Giant hepatic hemangioma in a patient with cirrhosis: challenging to manage.

Giant hepatic hemangiomas are occasional in patients with cirrhosis. It remains a challenge to decide on the need for treatment and choose the most appropriate intervention. A 62-year-old woman was recently diagnosed with cirrhosis and complained of upper abdominal fullness, reduction in oral food intake, and weight loss of 6 kg over the last three years. Upper digestive endoscopy evidenced thin-caliber esophageal varices and significant extrinsic compression of the lesser gastric curvature. Abdominal computed tomography revealed an exophytic tumor in the left hepatic lobe, measuring 11.5 cm, which had progressive centripetal contrast enhancement from the arterial phase, compatible with hepatic hemangioma. Serum tumor markers were negative, and her liver function was unimpaired. The patient underwent surgical resection (non-anatomical hepatectomy of segments II and III) which had no immediate complications, and the histopathological evaluation confirmed cavernous hepatic hemangioma. Two weeks later, she was admitted to the emergency room with jaundice, signs of hepatic encephalopathy, and moderate ascites, and was further diagnosed with secondary bacterial peritonitis. As no perforations, abscesses, or fistulas were observed on subsequent imaging tests, clinical management was successfully carried out. This case highlights that giant hepatic hemangiomas may be symptomatic and warrant treatment. In the setting of cirrhosis and portal hypertension, physicians should be aware of the risk of hepatic decompensation following surgical resection, even in patients with Child-Pugh class A.

Clinicopathological Aspects and Inflammation-Immune Markers in Alcohol and/or Hepatitis C Virus-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Treated With Sorafenib.

Background: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the outcomes of patients under treatment vary. Since the roles of clinicopathological aspects and markers of chronic inflammation/immune homeostasis in the outcome of HCC patients treated with sorafenib are still unclear, these were the aims of this study. Methods: Patients with alcohol-induced and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV)-induced HCC (n = 182) uniformly treated with sorafenib were included in the study. Baseline clinicopathological aspects of patients were computed from the medical records. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) were obtained from the hematological exam performed before the administration of sorafenib. Overall survival (OS) was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier probabilities, log-rank test, and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard ratio (HR) analyses. Results: In multivariate analysis, alpha-foetoprotein (AFP) level and Child-Pugh score were predictors of OS. Patients with AFP levels higher than 157 ng/mL and Child-Pugh B or C had 1.40 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03 - 1.91, P = 0.03) and 1.64 (95% CI: 1.07 - 2.52, P = 0.02) more chances of evolving to death than the remaining patients, respectively. NLR, PLR, LMR, SIRI, and SII did not alter the OS of HCC patients. Conclusions: AFP level and Child-Pugh score act as independent prognostic factors in patients with alcohol and/or HCV-induced HCC treated with sorafenib, but markers of chronic inflammation/immune homeostasis seem not to alter the outcome of patients with HCC induced by alcohol and/or HCV.

Amyloidosis: a rare cause of severe acute liver failure.

Gastrointestinal amyloidosis can be primary, more associated with monoclonal plasma cell dyscrasia, or secondary, usually secondary to a tissue-destructive, chronic inflammatory process (such as inflammatory bowel disease, for example) and long-term dialysis. The rare presentation of severe acute liver failure in systemic amyloidosis can make this diagnosis/ management more difficult. Hepatomegaly with signs of diffuse infiltrative disease and periportal involvement associated with thoracic and other abdominal radiological findings in the appropriate clinical context may constitute a diagnostic imaging clue in this challenge.

