Case report: Complete response after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with donafenib plus tislelizumab therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma with main trunk portal vein tumor thrombus in a patient coinfected with HIV and HBV.

Background: Coinfection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the hepatitis B virus (HBV) occurs in 5-67% of patients with HIV. HIV weakens the human immune system and leads to various tumors. Patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and HIV experience poor treatment efficacy and have a short survival period. Approximately 70% of cases of HCC are diagnosed at advanced stages due to the subtle onset of the disease. As a result, most cases are not suits for curative therapy. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the first-line treatment for intermediate-stage HCC and is commonly used to treat unresectable HCC in China. Recent advancements in systemic treatments have significantly enhanced the effectiveness of unresectable HCC treatment. Several previous study showed that combination treatment combination therapy can enhance the efficacy. Notably, studies proposed that TACE combined targeted drugs with immune checkpoint inhibitors results in a high objective response rate and overall survival. However, the novelty of this study lies in its report of a complete response using a triple combination in patients with HIV and HCC with main trunk portal vein tumor thrombus. Case presentation: A 57-year-old woman was diagnosed with HCC with a main trunk portal vein tumor thrombus combined with HIV infection, cirrhosis, and chronic viral hepatitis. She underwent TACE and was administered donafenib and tislelizumab. This triple therapy treatment regimen resulted in a clinical complete response according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) based on contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Conclusion: We first used TACE combined with donafenib and tislelizumab for HCC patients with main trunk portal vein tumor thrombus and HIV-HBV coinfection and achieved complete response.

[Hemoperitoneum secondary to a malignant tumor of the sheath of the peripheral nerve in the liver]. / Hemoperitoneo secundario a tumor maligno de la vaina del nervio periférico en hígado.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors are frequently associated with neurofibromatosis type 1. They are usually located in the extremities or in the axial area. Its visceral location is very rare and its hepatic origin is infrequent. They tend to be aggressive with a poor response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, so surgical management is the best treatment option. We present the case of a young man with neurofibromatosis type 1, who presented with hemoperitoneum as a complication of a malignant tumor of the peripheral nerve sheath located in the liver.

Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Is Associated With Better Waitlist Management of Liver Transplant Candidates With Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) reduces portal hypertension complications. Its impact on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. We evaluated 42,843 liver transplant candidates with HCC from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (2002-2022). 4,484 patients with and without TIPS were propensity score-matched 1:3. Analysing wait-list changes in total tumor volume, HCC count, and alpha-fetoprotein levels, and assessing survival from listing and transplantation; TIPS correlated with a decreased nodule count (-0.24 vs. 0.04, p = 0.028) over a median wait period of 284 days (IQR 195-493) and better overall survival from listing (95.6% vs. 91.5% at 1 year, p < 0.0001). It was not associated with changes in tumor volume (0.28 vs. 0.11 cm³/month, p = 0.58) and AFP (14.37 vs. 20.67 ng/mL, p = 0.42). Post-transplant survival rates (91.8% vs. 91.7% at 1 year, p = 0.25) and HCC recurrence (5.1% vs. 5.9% at 5 years, p = 0.14) were similar, with a median follow-up of 4.98 years (IQR 2.5-8.08). While TIPS was associated with a reduced nodule count and improved waitlist survival, it did not significantly impact HCC growth or aggressiveness. These findings suggest potential benefits of TIPS in HCC management, but further studies need to confirm TIPS safety.

Etiology and Outcomes of Patients with Extreme Hyperbilirubinemia in Korea: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background/Aim: Extreme hyperbilirubinemia is occasionally observed in intensive care unit (ICU) and non-ICU settings. This study examined the etiologies of extreme hyperbilirubinemia (bilirubin level ≥12 mg/dL) and the factors associated with the 30-day mortality. Methods: This retrospective observational cohort study identified 439 patients with extreme hyperbilirubinemia at the Gyeongsang National University Changwon Hospital between 2016 and 2020. The patients were classified into three groups and 11 diseases according to their etiology. The risk factors associated with 30-day mortality at the baseline were investigated using the Cox proportional hazards model. Results: Of 439 patients with extreme hyperbilirubinemia, 287, 78, and 74 were in the liver cirrhosis/malignancy group, the ischemic injury group, and the benign hepatobiliary-pancreatic etiological group, respectively, with corresponding 30-day mortality rates of 42.9%, 76.9%, and 17.6%. The most common disease leading to hyperbilirubinemia was a pancreatobiliary malignancy (28.7%), followed by liver cirrhosis (17.3%), hepatocellular carcinoma (10.9%), and liver metastases (8.4%). The etiologies of hyperbilirubinemia, obstructive jaundice, infection, albumin level, creatinine level, and prothrombin time-international normalized ratio were independently associated with the 30-day mortality. Conclusions: This study suggests three etiologies of extreme hyperbilirubinemia in the ICU and non-ICU settings. The prognosis of patients with extreme hyperbilirubinemia depends largely on the etiology and the presence of obstructive jaundice.

