Quality Assessment of Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: To achieve early detection and curative treatment options, surveillance imaging for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) must remain of quality and without substantial limitations in liver visualization. However, the prevalence of limited liver visualization during HCC surveillance imaging has not been systematically assessed. Utilizing a systematic review and meta-analytic approach, we aimed to determine the prevalence of limited liver visualization during HCC surveillance imaging. METHODS: MEDLINE and Embase electronic databases were searched to identify published data on liver visualization limitations of HCC surveillance imaging. An analysis of proportions was pooled using a generalized linear mixed model with Clopper-Pearson intervals. Risk factors were analysed using a generalized mixed model with a logit link and inverse variance weightage. RESULTS: Of 683 records, 10 studies (7,131 patients) met inclusion criteria. Seven studies provided data on liver visualization limitations on ultrasound (US) surveillance exams: prevalence of limited liver visualization was 48.9% (95% CI: 23.5-74.9%) in the overall analysis and 59.2% (95% CI: 24.2-86.9%) in a sensitivity analysis for cirrhotic patients. Meta-regression determined that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was associated with limited liver visualization on US. Four studies provided data for liver visualization limitations in abbreviated magnetic resonance imaging (aMRI), with inadequate visualization ranging from 5.8% to 19.0%. One study provided data for complete MRI and none for computed tomography. CONCLUSION: A substantial proportion of US exams performed for HCC surveillance provide limited liver visualization, especially in cirrhosis, which may hinder detection of small observations. Alternative surveillance strategies including aMRI may be appropriate for patients with limited US visualization.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Elderly Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients following Surgical Resection: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Due to ageing of the global population, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasingly common among elderly patients, but outcomes after curative hepatic resection are unclear. Using a metanalytic approach, we aimed to estimate overall survival (OS), recurrence free survival (RFS) and complication rates in elderly HCC patients undergoing resection. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases from inception to Nov 10, 2020 for studies reporting outcomes in elderly (age ≥ 65 years) patients with HCC undergoing curative surgical resection. Pooled estimates were generated using a random-effects model. RESULTS: We screened 8,598 articles and included 42 studies (7,778 elderly patients). The mean age was 74.45 years (95% CI 72.89-76.02), 75.54% were male (95% CI 72.53-78.32) and 66.73% had cirrhosis (95% CI 43.93-83.96). The mean tumor size was 5.50 cm (95% CI 4.71-6.29) and 16.01% had multiple tumors (95% CI 10.74-23.19). The 1-year (86.02% versus 86.66%, p=0.84) and 5-year OS (51.60% versus 53.78%) between non-elderly versus elderly patients were similar. Likewise, there were no differences in the 1-year (67.32% versus 73.26%, p=0.11) and 5-year RFS (31.57% versus 30.25%, p=0.67) in non-elderly versus elderly patients. There was a higher rate of minor complications (21.95% versus 13.71%, p=0.03) among elderly patients compared with non-elderly patients, but no difference in major complications (p=0.43) Conclusion: This data shows that overall survival, recurrence and major complications after liver resection for HCC are comparable between elderly and non-elderly patients, and may inform clinical management of HCC in this population.

Complete alcohol abstinence increases the risk of NAFLD but not severity. A population analysis with transient elastography.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: As the global prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) continues to rise, ubiquity of alcohol use has also prompted discussion regarding the potential interactions between the two. This study aims to examine the effects of modest alcohol consumption on the prevalence and complications of NAFLD in a multi-ethnic population. METHODS: This study analyses the 2017-2018 cycles of NHANES that examined liver fibrosis and steatosis with vibration controlled transient elastography. A coarsened exact matching was conducted to reduce confounding. Logistic regression was done with a multivariate model to assess the relationship between alcohol consumption (modest drinkers and non-drinkers) and risk of NAFLD and its complications. RESULTS: 2,067 individuals were found to have NAFLD and 284 NAFLD patients had a total history of alcohol abstinence. After coarsened exact matching, the prevalence of NAFLD was 49% (CI: 0.41 - 0.58) in non-drinkers and 33% (CI: 0.26 - 0.41) in modest drinkers. Non-drinkers had twice the odds of NAFLD compared to modest drinkers (OR: 1.99, CI: 1.22 - 3.22, p<.01) after adjustment for confounders. There were no significant differences in the odds of significant fibrosis, advance fibrosis, cirrhosis, cardiovascular disease and stroke between non-drinkers and modest drinkers. The odds of malignancy in non-drinkers were almost significantly less than modest drinkers (OR: 0.28, CI:0.08 - 1.02, p=.053). CONCLUSION: Interestingly, modest alcohol consumption is associated with decreased odds of NAFLD. Further investigations are required to examine the relationship between alcohol consumption and NAFLD and subsequently the potential impact on NAFLD management.

