Prevalence and Predictors of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Family Members of Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Background and aims: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the commonest cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Despite the high prevalence, no screening recommendations yet exist. We designed a prospective observational study to estimate the prevalence of NAFLD in the family of patients with NAFLD and develop a predictive model for identifying it. Methodology: The prevalence of NAFLD in patients' family members was estimated using ultrasonography, and univariate and multivariate odds were calculated for its predictors. A model was created using the significant parameters on multivariate odds, and its performance was tested using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC). Results: Among 447 family members of 191 patients with NAFLD, the prevalence of NAFLD was 55.9%. Family members with NAFLD were younger and had lower serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglycerides. The liver stiffness measurement and controlled attenuation parameter values were also lesser in family members compared to the index cases. Age, body mass index (BMI), and ALT were independent predictors of NAFLD in the family members. A model combining age and BMI had an AUROC of 0.838 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.800-0.876, P < 0.001]. Age ≥30 years and BMI ≥25 kg/m2 had an odds ratio of 33.5 (95% CI 17.0-66.0, P < 0.001) for prediction of NAFLD, in comparison to BMI <25 kg/m2 and age <30 years. Conclusion: Family members of patients with NAFLD are at increased risk of NAFLD. Screening strategies using BMI and age ensure early identification and could be beneficial in clinical practice.

Adapting the Utility of Lipiodol CT in Treating Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Introduction: Multiphase MRI liver is the gold-standard imaging modality for staging hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with cirrhosis. Often, small HCCs diagnosed on multiphase MRI are occult on B-mode ultrasound and multiphase CT (MPCT) and thus pose a challenge for loco-regional therapy. We adapted the technique of lipiodol CT in treating two such patients of small HCC. Methods: Lipiodol-CT involved an intra-arterial lipiodol injection through the hepatic artery followed by a noncontrast CT liver. CT delineated small, hyperdense, lipiodol-laden hepatic nodules, which served as a target for executing ablation of the nodule and also revealed the true disease stage by depicting the additional number of tumors in the liver. Results: Case one was a 51-year female, known case of chronic hepatitis C who presented with ascites for two months. She was diagnosed with a small HCC (LI-RADS-4) in a cirrhotic liver on multiphase MRI. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation was planned, but the mass was not located on ultrasound or multiphase CT. Lipiodol-CT was undertaken, which delineated the lipiodol-laden small HCC, which served as a target for executing ablation. Case 2 was a 55-year male, Child-Pugh A cirrhotic, who had undergone right extended hepatectomy for hepatitis B-related HCC. Follow-up MRI revealed a 5 mm segment III nodule, which had increased in size on repeat MRI at 3 months (LI-RADS-4). This nodule, too, was occult on both ultrasound and MPCT. Lipiodol CT revealed additional multiple, variable-sized lipiodol-laden nodules in the liver remnant. Treatment of trans-arterial chemoembolization was performed at one month. Both patients showed complete response to treatment. Conclusion: Lipiodol CT can be safely used in a new role of facilitating treatment of small HCCs diagnosed on MRI but occult on ultrasonography and MPCT.

Clinical Utility of Transient Elastography in the Management of Patients with Budd-Chiari Syndrome Undergoing Endovascular Intervention.

PURPOSE: To quantify liver stiffness measurement (LSM) changes after endovascular intervention for Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) and evaluate whether LSM changes predict restenosis after endovascular intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with BCS who underwent endovascular intervention and had at least 2 LSM values available after the intervention were included. ΔLSM was the difference between LSMs estimated at the last and second last hospital visits. In patients with restenosis, 2 LSM values before restenosis were included. ΔLSM% was calculated as the ratio of ΔLSM to the LSM at the second last visit and expressed as a percentage. Odds ratio (OR) with confidence interval (CI) and area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs) were calculated for the predictors of restenosis. RESULTS: The median baseline and postinterventional 1-week, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month LSM values were 47.2 kPa (33.8-68.4 kPa), 29.2 kPa (24.5-43.0 kPa), 26.2 kPa (18.6-38.9 kPa), 20.9 kPa (13.3-29.8 kPa), and 17.3 kPa (11.8-25.4 kPa), respectively. Of the 118 patients, including 67 men, restenosis developed in 10 patients after a median (interquartile range) duration of 19 months (11-46 months). ΔLSM% was higher (more positive) in patients with restenosis than in those without restenosis (44.7 [8.3-134.3] vs -6.6 [-19.4 to 14.9], P = .001). ΔLSM% was a significant predictor of restenosis with an OR of 1.032 (95% CI, 1.015-1.050; P < .001). The AUROC for ΔLSM% was 0.831 (95% CI, 0.750-0.893; P = .001), and a ΔLSM% increment of 13.2% predicted restenosis with a sensitivity and specificity of 80.0% and 74.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: LSM gradually decreases after endovascular intervention, and transient elastography is a promising test for detecting restenosis after the endovascular treatment of patients with BCS.

Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure in Budd-Chiari Syndrome: Profile and Predictors of Outcome.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: There is a paucity of data on the clinical presentations and outcome of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) patients presenting as acute-on-chronic liver failure (BCS-ACLF). We aimed to describe the profile and outcomes of endovascular interventions in patients with BCS-ACLF. METHODS: All BCS-ACLF patients presenting between October 2007 and April 2019 satisfying the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) definition were studied. We compared 30- , 90- and, 180-day survival among BCS-ACLF patients who underwent endovascular intervention with those who did not, and with a historical cohort of Child-C BCS patients without ACLF who underwent endovascular intervention. RESULTS: Twenty-eight (5%) of 553 BCS patients presented as ACLF as per APASL definition. The majority (60.7%) were males, and mean age was 29.6 ± 11.2 years. The most common site of the block was isolated involvement of hepatic veins-HV (68%), followed by combined inferior vena cava (IVC) and HV block (25%) and isolated IVC block (7%). The acute precipitants were stent thrombosis (17.9%), acute HV thrombosis (10.7%), acute viral hepatitis (7.1%), and antituberculosis drug with hepatitis B virus reactivation (3.6%). In 60.7% patients, no acute precipitant could be identified. The 30- , 90- , and 180-day survival in BCS-ACLF post-endovascular intervention (n = 15), BCS-ACLF without endovascular intervention (n = 13), and Child-C BCS without ACLF who underwent endovascular intervention (n = 25) were (93%, 87%, and 87%), (46%, 28%, and 0%) and (96%, 92%, and 88%), respectively (log-rank test, p value < 0.001). On multivariate Cox proportional analysis, endovascular intervention and the presence of hepatic encephalopathy were independent predictors of mortality. CONCLUSION: Budd-Chiari syndrome can present as acute-on-chronic liver failure. Endovascular intervention is associated with an improved outcome.

Dabigatran as an oral anticoagulant in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome post-percutaneous endovascular intervention.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Anticoagulants play an important role in the management of Budd-Chiari syndrome. There is a paucity of data on the efficacy and safety of direct-acting oral anticoagulants-dabigatran, among patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome. METHODS: In a retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained data, the stent patency rates, major bleeding episode, and a composite endpoint of major bleed and/or mortality rates were compared between Budd-Chiari syndrome patients treated with dabigatran (n = 36) or vitamin K antagonists (n = 62) following endovascular intervention. RESULTS: The baseline characteristics, including sites of block and types of interventions, were similar between the two groups. The mean duration of follow-up in the dabigatran and vitamin K antagonist groups was 10.5 ± 6.7 and 14.1 ± 6.9 months (P = 0.006), respectively. The endovascular stent patency rates were comparable between the dabigatran and vitamin K antagonist groups at 6 months (91% vs 96.5%) and 12 months (91% vs 93%), P = 0.296 (log-rank test), respectively. Major bleeding events were comparable between the dabigatran and vitamin K antagonist groups at 6 months (3.5% vs 2%) and 12 months (3.5% vs 6.5%), P = 0.895 (log-rank test), respectively. The composite endpoint of mortality and major bleed was comparable between dabigatran and vitamin K antagonists at 6 months (4% vs 5%) and 12 months (4% vs 8%), P = 0.875 (log-rank test), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Dabigatran, as compared with vitamin K antagonists, is associated with similar stent patency rates and complications among patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome post-endovascular intervention.

