Acoustic radiation force impulse elastography and liver fibrosis risk scores in severe obesity

ABSTRACT Objective: Identifying significant fibrosis is crucial to evaluate the prognosis and therapeutic interventions in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We assessed the performance of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography, APRI, FIB-4, Forns, NFS and BARD scores in determining liver fibrosis in severe obesity. Subjects and methods: A prospective study included 108 patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Liver biopsy specimens were obtained intraoperatively and classified according to the NAFLD Activity Score. Patients were assessed with serological markers and shear wave velocity of the liver was measured with the Siemens S2000 ultrasound system preoperatively. Optimal cut-off values were determined using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC). Results: In the entire cohort prevalence of NAFLD was 80.6%, steatohepatitis 25.9% and significant fibrosis 19.4%. The best tests for predicting significant fibrosis were FIB-4 and Forns scores (both AUROC 0.78), followed by APRI (AUROC 0.74), NFS (AUROC 0.68), BARD (AUROC 0.64) and ARFI (AUROC 0.62). ARFI elastography was successful in 73% of the patients. Higher body mass index (BMI) correlated with invalid ARFI measurements. In patients with BMI < 42 kg/m2, ARFI showed 92.3% sensitivity and 82,6% specificity for the presence of significant fibrosis, with AUROC 0.86 and cut-off 1.32 m/s. Conclusions: FIB-4 and Forns scores were the most accurate for the prediction of significant fibrosis in bariatric patients. Applicability and accuracy of ARFI was limited in individuals with severe obesity. In patients with BMI < 42 kg/m2, ARFI elastography was capable for predicting significant fibrosis with relevant accuracy.

Acoustic radiation force impulse elastography and liver fibrosis risk scores in severe obesity.

OBJECTIVE: Identifying significant fibrosis is crucial to evaluate the prognosis and therapeutic interventions in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We assessed the performance of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography, APRI, FIB-4, Forns, NFS and BARD scores in determining liver fibrosis in severe obesity. METHODS: A prospective study included 108 patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Liver biopsy specimens were obtained intraoperatively and classified according to the NAFLD Activity Score. Patients were assessed with serological markers and shear wave velocity of the liver was measured with the Siemens S2000 ultrasound system preoperatively. Optimal cut-off values were determined using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC). RESULTS: In the entire cohort prevalence of NAFLD was 80.6%, steatohepatitis 25.9% and significant fibrosis 19.4%. The best tests for predicting significant fibrosis were FIB-4 and Forns scores (both AUROC 0.78), followed by APRI (AUROC 0.74), NFS (AUROC 0.68), BARD (AUROC 0.64) and ARFI (AUROC 0.62). ARFI elastography was successful in 73% of the patients. Higher body mass index (BMI) correlated with invalid ARFI measurements. In patients with BMI < 42 kg/m2, ARFI showed 92.3% sensitivity and 82,6% specificity for the presence of significant fibrosis, with AUROC 0.86 and cut-off 1.32 m/s. CONCLUSION: FIB-4 and Forns scores were the most accurate for the prediction of significant fibrosis in bariatric patients. Applicability and accuracy of ARFI was limited in individuals with severe obesity. In patients with BMI < 42 kg/m2, ARFI elastography was capable for predicting significant fibrosis with relevant accuracy.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Ethanol Injection Associated with Trans-arterial Embolization of a Giant Intra-abdominal Cavernous Hemangioma: Case Report and New Therapeutic Option.

