Prospective evaluation of immune haemolysis in liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Immune haemolysis in liver transplant (LT) can occur due to autoantibodies and alloantibodies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for immune haemolysis in LT. METHODS: A total of 175 consecutive patients were included. Multiorgan recipients were excluded. Samples, from before LT, seven consecutive days and weekly for 4 weeks, were evaluated for haemolysis and immunohaematological tests. SPSS 24 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Nine patients (5·1%) presented positive antibody screen (AS) before LT, (2·3% clinically significant), more frequent in RhD-negative (P = 0·017). Positive DAT occurred in 53 (30·3%) and was related to high MELD score (P = 0·048), HCV (P = 0·005) and furosemide use (P = 0·001). Positive AS after LT occurred in 22 patients (12·5%), with nine (5·7%) clinically significant antibodies. Positive AS occurred more frequently in RhD negative (P = 0·021) and in those transfused (P = 0·022). Post-transplant positive DAT was associated with piperacillin-tazobactam use (P = 0·021) and minor ABO incompatibility (P = 0·0038). Five patients presented passenger lymphocyte syndrome (PLS), all received liver-graft O, four presented haemolysis, and three were transfused due to PLS. CONCLUSION: Auto- and alloantibodies against red blood cell antigens are frequent in LT, but the frequency of immune haemolysis was only 2·8%. The only risk factor for PLS was minor ABO mismatch.

Left Gastric Vein Direct Anastomosis as Alternative to Portal Flow Reconstruction in Liver Transplantation.

Introduction: The most relevant limiting factor for performing end-to-end anastomosis is portal vein thrombosis (PVT), which leads to challenging vascular reconstructions. This study aimed to analyze a single center's experience using the left gastric vein (LGV) for portal flow reconstruction in liver transplantation (LT). Methods: This retrospective observational study reviewed laboratory and imaging tests, a description of the surgical technique, and outpatient follow-up of patients with portal system thrombosis undergoing LT with portal flow reconstruction using the LGV. This study was conducted at a single transplant reference center in the northeast region of Brazil from January 2016 to December 2021. Results: Between January 2016 and December 2021, 848 transplants were performed at our center. Eighty-two patients (9.7%) presented with PVT, most of whom were treated with thrombectomy. Nine patients (1.1% with PVT) had extensive thrombosis of the portal system (Yerdel III or IV), which required end-to-side anastomosis between the portal vein and the LGV without graft, and had no intraoperative complications. All patients had successful portal flow in Doppler ultrasound control evaluations. Discussion: The goal was to reestablish physiological flow to the graft. A surgical strategy includes using the LGV graft. According to our reports, using LGV fulfilled the requirements for excellent vascular anastomosis and even allowed the dispensing of venous grafts. This is the largest case series in a single center of reconstruction of portal flow with direct anastomosis with the LGV without needing a vascular graft.

Extended left hepatectomy associated with resection of the vena cava and suprahepatic veins by in situ perfusion to treat intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Cholangiocarcinoma is a heterogeneous group of aggressive tumors that correspond to the second most common primary liver tumor. They can be classified according to their anatomical position concerning the biliary tree, and each subtype demonstrates different behavior and treatment. A 38-year-old male patient presenting solely right lumbar pain was diagnosed with a 7 cm hepatic tumor involving segments I, Iva, and VIII associated with involvement of the hepatic veins. He underwent a bloc resection of hepatic segments I, II, III, IV, partial V, partial VII, and VIII; right, middle, and left hepatic veins; and inferior vena cava segment, with perfusion of the remaining liver in situ with a preservation solution. As the patient had a large accessory inferior right hepatic vein draining the remaining liver, no reimplantation of hepatic veins was necessary. He remained clinically stable in outpatient follow-up, with excellent performance status-current survival of 2 years 6 months after surgical treatment.

LIVER TRANSPLANT FOR METASTATIC NEUROENDOCRINE TUMORS: A SINGLE-CENTER REPORT.

BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine tumors are rare neoplasms of uncertain biological behavior. The liver is one of the most common sites of metastases, occurring in 50% of patients with metastatic disease. AIMS: To analyze a clinical series in liver transplant of patients with neuroendocrine tumors metastases. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study, based on the review of medical records of patients undergoing liver transplants due to neuroendocrine tumor metastases in a single center in northeast Brazil, over a period of 20 years (January 2001 to December 2021). RESULTS: During the analyzed period, 2,000 liver transplants were performed, of which 11 were indicated for liver metastases caused by neuroendocrine tumors. The mean age at diagnosis was 45.09±14.36 years (26-66 years) and 72.7% of cases were females. The most common primary tumor site was in the gastrointestinal tract in 64% of cases. Even after detailed investigation, three patients had no primary tumor site identified (27%). Overall survival after transplantation at one month was 90%, at one year was 70%, and five year, 45.4%. Disease-free survival rate was 72.7% at one year and 36.3% at five years. CONCLUSIONS: Liver transplantation is a treatment modality with good overall survival and disease-free survival results in selected patients with unresectable liver metastases from neuroendocrine tumors. However, a rigorous selection of patients is necessary to obtain better results and the ideal time for transplant indication is still a controversial topic in the literature.

Liver transplant in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis: A retrospective cohort from Northeastern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) manifests within a broad ethnic and racial spectrum, reflecting different levels of access to health care. AIM: To evaluate the clinical profile, complications and survival rates of patients with PSC undergoing liver transplantation (LTx) at a Brazilian reference center. METHODS: All patients diagnosed with PSC before or after LTx were included. The medical records were reviewed for demographic and clinical variables, including outcomes and survival. The level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Our cohort represented 1.6% (n = 34) of the 2113 patients receiving liver grafts at our service over the past two decades. Most were male (n = 19; 56%). The average age (40 ± 14 years) was similar for men and women (P = 0.347). The mean follow-up time from diagnosis to LTx was 68 mo. Most patients had the classic form of PSC. Three women had PSC/autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome, and one patient had small-duct PSC. Alkaline phosphatase levels at diagnosis and pre-LTx model for end-stage liver disease. scores were significantly higher in males. Inflammatory bowel research (IBD) was investigated by colonoscopy in 26/34 (76%) and was present in most cases (18/26; 69%). IBD was less common in women than in men (44.4% vs. 55.6%) (P = 0.692). Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) was diagnosed in 2/34 (5.9%) patients by histopathology of the explant (survival: 3 years 6 mo, and 4 years 11 mo). Two patients had complications requiring a second LTx (one after 7 d due to hepatic artery thrombosis and one after 17 d due to primary graft dysfunction). Five patients (14.7%) developed biliary stricture. The overall median post-LTx survival was 66 mo. Most deaths occurred in the first year (infection n = 2, primary liver graft dysfunction n = 3, unknown cause n = 1). The 1-year and 5-year survival rates of this cohort were 82.3% and 70.6%, respectively, matching the mean overall survival rates of LTx patients at our center (87.1% and 69.43%, respectively) (P = 0.83). CONCLUSION: Survival after 1 and 5 years was similar to that of other LTx indications. The observed CCA survival rate suggests CCA may be an indication for LTx in selected cases.

PRELIMINARY DATA ON LIVER TRANSPLANTATION IN HYDATIDOSIS DISEASE.