Perioperative analysis of patients undergoing liver transplantation at the Hospital de Clínicas da Unicamp in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic / Análise perioperatória dos pacientes submetidos a transplante hepático no Hospital de Clínicas da Unicamp no contexto da pandemia de SARS-CoV-2

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 began in 2020 and caused important changes in the number of transplants performed in hospitals and in the protocols for admitting candidates to perform the procedure. The Brazilian Association of Organ Transplantation (ABTO) recommends not performing transplants from donors with active COVID-19 infection, positive test results or with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. The hepatic repercussions related to COVID-19 are presented in some reports in the medical literature. Liver changes resulting from other corona viruses such as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV are well documented. The Hospital de Clínicas of the State University of Campinas is a tertiary center that performs solid organ transplants. Objectives: To carry out a perioperative, retrospective, descriptive analysis of liver transplants in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic carried out at the Hospital das Clínicas of the State University of Campinas from March 2020 to July 2021. Materials and Methods: Retrospective, descriptive, longitudinal cohort study based on the review of medical records of patients undergoing liver transplantation in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic from March 2020 to July 2021 at the clinical hospital of the State University of Campinas. Results: Retrospective analysis was performed on 57 patients in the period. Only 1 patient needed to be excluded because he was under 18 years old. Of the 56 patients, 52 underwent RT-PCR laboratory testing and chest tomography (CT). Of these 52 patients, only 2 tested positive, one pre-transplant (TX) and one post-operatively (post-op). Regarding chest CT scans, none of them showed typical changes for COVID pre-TX, in the post-op 4 patients presented typical chest CT scans. The average age was 55.86 years. The mortality rate was 38% and no deaths were attributed to COVID 19. The average MELD-Na scale was 20.94. Conclusion: The present study carried out at the Hospital de Clínicas da Unicamp analyzed the clinical, laboratory and radiological association to better elucidate the variables determined by COVID-19 in its diagnosis and in-hospital management. It is concluded that the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic had an impact on the routine of liver transplantation worldwide and on the service in which the study was carried out.

Introdução: A pandemia causada pelo SARS-CoV-2 teve início no ano de 2020 e ocasionou mudanças importantes no número de transplantes realizados nos hospitais e nos protocolos de admissão de candidatos para realização do procedimento. A Associação Brasileira de Transplante de Orgãos (ABTO) recomendava não realizar transplante de doadores com infecção COVID-19 ativa, teste positivo ou com Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave. As repercussões hepáticas relacionadas a COVID-19 são apresentadas em alguns relatos presentes na literatura médica. Estão bem documentadas as alterações hepáticas decorrentes de outros coronavírus tais como SARS-CoV e MERS-CoV. O Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Estadual de Campinas é um centro terciário que realiza transplantes de órgãos sólidos. Objetivos: Realizar a análise retrospectiva descritiva perioperatória dos transplantes hepáticos no contexto da pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 realizados no hospital das clínicas da Universidade Estadual de Campinas no período de Março de 2020 a Julho de 2021. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, descritivo de coorte longitudinal baseado na revisão dos prontuários dos pacientes submetidos ao transplante hepático no contexto da pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 no período de Março de 2020 a Julho de 2021 no hospital de clínicas da Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Resultados: A análise retrospectiva foi realizada em 57 pacientes no período. Apenas 1 paciente precisou ser excluído por ter menos de 18 anos. Dos 56 pacientes, 52 realizaram coleta do exame laboratorial RT-PCR e tomografia (TC) de tórax. Desses 52 pacientes apenas 2 positivaram o exame, um pré transplante (TX) e um no pós-operatório (pós-op). Em relação às TC de tórax nenhuma apresentava alterações típicas para COVID pré TX, no pós-op 4 pacientes apresentaram TC típicas. A média de idade foi de 55,86 anos. A taxa de mortalidade foi de 38% e nenhum óbito foi atribuído ao COVID 19. A escala de MELDNa média foi de 20,94. Conclusão: O presente estudo realizado no Hospital de Clínicas da Unicamp analisou a associação clínica, laboratorial e radiológica para melhor elucidar as variáveis determinadas pela COVID-19 no seu diagnóstico e manejo intra-hospitalar. Conclui-se que a pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 teve impacto na rotina de realização do transplante hepático mundialmente e no serviço no qual o estudo foi realizado.

ANTIBIOTIC PROPHYLAXIS FOR ABDOMINAL SURGERY: WHEN TO RECOMMEND? BRAZILIAN COLLEGE OF DIGESTIVE SURGERY POSITION PAPER.