BACKGROUND: Cavernous hemangiomas are congenital hamartomatous lesions that originate from mesodermal tissue composed of dilated blood vessels. Abdominal pain and palpable mass are the most common presenting symptoms. The different types of treatment for symptomatic patients remain controversial. However, surgical resection is always the most preferred method when possible. To date, there are no reports of endoscopic ultrasound-guided (EUS-guided) absolute ethanol injection as a treatment for such disease when surgery is not an option. CASE PRESENTATION: A 19-year-old girl with giant cavernous intra-abdominal hemangioma extending to the hepatic hilum, also affecting the gastric wall and occupying the entire supra-mesocolic cavity, initially presents with upper gastrointestinal bleeding and loss of 20 kg in 1 year (BMI = 18 kg/m2). Percutaneous angiography identified a mass with arterial blood supply by the left gastric artery that was embolized. After re-bleeding, an alternative treatment with EUS-guided injection of alcohol was proposed once resection was not feasible without major risks to a young patient. This procedure was repeated 15 and 45 days after the initial treatment, with the ethanol injection of 25 cc and 15 cc, respectively. On the second and third procedure dates, there was evident regression of the hemangioma. On the third procedure, it was possible to identify all anatomic structures that were not clear on the first EUS. After 45 days of last injection, abdominal CT and EUS showed notorious regression of the lesion. Eight months later, abdominal CT showed only a remnant lesion in the hepatogastric ligament with 129 cm3 on volumetry (87% lower in comparison to the initial image), and the patient remains asymptomatic with BMI of 26. In the most recent follow-up CT, 4 years and 2 months after first treatment, the patient presents with a slight increase in the hemangioma-now with 183 cm3 on volumetry. CONCLUSION: Transgastric EUS-guided ethanol injection in the treatment of giant intra-abdominal cavernous hemangioma can provide good outcomes without major complications and can be repeated if necessary.

Alternative Biomarkers to Predict Tumor Biology in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary malignant liver tumor, with more than 800,000 new cases diagnosed each year and with high mortality, ranking fourth in the world in cancer deaths. The worst prognosis is related to the late diagnosis, in which the tumor is at an advanced stage and curative treatments are not efficient in terms of increasing overall survival. Currently, screening and monitoring tests based on current guidelines have limited accuracy, which points to the need for the development of new biomarkers that improve HCC detection as well as its early diagnosis. This review will discuss the five phases of development of a biomarker, from its discovery to its application in clinical practice, and indicate the main biomarkers per development phase. Potential emerging technologies such as "Radiomics", "Proteomics" and "Metabolomics" will also be discussed, which should serve as tools for the elucidation of tumor heterogeneity, as well as provide data for future studies on HCC biomarkers.

Liver resections for metastasis: surgical outcomes of a single center academic institution.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic metastasis are frequent and liver resection may be an option for some cases, despite the high complexity of the procedure and the possibility of postoperative complications. METHODS: This retrospective comparative descriptive study aims to evaluate a series of 86 consecutive liver resections (LRs) performed for the treatment of metastatic liver tumors, comparing the results between patients undergoing major and minor LR. All patients submitted to LR from October 2010 to July 2015 at the Erasto Gaertner Hospital in Curitiba-PR were included. Quantitative numerical variables were analyzed with the Student t-test. The nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test was used for numerical variables of non-normal distribution. Categorical variables were analyzed with the Chi-square test with Fisher's correction. The data were analyzed with the SPSS 23.0 and STATA 15 programs, being p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Eighty-six LR were performed, 56 cases by colorectal metastasis. The major LR corresponded to 68 cases, with 13.2% of Clavien-Dindo III-V complications and 2.9% of reoperation rate. Eighteen minor LR were performed and one patient had a postoperative complication requiring reoperation. CONCLUSION: Preoperative elevation of transaminases and jaundice negatively influence surgical outcomes in patients undergoing LR. Tumors greater than 3 cm presented worse postoperative survival. Major LR did not significantly increase the surgical morbidity rate. INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD REGISTRATION: 1.122.319/2015.

Overall survival predictors in hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with sorafenib.

OBJECTIVE: Malignant liver tumors are the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 75-85% of these. Most patients are diagnosed at incurable stages. Palliative care is the appropriate treatment course in these circumstances (chemoembolization and sorafenib). There are few national studies on sorafenib. The objective is to evaluate survival predictors of HCC patients treated with sorafenib and evaluate the compliance of its indication in relation to BCLC recommendations. METHODS: A total of 88 patients with an indication of sorafenib from 2010 to 2017 at the ISCMSP were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyzes were performed in the search for predictors of survival. RESULTS: The mean age was 61.2 years, 70.5% were men, most were classified as Child-Pugh A (69.3%), and BCLC C (94.3%). Cirrhosis was present in 84.6% and portal hypertension in 55.7%. Hepatitis C virus was the most common etiology (40.9%). Sixty-nine (78.4%) patients received the medication, with the average duration of treatment being 9.7 months. The mean overall survival was 16.8 months. Significant differences were observed in the multivariate analysis: ECOG PS (p = 0.024): Child-Pugh (p = 0.013), time of medication use (p <0.001), clinical worsening (p = 0.031) and portal thrombosis (p = 0.010). CONCLUSION: Absence of portal thrombosis, Child-Pugh A, longer time of medication use, ECOG PS 0, and absence of suspension due to clinical worsening were predictors of better overall survival in the study. The drug's indication complies with BCLC guidelines in 94% of patients.

