[Portal vein embolization prior to major hepatectomy: A multidisciplinary approach for advanced liver tumors in Chile]. / Embolización portal previo a hepatectomía mayor: Experiencia multidisciplinaria en tumores hepáticos avanzados en Chile.

BACKGROUND: One of the main limitations to achieving a complete tumor resection in patients with technically resectable liver tumors is the presence of a small future liver remnant (FLR). Portal vein embolization (PVE) allows hypertrophy of the non-embolized lobe, reducing the risk of postoperative liver failure. AIM: To describe the experience of portal embolization prior to hepatectomy and its effectiveness in converting advanced unresectable liver tumors into resectable tumors. METHODS: Non-concurrent cohort study. All patients who underwent PVE before hepatectomy between 2016 and 2020 in our center were included. Demographic and diagnostic variables, pre and post-PVE volumes, perioperative variables, and global and disease-free survival were analyzed. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were included. Median age 66 (54-72) years and 57.9% (n= 11) were women. Bilateral metastases were present in 78.9% (n= 15). Sixteen patients (84.2%) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. One patient (5.3%) had a complication after PVE. The median time between embolization and volumetry was 5.3 weeks (4.7-7.1). Median FLR before and after PVE were 19.8% (16.2-27.7) and 30% (25.2-40.5), respectively. The median percentage of hypertrophy was 48% (40.4-76.5). Fifteen patients (78.9%) underwent hepatectomy. Significant complications occurred in 26.6% (n= 4); among them, three patients (20%) presented postoperative liver failure. CONCLUSIONS: PVE is safe and effective in promoting FLR hypertrophy in the presence of chemotherapy, allowing patients with advanced liver tumors to undergo surgery with curative intent.

The Effect of Ascorbic Acid on Hepatic Ischaemia-Reperfusion Injury in Wistar Rats: An Experimental Study.

Liver ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) during hepatic surgeries can lead to liver cell death via oxidative stress and the activation of immune cells, the release of cytokines, and damage-associated molecular patterns. Ascorbic acid has been shown to confer potential protective effects against IR injury, mainly due to its antioxidant properties. This study evaluated the effect of ascorbic acid infusion at different time points during hepatic IR in rats. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into control and experimental groups that received the same total ascorbic acid dose at three different infusion times: before ischaemia, before reperfusion, or before both ischaemia and reperfusion. All of the animals experienced hepatic IR injury. We measured the hepatic enzymes, cytokines, and portal blood flow. Animals receiving ascorbic acid before both ischaemia and reperfusion had lower liver enzyme levels, reduced inflammation, and better portal venous flow than other animals. Divided doses of ascorbic acid before IR may be beneficial for reducing liver injury associated with IR.

The role of different ultrasound modes in hepatic portal venous gas diagnosis, including a novel method using color M-mode.

Hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG) indicates an abnormal gas buildup within the portal venous system, associated with severe medical conditions. Causes include heightened intraluminal pressure, bowel wall disruption, bowel necrosis, and pathogenic bacteria. Previously considered indicative of extensive bowel necrosis requiring surgery, HPVG is now recognized in non-surgical conditions, posing diagnostic challenges. Doppler-coupled sonography, particularly sensitive for HPVG detection, serves as a valuable initial screening tool. This article synthesizes findings from ultrasound methods for assessing portal venous gas reported in the literature and introduces a new approach using Color M-mode ultrasound.

[Porto sinusoidal vascular disease: an unusual cause of digestive bleeding]. / Enfermedad vascular porto sinusoidal: una causa inusual de sangrado digestivo.

Portal hypertension (PHT) is defined as an increase in pressure at the level of the portal vein above 5 mmHg, the most common cause being liver cirrhosis. Among the presinusoidal intrahepatic causes of PHT with portal venular involvement, what was traditionally known as idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCIH) is described, with the requirements of excluding those patients who did not present PHT, as well as those with the presence of liver cirrhosis and thrombosis. portal venous vein (PVT). Currently, the diagnostic criteria for this entity have been reconsidered, and its name, being known as porto-sinusoidal vascular disease (PSVD), also does not exclude patients with PHT or the presence of underlying liver disease. Liver biopsy continues to be the gold standard for diagnosis. The clinical manifestations are derived from PHT and the management is similar to the complications that occur in patients with liver cirrhosis. The case of a male patient is presented who presents with symptoms of digestive bleeding, with findings of esophageal varices in upper endoscopy in addition to a study of viral, autoimmune liver disease and negative deposits, with a conclusive liver biopsy of porto-sinusoidal vascular disease.

