Decisões terapêuticas com pacientes em fim de vida: a visão do residente / Therapeutic decisions with end-of-life patients: the perspective of residents

As mudanças epidemiológicas e demográficas impactam diretamente no aumento das doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e na demanda por cuidados em saúde cada vez mais complexos que englobam a tomada de decisão de forma multidisciplinar e compartilhada entre equipe, família e paciente. Portanto o objeto desta pesquisa foi a visão do aluno da residência multiprofissional a respeito das decisões terapêuticas com pacientes em fim de vida tendo como pano de fundo a bioética por princípios de Beauchamp e Childress. Os objetivos foram: descrever, através do discurso do aluno da residência multiprofissional, como se dá o processo de tomada de decisões terapêuticas com pacientes em fim de vida e quais respaldos morais e bioéticos são utilizados nestas decisões; identificar, a partir do discurso do residente multidisciplinar, a participação dos profissionais da saúde, da família/cuidadores e do próprio paciente nas decisões terapêuticas do fim da vida. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, descritiva e exploratória, realizada com 25 alunos de três programas de residência multiprofissional do município do Rio de Janeiro. A técnica para coleta dos dados baseou-se em entrevista semiestruturada realizada no período de 15/07 à 20/09/2022. O método para obtenção dos participantes foi o de bola de neve (snow ball) onde o primeiro participante é escolhido aleatoriamente e os demais são indicados pelo antecessor. Foram observados todos os critérios éticos em pesquisa da Resolução 466/2012 do Ministério da Saúde. Para o tratamento dos dados foi utilizada a análise categorial de Denize Oliveira. Ao final da categorização emergiram três categorias: "Processo de tomada de decisão com pacientes em fim da vida", "Princípios éticos norteadores da tomada de decisão" e "O mundo ideal e o mundo real do processo de tomada de decisão". A primeira categoria buscou detalhar o processo de tomada de decisão com pacientes no fim da vida mostrando a centralização da tomada de decisão, a tomada de decisão de forma multidisciplinar e de forma compartilhada com paciente e família. A segunda categoria relacionou o processo de tomada de decisão com pacientes no fim da vida aos princípios bioéticos de Beaucahmp e Childress demonstrando de forma individualizada a utilização destes para a personalização da tomada de decisão. A terceira categoria apontou os pontos que os residentes entendiam como ideais para o processo de tomada de decisão e as questões relacionadas ao que realmente acontece na prática clínica do dia a dia permeada pelas dificuldades estruturais, sociais e acadêmicas que interferem neste processo. Conclui-se que estamos ainda distantes de um modelo ideal de processo de tomada de decisão que ainda se apresenta de forma médicocentrada, verticalizada e pouco compartilhada com família e pacientes. AU

Epidemiological and demographic changes directly impact the increase in non-communicable chronic diseases and the demand for increasingly complex healthcare, which involves multidisciplinary and shared decision-making among the team, family, and patient. Therefore, the objective of this research was to explore the perspective of residents regarding therapeutic decisions with end-of-life patients, framed within the principles of Beauchamp and Childress' bioethics. The specific aims were to describe, through the discourse of multidisciplinary residents, the process of making therapeutic decisions with end-of-life patients and the moral and bioethical foundations guiding these decisions, as well as to identify the involvement of healthcare professionals, family/caregivers, and the patients themselves in end-of-life therapeutic decisions. This qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory research was conducted with 25 residents from three multidisciplinary residency programs in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Data collection was based on semi-structured interviews conducted from July 15th to September 20th, 2022. The snowball sampling method was used to select participants, where the first participant is chosen randomly and subsequent participants are referred by the preceding ones. The ethical criteria outlined in Resolution 466/2012 of the Ministry of Health were observed throughout the research process. Data analysis was performed using Denize Oliveira's categorical analysis. Three categories emerged from the analysis: "Process of decision-making with end-of-life patients," "Ethical principles guiding decision-making," and "The ideal world and the real world of the decision-making process." The first category aimed to detail the decision-making process with end-of-life patients, highlighting the centralization of decision-making, multidisciplinary decision-making, and shared decision-making with patients and their families. The second category linked the decision-making process with end-of-life patients to Beauchamp and Childress' bioethical principles, demonstrating their individualized application to personalize decision-making. The third category identified the aspects that residents perceived as ideal for the decision-making process, as well as the challenges encountered in the clinical practice influenced by structural, social, and academic difficulties. The findings suggest that we are still far from an ideal model of decision-making, as it remains predominantly physician-centered, hierarchical, and lacking in shared decision-making with families and patients. AU

