Isolated hepatic non-obstructive sinusoidal dilatation, 20-year single center experience

Value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for vascular diseases of the liver - current indications and open questions

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) is a widely available and well-tolerated technique that can expand the diagnosis of a variety of vascular liver diseases. This paper presents an overview of the current possibilities of the use of CEUS in vascular liver diseases. Particularly where Doppler sonography has technical limitations, CEUS provides additional opportunities to visualize vascular thrombosis and other obstructions restricting blood flow. When CT or MRI contrast agents cannot be used because of severe allergy or renal insufficiency, CEUS can be a valuable diagnostic alternative and has demonstrated comparable diagnostic performance in at least some vascular liver diseases, such as portal vein thrombosis. In addition, CEUS works without radiation and, therefore, might be particularly suitable for young patients and children. This may be useful, for example, in congenital disorders such as persistent umbilical vein or preduodenal portal vein. Vascular liver disease is rare and comprehensive data are still lacking, but the available literature provides promising insights into potential new ways to study vascular liver disease. Although most studies are based on small sample sizes or even case reports, the high diagnostic utility is undisputed.

Sinusoidal dilatation and congestion in post-transplant liver biopsies from patients presenting with transaminitis

AIMS

Sinusoidal dilatation and congestion (SDC) in liver biopsy may be obstructive (due to venous outflow impairment) or non-obstructive in nature. The significance of this finding in the post-liver transplant setting remains unexplored.

METHODS

We herein retrospectively analysed all post-transplant liver biopsies showing SDC and examined histopathological features in detail. Association with transaminitis and concurrent graft rejection was assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 30 post-transplant liver biopsies from 27 patients showed SDC with atrophy of hepatocyte cords (SDC; incidence 7.4%). All patients had transaminitis. Most patients (n=22; 81.5%) were asymptomatic with deranged liver function tests (LFTs) detected during routine follow-up, raising clinical suspicion of graft rejection. SDC was non-obstructive in 19 (70.4%) and obstructive (due to sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS)) in 8 (29.6%) cases. The incidence of SOS was 2%. SDC was mild, moderate and severe in 18 (66.7%), 7 (25.9%) and 2 (7.4%) cases, respectively. Perivenular and centrilobular sinusoidal fibrosis was seen in the obstructive SDC group (n=3, 11.1%). Concurrent graft rejection was present in 7 (25.9%) cases, of which acute cellular rejection comprised 5 (18.5%), and late acute rejection accounted for 2 cases (7.4%). Serum tacrolimus levels ranged from normal (n=14) to below and above normal (n=5 each). Modulation of immunosuppressive therapy led to normalisation of LFTs in one patient.

CONCLUSION

Obstructive and non-obstructive SDC in post-liver transplant patients presenting with transaminitis mimics graft rejection clinically and may represent a form of drug-induced liver injury. Liver biopsy plays a crucial role in the diagnosis.