The Relationship between Zonulin and Metabolic Syndrome in Renal Transplant Patients.

BACKGROUND: Levels of zonulin, a surrogate marker of intestinal permeability, are elevated in various disorders including insulin resistance, obesity, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. We aimed to elucidate the association of zonulin levels and metabolic syndrome (MS) in renal transplant recipients. METHODS: Seventy-nine renal transplant recipients were enrolled. Diagnosis of MS was established employing the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria. Serum zonulin level was determined using the double antibody sandwich ELISA method. RESULTS: MS was encountered in 37 (41.6%) of the 79 patients. Serum zonulin level was significantly higher in patients with MS compared to those without MS (p < 0.001). Serum zonulin level correlated with presence of MS (r: 739, p < 0.001), abdominal obesity (r: 514, p < 0.001), fasting glucose level (r: 361, p: 0.001), presence of fasting glucose/diabetes criterion of MS (r: 316, p: 0.005), presence of low HDL criterion of MS (r: 266, p: 0.018), and BMI (r: 527, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A Zonulin-mediated increase in intestinal permeability may play a role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. We propose that zonulin may be a suitable surrogate marker of MS in renal transplant recipients.

Liver Transplant and Improvements in Cholesterol Biosynthesis Defects: A Case Report of Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome.

Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome is an autosomal recessive metabolic disease characterized by mental retardation and multiple congenital anomalies. The main pathology is the lack of the enzyme 3ß-hydroxysterol Δ7-reductase, which is the last enzymatic step in cholesterol synthesis, ending with a low cholesterol level. Cholesterol is vitally important in cell membranes and myelination of the nervous system. The cholesterol level affects many systems of the body, especially the nervous system. The cause of liver involvement in Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome is unclear, and many hypotheses have been suggested. Here, we present the early results of a patient with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome who underwent living-donor liver transplant due to cirrhosis. As a result of liver transplant, normal cholesterol levels were shown, as well as improvements in the patient's neurodevelopment and behavior. Early liver transplant may be considered for patients with a defect of cholesterol biosynthesis, even in the absence of cirrhosis, and may be a future treatment option to prevent risks of neurologic deterioration.

Combined liver transplantation and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: a report of two cases.

INTRODUCTION: Liver transplantation (LT) is the most effective treatment modality in patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD). With the increased prevalence of diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), coupled with a steady increase in the age of transplant population, liver transplant candidates are at increased risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). Improvements in anesthesia, surgical experiences, and increased effectiveness of drugs have facilitated concurrent surgical interventions in transplantation, allowing for orthotopic LT to be performed in elderly patients with a high incidence of coexisting diseases, especially those of the cardiovascular system. In this study, we present two cases of combined off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery and living donor liver transplantation. CASE PRESENTATION: A 68-year-old male patient with ESLD due to chronic hepatitis C infection and multi-vessel CAD, and a 65-year-old female patient with NAFLD cirrhosis and multi-vessel CAD were referred to our institution for an LT evaluation. We performed combined living donor LT and off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery in both patients. Both the first and second patients were alive with good liver and cardiac function at the 25 and 15 months after surgery, respectively. CONCLUSION: Combined off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery and living donor LT are an alternative treatment for patients with severe CAD and ESLD. We consider that combined coronary artery bypass graft surgery and LT can be safely performed by experienced anesthesia and surgical teams in selected patients.

Hepatocellular Carcinomas with Granulomatous Inflammation In Tumor Stroma: Clinicopathologic Characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of granulomatous inflammation within hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its clinicopathologic associations. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Fifty-eight HCCs (51 explants, 3 lobectomies, and 4 segmentectomies) were reviewed. RESULTS: Five (8.6%) cases (F/M=1/4, mean age: 63.6) were identified with granulomas.1/5 had history of neoadjuvant therapy. 4/5 patients presented with early stage (pT1/2). All were well-differentiated (Grade1-2/4). The mean number of tumor foci was 3.6, with a median size of 2.2 cm. All of them had advanced fibrosis. No difference was identified from cases without granulomas (n=53) in terms of prognosis and aforementioned parameters (p > 0.05). Granulomas were mainly concentrated in peripheral parts of the tumors. One case with nodule-in-nodule formation had granulomas lined along the border of the inner nodule. In 2 cases, granulomas were identified in steatohepatitic areas, while another had clear cell change. Only 1 had necrotizing granulomas, none with acid resistant bacilli. Two cases revealed concomitant granulomas in the adjacent liver parenchyma in addition to the tumor stroma. Except for one with a history of tuberculosis, none of the cases had a granulomatous disease. CONCLUSION: This is the largest case series of HCCs with granulomas by far. Our data revealed neither clinicopathologic and prognostic difference nor definite etiology related to granulomas. Yet, association with steatotic and clear tumor cells suggests the role of cytoplasmic content, while distribution of granulomas points to host immune response.

