Significance of an Advanced Image-Based Virtual Monoenergetic Reconstruction of Dual Source Dual-Energy CT Data at Low keV Increases Image Quality for Portal Vein System of Pancreatic Cancer Patients

Purpose: To explore the significance of dual-source computed tomography (DECT) virtual monoenergetic reconstructions technology in improving image quality for portal vein system of pancreatic cancer patients. Materials and methods: 47 patients with clinically suspected pancreatic cancer (all confirmed by pathology) were collected. Routine plain scan was performed with Siemens Force dual-source dual-energy CT followed by 3 scans respectively carried out in arterial phase, portal phase and delayed phase. Traditional virtual monoenergetic reconstructions (Mono_E) and new generation of virtual monoenergetic reconstructions (Mono+) were respectively performed on portal vein images to obtain virtual single energy images including Mono_ E70 keV, Mono_E 55 keV and Mono+ 70 keV and Mono+ 55 keV. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and noise of portal vein, normal pancreatic tissues and pancreatic lesions of 100 kV, Mono_E and Mono+ images were compared. In addition, the contrast noise ratio of portal vein and lesions as well as pancreatic tissues and lesions (CNR PV, CNRtumor) were also compared. At the same time, two imaging physicians with rich clinical experiences read the films and scored the images of each group by using the 5-point scoring method. Results: Mono+ 55 keV images including SNRpv, SNRpanc, SNRtumor, Noise, CNRpv, CNRtumor were statistically different from 100 KV images and Mono_E images (P < 0.05). As for the subjective score, Mono+ 55 keV image score also had the highest score, which had statistical significance (P < 0.05). The results showed that Mono+ 55 keV images had the best quality. Conclusion: The new generation of virtual Mono+ post-treatment can reduce image noise. Low energy Mono+ images can improve the contrast between pancreatic cancer lesions and portal of pancreatic cancer patients.

Intrahepatic portal venous systems in adult patients with cavernous transformation of portal vein: Imaging features and a new classification

Background: Cavernous transformation of the portal vein(CTPV) due to portal vein obstruction is a rare vascular anomaly defined as the formation of multiple collateral vessels in the hepatic hilum. This study aimed to investigate the imaging features of intrahepatic portal vein in adult patients with CTPV and establish the relationship between the manifestations of intrahepatic portal vein and the progression of CTPV. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 14 CTPV patients in Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital. All patients underwent both direct portal venography(DPV) and computed tomography angiography(CTA) to reveal the manifestations of the portal venous system. The vessels measured included the left portal vein(LPV), right portal vein(RPV), main portal vein(MPV) and the portal vein bifurcation(PVB). Results: Nine males and 5 females, with a median age of 40.5 years, were included in the study. No significant difference was found in the diameters of the LPV or RPV measured by DPV and CTA. The visualization in terms of LPV, RPV and PVB measured by DPV was higher than that by CTA. There was a significant association between LPV/RPV and PVB/MPV in term of visibility revealed with DPV( P = 0.01), while this association was not observed with CTA. According to the imaging features of the portal vein measured by DPV, CTPV was classified into three categories to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment. Conclusions: DPV was more accurate than CTA for revealing the course of the intrahepatic portal vein in patients with CTPV. The classification of CTPV, that originated from the imaging features of the portal vein revealed by DPV, may provide a new perspective for the diagnosis and treatment of CTPV.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for esophagogastric variceal bleeding in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and portal vein tumor thrombus

BACKGROUND Whether hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)with portal vein tumor thrombus(PVTT)and acute esophagogastric variceal bleeding(EGVB)can improve the success rate of endoscopic hemostasis and overall survival(OS)from transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)remains controversial.AIM To compare the clinical outcomes between TIPS and standard treatment for such HCC patients.METHODS This monocenter,retrospective cohort study included patients diagnosed as HCC with PVTT and upper gastrointestinal bleeding.Patients were grouped by the treatment(TIPS or standard conservative treatment).The success rate of en-doscopic hemostasis,OS,rebleeding rates,and main causes of death were ana-lyzed.RESULTS Between July 2015 and September 2021,a total of 77 patients(29 with TIPS and 48 with standard treatment)were included.The success rate of endoscopic hemostasis was 96.6%in the TIPS group and 95.8%in the standard treatment group.All the 29 patients in TIPS group successful underwent TIPS procedure and had a better OS compared with standard treatment within the first 160 days after treatment(68 days vs 43 days,P=0.022),but shorter OS after 160 days(298 days vs 472 days, P = 0.022). Cheng’s Classification of PVTT, total bilirubin and Child-Pugh class wereindependently negative associated with OS (all P < 0.05). The main causes of death were liver failure or hepaticencephalopathy (75.9%) in the TIPS group and rebleeding (68.8%) in the standard treatment.CONCLUSIONTIPS could reduce the risk of early death due to rebleeding and prolong short-term survival in HCC patients withPVTT and acute EGVB, which deserves further investigation.

