Artificial Intelligence in hepatology, liver surgery and transplantation: Emerging applications and frontiers of research

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented realities into the medical field is being attempted by various researchers across the globe. As a matter of fact, most of the advanced technologies utilized by medical providers today have been borrowed and extrapolated from other industries. The introduction of AI into the field of hepatology and liver surgery is relatively a recent phenomenon. The purpose of this narrative review is to highlight the different AI concepts which are currently being tried to improve the care of patients with liver diseases. We end with summarizing emerging trends and major challenges in the future development of AI in hepatology and liver surgery.

Hemorrhagic ascites: are we missing endometriosis?

Peritoneal tuberculosis, carcinomatosis and pancreatic ascites are often considered as differential diagnosis of hemorrhagic ascites. Endometriosis can rarely present as hemorrhagic ascites and closely mimic these conditions. When this occurs without common clinical features of endometriosis, it can create a diagnostic challenge to the treating physician. We present three patients with endometriosis who presented with hemorrhagic ascites; two of them did not have gynecological symptoms or significant pelvic disease. These patients were evaluated several times in many centers and even received multiple courses of anti-tuberculous treatment. The diagnosis was made by histologic examination of parietal peritoneum obtained by laparoscopy or laparotomy. The diagnosis was missed possibly because of the atypical presentation, lack of clinical suspicion and incomplete assessment. In conclusion, this potentially treatable condition should be considered as a differential diagnosis for hemorrhagic ascites in a premenopausal woman.