Should be Remembered in the Differential Diagnosis of Klatskin Tumour: Alveolar Echinococcosis

Alveolar echinococcosis is an infectious disease caused by Echinococcus multilocularis and it is frequently diagnosed as a space-occupying lesion in the liver. The growth pattern may be similar to that of a malignant tumour with extensive liver infiltration, spreading into neighbouring organs and forming metastasis-like masses in distant organs. Thus, it is one of the differential diagnoses of liver cancer. We report a case that presented as a klatskin tumour clinically and radiologically, but was revealed by pathologic and serologic work-up. Since the courses of these two diseases, a malignancy and an infectious disease, are far beyond comparison, echinococcosis should always be considered in differential diagnosis of obstructive jaundice, especially in the endemic regions.

Liver Transplant in Children with Hepatoblastoma.

OBJECTIVES: In this paper, the results of liver transplant due to hepatoblastoma in 10 pediatric patients at Istanbul Sisli Memorial Hospital Transplantation Center are presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated medical records of pediatric patients diagnosed with hepatoblastoma and who underwent liver transplant at our clinic between January 2009 and March 2014. We examined age, weight, chemotherapy regimen, graft type for liver transplant, duration of hospital stay, complications, follow-up duration, and survival information. RESULTS: The median age of the 10 patients included in our study was 13.5 months (range, 8-120 mo), and the median weight was 10 kg (range, 6.5-30 kg). Two of the patients were twins. Five patients had pretreatment extent of disease III (centrally placed cases), and five had pretreatment extent of disease IV hepatoblastoma. Preoperative chemotherapy was given to 7 patients as cisplatin plus doxorubicin and to 3 patients per the International Childhood Liver Tumors Strategy Group 3 High-Risk Protocol at external centers. These protocols were administered according to treatment center preference. Nine patients received transplants from living donors. Two grafts were right lobes, and 7 were left lateral segments. In the remaining patient, a whole liver was received from a deceased donor. The histopathologic subgroups were epithelial in 5 patients, with others being of mixed type. Postoperative complications occurred in 3 patients as infection, intra-abdominal fluid collection, and acute rejection. The median follow-up was 32 months. One patient died because of lung metastasis within 9 months after transplant. CONCLUSIONS: Centers should offer liver transplant to patients with centrally located tumors. For centers that have an insufficient number of deceased donors, living-donor liver transplant with optimal planning and early treatment can be performed.

Role of pre-transplant 18F-FDG PET/CT in predicting hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after liver transplantation.

The last two decades have seen a paradigm shift in the selection of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for liver transplantation. Microvascular invasion and differentiation have been the most significant factors affecting post-transplant recurrence; however, because of inherent disadvantages of pre-transplant biopsy, histological criteria never gained popularity. Recently, the selection criteria evolved from morphological to biological criteria, such as biomarkers and response to loco-regional therapy. With the introduction of multimodality imaging, combination of computed tomography with nuclear medicine imaging, particularly, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography fulfilled an unmet need and rapidly became a critical component of HCC management. This review article will focus on the use of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography in the pre-transplant evaluation of HCC patients with special discussion on its ability to predict HCC recurrence after liver transplantation.

Diaphragmatic Hernia After Liver Transplant in Children: Report of 2 Cases.

OBJECTIVES: Diaphragmatic hernia is a rare complication after pediatric liver transplant. This report presents occurrences of diaphragmatic hernia after living-donor liver transplants in 2 children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 1 of the 2 patients, a right-sided diaphragmatic hernia developed after a living-donor liver transplant due to progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis where a left lateral segment graft was used. In the other patient, a left-sided diaphragmatic hernia developed after a living-donor liver transplant due to biliary atresia following Kasai portoenterostomy where a left lateral segment graft was used. RESULTS: After diaphragm repair, the postoperative course was uneventful and there were no recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: A literature review identified nearly 30 cases of diaphragmatic hernia following liver transplants; diaphragmatic hernia should be considered a potential surgical complication after liver transplant.

Delayed presentation of a sigmoid colon injury following blunt abdominal trauma: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: The low incidence of colon injury due to blunt abdominal trauma and the lack of a definitive diagnostic method for the same can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, subsequently resulting in high morbidity and mortality. CASE PRESENTATION: A 66-year-old woman with sigmoid colon injury was admitted to our emergency department after sustaining blunt abdominal trauma. Her physical examination findings and laboratory results led to a decision to perform a laparotomy; exploration revealed a sigmoid colon injury that was treated by sigmoid loop colostomy. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical abdominal exploration revealed gross fecal contamination and a perforation site. Intra-abdominal irrigation and a sigmoid loop colostomy were performed. Our patient was discharged on post-operative day six without any problems. Closure of the sigmoid loop colostomy was performed three months after the initial surgery.

