Fat necrosis of liver in a patient with mixed type liver cirrhosis

To the Editor: Fatty liver diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and alcohol related fatty liver disease, have become a major public health concern [ 1, 2 ]. Fatty liver diseases have been shown to progress through various stages, from steatosis or necrosis with inflammation and hepatocyte damage to the development of fibrosis and eventual cirrhosis with an increased risk of carcinoma [ 2, 3 ].

Optimizing nutrition in hepatic cirrhosis:A comprehensive assessment and care approach

Cirrhosis is considered a growing cause of morbidity and mortality,which represents a significant public health problem.Currently,there is no effective treatment to reverse cirrhosis.Treatment primarily centers on addressing the underlying liver condition,monitoring,and managing portal hypertension-related complications,and evaluating the potential for liver transplantation in cases of decompensated cirrhosis,marked by rapid progression and the emer-gence of complications like variceal bleeding,hepatic encephalopathy,ascites,malnutrition,and more.Malnutrition,a prevalent complication across all disease stages,is often underdiagnosed in cirrhosis due to the complexities of nutritional assessment in patients with fluid retention and/or obesity,despite its crucial impact on prognosis.Increasing emphasis has been placed on the collaboration of nutritionists within hepatology and Liver transplant teams to deliver compre-hensive care,a practice that has shown to improve outcomes.This review covers appropriate screening and assessment methods for evaluating the nutritional status of this population,diagnostic approaches for malnutrition,and context-specific nutrition treatments.It also discusses evidence-based recommendations for supplementation and physical exercise,both essential elements of the standard care provided to cirrhotic patients.

Quick and easy assessment of sarcopenia in cirrhosis: Can ultrasound be the solution?

Cirrhosis is frequently associated with sarcopenia,with reported rates of over 80%in patients with decompensated alcohol-related liver disease.Sarcopenia nega-tively impacts the prognosis of cirrhotic patients and affects the response to treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).For these reasons,identifying an easy-to-perform method to assess sarcopenia in is a key element in the optimization of care in this patient population.Assessment of muscle mass by computed tomography is considered the standard of care for the diagnosis of sarcopenia,but exposure to radiation and high costs limit its application in this setting,especially for repeated assessments.We believe that ultrasound,a cheap and harmless technique also used for HCC screening in cirrhotic patients,could have an expanding role in the diagnosis and follow-up of sarcopenia in these patients.

Unraveling the Impact of Direct-Acting Antivirals on Hepatitis-Linked Cirrhosis: A Comprehensive Analysis of Fibrosis, Child Score, and Disease Progression

The treatment of hepatitis C has undergone a significant boom since the advent of direct acting antivirals (DAA). Indeed, the interferon-ribavirin combination that has been used to treat hepatitis C has a virological response in only 45% of cases with significant side effects. The advent of direct-acting antivirals has changed the prognosis of cirrhotic patients with hepatitis C. DAAs have ensured a sustained viral response in the majority of patients. Our work aims to see the evolution of hepatitis C patients at the cirrhosis stage under DAA. We conducted a retrospective study over 15 years (January 2009, January 2024) including all patients with post-viral cirrhosis C, whom we divided into two groups: group A, cirrhotic patients who received ribavirin and interferon, and group B, patients on DAA. From January 2009 to January 2024, we conducted a study of 182 patients with viral hepatitis C, including 102 cirrhotic patients. The mean age was 55 years. 66% of patients were initially treated with the ribavirin interferon combination, while 34% received direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). Since the introduction of DAAs, the most commonly used regimens have been sofosbuvir/daclatasvir with or without ribavirin and sofosbuvir/ledipasvir with or without ribavirin. Group A achieved sustained virological response (SVR) in 60% of cases, with notable side effects. In Group B, SVR was 98.18%, with improved tolerability and fewer side effects than previous treatments. Fifteen patients developed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with a significantly lower mortality rate in those treated with DAAs compared with pegylated dual therapy (p: 0.001).

Hepatocardiorenal syndrome in liver cirrhosis:Recognition of a new entity?