BACKGROUND: Surgical antibiotic prophylaxis is an essential component of perioperative care. The use of prophylactic regimens of antibiotics is a well-established practice that is encouraged to be implemented in preoperative/perioperative protocols in order to prevent surgical site infections. AIMS: The aim of this study was to emphasize the crucial aspects of antibiotic prophylaxis in abdominal surgery. RESULTS: Antibiotic prophylaxis is defined as the administration of antibiotics before contamination occurs, given with the intention of preventing infection by achieving tissue levels of antibiotics above the minimum inhibitory concentration at the time of surgical incision. It is indicated for clean operations with prosthetic materials or in cases where severe consequences may arise in the event of an infection. It is also suitable for all clean-contaminated and contaminated operations. The spectrum of action is determined by the pathogens present at the surgical site. Ideally, a single intravenous bolus dose should be administered within 60 min before the surgical incision. An additional dose should be given in case of hemorrhage or prolonged surgery, according to the half-life of the drug. Factors such as the patient's weight, history of allergies, and the likelihood of colonization by resistant bacteria should be considered. Compliance with institutional protocols enhances the effectiveness of antibiotic use. CONCLUSION: Surgical antibiotic prophylaxis is associated with reduced rates of surgical site infection, hospital stay, and morbimortality.

ANTIBIOTIC PROPHYLAXIS FOR ABDOMINAL SURGERY: WHEN TO RECOMMEND? BRAZILIAN COLLEGE OF DIGESTIVE SURGERY POSITION PAPER. / Antibioticoprofilaxia em cirurgia digestiva: quando recomendar? Posicionamento do Colégio Brasileiro de Cirurgia Digestiva.

Background: Surgical antibiotic prophylaxis is an essential component of perioperative care. The use of prophylactic regimens of antibiotics is a well-established practice that is encouraged to be implemented in preoperative/perioperative protocols in order to prevent surgical site infections. Aims: To emphasize the crucial aspects of antibiotic prophylaxis in abdominal surgery. Results: Antibiotic prophylaxis is defined as the administration of antibiotics before contamination occurs, given with the intention of preventing infection by achieving tissue levels of antibiotics above the minimum inhibitory concentration at the time of surgical incision. It is indicated for clean operations with prosthetic materials or in cases where severe consequences may arise in the event of an infection. It is also suitable for all clean-contaminated and contaminated operations. The spectrum of action is determined by the pathogens present at the surgical site. Ideally, a single intravenous bolus dose should be administered within 60 minutes before the surgical incision. An additional dose should be given in case of hemorrhage or prolonged surgery, according to the half-life of the drug. Factors such as the patient's weight, history of allergies, and the likelihood of colonization by resistant bacteria should be taken into account. Compliance with institutional protocols enhances the effectiveness of antibiotic use. Conclusions: Surgical antibiotic prophylaxis is associated with reduced rates of surgical site infection, hospital stay, and morbimortality.

Racional: A antibioticoprofilaxia é um componente importante dos cuidados perioperatórios. Objetivos: Abordar os principais aspectos da antibioticoprofilaxia em cirurgia digestiva. Resultados: Ela é definida como a redução da carga de bactérias no sítio operatório através da obtenção de níveis séricos de antibiótico acima da concentração inibitória mínima no momento da incisão cirúrgica. Está indicada em cirurgias limpas com próteses e nas quais a consequência de uma eventual infecção seja grave, bem como em todas as cirurgias limpas-contaminadas e contaminadas. O espectro de ação do antibiótico deve ser de acordo com a flora esperada no sítio cirúrgico e deve ser administrado 60 minutos antes da incisão, em bolus, por via endovenosa e preferencialmente em dose única. Nos casos de hemorragia importante ou cirurgias mais longas, uma nova dose pode ser administrada. O peso do paciente, a história de alergia a medicamentos e a possibilidade de colonização por bactérias multirresistentes devem ser levados em conta. A aderência a protocolos institucionais aumenta a chance de uso adequado da antibioticoprofilaxia. Conclusões: A antibioticoprofilaxia está associada à redução das taxas de infecção do sítio cirúrgico, tempo de internação e morbidade.