Portal thrombosis after surgical treatment of schistosomatic portal hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: Several studies have investigated the correlation between the effects of different surgical treatments and laboratory exams for schistosomal portal hypertension, especially concerning portal system thrombosis. The etiopathogenic factors of this thrombosis are not fully understood. In this study, the correlation between surgical treatment for schistosomal portal hypertension and the occurrence of postoperative portal system thrombosis was investigated. METHODS: A total of 61 patients who underwent surgical treatment for schistosomal portal hypertension were distributed into four groups: Patients in Group 1 (n=12) underwent portal variceal disconnection associated with splenic artery ligation and spleen preservation. Patients in Group 2 (n=20) underwent portal variceal disconnection and total splenectomy. Patients in Group 3 (n=20) underwent portal variceal disconnection with subtotal splenectomy, preserving the upper splenic pole supplied by the splenogastric vessels. Patients in Group 4 (n=9) underwent portal variceal disconnection with total splenectomy and autogenous splenic implants on the greater omentum. Late postoperative portal vein thrombosis was diagnosed using Doppler ultrasound. RESULTS: Over the 10-year follow-up, portal vein thrombosis occurred in 26 operated patients (42.6%), with no significant difference observed among the four surgical groups (p=0.217). Most of the thrombi only partially occluded the portal system veins. All the patients presented with a thrombus inside the portal vein. There was no difference in hematological and biochemical tests between groups with or without portal vein thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: Portal vein thrombosis is often observed in the late postoperative period, irrespective of the surgical treatment employed, and is not associated with patient characteristics or any hematological and biochemical tests.

Disasters that develop in the liver due to hydatid cyst: a case report.

Hilar cavernous transformation is the formation of venous structures rich in collateral around the portal vein. Portal vein thrombosis is a rare entity. Although there are many reasons for its etiology, few cases have been reported secondary to hydatid cysts in the liver. Here, we present a 24-year-old patient with complaints of abdominal pain and swelling. Her CT and MRI scans show cholelithiasis with portal vein thrombosis and hilar cavernous transformation due to giant hydatid cyst compression in the lateral liver sector.

La transformación cavernosa hiliar es la formación de estructuras venosas ricas en colaterales alrededor de la vena porta. La trombosis de la vena porta es una afección poco frecuente. Aunque existen muchas razones en su etiología, se han descrito pocos casos secundarios a quiste hidatídico en el hígado. Aquí se presenta el caso de una paciente de 24 años con quejas de dolor abdominal e hinchazón. La tomografía computarizada y la resonancia magnética mostraron colelitiasis con trombosis de la vena porta y transformación cavernosa hiliar por compresión del quiste hidatídico gigante en el sector lateral del hígado.

Portal vein Doppler tracks volume status in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation: a proof-of-concept study.

AIMS: Renal and liver congestion are associated with adverse outcomes in patients with tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Currently, there are no valid sonographic indicators of fluid status in this population. Intra-renal venous Doppler (IRVD) is a novel method for quantifying renal congestion but its interpretation can be challenging in severe TR due to altered haemodynamics. This study explores the potential of portal vein Doppler (PVD) as an alternative marker for decongestion during volume removal in patients with severe TR. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-two patients with severe TR undergoing decongestive therapy were prospectively enrolled. Inferior vena cava diameter, PVD, and IRVD were sequentially assessed during volume removal. Improvement criteria were portal vein pulsatility fraction (PVPF) < 70% and renal venous stasis index (RVSI) < 0.5 for partial improvement, and PVPF < 30% and RVSI < 0.2 for complete improvement. After volume removal, PVPF significantly improved from 130 ± 39% to 47 ± 44% (P < 0.001), while IRVD improved from 0.72 ± 0.08 to 0.54 ± 0.22 (P < 0.001). A higher proportion of patients displayed improvement in PVD compared to IRVD (partial: 38% vs. 29%, complete: 41% vs. 7%) (P < 0.001). Intra-renal venous Doppler only improved in patients with concomitant improvement in severe TR. Portal vein Doppler was the only predictor of achieving ≥5 L of negative fluid balance [area under the ROC curve (AUC) 0.83 P = 0.001]. CONCLUSION: This proof-of-concept study suggests that PVD is the only sonographic marker that can track volume removal in severe TR, offering a potential indicator for decongestion in this population. Further intervention trials are warranted to determine if PVD-guided decongestion improves patient outcomes in severe TR.