Emerging evidence and perspectives have pointed towards the heart playing an important role in hepatorenal syndrome(HRS),outside of conventional understanding that liver cirrhosis is traditionally considered the sole origin of a cascade of pathophysiological mechanisms directly affecting the kidneys in this context.In the absence of established heart disease,cirrhotic cardiomyopathy may occur more frequently in those with liver cirrhosis and kidney disease.It is a specific form of cardiac dysfunction characterized by blunted contractile responsiveness to stress stimuli and altered diastolic relaxation with electrophysiological abnormalities.Despite the clinical description of these potential cardiac-related complications of the liver,the role of the heart has traditionally been an overlooked aspect of circulatory dysfunction in HRS.Yet from a physiological sense,temporality(prior onset)of cardiorenal interactions in HRS and positive effects stemming from portosystemic shunting demonstrated an important role of the heart in the development and progression of kidney dysfunction in cirrhotic patients.In this review,we discuss current concepts surrounding how the heart may influence the development and progression of HRS,and the role of systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction causing circulatory dysfunction within this setting.The temporality of heart and kidney dysfunction in HRS will be discussed.For a subgroup of patients who receive portosystemic shunting,the dynamics of cardiorenal interactions following treatment is reviewed.Continued research to determine the unknowns in this topic is anticipated,hopefully to further clarify the intricacies surrounding the liver-heart-kidney connection and improve strategies for management.

Clinical study on the relationship between liver cirrhosis,ascites,and hyponatremia

BACKGROUND Cirrhosis is a common liver disease,and ascites is one of the common clinical conditions.However,the clinical manifestations of ascites combined with hyponatremia as a high-risk condition and its relationship to patient prognosis have not been fully studied.AIM To explore the clinical manifestations,prognostic factors,and relationships of ascites with hyponatremia in patients with cirrhosis to provide better diagnostic and treatment strategies.METHODS In this study,we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 150 patients diagnosed with cirrhosis and ascites between 2017 and 2022.Patients were divided into two groups:ascites combined with hyponatremia group and ascites group.We compared the general characteristics,degree of hyponatremia,complications,treatment,and prognosis between the two groups.RESULTS In the study results,patients in the ascites combined with hyponatremia group showed an older average age(58.2±8.9 years),64.4%were male,and had a significantly longer hospitalization time(12.7±5.3 d).Hyponatremia was more severe in this group,with a mean serum sodium concentration of 128.5±4.3 mmol/L,which was significantly different from the ascites group of 137.6±2.1 mmol/L.Patients with ascites and hyponatremia were more likely to develop hepatic encephalopathy(56.2%vs 39.0%),renal impairment(45.2%vs 28.6%)and infection(37.0%vs 23.4%).Regarding treatment,this group more frequently used diuretics(80.8%vs 62.3%)and salt supplements(60.3%vs 38.9%).Multiple logistic regression analysis identified older age[Odds ratio(OR)=1.06,P=0.025]and male gender(OR=1.72,P=0.020)as risk factors for hyponatremia combined with ascites.Overall,patients with ascites and hyponatremia present a clear high-risk status,accompanied by severe complications and poor prognosis.CONCLUSION In patients with cirrhosis,ascites with hyponatremia is a high-risk condition that is often associated with severe complications.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for recompensating decompensated cirrhosis?

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)is a medical procedure that has been used to manage variceal bleeding and ascites in patients with cirrhosis.It can prevent further decompensation and improve the survival of high-risk decompensated patients.Recent research indicates that TIPS could increase the possibility of recompensation of decompensated cirrhosis when it is combined with adequate suppression of the causative factor of liver disease.However,the results of the studies have been based on retrospective analysis,and further validation is required by conducting randomized controlled studies.In this context,we highlight the limitations of the current studies and emphasize the issues that must be addressed before TIPS can be recommended as a potential recompensating tool.

