for some patients with refractory cyst infection; however, cyst drainage can be associated with severe adverse events. We suggest adaptation criteria for cyst drainage in patients with cyst infection in ADPKD. Most causative bacteria of cyst infection are enterobacteria, and hematogenous spread via bacterial translocation in the intestine is considered the main cause of cyst infection. Therefore, intestinal flora may be important for cyst infection. The role of the intestinal flora in cyst infection in ADPKD is unknown and should be explored in future research.

Polycystic liver disease: Classification, diagnosis, treatment process, and clinical management

Polycystic liver disease (PLD) is a rare hereditary disease that independently exists in isolated PLD, or as an accompanying symptom of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease with complicated mechanisms. PLD currently lacks a unified diagnostic standard. The diagnosis of PLD is usually made when the number of hepatic cysts is more than 20. Gigot classification and Schnelldorfer classification are now commonly used to define severity in PLD. Most PLD patients have no clinical symptoms, and minority with severe complications need treatments. Somatostatin analogues, mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor, ursodeoxycholic acid and vasopressin-2 receptor antagonist are the potentially effective medical therapies, while cyst aspiration and sclerosis, transcatheter arterial embolization, fenestration, hepatic resection and liver transplantation are the options of invasion therapies. However, the effectiveness of these therapies except liver transplantation are still uncertain. Furthermore, there is no unified strategy to treat PLD between medical centers at present. In order to better understand recent study progresses on PLD for clinical practice and obtain potential directions for future researches, this review mainly focuses on the recent progress in PLD classification, clinical manifestation, diagnosis and treatment. For information, we also provided medical treatment processes of PLD in our medical center.

Introduction to clinical research based on modern epidemiology

Over the past 20 years, recent advances in science technologies have dramatically changed the styles of clinical research. Currently, it has become more popular to use recent modern epidemiological techniques, such as propensity score, instrumental variable, competing risks, marginal structural modeling, mixed effects modeling, bootstrapping, and missing data analyses, than before. These advanced techniques, also known as modern epidemiology, may be strong tools for performing good clinical research, especially in large-scale observational studies, along with relevant research questions, good databases, and the passion of researchers. However, to use these methods effectively, we need to understand the basic assumptions behind them. Here, I will briefly introduce the concepts of these techniques and their implementation. In addition, I would like to emphasize that various types of clinical studies, not only large database studies but also small studies on rare and intractable diseases, are equally important because clinicians always do their best to take care of many kinds of patients who suffer from various kidney diseases and this is our most important mission.

Cryoablation for liver metastasis from solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas: A case report

BACKGROUND

Solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) of the pancreas is a rare pancreatic tumor and 10% to 15% of cases are associated with metastasis. Cryoablation is a new method that can induce tumor necrosis, and treatment of tumors by cryoablation can cause anti-tumor immune responses.

CASE SUMMARY

A 16-year-old woman with SPT of the pancreas developed liver metastases 5.3 years after complete resection of the primary pancreatic tumor. She was admitted with chief complaints of abdominal pain in the upper abdomen and a weight loss of approximately 5 kg over 4 mo. Carbohydrate antigen (CA) 125, carcinoembryonic antigen, and CA 199 were normal. An abdominal computed tomography scan found multiple nodules in the right lobe of the liver that measured approximately 13.5 cm × 10.8 cm × 21.4 cm. Immunohistochemical staining results showed that CD10 and CD56 were positive, and the patient was diagnosed with SPT of the pancreas with liver metastasis. The patient underwent percutaneous cryoablation and interventional embolization. During the 5-year follow-up, the patient remained disease-free after cryoablation, with relatively normal immune function.

CONCLUSION

Herein, we for the first time report the treatment of liver metastasis from SPT of the pancreas using cryoablation plus interventional embolization, which could be a promising alternative therapy for pancreatic SPT liver metastasis.

