Influence of biliary and vascular resection types on morbidity in hepatectomies with vascular involvement.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatectomies associated with vascular resections pose a technical challenge for surgeons, involving multiple reconstruction techniques. Moreover, adding clinical and surgical risks in the postoperative setting of these complex procedures are mainly due to prolonged surgical periods and potential complications inherent to vascular manipulation. Leveraging the expertise of a Cancer Center, we propose an institutional assessment utilizing the case series from A. C. Camargo Cancer Center in hepatectomies associated with vascular resection, evaluating postoperative complications and outcomes while highlighting clinical, laboratory, pathological, and surgical factors that may influence results. OBJECTIVE: To assess mortality and morbidity associated with hepatectomies involving vascular resection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From a prospective database, a study was performed evaluating postoperative survival and morbidity using scoring systems such as Clavien-Dindo through a cohort analysis. RESULTS: From a total of 1021 liver resections for a period of 10 years, 31 cases were evaluated from a unique cancer center in Brazil! Factors such as the performance of major hepatectomies, the need for blood transfusion, and the administration of neoadjuvant or adjuvant systemic therapy did not appear to influence the outcome of morbidity or mortality. However, the resection of the associated bile duct and the type of vascular resection seemed to influence morbidity outcomes with statistical significance (p = 0.006+ …). CONCLUSION: Hepatectomies associated with vascular resections are safe in selected cases and when performed in referral centers. Factors such as associated bile duct resection and type of vascular resection should be considered for procedure indication.

Liver transplantation for primary liver tumors in pediatrics. A case series. / Trasplante hepático para tumores hepáticos primarios en pediatría. Serie de casos.

Primary liver tumors are an increasing indication for pediatric liver transplantation. Here we report the cases of 10 patients who underwent liver transplantation for primary liver tumors in our hospital, from 2001 to date. Up to 2011, 1 transplant due to hepatoblastoma was done out of 117 liver transplants (0.8%). Since 2012, there were 9 patients out of 141 (6.4%) (5 due to hepatoblastoma, 2 due to hepatocellular carcinoma, 1 due to hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, and 1 due to hepatic mesenchymal hamartoma). Follow-up: 13.2 months (median); age at transplantation: living 4.7 years (median); weight: 17.6 kg (median). Eighty percent of patients received grafts from living donors. No tumor recurrence was observed. Survival was 100% in the follow-up period. In our series, patients with primary liver tumors requiring transplantation showed an adequate course, even in the case of hepatocellular carcinoma, Related living donors liver transplantation shortened the time between the indication and the surgery.

Los tumores hepáticos primarios son indicación creciente de trasplante hepático pediátrico. Reportamos los 10 pacientes con trasplantes hepáticos por tumores hepáticos primarios en nuestro centro desde 2001 hasta la actualidad. Hasta el año 2011, se realizó un trasplante por hepatoblastoma de 117 trasplantes hepáticos (0,8 %). Desde 2012, fueron 9 pacientes de 141 (6,4 %) (5 hepatoblastomas, 2 hepatocarcinomas, 1 hemangioendotelioma epitelioide hepático y 1 hamartoma mesenquimático hepático). Seguimiento 13,2 meses (media), edad al trasplante 4,7 años (media), peso 17,6 kg (mediana). El 80 % recibió injertos desde donantes relacionados. No hubo recurrencia tumoral y la sobrevida fue del 100 % en el período de seguimiento. En nuestra serie, los pacientes con tumores hepáticos primarios que requirieron trasplante presentaron buena evolución, aun en hepatocarcinoma. El trasplante hepático con donante relacionado acortó los tiempos entre la indicación y la realización.

Clear cell myomelanocytic tumor of ligamentum teres.

Clear cell myomelanocytic tumor (CCMMT) of the falciform ligament/ligamentum teres is a rare hepatic tumor, a variant of the perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) family. CCMMT is the rarest variant of hepatic PEComas. Only a few cases of CCMMT have been reported in the English literature. Because of its rarity, less is known about its biological behavior. We present a case of a 31-year-old female who complained of abdominal pain, bilious vomiting, and abdominal fullness over two months. The radiological impression was of focal nodular hyperplasia. The histological examination of the resection specimen revealed a well-circumscribed tumor arranged in fascicles, sheets, and a whorling pattern. The tumor cells were spindle to epithelioid shaped with abundant clear to pale eosinophilic cytoplasm. The tumor cells expressed both myoid (smooth muscle actin) and melanocytic (MelanA and HMB45) markers, while they were negative for hepatocytic and vascular markers. Thus, based on histology and immunohistochemistry, a diagnosis of CCMMT was made. This case presents the diagnostic challenges of CCMMT and discusses the differential diagnosis with a literature review.