A Randomized Control Trial of Thromboelastography-Guided Transfusion in Cirrhosis for High-Risk Invasive Liver-Related Procedures.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Hemostasis in cirrhosis is dynamic and balanced. Thromboelastography (TEG) assesses global coagulation status. We aimed to assess whether TEG-guided blood product transfusions result in lower blood product requirements in patients with cirrhosis undergoing invasive liver-related procedures as compared to the conventional standard of care (SOC). METHODS: In this open-label, randomized controlled trial, cirrhosis patients with coagulopathy, undergoing invasive liver-related procedures, were randomized to either TEG-guided blood product transfusion or SOC. The primary outcome was difference in the amount of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and platelet units transfused between the two groups. The secondary outcome was procedure-related bleeding complications within 5 days and any complications until 28 days. RESULTS: From November 2017 till June 2019, 58 patients were recruited (29: TEG and 29: SOC). Most common procedures performed were percutaneous liver biopsy (n = 48), followed by transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (n = 2), percutaneous acetic acid injection (n = 2), and transarterial chemoembolization (n = 2). There were no differences in baseline demographics, hemostatic profile, and types of procedures between the two groups. Only nine patients in TEG group received transfusions compared to all patients in SOC (31% vs 100%; P < 0.001). In TEG group, six (20.7%) received FFP (P = 0.753 vs. SOC), two (6.9%) received platelets (P < 0.001 vs. SOC), and 1(3.4%) patient received both FFP and platelet (P ≥ 0.999 vs. SOC) transfusion. None of the patients in either group developed procedure-related bleeding complications until 5 days post-procedure. The complication rates at 28-day follow-up were similar between the groups. CONCLUSION: TEG-guided blood product transfusion strategy reduces blood product transfusion without increased risk of bleeding in cirrhotic patients undergoing invasive liver-related procedures (CTRI/2017/12/010822).

Prognostic role of serial alpha-fetoprotein levels in hepatocellular carcinoma treated with locoregional therapy.

Background and aim: To evaluate early serial AFP changes in responders and non-responders to locoregional therapy and identify differences between significant AFP decliners and non-decliners post-treatment. Methods: Case records of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients having AFP ≥20 ng/ml and treated with locoregional therapy were examined retrospectively. Patients with complete details were included. Trends of serial AFP change (from baseline to post-treatment one month) in patients showing early tumor response (complete response (CR), partial response (PR), progressive disease (PD)) as assessed on multiphasic MRI/CT liver performed at one month following treatment. Receiver operating curves were drawn to estimate the best AFP reduction cut off for differentiating between responders (CR plus PR) from non-responders (PD). AFP decliners (those with AFP level reduction greater than 20% post-treatment) were identified and comparisons of their clinical parameters, tumor response and survival rate were made with AFP non-decliners. Results: HCC patients (n = 126) had mean age of 52.8 years, male:female ratio (4:1), Child's A 94, BCLC stage A/B/C HCC 49/65/12, respectively. On 4-6 weeks' MRI/CT, 46 patients developed CR, 55 PR and 25 PD. Reduction in median AFP level (83% in CR, 19% in PR) occurred in responders while 16% increase occurred in PD patients (non-responders). A 30% AFP reduction could differentiate responders from non-responders with 70% sensitivity and 68% specificity, AUROC 74% (CI 0.64-0.85). AFP decliners showed better survival and tumor response than non-decliners. Conclusions: Serial AFP change can predict tumor response to locoregional therapy in AFP producing HCC patients. AFP decliners have better survival and tumor response than AFP non-decliners.