Adjuvant chemotherapy is associated with better oncological outcomes after ALPPS for colorectal liver metastases.

ALPPS enables complete tumor resection in a shorter interval and a larger number of patients than classic two-stage hepatectomies. However, there is little evidence regarding long-term outcomes in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CLM). This study aims to evaluate the short and long-term outcomes of ALPPS in patients with CRM. Single-cohort, prospective, observational study. Patients with unresectable CLM due to insufficient liver remnant who underwent ALPPS between June 2011 and June 2021 were included. Of 32 patients treated, 21 were male (66%) and the median age was 56 years (range = 29-81). Both stages were completed in 30 patients (93.7%), with an R0 rate of 75% (24/32). Major morbidity was 37.5% and the mortality nil. Median overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were 28.1 and 8.8 months, respectively. The 1-3, and 5-year OS was 86%, 45%, and 21%, and RFS was 42%, 14%, and 14%, respectively. The only independent risk factor associated with poor RFS (5.7 vs 11.6 months; p = 0.038) and OS (15 vs 37 months; p = 0.009) was not receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. KRAS mutation was associated with worse OS from disease diagnosis (24.3 vs. 38.9 months; p = 0.025). ALPPS is associated with favorable oncological outcomes, comparable to traditional strategies to increase resectability in patients with CLM and high tumor burden. Our results suggest for the first time that adjuvant chemotherapy is independently associated with better short- and long-term outcomes after ALPPS. Selection of patients with KRAS mutations should be performed with caution, as this could affect oncological outcomes.

Sonographic and Anatomical Evaluation of the Liver and Portal Vein Reference Values / Evaluación Ecográfica y Anatómica de los Valores de Referencia del Hígado y la Vena Porta

SUMMARY: This paper's aim is a morphometric evaluation of liver and portal vein morphometry using ultrasonography in healthy Turkish population. This study was carried out with 189 subjects (107 females, 82 males). The demographic data and the body surface area were calculated. The longitudinal axis of the liver for two lobes, diagonal axis or liver span, anteroposterior diameter of the liver and portal vein, portal vein transverse diameter, caudate lobe anteroposterior diameter, and portal vein internal diameters as well as longitudinal liver scans in an aortic plane, sagittal plane, transverse plane, and kidney axis were measured. All measurements were analyzed according to age, sex, body mass index, obesity and alcohol consumption. The mean values of the age, height, weight and body mass index were calculated as 44.39 years, 167.05 cm, 74.23 kg, and 27.06kg/m2 in females, respectively. The same values were 44.13 years, 167.70 cm, 75.93 kg and 26.71 kg/m2 in males, respectively. There was significant difference between demographic characteristics, gender, and alcohol consumption in terms of anteroposterior diameter of the liver, portal vein transverse diameter of the right side and liver transverse scan. Also, some measurements including portal vein transverse diameter, liver transverse scan and at kidney axis longitudinal scan of liver showed significant difference between the age groups. There was significant difference in diagonal axis and anteroposterior diameter of liver, portal vein internal diameter, and longitudinal liver scans of the aortic plane parameters between obesity situation. The findings obtained will provide important and useful reference values as it may determine some abnormalities related liver diseases. Also, age, sex, obesity and body mass index values can be effective in the liver and portal vein morphometry related parameters.