Comprehensive review of hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus:State of art and future perspectives

Background:Despite advances in the diagnosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),70%-80%of patients are diagnosed with advanced stage disease.Portal vein tumor thrombus(PVTT)is among the most ominous signs of advanced stage disease and has been associated with poor survival if untreated.Data sources:A systematic search of MEDLINE(PubMed),Embase,Cochrane Library and Database for Systematic Reviews(CDSR),Google Scholar,and National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence(NICE)databases until December 2022 was conducted using free text and MeSH terms:hepatocellular carcinoma,portal vein tumor thrombus,portal vein thrombosis,vascular invasion,liver and/or hepatic resection,liver transplantation,and systematic review.Results:Centers of surgical excellence have reported promising results related to the individualized surgical management of portal thrombus versus arterial chemoembolization or systemic chemotherapy.Critical elements to the individualized surgical management of HCC and portal thrombus include precise classification of the portal vein tumor thrombus,accurate identification of the subgroups of patients who may benefit from resection,as well as meticulous surgical technique.This review addressed five specific areas:(a)formation of PVTT;(b)classifications of PVTT;(c)controversies related to clinical guidelines;(d)surgical treatments versus non-surgical approaches;and(e)characterization of surgical techniques correlated with classifications of PVTT.Conclusions:Current evidence from Chinese and Japanese high-volume centers demonstrated that patients with HCC and associated PVTT can be managed with surgical resection with acceptable results.

Liver transplantation and resection in patients with hepatocellular cancer and portal vein tumor thrombosis: Feasible and effective?

Patients with locally advanced hepatocellular cancer(HCC)and portal vein tumor thrombosis(PVTT)have a dismal prognosis since limited treatment options are available for them.In recent years,effective systemic therapy,and advances in the understanding of technicalities and effectiveness of ablative therapies especially radiotherapy,have given some hope to prolong survival in them.This review summarized recent evidence in literature regarding the possible role of liver resection(LR)and liver transplantation(LT)in patients with locally advanced HCC and PVTT with no extrahepatic disease.Downstaging therapies have helped make curative resection or LT a reality in selected patients.This review emphasizes on the key points to focus on when considering surgery in these patients,who are usually relegated to palliative systemic therapy alone.Meticulous patient selection based on tumor biology,documented downstaging based on imaging and decrease in tumor marker levels,and an adequate waiting period to demonstrate stable disease,may help obtain satisfactory long-term outcomes post LR or LT in an intention to treat strategy in patients with HCC and PVTT.

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with PD-1 inhibitors and Lenvatinib for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)patients complicated with portal vein tumor thrombus(PVTT)exhibit poor prognoses and treatment responses.AIM To investigate efficacies and safety of the combination of PD-1 inhibitor,transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)and Lenvatinib in HCC subjects comorbid with PVTT.METHODS From January 2019 to December 2020,HCC patients with PVTT types Ⅰ-Ⅳ were retrospectively enrolled at Beijing Ditan Hospital.They were distributed to either the PTL or TACE/Lenvatinib(TL)group.The median progression-free survival(mPFS)was set as the primary endpoint,while parameters like median overall survival,objective response rate,disease control rate(DCR),and toxicity level served as secondary endpoints.RESULTS Forty-one eligible patients were finally recruited for this study and divided into the PTL(n=18)and TL(n=23)groups.For a median follow-up of 21.8 months,the DCRs were 88.9%and 60.9%in the PTL and TL groups(P=0.046),res-pectively.Moreover,mPFS indicated significant improvement(HR=0.25;P<0.001)in PTL-treated patients(5.4 months)compared to TL-treated(2.7 months)patients.There were no treatment-related deaths or differences in adverse events in either group.CONCLUSION A triplet regimen of PTL was safe and well-tolerated as well as exhibited favorable efficacy over the TL regimen for advanced-stage HCC patients with PVTT types Ⅰ-Ⅳ.

