Ascitic microbiota alteration is associated with portal vein tumor thrombosis occurrence and prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) frequently leads to malignant ascites (MA) in individuals with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), remaining a bottleneck in the treatment. This study aimed to explore the differences in microbes in paired groups and provide novel insights into PVTT and MA-related treatments. Formalin-fixed paraffin embedding ascite samples were collected from MA secondary to HCC and benign ascites (BA) secondary to liver cirrhosis (LC). Ascitic microbiota profiles were determined in the HCC and LC groups by 16S rRNA sequencing. Prognostic risk factors were screened using survival analysis. The correlation between the significantly different microbial signatures in the groups with PVTT (WVT) and non-PVTT (NVT) and clinical characteristics was explored. The expression of different immune cells was determined by labeling four markers in the MA tissue chips using multiplex immunohistochemistry. A total of 240 patients (196 with HCC with MA and 44 with LC with BA) were included in this study. Microbial profiles differed between the HCC and LC groups. PVTT and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage were shown to be prognostic risk factors. Significant differences in the alpha and beta diversities were observed between the WVT and NVT groups. Gammaproteobacteria and Acinetobacter were the most abundant in the HCC MA. Differences in microbial signatures between the WVT and NVT groups were correlated with the level of C-reactive protein and apolipoprotein A1. This study revealed the microbial differences in the tumor microenvironment of MA secondary to HCC and BA secondary to LC.IMPORTANCEFirst, we explored the alteration of the ascites ecosystem through the microbiota in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver cirrhosis. Second, this is the first clinical study to investigate the differences between patients with HCC with and without portal vein tumor thrombosis via 16S rRNA sequencing. These results revealed a decreased microbial diversity and metabolic dysregulation in individuals with HCC and portal vein tumor thrombosis. Gammaproteobacteria and Acinetobacter were the most abundant in the HCC malignant ascitic fluid. Our study provides a new perspective on treating malignant ascites secondary to HCC.

Anticoagulant Treatment for Pediatric Infection-Related Cerebral Venous Thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to describe the clinical presentation, risk of bleeding and recurrent thrombosis, and perioperative anticoagulant management of children with cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) and an associated head or neck infection. METHODS: In this subgroup analysis of the EINSTEIN-Jr study, we included children with CVT and an associated head or neck infection who received therapeutic anticoagulants with either low-molecular-weight heparin (with or without subsequent vitamin K antagonists) or rivaroxaban for a period of 3 months. Analyses are descriptive. RESULTS: Of 74 included children, 59 (80%) had otomastoiditis, 21 (28%) a central nervous system infection, 18 (24%) sinusitis, and 9 (12%) another upper respiratory tract infection; 29 (39%) had infection of multiple regions of the head or neck. All 74 children received antibiotics and therapeutic anticoagulants; 41 (55%) underwent surgery, of whom 34 were diagnosed with CVT preoperatively. Anticoagulation was started before surgery in 12 children and interrupted 0-1 days prior to surgery. Anticoagulation was (re)started in all 34 children at a median of 1 day (interquartile range: 0-1) postoperatively, in therapeutic doses in 94%. Overall, one child (1%, 95% confidence interval: 0-7) had recurrent thrombosis, and one (1%, 95% confidence interval: 0-7) had major bleeding; neither was associated with surgery. At 3 months, no children had died, 3 (4%) had persistent focal neurologic deficits, and 2 (3%) had impaired vision. CONCLUSIONS: Children with CVT and an associated head or neck infection administered therapeutic anticoagulants generally had low risks of bleeding and thrombotic complications, including those who had surgical interventions with delay or interruption of anticoagulation.

Child with tuberculous meningitis and COVID-19 coinfection complicated by extensive cerebral sinus venous thrombosis.

We herein report a case of a child with tuberculous meningitis and COVID-19 coinfection complicated by hydrocephalus, arterial ischaemic stroke and extensive cerebral sinus venous thrombosis. Both conditions induce a proinflammatory cytokine drive resulting, among others, in a prothrombotic state. The disruption of the coagulation system in this case was supported by elevated D-dimers, fibrinogen and ferritin levels, consistent with thrombotic complications reported in some adult patients infected with COVID-19. The child also exhibited prolonged viral shedding that suggests severe disease.

Head, Neck, and Abdominopelvic Septic Thrombophlebitis: Current Evidence and Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment.

