Liver Transplantation After Acute Portal Vein Thrombosis: Case Report

BackgroundPortal vein thrombosis is a relatively frequent complication in patients with liver cirrhosis. Its detection and management are essential to avoid worsening portal hypertension or liver function complications. This complication can also negatively impact or even preclude liver transplant.Case presentationWe report the case of a patient who presented with acute portal vein thrombosis, which allowed the diagnosis of liver cirrhosis and hepatocarcinoma within the Milan criteria. Chemical thrombolysis was performed with a mechanical aspiration of the thrombus, and in a second moment, the patient was submitted to a liver transplant.ConclusionsAdvances in the therapeutic approach to portal vein thrombosis and surgical techniques have allowed the condition to no longer be an absolute contraindication to liver transplantation. Diagnosis in the acute phase is associated with greater therapeutic success, aiming to avoid the extension of thrombosis and achieve portal vein recanalization.     

神经外科术后并发静脉血栓栓塞症的危险因素及其护理

目的 探讨神经外科手术后静脉血栓栓塞症形成的危险因素及护理措施。方法 回顾性分析22例下肢深静脉血栓形成（DVT）和3例肺栓塞（PE）患者的临床资料。结果 患者高龄、并存疾病、手木及应用脱水药物等是DVT和PE的危险因素。结论 对于神经外科手术后并存深静脉血栓栓塞症危险因素患者应提高警惕，一旦确诊，尽早实施抗凝、促溶药物加手术的综合治疗，并进行系统的护理，以提高患者生活质量。     

神经外科术后并发静脉血栓栓塞症的危险因素及其护理

目的 探讨神经外科手术后静脉血栓栓塞症形成的危险因素及护理措施.方法 回顾性分析22例下肢深静脉血栓形成(DVT)和3例肺栓塞(PE)患者的临床资料.结果 患者高龄、并存疾病、手术及应用脱水药物等是DVT和PE的危险因素.结论 对于神经外科手术后并存深静脉血栓栓塞症危险因素患者应提高警惕,一旦确诊,尽早实施抗凝、促溶药物加手术的综合治疗,并进行系统的护理,以提高患者生活质量.     

Intrahepatic Segmental Portal Vein Thrombosis After Living-Related Donor Liver Transplantation

Background

Intrahepatic segmental portal vein thrombosis after living-related liver transplantation (LRLT) is uncommon. The cause remains unclear.

Methods

After providing written informed consent, 25 recipients receiving LRLT at our institution from January 2011 to September 2013 were enrolled in this study. We performed triphase computerized tomographic (CT) study of the liver graft of each recipient 1 month after LRLT. The patencies of hepatic artery, portal vein, and hepatic vein were evaluated in detail. The triphase CT scans of the liver of each donor before transplantation also were reviewed. Thrombosis of the intrahepatic segmental portal vein was defined as the occlusion site of the portal vein being intrahepatic. Extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis was excluded in this study.

Results

Among the 25 patients, 2 (8%) developed thrombosis of intrahepatic segmental portal vein. One 47-year-old man received LRLT for hepatitis B viral infection–related liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh class C) with 3 hepatocellular carcinomas (total tumor volume <8 cm). Another 53-year-old man received LRLT for alcoholic liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh class C). Both had developed progressive jaundice and cholangitis 1 month after surgery. Intrahepatic biliary stricture was found on the follow-up magnetic resonance images. However, liver triphase CT study demonstrated occlusion of intrahepatic portal vein of segment 8 in each patient. Radiologic interventions and balloon dilatation therapy via percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage route improved the symptoms and signs of cholangitis and obstructive jaundice for both.

Conclusions

Thrombosis of intrahepatic segmental portal vein is not common but is usually associated with complications of intrahepatic bile duct. Early detection is important, and follow-up CT study of liver is suggested.     