The Effect of Microvascular Invasion on Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus After Hepatectomy: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: There is no report resolving whether microvascular invasion (MVI) affects the prognosis of hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT). The present study aimed to investigate the effect of MVI on HCC with PVTT after hepatectomy. METHODS: 362 HCC patients with PVTT were included in this retrospective study. Diagnostic criteria of PVTT in HCC patients were based on typical preoperative radiological features on imaging studies. The log-rank test was utilized to differentiate overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression was utilized to detect independent factors. RESULTS: PVTT without MVI accounted for 12.2% (n = 44). PVTT without MVI groups was significantly superior to PVTT with MVI groups in OS (the median survival = 27.1 months vs 13.7 months) and RFS (the median survival = 6.4 months vs 4.1 months). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates (65.5%, 36.8%, 21.7% vs 53.5%, 18.7%, 10.1%, P = .014) and RFS rates (47.0%, 29.7%, 19.2% vs 28.7%, 12.2%, 6.9%, P = .005) were significant different between two groups. Multivariate analysis showed that MVI was an independent risk factor for OS (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.482; P-value = .045) and RFS (HR = 1.601; P-value = .009). CONCLUSIONS: MVI was an independent prognostic factor closely linked to tumor recurrence and poorer clinical outcomes for HCC patients with PVTT after hepatectomy. MVI should be included in current PVTT systems to supplement to the PVTT type.

Amount of ascites impacts survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing transarterial chemoembolization advocating for volumetric assessment.

Preliminary work has shown that portal hypertension plays a key role for the prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Specifically, the presence of ascites appears to be a strong negative predictor for these patients. However, it remains unclear whether different ascites volumes influence prognosis. Therefore, the aim of this work was to investigate the influence of different ascites volumes on survival for patients with HCC undergoing TACE. A total of 327 treatment-naïve patients with HCC undergoing initial TACE at our tertiary care center between 2010 and 2020 were included. In patients with ascites, the fluid was segmented, and the volume quantified by slice-wise addition using contrast-enhanced CT imaging. Median overall survival (OS) was calculated and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis has been performed. Ascites was present in 102 (31.9%) patients. Ascites volume as continuous variable was significantly associated with an increased hazard ratio in univariate analysis (p < 0.001) and remained an independent predictor of impaired median OS in multivariate analysis (p < 0.001). Median OS without ascites was 17.1 months, and therefore significantly longer than in patients with ascites (6.4 months, p < 0.001). When subdivided into groups of low and high ascites volume in relation to the median ascites volume, patients with low ascites volume had a significantly longer median OS (8.6 vs 3.6 months, p < 0.001). Ascites in patients with HCC undergoing TACE is strongly associated with a poor prognosis. Our results show that not only the presence but also the amount of ascites is highly relevant. Therefore, true ascites volume as opportunistic quantitative biomarker is likely to impact clinical decision-making once automated solutions become available.

Outcomes of jaundice in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma - a sub-Saharan perspective.

BACKGROUND: Jaundice is a marker of advanced disease and poor outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to describe and analyse the management and outcomes of jaundiced HCC patients at a large academic referral centre in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). METHODS: Treatment-naïve adult HCC patients who presented with jaundice between 1990 and 2023 were analysed. RESULTS: During the inclusion period, 676 HCC patients were treated at Groote Schuur Hospital. The mean age of the 126 (18.6%) who were jaundiced was 48.8 (± 13.2) years. Eighty-nine (70.6%) were male. Ninety-four (74.6%) patients with jaundice secondary to diffuse tumour infiltration had best supportive care (BSC) only. Thirty-two had obstructive jaundice (OJ); four were excluded because of missing hospital records. In 28 of these patients, 16 underwent biliary drainage (BD) and 12 received BSC only. The mean overall survival (OS) of the 126 patients was 100.5 (± 242.3) days. The patients with diffuse tumour infiltration had an OS of 105.9 (± 273.3) days. The patients with OJ survived 86.5 (± 135.0) days. There was no significant difference in OS between the three patient groups (p = 0.941). In the OJ group, patients who underwent BD survived longer than the BSC group (117.9 ± 166.4 vs. 29.2 ± 34.7 days, p = 0.015).