Análise do Impacto Orçamentário da Prevenção de Lesão por Pressão em Idosos Acamados / Analysis of the Budgetary Impact of Pressure Injury Prevention in Bedridden Elderly / Análisis del Impacto Presupuestario de la Prevención de Lesiones por Presión em Ancianos Encamados

Objetivo: Analisar o impacto orçamentário e o incremento de custos da incorporação de superfícies especiais para o manejo da pressão para prevenção de lesão por pressão em pacientes idosos acamados. Método: Análise de impacto orçamentário, seguindo as recomendações da diretriz metodológica análise de impacto orçamentário. Delinearam-se dois possíveis cenários (referência e alternativo 1, 2 e 3). Resultados: O custo em cinco anos no cenário de referência, adotando apenas a estratégia de mudança de decúbito, foi estimado em R$ 253.86,2542,81. Os custos nos cenários alternativos 1, 2 e 3 foram respectivamente, no mesmo período e com os ajustes econômicos, R$ 250.422.191,73, R$ 249.223.263,19 e R$ 248.029.130,37. Conclusão: A utilização de altas tecnologias nem sempre será o diferencial para o melhor desfecho clínico do paciente e poderá acarretar mais custo ao sistema.

Objective:To analyze the budgetary impact and the increase in costs of the incorporation of special surfaces for pressure management to prevent pressure injuries in bedridden elderly patients. Method: Budget impact analysis, following the recommendations of the budget impact analysis methodological guideline. Two possible scenarios were out lined. In the first (alternative) scenario, the elderly receives a prevention strategy that includes the use of a viscoelastic mattress as a pressure distribution surface and a change in position with a minimum interval of 2 hours. In the second scenario (reference), the elderly receives a prevention strategy that only includes a change in position with a minimum interval of 2 hours. All costs were estimated using the macro costing technique. Results: The results of the analysis of the budget impact speak in disfavor, therefore, contrary to the eventual incorporation of the viscoelastic mattress as a complementary strategy to the systematic change of decubitus, of at least every 2 hours as a measure to prevent pressure injuries. Conclusion: The use of high technologies will not always be the differential for the best clinical outcome of the patient and it can result in more cost to the system.

Objetivo:Analizar el impacto presupuestario y el incremento de costes de la incorporación de superfícies especiales para el manejo de la presión para la prevención de lesiones por presión em pacientes ancianos encamados. Método:Análisis de Impacto Presupuestario (AIO), siguiendo las recomendaciones de la Guía Metodológica de Análisis de Impacto Presupuestario. Se esbozaron dos escenarios posibles. Em el primer escenario (alternativo), las personas mayores recibe ecnologiategia de prevención que incluye el uso de um colchón viscoelástico ecnologiaficie de distribución de presiem y un cambio de poemión con un intervalo mínimo de 2 horas. Enel segundo escenario (referencia), los adultos mayore ecnologiana estrategia de prevención que solo incluye el cambio de posición conun intervalo mínimo de 2 horas. Todos los costos se estimaron utilizando la técnica de macro costos. Resultados: Los resultados del análisis de impacto presupuestario hablan desfavorablemente, por tanto, en contra de la eventual incorporación del colchón viscoe ecnologiamo estrategia complementaria al cambio sistemático de decúbito, de al menos cada 2 horas como medida de prevención de lesiones por presión. Conclusión: Se concluye que el ecnologiass tecnologías no siempre será el diferencial para el mejor desenlace clínico del paciente y que puede resultar em mayor costo para el sistema.