From liver to hormones:The endocrine consequences of cirrhosis

Hepatocrinology explores the intricate relationship between liver function and the endocrine system.Chronic liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis can cause endocrine disorders due to toxin accumulation and protein synthesis disruption.Despite its importance,assessing endocrine issues in cirrhotic patients is frequently neglected.This article provides a comprehensive review of the epidemiology,pathophysiology,diagnosis,and treatment of endocrine disturbances in liver cirrhosis.The review was conducted using the PubMed/Medline,EMBASE,and Scielo databases,encompassing 172 articles.Liver cirrhosis is associated with endocrine disturbances,including diabetes,hypoglycemia,sarcopenia,thyroid dysfunction,hypogonadotropic hypogonadism,bone disease,adrenal insufficiency,growth hormone dysfunction,and secondary hyperaldosteronism.The optimal tools for diagnosing diabetes and detecting hypoglycemia are the oral glucose tolerance test and continuous glucose monitoring system,respectively.Sarcopenia can be assessed through imaging and functional tests,while other endocrine disorders are evaluated using hormonal assays and imaging studies.Treatment options include metformin,glucagon-like peptide-1 analogs,sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors,and insulin,which are effective and safe for diabetes control.Established standards are followed for managing hypoglycemia,and hormone replacement therapy is often necessary for other endocrine dysfunctions.Liver transplantation can address some of these problems.

Predictors of portal vein thrombosis after splenectomy in patients with cirrhosis

BACKGROUND Portal vein thrombosis(PVT)is a commonthsn complication after splenectomy in patients with cirrhosis.However,the predictors of postoperative PVT are not known.AIM To investigate the predictors of PVT after splenectomy in patient with cirrhosis.METHODS A total of 45 patients with cirrhosis who underwent splenectomy were consecutively enrolled from January 2017 to December 2018.The incidence of PVT at 1 months,3 months,and 12 months after splenectomy in patients with cirrhosis was observed.The hematological indicators,biochemical and coagulation parameters,and imaging features were recorded at baseline and at each observation point.The univariable,multivariable,receiver operating characteristic curve and timedependent curve analyses were performed.RESULTS The cumulative incidence of PVT was 40.0%,46.6%,and 48.9%at 1 months,3 months,and 12 months after splenectomy.Multivariable analysis showed that portal vein diameter(PVD)≥14.5 mm and monthsdel end-stage liver disease(MELD)score>10 were independent predictors of PVT at 1 months,3 months,and 12 months after splenectomy(P<0.05).Time-dependent curve showed that the cumulative incidence of PVT was significantly different between patients with MELD score≤10 and>10(P<0.05).In addition,the cumulative incidence of PVT in the PVD≥14.5 mm group was significantly higher than that in the PVD<14.5 mm group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Wider PVD and MELD score>10 were independent predictors of PVT at 1 months,3 months,and 12 months after splenectomy in patient with cirrhosis.

Advancing hepatic recompensation:Baveno VII criteria and therapeutic innovations in liver cirrhosis management

The Baveno VII criteria redefine the management of decompensated liver cirrhosis,introducing the concept of hepatic recompensation marking a significant departure from the conventional view of irreversible decline.Central to this concept is addressing the underlying cause of cirrhosis through tailored therapies,including antivirals and lifestyle modifications.Studies on alcohol,hepatitis C virus,and hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis demonstrate the efficacy of these interventions in improving liver function and patient outcomes.Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)emerges as a promising intervention,effectively resolving complications of portal hypertension and facilitating recompensation.However,optimal timing and patient selection for TIPS remain unresolved.Despite challenges,TIPS offers renewed hope for hepatic recompensation,marking a significant advancement in cirrhosis management.Further research is needed to refine its implementation and maximize its benefits.In conclusion,TIPS stands as a promising avenue for improving hepatic function and patient outcomes in decompensated liver cirrhosis within the framework of the Baveno VII criteria.

Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting in-hospital mortality of intensive care unit patients with liver cirrhosis

BACKGROUND Liver cirrhosis patients admitted to intensive care unit(ICU)have a high mortality rate.AIM To establish and validate a nomogram for predicting in-hospital mortality of ICU patients with liver cirrhosis.METHODS We extracted demographic,etiological,vital sign,laboratory test,comorbidity,complication,treatment,and severity score data of liver cirrhosis patients from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV(MIMIC-IV)and electronic ICU(eICU)collaborative research database(eICU-CRD).Predictor selection and model building were based on the MIMIC-IV dataset.The variables selected through least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analysis were further screened through multivariate regression analysis to obtain final predictors.The final predictors were included in the multivariate logistic regression model,which was used to construct a nomogram.Finally,we conducted external validation using the eICU-CRD.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC),decision curve,and calibration curve were used to assess the efficacy of the models.RESULTS Risk factors,including the mean respiratory rate,mean systolic blood pressure,mean heart rate,white blood cells,international normalized ratio,total bilirubin,age,invasive ventilation,vasopressor use,maximum stage of acute kidney injury,and sequential organ failure assessment score,were included in the multivariate logistic regression.The model achieved AUCs of 0.864 and 0.808 in the MIMIC-IV and eICU-CRD databases,respectively.The calibration curve also confirmed the predictive ability of the model,while the decision curve confirmed its clinical value.CONCLUSION The nomogram has high accuracy in predicting in-hospital mortality.Improving the included predictors may help improve the prognosis of patients.

Contemporary concepts of prevention and management of gastroesophageal variceal bleeding in liver cirrhosis patients

This editorial describes the contemporary concepts of prevention and management of gastroesophageal variceal bleeding in liver cirrhosis(LC)patients according to the current guidelines.Gastroesophageal variceal bleeding is the most dangerous complication of portal hypertension in LC patients.Risk stratification and determination of an individual approach to the choice of therapeutic measures aimed at their prevention and management has emerged as one of the top concerns in modern hepatology.According to the current guidelines,in the absence of clinically significant portal hypertension,etiological and nonetiological therapies of LC is advisable for the primary preventing gastroesophageal variceal bleeding,whereas its presence serves as an indication for the administration of non-selectiveβ-blockers,among which carvedilol is the drug of choice.Non-selectiveβ-blockers,as well as endoscopic variceal ligation and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt can be used to prevent recurrence of gastroesophageal variceal bleeding.Pharmacotherapy with vasoactive drugs(terlipressin,somatostatin,octreotide),endoscopic variceal ligation,endovascular techniques and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt are recommended for the treatment of acute gastroesophageal variceal bleeding.Objective and accurate risk stratification of gastroesophageal variceal bleeding will allow developing individual strategies for their prevention and management,avoiding the first and further decompensation in LC,which will improve the prognosis and survival of patients suffering from it.

Direct-acting antivirals failed to reduce the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma occurrence in hepatitis C virus associated cirrhosis: A real-world study

BACKGROUND Direct-acting antivirals(DAAs)revolutionized the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV)-associated disease achieving high rates of sustained virological response(SVR).However,whether DAAs can reduce the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)in patients with HCV-associated cirrhosis who are at high risk have not been concluded.AIM To investigate the effect of DAAs on the occurrence of HCC in patients with HCVassociated cirrhosis after achieving SVR.METHODS Of 427 inpatients with HCV-associated cirrhosis were enrolled in Tianjin Second People's Hospital from January 2014 to April 2020.118 patients weren’t received antiviral treatment with any reasons named non-antiviral treatment group,and 236 patients obtained from the 309 DAAs treatment patients according to the propensity score matching named DAAs treatment group.Demographic information and laboratory data were collected from baseline and the following up.Kaplan-Meier curve and Log-Rank test were used to compare the incidence and cumulative incidence of HCC between the two groups.Cox proportional risk regression was used to re-evaluate the risk factors for HCC.RESULTS HCC incidence was 4.68/100PY(95%CI,3.09-6.81)in the DAAs treatment group,while it was 3.00/100PY(95%CI,1.50-5.37)in the non-antiviral treatment group,and the relative risk was 1.82(95%CI,0.93-3.53,P>0.05).The incidence of HCC at 12,24,36 and 48 months was 3.39%,6.36%,8.47%and 10.17%in the DAAs treatment group,and it was 0%,0%,3.39%and 9.32%in the non-antiviral treatment group,respectively.Age>58[hazard ratio(HR)=1.089;95%CI,1.033-1.147;P=0.002]and liver stiffness measurement>27.85 kPa(HR=1.043;95%CI,1.022-1.065;P=0.000)were risk factors for HCC in all patients(n=427),and DAAs treatment didn’t show protective efficacy.CONCLUSION DAAs treatment seems failed to reduce the incidence of HCC occurrence in HCV-associated cirrhosis in 48 months,and even increased the incidence of HCC in 36 months.

