[Indications and results of pulmonary resections in a developing country]. / Indications et résultats des exérèses pulmonaires dans un pays en développement.

INTRODUCTION: Indications for pulmonary excision are dominated by infectious pulmonary pathologies in developing countries. We conducted this study to describe the indications and results of pulmonary resections in the thoracic surgery department of the Mali hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective and descriptive study from January 2012 to December 2019, carried out in the thoracic surgery department of the Mali hospital. It involved 76 patients who had a pulmonary resection. The variables studied were the epidemiological data, the operating indications, the therapeutic data and the prognosis. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 35.5 years. The sex ratio was 1.7. The average consultation time in thoracic surgery was 11.6 months with extremes of 7 days and 96 months. A history of pulmonary tuberculosis was noted in 46.1% of patients. The main indications for pulmonary resection were infectious parenchymal destruction in 64.5%, bullous dystrophy in 14.5%, bronchopulmonary cancer in 11.8% and thoracic trauma in 4% of the cases. The procedures performed were: a lobectomy (39.5%), atypical resection (36.8%), culminectomy (7.9%) and pneumonectomy (15.8%). Morbidity was dominated by thoracic empyema (9.2%) postoperative hemorrhage (5.2%), parietal suppuration (7.8%) and bronchopleural fistula (1.3%). The average length of hospital stay was 14.3 days. Mortality was 10.5%. There was a statistically significant correlation between pneumonectomy and deaths (P=0.01). CONCLUSION: Infectious lung destruction is the main indication for pulmonary resection in Mali. The consultation period is quite long. Morbidity and mortality remains high.

[Diagnosis and therapeutic aspects of the amoebic liver abscesses in the surgery at point "G" Hospital]. / Aspects Diagnostiques et Therapeutiquesdes Abces Amibiens du Foie dans le Service de Chirurgie "A" du CHU du Point "G".

AIM: Our aim was to evaluate the diagnosis and therapeutic aspects of the amoebic liver abscesses in the surgery «A¼ department of the University hospital Point "G". PATIENTS AND METHODS: Were included in this study, patients admitted to the surgery «A¼ department for amoebic liver abscess confirmed by a positive amoebic serology and the chocolate appearance of bacteria-free pus. Bacterial liver abscesses were not included into this study. RESULTS: Over a 10-year period, 52 cases of patients diagnosed with amoebic liver abscess were collected in the department. There were 41 men and 11 women, with a sex ratio of 3.7. The mean age was 37.8 years old with extremes of 15 and 66 years. The most represented professions were farmers (36.5%) followed by salesmen (26.7%) and students (11.5%). The average outpatient visit delay time was 18.5 days with the extremes of 5 and 34 days. The most frequent clinical signs were pain in the right hypochondrium (86.5%), fever (78.8%) and hepatomegaly (61.5%). Abdominal ultrasound showed a single located abscess in 44 patients (84.6%) and these abscesses were localized in the right hepatic lobe in 34 patients(65.4%). The average volume of the abscess was 366.5 cm3 with the extremes of 36 cm3 and 1580 cm3. Amoebic serology was positive in 38 patients (80.9%). Cytobacteriological analysis of pus in 37 patients (71%) was negative. Patients underwent an ultrasound assisted needle aspiration of pus in 65.4% he. Laparotomy and a laparoscopic approach were performed in 7.7% and in 5.8%, respectively. The clinical course was uneventfulin 94.2%. The mean hospital stay duration was 16.5 days with the extremes of 4 and 29 days. No death was recorded during hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Amoebic liver abscess is an uncommon pathology in a surgical setting. Abdominal ultrasound andechography guided liver puncture allowed the diagnosis. Laparoscopic approach minimizes the burden of the laparotomy.