El objetivo de este artículo fue realizar una evaluación de la morfometría del hígado y la vena porta mediante ecografía en una población turca sana. Este estudio se llevó a cabo en 189 sujetos (107 mujeres, 82 hombres). Se calcularon los datos demográficos y la superficie corporal. Se midió eleje longitudinal del de dos lóbulos del hígado, el eje diagonal o la extensión del hígado, los diámetros anteroposterior del hígado y de la vena porta, el diámetro transversal de la vena porta, anteroposterior del lóbulo caudado y los diámetros internos de la vena porta, así como las exploraciones longitudinales del hígado en un plano aórtico. Se midieron el plano sagital, el plano transversal y el eje del riñón. Todas las mediciones se analizaron según edad, sexo, índice de masa corporal, obesidad y consumo de alcohol. Los valores medios de edad, talla, peso e índice de masa corporal se calcularon como 44,39 años, 167,05 cm, 74,23 kg y 27,06 kg/m2 en las mujeres, respectivamente. Las mismas variable fueron 44,13 años, 167,70 cm, 75,93 kg y 26,71 kg/m2. Hubo diferencias significativas entre las características demográficas, el sexo y el consumo de alcohol en términos de diámetro anteroposterior del hígado, diámetro transversal de la vena porta del lado derecho y exploración transversal del hígado. Además, algunas mediciones, incluido el diámetro transversal de la vena porta, la exploración transversal del hígado y la exploración longitudinal del hígado en el eje del riñón, mostraron diferencias significativas entre los grupos de edad. Hubo diferencias significativas en el eje diagonal y el diámetro anteroposterior del hígado, el diámetro interno de la vena porta y los parámetros de las exploraciones hepáticas longitudinales del plano aórtico entre situaciones de obesidad. Los hallazgos obtenidos proporcionarán valores de referencia importantes y útiles ya que pueden determinar algunas anomalías relacionadas con enfermedades hepáticas. Además, los valores de edad, sexo, obesidad e índice de masa corporal pueden ser eficaces en los parámetros relacionados con la morfometría del hígado y la vena porta.

Pileflebitis en pediatría: un desafío diagnóstico / Pylephlebitis in pediatrics: A diagnostic challenge

La pileflebitis es definida como la trombosis supurativa de la vena porta como complicación de infecciones abdominales. En pediatría, la etiología más frecuente es la apendicitis, generalmente de diagnóstico tardío, que se presenta como sepsis, con una elevada mortalidad. Para el diagnóstico son necesarios métodos de diagnóstico por imágenes; los más utilizados son la ecografía Doppler y la angiotomografía. El tratamiento se basa en la intervención quirúrgica, la antibioticoterapia y la anticoagulación. Esta última tiene indicación controvertida, pero podría mejorar el pronóstico y disminuir la morbimortalidad. Se presenta un caso clínico de pileflebitis secundaria a sepsis por Escherichia coli con punto de partida en una apendicitis aguda, en un paciente pediátrico que evoluciona a la transformación cavernomatosa de la vena porta. Es de importancia conocer el manejo de esta entidad, ya que, una vez superado el cuadro inicial, requerirá un minucioso seguimiento por la posibilidad de evolucionar a la insuficiencia hepática.

Pylephlebitis is defined as suppurative thrombosis of the portal vein as a complication of abdominal infections. In pediatrics, the most frequent etiology is appendicitis, generally of late diagnosis, presenting as sepsis, with a high mortality rate. Imaging methods are necessary for diagnosis; the most common are the Doppler ultrasound and computed tomography angiography. Treatment is based on surgery, antibiotic therapy, and anticoagulation. The indication for the latter is controversial, but it may improve prognosis and decrease morbidity and mortality. Here we describe a clinical case of pylephlebitis secondary to Escherichia coli sepsis, which started as acute appendicitis in a pediatric patient who progressed to cavernomatous transformation of the portal vein. It is important to know the management of this disease because, once the initial symptoms are overcome, it will require close follow-up due to a potential progression to liver failure.

Recanalization of portal vein thrombosis after pediatric liver transplantation: Efficacy and safety of the transsplenic access.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular management of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is challenging. Transsplenic access (TSA) is growing as an access option to the portal system but with higher rates of bleeding complications. The aim of this article is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transsplenic portal vein recanalization (PVR) using a metallic stent after pediatric liver transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective review of 15 patients with chronic PVT who underwent PVR via TSA between February 2016 and December 2020. Two children who had undergone catheterization of a mesenteric vein tributary by minilaparotomy were excluded from the patency analysis but included in the splenic access analysis. The technical and clinical success of PVR and complications related to the procedure via TSA were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirteen children with PVT were treated primarily using the TSA. The mean age was 4.1 years (range, 1.5-13.7 years), and the most common clinical presentation was hypersplenism (60%). Technically successful PVR was performed in 11/13 (84.6%) children, and clinical success was achieved in 9/11 (81.8%) children. No major complications were observed, and one child presented moderate pain in the TSA (from a total of 17 TSA). The median follow-up was 48.2 months. The median primary patency was 9.9 months. Primary patency in the first 4 years was 75%, and primary assisted patency was 100% in the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Transsplenic PVR is a safe and effective method for the treatment of PVT after pediatric liver transplantation.