Effects of Lactobacillus paracasei N1115 on gut microbial imbalance and liver function in patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis

BACKGROUND Hepatitis B cirrhosis(HBC)is a chronic disease characterized by irreversible diffuse liver damage and aggravated by intestinal microbial imbalance and metabolic dysfunction.Although the relationship between certain single probiotics and HBC has been explored,the impact of the complex ready-to-eat Lactobacillus paracasei N1115(LP N1115)supplement on patients with HBC has not been determined.AIM To compare the changes in the microbiota,inflammatory factor levels,and liver function before and after probiotic treatment in HBC patients.METHODS This study included 160 HBC patients diagnosed at the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University between October 2018 and December 2020.Patients were randomly divided into an intervention group that received LP N1115 supplementation and routine treatment and a control group that received routine treatment only.Fecal samples were collected at the onset and conclusion of the 12-wk intervention period.The structure of the intestinal microbiota and the levels of serological indicators,such as liver function and inflammatory factors,were assessed.RESULTS Following LP N1115 intervention,the intestinal microbial diversity significantly increased in the intervention group(P<0.05),and the structure of the intestinal microbiota was characterized by an increase in the proportions of probiotic microbes and a reduction in harmful bacteria.Additionally,the intervention group demonstrated notable improvements in liver function indices and significantly lower levels of inflammatory factors(P<0.05).CONCLUSION LP N1115 is a promising treatment for ameliorating intestinal microbial imbalance in HBC patients by modulating the structure of the intestinal microbiota,improving liver function,and reducing inflammatory factor levels.

Computed tomography-based radiomics to predict early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma post-hepatectomy in patients background on cirrhosis

BACKGROUND The prognosis for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)in the presence of cirrhosis is unfavourable,primarily attributable to the high incidence of recurrence.AIM To develop a machine learning model for predicting early recurrence(ER)of posthepatectomy HCC in patients with cirrhosis and to stratify patients’overall survival(OS)based on the predicted risk of recurrence.METHODS In this retrospective study,214 HCC patients with cirrhosis who underwent curative hepatectomy were examined.Radiomics feature selection was conducted using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and recursive feature elimination methods.Clinical-radiologic features were selected through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.Five machine learning methods were used for model comparison,aiming to identify the optimal model.The model’s performance was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve[area under the curve(AUC)],calibration,and decision curve analysis.Additionally,the Kaplan-Meier(K-M)curve was used to evaluate the stratification effect of the model on patient OS.RESULTS Within this study,the most effective predictive performance for ER of post-hepatectomy HCC in the background of cirrhosis was demonstrated by a model that integrated radiomics features and clinical-radiologic features.In the training cohort,this model attained an AUC of 0.844,while in the validation cohort,it achieved a value of 0.790.The K-M curves illustrated that the combined model not only facilitated risk stratification but also exhibited significant discriminatory ability concerning patients’OS.CONCLUSION The combined model,integrating both radiomics and clinical-radiologic characteristics,exhibited excellent performance in HCC with cirrhosis.The K-M curves assessing OS revealed statistically significant differences.

sTREM-1 as promising prognostic biomarker for acute-on-chronic liver failure and mortality in patients with acute decompensation of cirrhosis

