梗阻性黄疸的多层螺旋CT诊断

目的探讨多层螺旋CT(MSCT)在诊断良、恶性梗阻性黄疸中的价值。方法 32例有梗阻性黄疸的住院患者,进行多层螺旋CT检查,平扫层厚和间隔为5mm-10mm,增强扫描增厚和间隔为5-10mm,对原始数据进行层厚为2-3mm,间隔为2-3mm重建,传入工作站进行MPR、SCTC处理,对胆管梗阻定位和定性诊断作出评价,并与手术病理对照。结果多层螺旋CT对梗阻性黄疸定位和定性准确率分别为95%。结论多层螺旋CT具有强大的后处理功能,对梗阻性黄疸定位和定性准确率高,是一种很好的无创性检查方法。

实验性梗阻性黄疸血浆内皮素1含量及与肝血流动力学改变的关系

目的 对实验性梗阻性黄疸时血浆内皮素 1(ET - 1)的变化及其与梗阻性黄疸时血流动力学改变的关系进行研究。方法 用胆总管结扎法建立梗阻性黄疸大鼠模型 ,特异性放射免疫分析法测定血浆ET - 1,生理记录仪和电磁血流计测定肝动脉血流量 (HABF)、门静脉血流量 (PVBF)、门静脉压力 (PVP)。结果 梗阻性黄疸时血浆EF - 1低于正常对照组。其血浆EF - 1含量与HABF、PVBF呈正相关。结论 梗阻性黄疸时血浆ET - 1水平降低 ,血浆ET - 1水平下降在系统血流动力学改变中起一定的作用。

退黄合剂治疗湿热瘀阻型肝细胞性黄疸临床观察报告

目的:观察利湿化瘀方药退黄合剂治疗湿热瘀阻型肝细胞性黄疸的临床疗效以及对患者肝脏炎症指标(ALT、AST、GGT)、胆红素代谢指标(TBIL、DBIL、DBIL/TBIL)、凝血功能的检测结果和中医症状、体征的改善作用。方法:60例患者随机分为两组,治疗组34例,对照组26例,两组均按统一诊断标准纳入病例,两组患者的性别、年龄、病程经统计学处理,差异无显著性(P>0.05),具有可比性。两组均于治疗前1周开始直至疗程结束停用其他影响疗效判定的中药和西药,治疗组用退黄合剂口服,30m L/次,3次/d;对照组用茵栀黄颗粒,2袋/次,3次/d。疗程:两组均以4周为一个疗程。主要疗效指标:血清总胆红素(TBIL)及综合退黄效果评价。次要疗效指标:其他肝功能指标及中医证候评分。安全性指标:治疗前后血常规、尿常规、大便常规和肾功能测定及心电图检查。并观察记录药物不良反应。结果:治疗组和对照组的总有效率分别为88.24%(30/34)和76.92%(20/26),两组的愈显率分别为67.65%(23/34)和23.08%(6/26),其中治疗组黄疸症状明显改善,肝脏炎症指标ALT(P<0.05)、AST(P<0.05)、GGT(P<0.05)以及胆红素代谢指标TBIL(P<0.01)、DBIL(P<0.01)、DBIL/TBIL(P<0.05)均有明显改善。治疗组和对照组均能有效改善肝脏炎症指标和胆红素代谢指标,但治疗组更为明显,治疗组总有效率和愈显率显著高于对照组。结论:退黄合剂对湿热瘀阻型肝细胞性黄疸有显著疗效,而且对肝脏炎症指标(ALT、AST、GGT)、胆红素代谢指标(TBIL、DBIL、DBIL/TBIL)、凝血功能等实验室指标也有明显改善作用,提示利湿化瘀法具有有效保护肝脏和降低黄疸,改善症状等作用。

Mirizzi综合征的诊治分析

目的 Mirizzi综合征的诊断和治疗方法。方法 对 1996 - 2 0 0 2年收治的 2 7例Mirizzi综合征进行回顾性分析。结果 2 7例均经手术治疗 ,术式采用胆囊部分切除、胆囊切除、胆囊切除加胆总管探查T管引流或胆肠内引流术。随访 18例 ,治愈 15例 (83.3% )。结论 Mirizzi综合征术前诊断困难。对不同病理类型的病例应采取不同的手术方法。