BUT: Le but de cette étude était d'évaluer les aspects diagnostiques et thérapeutiques des abcès amibiens du foie dans le service de chirurgie " A " du CHU du Point G. PATIENTS ET MÉTHODES: Ont été inclus dans cette étude, les patients admis dans le service de chirurgie "A" pour abcès amibien du foie sur la base de la positivité de la sérologie amibienne, de l'aspect chocolat du pus et de l'absence de bactéries dans le pus. Les abcès bactériens ont été exclus de cette étude. RÉSULTATS: En 10 ans, 52 dossiers de patients diagnostiqués pour abcès amibiens du foie ont été colligés dans le service. Il s'est agi de 41 hommes et de 11 femmes soit un sex-ratio de 3,7. L'âge moyen des patients a été de 37,8 ans avec des extrêmes de 15ans et 66 ans. Les professions les plus représentées ont été les cultivateurs (36,5%), les commerçants (26,7%) et les élèves et étudiants (11,5%).Le délai moyen de consultation a été de 18,5 jours avec des extrêmes de 5 jours et 34 jours. Les signes cliniques les plus fréquents ont été la douleur de l'hypochondre droit (86,5%), la fièvre (78,8%) et l'hépatomégalie (61,5%). L'échographie abdominale a objectivé un abcès unique dans 44 cas (84,6%) et l'abcès a été localisé dans le lobe hépatique droit dans 34 cas (65,4%). Le volume moyen de l'abcès était de 366,5cm3 avec des extrêmes de 36 cm3 et 1580cm3. La sérologie amibienne a été positive dans 80,9% (n = 38). La culture a été stérile à l'analyse cytobactériologique du pus dans 37 cas (71%). Une ponction évacuatrice écho-guidée a été réalisée dans 65,4% des cas. La procédure chirurgicale a consisté à réaliser une laparotomie dans 7,7% des cas et un abord coelioscopique dans 5,8%. Les antibiotiques utilisés ont été le métronidazole par voie intraveineuse chez tous les patients, associés à la céftriaxone dans 78,8% (n=41). L'évolution clinique a été favorable dans 94,2%. La durée moyenne d'hospitalisation a été de 16,5 jours avec des extrêmes de 4 jours et 29 jours. Aucun décès n'a été constaté pendant l'hospitalisation. CONCLUSION: L'abcès amibien du foie est une pathologie peu fréquente en milieu chirurgical. L'échographie abdominale et la ponction écho-guidée ont permis de poser le diagnostic. Le traitement par abord coelioscopique minimise les inconvénients de la laparotomie.

[Necrotizing cervico-facial cellulitis of dental origin in a developing country]. / Les cellulites cervico-faciales nécrosantes d'origine dentaire dans un pays en voie de développement.

INTRODUCTION: Necrotizing cellulitis of dental origin is a serious disease and requires prompt and effective management to avoid adverse outcomes. The purpose of this work is to describe the diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties encountered in this condition. METHODS: This was a prospective study in the thoracic surgery department of Mali Hospital from January 2011 to February 2015. We collected consecutively 19 cases of complicating cervico-facial cellulitis of dental origin. The anatomical and clinical aspects, therapeutic modalities and difficulties are described. RESULTS: Dental pain and fever were the predominant symptoms followed by cervical edema. Chest CT-scan was the basis for the diagnosis in all cases. Cervicotomy with debridement was the most performed surgical procedure. Pleural drainage was performed in 6 cases. Three patients (15.8%) died. CONCLUSION: Necrotizing cellulitis of dental origin is a serious disease with high morbidity and mortality. The key radiological examination is the thoracic CT-scan. Early medico-surgical management by emergency care, tailored antibiotic therapy, removal of necrotizing tissues and drainage of collections are required to deliver a good outcome.