Understanding the Elevated Lethality of COVID-19 in Liver Transplant Recipients: Does Immunosuppression Management Matter? Results from a Brazilian Multicentric Historical Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Infections by SARS-CoV-2 in liver transplant recipients (LT) patients are of particular concern, notably due to perceived added risks related to immunosuppression and comorbidity burden. Current literature on this topic often relies on small, non-standardized, and geographically limited studies. This manuscript describes COVID-19 presentations and causes for elevated mortality in a large cohort of LT recipients. METHODS: This study was designed as a multicentric historical cohort, including LT recipient patients with COVID-19 in 25 study centers, with the primary endpoint being COVID-related death. We also collected demographic, clinical, and laboratory data regarding presentation and disease progression. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-four cases were included. The study population was predominantly male and White and had a median age of 60 years. The median time from transplantation was 2.6 years (IQR 1-6). Most patients had at least one comorbidity (189, 80.8%). Patient age (P = .04), dyspnea (P < .001), intensive care unit admission (P < .001), and mechanical ventilation (P < .001) were associated with increased mortality. Modifications of immunosuppressive therapy (P < .001), specifically the suspension of tacrolimus, maintained significance in multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Attention to risk factors and the individualization of patient care, especially regarding immunosuppression management, is crucial for delivering more precise interventions to these individuals.

Respiratory muscle training with electronic devices in the postoperative period of hepatectomy: A randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have been developed with a focus on surgical techniques and drugs, but few that address the importance of rehabilitation in the pre and postoperative period, and the specific benefits for each surgical procedure or type of neoplasm, aiming to minimize respiratory complications in the postoperative period. AIM: To compare the strength of the respiratory muscles in the pre and postoperative periods of hepatectomy by laparotomy and to verify the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications among the groups studied. METHODS: Prospective, randomized, clinical trial study that compared the inspiratory muscle training group (GTMI) with the control group (CG). After the collection of sociodemographic and clinical data, in both groups, preoperatively, on the first and fifth postoperative days, vital signs and pulmonary mechanics were evaluated and recorded. Albumin and bilirubin values were recorded for the albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score. After randomization and allocation of participants, those in the CG underwent conventional physical therapy and those in the GTMI underwent conventional physical therapy plus inspiratory muscle, in both groups for five postoperative days. RESULTS: Of 76 subjects met eligibility criteria. The collection of 41 participants was completed: 20 in the CG and 21 in the GTMI. The most frequent diagnosis was 41.5% with liver metastasis, followed by 26.8% with hepatocellular carcinoma. As for respiratory complications in the GTMI, there was no incidence. In the CG, there were three respiratory complications. Patients in the CG classified as ALBI score 3 presented, statistically, a higher energy value compared to patients classified as ALBI score 1 and 2 (P = 0.0187). Respiratory variables, measured preoperatively and on the first postoperative day, had a significant drop in both groups from the preoperative to the first postoperative day (P ≤ 0.0001). When comparing the preoperative period and the fifth postoperative day between the GTMI and the CG, the maximal inspiratory pressure variable in the GTMI was statistically significant (P = 0.0131). CONCLUSION: All respiratory measures showed a reduction in the postoperative period. Respiratory muscle training using the Powerbreathe® device increased maximal inspiratory pressure and this may have contributed to a shorter hospital stay and better clinical outcome.

Acute Liver Failure Secondary to Anthocyanidin Use-A Case Report.