A novel role of AIM2 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis in radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The absence of melanoma 2 (AIM2) protein triggers the activation of the inflammasome cascade. It is unclear whether AIM2 plays a role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which uses radiofrequency waves to treat tumors. In this study, we investigated if RFA could induce pyroptosis, also called cell inflammatory necrosis, in HCC through AIM2-inflammasome signaling in vivo and in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: BALB/c nude mice were used to generate HepG2 or SMMC-7721 cell-derived tumor xenografts. HCC cells with knockdown or overexpression of AIM2 were created using short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and expression vector transfection, respectively, for functional and mechanistic studies. Downstream effects were examined using flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, ELISAs, and other molecular assays. RESULTS: RFA significantly suppressed tumor growth in HCC cell xenografts. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that RFA could induce pyroptosis. Furthermore, AIM2, NLRP3, caspase-1, γ-H2AX, and DNA-PKc had significantly greater expression levels in liver tissues from mice treated with RFA compared with those of the controls. Additionally, interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-18 expression levels were significantly higher in the HCC cell-derived xenograft mice treated with RFA compared with those without RFA. Notably, a significantly greater effect was achieved in the RFA complete ablation group versus the partial ablation group. Knockdown or overexpression of AIM2 in HCC cells demonstrated that AIM2 exerted a role in RFA-induced pyroptosis. CONCLUSIONS: RFA can suppress HCC tumor growth by inducing pyroptosis via AIM2. Therefore, therapeutically intervening with AIM2-mediated inflammasome signaling may help improve RFA treatment outcomes for HCC patients.

The role of living donor liver transplantation in treating intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Introduction: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCC) is the liver's second most common neoplasm. Until now, surgery is the only curative option, but only 35% of the cases are considered resectable at the diagnosis, with a post-resection survival of around 30%. Advancements in surgical techniques and perioperative care related to liver transplantation (LT) have facilitated the expansion of indications for hepatic neoplasms. Method: This study is a comprehensive review of the global experience in living donor LT (LDLT) for treating iCC and describes our first case of LDLT for an unresectable iCC. Results: While exploring LT for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma dates to the 1990s, the initial outcomes were discouraging, marked by poor survival and high recurrence rates. Nevertheless, contemporary perspectives underscore a reinvigorated emphasis on extending the frontiers of LT indications within the context of the "oncologic era." The insights gleaned from examining explants, wherein incidental iCC was categorized as hepatocellular carcinoma in the preoperative period, have demonstrated comparable survival rates to small hepatocellular carcinoma. These findings substantiate the potential viability of LT as a curative alternative for iCC. Another investigated scenario pertains to "unresectable tumors with favorable biological behavior," LT presents a theoretical advantage by providing free margins without the concern of a small future liver remnant. The constraint of organ shortage persists, particularly in nations with low donation rates. LDLT emerges as a viable and secure alternative for treating iCC. Conclusion: LDLT is an excellent option for augmenting the graft pool, particularly in carefully selected patients.

Clear cell myomelanocytic tumor of ligamentum teres

ABSTRACT Clear cell myomelanocytic tumor (CCMMT) of the falciform ligament/ligamentum teres is a rare hepatic tumor, a variant of the perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) family. CCMMT is the rarest variant of hepatic PEComas. Only a few cases of CCMMT have been reported in the English literature. Because of its rarity, less is known about its biological behavior. We present a case of a 31-year-old female who complained of abdominal pain, bilious vomiting, and abdominal fullness over two months. The radiological impression was of focal nodular hyperplasia. The histological examination of the resection specimen revealed a well-circumscribed tumor arranged in fascicles, sheets, and a whorling pattern. The tumor cells were spindle to epithelioid shaped with abundant clear to pale eosinophilic cytoplasm. The tumor cells expressed both myoid (smooth muscle actin) and melanocytic (MelanA and HMB45) markers, while they were negative for hepatocytic and vascular markers. Thus, based on histology and immunohistochemistry, a diagnosis of CCMMT was made. This case presents the diagnostic challenges of CCMMT and discusses the differential diagnosis with a literature review.