[Management of goiters in the surgery «A¼ department of the Point G university hospital]. / Prise en charge des goitres en chirurgie «A¼ du CHU du Point G.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical treatment of goiter in the «A¼ surgical department of the Point G University Hospital in Bamako. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective and descriptive study in the «A¼ surgical department of the Point G University Hospital from January 2007 to August 2014. Included in the study were all the patients operated for goiter. The patients who underwent surgery for other thyroid diseases were not selected. Postoperatively patients were followed for one year. The sociodemographic, clinical, para-clinical, therapeutic aspects and the postoperative course were the study parameters. Data analysis was performed on SPSS 21. The Chi square test was used for statistical analysis. A p-value inferior to 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 378 patients' records were collected. Thyroidectomy represented 6.2% (378 cases) over 6027 operations. The mean age was 41.29 years with a standard deviation of 13.58. Extremes were 3 and 85 years. The sex ratio was 7.22 in favor of women. The frequent reason for consultation was due to antero-cervical tumor with 97.07% of cases (n = 367). We identified 118 cases (31.22%) of goiter in cooled hyperthyroidism patients, 211 cases (55.82%) of euthyroid goiter, 7 cases (1.85%) of the thyroid neoplasia and one case (0.3%) of hypothyroidism goiter. Pathological histology helped to highlight a micro-vesicular macro adenoma in 16.1% of cases (61 patients); adenocarcinoma in 0.7% of cases (3 patients) and papillary carcinoma in 1.1% of patients (4 patients). The patients classified as ASA I and ASA II represented the majority with respectively 248 cases (65.60%) and 120 cases (31.74%). The most performed surgical techniques were subtotal thyroidectomy (n=181; 49.7%), the isthmo-lobectomy (126; 33.3%), total thyroidectomy (n=11; 2.9%) and sternotomy in one case of endothoracic goiter. Intraoperative complications were marked by hemorrhage in 12.7% of cases (45 patients). The postoperative one month follow up was uneventful in 91.79% (n = 347) and transient recurrent nerve injury was found in 2% of cases (1 patient). In one year follow up the postoperative outcome was good in 94.17% (n = 356) of patients. The mean hospital stay was 4.18 days. Six deaths were recorded (1.7%). CONCLUSION: Goiter surgery is relatively common in the surgery 'A' department of the Point G University hospital. Good patient preparation and a better postoperative monitoring could help to minimize postoperative complications.

Le but de ce travail était d'évaluer la prise en charge chirurgicale des goitres dans le service de chirurgie «A¼ du CHU du Point G, à Bamako. PATIENTS ET MÉTHODE: Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective et descriptive menée dans le service de chirurgie «A¼ du CHU du POINT G, de Janvier 2007 à Août 2014. Ont été inclus dans l'étude tous les patients reçus et opérés pour goitre. N'ont pas été retenus les patients opérés pour un kyste du tractus thyréoglosse, les abcès cervicaux, les traumatismes du cou, et les dossiers incomplets. Les patients ont été suivis pendant un an en postopératoire. Les aspects sociodémographiques, cliniques, para cliniques, thérapeutiques, ainsi que les suites opératoires ont été les paramètres d'étude. L'analyse des données a été effectuée sur le logiciel SPSS version 21. Le test statistique utilisé a été le Khi 2. Une valeur de p< 0,05 a été considérée comme statistiquement significative. RÉSULTATS: Un total de 378 dossiers de patients ont été colligés. La thyroïdectomie a représenté 6,2% (378 cas) sur 6027 interventions. L'âge moyen était de 41,99 ans avec un écart type de 13,58. Les extrêmes étaient de 3 ans et 85 ans. Le sex ratio était de 7,22 en faveur du sexe féminin. La tuméfaction antero-cervicale était le motif de consultation le plus fréquent avec 97,07% des cas (n= 367). Nous avons recensé 118 cas (31,22%) de goitre en hyperthyroïdie refroidie, 211 cas (55,82%) de goitre euthyroïdien, 7 cas (1,85%) de néoplasie de la thyroïde, un cas (0,3%) d'hypothyroïdie. L'histologie a permis de mettre en évidence un adénome micro-macro vésiculaire dans 16,1% des cas (61 patients); un adénocarcinome dans 0,7% des cas (3 patients); un carcinome papillaire dans 1,1% des cas (4 patients). Les patients de classe ASA I et ASA II étaient majoritaires avec respectivement (248 cas; 65,60%, et 120 cas; 31,74%). Les techniques chirurgicales les plus réalisées étaient la thyroïdectomie subtotale (181; 49,7%), l'isthmo-lobectomie (126; 33,3%), une thyroïdectomie totale (11; 2,9%); une sternotomie dans un cas de goitre endothoracique. Une hémorragie était notée dans 12,7% des cas (45 patients) en peropératoire. Les suites opératoires à un mois étaient simples dans 91,79% (n=347) et une lésion transitoire du nerf récurrent dans 2% des cas (1 patient). Les suites opératoires à un an étaient simples chez 94,17% (n=356) des patients. La durée moyenne d'hospitalisation était de 4,18 jours. Six décès ont été enregistrés (1,7%). CONCLUSION: La chirurgie des goitres est relativement fréquente dans le service de chirurgie «A¼ du CHU du POINT G. Une bonne préparation et une meilleure surveillance post opératoire pourraient aider à minimiser les complications post opératoires.