Drug-induced liver injury has become the main cause of acute liver failure (ALF). Injury may be dose-dependent or occur idiosyncratically. We report the case of a 37-year-old female patient admitted with grade 4 hepatic encephalopathy. Morosil use was initiated 30 days prior, and after 2 weeks, the case evolved with jaundice and diarrhea interspersed with constipation when the medication was discontinued. Morosil is a dry extract of the juice of red Moro oranges (Citrus species), grown in eastern Sicily (Italy). It is an important source of anthocyanidin pigments, which act as antioxidants and are used in the care and prevention of obesity, insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, and cardiovascular diseases. According to the clinical picture and tests performed, the diagnosis of ALF was confirmed, by the criteria of Clichy and King's College. The patient was listed for liver transplantation as a priority, with the model for end stage liver disease (MELD) score: 41. Orthotopic liver transplantation was uneventfully performed using the Piggy-back technique. There are few reports in the literature of acute liver injury by other Citrus species, and we found no case reports of ALF related to the use of Morosil.

Autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis overlap syndrome after COVID-19.

COVID-19 is commonly associated with high serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the post-infection status can disturb self-tolerance and trigger autoimmune responses. We are reporting a 45-year-old male who was admitted with fatigue, jaundice, elevated liver enzymes (with cholestatic pattern), and acute kidney injury two weeks after recovering from a mild SARS-CoV-2 infection. Serologies for viral hepatitis and anti-mitochondrial antibody were negative, while anti-nuclear and anti-smooth muscle antibodies were positive. There were no signs of chronic liver disease, and a magnetic resonance cholangiography showed no dilatation of biliary ducts. Histologic evaluation of the liver evidenced numerous foci of lobular necrosis without ductopenia or portal biliary reaction. Considering the autoantibody profile and histologic changes, the medical team started oral prednisone, but there was a suboptimal biochemical response in the outpatient follow-up. Two months later, a second liver biopsy was performed and revealed non-suppurative destructive chronic cholangitis, extensive areas of confluent necrosis with hepatocytes regenerating into pseudorosettes, and numerous plasma cells. According to the Paris Criteria, the patient was then diagnosed with an autoimmune hepatitis-primary biliary cholangitis overlap syndrome (AIH-PBC-OS). After adding azathioprine and ursodeoxycholic acid to the treatment, there was a satisfactory response. This is the second worldwide report of an AIH-PBC-OS triggered by COVID-19, but the first case with a negative anti-mitochondrial antibody. In this setting, histologic evaluation of the liver by an experienced pathologist is a hallmark of achieving the diagnosis and correctly treat the patient.

AFP score and metroticket 2.0 perform similarly and could be used in a "within-ALL" clinical decision tool.

Background & Aims: Two recently developed composite models, the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) score and Metroticket 2.0, could be used to select patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who are candidates for liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this study was to compare the predictive performance of both models and to evaluate the net risk reclassification of post-LT recurrence between them using each model's original thresholds. Methods: This multicenter cohort study included 2,444 adult patients who underwent LT for HCC in 47 centers from Europe and Latin America. A competing risk regression analysis estimating sub-distribution hazard ratios (SHRs) and 95% CIs for recurrence was used (Fine and Gray method). Harrell's adapted c-statistics were estimated. The net reclassification index for recurrence was compared based on each model's original thresholds. Results: During a median follow-up of 3.8 years, there were 310 recurrences and 496 competing events (20.3%). Both models predicted recurrence, HCC survival and survival better than Milan criteria (p <0.0001). At last tumor reassessment before LT, c-statistics did not significantly differ between the two composite models, either as original or threshold versions, for recurrence (0.72 vs. 0.68; p = 0.06), HCC survival, and overall survival after LT. We observed predictive gaps and overlaps between the model's thresholds, and no significant gain on reclassification. Patients meeting both models ("within-ALL") at last tumor reassessment presented the lowest 5-year cumulative incidence of HCC recurrence (7.7%; 95% CI 5.1-11.5) and higher 5-year post-LT survival (70.0%; 95% CI 64.9-74.6). Conclusions: In this multicenter cohort, Metroticket 2.0 and the AFP score demonstrated a similar ability to predict HCC recurrence post-LT. The combination of these composite models might be a promising clinical approach. Impact and implications: Composite models were recently proposed for the selection of liver transplant (LT) candidates among individuals with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We found that both the AFP score and Metroticket 2.0 predicted post-LT HCC recurrence and survival better than Milan criteria; the Metroticket 2.0 did not result in better reclassification for transplant selection compared to the AFP score, with predictive gaps and overlaps between the two models; patients who met low-risk thresholds for both models had the lowest 5-year recurrence rate. We propose prospectively testing the combination of both models, to further optimize the LT selection process for candidates with HCC.