AIM: Hydatidosis is a rare and endemic parasitic disease in Brazil that causes the proliferation of cysts mainly in the liver, leading to many complications, such as compression of vessels and biliary ducts, liver failure, portal hypertension, and cirrhosis. The treatment of choice is the resection of the lesions combined with albendazole therapy. This disease is a rare indication for liver transplantation, a feasible treatment option in more advanced stages. The purpose of this study was to describe two cases of patients from northern Brazil who underwent liver transplantation due to hepatic hydatidosis. METHODS: This is a retrospective study with data collected from medical records. RESULTS: Case 1: A 51-year-old female patient presented pain in the right hypochondriac, dyspepsia, consumptive syndrome, and obstructive jaundice, with a previous diagnosis of Caroli's disease with no possibility of surgical resection and a MELD score of 24. She underwent liver transplantation, and the anatomopathological result demonstrated hydatidosis. Case 2: A 52-year-old female patient presented multiple episodes of cholangitis in 30 years, with three liver resections and clinical treatment with albendazole for hydatidosis. She underwent liver transplantation due to recurrent cholangitis with a MELD score of 20. Both patients underwent post-transplant clinical therapy with albendazole, had good outcomes, and remain in follow-up without complications after 5 and 96 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: The patients benefited from the procedure and have a good prognosis due to the absence of metastasis, early reintroduction of antiparasitic drugs, and continuous follow-up.

LIVER TRANSPLANTATION IN HIV PATIENTS: A CASE SERIES FROM THE NORTHEAST REGION OF BRAZIL.

BACKGROUND: The emergence of potent combined highly active antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 1996 changed the natural history of HIV infection, with a significant reduction in mortality due to opportunistic infections but increased morbidity due to chronic cardiovascular, hepatic, and renal diseases. In May 2016, a reference center for liver transplantation in the Northeast of Brazil performed the first liver transplantations (LT) in HIV patients, with five others until 2021. METHODS: The criteria for selection of LT were good adherence and absence of resistance to ART, HIV viral load maximum suppression, T-CD4+ lymphocyte count of more than 100 cells/mm3, and absence of opportunistic infections in the last 6 months. RESULTS: Six liver transplants were performed between May 2016 and May 2021, five men, with a mean age of 53.2 years, and one was a diabetic patient. All patients had access to grafts with short cold ischemia with a mean time of 5 hours and 39 minutes. The 4-month survival rate was 100%, with a range time of follow-up of 4-63 months (mean time of 31 months). The mean pre-transplant T-CD4+ lymphocyte count was 436 cells/mm3. The mean length of hospital stay after transplantation was 16.8 days. One patient presented precocious vena cava thrombosis; another had stenosis of cavocaval anastomosis leading to refractory ascites, renal failure and post-transplant graft dysfunction, and another presented stenosis of choledochal anastomosis. Immunosuppression and prophylaxis were used according to standard protocols, and there were no differences in the profile of infections or rejection after liver transplantation. CONCLUSION: This case series documents good survival and usual transplant procedures for confirmed HIV cases.

PANCREATECTOMY AND HEPATECTOMY: A COMBINED SURGICAL RESECTION OF PSEUDOPAPILLARY SOLID TUMOR OF PANCREAS ASSOCIATED WITH HEPATIC METASTASIS.

BACKGROUND: Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas has been frequently reported in the past two decades. Surgery remains the treatment of choice, with the liver being the most frequent site of metastases. AIMS: The study aimed to present an option of surgical treatment for an 18-year-old female patient with a solid lesion in the body and tail of the pancreas associated with metastatic lesions in both hepatic lobes. METHODS: Two surgical procedures were scheduled. In the first procedure, body-caudal pancreatectomy with splenectomy was performed, associated with the resection of three lesions of the liver's left lobe. A right hepatectomy was performed 6 months later, progressing without complications. RESULTS: The patient continues without clinical complaints on the last return, and abdominal magnetic resonance performed 28 months after the second procedure does not show liver or abdominal cavity lesions. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge on the biological behavior of tumors, evolution, and recurrence risks allows the indication of more rational surgical techniques that best benefit patients.

Organ Transplant From SARS-CoV-2-Positive Donors: A Brazilian Experience.

Since March 2022, donors with detectable SARS-CoV-2 RNA have been accepted for extrapulmonary organ transplants in Brazil. In this report, we described 11 successful organ transplants (6 kidney, 5 liver) from 5 asymptomatic infected donors.

RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HEPATIC ARTERY THROMBOSIS: ANALYSIS OF 1050 LIVER TRANSPLANTS.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic artery thrombosis is an important cause of graft loss and ischemic biliary complications. The risk factors have been related to technical aspects of arterial anastomosis and non-surgical ones. AIM: To evaluate the risk factors for the development of hepatic artery thrombosis. METHODS: The sample consisted of 1050 cases of liver transplant. A retrospective and cross-sectional study was carried out, and the variables studied in both donor and recipient. RESULTS: Univariate analysis indicated that the variables related to hepatic artery thrombosis are: MELD (p=0.04) and warm time ischemia (p=0.005). In the multivariate analysis MELD=14.5 and warm ischemia time =35 min were independent risk factors for hepatic artery thrombosis. In the prevalence ratio test for analysis of the anastomosis as a variable, it was observed that patients with continuous suture had an increase in thrombosis when compared to interrupted suture. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged warm ischemia time, calculated MELD and recipient age were independent risk factors for hepatic artery thrombosis after liver transplantation in adults. Transplanted patients with continuous suture had an increase in thrombosis when compared to interrupted suture. Re-transplantation due to hepatic artery thrombosis was associated with higher recipient mortality.

Donor Choriocarcinoma Transmission From Solid Organ Transplantation: A Case Report.

Transplantation of any organ has some inherent risk of disease transmission, such as infection and malignancy. The present study aims to describe 2 cases of choriocarcinoma transmission after kidney and liver transplantation originating from the same patient. The donor was a 17-year-old woman who died of cerebral hemorrhage. Both organ recipients died of metastatic choriocarcinoma few months after the transplantation, within days after starting chemotherapy. Retrospective hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin hormone) analysis in donor's blood stored at the time of donation had a result of 9324 mIU/mL. Despite its rarity, clinicians should be aware of the risk of transplant-related choriocarcinoma from female donors in childbearing age. In some cases, hCG dosage should be performed before donation.

BRAZILIAN CONSENSUS ON INCIDENTAL GALLBLADDER CARCINOMA.

BACKGROUND: Incidental gallbladder cancer is defined as a cancer discovered by histological examination after cholecystectomy. It is a potentially curable disease. However, some questions related to their management remain controversial and a defined strategy is associated with better prognosis. AIM: To develop the first evidence-based consensus for management of patients with incidental gallbladder cancer in Brazil. METHODS: Sixteen questions were selected, and 36 Brazilian and International members were included to the answer them. The statements were based on current evident literature. The final report was sent to the members of the panel for agreement assessment. RESULTS: Intraoperative evaluation of the specimen, use of retrieval bags and routine histopathology is recommended. Complete preoperative evaluation is necessary and the reoperation should be performed once final staging is available. Evaluation of the cystic duct margin and routine 16b1 lymph node biopsy is recommended. Chemotherapy should be considered and chemoradiation therapy if microscopically positive surgical margins. Port site should be resected exceptionally. Staging laparoscopy before reoperation is recommended, but minimally invasive radical approach only in specialized minimally invasive hepatopancreatobiliary centers. The extent of liver resection is acceptable if R0 resection is achieved. Standard lymph node dissection is required for T2 tumors and above, but common bile duct resection is not recommended routinely. CONCLUSIONS: It was possible to prepare safe recommendations as guidance for incidental gallbladder carcinoma, addressing the most frequent topics of everyday work of digestive and general surgeons.

LIVER TRANSPLANTATION FOR BILE DUCT INJURY AFTER CHOLECYSTECTOMY.