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

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

Alternative Biomarkers to Predict Tumor Biology in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

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

Biomechanical and adhesion comparison of linea alba prophylactic reinforcement with coated and uncoated three-dimensional T-shaped mesh in rabbits.

PURPOSE: Incisional hernia (IH) is a frequent complication of median laparotomy. The use of prophylactic mesh to reduce IH incidence has gained increasing attention. We hypothesized that in an animal model, linea alba prophylactic reinforcement with a three-dimensional T-shaped polypropylene mesh results in greater abdominal wall resistance. METHODS: Study was performed in 27 rabbits. After abdominal midline incision, animals were divided into three groups according to the laparotomy closure method used: (1)3D T-shaped coated mesh; (2)3D T-shaped uncoated mesh; and (3) closure without mesh. After 4 months, each animal's abdominal wall was resected and tensiometric tests were applied. Results included IH occurrence, adhesions to the mesh, and wound complications. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in maximum tensile strength (p=0.250) or abdominal wall elongation under maximum stress (p=0.839). One rabbit from the control group developed IH (p=1.00). Small intestine and colon adhesions occurred only in the uncoated mesh group (p<0.001) and the degree of adhesions was higher in this group compared to the coated mesh group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Use of the current 3D T-shaped prophylactic mesh model did not result in a significant difference in tensiometric measurements when compared with simple abdominal wall closure in rabbits.

Biomechanical and adhesion comparison of linea alba prophylactic reinforcement with coated and uncoated three-dimensional T-shaped mesh in rabbits

Abstract Purpose: Incisional hernia (IH) is a frequent complication of median laparotomy. The use of prophylactic mesh to reduce IH incidence has gained increasing attention. We hypothesized that in an animal model, linea alba prophylactic reinforcement with a three-dimensional T-shaped polypropylene mesh results in greater abdominal wall resistance. Methods: Study was performed in 27 rabbits. After abdominal midline incision, animals were divided into three groups according to the laparotomy closure method used: (1)3D T-shaped coated mesh; (2)3D T-shaped uncoated mesh; and (3) closure without mesh. After 4 months, each animal's abdominal wall was resected and tensiometric tests were applied. Results included IH occurrence, adhesions to the mesh, and wound complications. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in maximum tensile strength (p=0.250) or abdominal wall elongation under maximum stress (p=0.839). One rabbit from the control group developed IH (p=1.00). Small intestine and colon adhesions occurred only in the uncoated mesh group (p<0.001) and the degree of adhesions was higher in this group compared to the coated mesh group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Use of the current 3D T-shaped prophylactic mesh model did not result in a significant difference in tensiometric measurements when compared with simple abdominal wall closure in rabbits.

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

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

FIRST BRAZILIAN CONSENSUS ON MULTIMODAL TREATMENT OF COLORECTAL LIVER METASTASES. MODULE 1: PRE-TREATMENT EVALUATION / I CONSENSO BRASILEIRO DE TRATAMENTO MULTIDISCIPLINAR DE METÁSTASE HEPÁTICA COLORRETAIS. MÓDULO 1: AVALIAÇÃO PRÉ-TRATAMENTO

Background : Liver metastases of colorectal cancer are frequent and potentially fatal event in the evolution of patients with these tumors. Aim : In this module, was contextualized the clinical situations and parameterized epidemiological data and results of the various treatment modalities established. Method: Was realized deep discussion on detecting and staging metastatic colorectal cancer, as well as employment of imaging methods in the evaluation of response to instituted systemic therapy. Results : The next step was based on the definition of which patients would have their metastases considered resectable and how to expand the amount of patients elegible for modalities with curative intent. Conclusion : Were presented clinical, pathological and molecular prognostic factors, validated to be taken into account in clinical practice.