Characteristics and outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma patients with macrovascular invasion following surgical resection: a meta-analysis of 40 studies and 8,218 patients.

Background: Guidelines recommend that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) and/or hepatic vein tumor thrombosis (HVTT) should undergo systemic therapy. However, recent data suggest that surgical resection may be beneficial in selected cases, but outcomes are heterogenous. We aimed to estimate pooled overall survival (OS), recurrence free survival (RFS) and complication rates in HCC patients with macrovascular invasion (MVI) following surgical resection. Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, two investigators independently searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases from inception to Nov 10, 2020, without language restrictions, for studies reporting outcomes of adult HCC patients with MVI who underwent liver resection with curative intent. Results: We screened 8,598 articles and included 40 studies involving 8,218 patients. Among all patients with MVI, the pooled median OS was 14.39 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 10.99-18.84], 1-year OS was 54.47% (95% CI: 46.12-62.58%) and 3-year OS was 23.20% (95% CI: 16.61-31.42%). Overall, 1- and 3-year RFS were 27.70% (95% CI: 21.00-35.57%) and 10.06% (95% CI: 6.62-15.01%), respectively. Among patients with PVTT, median OS was 20.41 months in those with segmental/2nd order involvement compared to 12.91 months if 1st order branch was involved and 6.41 months if the main trunk was involved. The pooled rate of major complications was 6.17% (95% CI: 3.53-10.56%). Conclusions: Overall median survival was 14.39 months for HCC patients with MVI following resection. Median survival was higher in PVTT with segmental/2nd order involvement at 20.41 versus 6.41 months if the main trunk was involved.

Global and regional long-term survival following resection for HCC in the recent decade: A meta-analysis of 110 studies.

Surgical resection for HCC remains a major curative treatment option, but it is unclear whether there are differences in outcomes by region and whether outcomes have improved over time. We aimed to estimate pooled overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and complication rates in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following curative surgical resection and to compare outcomes by region and by time period. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane databases from inception to May 15, 2020. We selected studies reporting OS, RFS, and complications in adult patients with HCC undergoing curative surgical resection. Two authors independently searched the literature and extracted the data. We screened 6983 articles and included 110 eligible studies with 82,392 patients, with study periods spanning from 1980-2017. The global pooled 1-year and 5-year survival rates were 88.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 87.1-90.4) and 56.2% (95% CI 52.8-59.6) for OS and 71.1% (95% CI 67.6-74.3) and 35.2% (95% CI 32.5-38.0) for RFS, respectively. Five-year OS was higher in Asia (57.03%) than in other regions (Europe 48.3%; North America 48.0%; and South America 49.5%); p = 0.002. Five-year RFS was higher in patients with hepatitis B virus versus patients with hepatitis C virus (34.8% vs. 24.1%; p = 0.02). There was no significant improvement in 5-year OS and RFS over time. The pooled rate for complications was 27.6% (95% CI 23.4-32.3), with 9.7% (95% CI 6.3-14.7) classified as major. One-year OS after surgical resection for HCC is excellent (~90%). However, 5-year OS (~55%) and RFS (~35%) are still poor, suggesting that long-term care is suboptimal. Greater efforts are required to improve survival through enhanced surveillance and preventing recurrence through antiviral therapy.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound for the Diagnosis of Colon Cancer.

We present a case of a 64-year-old gentleman for whom point of care ultrasound (POCUS) expedited the diagnosis and subsequent early treatment of colon adenocarcinoma. He was referred by his primary provider to our clinic for abdominal bloating. He had no other abdominal symptoms such as abdominal pain, change in bowel habits or rectal bleeding. He had no constitutional symptoms such as weight loss. The patient's abdominal examination was also unremarkable. However, POCUS identified a 6 cm long hypoechoic circumscribed colon wall thickening around the hyperechoic pattern of bowel lumen (Pseudokidney sign)1 in the right upper quadrant, which suggested the presence of an ascending colon carcinoma. In view of this prompt bedside diagnosis, we organised a colonoscopy, staging computerised tomographic scan and colorectal surgery consultation the next day. After the locally advanced colorectal carcinoma was confirmed, the patient had curative surgery within 3 weeks of his presentation to the clinic.