[Heller myotomy by transthoracic procedure, a single center experience in Mali with 21 cases]. / Myotomie de heller par voie transthoracique : une experience monocentrique au mali de 21 cas.

AIMS: To evaluate the midterm results of myotomy for achalasia by thoracotomy procedure with the introduction of anti-reflux system by diaphragmatic flap. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study involved 21 patients (14 women and 7 men) operated for idiopathic megaesophagus during a period of 3 years. All the patients were operated by thoracotomy procedure. An anti-reflux system was performed using a diaphragmatic flap over the entire length of the myotomy. RESULTS: The mean age was 32 years (range 16 and 68 years). After the surgery we have seen a complete disappearance of dysphagia in 21 patients (100 %) (p <0.001) and a significant weight regain. Short term outcomes were marked by the occurrence of clinical gastroesophageal reflux disease in 1 patient (4.76%) who has received the anti-reflux system (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: Oeso-cardio-myotomy of Heller by transthoracic procedure associated with the establishment of an anti reflux system by diaphragmatic flap has goods results.

BUT: Evaluer les résultats à mi-parcours de l'œsocardiomyotomie de Heller par voie transthoracique avec la mise en place du système anti-reflux par un lambeau diaphragmatique pour le mégaoesophage idiopathique. PATIENTS ET MÉTHODES: Il s'agissait d'une étude prospective ayant concerné 21 patients (14 femmes et 7 hommes) opérés pour un mégaoesophage idiopathique durant une période de 3 ans. La voie d'abord a été la voie transthoracique gauche pour tous nos patients. Un système anti-reflux avait été réalisé en utilisant un lambeau diaphragmatique sur toute la longueur de la myotomie de l'œsophage thoracique. RÉSULTATS: L'âge moyen était de 32 ans (extrêmes : 16 et 68 ans). Les suites immédiates étaient simples. Après l'intervention nous avons assisté à une disparition complète de la dysphagie chez 21 patients (100 %) (p < 0,001) et une reprise pondérale conséquente. Les suites à court terme étaient marquées par la survenue d'un reflux gastro-œsophagien clinique chez 1 patient (4.76 %) qui avait bénéficié d'un système anti-reflux (p > 0,05). CONCLUSION: L'œsocardiomyotomie de Heller par voie transthoracique associée à la mise en place systématique d'un système anti-reflux par lambeau diaphragmatique donne de bons résultats.

Sphingosylphosphorylcholine induces α-smooth muscle actin expression in human lung fibroblasts and fibroblast-mediated gel contraction via S1P2 receptor and Rho/Rho-kinase pathway.

Chronic airway diseases like COPD and asthma are usually accompanied with airway fibrosis. Myofibroblasts, which are characterized by expression of smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), play an important role in a variety of developmental and pathological processes, including fibrosis and wound healing. Sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC), a sphingolipid metabolite, has been implicated in many physiological and pathological conditions. The current study tested the hypothesis that SPC may modulate tissue remodeling by affecting the expression of α-SMA in human fetal lung fibroblast (HFL-1) and fibroblast mediated gel contraction. The results show that SPC stimulates α-SMA expression in HFL-1 and augments HFL-1 mediated collagen gel contraction in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The α-SMA protein expression and fibroblast gel contraction induced by SPC was not blocked by TGF-ß1 neutralizing antibody. However, it was significantly blocked by S1P2 receptor antagonist JTE-013, the Rho-specific inhibitor C3 exoenzyme, and a Rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632. These findings suggest that SPC stimulates α-SMA protein expression and HFL-1 mediated collagen gel contraction via S1P2 receptor and Rho/Rho kinase pathway, and by which mechanism, SPC may be involved in lung tissue remodeling.

[Digestive tract perforations at Point G Teaching Hospital in Bamako, Mali]. / Perforations Digestives Au CHU Du Point G.