Epigastric hernia as a rare manifestation of a bile duct cyst and gallbladder cancer: A first case report.

INTRODUCTION: Elective repair epigastric hernia is a frequent minor surgical procedure. In most cases the hernial content is pre-peritoneal fat. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report the case of a patient with epigastric hernia containing part of a bile duct cyst. DISCUSSION: Bile duct cysts are often asymptomatic, but when symptoms are present they may include intermittent, recurrent epigastric or right hypochondrial pain; abdominal tenderness; fever and mild jaundice. CONCLUSION: The presence of a bile duct cyst within a hernia is a very rare finding, especially making the diagnosis through an epigastric hernia. This case report is the first of a bile duct cyst within an epigastric hernia.

Overall survival predictors in hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with sorafenib

SUMMARY Malignant liver tumors are the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 75-85% of these. Most patients are diagnosed at incurable stages. Palliative care is the appropriate treatment course in these circumstances (chemoembolization and sorafenib). There are few national studies on sorafenib. The objective is to evaluate survival predictors of HCC patients treated with sorafenib and evaluate the compliance of its indication in relation to BCLC recommendations. METHODS A total of 88 patients with an indication of sorafenib from 2010 to 2017 at the ISCMSP were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyzes were performed in the search for predictors of survival. RESULTS The mean age was 61.2 years, 70.5% were men, most were classified as Child-Pugh A (69.3%), and BCLC C (94.3%). Cirrhosis was present in 84.6% and portal hypertension in 55.7%. Hepatitis C virus was the most common etiology (40.9%). Sixty-nine (78.4%) patients received the medication, with the average duration of treatment being 9.7 months. The mean overall survival was 16.8 months. Significant differences were observed in the multivariate analysis: ECOG PS (p = 0.024): Child-Pugh (p = 0.013), time of medication use (p <0.001), clinical worsening (p = 0.031) and portal thrombosis (p = 0.010). CONCLUSION Absence of portal thrombosis, Child-Pugh A, longer time of medication use, ECOG PS 0, and absence of suspension due to clinical worsening were predictors of better overall survival in the study. The drug's indication complies with BCLC guidelines in 94% of patients.

RESUMO Tumores malignos do fígado são a quarta maior causa de morte por câncer, sendo que o carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC) corresponde a 85-90% desses casos. A maioria dos doentes apresenta-se, ao diagnóstico, sem possibilidade de tratamento curativo, restando apenas as opções paliativas (quimioembolização e sorafenibe). Há poucos estudos nacionais acerca do sorafenibe. OBJETIVO Avaliar fatores preditivos de sobrevida em pacientes com CHC que tiveram indicação de tratamento com sorafenibe na Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo (ISCMSP) e avaliação da conformidade da indicação da medicação em relação às recomendações do BCLC. MÉTODOS Foram analisados retrospectivamente os dados de 88 pacientes que tiveram indicação de tratamento com sorafenibe no período de 2010 a 2017 na ISCMSP. Análises univariada e multivariada foram realizadas na busca de preditores de sobrevida global nos pacientes que receberam a medicação. RESULTADOS Idade média de 61,2 anos, sendo 70,5% homens. A maioria (69,3%) foi classificada como Child Pugh A e BCLC C (94,3%). A cirrose esteve presente em 84,6% e a hipertensão portal em 55,7% desses. O vírus da hepatite C foi a etiologia mais comum (40,9%) do CHC. Sessenta e nove (78,4%) pacientes receberam a medicação, sendo o tempo médio de duração do tratamento 9,7 meses e a sobrevida global média, 16,8 meses. Diferenças significativas foram observadas na análise multivariada: Ecog PS (p=0,024), CP (p=0,013), tempo de uso de medicação (p<0,001), suspensão por piora clínica (p=0,031) e trombose portal (p=0,010). CONCLUSÃO Ausência de trombose portal, Child Pugh A, Ecog PS 0, tempo maior de uso de medicação e ausência de suspensão por piora clínica foram fatores preditores de melhor sobrevida global e a indicação da medicação esteve em conformidade com as orientações do BCLC em 94% dos pacientes.