BACKGROUND Acute decompensation(AD)of cirrhosis is associated with high short-term mortality,mainly due to the development of acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF).Thus,there is a need for biomarkers for early and accurate identification of AD patients with high risk of development of ACLF and mortality.Soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1(sTREM-1)is released from activated innate immune cells and correlated with various inflammatory processes.AIM To explore the prognostic value of sTREM-1 in patients with AD of cirrhosis.METHODS A multicenter prospective cohort of 442 patients with cirrhosis hospitalized for AD was divided into a study cohort(n=309)and validation cohort(n=133).Demographic and clinical data were collected,and serum sTREM-1 was measured at admission.All enrolled patients were followed-up for at least 1 year.RESULTS In patients with AD and cirrhosis,serum sTREM-1 was an independent prognosis predictor for 1-year survival and correlated with liver,coagulation,cerebral and kidney failure.A new prognostic model of AD(P-AD)incorporating sTREM-1,blood urea nitrogen(BUN),total bilirubin(TBil),international normalized ratio(INR)and hepatic encephalopathy grades was established and performed better than the model for end-stage liver disease(MELD),MELD-sodium(MELD-Na),chronic liver failure-consortium(CLIF-C)ACLF and CLIF-C AD scores.Additionally,sTREM-1 was increased in ACLF and predicted the development of ACLF during first 28-d follow-up.The ACLF risk score incorporating serum sTREM-1,BUN,INR,TBil and aspartate aminotransferase levels was established and significantly superior to MELD,MELD-Na,CLIF-C ACLF,CLIF-C AD and P-AD in predicting risk of ACLF development.CONCLUSION Serum sTREM-1 is a promising prognostic biomarker for ACLF development and mortality in patients with AD of cirrhosis.

Predictive model for non-malignant portal vein thrombosis associated with cirrhosis based on inflammatory biomarkers

BACKGROUND Portal vein thrombosis(PVT),a complication of liver cirrhosis,is a major public health concern.PVT prediction is the most effective method for PVT diagnosis and treatment.AIM To develop and validate a nomogram and network calculator based on clinical indicators to predict PVT in patients with cirrhosis.METHODS Patients with cirrhosis hospitalized between January 2016 and December 2021 at the First Hospital of Lanzhou University were screened and 643 patients with cirrhosis who met the eligibility criteria were retrieved.Following a 1:1 propensity score matching 572 patients with cirrhosis were screened,and relevant clinical data were collected.PVT risk factors were identified using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)and multivariate logistic regression analysis.Variance inflation factors and correlation matrix plots were used to analyze multicollinearity among the variables.A nomogram was constructed to predict the probability of PVT based on independent risk factors for PVT,and its predictive performance was verified using a receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC),calibration curves,and decision curve analysis(DCA).Finally,a network calculator was constructed based on the nomograms.RESULTS This study enrolled 286 cirrhosis patients with PVT and 286 without PVT.LASSO analysis revealed 13 variables as strongly associated with PVT occurrence.Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed nine indicators as independent PVT risk factors,including etiology,ascites,gastroesophageal varices,platelet count,D-dimer,portal vein diameter,portal vein velocity,aspartate transaminase to neutrophil ratio index,and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio.LASSO and correlation matrix plot results revealed no significant multicollinearity or correlation among the variables.A nomogram was constructed based on the screened independent risk factors.The nomogram had excellent predictive performance,with an area under the ROC curve of 0.821 and 0.829 in the training and testing groups,respectively.Calibration curves and DCA revealed its good clinical performance.Finally,the optimal cutoff value for the total nomogram score was 0.513.The sensitivity and specificity of the optimal cutoff values were 0.822 and 0.706,respectively.CONCLUSION A nomogram for predicting PVT occurrence was successfully developed and validated,and a network calculator was constructed.This can enable clinicians to rapidly and easily identify high PVT risk groups.

