Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic liver disease in which there are inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts leading to fibrosis, destruction and narrowing of the bile ducts, resulting in cholestasis. In the long run, PSC can cause liver cirrhosis and failure. In clinical practice, the diagnosis of PSC is generally based on blood tests and imaging studies (currently preferably magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography). To make a diagnosis of PSC it is necessary to exclude secondary causes of sclerosing cholangitis. The most common MRI features of PSC concerning bile ducts are: bile duct dilatation, beading, extrahepatic bile duct stenosis, wall enhancement and thickening. The most common MRI features of PSC concerning hepatic parenchyma are: rounded shape of the liver caused by hypertrophy of caudate lobe and left liver lobe, atrophy of the right lobe, enlargement of portal and/or portacaval lymph nodes, peripheral parenchymal inflammation, wedge-shaped confluent fibrosis, heterogeneity of the liver parenchyma, periportal oedema, cirrhosis with indirect signs of portal hypertension such as splenomegaly, ascites and collateral vasculature.

Auxiliary Structures-Assisted Radiotherapy Improvement for Advanced Left Breast Cancer

BackgroundTo improve the quality of plan for the radiation treatment of advanced left breast cancer by introducing the auxiliary structures (ASs) which are used to spare the regions with no intact delineated structures adjacent to the target volume.MethodsCT data from 20 patients with left-sided advanced breast cancer were selected. An AS designated as A1 was created to spare the regions of the aorta, pulmonary artery, superior vena ava, and contralateral tissue of the upper chest and neck, and another, designated as A2, was created in the regions of the cardia and fundus of the stomach, left liver lobe, and splenic flexure of the colon. IMRT and VMAT plans were created for cases with and without the use of the AS dose constraints in plan optimization. Dosimetric parameters of the target and organs at risk (OARs) were compared between the separated groups.ResultsWith the use of AS dose constraints, both the IMRT and VMAT plans were clinically acceptable and deliverable, even showing a slight improvement in dose distribution of both the target and OARs compared with the AS-unused plans. The ASs significantly realized the dose sparing for the regions and brought a better conformity index (p < 0.05) and homogeneity index (p < 0.05) in VMAT plans. In addition, the volume receiving at least 20 Gy (V20) for the heart (p < 0.05), V40 for the left lung (p < 0.05), and V40 for the axillary-lateral thoracic vessel juncture region (p < 0.05) were all lower in VMAT plans.ConclusionThe use of the defined AS dose constraints in plan optimization was effective in sparing the indicated regions, improving the target dose distribution, and sparing OARs for advanced left breast cancer radiotherapy, especially those that utilize VMAT plans.

Ventral Primary Hernia with Liver Content

Background. Herniation of the liver through the anterior abdominal wall is an extremely rare phenomenon. Most cases occur within an incisional hernia (mostly upper abdomen surgery or cardiac surgery). Only two reports mentioned liver herniation without previous abdominal incision. Case Presentation. We report the case of a 70-year-old woman presenting an epigastric swelling. Radiological findings showed a liver herniation in a primary ventral hernia. This case is the first to have been described requiring semiurgent hernia repair associated with partial liver resection. Conclusion. This case is, to the best of our knowledge, the first case of primary ventral hernia with liver content necessitating wedge resection of the left liver lobe.

Imaging manifestations of Caroli disease with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease: a case report and literature review

Background Both Caroli disease (CD) and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) are autosomal recessive disorders, which are more commonly found in infants and children, for whom surviving to adulthood is rare. Early diagnosis and intervention can improve the survival rate to some extent. This study adopted the case of a 26-year-old pregnant woman to explore the clinical and imaging manifestations and progress of CD concomitant with ARPKD to enable a better understanding of the disease. Case presentation A 26-year-old pregnant woman was admitted to our hospital for more than 2 months following the discovery of pancytopenia and increased creatinine. Ultrasonography detected an enlarged left liver lobe, widened hepatic portal vein, splenomegaly, and dilated splenic vein. In addition, both kidneys were obviously enlarged and sonolucent areas of varying sizes were visible, but color Doppler flow imaging revealed no abnormal blood flow signals. The gestational age was approximately 25 weeks, which was consistent with the actual fetal age. Polyhydramnios was detected but no other abnormalities were identified. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed that the liver was plump, and polycystic liver disease was observed near the top of the diaphragm. The T1 and T2 weighted images were the low and high signals, respectively. The bile duct was slightly dilated; the portal vein was widened; and the spleen volume was enlarged. Moreover, the volume of both kidneys had increased to an abnormal shape, with multiple, long, roundish T1 and T2 abnormal signals being observed. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed that intrahepatic cystic lesions were connected with intrahepatic bile ducts. The patient underwent a genetic testing, the result showed she carried two heterozygous mutations in PKHD1. The patient was finally diagnosed with CD with concomitant ARPKD. The baby underwent a genetic test three months after birth, the result showed that the patient carried one heterozygous mutations in PKHD1, which indicated the baby was a PKHD1 carrier. Conclusions This case demonstrates that imaging examinations are of great significance for the diagnosis and evaluation of CD with concomitant ARPKD.