Septic thrombophlebitis (STP) is a complex, cross-disciplinary clinical condition that combines a localized infection with a neighboring venous thrombosis. STP can occur at several possible anatomic sites, such as dural sinuses, jugular vein (Lemierre syndrome), portal vein (pylephlebitis), and pelvic veins. Its high mortality in the preantibiotic era improved considerably with the introduction of modern antibiotics. However, little evidence exists to date to guide its clinical management. The incidence of STP or its risk factors may be increasing, and its mortality may still be considerable. These trends would have far-reaching implications, especially in the setting of increasing resistance to antimicrobial agents. No clinical assessment tools exist to support patient screening or guide treatment in STP. Few interventional studies exist on the efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Recommendations on its indications, duration, and the agents of choice are mostly based on evidence derived from small observational studies. While all forms of STP pose similar challenges, future research may benefit from the distinction between bacteria-associated, virus-associated, and mycosis-associated thrombophlebitis. Addressing these gaps in evidence would enhance our ability to diagnose this condition and treat patients effectively.

[A sepsis that you don't expect Lemierre's syndrome. Description of a clinical case.] / Una sepsi che non ti aspetti la sindrome di Lemierre. Descrizione di un caso clinico.

A healthy 16-year-old boy was hospitalized for fever, septic condition and thrombosis of the left internal jugular vein: The diagnosis of Lemierre syndrome (LS) with positive blood culture for Fusobacterium necrophorum was formalized. He was treated with antibiotics and anticoagulant therapy with enoxaparin with complete recovery. Four weeks after discharge, the jugular vein ecodoppler showed complete resolution of the thrombosis. LS is characterized by thrombosis of the internal jugular vein and anaerobic bacteremia often caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum. It is a rare disease in the post-antibiotic era, but with an increase in cases over the last twenty years. LS should be suspected in young, healthy patients with persistent pharyngitis followed by sepsis, pneumonia or atypical laterocervical pain. The diagnosis is confirmed by the identification of jugular venous thrombosis and is further confirmed by the growth of anaerobic bacteria on blood culture. Prolonged antibiotic and anticoagulant therapies are the essential elements of treatment. However, anticoagulant therapy for internal venous thrombosis associated with LS remains a controversy.

Psoitis and multiple venous thromboses caused by Panton Valentine Leukocidin-positive methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus in a 12-year-old girl: A case report.

Panton Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) is one of the many toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus. In Japan, PVL-positive S. aureus strains are mainly methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Data regarding PVL-positive methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) are scarce. In this report, we describe a case of severe infection by PVL-positive MSSA. A 12-year-old healthy girl was admitted with high fever and pain in the lower back. Computed tomography revealed a diagnosis of psoitis and multiple venous thromboses. Blood cultures obtained after admission revealed infection with MSSA. Her fever continued despite adequate antibiotic therapy. On the fifth hospitalization day, she developed bladder dysfunction, and an abscess was noted near the third lumbar vertebra. She underwent an emergency operation and recovered. Bacterial analyses revealed that the causative MSSA was a PVL-producing single variant of ST8 (related to USA300clone), of sequence type 2149. PVL is known to cause platelet activation. This case demonstrates the need for detailed analyses of the causative strain of bacteria in cases of S. aureus infection with deep vein thrombosis, even in cases of known MSSA infection.

Managing pulmonary embolism secondary to suppurative deep vein thrombophlebitis due to community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus in a resource-poor setting.

Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism are rare and life threatening emergencies in children. We report an 11-year old female who presented with acute complaints of high grade fever, pain in the left thigh and inability to walk and breathlessness since 6 days. On physical examination, there was a diffuse tender swelling of the left thigh, tachypnea, tachycardia with hyperdynamic precordium and bilateral basal crepitations. Ultrasonography and venous doppler of lower limbs showed mild effusion of left hip joint and thrombus in the left common femoral vein and left external iliac vein suggesting a diagnosis of septic arthritis with thrombophlebitis. The tachypnea and tachycardia which was out of proportion to fever and crepitations on auscultation prompted suspicion of an embolic phenomenon. Radiograph of the chest revealed multiple wedge shaped opacities in the right middle zone and lower zone suggestive of pulmonary embolism and left lower zone consolidation. For corroboration, computed tomography pulmonary angiography and computed tomography of abdomen was performed which showed pulmonary thromboembolism and deep venous thrombosis extending up to infrarenal inferior vena cava. On further workup, magnetic resonance imaging of hips showed left femoral osteomyelitis and multiple intramuscular abscesses in the muscles around the hip joint. Blood culture grew methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiotics were changed according to culture sensitivity and there was a dramatic response. After four weeks of anticoagulation and antibiotics the child became asymptomatic and thrombus resolved. Thus, it is crucial to consider methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection as an important infection when we encounter such a clinical scenario. This case report highlights an unusual and potentially life threatening presentation of a virulent strain of a common pathogen, which when diagnosed was completely amenable to treatment.

Lemierres syndrom ­ en påminnelse om ¼den glömda sjukdomen« - God kunskap under hela vårdkedjan viktigt för att i tid väcka misstanke.