A rare cause of gastrointestinal phytobezoars: diospyros lotus.

AIM: Diospyros Lotus ("Wild Date Palm of Trabzon or Persimmon"), which has been proven to cause phytobezoars, is a widely consumed fruit in the Black Sea and Northeast Anatolia regions of Turkey. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Diospyros Lotus together with other predisposing factors, on the development of gastrointestinal phytobezoars and to discuss the treatment results in comparison to the literature. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The records of 13 patients, who had been admitted to the General Surgery Clinic of Düzce Atatürk State Hospital between August 2008 and August 2011, were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic characteristics, predisposing factors, clinical and radiological findings, diagnostic and therapeutic methods, and the outcomes of the patients were recorded from the patient files. Written informed consent was obtained from each patient for publication of this research article and accompanying images. RESULTS: All the patients had a history of consuming Diospyros Lotus. Of the patients, 30,7% had a history of previous gastric surgery, 30,7% had diabetes mellitus and 23% had dental implants. None of the patients had hypothyroidism, which is another predisposing factor for phytobezoars.The phytobezoars were located in the stomach alone in 23% of the patients, whereas 15,3% was detected in the jejunum and stomach, 15,3% was detected in the jejunum alone, and 46,1% was detected in the ileum alone. All patients were treated with surgery, and there were no deaths. CONCLUSION: Gastric phytobezoars are rare. Preventive measures have particular importance in the management of this condition, which is difficult to treat. For this purpose, excessive consumption of herbal nutrients containing a high amount of indigestible fibers such as Diospyros Lotus should be avoided in patients with a history of gastrointestinal surgery or poor oral and dental health.

Treatment of gastric phytobezoars with Coca-Cola given via oral route: a case report.

BACKGROUND: A 43-year-old female patient presented with a chief complaint of upper abdominal pain. As her complaints had lasted for 1 month, an upper gastrointestinal system endoscopy was performed and discovered a bezoar in the stomach. CASE PRESENTATION: The bezoar was quite hard and light green-yellow in color. Pathological examination revealed phytobezoar. The patient was hospitalized and given oral Coca-Cola(®) Zero for seven days at a dose of 500 mL three times daily. CONCLUSION: The upper gastrointestinal system endoscopy performed at the end of 7 days showed that the phytobezoar had softened and become smaller. The phytobezoar was broken into pieces with biopsy forceps and washing was applied, so the phytobezoar pieces could pass through the pylorus. The patient was discharged after the procedure without problem.

Fibromatosis of the cecum presenting with acute appendicitis: a case report.

Although acute appendicitis is a common clinical condition in general surgical practice, <1% of them are associated with malignancies. Appendiceal carcinoids make up most of those malignancies and acute appendicitis cases associated with benign cecal neoplasias are very uncommon. In this study, a 25-year-old female patient who presented with distinct acute appendicitis symptoms is reported. The patient was operated on via open technique. Exploration revealed an appendix with advanced edema and hyperemia. While the cecum was observed to be normal, a solid mass of 2.5 cm diameter was palpated in the appendiceal base. Following the ileocecal resection, histopathological examination revealed the mass as a fibromatosis. The goals of this report are to remind health care professionals that some very rare etiologies may be involved in acute appendicitis diagnosis and treatment, and to underscore the place of laparoscopic approach and preoperative computed tomography in this disease.

Is there a change of corneal thickness in uveitis with Behçet disease?

PURPOSE: To report the measurements of central corneal thickness (CCT) in uveitic eyes with Behçet disease (BD) and compare it with age- and sex-matched healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 69 eyes with ocular BD with no history of corneal disease, glaucoma, or ocular surgery and 50 eyes of healthy controls. Eyes with ocular BD were subdivided into active and inactive groups. Active group was defined as the presence of anterior uveitis or panuveitis, whereas inactive group was defined as having had at least 1 previous attack and absence of any active inflammation in the eye within the last 3 months. CCT was measured with ultrasonic pachymeter. Statistical analyses were performed, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Active group had 24 patients and inactive group had 45 patients. Demographic characteristics of patients with ocular BD and control subjects were similar (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in respect to the disease duration between active and inactive groups (P = 0.160). The mean CCT was significantly greater in active group (584.75 ± 20.94 µm) than in inactive group (540.55 ± 36.16 µm) and control group (543.04 ± 25.35 µm) (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: We found that eyes with active BD had increased CCT because of active inflammation when compared with inactive and control groups, and mean CCT of inactive BD was normal. Therefore, we assume that CCT is in normal range in the inactive phase, and recurrent uveitis does not lead to a permanent change in CCT in BD.