Uncommon site of metastasis from renal cell carcinoma: Case report.

BACKGROUND: Renal cell carcinomas (CCR) account for 90% of renal tumors. Presence of latent distant metastasis is characteristic of RCC and may manifest more than a decade after nephrectomy. Gallbladder (GB) is a rare site of metastasis, with few reports in the literature. A case of metastasis from RCC to GB nine years after initial diagnosis is reported herein. CASE REPORT: Male patient, 74 years, nine years post right radical nephrectomy for grade 2 clear-cell adenocarcinoma, T3BN0M0. During onset, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) evidenced T2-weighted hypointense and T1-weighted hyperintense lesion, with early and persistente contrast enhancement and exophytic bulging of the underlying outer vesicular margin. T1-weighted hypointense and T2-weighted slightly hyperintense nodular formation was also evidenced in the body portion of the pancreas, with 1.5 × 1.2 cm. The patient was subjected to videolaparoscopic cholecystectomy associated to endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) intraoperatively for investigation of the pancreatic nodule. The anatomopathological examination of the gallbladder was compatible with infiltrating metastasis from clear-cell carcinoma of primary renal site. A solid, hypoechoic, oval nodule with 14 mm was found at EUS, which cytology was suggestive of clear-cell Carcinoma. Because this is an indolent disease with oligometastasis, local ablative treatment with fractionated stereotactic radiation therapy with a dose of 40 Gy was selected. The patient is found with stable disease one year after radiation therapy. CONCLUSION: Gallbladder is an unusual site of RCC metastasis. In patients with history of this disease, all vesicular lesions should be given attention, even where the primary tumor has been treated many years before.

Leadership potential of physicians in a public teaching hospital in the city of São Paulo.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the leadership potential of physicians in a public hospital in the city of São Paulo. METHODS: A descriptive pilot study, in which 40 assistant physicians and medical residents were randomly selected to receive an electronic invitation of the company Caliper Estratégias Humanas do Brasil . To those who accepted it, a link was sent to fill out a personality evaluation focused on the work, comprising 112 alternatives related to 21 domains of 4 performance areas. According to the Caliper Profile Questionnaire, the ipsative measures expressed as a percentage are distributed on a Likert scale, and three categories are established based on behavioral tendencies at work: need for improvement, moderate and high potential. RESULTS: A total of 47.5% of physicians invited accepeted taking part in the study. Regarding to leadership, the need for improvement was over 30% among the evaluated physicians. In the interpersonal relationship analysis, only 18.4% of assistant physicians and 37% of medical residents required improvement. The percentage of physicians who needed improvement in problem-solving and decision-making was similar among the assistant and resident physicians (12.6% versus 14%). In the evaluation of personal organization and time management, we obtained similar percentages in assistant physicians and residents who needed improvement (14% in both groups). High potential leadership was observed in these domains (18.4% and 20% for assistant physicians and residents, respectively). CONCLUSION: The physicians assessed presented high leadership potential in 25% of the cases, requiring improvement in the performance domains, such as interpersonal relationship, problem solving, decision-making, personal organization and time management.

Leadership potential of physicians in a public teaching hospital in the city of São Paulo / Potencial de liderança em médicos de um hospital público de ensino na cidade de São Paulo