Racional : As metástases hepáticas de câncer colorretal são evento frequente e potencialmente fatal na evolução de pacientes com estas neoplasias. Objetivo : Neste módulo procurou-se contextualizar esta situação clínica, bem como parametrizar dados epidemiológicos e de resultados das diversas modalidades de tratamento estabelecidas. Método : Foi realizada discussão sobre como detectar e estadiar o câncer colorretal metastático, bem como o emprego dos métodos de imagem na avaliação de resposta ao tratamento sistêmico instituído. Resultado : Fundamentou na definição de quais pacientes teriam suas metástases consideradas ressecáveis e de como se poderia ampliar a gama de pacientes submetidos às modalidades de tratamento ditas de intuito curativo. Conclusão : Foram apresentados os fatores prognósticos clínicos, patológicos e moleculares com validação para serem levados em consideração na prática clínica.

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

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

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

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

Association of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and liver cancer.

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

FIRST BRAZILIAN CONSENSUS ON MULTIMODAL TREATMENT OF COLORECTAL LIVER METASTASES. MODULE 1: PRE-TREATMENT EVALUATION.

BACKGROUND: Liver metastases of colorectal cancer are frequent and potentially fatal event in the evolution of patients with these tumors. AIM: In this module, was contextualized the clinical situations and parameterized epidemiological data and results of the various treatment modalities established. METHOD: Was realized deep discussion on detecting and staging metastatic colorectal cancer, as well as employment of imaging methods in the evaluation of response to instituted systemic therapy. RESULTS: The next step was based on the definition of which patients would have their metastases considered resectable and how to expand the amount of patients elegible for modalities with curative intent. CONCLUSION: Were presented clinical, pathological and molecular prognostic factors, validated to be taken into account in clinical practice.

[Current management of liver metastases from colorectal cancer: recommendations of the São Paulo Liver Club]. / Manejo atual das metástases hepáticas de câncer colorretal: recomendações do Clube do Fígado de São Paulo.

Approximately half of patients with colorectal cancer present with liver metastases during the course of their disease, which directly affect prognosis and is responsible for two thirds of deaths related to the disease. In the last two decades the treatment of liver metastases from colorectal cancer (CRCLM) provided significant gain in survival when all treatment options are available to the patient. In this context, surgical treatment remains as the only chance of cure, with five-year survival rates of 25-58%. However, only 1/4 of the patients have resectable disease at diagnosis. For this reason, one of the key points in the current management of patients with CRCLM is the development of strategies that facilitate complete resection of liver lesions. The advent and refinement of ablative methods have expanded the possibilities of surgical therapy. The emergence of new chemotherapy regimens and the introduction of targeted therapies has provided high response rates and has permanently altered the management of these patients. The multimodal therapy and the involvement of different medical specialties has increasingly enabled CRCLM treatment to approached the ideal treatment, i.e., an individualized one. Based on an extensive review of literature and on experience from some of the most important specialized centers of Brazil, the São Paulo Liver Club began a process of multi-institutional discussions that resulted in the recommendations that follow. These recommendations, however, are not intended to be absolute, but useful tools in the therapeutic decision process for this complex group of patients.

Reliability in endoscopic diagnosis of portal hypertensive gastropathy.