AIMS: To determine the most frequent causes of the digestive perforations and to evaluate the surgical procedures, the morbidity and mortality. PATIENTS AND METHODS: It was about a retrospective descriptive study, over 5 year's period in a visceral service of CHU du Point G, Bamako. Were included in the study all the patients operated for digestive perforation and hospitalized in the service of surgery "A". Were not included in the study patient operated not presenting a digestive perforation. Per operational etiologies of the perforations and their frequency were determined, as well as the morbidity and morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Files of 202 patients were collected. The average age of the patients was 28.3 ± 15.5 years with extremes of 6 and 71 years. The frequency of digestive perforations was higher in the age from 11 to 20 years (29.7%). The average time of consultation was of 7± 6 days. Abdominal pains, nauseas and vomiting, matter and gas stop (48.5%) were the most current functional signs. A "wood belly" abdomen was found in 72,3% of the cases. The radiography of abdomen without preparation found a diffuse greyness (64.7%), a pneumoperitoine (30.7%). A double antibiotic therapy was made in all the cases. A median laparotomy was practiced in 98,5%, and laparoscopy in 3 cases (1.5%). A single perforation was found among 172 patients (85,1%). Morbidity, all confused causes, was made of 30 cases of parietal suppurations (14.8%). Total mortality was 74%. According to aetiologies it was 10.3% in the typhic perforations, 4.6% in the appendicular perforations and 4.9% in the perforations of gastroduodenal ulcers. CONCLUSION: The most frequent aetiologies of digestive perforation in our context were the typhoid fever, acute appendicitis and the gastroduodenal ulcer. The résection - joining and peritoneal toilet were the most practised procedure. The main factor of bad outcome remains the diagnostic delay burdening morbidity and mortality.

[Early results of pleural decortication for empyema: an African series of 51 cases]. / Résultats à court terme de la décortication pulmonaire pour pyothorax.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short term outcome of patients who underwent pleuro-pulmonary decortication. METHOD: This is a retrospective study of 174 patients treated for thoracic empyema in Point G Hospital, Bamako/Mali, between 2004 and 2007. Perioperative data of 51 patients who underwent pleuro-pulmonary decortication had been recorded. RESULTS: Of the 174 patients treated, 51 (29.3%) underwent pleuro-pulmonary decortication. 84.5% were male and 70.6% were less than 45 years old. A recent history of tuberculosis was found in 59%. Among the four patients selected for a thoracoscopic procedure, only two were treated successfully. A conventional postero-lateral thoracotomy was used in the remaining 49 patients. The lung expansion, estimated intraoperatively, was complete in 43 cases and incomplete in eight cases. Among these eight patients with incomplete lung expansion, four developed a secondary empyema and required a thoracoplasty. The postoperative mortality was 6% (three patients). CONCLUSION: In our hospital, one third of patients with thoracic empyema required a pleuro-pulmonary decortication. Incomplete lung expansion is a potential risk factor of postoperative infection necessitating re-operation or more extensive surgical procedures.

[Prise en charge chirurgicale des goitres hyperthyroïdiens a Bamako]. / Prise en charge chirurgicale des goitres hyperthyroïdiens a Bamako.

GOAL: To assess the surgical therapy in goiter with hyperthyroidism in a surgical unit of CHU du Point-G. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted, concerning 131 patients having undergone a thyroidectomy for goiter with hyperthyroidism from January 1st 1998 to December 31st 2007. RESULTS: The files of 131 patients were analysed. The average age of patients was 39.74 years, with 114 women and 17 men. The goiter in Basedow disease was the first indication for surgery in hyperthyroidism (48 cases; 36.6%) followed by toxic adenoma (39; 29.8% of the cases) and toxic multinodular goiter (38; 29% of cases). Ninety patients had a subtotal thyroidectomy (68.7% of cases). One total thyroidectomy (0.8%), 39 isthmolobectomies (29.7%) and one isthmectomy (0.8%) were carried out. Anatomohistology showed 67.1% of colloid benign tumours, and 8 cases of cancers (6.2% of the cases). Early postoperative follow ups were due to hemorrhage (2 cases; 1.5%) and 3 cases of dysphonia (2.5%). One patient died (0.8%). After six months, 3 cases of wound cheloide (2.5%), one case of dysphonia, and one case of hypothyroidism were noted. For 86 patients (71.1%) the postoperative follow up was simple. CONCLUSION: Surgery remains a treatment of choice for hyperthyroidism goiter. Other options are too expensive or not available.