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the leadership potential of physicians in a public hospital in the city of São Paulo. Methods A descriptive pilot study, in which 40 assistant physicians and medical residents were randomly selected to receive an electronic invitation of the company Caliper Estratégias Humanas do Brasil . To those who accepted it, a link was sent to fill out a personality evaluation focused on the work, comprising 112 alternatives related to 21 domains of 4 performance areas. According to the Caliper Profile Questionnaire, the ipsative measures expressed as a percentage are distributed on a Likert scale, and three categories are established based on behavioral tendencies at work: need for improvement, moderate and high potential. Results A total of 47.5% of physicians invited accepeted taking part in the study. Regarding to leadership, the need for improvement was over 30% among the evaluated physicians. In the interpersonal relationship analysis, only 18.4% of assistant physicians and 37% of medical residents required improvement. The percentage of physicians who needed improvement in problem-solving and decision-making was similar among the assistant and resident physicians (12.6% versus 14%). In the evaluation of personal organization and time management, we obtained similar percentages in assistant physicians and residents who needed improvement (14% in both groups). High potential leadership was observed in these domains (18.4% and 20% for assistant physicians and residents, respectively). Conclusion The physicians assessed presented high leadership potential in 25% of the cases, requiring improvement in the performance domains, such as interpersonal relationship, problem solving, decision-making, personal organization and time management.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o potencial de liderança de médicos ativos de um hospital público na cidade de São Paulo. Métodos Estudo-piloto descritivo, no qual foram selecionados aleatoriamente 40 médicos assistentes e residentes para receberem o link com convite eletrônico da empresa Caliper Estratégias Humanas do Brasil. Aos que o aceitaram, foi encaminhado o link para preenchimento de avaliação de personalidade focada no trabalho, composta por 112 alternativas relativas a 21 domínios de 4 áreas de desempenho. De acordo com Questionário Perfil Caliper, as medidas ipsativas expressas em percentual são distribuídas em uma escala do tipo Likert, e são determinadas três categorias em relação às tendências comportamentais no trabalho: necessidade de aprimoramento, potencial moderado e alto potencial. Resultados A taxa de adesão dos médicos convidados ao estudo foi de 47,5% (19 médicos). No domínio liderança, a necessidade de aprimoramento ultrapassou 30% dos médicos avaliados. No relacionamento interpessoal, apenas 18,4% dos médicos assistentes necessitavam de aprimoramento e, no grupo dos médicos residentes, 37% necessitavam aprimoramento. Para resolução de problemas e tomada de decisões, as percentagens de necessidade de aprimoramento foram semelhantes (12,6% versus 14%). Na avaliação da organização pessoal e da administração do tempo, obtivemos percentagens semelhantes entre médicos assistentes e residentes, com necessidade de aprimoramento (14% nos dois grupos) e alto potencial nestas áreas (18,4% e 20% para médicos assistentes e residentes, respectivamente). Conclusão Os médicos avaliados apresentaram alto potencial de liderança em um quarto dos casos, necessitando aprimoramento nas áreas de desempenhos, como relacionamento interpessoal, resolução de problemas, tomada de decisão, organização pessoal e administração do tempo.

Cirurgia abdominal de alta complexidade: classificação e escolha dos equipamentos pela equipe multiprofissional / High-complexity abdominal surgery: classification and choice of equipment by the multi-professional team / Cirugía abdominal de alta complejidad: clasificación y elección del equipo quirúrgico por el equipo multiprofesional

Introdução: Os procedimentos de alta complexidade são caracterizados pelo uso da alta tecnologia. A classificação e a escolha dos equipamentos são um desafio para os profissionais envolvidos. Objetivo: Comparar a classificação das cirurgias abdominais de alta complexidade e a escolha dos equipamentos pela equipe multiprofissional entre duas instituições hospitalares. Método: Pesquisa descritiva, quantitativa, transversal e comparativa, com questionários estruturados sobre a opinião dos cirurgiões, anestesiologistas e enfermeiros. Resultado: A classificação dos procedimentos é semelhante quando levados em conta equipamentos (P<1,0) e estrutura física (P=0,172) diferenciados. Discussão: A classificação dos procedimentos mais complexos tem concordância entre os profissionais comparado à legislação, mesmo não englobando o porte anestésico, tipo de procedimento e condições clínicas na sua classificação; a escolha dos equipamentos é do profissional que os utiliza, incluindo amplas salas de operações, sendo a cirurgia robótica dispensável aos cirurgiões. Conclusão: Há diferenças entre instituições de saúde em relação à escolha, à disponibilidade de equipamentos e aos tipos de cirurgias abdominais.

Introduction: High-complexity procedures are characterized by the use of high-technology. The classification and choice of equipment are challenging for the professionals involved. Objective: To compare the classification of high-complexity abdominal surgeries and the choice of equipment by the multi-professional team between two hospital institutions. Method: Descriptive, quantitative, transversal and comparative research, with structured questionnaires on the opinion of surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses. Results: The classification of procedures is similar when considering differentiated equipment (P<1.0) and physical structure (P=0.172). Discussion: The classification of more complex procedures is in agreement between professionals when compared to the legislation, even if not encompassing anesthetic dimensions, type of procedure or clinical conditions in their classification; the equipment is chosen by the professional who uses them, including operating rooms, with robotic surgeries being expendable to surgeons. Conclusion: There are differences between the choices made by health institutions, the availability of equipment and the types of abdominal surgeries.