AIM: To analyze reliability among endoscopists in diagnosing portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) and to determine which criteria from the most utilized classifications are the most suitable. METHODS: From January to July 2009, in an academic quaternary referral center at Santa Casa of São Paulo Endoscopy Service, Brazil, we performed this single-center prospective study. In this period, we included 100 patients, including 50 sequential patients who had portal hypertension of various etiologies; who were previously diagnosed based on clinical, laboratory and imaging exams; and who presented with esophageal varices. In addition, our study included 50 sequential patients who had dyspeptic symptoms and were referred for upper digestive endoscopy without portal hypertension. All subjects underwent upper digestive endoscopy, and the images of the exam were digitally recorded. Five endoscopists with more than 15 years of experience answered an electronic questionnaire, which included endoscopic criteria from the 3 most commonly used Portal Hypertensive Gastropathy classifications (McCormack, NIEC and Baveno) and the presence of elevated or flat antral erosive gastritis. All five endoscopists were blinded to the patients' clinical information, and all images of varices were deliberately excluded for the analysis. RESULTS: The three most common etiologies of portal hypertension were schistosomiasis (36%), alcoholic cirrhosis (20%) and viral cirrhosis (14%). Of the 50 patients with portal hypertension, 84% were Child A, 12% were Child B, 4% were Child C, 64% exhibited previous variceal bleeding and 66% were previously endoscopic treated. The endoscopic parameters, presence or absence of mosaic-like pattern, red point lesions and cherry-red spots were associated with high inter-observer reliability and high specificity for diagnosing Portal Hypertensive Gastropathy. Sensitivity, specificity and reliability for the diagnosis of PHG (%) were as follows: mosaic-like pattern (100; 92.21; High); fine pink speckling (56; 76.62; Unsatisfactory); superficial reddening (69.57; 66.23; Unsatisfactory); red-point lesions (47.83; 90.91; High); cherry-red spots (39.13; 96.10; High); isolated red marks (43.48; 88.31; High); and confluent red marks (21.74; 100; Unsatisfactory). Antral elevated erosive gastritis exhibited high reliability and high specificity with respect to the presence of portal hypertension (92%) and the diagnosis of portal hypertensive gastropathy (88.31%). CONCLUSION: The most suitable endoscopic criteria for the diagnosis of PHG were mosaic-like pattern, red-point lesions and cherry-red spots with no subdivisions, which were associated with a high rate of inter-observer reliability.

Manejo atual das metástases hepáticas de câncer colorretal: recomendações do Clube do Fígado de São Paulo / Current management of liver metastases from colorectal cancer: recommendations of the São Paulo Liver Club

Aproximadamente metade dos pacientes portadores de câncer colorretal apresenta metástases hepáticas durante a evolução de sua doença que afetam diretamente o prognóstico e são diretamente responsáveis por 2/3 dos óbitos relacionados à doença. Nas últimas duas décadas o tratamento das metástases hepáticas de câncer colorretal (MHCCR) proporcionou ganho expressivo na sobrevida quando todas as opções terapêuticas são colocadas à disposição do paciente. Nesse contexto, o tratamento cirúrgico persiste como a única possibilidade de cura com índices de sobrevida em cinco anos de 25 a 58%. No entanto, apenas 1/4 dos pacientes tem doença ressecável ao diagnóstico. Por essa razão, um dos pontos fundamentais no manejo atual dos pacientes com MHCCR é o desenvolvimento de estratégias que possibilitem a ressecção completa das lesões hepáticas. O advento e aperfeiçoamento dos métodos ablativos expandiram as possibilidades da terapêutica cirúrgica, além disto, o surgimento de novos esquemas quimioterápicos e a introdução das terapias-alvo proporcionou altas taxas de resposta e alteraram definitivamente o manejo destes pacientes. O tratamento multimodal e a utilização da experiência de diversas especialidades médicas permitiram que o tratamento das MHCCR se aproximasse cada vez mais do tratamento ideal, ou seja, individualizado. Baseado em uma extensa revisão da literatura e na experiência de alguns dos centros especializados mais importantes do Brasil, o Clube do Fígado de São Paulo iniciou um trabalho de discussão multi-institucional que resultou nas recomendações que se seguem. Essas recomendações, no entanto, não visam ser absolutas, mas sim ferramentas úteis no processo de decisão terapêutica desse grupo complexo de pacientes.

Approximately half of patients with colorectal cancer present with liver metastases during the course of their disease, which directly affect prognosis and is responsible for two thirds of deaths related to the disease. In the last two decades the treatment of liver metastases from colorectal cancer (CRCLM) provided significant gain in survival when all treatment options are available to the patient. In this context, surgical treatment remains as the only chance of cure, with five-year survival rates of 25-58%. However, only 1/4 of the patients have resectable disease at diagnosis. For this reason, one of the key points in the current management of patients with CRCLM is the development of strategies that facilitate complete resection of liver lesions. The advent and refinement of ablative methods have expanded the possibilities of surgical therapy. The emergence of new chemotherapy regimens and the introduction of targeted therapies has provided high response rates and has permanently altered the management of these patients. The multimodal therapy and the involvement of different medical specialties has increasingly enabled CRCLM treatment to approached the ideal treatment, i.e., an individualized one. Based on an extensive review of literature and on experience from some of the most important specialized centers of Brazil, the São Paulo Liver Club began a process of multi-institutional discussions that resulted in the recommendations that follow. These recommendations, however, are not intended to be absolute, but useful tools in the therapeutic decision process for this complex group of patients.