Conversion therapy of a giant hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein thrombus and inferior vena cava thrombus:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND The prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)combined with portal and hepatic vein cancerous thrombosis is poor,for unresectable patients the combination of targeted therapy and immune therapy was the first-line recommended treatment for advanced HCC,with a median survival time of only about 2.7-6 months.In this case report,we present the case of a patient with portal and hepatic vein cancerous thrombosis who achieved pathologic complete response after conversion therapy.CASE SUMMARY In our center,a patient with giant HCC combined with portal vein tumor thrombus and hepatic vein tumor thrombus was treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE),radiotherapy,targeted therapy and immunotherapy,and was continuously given icaritin soft capsules for oral regulation.After 7 months of conversion therapy,the patient's tumor shrank and the tumor thrombus subsided significantly.The pathology of surgical resection was in complete remission,and there was no progression in the postoperative follow-up for 7 months,which provided a basis for the future strategy of combined conversion therapy.CONCLUSION In this case,atezolizumab,bevacizumab,icaritin soft capsules combined with radiotherapy and TACE had a good effect.For patients with hepatocellular carcinoma combined with hepatic vein/inferior vena cava tumor thrombus,adopting a high-intensity,multimodal proactive strategy under the guidance of multidisciplinary team(MDT)is an important attempt to break through the current treatment dilemma.

Simultaneous portal vein thrombosis and splenic vein thrombosis in a COVID-19 patient:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND It is well-described that the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)infection is associated with an increased risk of thrombotic complications.While there have been many cases of pulmonary emboli and deep vein thrombosis in these patients,reports of COVID-19 associated portal vein thrombosis(PVT)have been uncommon.We present a unique case of concomitant PVT and splenic artery thrombosis in a COVID-19 patient.CASE SUMMARY A 77-year-old-male with no history of liver disease presented with three days of left-sided abdominal pain.One week earlier,the patient was diagnosed with mildly symptomatic COVID-19 and was treated with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir.Physical exam revealed mild right and left lower quadrant tenderness,but was otherwise unremarkable.Significant laboratory findings included white blood cell count 12.5 K/μL,total bilirubin 1.6 mg/dL,aminoaspartate transferase 40 U/L,and alanine aminotransferase 61 U/L.Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis revealed acute PVT with thrombus extending from the distal portion of the main portal vein into the right and left branches.Also noted was a thrombus within the distal portion of the splenic artery with resulting splenic infarct.Hypercoagulable workup including prothrombin gene analysis,factor V Leiden,cardiolipin antibody,and JAK2 mutation were all negative.Anticoagulation with enoxaparin was initiated,and the patient’s pain improved.He was discharged on apixaban.CONCLUSION It is quite uncommon for PVT to present simultaneously with an arterial thrombotic occlusion,as in the case of our patient.Unusual thrombotic manifestations are classically linked to hypercoagulable states including malignancy and hereditary and autoimmune disorders.Viral infections such as Epstein-Barr virus,cytomegalovirus,viral hepatitis,and COVID-19 have all been found to increase the risk of splanchnic venous occlusions,including PVT.In our patient,prompt abdominal imaging led to early detection of thrombus,early treatment,and an excellent outcome.This case is unique in that it is the second known case within the literature of simultaneous PVT and splenic artery thrombosis in a COVID-19 patient.

Shunting branch of portal vein and stent position predict survival after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

AIM: To evaluate the effect of the shunting branch of the portal vein (PV) (left or right) and the initial stent position (optimal or suboptimal) of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS).