Cardiac-to-Bronchial Fistula in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Case Report.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stands as a significant contributor to cancer-related mortality globally. While the acute and often fatal manifestations of locally advanced HCC primarily present within the abdomen, it is crucial to recognize that the respiratory and circulatory systems can also fall victim due to the liver's unique anatomical position within the body. Here, we present the case of a 63-year-old male recently diagnosed with locally advanced HCC with vascular invasion. Shortly after receiving target therapy and focal radiotherapy, the patient developed repeated secondary infections and a persistent diaphragmatic defect. As the necrotic tissue invaded the pleural space, subsequent tumor-to-bronchial and tumor-to-cardiac fistulas emerged, resulting in an abnormal connection between the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, leading to massive air emboli in circulation. This report highlights the risk of supradiaphragmatic complications in HCC patients with post-treatment secondary infections, particularly in patients predisposed to developing diaphragmatic defects.

Similar Efficacy Between Atezolizumab Plus Bevacizumab Versus Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy For Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The landscape of treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), including immune checkpoint inhibitors, has expanded significantly. However, unresectable HCC patients with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) continue to face a poor prognosis. This investigation examined the survival outcomes and determinants influencing survival rates in advanced HCC patients with PVTT undergoing treatment with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (ATZ+BEV) or hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between December 2003 and June 2023, 48 advanced HCC with PVTT underwent treatment with either ATZ+BEV (16 patients) or HAIC (32 patients). RESULTS: The analysis revealed no significant disparities in overall survival (OS) or treatment efficacy between the ATZ+BEV and HAIC groups (ATZ+BEV: 10.0 months, HAIC: 15.3 months). Treatment with either ATZ+BEV or HAIC resulted in minimal alterations in the ALBI score and preserved hepatic function. Independent prognostic factors for OS, identified via multivariate logistic regression, included serum α-fetoprotein levels >400 ng/ml [hazard ratio (HR)=1.94; p=0.001], the existence of more than five tumors (HR=1.55; p=0.043), and the Child-Pugh score (HR=2.53; p=0.002). CONCLUSION: This investigation revealed no significant variance in OS and response rates between patients receiving ATZ+BEV and those treated with HAIC. The survival of advanced HCC patients with PVTT is intricately linked to the preservation of liver function, emphasizing the necessity for additional research to enhance treatment approaches for this patient population.

Anaemia is independently associated with mortality in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Anaemia is frequent in patients with cancer and/or liver cirrhosis and is associated with impaired quality of life. Here, we investigated the impact of anaemia on overall survival (OS) and clinical characteristics in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: HCC patients treated between 1992 and 2018 at the Medical University of Vienna were retrospectively analysed. Anaemia was defined as haemoglobin level <13 g/dl in men and <12 g/dl in women. RESULTS: Of 1262 assessable patients, 555 (44.0%) had anaemia. The main aetiologies of HCC were alcohol-related liver disease (n = 502; 39.8%) and chronic hepatitis C (n = 375; 29.7%). Anaemia was significantly associated with impaired liver function, portal hypertension, more advanced Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP). In univariable analysis, anaemia was significantly associated with shorter median OS [9.5 months, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 7.3-11.6 months] versus patients without anaemia (21.5 months, 95% CI 18.3-24.7 months) (P < 0.001). In multivariable analysis adjusted for age, Model for End-stage Liver Disease, number of tumour nodules, size of the largest nodule, macrovascular invasion, extrahepatic spread, first treatment line, alpha-fetoprotein and CRP, anaemia remained an independent predictor of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 1.23, 95% CI 1.06-1.43, P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Anaemia was significantly associated with mortality in HCC patients, independent of established liver- and tumour-related prognostic factors. Whether adequate management of anaemia can improve outcome of HCC patients needs further evaluation.