BUT: évaluer la prise en charge chirurgicale des goitres hyperthyroïdiens dans le service de chirurgie « A ¼ du CHU du Point-G. PATIENTS ET MÉTHODES: Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective descriptive portant sur tous les patients ayant subi une thyroïdectomie pour goitre hyperthyroïdien sur la période allant du 01 Janvier 1998 au 31 Décembre 2007. RÉSULTATS: Au total 131 malades ont été recensés, soit 114 femmes et 17 hommes. La moyenne d'âge des patients était de 39,74 ans avec un écart type de 11,72. Les indications chirurgicales les plus courantes étaient les goitres de la maladie de Basedow (48; 36,6% des cas) les adénomes toxiques (39; 29,8% des cas) et les goitres multinodulaires toxiques (38; 29% des cas). La technique opératoire a été la thyroïdectomie subtotale (90; 68,7%), l'isthmolobectomies (39; 29,7%), la thyroïdectomie totale (1; 0,8%), et l'isthmectomie (1; 0,8%). L'examen histo-anatomo-pathologique des pièces opératoires a permis de mettre en évidence un taux élevé de tumeurs épithéliales bénignes (67,1%), ainsi que 8 cas de cancers (6,2%). Les suites opératoires de J0 à J3 ont été marquées par deux cas d'hémorragie (1,5%) et 1 décès (0,8%). A six mois postopératoire 3 cas de cicatrices chéloïdes (2,5%), 3 cas de dysphonie persistante (2,5%) et un cas d'hypothyroïdie biologique (0,8%) ont été enregistrés. Pour 86 malades (71,1%) les suites ont été simples. CONCLUSION: La chirurgie reste une des options privilégiées pour le traitement des goitres hyperthyroïdiens dans notre contexte. Les autres options sont onéreuses ou non disponibles.

Clinical importance of serum hepatitis B surface antigen levels in chronic hepatitis B.

Quantitative serology for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is a new candidate marker for prediction of clinical outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of quantifying HBsAg in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. A total of 424 patients who tested positive for HBsAg and were referred to Chiba University Hospital between January 1985 and April 2008 were included in the study, and the following characteristics were analyzed: age, gender, status of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), alanine aminotransferase level (ALT), HBV DNA level, number of platelets and development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Measurement of HBsAg was performed using the chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay method. The study group consisted of 239 men and 185 women, and their average age was 40.6 ± 14.0 years. HBsAg showed a positive correlation with HBV DNA level (Pearson's product moment correlation, r = 0.586, P < 0.001) and a weak inverse correlation with age (r = 0.3325, P < 0.001). A control study, matched with age and sex, was performed between two groups with and without HBeAg seroconversion during follow-up period. Compared with the age and sex-matched controls, the change in HBsAg levels per year showed a significant decrease 2 years before seroconversion (paired t-test, P < 0.05). The serial measurement of quantitative HBsAg level has the possibility of predicting the occurrence of HBeAg seroconversion.

Living donor liver transplantation for Dorfman-Chanarin syndrome with 1 year follow-up: case report.

A 27-year-old Japanese man underwent liver transplantation because of uncompensated cirrhosis due to Dorfman-Chanarin syndrome (DCS). At birth, the patient displayed ichthyosis and liver dysfunction. Moreover, mental retardation appeared and intracytoplasmic vacuoles were observed within peripheral blood neutrophils. A fatty liver was also noticed, leading to the diagnosis of DCS. When he was referred to our hospital, his American Society of Anesthesiologists score was 3. The findings of computed tomography showed liver atrophy, splenomegaly, and ascites. The Child-Pugh score was B, and the Model for End-stage Liver Disease score was 14. The pathophysiology was DCS with uncompensated liver cirrhosis. Therefore, living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) was performed from the patient's brother. The histological appearance of the resected liver revealed macrovesicular steatosis in most hepatocytes with excess fibrous tissue in the portal areas. These findings were compatible with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Although the patient's mental retardation and characteristic appearance have not improved, good liver function has been maintained since LDLT. An outpatient protocol liver biopsy performed at 12 months after LDLT did not show recurrence of macrovesicular steatosis.

Statins inhibit matrix metalloproteinase release from human lung fibroblasts.

