Histological features of acute pancreatic allograft rejection after pancreaticoduodenal transplantation in the rat

For characterization of histopathological changes during pancreas graft rejection, pancreaticoduodenal transplants were performed in three groups: (1) Brown Norway into diabetic Lewis rats without immunosuppression, (2) Brown Norway into diabetic Lewis rats with cyclosporin A, and (3) Lewis into Lewis rats. Diffuse inflammatory infiltration of the acini by mononuclear cells indicated the onset of rejection (stage I). Shortly after acinar infiltration, damage to small and large interlobular excretion ducts occurred. This took the form of florid circumferential inflammation and vacuolar degeneration of epithelium similar to the bile duct damage seen in primary biliary cirrhosis, graft-versus-host disease, and liver allograft rejection (stage II). Thereafter, endothelialitis and destruction of islets were evident, consistent with a more advanced and irreversible stage of rejection (stage III). Acinar inflammation and moderate duct lesions were not prevented by immunosuppression but were delayed. Nonetheless, severe vascular changes and loss of islets were avoided. We conclude that duct lesions are a reliable criterion for pancreas allograft rejection. They are more sensitive than vascular changes and more specific than cellular infiltration of acinar tissue, which may also occur in infection.     

肝胰十二指肠联合移植一例报告并文献复习

目的 探讨肝胰十二指肠联合移植治疗终末期肝病合并1型糖尿病的疗效。方法 2003年9月对1例终末期肝病合并胰岛素依赖型糖尿病的患者行同期原位肝、异位胰十二指肠联合移植。结果 术后移植胰腺功能良好,完全脱离胰岛素治疗。术后1周发生移植肝急性排斥反应,经激素冲击治疗后逆转。患者已存活1年9个月,肝脏及胰腺功能均正常,一般情况良好。结论 肝胰十二指肠联合移植是治疗终末期肝病合并糖尿病的有效方法。     

Histological features of acute pancreatic allograft rejection after pancreaticoduodenal transplantation in the rat

Abstract. For characterization of histopathological changes during pancreas graft rejection, pancreaticoduodenal transplants were performed in three groups: (1) Brown Norway into diabetic Lewis rats without immunosuppression, (2) Brown Norway into diabetic Lewis rats with cyclosporin A, and (3) Lewis into Lewis rats. Diffuse inflammatory infiltration of the acini by mononuclear cells indicated the onset of rejection (stage I). Shortly after acinar infiltration, damage to small and large interlobular excretion ducts occurred. This took the form of florid circumferential inflammation and vacuolar degeneration of epithelium similar to the bile duct damage seen in primary biliary cirrhosis, graft-versus-host disease, and liver allograft rejection (stage II). Thereafter, endothelialitis and destruction of islets were evident, consistent with a more advanced and irreversible stage of rejection (stage III). Acinar inflammation and moderate duct lesions were not prevented by immunosuppression but were delayed. Nonetheless, severe vascular changes and loss of islets were avoided. We conclude that duct lesions are a reliable criterion for pancreas allograft rejection. They are more sensitive than vascular changes and more specific than cellular infiltration of acinar tissue, which may also occur in infection.     

Ruptured pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm. A case report and review of the literature

Pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms (PDAA) are very rare (2% of the visceral aneurysms) but characterized by a high mortality rate if ruptured. Here a case of ruptured PDAA with an atypical clinical presentation that simulated an acute hepatobiliar syndrome is reported. A 60-year-old female presented with epigastric pain, nausea, gastric vomiting, elevated levels of hepatic enzymes, normal hemoglobin and cholelithiasis on echography. With persistent pain and progressively decreasing hemoglobin, an urgent contrast computed tomography was performed and revealed a large retroperitoneal hematoma that appeared to come from a branch of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). A selective SMA-angiography showed a small aneurysm of the antero-superior pancreaticoduodenal artery with signs of hemorrhage. The patient underwent surgical ligature of the PDAA, after superselective transcatheter arterial embolization appeared technically impossible. The postoperative period was characterized by a progressive normalization of the hepatic values and hemoglobin and a post-operative angiogram confirmed the total exclusion of the PDAA and the integrity of the posterior pancreaticoduodenal arch. The pre-operative diagnosis of PDAA is usually very difficult. Symptoms can be vague or misleading, as in our case. Angiography is the most accurate diagnostic tool to locate a ruptured PDAA. Moreover, it can be immediately used for urgent endovascular treatment. Post-operative angiography is essential to confirm the total exclusion of the PDAA and demonstrate visceral circulation.     