Clinical outcomes of transcatheter selective superior mesenteric artery urokinase infusion therapy vs transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in patients with cirrhosis and acute portal vein thrombosis

AIM To compare the outcomes of transcatheter superior mesenteric artery(SMA) urokinase infusion and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS) for acute portal vein thrombosis(PVT) in cirrhosis.METHODS From January 2013 to December 2014, patients with liver cirrhosis and acute symptomatic PVT who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either an SMA group or a TIPS group. The two groups accepted transcatheter selective SMA urokinase infusion therapyand TIPS, respectively. The total follow-up time was24 mo. The primary outcome measure was the change in portal vein patency status which was evaluated by angio-computed tomography or Doppler ultrasound.Secondary outcomes were rebleeding and hepatic encephalopathy.RESULTS A total of 40 patients were enrolled, with 20 assigned to the SMA group and 20 to the TIPS group. The symptoms of all patients in the two groups improved within 48 h. PVT was improved in 17(85%) patients in the SMA group and 14(70%) patients in the TIPS group. The main portal vein(MPV) thrombosis was significantly reduced in both groups(P < 0.001), and there was no significant difference between them(P= 0.304). In the SMA group, superior mesenteric vein(SMV) thrombosis and splenic vein(SV) thrombosis were significantly reduced(P = 0.048 and P = 0.02),which did not occur in the TIPS group. At 6-, 12-,and 24-mo follow-up, in the SMA group and the TIPS group, the cumulative rates free of the first episode of rebleeding were 80%, 65%, and 45% vs 90%, 80%,and 60%, respectively(P = 0.320); the cumulative rates free of the first episode of hepatic encephalopathy were 85%, 80%, and 65% vs 50%, 40%, and 35%,respectively(P = 0.022).CONCLUSION Transcatheter selective SMA urokinase infusion and TIPS are safe and effective for acute symptomatic PVT in cirrhosis.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for the prevention of recurrent esophageal variceal bleeding in patients with cavernous transformation of portal vein

Background: Treatment options for patients with cavernous transformation of portal vein(CTPV) are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS) to prevent recurrent esophageal variceal bleeding in patients with CTPV. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 67 consecutive patients undergone TIPS from January 2011 to December 2016. All patients were diagnosed with CTPV. The indication for TIPS was a previous episode of variceal bleeding. The data on recurrent bleeding, stent patency, hepatic encephalopathy and survival were retrieved and analyzed. Results: TIPS procedure was successfully performed in 56 out of 67(83.6%) patients with CTPV. TIPS was performed via a transjugular approach alone( n = 15), a combined transjugular/transhepatic approach( n = 33) and a combined transjugular/transsplenic approach( n = 8). Mean portosystemic pressure gradient(PSG) decreased from 28.09 ± 7.28 mmHg to 17.53 ± 6.12 mmHg after TIPS( P < 0.01). The probability of the remaining free recurrent variceal bleeding was 87.0%. The probability of TIPS patency reached 81.5%. Hepatic encephalopathy occurrence was 27.8%, and survival rate was 88.9% until the end of follow-up. Four out of 11 patients who failed TIPS died, and 4 had recurrent bleeding. Conclusions: TIPS should be considered a safe and feasible alternative therapy to prevent recurrent esophageal variceal bleeding in patients with CTPV, and to achieve clinical improvement.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt with covered stents for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis

AIM: To evaluate transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) with covered stents for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with main portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT).

No difference in mortality among ALPPS,two-staged hepatectomy,and portal vein embolization/ligation:A systematic review by updated traditional and network meta-analyses

Background:There is an ongoing debate on the feasibility,safety,and oncological efficacy of the associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy(ALPPS)technique.The aim of this study was to compare ALPPS,two-staged hepatectomy(TSH),and portal vein embolization(PVE)/ligation(PVL)using updated traditional meta-analysis and network meta-analysis(NMA).Data sources:Electronic databases were used in a systematic literature search.Updated traditional metaanalysis and NMA were performed and compared.Mortality and major morbidity were selected as primary outcomes.Results:Nineteen studies including 1200 patients were selected from the pool of 436 studies.Of these patients,315(31%)and 702(69%)underwent ALPPS and portal vein occlusion(PVO),respectively.Ninetyday mortality based on updated traditional meta-analysis,subgroup analysis of the randomized controlled trials(RCTs),and both Bayesian and frequentist NMA did not demonstrate significant differences between the ALPPS cohort and the PVE,PVL,and TSH cohorts.Moreover,analysis of RCTs did not demonstrate significant differences of major morbidity between the ALPPS and PVO cohorts.The ALPPS cohort demonstrated significantly more favorable outcomes in hypertrophy parameters,time to operation,definitive hepatectomy,and R0 margins rates compared with the PVO cohort.In contrast,1-year disease-free survival was significantly higher in the PVO cohort compared to the ALPPS cohort.Conclusions:This study is the first to use updated traditional meta-analysis and both Bayesian and frequentist NMA and demonstrated no significant differences in 90-day mortality between the ALPPS and other hepatic hypertrophy approaches.Furthermore,two high quality RCTs including 147 patients demonstrated no significant differences in major morbidity between the ALPPS and PVO cohorts.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is effective in patients with chronic portal vein thrombosis and variceal bleeding