Cisto esplênico não parasitário: tratamento por laparoscopia / Non-parasitic splenic cyst: treatment by laparoscopy

Contexto: Os cistos esplênicos não parasitários são eventos raros, muitas vezes assintomáticos e encontradosincidentalmente durante exames de imagem.Descrição do caso: Paciente do sexo feminino, 25 anos, parda, foi atendida pelo Grupo de Fígado e Hipertensão Portalda Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo, e o quadro clínico inicial corroborou com o achadoincidental do cisto. O diagnóstico foi confirmado pela ressonância nuclear magnética de abdome superior e pelo examehistopatológico de fragmento obtido no intraoperatório. O tratamento instituído foi o destelhamento do cisto por viavideolaparoscópica, com a colocação de epíplon no interior do leito cístico.Discussão: A paciente encaixa-se no clássico quadro de achado incidental em exames de imagem, sendo os primeirossintomas inespecíficos. Além disso, este caso se sobressai devido à sua raridade, tanto entre os vistos diariamenteno serviço como nos casos descritos na literatura. Foi optado pelo tratamento videolaparoscópico que apresentouexcelente resultado, com melhora dos sintomas, tempo cirúrgico curto e evitou a esplenectomia total.Conclusões: Os cistos esplênicos são achados incidentais dentro de um quadro clínico assintomático ou inespecífico.Apesar da raridade, devem estar sempre no acervo de conhecimento de todo médico para que a conduta seja adequadae os resultados satisfatórios.

Prospective study of ultrasound with perflutrene contrast compared to magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of hepatic hemangiomas.

CONTEXT: The incidence of hepatic hemangiomas ranges from 0.4% to 20% in the general population. Conventional ultrasound is usually the first diagnostic method to identify these hemangiomas, typically as an incidental finding. Ultrasonography with second generation contrast materials is being used in various areas of hepatology, yielding similar results to those obtained with computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of hepatic hemangiomas. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the agreement between ultrasound with perflutrene contrast and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of hepatic hemangiomas. METHODS: A total of 37 patients were prospectively examined between January 2006 and August 2008. A total of 57 hepatic nodules were documented in this group as incidental findings on routine ultrasound exams. The 37 patients were administered perflutrene contrast without adverse reactions, and were all submitted to magnetic resonance exams. RESULTS: Conventional ultrasound identified 15 patients with nodules typical of hemangiomas and 22 patients with other nodules. In 35 patients, the contrast characteristics were consistent with hepatic hemangiomas. CONCLUSION: Agreement between the data obtained from ultrasound with contrast and magnetic resonance was 94.5%. In discordant cases, the magnetic resonance diagnosis prevailed. In the case which presented indeterminate findings on contrast ultrasonography, magnetic resonance was repeated after 3 months, confirming the diagnosis of a hepatic hemangioma. A biopsy was performed on the suspected malignant nodule which also confirmed the presence of a hepatic hemangioma. Ultrasonography with contrast has the advantages of being more accessible to the public at large and lower cost than magnetic resonance. The results of our study highlight the need for a new protocol in hepatic nodules incidentally identified on conventional ultrasonography. In the case of typical hemangiomas, conventional ultrasound is sufficient for diagnosis. However, for poorly defined nodules, ultrasonography with contrast is indicated. After confirming the presence of a hepatic hemangioma on contrast ultrasonography, no further exams are needed to finalize the diagnosis.