Management of portal hypertension and ascites in polycystic liver disease

Patients suffering from polycystic liver disease may develop Hepatic Venous Outflow Obstruction, Portal Vein Obstruction and/or Inferior Caval Vein Syndrome because of cystic mass effect. This can cause portal hypertension, leading to ascites, variceal haemorrhage or splenomegaly. For this review, we evaluate the evidence to provide clinical guidance for physicians faced with this complication. Diagnosis is made with imaging such as ultrasound, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Therapy includes conventional therapy with diuretics and paracentesis, and medical therapy using somatostatin analogues. Based on disease phenotype various (non-)surgical liver-volume reducing therapies, hepatic or portal venous stenting, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts and liver transplantation may be considered. Because of complicated anatomy, use of high-risk interventions and lack of empirical evidence, patients should be treated in expert centres.

Transarterial embolisation with bleomycin and N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate -Lipiodol mixture for symptomatic polycystic liver disease: preliminary experience

AIMS

To evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of transarterial embolisation using a bleomycin-Lipiodol mixture and N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA)-Lipiodol mixture (BNL) for the treatment of polycystic liver disease (PLD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From June 2012 to July 2018, a total of consecutive 14 symptomatic patients (13 women and 1 man; mean age, 49.3±9.9 years) with PLD were referred and underwent transcatheter arterial embolisation (TAE) with BNL.

RESULTS

Technical success was achieved in all cases. PLD-related severe symptoms were improved remarkably in 13 of the treated patients. The mean maximum abdominal circumference decreased significantly from 100.6±9.4 to 94.9±9.1 cm (p<0.01). The total liver volume decreased significantly compared with pre-TAE in 13 patients at 6-12 months after TAE. It decreased from 9,776±2,219 to 8,303±2,009 cm³ (p<0.01). There were no major complications associated with the procedure.

CONCLUSION

TAE with the bleomycin-Lipiodol mixture and NBCA-Lipiodol mixture may be an effective method for treating symptomatic PLD patients, with improvement of symptoms and shrinkage of cyst volume.

Long-term results of liver transplantation for polycystic liver disease: Single-center experience in China

The aim of the present study was to explore the indications for and safety of orthotopic liver transplantation for polycystic liver disease (PLD). Orthotopic liver transplantation in 11 patients with PLD between May 2004 and September 2013 was retrospectively analyzed. Patient epidemiological, clinical and follow-up data were collected. The survival rate was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Over the 10-year period, 11 patients received orthotopic liver transplantation (n=9) and combined liver-kidney transplantation (n=2) for PLD. The recipients' median age was 56 years [(interquartile range (IQR), 52-57 years], and 7 of the patients (63.6%) were classified as having Gigot type II PLD and 4 (36.4%) as having Gigot type III. A total of 8 (72.7%) patients had a severely decreased quality of life (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score, ≥3). Only 3 cases (27.3%) were of Class C stage. The mean hospitalization duration was 45.4±15.3 days and the mean length of stay at the intensive care unit was 4.1±1.9 days. The peri-operative mortality was 18.2% and the morbidity was 54.5%. The median follow-up period was 111 months (IQR, 33-132 months). A total of 2 patients died of severe complications after combined liver-kidney transplantation. Furthermore, 1 patient died of ischemia cholangitis during the follow-up period. The actuarial 1-, 5- and 10-year survival rate during the follow-up period was 81.8, 81.8 and 65.5%, respectively. The mean physical component summary score was 87.1±6.9 and the mean mental component summary score was 81.5±6.4. In conclusion, liver transplantation is the only curative procedure for PLD, and the present study indicated that it is relatively and safe and leads to good long-term prognosis and high quality of life. Based on our experience and results, liver transplantation is a primary option for cases of PLD with progressive or advanced symptomatic disease where previous other forms of therapy to palliate symptoms have been insufficient.