Pleiotropic effects of statins have been reported to include inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) release from macrophages and endothelial cells. We evaluated whether statins would inhibit MMP release from human lung fibroblasts, which play a major role in remodelling processes. Monolayer and three-dimensional (3D) collagen gel cultures of fibroblasts were used. Cytokines (tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1alpha) were used to induce MMP release and mRNA expression. Collagen degradation induced by cytokines and neutrophil elastase (NE) was evaluated by quantifying hydroxyproline. Atorvastatin inhibited MMP-1 and -3 release and mRNA expression in both culture systems. Similar results were obtained with simvastatin and fluvastatin. In 3D cultures where cytokines also stimulated MMP-9 release, atorvastatin also inhibited MMP-9 release. In 3D cultures, cytokines together with NE induced collagen degradation, which was also inhibited by atorvastatin. The effect of atorvastatin was reversed by mevalonate and geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate but not by farnesyl-pyrophosphate. The current data suggest that statins may modulate remodelling processes mediated by fibroblasts by inhibiting MMP release.

A survival case of ABO-incompatible liver transplantation complicated with severe preoperative infection and subsequent overwhelming postsplenectomy infection.

A 47-year-old Japanese man was transferred to our hospital because of acute-on-chronic hepatitis B virus infection. On admission, he was suffering from sepsis due to a catheter infection and respiratory failure caused by pulmonary edema and pneumonia, but, as a result of preoperative intensive care, we avoided septic shock. ABO-incompatible liver transplantation (ABO-I-LT) was performed. In accordance with our ABO-I-LT protocol, we administered, rituximab and performed plasma exchange, splenectomy as well as hepatic artery infusion. The patient was discharged 80 days after living donor transplantation (LDLT). However, 136 days after LDLT, he experienced recurrent respiratory failure due to severe pneumonia. At that time, the CD19(+) B-cell count in the peripheral blood flow remained below 1%. We suspected a mixed infection involving Streptococcus pneumonia, Pneumocystis carinii, and fungus. The cause of the complication was overwhelming postsplenectomy infection (OPSI). We started administration of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, and micafungin sodium therapy as well as gamma-globulin. Oxygenation improved gradually; the patient was discharged at 41 days after re-admission. Although this patient survived the OPSI, it was clear that some aspects of the ABO-I-LT protocol should also be altered.

Complete neurological recovery from fulminant hepatic failure with subarachnoid hemorrhage by living donor liver transplantation: a case report.

A 29-year-old man was referred to our hospital with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) and stage III hepatic coma (somnolence and confusion). Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) was planned for 2 days after admission to our hospital. However, on the day after admission, he lapsed into stage IV hepatic coma: no right reflexes and no response to pain stimuli. Emergency cranial computed tomography revealed a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), but no aneurysm was seen on magnetic resonance angiography. We speculated that the cause of the SAH may have been bleeding of intracranial veins secondary to coagulopathy and overextension of a vein due to brain edema. We considered that only LDLT could improve the coagulopathy and brain edema. The patient recovered consciousness on postoperative day (POD) 2 and was finally discharged from the hospital without neurological deficit on POD 85. This case suggested that SAH is not a prohibiting factor for LDLT in an FHF patient if the cause of the SAH is venous bleeding.

Noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis by measurement of stiffness in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

BACKGROUND: Liver fibrosis is the main predictor of the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Transient elastography (FibroScan), which measures liver stiffness, is a novel, noninvasive method to assess liver fibrosis. AIM: We investigated the usefulness of liver stiffness measurement in the evaluation of liver fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients. STUDY POPULATION: A total of 97 nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients. METHODS: Transient elastography was performed for liver stiffness measurement in 97 nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients. And the relationship between histological parameters and liver stiffness measurement was studied by multivariate analysis. Moreover, we investigated the relationship between liver stiffness measurement and the serum levels of hyaluronic acid and type IV collagen 7s domain. RESULTS: The liver stiffness was well correlated with the stage of liver fibrosis (Kruskal-Wallis test p < 0.0001). The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curves were 0.927 for > or = F1, 0.865 for > or = F2, 0.904 for > or = F3, 0.991 for > or = F4. Only fibrosis stage was correlated significantly with liver stiffness measurement by multiple regression analysis. Liver stiffness was also strongly correlated with the serum levels of type IV collagen 7s domain (r = 0.525, p < 0.0001) and hyaluronic acid (r = 0.457, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show a significant correlation between liver stiffness measurement and fibrosis stage in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients, as confirmed by the results of liver biopsy, which remains the gold standard for evaluation of the severity of liver fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

A case of successful resection after long-term medical treatment of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis following living donor liver transplantation.