Percutaneous Retroperitoneal Splenorenal Shunt for Symptomatic Portal Vein Thrombosis After Liver Transplantation

Acute or recurrent bleeding from ectopic varices is a potentially life‐threatening condition in rare patients with extrahepatic complete portal vein thrombosis (PVT) after liver transplantation (LT). In this setting, the role of interventional radiology is very limited and surgical shunts, in particular splenorenal shunts are usually used, despite the high associated mortality. We present the first reports of the clinical use of a new minimally invasive technique, percutaneous retroperitoneal splenorenal shunt (PRESS), in two LT recipients with life‐threatening variceal hemorrhage secondary to PVT. Both patients had a successful PRESS using a transplenic approach with resolution of bleeding, avoiding the need for a potentially complicated laparotomy. The PRESS procedure is a useful addition to the interventional armamentarium that can be used in cases unsuitable for surgical shunt, and refractory to endoscopic management. In the future, this technique may be an alternative to surgical shunts as the standard procedure in patients with extra‐hepatic PVT, just as the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure has become for the management of portal hypertension in the absence of PVT. Longer‐term follow‐up will be needed to establish the long‐term success of this procedure.     

Technical Risk Factors for Hepatic Artery Thrombosis After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation: The Hungarian Experience

Hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) significantly affects graft loss and mortality after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The aim of this study was to analyze the risk factors of HAT in our program, with special regard to the personal-technical factor. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 500 adult liver transplant recipients between 1995 and 2011. Operations were performed by a certain group of surgeons, with standardized technique. The incidence rate of HAT decreased since 1995 from 12% to 7.8%. In accordance with the literature, HAT associated with acute rejection, polytransfusion, and the duration of the hepatectomy, arterial variations/reconstructions, tiny arteries, and furthermore, the timing of the anastomosis in Hungary. However we did not find an association with other parameters, like cytomegalovirus infection, and hepatocellular carcinoma as indication. We created a “difficulty index” that consists of the technical parameters. The difficulty index together with surgical experience (number of OLTs performed) had an outstanding association with HAT. In conclusion, the incidence and risk factors for HAT are similar to the results published by others. However, personal factors, such as experience, timing, given anatomy, and tiredness, might also play a significant role in the occurrence of HAT.     

Risk Factors for Portal Vein Complications After Pediatric Living Donor Liver Transplantation With Left-sided Grafts

Purpose

Portal vein complications (PVC) after pediatric living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) have rarely been reported. We evaluated the long-term incidence and of the risk factors for PVC after pediatric LDLT.

Methods

From April 1997 to November 2008, 96 pediatric patients underwent LDLT using left lateral segments or left lobes. We investigated recipient factors, donor factors, and operative factors through medical records. The portal vein sizes in 96 recipients ranged from 2.7 mm to 13.0 mm (median = 5.0 mm). Portal vein reconstruction was usually performed with the graft portal vein anastomosed to the bifurcation of the recipient right and left portal veins, the so-called “branch patch”.

Results

PVC occured in 11 patients (11.5%) including early PVC (n = 3), late PVC (n = 8). The disease-free survivals at 1, 5, and 10 years after LDLT were 94.7%, 88.7%, and 86.0%. Upon univariate analysis, a portal vein size < 5 mm graft-to-recipient weight ratio (GRWR) ≥ 4%, transfusion volume ≥ 270 mL were significant risk factors for PVC. Body weight < 8 kg and previous operative history tendes to be adverse for PVC. Upon multivariate analysis by Cox regression, portal vein size < 5 mm was a highly significant factor for PVC after pediatric LDLT (hazard ratio = 5.627, P = .027).

Conclusion

The disease-free survival at 10 years after LDLT was 86.0%. If the recipient's portal vein size < 5 mm received a large-for-size graft (GRWR ≥ 4%), it is important to observe by regular Doppler ultrasonography follow-up to detect PVC.     

Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Immunosuppressive Regimen After Liver Transplantation

Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases represent important long-term complications after liver transplantation (LT), impairing long-term and disease-free survivals. A few mechanisms underlie the development of those complications, but the role of immunosuppressive drugs is major. Although several patients develop temporary metabolic diseases, which normalize after a short postoperative period and do not need long-term drug therapy, the incidences of de novo long-lasting arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus are high during the first year after LT. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate new-onset arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or diabetes among 100 LT patients at a single institution. We used chi-square statistical analysis to compare incidences during tacrolimus versus cyclosporine therapy. Hypertension did not seem to be more strongly related to tacrolimus than to cyclosporine, nor did diabetes, whereas there was a difference for the development of hyperlipidemia.     

Risk Factors and Outcomes of Intracardiac Thrombosis During Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

BackgroundIntracardiac thrombosis incidence during orthotopic liver transplantation is estimated at 0.36% to 6.2% with mortality up to 68%. We aimed to evaluate risk factors and outcomes related to intracardiac thrombosis during orthotopic liver transplantation.Materials and MethodsA comprehensive retrospective data review of 388 patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation at an urban transplant center from January 2013 to October 2016 was obtained.ResultsSix patients were found to have documented intracardiac thrombosis; 4 cases were recognized during the reperfusion stage and 1 during pre-anhepatic stage. All allografts were procured from decreased donors with a median donor age of 44 years (interquartile range, 35.25-49.75) and the cause of death was listed as cerebrovascular accident in 5 donors. Preoperative demographic, clinical, laboratory, and historical risk factors did not differ in patients with thrombosis. None had a prior history of trans-jugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt or gastrointestinal bleeding. Three patients had renal injury, but no intraoperative hemodialysis was performed. Transesophageal echocardiographic findings included elevated pulmonary artery pressure (1/6), right ventricular strain (1/6), and pulmonary artery thrombus (1/6). Three patients died intraoperatively. Tissue plasminogen activator alone was given to 1 patient who did not survive, intravenous heparin only to 1 patient with resolution, and a combination of both was used in 2 patients with clot resolution achieved.ConclusionCardiac thrombosis should be considered in patients having hemodynamic compromise during liver transplantation. Transesophageal echocardiography is a useful diagnostic tool. Intracardiac thrombosis treatment remains challenging; however, using both thrombolytics and heparin could achieve better results.     

Incidence and Risk Factors of Persistent Hyperparathyroidism After Kidney Transplantation

Persistent hyperparathyroidism after kidney transplantation is related to graft function, but pre-transplantation risk factors of persistent hyperparathyroidism have not been evaluated in detail. We enrolled 86 patients who had undergone kidney transplantation between 2008 and 2014. Nine patients showed persistent hyperparathyroidism characterized by the following: 1) serum parathyroid hormone levels >65 pg/mL and serum calcium levels >10.5 mg/dL at 1 year after kidney transplantation; 2) parathyroidectomy after kidney transplantation; and 3) reintroduction of cinacalcet after kidney transplantation. Compared with other patients, these 9 patients had significantly longer duration of dialysis therapy (186 ± 74 mo vs 57 ± 78 mo) and more frequent treatment with cinacalcet during dialysis (89% vs 12%). Multivariate analysis showed that dialysis vintage, calcium phosphate products, and cinacalcet use before kidney transplantation were independent risk factors of persistent hyperparathyroidism after kidney transplantation. A receiver operating characteristic curve showed 72 months as the cutoff value of dialysis vintage and 55 as the cutoff value of calcium phosphate products. In conclusion, dialysis vintage >6 years, calcium phosphate products >55 (mg/dL)², and cinacalcet use before kidney transplantation are strong predictors of persistent hyperparathyroidism. High-risk patients should be evaluated for parathyroid enlargement, and parathyroidectomy must be considered before kidney transplantation.     