The purpose of this case report and discussion is to heighten the awareness of Lemierres syndrome (postanginal sepsis).  Affected patients present in various fields of medicine and an increased incidence of "the forgotten disease" may be expected. Fusobacterium necrophorum is the most common pathogen. The clinical course includes a primary head or neck infection with thrombosis of the internal jugular vein with subsequent septic pulmonary embolization. The syndrome bears considerable morbidity and even mortality. People aged 15-25 years are commonly affected. Early diagnosis through positive blood culture and confirmation of jugular vein thrombosis combined with prompt antibiotic treatment and source control is mandatory in the management of Lemierre's syndrome. Assessment of vital organ function is recommended across the continuum of care as this facilitates recognition and initiation of therapeutic measures to counteract a complicated clinical course.

Lemierre's syndrome: a pain in the neck with far-reaching consequences.

Lemierre's syndrome is a potentially life-threatening consequence of oropharyngeal and ear infections and often results in critical care admission and even intubation. Due to the multisystem manifestation, multiple teams may initially be involved in the care, some of which may be unfamiliar with the features and usual clinical course. This report describes a case in a 36-year-old woman with the classic features of internal jugular vein thrombosis and septic emboli to the lungs secondary to an oropharyngeal infection. Treatment comprised antibiotic therapy, anticoagulation and fluid resuscitation, and was carried out in a high dependency unit setting. At follow-up 3 months after discharge, the patient was well with no residual symptoms off all treatment. During the events of this case, it became apparent that while ear, nose and throat and infectious diseases team members were relatively familiar with the condition, other departments including the critical care team were less so.

Lactobacillus: the not so friendly bacteria.

We present a 65-year-old diabetic patient with a complex liver abscess and bacteraemia from Lactobacillus paracasei The abscess resulted in a prolonged hospital stay due to ongoing sepsis despite ultrasound-guided drainage and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Furthermore, the patient developed several secondary complications including a right-sided pleural effusion, an inferior vena cava thrombus and septic lung emboli. The abscess was eventually managed successfully with a prolonged course of antibiotics and multiple ultrasound-guided drainage procedures.To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of probiotic consumption, confirmed by strain identification, as the likely source of a liver abscess. Probiotic products have been widely used for many years and are advocated to the general public for their health benefits with no warning of side effects. Lactobacilli are one group of bacteria commonly used in these products. Although rare, complications have been reported. Susceptible patients, such as those who are immunocompromised, should be advised against excessive consumption.

Lemierre's syndrome: forgotten, but not absent.

Lemierre's syndrome is rare, with no known reported cases in the Caribbean thus far. We highlight a case of a young woman who presented with diabetic ketoacidosis precipitated by oral pharyngeal sepsis, whose condition rapidly deteriorated within 24 hours requiring ventilation and administration of antibiotics. Her sepsis was accompanied by internal jugular vein thrombosis in keeping with a diagnosis of Lemierre's syndrome, which was treated aggressively with antibiotics, intensive care and mechanical ventilatory support in the intensive care unit. She made a full recovery. Though this is the first reported case in the Caribbean of this 'forgotten disease', it must not be forgotten because prognosis and outcome are markedly improved with prompt and aggressive treatment.

Pyomyositis Complicated by Deep Venous Thrombosis - A Unique Case of Reverse Lemierre's Syndrome.

We report a case of a young individual who presented with fever and swelling of right upper and lower limbs for 3 weeks. Subsequently he developed shortness of breath and decreased urine output and had to be mechanically ventilated. Ultrasound screening of the lower limb had shown deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and thus the diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) seemed probable. However the workup for PTE was negative and patient's fever continued and his condition deteriorated. Evaluation for an infective locus led to the diagnosis of pyomyositis and DVT appeared to have developed secondary to the muscle inflammation as a part of Reverse Lemierre's syndrome. Thus this case highlights the importance of considering this diagnosis in a similar setting and not to ascribe every case of respiratory failure in a background of DVT to be due to PTE.

Prospective evaluation of peripherally inserted central catheter complications in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

We describe a prospective observational cohort (N = 187) to evaluate peripherally inserted central catheter line complications concurrently from the time of placement until removal. A significantly higher percentage of patients who experienced intraluminal thrombosis were receiving total parenteral nutrition (P ≤ .001) and had a dual lumen catheter (P = .01). Among patients with a confirmed or suspected infection, a significantly higher proportion received total parenteral nutrition (P = .01), had dual-lumen catheters (P = .04), and were neutropenic (P = .04).

Disseminated Lichtheimia ramosa Infection After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in a Child With Chronic Granulomatous Disease.

Mucormycosis is uncommon in patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). We report a 7-year-old boy with X-linked CGD and absent oxidative burst who developed fatal Lichtheimia ramosa infection with fungal thrombosis of the kidneys, spleen and other organs after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Lichtheimia infection is rarely reported in patients with CGD and could be related to iatrogenic immunosuppression.