Transarterial Selective Internal Radiation Therapy with Yttrium-90 for Liver Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma of the Ureter as a Bridging Therapy to Immunotherapy: A Case Report with a 10-Year Follow-Up.

Primary transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter is a rare type of cancer with metastasis presented in approximately 25% at diagnosis. Due to its rarity and poor prognosis, the management of this neoplasm is still controversial, and the development of new therapies is of uttermost importance. Herein, we describe a case of a 54-year-old patient diagnosed with transitional cell carcinoma of the left ureter submitted to left nephroureterectomy (pT3N2M0) and methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin adjuvant chemotherapy. A single liver metastasis was detected and combination chemotherapy with gemcitabine and carboplatin was initiated along with stereotactic body radiation therapy. Despite these 2 previous chemotherapy regimens, the patient presented disease progression and transarterial selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) with yttrium-90 was indicated. This locoregional treatment was performed with the administration of 1.2 GBq yttrium-90 resin microspheres (SIR-Spheres®, Sirtex Medical Limited, Sydney, NSW, Australia) into the right hepatic artery. Another systemic treatment was immunotherapy using nivolumab with excellent tolerability. After 10 years of follow-up, at the last clinical evaluation, the patient had no clinical symptoms and the last imaging follow-up using positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan showed complete response. This report introduces upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma as a distinct type of malignancy in which SIRT can be safely implemented. As a transition method to nivolumab, it was successful. There might be a potential therapeutic synergism between these 2 treatment modalities.

Metodologías de Medición de Volumetría Hepática / Methodologies For Measuring Hepatic Volumetry

Lograr determinar el volumen total de un hígado (VHT), o volumetría hepática, pasa a ser de relevancia en diversas situaciones, tales como, vigilancia del progreso de una enfermedad de carácter crónico, planificación de resecciones y trasplantes hepáticos; y observación del clearance hepático de algunos fármacos hepatotropos. La VHT se puede realizar utilizando métodos de segmentación en el curso de una tomografía computarizada (TC), ya sean estos manual, automáticos, y semiautomáticos; mediante resonancia nuclear (RN), utilizando softwares de distintas generaciones (1ª a 4ª). La medición de VHT está indicada en pacientes sometidos a resecciones hepáticas mayores, en el contexto del tratamiento de neoplasias (carcinoma hepatocelular, colangiocarcinoma, metástasis hepáticas o tumores benignos de gran tamaño), abscesos (piogénicos, amebianos), y después de un traumatismo hepático complejo; así como también en la etapa preoperatoria de un trasplante hepático. El objetivo de este manuscrito fue generar un documento de estudio sobre métodos para determinar volumetría hepática.

SUMMARY: Being able to determine the total hepatic volume (THV), or THV, becomes relevant in various situations, such as monitoring the progress of a chronic disease, planning resections and liver transplants; and observation of the hepatic clearance of some hepatotropic drugs. THV can be performed using segmentation methods in the course of a computed tomography (CT), whether manual, automatic, or semi-automated; by nuclear resonance (NR), using software from different generations (1st to 4st). THV measurement is indicated in patients undergoing major liver resections, in the context of treatment of neoplasms (hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, liver metastases or large benign tumors), abscesses (pyogenic, amoebic), and after liver trauma complex, as well as in the preoperative stage of a liver transplant. The aim of this manuscript was to generate a study document regarding methods for determine hepatic volumetry.

Pseudotumor inflamatorio hepático: caso clínico y revisión de la literatura

Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 49 años, de sexo masculino, que consulta en el servicio de urgencias por un cuadro de dos meses de evolución, caracterizado por compromiso del estado general, baja de peso, dolor abdominal, sensación febril y elevación de los parámetros inflamatorios. Al estudio imagenológico se observa una voluminosa lesión hepática, asociada a dilatación de la vía biliar y adenopatías en hilio hepático, espacio porto-cavo y retroperitoneales (inter-cavo-aórticos), que plantea dentro de los diagnósticos diferencias un colangiocarcinoma intrahepático. Basados en esta sospecha se realiza una segmentectomía y linfadenectomía regional. El estudio histopatológico e inmunohistoquímico de la pieza quirúrgica, evidencia un proceso inflamatorio linfoplasmocitario, con la presencia de células plasmáticas IgG4 positivas, compatible con una enfermedad asociada a IgG4. Posterior a la resección se decide manejo expectante, evolucionando el paciente de forma favorable, asintomático y sin signos de recurrencia. Presentamos un caso y una breve revisión de la literatura de un pseudotumor inflamatorio hepático, entidad poco frecuente y de comportamiento benigno.