Effects of cyclosporin A on the blood flow of the native and transplanted rat pancreas and duodenum

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of cyclosporin A (CyA) on the blood perfusion of the transplanted pancreas. For this purpose syngeneic pancreaticoduodenal transplantations were performed in Wistar-Furth rats. After nephrectomy the graft was anastomosed using a nonsuturing cuff technique to the left renal vessels. Beginning 7 days after transplantation and then continuing for 2 weeks, CyA (15 mg/kg body weight) or vehicle was given p.o. once daily, 6 days a week. The serum CyA concentrations were greater than 600 ng/ml at all points in time tested. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests were normal in CyA-treated animals after 12 days, but the pancreatic insulin concentration was decreased to the same extent in the native and transplanted pancreas. A microsphere technique was used to measure the blood perfusion of the pancreaticoduodenal graft, the native pancreas and duodenum, and remaining kidney 14 days after starting the CyA treatment. The renal blood flow was markedly decreased by CyA when compared with the control animals. In rats given vehicle alone, pancreatic, islet, and duodenal blood flows were higher in the graft than in the corresponding native organs. However, in rats given CyA, hyperperfusion of the graft was not observed. We conclude that the administration of CyA prevents the transplantation-induced blood flow increase seen in pancreaticoduodenal grafts of vehicle-treated rats. These observations may reflect graft denervation.     

Unipolar allograft reconstruction for post-traumatic avascular necrosis of the distal tibia: A review of the literature,technique, and case series

BackgroundAvascular necrosis of the distal tibial plafond following ankle trauma is an underreported and potentially devastating phenomenon. Beyond conservative treatment options, surgical intervention has been limited to ankle arthrodesis, which sacrifices motion and may have longterm sequellae for adjacent hindfoot joints. Total ankle replacement has been historically contraindicated. Unipolar allograft reconstruction provides an option for joint salvage. We present a literature overview, implantation technique, and two cases utilizing matched unipolar distal tibial allograft.MethodsTwo younger patients underwent distal tibia allograft reconstruction for tibial plafond collapse due to post-traumatic avascular necrosis. They were followed to assess for clinical improvement and radiographic graft subsidence.ResultsBoth patients returned to work and activity. One patient had no graft subsidence at four years, but the other patient became symptomatic with graft subsidence at one year.ConclusionsDistal tibia allograft reconstruction can be utilized as a joint salvage surgery for post-traumatic avascular necrosis with collapse of the tibial plafond in younger patients that prefer an alternative to arthrodesis. Results may be mixed and necessitate an engaged, activated patient.Level of evidence: IV.     

Arterial reconstruction with donor iliac vessels during pancreas transplantation: an intraoperative approach to arterial injury or inadequate flow

BACKGROUND: Outcome of pancreas transplantation (PTX) has improved because of use of novel immunosuppression and advances in surgical technique. It is not uncommon for severe atherosclerosis in patients with type 1 insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or the presence of a previously transplanted organ to limit the options for vascular anastomosis. Herein we report the novel application of donor iliac arterial interposition grafts for arterial reconstruction in patients with severe iliac artery arteriosclerosis, and/or previous transplant who develop an arterial injury or stenosis during surgery. METHODS: In five patients undergoing PTX, the external iliac artery was severely atherosclerotic and/or occupied by a previous vascular anastomosis. In four of the five patients, an arterial intimal dissection became apparent. The external iliac artery was excised and reconstructed with donor iliac artery interposition graft (end-to-end anastomosis). Pancreas or kidney was engrafted onto this arterial interposition graft (end-to-side anastomosis). RESULTS: There was no operative morbidity related to this surgical approach. All grafts functioned well after transplantation. Distal lower extremities have no evidence of vascular insufficiency with mean follow-up of 26 months (7-45 months). CONCLUSION: This surgical technique is an acceptable option during PTX for the patient with severe iliac artery arteriosclerosis with intraoperative intimal dissection or stenosis, or perhaps those with challenging arterial access.     