Pylephlebitis in pediatrics: A diagnostic challenge. / Pileflebitis en pediatría: un desafío diagnóstico.

Pylephlebitis is defined as suppurative thrombosis of the portal vein as a complication of abdominal infections. In pediatrics, the most frequent etiology is appendicitis, generally of late diagnosis, presenting as sepsis, with a high mortality rate. Imaging methods are necessary for diagnosis; the most common are the Doppler ultrasound and computed tomography angiography. Treatment is based on surgery, antibiotic therapy, and anticoagulation. The indication for the latter is controversial, but it may improve prognosis and decrease morbidity and mortality. Here we describe a clinical case of pylephlebitis secondary to Escherichia coli sepsis, which started as acute appendicitis in a pediatric patient who progressed to cavernomatous transformation of the portal vein. It is important to know the management of this disease because, once the initial symptoms are overcome, it will require close follow-up due to a potential progression to liver failure.

La pileflebitis es definida como la trombosis supurativa de la vena porta como complicación de infecciones abdominales. En pediatría, la etiología más frecuente es la apendicitis, generalmente de diagnóstico tardío, que se presenta como sepsis, con una elevada mortalidad. Para el diagnóstico son necesarios métodos de diagnóstico por imágenes; los más utilizados son la ecografía Doppler y la angiotomografía. El tratamiento se basa en la intervención quirúrgica, la antibioticoterapia y la anticoagulación. Esta última tiene indicación controvertida, pero podría mejorar el pronóstico y disminuir la morbimortalidad. Se presenta un caso clínico de pileflebitis secundaria a sepsis por Escherichia coli con punto de partida en una apendicitis aguda, en un paciente pediátrico que evoluciona a la transformación cavernomatosa de la vena porta. Es de importancia conocer el manejo de esta entidad, ya que, una vez superado el cuadro inicial, requerirá un minucioso seguimiento por la posibilidad de evolucionar a la insuficiencia hepática.

Surgical strategies to treat portal vein thrombosis during adult liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) at the time of liver transplantation (LT) may be variable and underestimated. Therefore, preoperative diagnosis and stratification of its extension is so relevant for adequate surgical planning. Revascularization of the portal vein graft becomes essential for graft and patient survival after LT. Early stages of PVT may be managed with eversion thrombectomy and end-to-end anastomoses. However, severe PVT (grades 3 and 4) poses significant challenges for patients requiring LT, resulting in more complex surgeries and higher complication rates. To address these complexities, various surgical techniques have been developed, including collateral alternative vessel utilization, renoportal anastomoses, mesoportal jump graft placement, cavoportal hemitranspositions, portal vein arterialization, or even multivisceral transplantation. PURPOSE: We herein describe the preoperative surgical planning as well as the different surgical strategies possible to treat portal vein thrombosis during LT. CONCLUSION: A comprehensive preoperative evaluation of PVT is crucial for accurately assessing its extent and severity. This information is vital for proper surgical planning, which ultimately prepares both the surgeon and the patient for potentially complex procedures during LT. The surgical alternatives presented in this technical report offer promising solutions for treating PVT during LT, making it a viable option for selected patients.

Bovine Pericardial Graft for Portomesenteric Reconstruction During Robotic Pancreatoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is one of the most complex procedures in oncologic surgery. We present a video of robotic portomesenteric reconstruction with bovine pericardial graft during PD. METHODS: A 52-year-old woman was referred with a mass in the head of the pancreas. The tumor was in contact with the portomesenteric axis. The multidisciplinary team decided to perform an upfront resection. The surgery was performed as a pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy with lymphadenectomy. The superior mesenteric artery first approach was used to expose the head of the pancreas, so that the entire surgical specimen was attached only through the tumor invasion of the portomesenteric axis. After resection of the invaded portomesenteric axis, its large extension precluded primary reconstruction, so a bovine pericardial graft was used for venous reconstruction. After completion of the venous anastomosis, reconstruction of the digestive tract was performed as usual. RESULTS: Surgical time was 430 min; clamp time was 55 min; and portomesenteric reconstruction took 41 min. Estimated blood loss was 320 mL without transfusion. Pathology confirmed T3N1 ductal adenocarcinoma with free margins. No pancreatic or biliary fistula was observed, and she was discharged on postoperative day 8. A postoperative examination confirmed the patency of the graft. The patient is doing well 6 months after surgery and has no signs of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: A bovine pericardial graft is useful for reconstruction and readily available, eliminating the need to harvest an autologous vein or use synthetic grafts. This procedure can be safely performed with the robotic platform.

