Tumor lysis syndrome and primary hepatic malignancy: case presentation and review of the literature

Acute Liver Failure as the Leading Manifestation of Spontaneous Tumour Lysis Syndrome in a Patient with NonHodgkin Lymphoma: Do Current Diagnostic Criteria of Tumour Lysis Syndrome Need Re-Evaluation?

Tumour lysis syndrome (TLS) is a group of pathophysiological processes caused by rapid degradation of tumour cells with subsequent release of intracellular contents into the extracellular space. It is characterized by the development of systemic metabolic disturbances with or without clinical manifestations. The process usually occurs in highly proliferative, large tumours after induction of cytotoxic therapy. Rarely, however, spontaneous TLS can develop, as well as signs of multiorgan failure triggered by an excessive metabolic load and sterile inflammation. The combination of the aforementioned is thus quite unique. Here, we present a 63-year-old male in which spontaneous TLS was accompanied with acute liver failure and delineated underlying nonHodgkin lymphoma. Initial laboratory findings included hyperkalaemia, hyperphosphataemia, hypocalcaemia, uraemia, and increased creatinine levels indicating the onset of TLS with acute kidney injury. Moreover, the patient showed signs of jaundice, coagulopathy, and hepatic encephalopathy. Development of TLS with multiorgan failure prompted rapid initiation of critical care management, including vigorous intravenous fluid therapy, allopurinol treatment, high flow continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration, and commencement of chemotherapy. The case highlights the possibility of TLS as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with multiorgan failure and the importance of early detection of this potentially challenging and fatal diagnosis.

Assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma treatment response with LI-RADS: a pictorial review

Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) play critical roles for assessing treatment response of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after locoregional therapy. Interpretation is challenging because posttreatment imaging findings depend on the type of treatment, magnitude of treatment response, time interval after treatment, and other factors. To help radiologists interpret and report treatment response in a clear, simple, and standardized manner, the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) has developed a Treatment Response (LR-TR) algorithm. Introduced in 2017, the system provides criteria to categorize response of HCC to locoregional treatment (e.g., chemical ablation, energy-based ablation, transcatheter therapy, and radiation therapy). LR-TR categories include Nonevaluable, Nonviable, Equivocal, and Viable. LR-TR does not apply to patients on systemic therapies. This article reviews the LR-TR algorithm; discusses locoregional therapies for HCC, treatment concepts, and expected posttreatment findings; and illustrates LI-RADS treatment response assessment with CT and MRI.

The confused oncologic patient: a rational clinical approach

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to provide a practical clinical approach to confusion in the patient with cancer. Confusion in the cancer population has a broader differential diagnosis than in the general medical population. The clinician must consider the usual differential diagnoses as well as causes unique to the cancer patient including direct complications from the cancer and indirect complications related to cancer treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

In the recent age of precision medicine, the oncologist now utilizes the genomic profile of both the patient and the tumor to provide advanced biologic therapies including targeted anticancer drugs, antiangiogenic agents, and immunotherapy. Such advances carry with them an emerging pattern of neurotoxicity which, although less well described in the literature, is now an important consideration to the clinical approach to confusion in cancer patients.

SUMMARY

Confusion is the most common neurologic complication in cancer and is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and prolonged hospital stays resulting in increased healthcare costs. Early recognition and treatment of delirium is essential to improve clinical outcomes.