We report the case of a 49-year-old man who attended the emergency department for a two-month history of compromised general condition, weight loss, abdominal pain, fever, and elevated inflammatory parameters. An imaging study demonstrates a bulky liver tumor associated with dilation of the bile duct and retroperitoneal adenopathies (hepatic hilum, intermediate, and right lumbar groups). These findings raise intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma within the differential diagnoses, reason why segmental hepatectomy and regional lymphadenectomy were performed. Histopathology and immunochemistry revealed a lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory process with IgG4-positive plasma cells compatible with IgG4-associated disease. After the resection, expectant management was decided, with the patient evolving favorably, asymptomatic, and without signs of recurrence. We present a case and a brief literature review of an hepatic inflammatory pseudotumor, a rare entity with a benign behavior.

Respiratory muscle training with electronic devices in the postoperative period of hepatectomy: A randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have been developed with a focus on surgical techniques and drugs, but few that address the importance of rehabilitation in the pre and postoperative period, and the specific benefits for each surgical procedure or type of neoplasm, aiming to minimize respiratory complications in the postoperative period. AIM: To compare the strength of the respiratory muscles in the pre and postoperative periods of hepatectomy by laparotomy and to verify the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications among the groups studied. METHODS: Prospective, randomized, clinical trial study that compared the inspiratory muscle training group (GTMI) with the control group (CG). After the collection of sociodemographic and clinical data, in both groups, preoperatively, on the first and fifth postoperative days, vital signs and pulmonary mechanics were evaluated and recorded. Albumin and bilirubin values were recorded for the albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score. After randomization and allocation of participants, those in the CG underwent conventional physical therapy and those in the GTMI underwent conventional physical therapy plus inspiratory muscle, in both groups for five postoperative days. RESULTS: Of 76 subjects met eligibility criteria. The collection of 41 participants was completed: 20 in the CG and 21 in the GTMI. The most frequent diagnosis was 41.5% with liver metastasis, followed by 26.8% with hepatocellular carcinoma. As for respiratory complications in the GTMI, there was no incidence. In the CG, there were three respiratory complications. Patients in the CG classified as ALBI score 3 presented, statistically, a higher energy value compared to patients classified as ALBI score 1 and 2 (P = 0.0187). Respiratory variables, measured preoperatively and on the first postoperative day, had a significant drop in both groups from the preoperative to the first postoperative day (P ≤ 0.0001). When comparing the preoperative period and the fifth postoperative day between the GTMI and the CG, the maximal inspiratory pressure variable in the GTMI was statistically significant (P = 0.0131). CONCLUSION: All respiratory measures showed a reduction in the postoperative period. Respiratory muscle training using the Powerbreathe® device increased maximal inspiratory pressure and this may have contributed to a shorter hospital stay and better clinical outcome.

Economic burden of liver disease in Colombia

Introduction: Liver diseases have a significant impact on global morbidity and mortality rates, primarily attributed to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the true extent of their impact on patients, healthcare systems, and countries is often underestimated. Materials and methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study aimed to determine the economic burden associated with premature deaths caused by cirrhosis and primary liver cancer. The economic assessment was conducted by analyzing potentially productive years of life lost (PPYLL) due to liver diseases in Colombia between 2009 and 2016. Results and conclusions: The total burden of liver disease accounted for 687,861 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Men experienced a higher number of years of life lost from mortality (YLL), while women had a greater number of years lived with a disability (YLD). The economic burden of deaths caused by cirrhosis and primary liver cancer exceeded USD 8.6 million, highlighting the urgency to enhance intervention strategies ranging from promotion and prevention to timely diagnosis and treatment.