BACKGROUND: Bile duct injury is a life-threatening complication that requires proper management to prevent the onset of negative outcomes. Patients may experience repeated episodes of cholangitis, secondary biliary cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease and death. OBJECTIVE: To report a single center experience in iatrogenic secondary liver transplantation after cholecystectomy and review the literature. METHODS: This was a retrospective single center study. Of the 1662 liver transplantation realized, 10 (0.60 %) were secondary to iatrogenic bile ducts injuries due cholecystectomies. Medical records of these patients were reviewed in this study. RESULTS: Nine of 10 patients were women; the median time in waiting list and between cholecystectomy and inclusion in waiting list was of 222 days and of 139.9 months, respectively. Cholecystectomy was performed by open approach in eight (80%) cases and by laparoscopic approach in two (20%) cases. The patients underwent an average of 3.5 surgeries and procedures before liver transplantation. Biliary reconstruction was realized with a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy in nine (90%) cases. Mean operative time was 447.2 minutes and the median red blood cell transfusion was 3.4 units per patient. Mortality in the first month was of 30%. CONCLUSION: Although the liver transplantation is an extreme treatment for an initially benign disease, it has its well-defined indications in treatment of bile duct injuries after cholecystectomy, either in acute or chronic scenario.

LIVER TRANSPLANTATION IN HEPATITIS DELTA: SOUTH AMERICA EXPERIENCE.

BACKGROUND: The Amazon region is one of the main endemic areas of hepatitis delta in the world and the only one related to the presence of genotype 3 of the delta virus. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the profile, mortality and survival of cirrhotic patients submitted to liver transplantation for chronic hepatitis delta virus and compare with those transplanted by hepatitis B virus monoinfection. METHODS: Retrospective, observational and descriptive study. From May 2002 to December 2011, 629 liver transplants were performed at the Walter Cantídio University Hospital, of which 29 patients were transplanted due to cirrhosis caused by chronic delta virus infection and 40 by hepatitis B chronic monoinfection. The variables analyzed were: age, sex, MELD score, Child-Pugh score, upper gastrointestinal bleeding and hepatocellular carcinoma occurrence before the transplantation, perioperative platelet count, mortality and survival. RESULTS: The Delta Group was younger and all came from the Brazilian Amazon Region. Group B presented a higher proportion of male patients (92.5%) compared to Group D (58.6%). The occurrence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding before transplantation, MELD score, and Child-Pugh score did not show statistical differences between groups. The occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma and mortality were higher in the hepatitis B Group. The survival in 4 years was 95% in the Delta Group and 75% in the B Group, with a statistically significant difference (P=0.034). Patients with hepatitis delta presented more evident thrombocytopenia in the pre-transplantation and in the immediate postoperative period. CONCLUSION: The hepatitis by delta virus patients who underwent liver transplantation were predominantly male, coming from the Brazilian Amazon region and with similar liver function to the hepatitis B virus patients. They had a lower incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma, more marked perioperative thrombocytopenia levels and frequent episodes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients with hepatitis by delta virus had lower mortality and higher survival than patients with hepatitis B virus.

Liver transplant for metastatic neuroendocrine tumors: a single-center report / Transplante de fígado para tumores neuroendócrinos metastáticos: série de casos

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine tumors are rare neoplasms of uncertain biological behavior. The liver is one of the most common sites of metastases, occurring in 50% of patients with metastatic disease. AIMS: To analyze a clinical series in liver transplant of patients with neuroendocrine tumors metastases. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study, based on the review of medical records of patients undergoing liver transplants due to neuroendocrine tumor metastases in a single center in northeast Brazil, over a period of 20 years (January 2001 to December 2021). RESULTS: During the analyzed period, 2,000 liver transplants were performed, of which 11 were indicated for liver metastases caused by neuroendocrine tumors. The mean age at diagnosis was 45.09±14.36 years (26-66 years) and 72.7% of cases were females. The most common primary tumor site was in the gastrointestinal tract in 64% of cases. Even after detailed investigation, three patients had no primary tumor site identified (27%). Overall survival after transplantation at one month was 90%, at one year was 70%, and five year, 45.4%. Disease-free survival rate was 72.7% at one year and 36.3% at five years. CONCLUSIONS: Liver transplantation is a treatment modality with good overall survival and disease-free survival results in selected patients with unresectable liver metastases from neuroendocrine tumors. However, a rigorous selection of patients is necessary to obtain better results and the ideal time for transplant indication is still a controversial topic in the literature.

