[Hepatorenal Syndrome].

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a critical and potentially life-threatening complication of advanced liver disease, including cirrhosis. It is characterized by the development of renal dysfunction in the absence of underlying structural kidney pathology. The pathophysiology of HRS involves complex interactions between systemic and renal hemodynamics, neurohormonal imbalances, and the intricate role of vasoconstrictor substances. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for the timely identification and management of HRS. The diagnosis of HRS is primarily clinical and relies on specific criteria that consider the exclusion of other causes of renal dysfunction. The management of HRS comprises two main approaches: vasoconstrictor therapy and albumin infusion, which aim to improve renal perfusion and mitigate the hyperdynamic circulation often seen in advanced liver disease. Additionally, strategies such as liver transplantation and renal replacement therapy are essential considerations based on individual patient characteristics and disease severity. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of hepatorenal syndrome, focusing on its pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and current management strategies.

Semi-Circumferential Decompression: Microsurgical Total en-bloc Ligamentum Flavectomy to Treat Lumbar Spinal Stenosis with Grade I Degenerative Spondylolisthesis.

BACKGROUND: To describe and assess clinical outcomes of the semi-circumferential decompression technique for microsurgical en-bloc total ligamentum flavectomy with preservation of the facet joint to treat the patients who have a lumbar spinal stenosis with degenerative spondylolisthesis. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and radiologic outcomes of 19 patients who have a spinal stenosis with Meyerding grade I degenerative spondylolisthesis. They were treated using the "semi-circumferential decompression" method. We evaluated improvements in back and radiating pain using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). We also evaluated occurrence of spinal instability on radiological exam using percentage slip and slip angle. RESULTS: The mean VAS score for back pain decreased significantly from 6.3 to 4.3, although some patients had residual back pain. The mean VAS for radiating pain decreased significantly from 8.3 to 2.5. The ODI score improved significantly from 25.3 preoperatively to 10.8 postoperatively. No significant change in percentage slip was observed (10% preoperatively vs. 12.2% at the last follow-up). The dynamic percentage slip (gap in percentage slip between flexion and extension X-ray exams) did not change significantly (5.2% vs. 5.8%). Slip angle and dynamic slip angle did not change (3.2° and 8.2° vs. 3.6° and 9.2°, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that semi-circumferential decompression is a clinically recommendable procedure that can improve pain. This procedure does not cause spinal instability when treating patients who have a spinal stenosis with degenerative spondylolisthesis.

Spontaneous rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon in a tailor.

A spontaneous rupture of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon is associated with rheumatoid arthritis, fractures of the wrist, systemic or local steroids and repetitive, and excessive abnormal motion of the wrist joint. The authors encountered a case of a spontaneous rupture of the EPL tendon. The patient had no predisposing factors including trauma or steroid injection. Although the patient had a positive rheumatoid factor, he did not demonstrate other clinical or radiological findings of rheumatoid arthritis. During surgery, the EPL tendon was found to be ruptured at the extensor retinaculum (third compartment). Reconstruction of the extensor tendon using the palmaris longus tendon was performed. At the 18-month follow-up, the patient showed satisfactory extension of the thumb and 40° extension and flexion at the wrist.