Introducción: la enfermedad hepática representa una de las principales causas de morbimortalidad a nivel mundial, principalmente por cirrosis y hepatocarcinoma; sin embargo, se subestima su impacto para el paciente, sistema de salud y el país. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo de corte transversal que determinó la carga económica asociada a las muertes prematuras por cirrosis y tumores primarios del hígado, mediante la valoración económica de los años productivos de vida potencialmente perdidos (APVPP) en Colombia y de enfermedad hepática en Colombia entre 2009 y 2016. Resultados y conclusiones: la carga total de enfermedad hepática representó 687,861 años de vida saludable perdidos ajustados por discapacidad (AVAD), los hombres con mayores años de vida perdidos por muerte prematura (APMP) y las mujeres con mayores años vividos con discapacidad (AVD). Las muertes por cirrosis y tumores primarios del hígado representan una carga económica que supera los 8,6 millones de dólares, lo cual refleja la necesidad de fortalecer las estrategias de intervención desde la promoción y prevención hasta el diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno.

Gene variations related to the hepatocellular carcinoma: Results from a field synopsis and Bayesian revaluation.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered as the second cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Genetic variations are associated with HCC risk, an issue that has been the subject of several meta-analyses. However, meta-analyses have an important limitation on the likelihood of false positive data. Henceforth, this study aimed to assess the level of noteworthiness in the meta-analyses by means of a Bayesian approach. A systematic search was performed for meta-analyses with associations between gene polymorphisms and HCC. The calculations for the False-Positive Rate Probability (FPRP) and the Bayesian False Discovery Probability (BFDP) were performed to assess the noteworthiness with a statistical power of 1.2 and 1.5 of Odds Ratio at a prior probability of 10-3 and 10-5. The quality of studies was evaluated by the Venice criteria. As additional analyses, the gene-gene and protein-protein networks were designed for these genes and products. As results, we found 33 meta-analytic studies on 45 polymorphisms occurring in 35 genes. A total of 1,280 values for FPRP and BFDP were obtained. Seventy-five for FPRP (5.86%) and 95 for BFDP (14.79%) were noteworthy. In conclusion, the polymorphisms in CCND1, CTLA4, EGF, IL6, IL12A, KIF1B, MDM2, MICA, miR-499, MTHFR, PNPLA3, STAT4, TM6SF2, and XPD genes were considered as noteworthy biomarkers for HCC risk.

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma: how fast does it grow and which findings could have prevented diagnostic delay?-a case report.

Background: Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEHE) is a rare neoplastic disease of varied presentation and unspecific radiological signs in the early stages. The diagnostic delay can lead to metastatic disease, thus increasing the tumor burden and reducing the treatment options. HEHE is usually deemed a slow-growing tumor, but its speed of growth is poorly reported and still unknown. Case Description: In this case report, we documented a HEHE diagnosed in a young woman who had complaints of abdominal pain, weight loss and bloating for a long time. The typical findings observed in histological studies were not promptly recognized in the histological analyzes, even after two laparoscopic-guided liver biopsies, delaying the diagnosis until extrahepatic tumor spreading. Findings observed in computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and histological studies are presented. The coalescence of nodules and the rising of giant masses, occupying large parts of the liver in a specific time span, were registered and quantified. As opposed to prior reports, the results show that hepatic HEHE can grow rapidly, reinforcing the need of early diagnosis, thus avoiding the complications presented herein. Conclusions: The findings observed via radiological and histological imaging that could have avoided the diagnosis delay are depicted and discussed, showing that HEHE can rise faster than previously documented.

HOXB13 facilitates hepatocellular carcinoma progression by activating AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the sixth most common malignancies worldwide and is accompanied by high mortality. Homeobox B13 (HOXB13) has been shown to be involved in the development of various cancers. This study aimed to investigate the role of HOXB13 in HCC progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression of HOXB13 in HCC tumor tissues was analyzed using qRT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining . After overexpression or downregulation of HOXB13 in HCC cell lines, cell proliferation was detected by CCK8 assay and Ki67 staining and cell invasion ability were tested by transwell assay. Western blot assay was applied to analyze the effect of HOXB13 on related signaling pathways. In addition, the role of HOXB13 on HCC in vivo was explored using a HCC mouse model. IF and WB were performed to detect cell proliferation, apoptosis and related protein expression in mice tumor tissues. RESULTS: The results showed that the expression of HOXB13 was significantly increased in HCC tissues compared with adjacent tissues and positively correlated with the tumor stage and survival of HCC patients. Overexpression of HOXB13 promoted the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells and up-regulated the protein expression of AKT, mTOR and MMP2. In contrast, the downregulation of HOXB13 resulted in the opposite results. In vivo experiments, HOXB13 significantly promoted tumor growth in mice bearing HCC by promoting cell proliferation and inhibiting cell apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that HOXB13 can facilitate HCC progression by activation of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. HOXB13 may be a novel target for HCC therapy.