RESUMO RACIONAL: Os tumores neuroendócrinos são neoplasias raras de comportamento biológico incerto. O fígado é um local comum de metástase, ocorrendo em 50% dos pacientes com doença metastática. OBJETIVOS: Analisar casuística de transplante hepático por metástases de tumores neuroendócrinos. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo retrospectivo com revisão de prontuários de pacientes submetidos a transplante hepático por metástases de tumores neuroendócrinos em um único centro no Nordeste do Brasil durante 20 anos (janeiro de 2001 a dezembro de 2021). RESULTADOS: Durante o período analisado, foram realizados 2.000 transplantes hepático, sendo 11 indicados por metástases hepáticas de tumores neuroendócrinos. A média de idade ao diagnóstico foi de 45,09±14,36 anos (26-66 anos) e 72,7% dos casos eram do sexo feminino. O local do tumor primário mais comum foi o trato gastrointestinal (64% dos casos). Após detalhada investigação, três pacientes não tiveram o local do tumor primário identificado (27%). A sobrevida global um mês e após um ano do transplante foi de 90 e 70%, respectivamente. A sobrevida após 5 anos foi de 45,4%. A taxa de sobrevida livre de doença foi de 72,7% no primeiro ano e 36,3% em cinco anos. CONCLUSÕES: O transplante hepático é uma modalidade de tratamento com bons resultados de sobrevida global e sobrevida livre de doença, em pacientes selecionados com metástases hepáticas irressecáveis de tumores neuroendócrinos. No entanto, a seleção rigorosa dos pacientes é necessária para obter melhores resultados e o momento ideal para a indicação do transplante ainda é um tema controverso na literatura.

Preliminary data on liver transplantation in hydatidosis disease / Dados preliminares de transplante hepático em hidatidose

ABSTRACT - BACKGROUND: Hydatidosis is a rare and endemic parasitic disease in Brazil that causes the proliferation of cysts mainly in the liver, leading to many complications, such as compression of vessels and biliary ducts, liver failure, portal hypertension, and cirrhosis. The treatment of choice is the resection of the lesions combined with albendazole therapy. This disease is a rare indication for liver transplantation, a feasible treatment option in more advanced stages. AIM: The purpose of this study was to describe two cases of patients from northern Brazil who underwent liver transplantation due to hepatic hydatidosis. METHODS: This is a retrospective study with data collected from medical records. RESULTS: Case 1: A 51-year-old female patient presented pain in the right hypochondriac, dyspepsia, consumptive syndrome, and obstructive jaundice, with a previous diagnosis of Caroli's disease with no possibility of surgical resection and a MELD score of 24. She underwent liver transplantation, and the anatomopathological result demonstrated hydatidosis. Case 2: A 52-year-old female patient presented multiple episodes of cholangitis in 30 years, with three liver resections and clinical treatment with albendazole for hydatidosis. She underwent liver transplantation due to recurrent cholangitis with a MELD score of 20. Both patients underwent post-transplant clinical therapy with albendazole, had good outcomes, and remain in follow-up without complications after 5 and 96 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: The patients benefited from the procedure and have a good prognosis due to the absence of metastasis, early reintroduction of antiparasitic drugs, and continuous follow-up.