Safety and efficacy of interventional embolization in cirrhotic patients with refractory hepatic encephalopathy associated with spontaneous portosystemic shunts.

This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of interventional embolization in cirrhotic patients with refractory hepatic encephalopathy (HE) associated with large spontaneous portosystemic shunts (SPSS). Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was employed to minimize potential bias. A total of 123 patients were included in this study (34 in the embolization group and 89 in the control group). In the unadjusted cohort, the embolization group demonstrated significantly better liver function, a larger total area of SPSS, and a higher percentage of patients with serum ammonia levels > 60 µmol/L and the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (all P < 0.05). In the IPTW cohort, baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Patients in the embolization group exhibited significantly longer HE-free survival compared to the control group in both the unadjusted and IPTW cohorts (both P < 0.05). Subsequent subgroup analyses indicated that patients with serum ammonia level > 60 µmol/L, hepatopetal flow within the portal trunk, the presence of solitary SPSS, a baseline HE grade of II, and the absence of HCC at baseline showed statistically significant benefit from embolization treatment (all P < 0.05). No early procedural complications were observed in the embolization group. The incidence of long-term postoperative complications was comparable to that in the control group (all P > 0.05). Hence, interventional embolization appears to be a safe and effective treatment modality for cirrhotic patients with refractory HE associated with large SPSS. However, the benefits of embolization were discernible only in a specific subset of patients.

Psychiatric disorders in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A large US cohort of commercially insured individuals.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Patients with hepatocellular cancer (HCC) are vulnerable to psychological distress given a new cancer diagnosis superimposed on pre-existing chronic liver disease. We aimed to characterise the psychiatric burden in HCC, risk factors for incident diagnosis and treatment patterns over time. METHODS: Using IQVIA PharMetrics® Plus for Academics-a nationally representative claims database of the commercially insured US population-we identified psychiatric diagnoses and treatment among patients with newly diagnosed HCC. Multivariable logistic regression modelling identified factors associated with psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. RESULTS: Of 11,609 patients with HCC, 2166 (18.6%) had a psychiatric diagnosis after cancer diagnosis with depression (58.3%) and anxiety (53.0%) being most common. Women (aOR 1.33, 95% CI [1.19-1.49]), pre-existing psychiatric diagnoses (aOR 9.12 [8.08-10.3]) and HCC treatment type (transplant: aOR 2.15 [1.66-2.77]; locoregional therapies: aOR 1.74 [1.52-1.99]; hospice: aOR 2.43 [1.79-3.29]) were significantly associated with psychiatric diagnosis. Female sex, ascites, higher comorbidity and treatment type were associated with incident psychiatric diagnosis. Pharmacotherapy was used in 1392 (64.3%) patients with a psychiatric diagnosis, with antidepressants (46.2%) and anxiolytics (32.8%) being most common. Psychiatric diagnoses increased from 14.8% in 2006-2009 to 21.1% in 2018-2021 (p < 0.001). In almost 20% of patients with pre-existing psychiatric conditions, therapy was discontinued after HCC diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 2 of 10 patients with HCC were diagnosed with a psychiatric condition after cancer diagnosis with unique sociodemographic and clinical risk factors identified. This highlights a risk for increased psychological burden in need of early evaluation and treatment among patients with newly diagnosed HCC.

Association of magnetic resonance imaging-derived sarcopenia with outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether sarcopenia, diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol, constitutes a prognosis-associated risk factor in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after hepatectomy. METHODS: One hundred and ninety-three patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC were retrospectively enrolled. The areas of the total skeletal muscle (SM) and psoas muscle (PM) were evaluated at the third lumbar vertebra in the preoperative MR images, and divided by the square of height in order to obtain the skeletal muscle index (SMI) and psoas muscle mass index (PMI). Sarcopenia was diagnosed respectively on the definitions based on the SMI or PMI. The potential of muscle-defined sarcopenia as a prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) was investigated in these patients. RESULTS: The areas of SM and PM, and SMI and PMI were significantly higher in the men than in the women (all p < 0.05). Notably, SMI-defined sarcopenia displayed a significant sex difference (p = 0.003), while PMI-defined sarcopenia did not (p = 0.370). Through univariate and multivariate analyses, PMI-defined sarcopenia remained an independent predictor for OS and RFS (HR = 3.486, 95% CI: 1.700-7.145, p = 0.001 and HR = 1.993, 95% CI: 1.246-3.186, p = 0.004), even after adjusting for other clinical variables. Moreover, Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated significantly poorer OS and RFS for patients with sarcopenia defined by using PMI, but not SMI, compared to those without sarcopenia (p < 0.001 and p = 0.006, respectively). CONCLUSION: MRI-derived, sarcopenia defined by using PMI, not SMI, may serve as a significant risk factor for RFS and OS in patients with HCC after hepatectomy.