Clinical review and literature analysis of hepatic epithelioid angiomyolipoma in alcoholic cirrhosis: A case report

BACKGROUND Hepatic epithelioid angiomyolipoma(HEA)has a low incidence and both clinical manifestations and imaging lack specificity.Thus,it is easy to misdiagnose HEA as other tumors of the liver,especially in the presence of liver diseases such as hepatitis cirrhosis.This article reviewed the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with HEA and alcoholic cirrhosis,and analyzed the literature,in order to improve the understanding of this disease.CASE SUMMARY A 67-year-old male patient with a history of alcoholic cirrhosis was admitted due to the discovery of a space-occupying lesion in the liver.Based on the patient’s history,laboratory examinations,and imaging examinations,a malignant liver tumor was considered and laparoscopic partial hepatectomy was performed.Postoperative pathology showed HEA.During outpatient follow-up,the patient showed no sign of recurrence.CONCLUSION HEA is difficult to make a definite diagnosis before surgery.HEA has the poten-tial for malignant degeneration.If conditions permit,surgical treatment is recom-mended.

Renal resistive index measurements by ultrasound in patients with liver cirrhosis:Magnitude and associations with renal dysfunction

BACKGROUND The hemodynamic alterations seen in liver cirrhosis lead to renal vasoconstriction,ultimately causing acute kidney injury(AKI).The renal resistive index(RRI)is the most common Doppler ultrasound variable for measuring intrarenal vascular resistance.AIM To evaluate the association of the RRI with AKI in patients with liver cirrhosis and to identify risk factors for high RRI.METHODS This was a prospective observational study,where RRI was measured using Doppler ultrasound in 200 consecutive hospitalized patients with cirrhosis.The association of RRI with AKI was studied.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was utilized to determine discriminatory cut-offs of RRI for various AKI phenotypes.Multivariate analysis was conducted to determine the predictors of high RRI.RESULTS The mean patient age was 49.08±11.68 years,with the majority(79.5%)being male;the predominant etiology of cirrhosis was alcohol(39%).The mean RRI for the study cohort was 0.68±0.09,showing a progressive increase with higher Child-Pugh class of cirrhosis.Overall,AKI was present in 129(64.5%)patients.The mean RRI was significantly higher in patients with AKI compared to those without it(0.72±0.06 vs 0.60±0.08;P<0.001).A total of 82 patients(41%)had hepatorenal syndrome(HRS)-AKI,29(22.4%)had prerenal AKI(PRA),and 18(13.9%)had acute tubular necrosis(ATN)-AKI.The mean RRI was significantly higher in the ATN-AKI(0.80±0.02)and HRS-AKI(0.73±0.03)groups than in the PRA(0.63±0.07)and non-AKI(0.60±0.07)groups.RRI demonstrated excellent discriminatory ability in distinguishing ATN-AKI from non-ATN-AKI(area under ROC curve:93.9%).AKI emerged as an independent predictor of high RRI(adjusted odds ratio[OR]:11.52),and high RRI independently predicted mortality among AKI patients(adjusted OR:3.18).CONCLUSION In cirrhosis patients,RRI exhibited a significant association with AKI,effectively differentiated between AKI phenotypes,and predicted AKI mortality.

Changes in the etiology of liver cirrhosis and the corresponding management strategies

We read with interest the article by Xing Wang,which was published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Hepatology 2023;15:1294-1306.This article focuses particularly on the prevalence and trends in the etiology of liver cirrhosis(LC),prognosis for patients suffering from cirrhosis-related complications and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),and management strategies.The etiology of cirrhosis varies according to geographical,economic,and population factors.Viral hepatitis is the dominant cause in China.Vaccination and effective treatment have reduced the number of people with viral hepatitis,but the overall number is still large.Patients with viral hepatitis who progress over time to LC and HCC remain an important population to manage.The increased incidence of metabolic syndrome and alcohol consumption is likely to lead to a potential exponential increase in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)-associated LC and alcoholic liver disease in the future.Investigating the evolution of the etiology of LC is important for guiding the direction of future research and policy development.These changing trends indicate a need for greater emphasis on tackling obesity and diabetes,and implementing more effective measures to regulate alcohol consumption in order to reduce the occurrence of MASLD.In an effort to help cope with these changing trends,the authors further proposed countermeasures for healthcare authorities doctors,and patients.