Brunner's Gland Adenoma-An Uncommon Cause for Intussusception and Gastric Outlet Obstruction.

Brunner's gland adenoma is extremely uncommon small bowel tumors with an incidence of <0.01% and account for less than 1% of all gastrointestinal tumors. They are branched acinotubular glands found within the submucosal layer and located between the pyloric ring and the major duodenal papilla. Brunner's glands produce an alkaline secretion containing viscous mucin to protect the duodenum from acidic gastric chyme. Although these lesions are usually asymptomatic and are incidentally discovered on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, they may occasionally present with symptoms of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, duodenal obstruction, and more rarely with biliary fistulation or intussusception. We present an atypical case of a large 9-cm Brunner's gland adenoma causing duodenojejunal intussusception in a 44-year-old Chinese man, who presented with long-standing epigastric pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Prediction of in-hospital mortality of Clostriodiodes difficile infection using critical care database: a big data-driven, machine learning approach.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES: Clostriodiodes difficile infection (CDI) is a major cause of healthcare-associated diarrhoea with high mortality. There is a lack of validated predictors for severe outcomes in CDI. The aim of this study is to derive and validate a clinical prediction tool for CDI in-hospital mortality using a large critical care database. METHODOLOGY: The demographics, clinical parameters, laboratory results and mortality of CDI were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-III (MIMIC-III) database. We subsequently trained three machine learning models: logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF) and gradient boosting machine (GBM) to predict in-hospital mortality. The individual performances of the models were compared against current severity scores (Clostridiodes difficile Associated Risk of Death Score (CARDS) and ATLAS (Age, Treatment with systemic antibiotics, leukocyte count, Albumin and Serum creatinine as a measure of renal function) by calculating area under receiver operating curve (AUROC). We identified factors associated with higher mortality risk in each model. SUMMARY OF RESULTS: From 61 532 intensive care unit stays in the MIMIC-III database, there were 1315 CDI cases. The mortality rate for CDI in the study cohort was 18.33%. AUROC was 0.69 (95% CI, 0.60 to 0.76) for LR, 0.71 (95% CI, 0.62 to 0.77) for RF and 0.72 (95% CI, 0.64 to 0.78) for GBM, while previously AUROC was 0.57 (95% CI, 0.51 to 0.65) for CARDS and 0.63 (95% CI, 0.54 to 0.70) for ATLAS. Albumin, lactate and bicarbonate were significant mortality factors for all the models. Free calcium, potassium, white blood cell, urea, platelet and mean blood pressure were present in at least two of the three models. CONCLUSION: Our machine learning derived CDI in-hospital mortality prediction model identified pertinent factors that can assist critical care clinicians in identifying patients at high risk of dying from CDI.

Review of the role of gastrointestinal multiplex polymerase chain reaction in the management of diarrheal illness.

Acute and chronic diarrheal illness secondary to gastrointestinal infection is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. A cornerstone of management includes prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment of culprit pathogens. Timely diagnosis can improve patient care, assist in infection control, and prevent disease outbreaks. Historical methods of diagnosis include traditional culture methods and stool analysis. These are limited by long turnaround time and inability to simultaneously assess multiple pathogens. The advent of multiplexed nucleic acid amplification tests first began with the Food and Drug Administration-approved respiratory virus multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) panel in 2009, followed by gastrointestinal infections in 2013, and neurological infections in 2014. We conducted a review of current literature pertaining to the clinical utility of a gastrointestinal multiplex PCR in management of acute and chronic diarrhea in patients. To date, seven platforms approved by the US Food and Drug Administration are used in detection of various bacterial, viral, and parasitic causative organisms for diagnosis of gastrointestinal infections. The sensitivity and specificity of each assay vary depending on the tested organism. Interpretation of a positive result has to be tailored to the clinical context. Further studies are required to establish the utility of gastrointestinal multiplex PCR from a cost-based perspective, whether specific enteropathogens such as Clostridioides difficile are better assessed with toxin gene detection and whether new parameters such as cycle threshold values can improve clinical application of test results.