Polycystic kidney disease

Cystic kidneys are common causes of end-stage renal disease, both in children and in adults. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) are cilia-related disorders and the two main forms of monogenic cystic kidney diseases. ADPKD is a common disease that mostly presents in adults, whereas ARPKD is a rarer and often more severe form of polycystic kidney disease (PKD) that usually presents perinatally or in early childhood. Cell biological and clinical research approaches have expanded our knowledge of the pathogenesis of ADPKD and ARPKD and revealed some mechanistic overlap between them. A reduced 'dosage' of PKD proteins is thought to disturb cell homeostasis and converging signalling pathways, such as Ca²⁺, cAMP, mechanistic target of rapamycin, WNT, vascular endothelial growth factor and Hippo signalling, and could explain the more severe clinical course in some patients with PKD. Genetic diagnosis might benefit families and improve the clinical management of patients, which might be enhanced even further with emerging therapeutic options. However, many important questions about the pathogenesis of PKD remain. In this Primer, we provide an overview of the current knowledge of PKD and its treatment.

Transarterial Embolization for Treatment of Symptomatic Polycystic Liver Disease: More than 2-year Follow-up

Background:

Currently, treatment of symptomatic polycystic liver disease (PLD) is still a challenging problem, especially for these patients who are not feasible for surgery. Minimally invasive options such as laparoscopic fenestration and percutaneous cyst aspiration with sclerotherapy demonstrated disappointing results due to multiple lesions. Because the cysts in PLD are mostly supplied from hepatic arteries but not from portal veins, transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) of the hepatic artery branches that supply the major hepatic cysts can lead to shrinkage of the cyst and liver size, relieve symptoms, and improve nutritional status. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of TAE with a mixture of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) and iodized oil for patients with severe symptomatic PLD during a more than 2-year follow-up.

Methods:

Institutional review board had approved this study. Written informed consent was obtained from all patients. From February 2007 to December 2014, twenty-three patients (20 women and 3 men; mean age, 49.0 ± 14.5 years) infeasible for surgical treatments underwent TAE. Changes in the abdominal circumferences, volumes of intrahepatic cysts, hepatic parenchyma volume, and whole liver, clinical symptoms, laboratory data, and complications were evaluated after TAE.

Results:

Technical success was achieved in all cases. No procedure-related major complications occurred. The median follow-up period after TAE was 48.5 months (interquartile range, 30.0–72.0 months). PLD-related severe symptoms were improved remarkably in 86% of the treated patients; TAE failed to benefit in four patients (four patients did not benefit from TAE). The mean maximum abdominal circumference decreased significantly from 106.0 ± 8.0 cm to 87.0 ± 15.0 cm (P = 0.021). The mean intrahepatic cystic volume reduction rates compared with pre-TAE were 36% at 12 months, 37% at 24 months, and 38% at 36 months after TAE (P < 0.05). The mean liver volume reduction rates were 32% at 12 months, 31% at 24 months, and 33% at 36 months (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

TAE with the mixture of NBCA and iodized oil appears to be a safe and effective treatment method for patients with symptomatic PLD, especially for those who are not good candidates for surgical treatments, to improve both hepatic volume and hepatic cysts volume.

Proximal Occlusion of Medium-Sized Vessels with the Penumbra Occlusion Device: A Study of Safety and Efficacy

PURPOSE

To retrospectively investigate the safety and efficacy of hybrid proximal coiling of various medium-sized vessels (4 to 8 mm) using the Penumbra Occlusion Device (POD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From October 2014 to February 2016, 37 proximal embolizations were performed with PODs in 36 patients (mean age: 50.8, range: 10-86; 29 male, 7 female). Vessel occlusions were achieved under fluoroscopic guidance using a 2.7 French microcatheter. Among the 36 vessels targeted, 16 were splenic arteries, 11 renal arteries, 4 mesenteric arteries, 3 arteriovenous fistulae, 1 iliac artery, and 1 gonadal vein. Intermittent follow-up angiography was performed to assess the flow for final occlusion. Outcomes and complications were assessed by clinical and/or imaging follow-up.

RESULTS

To produce proximal occlusion of the intended vessels, the POD was used alone in 19 embolizations (51.4 %). In 12 procedures (32.4 %), POD was used as a coil constrainer to secure the coil construct. In 6 procedures (16.2 %), additional embolic devices were used to achieve vessel occlusion after initial POD deployment. After a mean follow-up of 3.2 months, no POD migration was observed but two complications occurred (5.4 %): one post embolic syndrome and one extensive infarction with splenic abscess.