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) occurs in 1.5 to 10% of liver transplant recipients. Of the fungal infections, IPA is the most difficult to treat and the most frequently life-threatening. However, the best treatment strategy remains controversial. The patient was a 53-year-old woman who underwent living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) because of subacute fulminant hepatic failure due to autoimmune hepatitis. Aspergillus fumigatus was detected in the sputum taken intraoperatively by bronchial suction. A computed tomogram of the lung 7 days after LDLT showed fungal balls in the left lung. IPA was diagnosed. Since the patient suffered from pulmonary edema postoperatively and fungal balls occupied a greater part of the left lung, conservative therapy using micafungin, amphotericin B, and itraconazole was first selected. However, the fungus balls did not completely disappear. Moreover, brain abscess probably resulting from IPA dissemination was detected. Lung resection was performed as reduction surgery, and salvage treatment using voriconazole was done for a brain abscess. Septate hyphae of Aspergillus fumigatus were identified in the lung specimen. We concluded that for patients with IPA after LDLT, pulmonary resection should be done as soon as possible before deterioration of IPA and complication due to acute cellular rejection.

Delayed bile leakage from a remaining part of segment 8 in a posterior section graft after living donor liver transplantation: a common pitfall in harvesting a posterior section graft? A case report.

In Japan and Korea, where availability of deceased donor organs for solid organ transplantation remains rare, living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) using a posterior section graft (PSG; segments VI+VII, according to Couinaud's Nomenclature for liver segmentation) has now been accepted as a standard procedure that balances donor risk and patient benefits for cases in which right hemi-liver donation is too risky, because of marked volume imbalances between right and left hemi-livers. Compared with other types of grafts, however, the procedure requires detailed knowledge concerning hepatic vascular anatomy and meticulous manipulation during donation surgery. We present herein a case of delayed bile leakage from a remaining part of segment 8 in a PSG, which was considered to be a complication peculiar to LDLT using a PSG.

Hepatitis C virus directly associates with insulin resistance independent of the visceral fat area in nonobese and nondiabetic patients.

Insulin resistance (IR) is known to be associated with the visceral adipose tissue area. Elucidation of the relationship between hepatitis C virus (HCV) and IR is of great clinical relevance, because IR promotes liver fibrosis. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that HCV infection by itself may promote IR. We prospectively evaluated 47 patients with chronic HCV infection who underwent liver biopsy. Patients with obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), or a history of alcohol consumption were excluded. IR was estimated by calculation of the modified homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index. Abdominal fat distribution was determined by computed tomography. Fasting blood glucose levels were within normal range in all the patients. The results of univariate analysis revealed a significant correlation between the quantity of HCV-RNA and the HOMA-IR (r = 0.368, P = 0.0291). While a significant correlation between the visceral adipose tissue area and the HOMA-IR was also observed in the 97 control, nondiabetic, non-HCV-infected patients (r = 0.398, P < 0.0001), no such significant correlation between the visceral adipose tissue area and the HOMA-IR (r = 0.124, P = 0.496) was observed in the patients with HCV infection. Multiple regression analysis with adjustment for age, gender and visceral adipose tissue area revealed a significant correlation between the HCV-RNA and the HOMA-IR (P = 0.0446). HCV is directly associated with IR in a dose-dependent manner, independent of the visceral adipose tissue area. This is the first report to demonstrate the direct involvement of HCV and IR in patients with chronic HCV infection.

Correlating purity by microdissection with gene expression in gastric cancer tissue.

Microdissection is a feasible tool for the purification of target cells from heterogeneous tissue components. However, the extent to which cells need to be purified by microdissection for use in gene expression analysis has not been determined. In the present study, we obtained diffuse-type gastric cancer tissues at varying purities, and evaluated the corresponding expression of a cancer-specific gene, KRT19, by quantitative real-time PCR. The relationship between the degree of purity and gene expression was confirmed by using 60-mer oligonucleotide microarray analysis. Cancer-specific gene expression was stable in tissues of 10-50% purity, but at 60% or greater purity the slope of the graph was much steeper, indicating a correlation between tissue purity and increased gene expression. Tissues of 70% purity for cancer cells, acquired by microdissection, were therefore deemed to be of sufficient quality to distinguish between gene expression profiles from microdissected and non-microdissected specimens.