Angiographic identification of extrahepatic perfusion after hepatic arterial pump placement: implications for surgical prevention

Background

Hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) chemotherapy is an effective treatment for patients with liver malignancy. Extrahepatic perfusion (EHP) after HAI pump placement requires correction prior to starting chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to define the origin of arterial branches causing EHP in order to determine if alterations in surgical technique during pump placement might prevent EHP.

Methods

A prospectively maintained, single-centre HAI database was reviewed for all patients (2008–2011) with EHP. The origin of arterial branches causing EHP was classified anatomically and patient outcomes were analysed.

Results

Of the 327 patients with pumps implanted, 24 evidenced EHP. The arterial branch responsible for EHP perfused the duodenum, pancreas and/or stomach. The branch responsible for EHP arose from the proper hepatic artery (PHA), 1^st, 2^nd, or 3^rd order hepatic artery branches in 7, 10, 5 and 2 patients, respectively. The majority of branches beyond the PHA causing EHP (13/17) originated from the right hepatic artery. In 18 patients, aberrant branches were successfully treated with embolization.

Conclusion

These findings provide the anatomic basis for prevention of up to one-third of the cases of EHP intra-operatively, decreasing the number of patients who will require additional procedures for correction of EHP post-operatively.     

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy presenting with acute sensorineural hearing loss in an intestinal transplant recipient

A 20‐year‐old male presented 3.5 years after intestinal transplantation with rapidly progressive sensorineural hearing loss. Initial brain imaging was consistent with inflammation and/or demyelination. Lumbar puncture was initially non‐diagnostic and a broad infectious workup was unrevealing. Three months after presentation, a repeat LP detected JC virus for which tests had not earlier been conducted. He continued to deteriorate despite withdrawal of prior immunosuppression and addition of mirtazapine, maraviroc, and steroids. He died of progressive neurologic decompensation 5 months after his initial presentation. This case highlights progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) as a rare complication after solid organ transplantation and acute sensorineural hearing loss as an unusual first presenting symptom of PML. JC virus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute sensorineural hearing loss in any immunocompromised patient.     

Long-Term Maintenance Therapy Using Rituximab-Induced Continuous B-Cell Depletion in Patients with ANCA Vasculitis

Background and objectives

Remission in the majority of ANCA vasculitis patients is not sustained after a single course of rituximab, and risk of relapse warrants development of a successful strategy to ensure durable remission.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

A retrospective analysis of ANCA vasculitis patients who underwent maintenance therapy using rituximab-induced continuous B-cell depletion for up to 7 years was performed. Maintenance therapy with rituximab was initiated after achieving remission or converting from other prior maintenance therapy. Continuous B-cell depletion was achieved in all patients by scheduled rituximab administration every 4 months. Disease activity, serologic parameters, adverse events, and survival were examined.

Results

In the study, 172 patients (mean age=60 years, 55% women, 57% myeloperoxidase–ANCA) treated from April of 2006 to March of 2013 underwent continuous B-cell depletion with rituximab. Median remission maintenance follow-up time was 2.1 years. Complete remission (Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score [BVAS]=0) was achieved in all patients. Major relapse (BVAS≥3) occurred in 5% of patients and was associated with weaning of other immunosuppression drugs. Remission was reinduced in all patients. Survival mirrored survival of a general age-, sex-, and ethnicity-matched United States population.

Conclusion

This analysis provides evidence for long-term disease control using continuous B-cell depletion. This treatment strategy in ANCA vasculitis patients also seems to result in survival rates comparable with rates in a matched reference population. These findings suggest that prospective remission maintenance treatment trials using continuous B-cell depletion are warranted.