Hepatic involvement in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia mimicking focal nodular hyperplasia.

Accurate diagnosis of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), also known as Rendu-Osler-Weber disease, is important for reducing the risk of complications. Hepatic involvement in HHT is usually asymptomatic, but when present can cause noted morbidity and mortality. A 62-year-old woman presented with moderate upper-abdominal pain and tachycardia. A diagnosis of HHT was made based on the findings of hepatic involvement in a contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan, the presence of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs; a.k.a. telangiectasias) on mucocutaneous surfaces, and a history of recurrent epistaxis. Imaging methods are important diagnostic tools in patients suspected of having HHT.

Antibioticoprofilaxia em cirurgia adominal: quando recomendar? Posicionamento do Colégio Brasileiro de Cirurgia Digestiva / Antibiotic prophylaxis for abdominal surgery: when to recommend? brazilian college of digestive surgery position paper

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Surgical antibiotic prophylaxis is an essential component of perioperative care. The use of prophylactic regimens of antibiotics is a well-established practice that is encouraged to be implemented in preoperative/perioperative protocols in order to prevent surgical site infections. AIMS: The aim of this study was to emphasize the crucial aspects of antibiotic prophylaxis in abdominal surgery. RESULTS: Antibiotic prophylaxis is defined as the administration of antibiotics before contamination occurs, given with the intention of preventing infection by achieving tissue levels of antibiotics above the minimum inhibitory concentration at the time of surgical incision. It is indicated for clean operations with prosthetic materials or in cases where severe consequences may arise in the event of an infection. It is also suitable for all clean-contaminated and contaminated operations. The spectrum of action is determined by the pathogens present at the surgical site. Ideally, a single intravenous bolus dose should be administered within 60 min before the surgical incision. An additional dose should be given in case of hemorrhage or prolonged surgery, according to the half-life of the drug. Factors such as the patient's weight, history of allergies, and the likelihood of colonization by resistant bacteria should be considered. Compliance with institutional protocols enhances the effectiveness of antibiotic use. CONCLUSION: Surgical antibiotic prophylaxis is associated with reduced rates of surgical site infection, hospital stay, and morbimortality.

RESUMO RACIONAL: A antibioticoprofilaxia é um componente importante dos cuidados perioperatórios. OBJETIVOS: Abordar os principais aspectos da antibioticoprofilaxia em cirurgia digestiva. RESULTADOS: Ela é definida como a redução da carga de bactérias no sítio operatório através da obtenção de níveis séricos de antibiótico acima da concentração inibitória mínima no momento da incisão cirúrgica. Está indicada em cirurgias limpas com próteses e nas quais a consequência de uma eventual infecção seja grave, bem como em todas as cirurgias limpas-contaminadas e contaminadas. O espectro de ação do antibiótico deve ser de acordo com a flora esperada no sítio cirúrgico e deve ser administrado 60 minutos antes da incisão, em bolus, por via endovenosa e preferencialmente em dose única. Nos casos de hemorragia importante ou cirurgias mais longas, uma nova dose pode ser administrada. O peso do paciente, a história de alergia a medicamentos e a possibilidade de colonização por bactérias multirresistentes devem ser levados em conta. A aderência a protocolos institucionais aumenta a chance de uso adequado da antibioticoprofilaxia. CONCLUSÕES: A antibioticoprofilaxia está associada à redução das taxas de infecção do sítio cirúrgico, tempo de internação e morbidade.

Autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis overlap syndrome after COVID-19

ABSTRACT COVID-19 is commonly associated with high serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the post-infection status can disturb self-tolerance and trigger autoimmune responses. We are reporting a 45-year-old male who was admitted with fatigue, jaundice, elevated liver enzymes (with cholestatic pattern), and acute kidney injury two weeks after recovering from a mild SARS-CoV-2 infection. Serologies for viral hepatitis and anti-mitochondrial antibody were negative, while anti-nuclear and anti-smooth muscle antibodies were positive. There were no signs of chronic liver disease, and a magnetic resonance cholangiography showed no dilatation of biliary ducts. Histologic evaluation of the liver evidenced numerous foci of lobular necrosis without ductopenia or portal biliary reaction. Considering the autoantibody profile and histologic changes, the medical team started oral prednisone, but there was a suboptimal biochemical response in the outpatient follow-up. Two months later, a second liver biopsy was performed and revealed non-suppurative destructive chronic cholangitis, extensive areas of confluent necrosis with hepatocytes regenerating into pseudorosettes, and numerous plasma cells. According to the Paris Criteria, the patient was then diagnosed with an autoimmune hepatitis-primary biliary cholangitis overlap syndrome (AIH-PBC-OS). After adding azathioprine and ursodeoxycholic acid to the treatment, there was a satisfactory response. This is the second worldwide report of an AIH-PBC-OS triggered by COVID-19, but the first case with a negative anti-mitochondrial antibody. In this setting, histologic evaluation of the liver by an experienced pathologist is a hallmark of achieving the diagnosis and correctly treat the patient.

Hepatobiliary phases in magnetic resonance imaging using liver-specific contrast for focal lesions in clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: Challenging lesions, difficult to diagnose through non-invasive methods, constitute an important emotional burden for each patient regarding a still uncertain diagnosis (malignant x benign). In addition, from a therapeutic and prognostic point of view, delay in a definitive diagnosis can lead to worse outcomes. One of the main innovative trends currently is the use of molecular and functional methods to diagnosis. Numerous liver-specific contrast agents have been developed and studied in recent years to improve the performance of liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). More recently, one of the contrast agents introduced in clinical practice is gadoxetic acid (gadoxetate disodium). AIM: To demonstrate the value of the hepatobiliary phases using gadoxetic acid in MRI for the characterization of focal liver lesions (FLL) in clinical practice. METHODS: Overall, 302 Lesions were studied in 136 patients who underwent MRI exams using gadoxetic acid for the assessment of FLL. Two radiologists independently reviewed the MRI exams using four stages, and categorized them on a 6-point scale, from 0 (lesion not detected) to 5 (definitely malignant). The stages were: stage 1- images without contrast, stage 2- addition of dynamic phases after contrast (analogous to usual extracellular contrasts), stage 3- addition of hepatobiliary phase after 10 min (HBP 10'), stage 4- hepatobiliary phase after 20 min (HBP 20') in addition to stage 2. RESULTS: The interobserver agreement was high (weighted Kappa coefficient: 0.81- 1) at all stages in the characterization of benign and malignant FLL. The diagnostic weighted accuracy (Az) was 0.80 in stage 1 and was increased to 0.90 in stage 2. Addition of the hepatobiliary phase increased Az to 0.98 in stage 3, which was also 0.98 in stage 4. CONCLUSION: The hepatobiliary sequences improve diagnostic accuracy. With growing potential in the era of precision medicine, the improvement and dissemination of the method among medical specialties can bring benefits in the management of patients with FLL that are difficult to diagnose.