Role of Indocyanine Green in Predicting Post-Transarterial Chemoembolization Liver Failure in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Post-Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) Liver Failure (LF) is common in patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). No definitive objective parameters predict its occurrence. We assessed the role of Indocyanine Green (ICG) in prediction of post-TACE LF. METHODS: Consecutive HCC patients with Child A/B class, categorized as Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging A/B, were included between August 2012 and July 2014. All underwent ICG dynamics: Plasma Disappearance Rate (PDR) was recorded on the day of TACE. Area Under Receiver Operator Characteristic Curve (AUROC) of ICG-PDR was compared with existing prognostic scores: Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD), MELD-Na and Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) using Hanley and McNeil method. RESULTS: A total of 43 patients, mean age (±sd) 55.1 ± 12.8 years were included; 35 (81.4%) patients were males. Post-TACE LF developed after 17 (28.8%) of 59 procedures. Patients with post-TACE LF had significantly elevated baseline bilirubin (P = 0.006), alkaline phosphatase (P = 0.040) and prolonged international normalized ratio (P = 0.004). The median prognostic scores were higher in patients with post-TACE LF (CTP 7 vs 6; P < 0.001 and MELD 10.5 vs 6.3; P = 0.005). There was no difference in the MELD-Na score. ICG-PDR values were lower in those patients who developed post-TACE LF (7.4%/min vs 10.6%/min; P = 0.008). AUROC for ICG-PDR was 0.72 and a cut-off value <9.25%/min predicted the development of post-TACE LF with a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 64.7%, 61.9%, 40.7% and 81.2%, respectively. There were no differences in the AUROC between ICG-PDR and other prognostic markers (Hanley and McNeil, P: 0.244-0.900). CONCLUSION: ICG-PDR performs similar to MELD, MELD-Na and CTP score for predicting development of post-TACE LF.

Long-term outcomes of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in Indian patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is the treatment of choice in Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) based on current data. Our objective was to evaluate outcomes and assess prognostic factors in BCS patients undergoing TIPS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective analysis of a propectively maintained database, all consecutive BCS patients undergoing TIPS from September 2010 to February 2017 were included. Complete response after TIPS was defined as resolution of symptoms (ascites/pedal edema) with no requirement of diuretics at the end of 4 weeks. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to assess predictors of outcome and complications. RESULTS: Eighty patients with BCS who underwent TIPS were included; 40 (50%) were male. The mean age at onset of symptoms was 24.2±8.7 years. The median (range) follow-up was 660 (2-2400) days. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year rates for TIPS stent patency were 89, 81, and 81%, respectively. Cumulative encephalopathy-free rates were 91, 86, and 86%, respectively, and survival rates were 93, 89, and 84%, respectively. Eight (10.0%) patients died during follow-up, five within the first year (three of these five had incomplete response). On univariate analysis, serum bilirubin, response to intervention, serum creatinine, Child class, model for end-stage liver disease, and All India Institute of Medical Sciences-hepatic venous outflow tract obstruction score were significantly different between survivors and nonsurvivors. On multivariate analysis, response to therapy after TIPS (hazard ratio: 8.37; 95% confidence interval: 1.60-43.82) was independently associated with mortality. The 1-year survival was 97% in patients with complete response, compared with 59% in those with incomplete response (P<0.004). CONCLUSION: Incomplete symptom response after TIPS is associated with poor outcome and can be used for selection of patients for liver transplantation.

Assessment of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis: comparison of shear wave elastography and transient elastography.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of shear wave elastography (SWE) and transient elastography (TE) in the evaluation of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and C (CHC) patients taking liver biopsy as gold standard. METHODS: Ethics committee approved this prospective cross-sectional study. Between October 2012 and December 2014, consecutive CHB/CHC patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included-age more than 18 years, informed written consent, willing and suitable for liver biopsy. SWE, TE, and biopsy were performed the same day. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) cut-offs for various stages of fibrosis were generated for SWE and TE. AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and positive/negative predictive values were estimated individually or in combination. RESULTS: CH patients (n = 240, CHB 172, CHC 68), 176 males, 64 females, mean age 32.6 ± 11.6 years were enrolled. Mean LSM of patients with no histological fibrosis (F0) was 5.0 ± 0.7 and 5.1+1.4 kPa on SWE and TE, respectively. For differentiating F2 and F3-4 fibrosis on SWE, at 7.0 kPa cut-off, the sensitivity was 81.3% and specificity 77.6%. For TE, at 8.3 kPa cut-off, sensitivity was 81.8% and specificity 83.1%. For F3 vs. F4, SWE sensitivity was 83.3% and specificity 90.7%. At 14.8 kPa cut-off, TE showed similar sensitivity (83.3%) but specificity increased to 96.5%. Significant correlation between SWE and TE was observed (r = 0.33, p < 0.001). On combining SWE and TE, a drop in sensitivity with increased specificity for all stages of liver fibrosis occured. CONCLUSION: SWE is an accurate technique for evaluating liver fibrosis. SWE compares favorably with TE especially for predicting advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis. Combining SWE and TE further improves specificity.