Pathophysiology of increased intestinal permeability in obstructive jaundice

Despite advances in preoperative evaluation and postoperative care, intervention, especially surgery, for relief of obstructive jaundice still carries high morbidity and mortality rates, mainly due to sepsis and renal dysfunction. The key event in the pathophysiology of obstructive jaundice-associated complications is endotoxemia of gut origin because of intestinal barrier failure. This breakage of the gut barrier in obstructive jaundice is multi-factorial, involving disruption of the immunologic, biological and mechanical barrier. Experimental and clinical studies have shown that obstructive jaundice results in increased intestinal permeability. The mechanisms implicated in this phenomenon remain unresolved, but growing research interest during the last decade has shed light in our knowledge in the field. This review summarizes the current concepts in the pathophysiology of obstructive jaundice-induced gut barrier dysfunction, analyzing pivotal factors, such as altered intestinal tight junctions expression, oxidative stress and imbalance of enterocyte proliferation and apoptosis. Clinicians handling patients with obstructive jaundice should not neglect protecting the intestinal barrier function before, during and after intervention for the relief of this condition, which may improve their patients’ outcome.

One-step palliative treatment method for obstructive jaundice caused by unresectable malignancies by percutaneous transhepatic insertion of an expandable metallic stent

AIM： To describe a simple one-step method involving percutaneous transhepatic insertion of an expandable metal stent （EMS） used in the treatment of obstructive jaundice caused by unresectable malignancies. METHODS： Fourteen patients diagnosed with obstructive jaundice due to unresectable malignancies were included in the study. The malignancies in these patients were a result of very advanced carcinoma or old age. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography was performed under ultrasonographic guidance. After a catheter with an inner metallic guide was advanced into the duodenum, an EMS was placed in the common bile duct, between a point 1 cm beyond the papilla of Vater and the entrance to the hepatic hilum. In cases where it was difficult to span the distance using just a single EMS, an additional stent was positioned. A drainage catheter was left in place to act as a hemostat. The catheter was removed after resolution of cholestasis and stent patency was confirmed 2 or 3 d post-procedure. RESULTS： One-step insertion of the EMS was achieved in all patients with a procedure mean time of 24.4 min. Out of the patients who required 2 EMS, 4 needed a procedure time exceeding 30 min. The mean time for removal of the catheter post-procedure was 2.3 d. All patients died of malignancy with a mean follow-up time of 7.8 mo. No stent-related complication or stent obstruction was encountered. CONCLUSIONS： One-step percutaneous transhepaticinsertion of EMS is a simple procedure for resolving biliary obstruction and can effectively improve the patient＇s quality of life.

Experimental obstructive jaundice alters claudin-4 expression in intestinal mucosa: Effect of bombesin and neurotensin

AIM： To investigate the influence of experimental obstructive jaundice and exogenous bombesin （BBS） and neurotensin （NT） administration on the expression of the tight junction （TJ）-protein claudin-4 in intestinal epithelium of rats. METHODS： Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups： Ⅰ = controls, Ⅱ = sham operated,Ⅲ = bile duct ligation （BDL）,Ⅳ = BDL＋BBS （30μg/kg per d）, V = BDL＋NT （300μg/kg per d）. At the end of the experiment on d 10, endotoxin was measured in portal and aortic blood. Tissue sections of the terminal ileum were examined histologically and immunohistochemically for evaluation of claudin-4 expression in intestinal epithelium. RESULTS： Obstructive jaundice led to intestinal barrier failure demonstrated by significant portal and aortic endotoxemia. Claudin-4 expression was significantly increased in the upper third of the villi in jaundiced rats and an upregulation of its lateral distribution was noted. Administration of BBS or NT restored claudin-4 expression to the control state and significantly reduced portal and aortic endotoxemia. CONCLUSION： Experimental obstructive jaundice increases claudin-4 expression in intestinal epithelium,which may be a key factor contributing to the disruption of the mucosal barrier. Gut regulatory peptides BBS and NT can prevent this alteration and reduce portal and systemic endotoxemia.