Mucormycosis of the renal allograft: case report and review of the literature

Fungal infection is an uncommon complication after renal transplantation. We describe a rare form of mucormycosis in the renal graft. Our method was to review chart data and to perform medline searches. The patient was a 42-year-old man who underwent living-unrelated kidney transplantation in Egypt and returned to Israel on POD 8. Within the ensuing 4 weeks he experienced acute rejection which responded to treatment with steroids. Few days after discharge he was readmitted because of fever and graft dysfunction. An infected large perigraft collection was drained, but the patient became anuric and septic. Kidney biopsy showed infarcted necrotic tissue infiltrated by fungi which grew Mucor species. Despite initial improvement following graft nephrectomy and antifungal treatment the patient died of sepsis. Literature review revealed only three additional cases of graft infection due to Mucorales. We conclude that Renal graft infection due to Mucorales is an extremely rare and potentially lethal complication. Living unrelated donation in third world countries might be a possible risk factor. Fungal colonization may occur during transplantation. A high index of suspicion, leading to early diagnosis and initiation of antifungal treatment, in addition to graft nephrectomy, are keys to a more favorable outcome. Received: 12 July 2000 Revised: 18 December 2000 Accepted: 6 September 2001     

Primary lymph node gastrinoma. A diagnosis of exclusion. A case for duodenotomy in the setting of a negative imaging for primary tumor: A case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Zollinger–Ellison syndrome (ZES) is caused by uninhibited secretion of gastrin from a gastrinoma. Gastrinomas most commonly arise within the wall of the duodenum followed by the pancreas. Primary lymph node gastrinomas have also been reported in the literature. This is a case of ZES where preoperative localization revealed a gastrinoma in a solitary portacaval lymph node, presumed to be a primary lymph node gastrinoma.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

The patient is a 57 year old female diagnosed with ZES, suspected of having a primary lymph node gastrinoma. The patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy and excision of a portacaval lymph node with a frozen section which was positive for gastrinoma. Intraoperative sonography of the pancreas, upper endoscopy with transillumination of the duodenum, and a duodenotomy with bimanual examination of the duodenal wall were also performed. The patient was found to have a 4 mm duodenal mass near the pylorus, which was excised.

DISCUSSION

Pathology showed that the duodenal mass was primary gastrinoma. Serum gastrin levels taken four months postoperatively were normal and the repeat octreotide scan did not show any evidence of recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Primary lymph node gastrinoma is a diagnosis of exclusion. The duodenum and pancreas must be fully explored to rule out a primary gastrinoma that may be occult.     

胰腺血供及其移植血管重建的研究

目的了解胰腺动脉及其变异情况,为胰腺移植动脉重建提供理论依据。方法回顾性分析中南大学湘雅二医院2000年1月至2006年2月300例胰腺动脉造影片,统计胰腺动脉的变异情况,并分析其结果。结果(1)300例造影中,仅1例能辨认胰十二指肠上动脉;胰十二指肠上前动脉及上后动脉的变异率分别为6.33%和5.06%。(2)胰十二指肠下动脉及其分支(胰十二指肠下前动脉、胰十二指肠下后动脉)的主要变异是发自第一空肠动脉,其发自第一空肠动脉的变异率分别是19.51%、17.54%及12.28%。(3)胰背动脉变异情况较为复杂,其变异率为23.61%。结论胰腺动脉走行复杂,在胰腺移植供胰的血管重建过程中,所重建的血管应既要能保证全胰十二指肠移植完整的血供又要能够减少术后血栓等外科并发症的发生。     

Pseudoaneurysm of the Y-graft/iliac artery anastomosis following pancreas transplantation: a case report and review of the literature

Transplant-related aneurysms are an unusual complication following pancreas transplantation. We present a case of a pseudoaneurysm developing in a recipient 6 months after bladder-drained pancreas transplantation. The pseudoaneurysm was incidentally found during ultrasonographic evaluation in preparation for a pancreas biopsy. Angiography demonstrated that the origin of the pseudoaneurysm was located near the base of the Y-graft/iliac artery anastomosis. Surgical repair was performed using standard vascular techniques. The patient subsequently recovered without loss of graft exocrine or endocrine function. Review of the literature revealed that aneurysms of various types associated with pancreas transplantation have a high incidence of graft loss and contribute significantly to patient morbidity. However, with prompt diagnostic and surgical management, non-infected pseudoaneurysms can be repaired without loss of pancreatic function.     

Tuberculosis following liver transplantation: report of a case and review of the literature

We report on a 44-year-old man who developed tuberculosis 4 months after liver transplantation. The diagnosis was confirmed using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique in bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, and the patient was successfully treated by reducing his immunosuppression and administering antituberculous drugs. The patient became afebrile 20 days after starting antituberculous therapy and remains well at home. A review of the literature revealed that tuberculosis after liver transplantation is a rare complication with a reported mortality rate of as high as 40%. The mortality is highest for patients who become symptomatic within 3 months after transplantation (83% vs 0%, P<0.01; Fisher's exact test) and for those with an interval between the initial symptom and diagnosis of more than 2 weeks (71% vs 0%, P<0.05). Early diagnosis is, therefore, essential for successful resolution of tuberculosis after liver transplantation.     