Traumatic esophago-bronchopleural fistula-CT finding and treatment using glue: A procedure not so commonly performed.

Bronchopleural fistulas can occur from a number of causes (infective, traumatic, or neoplastic). Combined esophageal-pleural and bronchopleural fistula is not a common entity and previously has been reported after pneumonectomy. We describe the imaging findings and procedure of endoscopic glue injection in a case of combined esophageal-pleural and bronchopleural fistula after penetrating thoracic trauma. The treatment included esophageal exclusion for esophageal-pleural fistula, followed by endoscopic injection of glue for closure of bronchopleural fistula. The fistulae were completely sealed.

MR evaluation of biliary-enteric anastomotic stricture: does contrast-enhanced T1W MRC provide additional information?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To compare T2W-MRCP and T1W contrast-enhanced MRC (CE-MRC) using Gd-BOPTA for evaluation of biliary-enteric anastomotic (BEA) stricture. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients who were suspected to have BEA stricture underwent T2W-MRCP and CE-MRC on a 1.5T scanner. Images were evaluated for evidence of anastomotic stricture. Composite gold standard was used including the findings on percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram or percutaneous transhepatic biliary dilatation, surgery, alkaline phosphatase level and clinical follow-up. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of T2W-MRCP for the diagnosis of anastomotic stricture were 94.4%, 80%, 94.4% and 80% respectively. On CE-MRC, biliary excretion was seen in only 60.87% anastomoses and only these were taken for analysis. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of CE-MRC for the diagnosis of anastomotic stricture were 40%, 75%, 80% and 33.3%. The combined evaluation of T2W-MRCP and CE-MRC showed sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 83.3%, 80%, 93.8% and 57.1%. CONCLUSION: At present, T2W-MRCP is still the diagnostic modality of choice in the evaluation of patients with BEA stricture and the usage of Gd-BOPTA enhanced MRC is inappropriate in this setting.

Spontaneous rupture of a giant hepatic hemangioma - sequential management with transcatheter arterial embolization and resection.

Hemangioma is the most common benign tumor of liver and is often asymptomatic. Spontaneous rupture is rare but has a catastrophic outcome if not promptly managed. Emergent hepatic resection has been the treatment of choice but has high operative mortality. Preoperative transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) can significantly improve outcome in such patients. We report a case of spontaneous rupture of giant hepatic hemangioma that presented with abdominal pain and shock due to hemoperitoneum. Patient was successfully managed by TAE, followed by tumor resection. TAE is an effective procedure in symptomatic hemangiomas, and should be considered in such high risk patients prior to surgery.

Clinical profile, etiology and therapeutic outcome in 324 hepatocellular carcinoma patients at a tertiary care center in India.

OBJECTIVE: To study the profile and outcome of therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in India. METHODS: Data analysis of HCC patients enrolled in liver clinic between 1990 and 2005. RESULTS: We registered 324 HCC patients [males 284 (88%), mean age 52.4 +/- 13.1 years]. The etiology of HCC was: hepatitis B virus 165 (51%), hepatitis C virus 38 (12%), alcohol 20 (6%), combined 31 (10%) and unknown 70 (21%). Serum alpha-fetoprotein was >400 ng in 36%, portal vein invasion was seen in 40% and distant metastases in 13%. Therapy was offered to 141 (43.5%) patients, but survival data was available in only 130 (93%) of them. Treatment given and median survival time was as follows: surgical resection, 19 months (n = 14); transarterial chemoembolization, 11 months (n = 23); transarterial rhenium therapy, 26 months (n = 7); radiofrequency ablation, 24 months (n = 4); acetic acid ablation, 13 months (n = 17); oral chemotherapy, 26 months (n = 33), and combination therapy, 26 months (n = 32). Vascular invasion, Okuda staging and therapy were independent factors associated with survival. Treated patients had longer median survival compared to untreated ones (16 months vs. 7 months, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hepatitis B infection is the predominant cause of HCC in India. Serum alpha-fetoprotein was diagnostic in only one third of our patients. Most patients present late, when curative therapies are not possible. Treated patients had better survival than untreated ones.