Treatment of malignant biliary obstruction by combined percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage with local tumor treatment

AIM： To evaluate the utility of local tumor therapy combined with percutaneous transhepatic bilian/drainage （PTBD） for malignant obstructive bilian/disease. METHODS： A total of 233 patients with malignant billan/obstruction were treated in our hospital with PTBD by placement of metallic stents and/or plastic tubes. After PTBD, 49 patients accepted brachytherapy or extraradiation therapy or arterial infusion chemotherapy. The patients were followed up with clinical and radiographic evaluation. The survival and stent patency rate were calculated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS： Twenty-two patients underwent chemotherapy （11 cases of hepatic carcinoma, 7 cases of pancreatic carcinoma, 4 cases of metastatic lymphadenopathy）, and 14 patients received radiotherapy （10 cases of cholangiocardnoma, 4 cases of pancreatic carcinoma）, and 13 patients accepted brachytherapy （7 cases of cholangiocarcinoma, 3 cases of pancreatic carcinoma, 4 cases of metastatic lymphadenopathy）. The survival rate of the local tumor treatment group at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months was 97.96%, 95.92%, 89.80%, and 32.59% respectively, longer than that of the non treatment group. The patency rate at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months was 97.96%, 93.86%, 80.93%, and 56.52% respectively. The difference of patency rate was not significant between treatment group and non treatment group. CONCLUSION： Our results suggest that local tumor therapy could prolong the survival time of patients with malignant biliary obstruction, and may improve stent patency.

Effect of honey on bacterial translocation and intestinal morphology in obstructive jaundice

AIM:To evaluate the effects of honey on bacterial translocation and intestinal villus histopathology in experimental obstructive jaundice.METHODS:Thirty Wistar-Albino rats were randomly divided into three groups each including 10 animals:group Ⅰ,sham-operated;group Ⅱ,ligation and section of the common bile duct(BDL);group Ⅲ,bile duct ligation followed by oral supplementation of honey(BDL+honey) 10 g/kg per day.Liver,blood,spleen,mesenteric lymph nodes,and ileal samples were taken for microbiological,light and transmission electrone microscopic examination.RESULTS:Although the number of villi per centimeter and the height of the mucosa were higher in sham group,there was no statistically significant difference between sham and BDL + honey groups(P>0.05).On the other hand,there was a statistically significant difference between BDL group and other groups(P<0.05).The electron microscopic changes werealso different between these groups.Sham and honey groups had similar incidence of bacterial translocation(P>0.05).BDL group had significantly higher rates of bacterial translocation as compared with sham and honey groups.Bacterial translocation was predominantly detected in mesenteric lymph nodes.CONCLUSION:Supplementation of honey in presence of obstructive jaundice ameliorates bacterial translocation and improves ileal morphology.

Effect of biliary obstruction and internal biliary drainage on hepatic cytochrome P450 isozymes in rats

AIM: To investigate the total cytochrome P450 (CYP) content, microsomal mixed-function oxidase (MFO) activity, and expression of mRNAs for various CYP isozymes in a simple rat model of reversible obstructive jaundice. METHODS: Obstructive jaundice was created in male rats by causing bile duct obstruction with polyester tape. In another group of rats, bile duct obstruction was followed by internal biliary drainage after releasing the tape. The expression of various CYP isozyme mRNAs was semi-quantitatively assessed by competitive RT- PCR. RESULTS: The total CYP content and microsomal MFO activity showed a significant decrease after biliary obstruction, but returned to respective control levels after biliary drainage. A marked reduction in the expression of CYP1A2, 2B1/2, 2C11, 2E1, 3A1, and 3A2 mRNA was detected during biliary obstruction, while expression increased significantly toward the control level after biliary drainage. Although expression of CYP4A1 mRNA showed no reduction during biliary obstruction, it still increased significantly after biliary drainage. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that not only obstructive jaundice, but also the subsequent internal biliary drainage may affect regulatory medications of the synthesis of individual CYP isozymes differently.

Diagnosis and initial management of cholangiocarcinoma with obstructive jaundice

Cholangiocarcinoma is the second most common primary hepatic cancer. Despite advances in diagnostic techniques during the past decade, cholangiocarcinoma is usually encountered at an advanced stage. In this review, we describe the classification, diagnosis, and initial management of cholangiocarcinoma with obstructive jaundice.

Bile duct ligation in rats: A reliable model of hepatorenal syndrome?