Molecular Profile of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a relatively uncommon but highly aggressive primary liver cancer that originates within the liver. The aim of this study is to review the molecular profile of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and its implications for prognostication and decision-making. This comprehensive characterization of ICC tumors sheds light on the disease's underlying biology and offers a foundation for more personalized treatment strategies. This is a narrative review of the prognostic and therapeutic role of the molecular profile of ICC. Knowing the molecular profile of tumors helps determine prognosis and support certain target therapies. The molecular panel in ICC helps to select patients for specific therapies, predict treatment responses, and monitor treatment responses. Precision medicine in ICC can promote improvement in prognosis and reduce unnecessary toxicity and might have a significant role in the management of ICC in the following years. The main mutations in ICC are in tumor protein p53 (TP53), Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS), isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1), and AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 1A (ARID1A). The rate of mutations varies significantly for each population. Targeting TP53 and KRAS is challenging due to the natural characteristics of these genes. Different stages of clinical studies have shown encouraging results with inhibitors of mutated IDH1 and target therapy for ARID1A downstream effectors. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) fusions are an important target in patients with ICC. Immune checkpoint blockade can be applied to a small percentage of ICC patients. Molecular profiling in ICC represents a groundbreaking approach to understanding and managing this complex liver cancer. As our comprehension of ICC's molecular intricacies continues to expand, so does the potential for offering patients more precise and effective treatments. The integration of molecular profiling into clinical practice signifies the dawn of a new era in ICC care, emphasizing personalized medicine in the ongoing battle against this malignancy.

Radiological characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma that achieved complete response after chemoembolization with drug-eluting beads for liver transplantation planning

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the radiological characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions that achieved a complete response following drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) preceding liver transplantation. Methods This single-center case-control study enrolled patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent neoadjuvant DEB-TACE therapy, were followed up with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography, and were successively evaluated according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. The HCCs were divided into two groups based on their diameter (Group A: ≤3cm; Group B: 3cm). Viability was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method according to tumor size categories. The relationship between tumor variables was analyzed using bivariate Cox regression. Results Three-hundred and twenty-eight patients with 667 hepatocellular carcinomas who underwent their first DEB-TACE session were enrolled. A total of 105 hepatocellular carcinomas in 59 patients exhibited complete response after the initial DEB-TACE session and were divided into Group A (92 HCCs) and Group B (13 HCCs). The diameter in Group A decreased significantly compared to the pre-procedure size until the second assessment (p<0.001), with no subsequent reduction in diameter, despite maintaining a complete response. In Group B, the reduction in diameter remained significant compared with the initial value until the sixth imaging evaluation (p=0.014). The average reduction was 45.1% for Group B and a maximum of 14.9% in Group A. Conclusion HCCs >3cm exhibited a greater reduction in size and a longer time to recurrence. HCCs ≤3cm had a shorter relapse time. The recurrence rates were similar. These findings may aid in planning for liver transplantation.