HEPATOSPLENIC SCHISTOSOMIASIS-ASSOCIATED CHRONIC PORTAL VEIN THROMBOSIS: RISK FACTOR FOR HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA?

BACKGROUND: Hepatosplenic schistosomiasis is an endemic disease prevalent in tropical countries and is associated with a high incidence of portal vein thrombosis. Inflammatory changes caused by both parasitic infection and portal thrombosis can lead to the development of chronic liver disease with potential carcinogenesis. AIMS: To assess the incidence of portal vein thrombosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with schistosomiasis during long-term follow-up. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted involving patients with schistosomiasis followed up at our institution between 1990 and 2021. RESULTS: A total of 126 patients with schistosomiasis were evaluated in the study. The mean follow-up time was 16 years (range 5-31). Of the total, 73 (57.9%) patients presented portal vein thrombosis during follow-up. Six (8.1%) of them were diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma, all with portal vein thrombosis diagnosed more than ten years before. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with schistosomiasis and chronic portal vein thrombosis highlights the importance of a systematic long-term follow-up in this group of patients.

[Pylephlebitis related to acute appendicitis. Case and review]. / Pileflebitis relacionada a apendicitis aguda. Caso y revisión.

Background: The pilephlebitis is the septic thrombophlebitis of the portal venous system ranging from asymptomatic to severe complications. Diagnosed based on imaging tests, and their treatment is based on antibiotics and anticoagulant therapy. Clinic case: 24 years male, appendectomy 12 days before. Readmission for 3 days with fever, jaundice and choluria; hyperbilirrubinemia. Intravenous contrast CT is performed, showed thrombus in portal, splenic and mesenteric vein system. Diagnosis of pylephlebitis is established, initiating managed with antibiotics and anticoagulant, with favorable clinical outcome. The pylephlebitis has an estimated incidence of 2.7 cases per year, with an unspecified clinical picture ranging from asymptomatic to severe cases with septic shock and hepatic failure. There may be accompanying fever and abdominal pain in more than 80% of the cases and presenting in some cases with leukocytosis and hyperbilirrubinemia. Intravenous contrast CT is the gold standard. The treatment is based on 4 points: Septic focus control, antibiotics, early anticoagulant and resolution of complications. Conclusions: The pylephlebitis should be taken into consideration as a possible secondary complication of intraabdominal infections. A timely diagnosis with a imaging tests and apply treatment reduce their morbidity and mortality.

Introducción: la pileflebitis es la tromboflebitis séptica del sistema venoso portal, que puede variar desde un cuadro asintomático hasta complicaciones severas. Su diagnóstico requiere estudios de imagen y su tratamiento se basa en la antibioticoterapia y anticoagulación. Caso clínico: paciente hombre de 24 años de edad, posoperado de apendicetomía 12 días previos. Reingresa por fiebre de tres días, ictericia y coluria, hiperbilirrubinemia. Se realiza tomografía con contraste intravenoso, evidenciando trombo en sistema portoesplemesaraico. Se establece diagnóstico de pileflebitis, iniciando manejo con antibióticos y anticoagulación, con evolución clínica favorable. La pileflebitis tiene una incidencia estimada de 2.7 casos por año, con un cuadro clínico inespecífico, que va desde un estado asintomático a casos graves con choque séptico y falla hepática. Puede haber dolor abdominal y fiebre en más del 80% de los casos, presentando en algunos casos leucocitosis e hiperbilirrubinemia. La tomografía con contraste intravenoso es el estudio de elección. El tratamiento se basa en cuatro puntos: control del foco séptico, antibióticos, anticoagulación precoz y resolución de las complicaciones. Conclusiones: se debe tener en cuenta a la pileflebitis como una posible complicación secundaria en casos de infecciones intraabdominales, estableciendo un diagnóstico oportuno con estudio de imagen y otorgar tratamiento temprano para reducir su morbimortalidad.

