Early occurrence of acute myelomonocytic leukemia (M4/M5) after liver transplantation: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Acute myeloid leukemia is a rare event in post-liver-transplantation recipients. In the present report, we described a case of extramedullary acute myeloid leukemia, M4/M5 subtype, following orthotopic liver transplant. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was a 50-year-old Iranian woman who underwent orthotopic liver transplant due to hepatitis B-related cirrhosis (Child C, MELD (model for end-stage liver disease score) = 22). Orthotopic liver transplant was performed using the piggy back technique in January 2022. Induction immunosuppressive therapy was 1 gm methylprednisolone for 3 days followed by a triple maintenance immunosuppressive regimen including mycophenolate mofetil, prednisolone, and tacrolimus. About 5 months after orthotopic liver transplant in June 2022, the patient presented with leukocytosis, with white blood cell count of 99.4 × 103/µl, and physical examination revealed only cervical lymphadenopathy. Biopsy of cervical lymph nodes showed a myeloid tumor. She was immediately hospitalized. Eight hours after hospitalization, the patient gradually developed lethargy and decreased O2 saturation to approximately 89%. Flow cytometry demonstrated the markers of a myelomonocytic acute myeloid leukemia (M4/M5). Cytoreduction was immediately started by intensive leukopheresis followed by induction therapy. Because of a septic complication during the induction therapy, further chemotherapy was discontinued and broad-spectrum antibiotics and antifungal treatments started. Unfortunately, our patient died of severe septic shock 42 days after hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Acute myeloid leukemia is a rare phenomenon after liver transplantation, and it can follow a rapidly fatal clinical course.

Metabolic syndrome, hepatic fibrosis, and steatosis diagnosed by liver stiffness measurement and controlled attenuation parameter after liver transplantation: the impact on long-term survival.

BACKGROUND: Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) are used for diagnosis of liver fibrosis and steatosis. This study aimed to noninvasively evaluate hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in liver transplant recipients using CAP and LSM and the impact on survival of patients. METHODS: In a prospective study, adult liver transplant recipients were included. CAP and LSM obtained during transient elastography (TE) were used for assessment of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Patients were followed during 4 years for mortality as the main outcome after liver transplantation. RESULTS: From 296 patients, 24.7% and 25% of liver transplant recipients had liver steatosis and fibrosis in CAP and LSM, respectively. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, etiology of liver disease (NASH versus non-NASH) (HR: 3.125; 95% CI: 1.594-6.134; p = 0.001), and post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) (HR: 2.617; 95% CI: 1.396-4.926; p = 0.003) were associated with hepatic steatosis after liver transplantation.  In multivariable Cox regression analysis, liver fibrosis was an independent predictor of mortality after liver transplantation (HR: 4.926; 95%CI: 1.779-13.513; p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: CAP and LS measurement during TE are useful methods for diagnosis of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in liver transplant recipients. LS measurement might predict long-term survival of patients.

Portal vein thrombosis in patients with liver cirrhosis and its impact on early and long-term outcomes after liver transplantation.

AIM: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common complication amongst patients with liver cirrhosis. The PVT risk factors and its impact on post liver transplant outcome has not been well defined, yet. This study aimed to investigate PVT prevalence, its risk factors and influence on early and long-term outcomes after liver transplantation. METHODS: Adult (>18 years) patients with liver cirrhosis undergoing liver transplantation between March 2013 to March 2015 were included. Presence or absence of PVT was recorded at transplant. PVT risk factors in patients with liver cirrhosis and its impact on early and long-term outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: Portal vein thrombosis was diagnosed in 174 patients (17.3%). Large oesophageal varices (grade II and III vs grade I) (OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.46-4.26; P = 0.001), diabetes mellitus before transplantation (OR: 2.03; 95% CI: 1.13-3.64; P = 0.017) and cryptogenic-NASH (OR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.08-1.72; P = 0.008) as a cause of underlying liver disease were the independent risk factors for PVT. PVT (OR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.10-3.81; P = 0.023) was an independent predictor of early (within 90 days) posttransplant mortality, but did not influence long-term survival. CONCLUSION: Portal vein thrombosis prevalence is high in pretransplant period. NASH related cirrhosis and diabetes mellitus might be risk factors for PVT. More intense screening of these patients for PVT is warranted.

A New Consideration in Hepatic Artery Reconstruction in Adult Liver Transplant: Arterial Transposition Versus Extra-Anatomic Jump Grafts.

OBJECTIVES: In some cases of liver transplant, standard hepatic artery reconstruction may be difficult or impossible due to inadequate flow of the recipient's hepatic artery, as a result of stenosis, intimal dissection, or anomalies of the hepatic artery. We compared splenic artery transposition with extra-anatomic jump graft as 2 alternative methods for hepatic artery reconstruction in these situations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the files of 2135 liver transplant recipients from March 2011 to February 2016 at the Shiraz Transplant Center. Data of 93 patients with unusual hepatic artery reconstruction were analyzed to assess outcomes, morbidity, mortality, and pre- and posttransplant parameters (both clinical and paraclinical). Patients were divided into 2 groups: 17 with splenic artery transposition (splenic artery group) and 76 with extra-anatomic jump grafts (control group). RESULTS: There was only 1 occurrence (5.8%) of hepatic artery thrombosis in the splenic artery group causing extra-anatomic jump graft. However, in the control group, there were 4 occurrences (5.2%) of hepatic artery thrombosis, causing 1 revision of anastomosis and 3 retransplant procedures. No deaths due to hepatic artery complications were reported in the 2 groups. Three-year survival rate was 87.5% in the splenic artery group and 68.9% in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Splenic artery transposition is an acceptable method for hepatic artery reconstruction in deceased-donor liver transplant procedures with no greater rates of complication or morbidity than extra-anatomic jump grafts. Less operation time and better exposure during surgery are advantages of this method.

Liver transplantation as a definitive treatment for familial hypercholesterolemia: A series of 36 cases.

FH is a genetic disorder characterized by an increase in serum LDL and total cholesterol values. The afflicted patients are at increased risk of premature atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction. Different treatment modalities are present, including pharmacological agents and surgical procedures. The most effective method of therapy in refractive cases is liver transplantation. Herein, we report our experience on 36 cases of patients with FH undergoing liver transplantation in our center, the main referral center of liver transplantation in Iran. The clinical findings, hospital courses, post-operative complications, and patient follow-up are also described.