Elastin-specific MRI of extracellular matrix-remodelling following hepatic radiofrequency-ablation in a VX2 liver tumor model

Hepatic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) induces a drastic alteration of the biomechanical environment in the peritumoral liver tissue. The resulting increase in matrix stiffness has been shown to significantly influence carcinogenesis and cancer progression after focal RF ablation. To investigate the potential of an elastin-specific MR agent (ESMA) for the assessment of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in the periablational rim following RFA in a VX2 rabbit liver tumor-model, twelve New-Zealand-White-rabbits were implanted in the left liver lobe with VX2 tumor chunks from donor animals. RFA of tumors was performed using a perfused RF needle-applicator with a mean tip temperature of 70 °C. Animals were randomized into four groups for MR imaging and scanned at four different time points following RFA (week 0 [baseline], week 1, week 2 and week 3 after RFA), followed by sacrifice and histopathological analysis. ESMA-enhanced MR imaging was used to assess ECM remodeling. Gadobutrol was used as a third-space control agent. Molecular MR imaging using an elastin-specific probe demonstrated a progressive increase in contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) (week 3: ESMA: 28.1 ± 6.0; gadobutrol: 3.5 ± 2.0), enabling non-invasive imaging of the peritumoral zone with high spatial-resolution, and accurate assessment of elastin deposition in the periablational rim. In vivo CNR correlated with ex vivo histomorphometry (ElasticaVanGiesson-stain, y = 1.2x − 1.8, R2 = 0.89, p < 0.05) and gadolinium concentrations at inductively coupled mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS, y = 0.04x + 1.2, R2 = 0.95, p < 0.05). Laser-ICP-MS confirmed colocalization of elastin-specific probe with elastic fibers. Following thermal ablation, molecular imaging using an elastin-specific MR probe is feasible and provides a quantifiable biomarker for the assessment of the ablation-induced remodeling of the ECM in the periablational rim.

Laparoscopic Management of Large Left Lobe Hepatic Hemangioma Presenting as Gastric Hemangioma on Radiology: A Case Report and Literature Review

Hepatic cavernous hemangiomas are the most common benign tumors of the liver. They can be found incidentally in the general population in up to 20% of the cases. On the other hand, gastric hemangioma is a very rare entity. These tumors account for only 0.05% of all gastrointestinal (GI) neoplasms. Hemangiomas have no malignant transformation potential. They are detected using CT-scan or MRI. Endoscopy can play a role in the differentiation of gastric from hepatic hemangiomas. Hepatic hemangioma can be associated with portal vein thrombosis as a mass effect resultant. Surgery is recommended for the treatment of symptomatic hemangiomas or giant ones (above 10cm). Laparoscopy is recommended for symptomatic hemangiomas less than 4cm or those who harbor a vascular pedicle. Here we present a case of a 50-year-old male presenting with a history of 1 month duration of epigastric pain and 5 kilograms of weight loss diagnosed on imaging studies with gastric hemangioma and partial portal vein thrombosis. Laparoscopic approach was adopted to deal with his condition. Intra-operatively, he was found to have hepatic hemangioma of around 10cm associated with complete atrophy of the left liver lobe. Decision was taken intra-operatively to carry a laparoscopic left hepatectomy regardless of all the challenges that pose laparoscopy in general for any hepatectomy. This decision was taken due to the presence of a vascular pedicle, which was clipped for hemostatic control.