胰、肾一期联合移植术一例报告

目的 评价胰、肾一期联合移植的远期疗效。方法 对1例接受胰1肾联合移植术的患者定期随访2年。结果 患者生活质量明显改善,移植胰1肾有功能存活2年。结论 胰、肾一期联合移植是治疗胰岛素依赖型糖尿病合并终末期肾病的有效方法。     

结节病肺移植术后原病复发（附一例报告）

１９９５年２月２３日我们为一例终末期肺结节病患者行左单肺移植术，患者已存活二年余，民政部良好。术后第１１及１３个月时纤支镜活检发现左肺有结节病复发，无症状，胸片左肺（一）。除继续用三联免疫抑制上未加其它治疗。本文复习了有关病移植术后现复发的文献。     

Intrapancreatic accessory spleen: A case report and review of the literature

We present the case of a 26 year old male who was found to have a mass in the tail of the pancreas on an ultrasound scan. The lesion was suspicious for a non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour (PNET) and so he underwent distal pancreatectomy. Pathology revealed this to be an intrapancreatic accessory spleen (IPAS). This is a rare entity, and the literature on this subject is reviewed. A lesion in the pancreas that enhances in a manner similar to the spleen, whether the contrast is used in the setting of a Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound, a contrast enhanced CT scan, or a gadolinium enhanced MRI scan, is suggestive of IPAS. Nonetheless, the majority of these rare lesions are likely to be surgically excised rather than observed due to the similar appearance to PNET.     

Intraoral vascular malformation and airway management: A case report and review of the literature

A patient with a large airway venous malformation underwent anesthesia for a tooth extraction. The procedure was uneventful until extubation, immediately after which complete airway obstruction resulted. After unsuccessful attempts to relieve the problem, the patient's trachea was reintubated. Laryngoscopy showed that the venous malformation in the airway had enlarged and was responsible for the airway obstruction. Another attempt at extubation after corrective maneuvers was again unsuccessful. A tracheostomy was required, which was eventually removed after a complete recovery. Anesthesiologists must be concerned with any airway vascular abnormality. Most abnormalities involving the airway are either hemangiomas or venous malformations. The anesthesiologist must diagnose the problem correctly because even minor manipulation of a venous malformation may result in exsanguination, or the malformation may become engorged and compromise the airway.     

Preparation of the pancreas allograft for transplantation

Meticulous preparation of the allograft on the back bench is one of the cornerstones of technically successful whole-organ pancreas transplantation. With evolving surgical approaches for organ retrieval and implantation, it has become routine to procure the pancreas in conjunction with other abdominal organs without sacrificing vasculature or graft quality and without compromising excellent outcomes. This review article summarizes the major steps required for proper back table preparation of the pancreas allograft with suggestions and tips whenever alternative approaches are presented.     

The impact of midline versus transverse incisions on wound complications and outcome in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplants: a retrospective analysis

Intraperitoneal placement of the pancreas allograft, usually through a midline incision, has so far achieved the best results in pancreas transplantation. The usefulness and safety of a transverse incision has not been previously reported. The purpose of this study was to compare midline and transverse incisions, with respect to wound complications and outcome, in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant recipients with intraperitoneal placement of the pancreatic graft. The incidence of deep abscess formation, superficial abscess formation, wound leak, and fascial dehiscence, as well as graft survival, were retrospectively compared in 41 bladder-drained simultaneous pancreas-kidney recipients with a midline incision and in 15 with a transverse incision. The overall incidence of wound complications was similar (34% vs 20%, P=NS) in the two groups. Deep abscess formation occurred more frequently in the midline group (27% vs 0%, P=0.02). Staphylococcus epidermidis and Candida albicans were the most common microbial isolates from deep abscesses. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed donor age 40 years or older (P=0.04), the occurrence of a bladder leak (P=0.05), and a peak serum amylase in the 1st week of 1000 IU/l or greater (P=0.02) to be independent risk factors for the development of wound complications. The type of incision, however, was not found to be an independent risk factor. Patient (90% vs 83%, P=NS), pancreas allograft (78% vs 82%, P=NS), and kidney allograft (83% vs 70%, P=NS) survival rates were similar for the midline and transverse groups. We conclude that the transverse incision is a reasonable alternative to the midline incision in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation and it is presently the incision of choice at our institution. It offers excellent exposure and is associated with a similar wound complication rate and outcome when compared to the midline incision.