Prospective study of ultrasound with perflutrene contrast compared to magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of hepatic hemangiomas / Estudo prospectivo comparando a ultrassonografia com o contraste perflutreno e a ressonância magnética no diagnóstico de hemangiomas hepáticos

CONTEXT:The incidence of hepatic hemangiomas ranges from 0.4 percent to 20 percent in the general population. Conventional ultrasound is usually the first diagnostic method to identify these hemangiomas, typically as an incidental finding. Ultrasonography with second generation contrast materials is being used in various areas of hepatology, yielding similar results to those obtained with computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of hepatic hemangiomas. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the agreement between ultrasound with perflutrene contrast and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of hepatic hemangiomas. METHODS: A total of 37 patients were prospectively examined between January 2006 and August 2008. A total of 57 hepatic nodules were documented in this group as incidental findings on routine ultrasound exams. The 37 patients were administered perflutrene contrast without adverse reactions, and were all submitted to magnetic resonance exams. RESULTS: Conventional ultrasound identified 15 patients with nodules typical of hemangiomas and 22 patients with other nodules. In 35 patients, the contrast characteristics were consistent with hepatic hemangiomas. CONCLUSION: Agreement between the data obtained from ultrasound with contrast and magnetic resonance was 94.5 percent. In discordant cases, the magnetic resonance diagnosis prevailed. In the case which presented indeterminate findings on contrast ultrasonography, magnetic resonance was repeated after 3 months, confirming the diagnosis of a hepatic hemangioma. A biopsy was performed on the suspected malignant nodule which also confirmed the presence of a hepatic hemangioma. Ultrasonography with contrast has the advantages of being more accessible to the public at large and lower cost than magnetic resonance. The results of our study highlight the need for a new protocol in hepatic nodules incidentally identified on conventional ultrasonography. In the case of typical hemangiomas, conventional ultrasound is sufficient for diagnosis. However, for poorly defined nodules, ultrasonography with contrast is indicated. After confirming the presence of a hepatic hemangioma on contrast ultrasonography, no further exams are needed to finalize the diagnosis.

CONTEXTO: O hemangioma hepático apresenta incidência entre 0,4 por cento a 20 por cento na população e a ultrassonografia convencional é geralmente o primeiro método diagnóstico a identificá-lo como achado incidental. A ultrassonografia com contrastes de segunda geração vem sendo utilizada em várias áreas da hepatologia, com resultados semelhantes à tomografia computadorizada e a ressonância magnética no diagnóstico dos hemangiomas hepáticos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a concordância entre a ultrassonografia com o contraste perflutreno e a ressonância magnética no diagnóstico dos hemangiomas hepáticos. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados prospectivamente 37 pacientes entre janeiro de 2006 e agosto de 2008 e identificados 57 nódulos como achados incidentais de exame de ultrassom de rotina. Nos 37 pacientes, foi administrado o contraste perflutreno, sem reações adversas. Os 37 pacientes realizaram exames de ressonância magnética. RESULTADOS: A ultrassonografia convencional identificou em 15 pacientes nódulos com características típicas de hemangiomas e em 22 pacientes com nódulos com outras características Em 35 pacientes as características do contraste foram compatíveis com hemangiomas hepáticos. CONCLUSÕES: A concordância entre a ultrassonografia com contraste e a ressonância magnética foi de 94,5 por cento e nos casos discordantes o diagnóstico foi realizado pela ressonância magnética. No caso indeterminado na ultrassonografia com contraste, a ressonância magnética foi repetida em 3 meses, confirmando o diagnostico de hemangioma hepático. No caso com nódulo sugestivo de malignidade na ultrassonografia com contraste, foi realizada biopsia do nódulo, com anatomopatológico de hemangioma hepático. A ultrassonografia com contraste apresenta vantagens de maior acesso a população e custos menores em relação à ressonância magnética. Os resultados deste trabalho sugerem novo protocolo para nódulos hepáticos identificados incidentalmente em exames de ultrassonografia convencional. Nos hemangiomas típicos, a ultrassonografia convencional seria suficiente. Nos casos com nódulos não definidos, a ultrassonografia com contraste a ser indicado, que ao confirmar o diagnóstico de hemangioma hepático, encerraria a instigação diagnóstica.