RESUMO - RACIONAL: A hidatidose é uma doença parasitária rara, endêmica no Brasil, que causa a proliferação de cistos, principalmente no fígado, levando a muitas complicações, como compressão de vasos e ductos biliares, hipertensão portal e cirrose. O tratamento ideal é a ressecção cirúrgica das lesões combinada à terapia com albendazol. Essa doença é uma rara indicação para o transplante hepático, que é um possível tratamento para estágios avançados. OBJETIVO: Descrever dois casos de pacientes provenientes da região Norte do Brasil, que foram submetidos a transplante hepático por hidatidose hepática. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo com coleta de dados de prontuários. RESULTADOS: Caso 1: Paciente do sexo feminino de 51 anos, apresentava dor em hipocôndrio direito, sintomas dispépticos, síndrome consumptiva e icterícia obstrutiva, com diagnóstico inicial de doença de Caroli sem possibilidade de ressecção cirúrgica e com MELD 24. Foi submetida a transplante hepático, e o resultado anatomopatológico do explante evidenciou hidatidose. Caso 2: Paciente do sexo feminino de 52 anos, apresentava há cerca de 30 anos, múltiplos episódios de colangite, com realização de três ressecções hepáticas e tratamento clínico com albendazol para hidatidose. Foi submetida a transplante hepático por equinococose alveolar difusa, com situação especial por colangite de repetição, com MELD 20. Ambas fizeram tratamento clínico pós transplante com albendazol, apresentaram boas evoluções e permanecem em acompanhamento sem complicações após 5 e 96 meses, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: As pacientes se beneficiaram do procedimento e têm bom prognóstico, devido à ausência de metástases, reintrodução precoce das drogas antiparasitárias e acompanhamento contínuo.

Transplante hepático em pacientes portadores de HIV: série de casos da região nordeste do Brasil / Liver transplantation in hiv patients: a case series from the northeast region of brazil

ABSTRACT Background: The emergence of potent combined highly active antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 1996 changed the natural history of HIV infection, with a significant reduction in mortality due to opportunistic infections but increased morbidity due to chronic cardiovascular, hepatic, and renal diseases. In May 2016, a reference center for liver transplantation in the Northeast of Brazil performed the first liver transplantations (LT) in HIV patients, with five others until 2021. Methods: The criteria for selection of LT were good adherence and absence of resistance to ART, HIV viral load maximum suppression, T-CD4+ lymphocyte count of more than 100 cells/mm3, and absence of opportunistic infections in the last 6 months. Results: Six liver transplants were performed between May 2016 and May 2021, five men, with a mean age of 53.2 years, and one was a diabetic patient. All patients had access to grafts with short cold ischemia with a mean time of 5 hours and 39 minutes. The 4-month survival rate was 100%, with a range time of follow-up of 4-63 months (mean time of 31 months). The mean pre-transplant T-CD4+ lymphocyte count was 436 cells/mm3. The mean length of hospital stay after transplantation was 16.8 days. One patient presented precocious vena cava thrombosis; another had stenosis of cavocaval anastomosis leading to refractory ascites, renal failure and post-transplant graft dysfunction, and another presented stenosis of choledochal anastomosis. Immunosuppression and prophylaxis were used according to standard protocols, and there were no differences in the profile of infections or rejection after liver transplantation. Conclusion: This case series documents good survival and usual transplant procedures for confirmed HIV cases.

RESUMO Contexto: A emergência da terapia antirretroviral de alta potência, em 1996, mudou a história natural da infecção por HIV, com redução significativa de mortalidade por infecções oportunistas, mas com aumento de morbidade por doenças crônicas cardiovasculares, hepáticas e renais. Em maio de 2016, um centro de referência em transplante hepático no Nordeste do Brasil realizou o primeiro transplante hepático em portadores de HIV, com cinco outros até 2021. Métodos: Os critérios de seleção para o transplante hepático foram: boa aderência e ausência de resistência à terapia antirretroviral, carga viral indetectável, contagem de linfócitos T-CD4+ acima de 100/ mm3 e ausência de infecções oportunistas nos últimos 6 meses. Resultados: Seis transplantes hepáticos foram feitos em portadores de HIV entre maio de 2016 e maio de 2021, cinco homens, com idade média de 53,2 anos, um paciente diabético. Todos os pacientes tiveram acesso a enxertos com tempo de isquemia fria curto com média de 5 horas e 39 minutos. A sobrevida em 4 meses foi de 100%, com tempo de acompanhamento de 4-63 meses (média de 31 meses). A contagem média de linfócitos T-CD4+ pré-transplante foi de 436 células/ mm3. A média de tempo de internação foi de 16,8 dias. Um paciente teve trombose de veia cava proximal; outro teve estenose de anastomose cavo-caval, levando à ascite refratária, falência renal e disfunção de enxerto pós-transplante; e outro teve estenose de anastomose do colédoco. A imunossupressão e a profilaxia foram usadas de acordo com protocolos padrão e não houve diferenças no perfil de infecções ou de rejeição pós-transplante. Conclusão: Esta casuística ilustra que o transplante de fígado em portadores do HIV apresenta complicações usuais e sobrevida satisfatória.