Introducción: procedimientos de alta complejidad se caracterizan por el uso de alta tecnología. La clasificación y elección de los equipos son un desafío para los profesionales. Objetivo: comparar la clasificación de cirugías abdominales de alta complejidad y la elección del equipo por parte del equipo multiprofesional entre dos instituciones hospitalarias. Método: investigación descriptiva, cuantitativa, transversal y comparativa, con cuestionarios estructurados sobre la opinión de cirujanos, anestesiólogos y enfermeras. Resultados: la clasificación de los procedimientos es similar cuando se consideran equipos diferenciados (P<1,0) y estructura física (P=0,172). Discusión: la clasificación de procedimientos más complejos está de acuerdo entre los profesionales en comparación con la legislación, incluso si no abarca dimensiones anestésicas, tipo de procedimiento o condiciones clínicas en su clasificación; el equipo es elegido por el profesional que los utiliza, incluidos los quirófanos, y las cirugías robóticas son dispensables para los cirujanos. Conclusión: hay diferencias entre las elecciones realizadas por las instituciones de salud, la disponibilidad de equipos y los tipos de cirugías abdominales.

Elevated Gastric Antrum Erosions in Portal Hypertension Patients: Peptic Disease or Mucosal Congestion?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Portal hypertension (PH) is a syndrome characterized by chronic increase in the pressure gradient between the portal vein and inferior vena cava. Previous studies have suggested an increased frequency of antral elevated erosive gastritis in patients with PH, as well as an etiologic association; however, there has not been any histological evidence of this hypothesis to date. Our aim was to evaluate the histological features found in elevated antral erosions in patients with portal hypertension. METHODS: Sixty-nine patients were included; 28 with and 41 without PH. All patients underwent endoscopy, and areas with elevated antral erosion were biopsied. RESULTS: In the PH group, 24 patients had inflammatory infiltration with or without edema and vascular congestion, and 4 patients had no inflammation. In the group without PH, all patients showed inflammatory infiltration of variable intensity. There was no statistical significance between the two groups in the presence of Helicobacter pylori. There as a histological similarity between the two groups, if PH patients without inflammation were excluded; however, more edema and vascular congestion were observed in the PH group (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The findings show that elevated antral erosions in patients with PH have more evident edema and vascular congestion in addition to lymphocytic infiltration.

Model for End-Stage Liver Disease, Model for Liver Transplantation Survival and Donor Risk Index as predictive models of survival after liver transplantation in 1,006 patients.

OBJECTIVES: Liver transplantation has not increased with the number of patients requiring this treatment, increasing deaths among those on the waiting list. Models predicting post-transplantation survival, including the Model for Liver Transplantation Survival and the Donor Risk Index, have been created. Our aim was to compare the performance of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease, the Model for Liver Transplantation Survival and the Donor Risk Index as prognostic models for survival after liver transplantation. METHOD: We retrospectively analyzed the data from 1,270 patients who received a liver transplant from a deceased donor in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, between July 2006 and July 2009. All data obtained from the Health Department of the State of São Paulo at the 15 registered transplant centers were analyzed. Patients younger than 13 years of age or with acute liver failure were excluded. RESULTS: The majority of the recipients had Child-Pugh class B or C cirrhosis (63.5%). Among the 1,006 patients included, 274 (27%) died. Univariate survival analysis using a Cox proportional hazards model showed hazard ratios of 1.02 and 1.43 for the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease and the Model for Liver Transplantation Survival, respectively (p<0.001). The areas under the ROC curve for the Donor Risk Index were always less than 0.5, whereas those for the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease and the Model for Liver Transplantation Survival were significantly greater than 0.5 (p<0.001). The cutoff values for the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (≥29.5; sensitivity: 39.1%; specificity: 75.4%) and the Model for Liver Transplantation Survival (≥1.9; sensitivity 63.9%, specificity 54.5%), which were calculated using data available before liver transplantation, were good predictors of survival after liver transplantation (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The Model for Liver Transplantation Survival displayed similar death prediction performance to that of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease. A simpler model involving fewer variables, such as the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease, is preferred over a complex model involving more variables, such as the Model for Liver Transplantation Survival. The Donor Risk Index had no significance in post-transplantation survival in our patients.