CONCLUSION

The POD system allows safe and effective proximal embolization of medium-sized vessels in a variety of clinical settings.

Novel Hydrogel Material as a Potential Embolic Agent in Embolization Treatments

We report a novel graphene-oxide (GO) enhanced polymer hydrogel (GPH) as a promising embolic agent capable of treating cerebrovascular diseases and malignant tumors, using the trans-catheter arterial embolization (TAE) technique. Simply composed of GO and generation five poly(amidoamine) dendrimers (PAMAM-5), our rheology experiments reveal that GPH exhibits satisfactory mechanical strength, which resist the high pressures of blood flow. Subcutaneous experiments on Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats demonstrate the qualified biocompatibility of GPH. Finally, our in vivo experiments on New Zealand rabbits, which mix GPH with the X-ray absorbing contrast agent, Iohexol, reveal complete embolization of the artery. We also note that GPH shortens embolization time and exhibits low toxicity in follow-up experiments. Altogether, our study demonstrates that GPH has many advantages over the currently used embolic agents and has potential applications in clinical practice.

Comparison of volume-reductive therapies for massive polycystic liver disease in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

AIM

Polycystic liver disease (PLD) in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients can induce massive hepatomegaly-related symptoms. Volume-reductive therapies for symptomatic PLD include transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE), liver resection and liver transplantation; however, consensus has not been reached regarding treatment selection. We compared three volume-reductive therapies for a better understanding of PLD treatment strategies.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 28 ADPKD patients who underwent TAE, liver resection or liver transplantation for PLD at a single center, and compared their outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 18 TAE patients, five required repeat TAE, and five required rescue liver transplantation or liver resection because of refractory symptoms or hepatic failure. The treatment failure rate for TAE was high (69.6%). Nine underwent liver resection, and the degree of volume reduction in the liver resection group was greater than that in the TAE group (52.4% vs 7.6%, P < 0.001). One liver resection patient required rescue liver transplantation because of hepatic failure. Seven patients underwent liver transplantations. All liver transplant patients had successfully controlled symptoms or hepatic failure, and had good graft function. Three patients in the TAE group died of infections or hepatic failure, whereas no mortality occurred after surgical therapy.

CONCLUSION

Liver resection is a good first-line therapy in patients that have severe symptoms, cyst involvement in several segments with some spared segments and preserved liver function. Liver transplantation is a preferred first-line therapy in patients with poor liver function or whole-liver involvement. Liver transplantation is also a good rescue therapy following TAE or liver resection.

[Pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment options for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease]

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the leading genetic cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide. Its prevalence is evaluated according to studies and population between 1/1000 and 1/4000 live births and it accounts for 6 to 8% of incident ESRD patients in developed countries. ADPKD is characterized by numerous cysts in both kidneys and various extrarenal manifestations that are detailed in this review. Clinico-radiological and genetic diagnosis are also discussed. Mutations in the PKD1 and PKD2 codifying for polycystin-1 (PC-1) and polycystin-2 (PC-2) are responsible for the 85 and 15% of ADPKD cases, respectively. In primary cilia of normal kidney epithelial cells, PC-1 and PC-2 interact forming a complex involved in flow- and cilia-dependant signalling pathways where intracellular calcium and cAMP play a central role. Alteration of these multiple signal transduction pathways leads to cystogenesis accompanied by dysregulated planar cell polarity, excessive cell proliferation and fluid secretion, and pathogenic interactions of epithelial cells with an abnormal extracellular matrix. The mass effect of expanding cyst is responsible for the decline in glomerular filtration rate that occurs late in the course of the disease. For many decades, the treatment for ADPKD aims to lessen the condition's symptoms, limit kidney damage, and prevent complications. Recently, the development of promising specific treatment raises the hope to slow the growth of cysts and delay the disease. Treatment strategies targeting cAMP signalling such as vasopressin receptor antagonists or somatostatin analogs have been tested successfully in clinical trials with relative safety. Newer treatments supported by preclinical trials will become available in the next future. Recognizing early markers of renal progression (clinical, imaging, and genetic markers) to identify high-risk patients and multidrug approaches with synergistic effects may provide new opportunities for the treatment of ADPKD.

Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Patients with Polycystic Liver and Kidney Disease Referred for Transcatheter Arterial Embolization

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is prevalent among patients with CKD, but its prevalence among patients with symptomatic autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and its association with total liver and kidney volume remain unclear.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

This study examined the association between height-adjusted total liver and kidney volume (htTLKV) and SDB in a cross-sectional study of 304 adult patients with symptomatic ADPKD who were hospitalized at Toranomon Hospital for transcatheter arterial embolization and who underwent pulse oximetry between April 2008 and November 2013. SDB was defined as having a 3% oxygen desaturation index of ≥15 events per hour of sleep. Logistic regression was performed with sex-specific quartiles of htTLKV as the main predictor, using patient data and comorbidities as covariates.

RESULTS

Overall (54.6% women, mean age 56.2±9.4 years, 83.5% on hemodialysis), 177 of 304 patients (58.2%) had SDB. SDB was strongly associated with htTLKV quartiles, demonstrating that odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for SDB were 1.63 (0.76 to 3.48), 2.35 (1.09 to 5.06), and 4.61 (1.98 to 10.7) for htTLKV quartiles 2-4 (P for trend, P=0.003), respectively. Older age (OR, 1.81 per 10 years; 95% CI, 1.29 to 2.55), male sex (OR, 3.87; 95% CI, 1.96 to 7.66), receiving hemodialysis (OR, 3.46; 95% CI, 1.62 to 12.1), and higher body mass index (≥25 kg/m(2)) (OR, 3.03; 95% CI, 1.08 to 8.52) were also associated with SDB.

CONCLUSIONS

In this highly selected population of patients with symptomatic ADPKD referred for transcatheter arterial embolization, SDB was highly prevalent and independently associated with higher htTLKV.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Patient with Polycystic Liver Disease

A 49-year-old Japanese woman with polycystic liver disease (PLD) was admitted for right hypochondrial pain. CT showed a huge enhancing mass in the liver. She tested negative for other liver diseases, such as hepatitis B and C and alcoholic liver disease. After the patient expired due to hepatic failure, an autopsy revealed poorly differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surrounded by multiple hepatic cysts. The small amount of residual hepatic parenchyma showed nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with severe steatosis. Severe emaciation was also apparent. This case suggests that malnutrition in patients with symptomatic PLD may contribute to the development of HCC via NAFLD.

Survival after arterial embolization therapy in patients with polycystic kidney and liver disease

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) has become a therapeutic option for symptomatic polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and polycystic liver disease (PLD). However, factors affecting survival with renal TAE remain unknown.

METHODS

All symptomatic patients with severe PKD and/or PLD who received renal and/or hepatic TAE at our center from October 1996 through March 2013 (n = 1,028) were followed until death. Their survival was compared with that of the general PKD population on dialysis in Japan. Factors affecting survival were analyzed using the Cox hazard model.

RESULTS

After renal TAE, 5- and 10-year survival was, respectively, 0.78 (95% confidence interval, 0.74-0.82) and 0.56 (0.49-0.63); with hepatic TAE, 0.69 (0.58-0.77) and 0.41 (0.22-0.60); and with dual TAE (renal and hepatic), 0.82 (0.72-0.88) and 0.45 (0.31-0.59). Survival after dialysis initiation was better among patients with renal TAE than among general PKD patients. Factors affecting survival after renal TAE were age [hazard ratio (HR) 3.02 (1.44-6.33) for every 10 years] and albumin [HR 0.70 (0.55-0.89) per 0.1 g/dl]. Kidney volume was not associated with patient death after TAE. The main causes of death among patients after renal TAE were similar to those of the general PKD population on dialysis whereas, after hepatic TAE, the main cause was cyst infection with liver failure (12.5% with PLD and 5.9% with PKD, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Survival after renal TAE with severe PKD was better than for the general PKD population on dialysis, suggesting that renal TAE could overcome the disadvantage due to huge organ size.