Pancreatectomy and hepatectomy: a combined surgical resection of pseudopapillary solid tumor of pancreas associated with hepatic metastasis / Pancreatectomy and hepatectomy: ressecção cirúrgica combinada de tumor pseudopapilar sólido do pâncreas com metástases hepáticas

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas has been frequently reported in the past two decades. Surgery remains the treatment of choice, with the liver being the most frequent site of metastases. AIMS: The study aimed to present an option of surgical treatment for an 18-year-old female patient with a solid lesion in the body and tail of the pancreas associated with metastatic lesions in both hepatic lobes. METHODS: Two surgical procedures were scheduled. In the first procedure, body-caudal pancreatectomy with splenectomy was performed, associated with the resection of three lesions of the liver's left lobe. A right hepatectomy was performed 6 months later, progressing without complications. RESULTS: The patient continues without clinical complaints on the last return, and abdominal magnetic resonance performed 28 months after the second procedure does not show liver or abdominal cavity lesions. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge on the biological behavior of tumors, evolution, and recurrence risks allows the indication of more rational surgical techniques that best benefit patients.

RESUMO RACIONAL: O tumor sólido pseudopapilar do pâncreas tem sido relatado na literatura com mais frequência nas últimas duas décadas. A cirurgia continua sendo o tratamento indicado, sendo o fígado o local mais frequente de metástases. OBJETIVOS: Apresentar a opção de tratamento cirúrgico de paciente feminino, 18 anos, com lesão sólida no corpo e cauda do pâncreas associada a lesões metastáticas em ambos os lobos hepáticos. MÉTODOS: Dois procedimentos cirúrgicos foram agendados. No primeiro procedimento foi realizada pancreatectomia corpo-caudal com esplenectomia, associada à ressecção de 3 lesões do lobo esquerdo do fígado. A hepatectomia direita foi realizada seis meses após, evoluindo sem complicações. RESULTADOS: O paciente continua sem queixas clínicas no último retorno, e a ressonância magnética do abdomem realizada 28 meses após o segundo procedimento não mostra lesões hepáticas ou na cavidade abdominal. CONCLUSÕES: O conhecimento do comportamento biológico dos tumores, a evolução e os riscos de recidiva, permitem a indicação de técnicas cirúrgicas mais racionais e que melhor beneficiam os pacientes.

Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 1α-Mutated Hepatocellular Adenomas: An Atypical Presentation.

Hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs) are rare benign monoclonal hepatic tumors that commonly occur in females (3-4 per 100,000 women) due to the use of oral contraceptives, its primary risk factor. Recently, HCAs have been classified into 4 distinct subtypes according to genotypic and phenotypic characteristics and clinical features: inflammatory HCA (40-50%), which are hypervascular with marked peliosis and a tendency to bleed; hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α (HNF1A)-mutated HCA (H-HCA, 30-40%) that are diffusely steatotic and rarely undergo malignant transformation; ß-catenin activated HCA (10-15%), which frequently undergo malignant transformation and may seem hepatocellular carcinoma on imaging; and unclassified HCA (10-25%). In this study, we report the case of a 23-year-old female oral contraceptive user with H-HCA. Usually, H-HCA is considered to be nonsevere in most cases and often requires outpatient follow-up. However, in this case, the injury had substantially increased in volume and evolved with a major bleeding frame, which was an unusual finding for this subtype of adenoma. The therapeutic used for this patient was a laparoscopic left hepatic segmentectomy. Thus, the choice of treatment to be performed in a patient with H-HCA can depend on the tumor size (>5 cm), the outcome of previous bleeding, and the risk of bleeding recurrence.