Mesenteric Ischemia in a Splenectomized Patient with Auto-Immune Hemolytic Anemia: Case Report.

Mesenteric ischemia is a serious complication that can occur after splenectomy for hemolytic anemia, potentially leading to lifelong intestinal problems such as ischemia and/or portal hypertension. We present the case of a 33-year-old man with a history of autoimmune hemolytic anemia and splenectomy who developed mesenteric ischemia. The patient experienced abdominal pain and diarrhea, and imaging studies revealed mesenteric vein thrombosis. Surgical intervention confirmed the diagnosis. This case significantly contributes to the existing literature by providing insights into the occurrence of mesenteric ischemia in younger individuals with predisposing factors, as well as its clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and severity. Moreover, it has implications for the future diagnosis and management of long-term mesenteric ischemia in patients who have undergone splenectomy for hemolytic anemia.

Life-threatening variceal bleeding after liver transplantation and extensive portal vein thrombosis: Desperate times call for desperate measures.

BACKGROUND: The management of complex, intra- and extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis (PVT) after liver transplantation (LT) is challenging. Although most of the patients remain asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic in the chronic setting, some of them may develop severe portal hypertension and related complications, notably gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. In the emergency scenario, clinical and endoscopic treatments as well as intensive support constitute the bases of conservative management, while more definitive treatment options such as surgical shunting and retransplantation are related to high morbidity rates. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) was largely considered of limited role due to technical difficulties arising from extensive PVT. Recently, however, new minimally invasive image-guided techniques emerged, allowing portal vein recanalization and TIPS creation simultaneously (TIPS-PVR), even in complex PVT pretransplant patients. METHODS: Herein, we describe a novel indication for TIPS-PVR in a post-LT adolescent presenting with life-threatening, refractory GI bleeding. RESULTS: The patient presented with complete resolution of the hemorrhagic condition after the procedure, with no deterioration of hepatic function or hepatic encephalopathy. Follow-up Doppler ultrasound after TIPS-PVR showed normal hepatopetal venous flow within the stents, and no evidence of complications, including intraperitoneal or peri splenic bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: This report describes the feasibility of TIPS-PVR in the post-LT scenario complicated by extensive PVT. In this case, a complete resolution of the life-threatening GI bleeding was achieved, with no major complications. Other patients with complex chronic PVT might benefit from the use of the described technique, but further studies are required to determine the correct timing and indications of the procedure, eventually before the occurrence of life-threatening complications.

Shunt portosistémico, una causa poco frecuente de hepatitis colestásica en neonatología. A propósito de un caso / Portosystemic shunt, a rare cause of neonatal cholestatic hepatitis. A case report

El shunt portosistémico congénito es una anomalía vascular venosa que comunica circulación portal y sistémica, por la que se deriva el flujo sanguíneo, salteando el paso hepático. Es una entidad poco frecuente, cuya incidencia varía entre 1/30 000 y 1/50 000 recién nacidos. Puede cursar de forma asintomática o presentarse con complicaciones en la edad pediátrica o, menos frecuente, en la edad neonatal. Ante el diagnóstico, se deberá definir la necesidad de intervención quirúrgica o intravascular para el cierre. Esta decisión depende de las características anatómicas de la malformación, de las manifestaciones clínicas y complicaciones presentes. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de un mes de vida derivado a nuestro centro para estudio de hepatitis colestásica neonatal, con diagnóstico de shunt portosistémico extrahepático. Se realizó cierre intravascular de la lesión con mejoría significativa posterior.

Congenital portosystemic shunt is a venous vascular abnormality that connects portal and systemic circulation, resulting in diversion of the blood flow, bypassing the hepatic passage. It is a rare malformation; its incidence varies from 1:30 000 to 1:50 000 newborns. It may be asymptomatic or present with complications in the pediatric age or, less frequently, in the neonatal age. Upon diagnosis, the need for a surgical or an intravascular intervention for closure should be defined. This decision depends on the malformation anatomical characteristics, clinical manifestations, and complications. We present the case of a 1-month-old patient referred to our center for the study of neonatal cholestatic hepatitis, with a diagnosis of extrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Intravascular closure of the defect was performed with significant subsequent improvement.