Prevalence of and risk factors for stent migration-induced duodenal perforation

Background and study aims The safety of transpapillary biliary drainage by stent placement through endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) may be compromised by the occurrence of stent migration-induced perforation of the duodenal wall (SMDP). We aimed to assess the prevalence rate, risk factors and clinical course of SMDP. Patients and methods This retrospective cohort study included all patients who underwent an ERC with biliary plastic stent placement, between January 2014 and December 2018. Patients with an SMDP were identified from our endoscopy complication registry. Results 1227 patients underwent an ERC, of whom 629 patients (51 %) with biliary plastic stent placement; in 304 patients (25 %) stents were placed for perihilar strictures. Thirteen patients with SMDP were identified. The prevalence was 2.1 % for patients with biliary plastic stent placement and 4.3 % for patients stented for a perihilar stricture. All SMDPs occurred in patients with a perihilar stricture and with stents ≥ 12 cm (range 12–20 cm). Another potential risk factor was stent insertion into the left liver lobe, which was present in 10 of 13 patients. In 10 of 13 patients, SMDP was clinically suspected. Three of 13 patients were asymptomatic and diagnosed at elective stent retrieval. Eight patients could be endoscopically treated with an over-the-scope clip. Four patients died due to abdominal sepsis despite repeated interventions. Conclusion SMDP is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of ERC after transpapillary drainage for perihilar biliary strictures. Stents ≥ 12 cm and stent insertion into the left liver lobe may be associated risk factors.

Partial hepatectomy for treatment of multiple liver abscess in a calf: a case report

Background Umbilical vein bacterial infections may cause liver abscesses during bacterial ascent. A single liver abscess can be surgically treated by marsupialization, but a risk of recurrence or non-healing remains. Moreover, there is no effective treatment for multiple abscesses. Case presentation A 17-day-old Holstein female calf exhibited reduced general condition, swelling and drainage of the umbilicus, and pressure sores in the area of the carpus, resulting in reluctance to stand up. The umbilicus showed pain at palpation; deep abdominal palpation indicated a swollen umbilical vein coursing from the umbilicus toward the liver. Ultrasonography confirmed a swollen umbilical vein with pus accumulation and multiple abscesses in the liver. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) examination confirmed that the swollen umbilical vein with fluid continued to the liver, and multiple unenhanced lesions, most likely abscesses, were confirmed in the liver. Partial hepatectomy was performed to remove as many abscesses as possible. For the resection, a vessel sealing device (LigaSureTM) was used to excise a part of the left liver lobe. As we could not remove all the abscesses in the liver during the operation, cefazolin sodium (5 mg/kg) was administered for 14 days after surgery. Post-operatively, blood accumulation was observed in the abdominal cavity, but no signs of peritonitis were found. The calf returned to the farm on day 38 after surgery. Follow-up information was obtained after 1 year, and complications were not reported. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first report of partial hepatectomy using a vessel sealing device for a calf with multiple liver abscesses. This case report suggests that the combination of partial hepatectomy and long-term administration of antibacterial drugs may restore the health of calves with multiple liver abscesses.

A propósito de un caso: Resolución quirúrgica en dos tiempos de Pentalogía de Cantrell

BACKGROUND: Cantrell’s pentalogy includes the presence of five birth defects that represent a great challenge for surgeons. Abnormalities of the heart, pericardium, diaphragm, sternumand anterior abdominal wall are the main findings. Its incidence is low, however, it is essential to identify Cantrell´s pentalogy timely to adopt an adequate therapy for all specific defects, since it has high mortality. CASE REPORT: The patient was a full- term male newborn, with a history of abdominal wall defect compatible with an omphalocele detected by prenatal ultrasound. After the caesarean section, the abdominal wall defect was notable, the left liver lobe, intestines and heart emerged through it, the sternum also had a low fissure. The echocardiogram revealed a permeable oval foramen, mild tricuspid regurgitation, and severe pulmonary hypertension. EVOLUTION: Immediate surgical management was decided. Silo was placed, with progressive closure of the midline in 7 days. During the second surgical procedure, the diaphragmatic and pericardial defect was corrected with a bovine pericardial prosthesis. Despite the adequate evolution after surgery, at day 28 he presented with sudden cyanosis and didn’t respond to cardiopulmonary resuscitation and died. CONCLUSIONS: Cantrell’s Pentalogy is a rare disease, with peculiar clinical, anatomical and embryological characteristics, it represents a unique challenge for surgeons. Early diagnosis, as well as follow-up during pregnancy, planning a cesarean section in a high-level center and immediate surgical approach with a multidisciplinary team, are the key components in the management of patients with Cantrell’s Pentalogy. KEY WORDS: PENTALOGY OF CANTRELL, ECTOPIA CORDIS, UMBILICAL HERNIA. CONGENITAL.