髋臼骨折术后下肢深静脉血栓形成的多因素分析

目的 分析影响髋臼骨折术后下肢深静脉血栓形成(DVT)的危险因素.方法 对102髋臼骨折术后DVT发生情况进行分析.术前及术后7～10d均用彩色多普勒检查双下肢深静脉血流通畅情况及DVT的发生,并对11项临床因素与人工关节置换术后DVT形成的相关性进行分析.结果 髋臼骨折术后发生DVT有18例,DVT发生率为17.65%(18/102).经Logistic多因素回归分析,与DVT相关的因素有6个,其中年龄、肥胖、静脉曲张及手术方式使术后发生DVT的风险分别增加到4.075、7.803、46.176和4.251倍(P＜0.05);硬膜外麻醉和踝泵练习使术后发生DVT的风险减少到0.121和0.114倍(P＜0.01).结论 年龄和肥胖是人工关节术后发生DVT的危险因素,而硬膜外麻醉和踝泵练习则是术后发生DVT的保护因素.髋臼骨折术后无症状DVT的大量存在,提示术后最好常规行双下肢彩色多普勒检查,一旦有DVT发生,及时治疗,防止发生致命性肺栓塞.     

Low Incidence of Hepatic Artery Thrombosis After Hepatic Artery Reconstruction During Liver Transplantation

Background

Hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) remains an important cause of graft loss after liver transplantation. HAT can be caused by technical, hemodynamic, or immunologic factors. Bench reconstruction of anatomical variants of the hepatic artery is considered to fore a major risk related to HAT. The purpose of the study was to analyze the influence on HAT of hepatic artery vascular reconstruction.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 341 donor forms completed between January 2004 and December 2007. Vascular reconstruction was defined as an additional anastomosis between donor hepatic arteries, which was required to fully revascularize the graft. Any incident of HAT was confirmed by angiography and intraoperatively during retransplantation. Fisher's exact test and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were applied for statistical analysis.

Results

Among 341 grafts hepatic artery anomalies observed, variations were recorded in 92 cases (26.9%), of whom 35.9% required hepatic artery reconstruction. HAT was diagnosed in 3% (1/33) hepatic reconstructions (CI, 0.1%-15.8%) compared with 1.6% of grafts (5/308) that did not required hepatic reconstruction (P ≤ .45). The 1 case of hepatic thrombosis (1/59) accounting for 1.6% among the group with hepatic anomalies without reconstruction (CI, 0.04%-9.1%).

Conclusion

A single hepatic reconstruction was a nonsignificant factor for HAT. Hepatic artery reconstruction did not increase the risk of HAT compared with the normal blood supply. Hepatic artery anomalies did not significantly increase the incidence of HAT compared with the group of patients without arterial variations.     

Risk Factors for Portal Vein Stenosis in Living-Donor Liver Transplantation

Background

In living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT), the recipient's portal vein is short. Furthermore, portal vein thrombosis and stenosis can be lethal complications. We had begun the systemic administration of gabexate mesilate, a strong serine protease inhibitor, which has cytoprotective effects of endothelial cells. It is often effective on disseminated intravascular coagulation. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of gabexate mesilate and to reveal risk factors for portal vein stenosis in LDLT.

Methods

From 1991 to 2012, we performed 153 LDLTs. For the present cohort study, patients were divided into 2 groups. In group I, we treated with gabexate mesilate mildly (0–20 mg/kg/d; n = 29). In group II, we treated with gabexate mesilate at full dose (40 mg/kg/d; n = 124). We investigated the survival rates of both groups and performed univariate and multivariate analyses to identify the independent risk factors for portal vein stenosis.

Results

The survival rate of group II was significantly better than that of group I (P < .05). On univariate analysis, the risk factors identified to be associated with a P value of <.20 were old age (P = .0385), heavy body weight (P = .1840), tall height (P = .1122), small lumen diameter of portal vein (P = .1379), high volume of blood loss (P = .0589), small amount of gabexate mesilate infusion (P = .0103), and large graft weight (P = .1326). On multiple logistic regression analysis we identified old age (P = .0073) and small amount of gabexate mesilate infusion (P = .0339) to be the independent risk factors for portal vein stenosis.

Conclusions

On multivariate analysis, we found that gabexate mesilate infusion contributed to the reduction of portal vein stenosis.     