Investigating VEGF. miR-145-3p, and miR-101-3p Expression in Patients with Cholangiocarcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second most common type of primary liver cancer. Several factors, such as epigenetic changes in promoter genes, gene expression, and microRNAs (miR), can contribute to genomic instability in cancer. This study aimed at evaluating the expression of VEGF, miRs 145-3p, and 101-3p in patients with CCA and their potential as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of CCA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty two patients were studied. Out of these 62 patients, 41 cases had confirm CCA and 21 cases had hepatopathies complications. The RNA was extracted from a paraffined tissue block, and then the synthesis of cDNA was performed. The analysis of the expression of VEGF, miR-145-3p, and miR-101-3p was carried out by polymerase chain reaction in real time.  Results: The findings revealed that miRs 145-3p and 101-3p were under expressed in the case group compared to the control group (0.46; 0.17; P = 0.0001, respectively). VEGF was overexpressed in the case group compared to the control group (11.8; P = 0.0001). An increase in miR-145-3p expression level was observed in patients with perihilar CCA compared to those with distal CCA (0.51 ± 0.41; 0.17 ± 0.13; P = 0.0698). Survival rate analysis showed that 41.9% of patients with intrahepatic CCA and 31.5% of patients with extrahepatic CCA were free from death within 11 months, leading to a significant difference (P> 0.05). CONCLUSION: The underexpression of miRNAs, tumor suppressors, the overexpression of VEGF, smoking, and aging were associated with CCA based on our findings. It seems that the reduced expression of the studies miRNAs and increased expression of VEGF can contribute to a decrease in survival rate of patients with tumor in their intrahepatic bile ducts.

Validation of New York/California Score in the Preoperative Period of Liver Transplant for Hepatocellular Carcinoma at University of Campinas's Hospital.

Liver transplant is the main treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma and there is currently an important demand from patients waiting in transplant queues. Thus, it is extremely important to improve the criteria for selecting patients who will undergo transplant to mitigate graft loss and reduce cases of recurrence. Thus, it becomes necessary to use models, such as the New York/California (NYCA), that include alpha fetoprotein as a marker of recurrence and prognosis. The aim of this study was to assess whether the NYCA score correlated with the presence of tumor recurrence after transplant in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplant at the Clinics Hospital of the University of Campinas. We had 214 patients undergoing liver transplant who met the inclusion Milan criteria. The age of the patients ranged from 34 to 77 years, with a median age of 61 years. The mean waiting time on the transplant list was 6.12 months. After calculating the NYCA score, it was possible to stratify 13 patients (6.1%) as high risk, 64 patients (29.9%) as medium risk, and 137 patients (64%) as low risk. Patients with recurrence had higher scores with a mean of 4 points in relapse and 2 points in the absence of relapse (P = .0011). Patients with recurrence had statistically higher high- and medium-risk scores (P = .0010). Therefore, the NYCA score was higher in patients with recurrence. Therefore, in this study, our findings suggest the possibility of using the NYCA score as an aid to detect patients with a higher risk of tumor recurrence.

Incidence and Impact of COVID-19 Cases in Brazilian Liver Transplant Recipients: An Academic, Single-center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Current literature reports diverge on the impact of COVID-19 in liver transplant (LT) recipients. Literature findings often report conflicting results, relying on small sample sizes, limited ethnic variability, and nonstandardized methodologies. Notably, there are no studies on this topic regarding Latin American populations. This study seeks to report the impact of COVID-19, disease characteristics, and progression in LT recipients in a Latin American academic center environment. METHODS: The study design was a historic cohort, including adult LT recipient patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 who sought care between December 2019 to October 2021. The primary end point was defined as COVID-19-related death. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data was also collected. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were included, representing a 3.5% incidence within 752 patients in the follow-up. The mean age and years from transplantation were 54 (SD ± 11) and 6.3 years (SD ± 5.4), respectively. Most patients were white (23 - 85.2%) and male (21 - 25.2%). The hospitalization rate was 55.6%, and 5 patients (18.5%), all of whom subsequently died, were admitted to the intensive care unit. Neither the presence of comorbidities nor advanced age were related to lethality. Patients with immunosuppression modifications (P = 0.039) or isolated tacrolimus suspension (P = 0.006) were associated with increased mortality. CONCLUSIONS: This study described COVID-19 infections in LT recipients in Latin American populations. This group was not affected by common factors associated with higher lethality, and displayed a tendency toward lower hospitalization rates. Our study concurred with previously reported evidence of a protective association of tacrolimus maintenance during treatment in LT recipients affected by COVID-19.