Model for End-Stage Liver Disease, Model for Liver Transplantation Survival and Donor Risk Index as predictive models of survival after liver transplantation in 1,006 patients

OBJECTIVES: Liver transplantation has not increased with the number of patients requiring this treatment, increasing deaths among those on the waiting list. Models predicting post-transplantation survival, including the Model for Liver Transplantation Survival and the Donor Risk Index, have been created. Our aim was to compare the performance of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease, the Model for Liver Transplantation Survival and the Donor Risk Index as prognostic models for survival after liver transplantation. METHOD: We retrospectively analyzed the data from 1,270 patients who received a liver transplant from a deceased donor in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, between July 2006 and July 2009. All data obtained from the Health Department of the State of São Paulo at the 15 registered transplant centers were analyzed. Patients younger than 13 years of age or with acute liver failure were excluded. RESULTS: The majority of the recipients had Child-Pugh class B or C cirrhosis (63.5%). Among the 1,006 patients included, 274 (27%) died. Univariate survival analysis using a Cox proportional hazards model showed hazard ratios of 1.02 and 1.43 for the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease and the Model for Liver Transplantation Survival, respectively (p<0.001). The areas under the ROC curve for the Donor Risk Index were always less than 0.5, whereas those for the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease and the Model for Liver Transplantation Survival were significantly greater than 0.5 (p<0.001). The cutoff values for the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (≥29.5; sensitivity: 39.1%; specificity: 75.4%) and the Model for Liver Transplantation Survival (≥1.9; sensitivity 63.9%, specificity 54.5%), which were calculated using data available before liver transplantation, were good predictors of survival after liver transplantation (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The Model for Liver Transplantation Survival displayed similar death prediction ...

Association of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and liver cancer.

AIM: To investigate the association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver cancer, and NAFLD prevalence in different liver tumors. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of the clinical, laboratory and histological data of 120 patients diagnosed with primary or secondary hepatic neoplasms and treated at a tertiary center where they underwent hepatic resection and/or liver transplantation, with subsequent evaluation of the explant or liver biopsy. The following criteria were used to exclude patients from the study: a history of alcohol abuse, hepatitis B or C infection, no tumor detected in the liver tissue examined by histological analysis, and the presence of chronic autoimmune hepatitis, hemochromatosis, Wilson's disease, or hepatoblastoma. The occurrence of NAFLD and the association with its known risk factors were studied. The risk factors considered were diabetes mellitus, impaired glucose tolerance, impaired fasting glucose, body mass index, dyslipidemia, and arterial hypertension. Presence of reticulin fibers in the hepatic neoplasms was assessed by histological analysis using slide-mounted specimens stained with either hematoxylin and eosin or Masson's trichrome and silver impregnation. Analysis of tumor-free liver parenchyma was carried out to determine the association between NAFLD and its histological grade. RESULTS: No difference was found in the association of NAFLD with the general population (34.2% and 30.0% respectively, 95%CI: 25.8-43.4). Evaluation by cancer type showed that NAFLD was more prevalent in patients with liver metastasis of colorectal cancer than in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (OR = 3.99, 95%CI: 1.78-8.94, P < 0.001 vs OR = 0.60, 95%CI: 0.18-2.01, P = 0.406 and OR = 0.70, 95%CI: 0.18-2.80, P = 0.613, respectively). There was a higher prevalence of liver fibrosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (OR = 3.50, 95%CI: 1.06-11.57, P = 0.032). Evaluation of the relationship between the presence of NAFLD, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and liver fibrosis, and their risk factors, showed no significant statistical association for any of the tumors studied. CONCLUSION: NAFLD is more common in patients with liver metastases caused by colorectal cancer.