Risk Factors of Cytomegalovirus Infection After Pediatric Liver Transplantation

PurposeCytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is known to be the most frequently viral infection among patients after liver transplantation. This is especially true in pediatric living-donor liver transplantation because the recipients have often not been infected with CMV and postoperative primary infection with CMV frequently occurs.Patients and MethodsOf 93 patients who underwent pediatric liver transplantation at our department, 33 patients (36.3%) were diagnosed with CMV infection using the antigenemia method (C7-HRP). Retrospective review and statistical analysis were conducted to confirm risk factors of post-transplantation CMV infection.ResultPositive lymphocytes were diagnosed between postoperative days 8 and 111 after transplantation. Ganciclovir or foscavir were administrated to 21 patients. The other 10 patients who had one positive lymphocyte were observed and the cell disappeared on follow-up examination. We did not observe any cases of positive lymphocytes with C7-HRP in patients who received a graft from a CMV antibody?negative donor. Independent predictors associated with CMV infection in the multivariable analysis were administration of OKT3 and grafts from CMV antibody?positive donors.ConclusionIn CMV infection after pediatric liver transplantation, cases with CMV antibody?positive donors and with OKT3 administration for acute rejection are considered high risk, and cases with CMV antibody?negative donors are considered low risk.     

Risk Factors of Mortality After Liver Transplantation in Uruguay

Introduction

Identification of predictive factors of mortality in a liver transplant (LT) program optimizes patient selection and allocation of organs.

Portal Vein Thrombosis and Liver Transplantation: Long Term

Obstruction of the portal vein may be related to constriction by malignant tumors or thrombosis associated with liver disease. We herein have reported our experience with patients undergoing liver transplantation with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) whose diagnosis was made intraoperatively. From September 1991 to May 2009, we studied 27/419 (6.4%) patients with PVT who were evaluated according to the presence of esophagogastric varices, underlying disease, malignancy, and if there was previous surgery, review of medical records on data collected prospectively. We observed 24 (88.9%) patients with PVT grade 1, 2 (7.4%) with grade 2, and 1 (3.7%) with grade 3. The average age of the PVT patients was 47.5 years; the average model for End-Stage Liver Discase score was 18.3, and the predominant diagnosis, hepatitis C cirrhosis. Eighteen underwent a sclerotherapy/ligature. The sensitivity of ultrasound for grade 1 thrombosis was 39.1%; for grade 2, 50%; and for grade 3, 100%. Portal vein thrombectomy was performed in 24 patients. In other patients (grade 2), we performed an anastomosis of the donor portal vein to the recipient gastric vein or to a greater splanchnic collateral vein. In only 1 patient was the graft performed using the donor portal vein-donor iliac vein-recipient superior mesenteric vein. None of the patients displayed PVT in the immediate postoperative period. Actuarial survivals at the years 1, 3, and 5 were 85%, 74%, and 63%, respectively. We concluded that PVT cannot be considered to be a contraindication for liver transplantation.     

Incidence and Risk Factors for Post-Thrombotic Syndrome in Patients With Deep Vein Thrombosis Following Total Knee and Hip Arthroplasty

Background

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is common after total joint arthroplasty (TJA), and can cause the sequela of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), which is associated with decreased quality of life and increased treatment cost. The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence and risk factors for PTS in patients with DVT following primary unilateral total knee and hip arthroplasty.

Rescue of Acute Portal Vein Thrombosis After Liver Transplantation Using a Cavoportal Shunt at Re-transplantation

BACKGROUND: Portal vein thrombosis is a rare but devastating complication following orthotopic liver transplantation. Fulminant liver failure ensues with acute portal vein thrombosis after transplantation limiting the treatment options. METHODS: We successfully re-transplanted a 46-year-old female patient who developed acute portal vein thrombosis 19 d after orthotopic liver transplantation. Vascular reconstruction included a cavoportal shunt to augment portal blood flow. RESULTS: Twelve months after re-transplantation this patient lives independently and enjoys excellent liver allograft function. CONCLUSIONS: Cavoportal shunt can augment portal blood flow in adult recipients of orthotopic liver transplants. This technique can be successfully employed during re-transplantation when portal blood flow is inadequate to maintain patency.