Epigastric Pain and Dysphagia in a 36-Year-Old Man Due to Primary Esophageal Small Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Small cell carcinoma is an aggressive malignant neuroendocrine tumor that most commonly occurs in the lung. Primary small cell carcinoma of the esophagus (PSCCE) is rare and is an aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis and no clear management guidelines. This report describes the case of a 36-year-old man presenting with epigastric pain, dysphagia, and melena due to a primary esophageal small cell carcinoma. CASE REPORT A 36-year-old presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with epigastric pain associated with food intake. Initial workup was unremarkable, and a presumed clinical diagnosis of reflux esophagitis and peptic strictures was made, prompting empiric treatment with anti-secretory therapies. Despite these therapies, he presented to the emergency room with progressively worsening dysphagia. Endoscopic examination (EGD) revealed a large necrotic mass, and computed tomography (CT) imaging revealed liver metastasis. Biopsies from both the liver and esophageal masses confirmed small cell carcinoma. His clinical course was complicated by a broncho-esophageal fistula, leading to massive hemoptysis, necessitating intubation. Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated rapidly, and he chose to pursue hospice care. He died 3 months after his initial presentation. CONCLUSIONS This report has presented a rare case of primary esophageal small cell carcinoma and our approach to management. We highlight the importance of early diagnosis, supported by histopathology, and the need for management guidelines.

A case study of a liver transplant-treated patient with glycogen storage disease type Ia presenting with multiple inflammatory hepatic adenomas: an analysis of clinicopathologic and genetic data.

BACKGROUND: Glycogen storage disease (GSD) is a disease caused by excessive deposition of glycogen in tissues due to genetic disorders in glycogen metabolism. Glycogen storage disease type I (GSD-I) is also known as VonGeirk disease and glucose-6-phosphatase deficiency. This disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, and both sexes can be affected. The main symptoms include hypoglycaemia, hepatomegaly, acidosis, hyperlipidaemia, hyperuricaemia, hyperlactataemia, coagulopathy and developmental delay. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we present the case of a 13-year-old female patient with GSD Ia complicated with multiple inflammatory hepatic adenomas. She presented to the hospital with hepatomegaly, hypoglycaemia, and epistaxis. By clinical manifestations and imaging and laboratory examinations, we suspected that the patient suffered from GSD I. Finally, the diagnosis was confirmed by liver pathology and whole-exome sequencing (WES). WES revealed a synonymous mutation, c.648 G > T (p.L216 = , NM_000151.4), in exon 5 and a frameshift mutation, c.262delG (p.Val88Phefs*14, NM_000151.4), in exon 2 of the G6PC gene. According to the pedigree analysis results of first-generation sequencing, heterozygous mutations of c.648 G > T and c.262delG were obtained from the patient's father and mother. Liver pathology revealed that the solid nodules were hepatocellular hyperplastic lesions, and immunohistochemical (IHC) results revealed positive expression of CD34 (incomplete vascularization), liver fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in nodule hepatocytes and negative expression of ß-catenin and glutamine synthetase (GS). These findings suggest multiple inflammatory hepatocellular adenomas. PAS-stained peripheral hepatocytes that were mostly digested by PAS-D were strongly positive. This patient was finally diagnosed with GSD-Ia complicated with multiple inflammatory hepatic adenomas, briefly treated with nutritional therapy after diagnosis and then underwent living-donor liver allotransplantation. After 14 months of follow-up, the patient recovered well, liver function and blood glucose levels remained normal, and no complications occurred. CONCLUSION: The patient was diagnosed with GSD-Ia combined with multiple inflammatory hepatic adenomas and received liver transplant treatment. For childhood patients who present with hepatomegaly, growth retardation, and laboratory test abnormalities, including hypoglycaemia, hyperuricaemia, and hyperlipidaemia, a diagnosis of GSD should be considered. Gene sequencing and liver pathology play important roles in the diagnosis and typing of GSD.