Venous thrombotic events in patients admitted to a tuberculosis centre.

BACKGROUND: Considering the relationship between inflammation and thrombosis, patients with tuberculosis (TB) patients might be at high risk of venous thrombosis. AIM: To evaluate the risk of venous thromboembolism in patients admitted to the Beatrixoord Tuberculosis Centre (BTBC), a tertiary centre for TB. We specifically explored which cofactors elevate the risk of venous thrombosis (VTE), and whether the timing of venous thrombotic events would justify extended primary prophylaxis. DESIGN: retrospective cohort study. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients with TB discharged from BTBC between 2000 and 2010. We excluded patients who were already on therapeutic anticoagulation before their TB episode, below the age of 18 years and patients in which TB diagnosis was withdrawn. For evaluating the timing of venous thrombosis, we calculated the time between commencement of anti TB therapy and the VTE. RESULTS: Of 750 included in the final analysis, 18 (2.4%) suffered a venous thrombotic event. 3 of these events were not related to classic risk factors or hospitalization. Most (13/18) VTE's occurred in the time window of two weeks before starting TB medication.In the multivariate analysis, only Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection was strongly associated with risk of VTE (adjusted Odds ratio 8.2 (95% confidence interval: 2.9-22.7)). CONCLUSIONS: This high risk in HIV co-infected TB patients suggests that standard thrombo-prophylaxis should be routinely considered in this group. However, our findings might not be generalizable due to referral bias. Further prospective studies in unselected HIV co-infected TB patients are needed to corroborate our findings.

Association between small-intestinal bacterial overgrowth and deep vein thrombosis in patients with spinal cord injuries.

Essentials Gastrointestinal dysfunction and vein thrombosis are complications after spinal cord injuries (SCI). We assess the deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in SCI. 76 of the 377 SCI patients were DVT positive (20.2%) and 145 were defined as SIBO positive (38.5%). This study defines an association between SIBO and DVT in patient with SCI. SUMMARY: Background Gastrointestinal dysfunction and vein thrombosis are well-known acute complications after spinal cord injuries (SCIs). Objective To determine the frequency and risk factors for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and small-intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in patients with SCI. Methods A total of 377 consecutive eligible SCI patients tested for SIBO with the glucose hydrogen/methane breath test from January 2011 to December 2015 and who had also undergone venous ultrasound study for suspected DVT were evaluated within 3 months after admission. Results Seventy-six of the 377 SCI patients were DVT-positive (20.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 16.1-24.2%), and 145 were SIBO-positive (38.5%; 95% CI 29.9-59.0%). Among the 76 DVT-positive patients, 60 were SIBO-positive and 16 were SIBO-negative. The difference was statistically significant (41.4% versus 6.9%; odds ratio [OR] 5.99; 95% CI 3.15-9.33). Among the 145 SIBO-positive patients, 60 were DVT-positive and 85 were DVT-negative. The difference was statistically significant (78.9% versus 28.2%; OR 2.88; 95% CI 2.12-4.47). In the stepwise multivariate logistic regression, a family history of venous thrombosis (OR 2.32; 95% CI 1.60-3.79), chronic kidney disease (OR 2.99; 95% CI 1.73-5.08) and the presence of SIBO (OR 3.72; 95% CI 1.97-6.62) remained associated with DVT. Conclusions These data support an association between SIBO and DVT in SCI patients. Further studies should be carried out with respect to the relationship between SIBO and DVT.

Gram-Negative Pneumonia Alters Large-Vein Cell-Adhesion Molecule Profile and Potentiates Experimental Stasis Venous Thrombosis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Pneumonia is a significant risk factor for the development of venous thrombosis (VT). Cell-adhesion molecules (CAMs) are linked to the pathogenesis of both pneumonia and VT. We hypothesized that remote infection would confer a prothrombogenic milieu via systemic elevation of CAMs. METHODS: Lung injury was induced in wild-type (C57BL/6) mice by lung contusion or intratracheal inoculation with Klebsiella pneumoniae or saline controls. K. pneumoniae-treated mice and controls additionally underwent inferior vena cava (IVC) ligation to generate VT. RESULTS: Lung-contusion mice demonstrated no increase in E-selectin or P-selectin whereas mice infected with K. pneumoniae demonstrated increased circulating P-selectin, ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complexes. Mice with pneumonia formed VT 3 times larger than controls, demonstrated significantly more upregulation of vein-wall and systemic CAMs, and formed erythrocyte-rich thrombi. CONCLUSION: Elevated CAM expression was identified in mice with pneumonia, but not lung contusion, indicating that the type of inflammatory stimulus and the presence of infection drive the vein-wall response. Elevation of CAMs was associated with amplified VT and may represent an alternate mechanism by which to target the prevention of VT.