The two most widely used experimental models of advanced liver disease are the administration of carbon tetrachloride, and common bile duct ligation (BDL), however, neither has been systematically evaluated as a model of hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). The BDL model in rats, studied at diverse time points, induced a progressive renal dysfunction without structural changes in the kidney. The authors concluded that BDL is a good model for further studies of HRS and its treatment. However, the renal impairment observed at the acute phase of the BDL model is based on a different pathophysiology than that of HRS. Specifi cally, in acute obstructive jaundice, cholemia predominates over parenchymal liver disease (reversible at this stage without portal hypertension or cirrhosis) and independently induces negative inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart, impaired sympathetic vasoconstriction response and profound natriuresis and diuresis that might lead to volume depletion. In addition, systemic endotoxemia contributes to the prerenal etiology of renal impairment and promotes direct nephrotoxicity and acute tubular necrosis. On the other hand, the renal failure observed in the chronic BDL model (with development of biliary cirrhosis, portal hypertension and ascites) shares pathophysiological similarities with HRS, but the accordance of the chronic BDL model to the diagnostic criteria of HRS (e.g. absence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, no renal function improvement after plasma volume expansion) should have been confirmed. In conclusion, we think that the BDL model is not suitable for the study of the natural history of HRS, but the chronic BDL model might be valid for the study of established HRS and its potential therapies.

Intestinal failure in obstructive jaundice

TO THE EDITORWe read with great interest the article by Ding LA and LiJS, which aimed to review the current knowledge on the physiology of normal intestinal barrier function and highlight the role of intestinal failure after various injurious insults in the development of septic complications or multiple organ failure with subsequent rapid clinical deterioration or even death.

Sclerosing cholangitis associated with autoimmune pancreatitis differs from primary sclerosing cholangitis

AIM:To clarify the characteristic features of biliary le-sions in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis(AIP) and compare them with those of primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC) .METHODS:The clinicopathological characteristics of 34 patients with sclerosing cholangitis(SC) associated with AIP were compared with those of 4 patients with PSC.RESULTS:SC with AIP occurred predominantly in el-derly men.Obstructive jaundice was the most frequent initial symptom in SC with AIP.Only SC patients with AIP had elevated serum IgG4 levels,and sclerosing diseases were more frequent in these patients.SC pa-tients with AIP responded well to steroid therapy.Seg-mental stenosis of the lower bile duct was observed only in SC patients with AIP,but a beaded and pruned-tree appearance was detected only in PSC patients.Dense infi ltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells was de-tected in the bile duct wall and the periportal area,as well as in the pancreas,of SC patients with AIP.CONCLUSION:SC with AIP is distinctly different from PSC.The two diseases can be discriminated based on cholangiopancreatographic findings and serum IgG4 levels.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage with placement of a fully covered metal stent for malignant biliary obstruction

AIM:To determine the utility of endoscopic ultrasoundguided biliary drainage(EUS-BD)with a fully covered self-expandable metal stent for managing malignant biliary stricture. METHODS:We collected data from 13 patients who presented with malignant biliary obstruction and underwent EUS-BD with a nitinol fully covered selfexpandable metal stent when endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)fails.EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy(EUS-CD)and EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy(EUS-HG)was performed in 9 patients and 4 patients,respectively. RESULTS:The technical and functional success rate was 92.3%(12/13)and 91.7%(11/12),respectively. Using an intrahepatic approach(EUS-HG,n=4),there was mild peritonitis(n=1)and migration of the metal stent to the stomach(n=1).With an extrahepatic approach(EUS-CD,n=10),there was pneumoperitoneum(n=2),migration(n=2),and mild peritonitis (n=1).All patients were managed conservatively with antibiotics.During follow-up(range,1-12 mo),there was re-intervention(4/13 cases,30.7%)necessitated by stent migration(n=2)and stent occlusion(n=2). CONCLUSION:EUS-BD with a nitinol fully covered self-expandable metal stent may be a feasible and effective treatment option in patients with malignant biliary obstruction when ERCP fails.

Protective effect of Radix Astragali injection on immune organs of rats with obstructive jaundice and its mechanism