Peritoneal dialysis in an end-stage renal disease patient with massive ascites and primary liver cancer.

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) coexisted with cirrhosis, ascites, and primary liver cancer represents an extraordinarily rare clinical condition that typically occurs in very late-stage decompensated cirrhosis and is associated with an extremely poor prognosis. We present a case of a 68-year-old male patient with ESRD who experienced various decompensated complications of liver cirrhosis, particularly massive ascites and hepatic space-occupying lesions. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter insertion and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) treatment were successfully performed. During meticulous follow-up, the patient survived for one year but ultimately succumbed to complications related to liver cancer. PD can serve as an efficacious therapeutic approach for such late-stage patients afflicted together with severe cirrhosis, massive ascites and primary liver cancer.

Advancements in hepatocellular carcinoma management: the role of 18F-FDG PET-CT in diagnosing portal vein tumor thrombosis.

Portal vein thrombosis, a relatively frequent complication associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver cirrhosis, is recognized as a significant global health concern. This is mainly due to these conditions' high prevalence and potentially severe outcomes. The aim of our study was to conduct a comprehensive literature review to evaluate the efficacy, accuracy, and clinical implications of 18F-FDG PET-CT in diagnosing and managing portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) in patients with HCC. HCC, which accounts for 80% of liver malignancies, ranks as the fourth most prevalent cancer globally and is a significant contributor to cancer-related mortality. The majority of HCC patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, leading to a deterioration in patient outcomes. Involvement of the portal vein is also a significant negative factor. This review analyzes the application of 18F-FDG PET-CT in the detection and management of PVTT in patients with HCC, with an emphasis on the importance of the maximum standardized uptake value as an essential diagnostic and prognostic marker. 18F-FDG PET-CT is invaluable for detecting recurrence and guiding management strategies, particularly in patients with high-grade HCC, and plays a pivotal role in differentiating malignant portal vein thrombi from their benign counterparts.

Evolutionary changes in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma: A nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To determine the association between evolutionary changes in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) status and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a nationwide population-based cohort. METHODS: Information on study participants was derived from the Korea National Health Insurance Service database. The study population consisted of 5,080,410 participants who underwent two consecutive biennial health screenings between 2009 and 2012. All participants were followed up until HCC, death, or 31 December 2020. The association of evolutionary changes in MASLD status, as assessed by the fatty liver index and cardiometabolic risk factors, including persistent non-MASLD, resolved MASLD, incident MASLD, and persistent MASLD, with HCC risk was evaluated using multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS: Among the 5,080,410 participants with 39,910,331 person-years of follow-up, 4,801 participants developed HCC. The incidence of HCC in participants with resolved, incident, and persistent MASLD was approximately 2.2-, 2.3-, and 4.7-fold higher, respectively, than that in those with persistent non-MASLD among the Korean adult population. When stratifying the participants according to the evolutionary change in MASLD status, persistent (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.68-3.21; P<0.001), incident (aHR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.63-2.10; P<0.001), and resolved MASLD (aHR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.18-1.50; P<0.001) had an increased risk of HCC compared to persistent non-MASLD. CONCLUSION: The evolutionary changes in MASLD were associated with the differential risk of HCC independent of metabolic risk factors and concomitant medications, providing additional information on the risk of HCC stratification in patients with MASLD.

A case of gallbladder neuroendocrine carcinoma complicated by ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome and resulting in rapid fetal outcomes due to sepsis.

A 52-year-old woman presented to our hospital with chief complaints of upper abdominal bloating and lower leg edema. Computed tomography (CT) revealed liver metastasis from a gallbladder tumor. This tumor was diagnosed as neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) on performing a biopsy. Physical examination revealed a moon face. Blood tests revealed hypokalemia and high levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol. Dexamethasone suppression test revealed that cortisol secretion was not suppressed, and the patient was diagnosed with gallbladder NEC and ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS). Metyrapone was administered to suppress cortisol production; however, she developed septic shock due to cellulitis in the lower leg and died on the 16th day of admission. A pathological autopsy was performed, which revealed disseminated intravascular coagulation and acute respiratory distress syndrome as the cause of death. Only a few cases of EAS due to NEC originating from the gallbladder have been reported. The patient reported here succumbed shortly after diagnosis, thereby highlighting the challenges in treating gallbladder NEC complicated by EAS.