Hypervascular Lesion in a Cirrhotic Liver: A Case Report.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of death among patients with cirrhosis. Therefore, a focal hepatic lesion in a patient with cirrhosis must always be investigated for its high risk of cancer. However, when hepatic lesions in an imaging exam do not present the typical characteristics of a malignant or a benignant tumor, diagnosis may be a challenge. The biopsy can be used in these circumstances, but, as shown by this case, even that can be misleading. A 54-year-old male patient with cirrhosis presented with abdominal pain, jaundice, nausea and vomits. He performed a biopsy at another service, with the result being focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH). He presented adequate hepatic function, and alpha-fetoprotein level was 6.4. Upon first consultation, we required the slides to be brought to our service and reviewed. Our revision also showed no signs of malignancy. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a large hepatic tumor in segments V and VI, predominantly exofitic, with a central scar. The tumor was surgically removed, and its dimensions were 14 × 10 × 9 cm. Microscopic examination revealed an HCC. Even though histological diagnosis was not necessary to indicate surgery, due to its exofitic nature and adequate hepatic function, we discuss the diagnostic characteristics of both HCC and FNH that could help other medical groups in cases where the position of a liver tumor could make the decision to operate more difficult.

Acoustic radiation force impulse elastography and serum fibrosis markers in chronic hepatitis C.

OBJECTIVE: Liver biopsy (LB) remains the gold standard for the assessment of liver fibrosis, although it is invasive and can have complications. The present study compares several noninvasive methods of fibrosis assessment in chronic hepatitis C (CHC), including acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography, aspartate aminotransferase:platelet ratio index (APRI), Forns, FIB-4, and King scores versus percutaneous LB. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 51 untreated CHC patients. Biological tests necessary for the calculation of the scores (according to the classic formulas) were performed within a week of LB. The time interval between LB and tissue stiffness, assessed according to the Metavir score, was <6 months. Cutoff values were determined using area under receiver-operating characteristic curves (AUROC). RESULTS: The best test for predicting significant fibrosis (F ≥2 Metavir) was ARFI elastography with an AUROC of 0.90, followed by FIB-4 (AUROC = 0.86), King (AUROC = 0.85), Forns (AUROC = 0.84), and APRI (AUROC = 0.82). For a cutoff of 1.31 m/s, ARFI had 89.3% sensitivity (Se) and 87% specificity (Sp). The best test for predicting cirrhosis was ARFI elastography with an AUROC of 0.98, followed by FIB-4 (AUROC = 0.94), King (AUROC = 0.90), APRI (AUROC = 0.82), and Forns (AUROC = 0.81). For a cutoff of 1.95 m/s, ARFI had 100% Se and 95.2% Sp. CONCLUSION: ARFI elastography had very good accuracy for the assessment of liver fibrosis. It was more effective than APRI, Forns, King, and FIB-4 scores for the prediction of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in CHC patients.

Linfangioma perianal: relato de caso / Perianal lymphangioma: case report

O linfangioma é um tumor benigno que pode se desenvolver em qualquer região do corpo, uma vez que se origina de lesão dos vasos linfáticos. A apresentação perianal deste tipo de tumor é rara. O histórico do paciente e o exame físico nos levaram a suspeitar do tumor e identificá-lo. Este relato de caso envolve um paciente do sexo masculino com histórico de tumor que pode ser encontrado na região perineal. O tratamento escolhido foi cirurgia e o diagnóstico definitivo dado pelo patologista.

Lymphangioma is a benign tumor that can develop anywhere on the body, since it is derived from a lesion of the lymphatic vessels. Perianal presentation of this kind of tumor is rare. Patient history and a physical examination led us to suspect and identify the tumor. This case report is about a male patient with a history of a tumor that can be found throughout the perineal area. The treatment of choice is surgery and definitive diagnosis is given by the pathologist.

Abscesso hepático por klebsiella pneumoniae e suas complicações sistêmicas / Liver abscess by klebsiella pneumoniae and its systemic complications

Abscesso hepático por Klebsiella pneumoniae é incomum em países ocidentais e tem sido associado a complicações severas, sobretudo em pacientes diabéticos. A manifestação clínico-laboratorial da doença é inespecífica. Endoftalmite é uma rara complicação de septicemia por Klebsiella pneumoniae. Atraso terapêutico pode resultar em perda visual acentuada e irreversível. Relatamos um caso de abscesso hepático por Klebsiella pneumoniae complicado com endoftalmite, embolia pulmonar séptica e endocardite em homem diabético.

Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess is unco mmon in western countries and has been associated with severe complications, especially in diabetic patients. The clinical and laboratory manifestations of the disease are nonspecific. Endophthalmitis is a rare complication of septicemia due to Klebsiella pneumoniae. Therapeutic delay can result in severe and irreversible visual loss. We report a case of Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess complicated by endophthalmitis, septic pulmonary emboli and endocarditis in diabetic man.