AIM: To observe the protective effect of Radix Astragali injection on immune organs (lymph nodes, spleen and thymus) of rats with obstructive jaundice (OJ) and its mechanism. METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group, model control group and Radix Astragali treatment group. On days 7, 14, 21 and 28 after operation, mortality rate of rats, pathological changes in immune organs, expression levels of Bax and nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65 proteins, apoptosis indexes and serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α level in spleen and thymus were observed, respectively.RESULTS: Compared to model control group, the number of dead OJ rats in Radix Astragali treatment group decreased (P > 0.05). The TNF-α level (27.62 ± 12.61 vs 29.55 ± 18.02, 24.61 ± 9.09 vs 31.52 ± 10.95) on days 7 and 21, the pathological severity score for spleen [0.0 (0.0) vs 0.0 (2.0) on days 7 and 14 and for lymph nodes [0.0 (1.0) vs 1.0 (2.0), 1.0 (0.0) vs 2.0 (1.0)] on days 21 and 28, the product staining intensity and positive rate of Bax protein in spleen [0.0 (0.0) vs 1.0 (2.0), 0.0 (1.0) vs 2.0 (1.5) and thymus [0.0 (0.0) vs 1.0 (2.0), 0.0 (1.0) vs 2.0 (1.5)] on days 14 and 28, the apoptotic indexes [0.0 (0.0) vs 0.0 (0.01)] in spleen and thymus [0.0 (0.0) vs 0.0 (0.01) on days 14 and 21 were significantly lower in Radix Astragali treatment group than in model control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Radix Astragali has protective effects on immune organs of OJ rats by relieving the pathological changes in immune organs, reducing TNF-α level and inhibiting Bax expression and apoptosis in spleen and thymus.

Resolution of tuberculous biliary stricture after medical therapy

Tuberculosis （TB） is a very rare cause of biliary stricture that is difficult to diagnose and usually requires surgical intervention in order to rule out underlying malignant etiology. We report a 56-year-old man presented with jaundice, weight loss and poor appetite. Initial work up showed the dilated biliary system secondary to distal common bile duct stricture. Investigations to define the etiology of this stricture showed inconclusive brush cytology with absent abdominal masses and lymph nodes but enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes. Biopsy from these lymph nodes showed a non-caseating epitheliod granuloma with negative acid fast bacilli （AFB） stain. The patient had a dramatic response to empirical antituberculosis therapy. Six weeks later, culture from lymph nodes was positive for Mycobacteriurn tuberculosis. Three months later, follow-up cholangiogram showed complete resolution of the stricture with normalization of liver enzymes 6 mo after starting anti-tuberculosis therapy. Treatment was continued for 12 mo and the patient had a normal life with normal liver enzymes and regression of the mediastinal lymph nodes at the time when he was reported in this paper. Although 16 cases of tuberculous biliary stricture are available in the English literature, up to our knowledge, this is the second published report of tuberculous biliary stricture, which resolved completely after medical therapy alone and the second reported case from the Middle East. This report emphasizes the importance of keeping TB as a possibility of biliary stricture in this part of the world.

Obstructive jaundice caused by secondary pancreatic tumor from malignant solitary fibrous tumor of pleura:A case report

A 77-year-old man on systemic chemotherapy against postoperative bilateral multiple lung metastases of malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura suffered from pruritus and jaundice. Blood examination showed elevated levels of hepatobiliary enzymes. Abdominal computed tomography showed a tumor with peripheral enhancement in the pancreatic head, accompanied with the dilatation of intra- and extra-hepatic bile ducts. He was diagnosed as having obstructive jaundice caused by a pancreatic head tumor. The pancreatic head tumor was presumably diagnosed as the metastasis of malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura, because the findings on the pancreatic head tumor on abdominal CT were similar to those on the primary lung lesion of malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura. The pancreatic tumor grew rapidly after the implantation of metallic stent in the inferior part of the common bile duct. The patient died of lymphangitis carcinomatosa of the lungs. Autopsy revealed a tumor that spread from the pancreatic head to the hepatic hilum. Microscopically, spindle-shaped cells exhibiting nuclear atypicality or division together with collagen deposition were observed. Immunohistochemically the pancreatic head tumor cells were negative for staining of α-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA） or CD117, but positive for vimentin, CD34 and CD99. These findings are consistent with those on malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura. We report the first case of obstructive jaundice caused by a secondary pancreatic tumor from malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura.

Metastatic melanoma to the common bile duct causing obstructive jaundice:A case report

Metastatic melanoma to the common bile duct is very rare with only 18 cases reported so far. We report a 46 year old women who, 18 mo after excision of a skin melanoma, developped a painless progressive obstructive jaundice. At operation a melanoma within the distal third of the common bile duct was found. There were no other secondaries within the abdomen. The common bile duct, including the tumor, was resected and anastomosed with Roux-en-Y jejunal limb. The patient survived 31 mo without any sign of local recurrence and was submitted to three other operations for axillar and brain secondaries, from which she finally died. Radical resection of metastatic melanoma to the common bile duct may result in lifelong relief of obstructive jaundice. It is safe and relatively easy to perform. In other cases, a less aggressive approach, stenting or bypass procedures, should be adopted.