Hepatobiliary phases in magnetic resonance imaging using liver-specific contrast for focal lesions in clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: Challenging lesions, difficult to diagnose through non-invasive methods, constitute an important emotional burden for each patient regarding a still uncertain diagnosis (malignant x benign). In addition, from a therapeutic and prognostic point of view, delay in a definitive diagnosis can lead to worse outcomes. One of the main innovative trends currently is the use of molecular and functional methods to diagnosis. Numerous liver-specific contrast agents have been developed and studied in recent years to improve the performance of liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). More recently, one of the contrast agents introduced in clinical practice is gadoxetic acid (gadoxetate disodium). AIM: To demonstrate the value of the hepatobiliary phases using gadoxetic acid in MRI for the characterization of focal liver lesions (FLL) in clinical practice. METHODS: Overall, 302 Lesions were studied in 136 patients who underwent MRI exams using gadoxetic acid for the assessment of FLL. Two radiologists independently reviewed the MRI exams using four stages, and categorized them on a 6-point scale, from 0 (lesion not detected) to 5 (definitely malignant). The stages were: stage 1- images without contrast, stage 2- addition of dynamic phases after contrast (analogous to usual extracellular contrasts), stage 3- addition of hepatobiliary phase after 10 min (HBP 10'), stage 4- hepatobiliary phase after 20 min (HBP 20') in addition to stage 2. RESULTS: The interobserver agreement was high (weighted Kappa coefficient: 0.81- 1) at all stages in the characterization of benign and malignant FLL. The diagnostic weighted accuracy (Az) was 0.80 in stage 1 and was increased to 0.90 in stage 2. Addition of the hepatobiliary phase increased Az to 0.98 in stage 3, which was also 0.98 in stage 4. CONCLUSION: The hepatobiliary sequences improve diagnostic accuracy. With growing potential in the era of precision medicine, the improvement and dissemination of the method among medical specialties can bring benefits in the management of patients with FLL that are difficult to diagnose.

Liver cancer in Hidalgo State, Mexico: analysis of the status, risk factors and regional public health policy requirements: a cross-sectional correlational study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: In Latin America, liver cancer is one of the top causes of cancer mortality. It is the fifth most common cause of death among malignant tumors in Mexico and is the leading cause in Hidalgo State (43.8% of the population living in poverty). OBJECTIVE: To conduct a correlational analysis on the main risk factors for liver cancer in Hidalgo State, Mexico, including municipal disaggregation and comparison with the national level. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional, correlational, descriptive and comparative epidemiological study using Mexican governmental databases covering 1990-2019. METHODS: A comprehensive review of the databases of the General Directorate of Health Information (DGIS) was performed to analyze official death figures, hospital discharges and national and municipal population projections, using specific search criteria defined in the Global Burden of Disease classification, based on the risk factors for liver cancer. RESULTS: Liver cancer rates showed an evident rise in Hidalgo (183%), moving from 21st place in Mexico in 1990 to 9th place in 2019. This increase was correlated with alcoholism. An increasing trend for liver cancer deaths, of 133.89%, is projected for 2030. Females and the population over 60 years of age are more affected. There are some critical regions with liver cancer death rates twice the national rate or more. CONCLUSION: Targeted effective public health strategies should be structured by identifying, characterizing and regionalizing critical marginalized municipalities that are vulnerable to alcoholism and other risk factors for liver cancer. This approach may be helpful for other states in Mexico or similar countries.

Sarcoma embrionario indiferenciado hepático del adulto: reporte del primer caso registrado en Paraguay / Adult hepatic embryonal sarcoma: case report, of first case reported in Paraguay

El Sarcoma Embrionario Indiferenciado, como tumor primario hepático es una patología que se presenta en la edad pediátrica, en adultos los casos son raros y representan aproximadamente el 0.2% de los tumores hepáticos primarios. Es una patología sumamente agresiva cuya presentación clínica es inespecífica destacándose el dolor en epigastrio e hipocondrio derecho y, en algunos casos, masa palpable en esta región del abdomen, así como síntomas de afectación sistémica como fiebre y pérdida de peso. El tratamiento curativo consiste en la resección quirúrgica del tumor y, en casos de irresecabilidad o afectación extrahepática, se justifica considerar radioquimioterapia paliativa y asociarla o no a cirugía. Pero a pesar de todo, el pronóstico es sombrío con una sobrevida menor a un año, por lo que el diagnóstico temprano es esencial. Se presenta el primer caso registrado de Sarcoma Embrionario Indiferenciado Hepático del Adulto en Paraguay

The primary hepatic sarcoma is a pathology characteristic of pediatric age, in adults are rare and account for approximately 0.2% of primary tumors. It is an extremely aggressive pathology whose clinical presentation is non-specific, highlighting the pain in epigastrium and right hypochondrium and in some cases, palpable mass in this region of the abdomen, as well as symptoms of systemic involvement such as fever and weight loss. The main treatment consists of surgical removal of the tumor and in cases of unresectableness or extrahepatic involvement it is justified to consider paliative radiochemotherapy and associate it or not with surgery. However, the prognosis is bleak with a survival of less than one year, so early diagnosis is essential. We present here the first registered case of Adult Primary Hepatic Sarcoma in Paraguay