Background:Studies about treatment of patients with chronic portal vein thrombosis(CPVT)are still limited,especially in different types of CPVT.This study aimed to evaluate the effect of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)in all types of CPVT with variceal bleeding.Methods:Patients with CPVT who received TIPS treatment between January 2011 and June 2019 were divided into four types according to the extent of thrombosis.All patients had a history of variceal bleeding.The characteristics and clinical parameters were collected and recorded.Data on procedure success rate,variation in portal vein pressure,rebleeding,hepatic encephalopathy(HE),stent stenosis,and overall mortality were analyzed.Results:A total of 189 patients were included in this study(39 in type 1,84 in type 2,48 in type 3,18 in type 4).The TIPS procedure success rate was 86.2%.The success rate was significantly different among the four types(89.7%vs.88.1%vs.83.3%vs.77.8%,P=0.001).In the TIPS success group,portal vein pressure was significantly reduced from 27.15±6.59 to 19.74±6.73 mm Hg after the procedure(P<0.001)and the rebleeding rate was significantly lower than that of the fail group(14.7%vs.30.8%,P=0.017).In addition,there were no significant differences in HE rate(30.7%vs.26.9%,P=0.912)or overall mortality(12.9%vs.19.2%,P=0.403)between the TIPS success group and the fail group.In the TIPS success group,we found that the occurrence of HE was significantly different(P=0.020)among the four types,while there were no significant differences in rebleeding rate(P=0.669),stent stenosis rate(P=0.056),or overall mortality(P=0.690).Conclusions:TIPS was safe and effective in decreasing portal vein pressure and rebleeding rate in patients with CPVT.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of trans-jugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for cirrhotic patients with portal vein thrombosis

BACKGROUND Portal vein thrombosis(PVT)was previously a contraindication for trans-jugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS).AIM To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the current available studies investigating outcomes of TIPS for cirrhotic patient with PVT.METHODS Multiple databases were systematically searched to identify studies investigating the outcomes of TIPS for cirrhotic patients with PVT.The quality of studies was assessed by Cochrane Collaboration method and Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies.The demographic data,outcomes,combined treatment,and anticoagulation strategy were extracted.RESULTS Twelve studies were identified with 460 patients enrolled in the analysis.The technical success rate was 98.9%in patients without portal vein cavernous transformation and 92.3%in patients with portal vein cavernous transformation.One-year portal vein recanalization rate was 77.7%,and TIPS patency rate was 84.2%.The cumulative encephalopathy rate was 16.4%.One-year overall survival was 87.4%.CONCLUSION TIPS is indicated for portal hypertension related complications and the restoration of pre-transplantation portal vein patency in cirrhotic patients with PVT.Cavernous transfor-mation is an indicator for technical failure.Post-TIPS anticoagulation seems not mandatory.Simultaneous TIPS and percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy device could achieve accelerated portal vein recanalization and decreased thrombolysis-associated complications,but further investigation is still needed.

Simultaneous portal and hepatic vein embolization is better than portal embolization or ALPPS for hypertrophy of future liver remnant before major hepatectomy: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background:Post-hepatectomy liver failure(PHLF)is the Achilles’heel of hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastases.The most commonly used procedure to generate hypertrophy of the functional liver remnant(FLR)is portal vein embolization(PVE),which does not always lead to successful hypertrophy.Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy(ALPPS)has been proposed to overcome the limitations of PVE.Liver venous deprivation(LVD),a technique that includes simultaneous portal and hepatic vein embolization,has also been proposed as an alternative to ALPPS.The present study aimed to conduct a systematic review as the first network meta-analysis to compare the efficacy,effectiveness,and safety of the three regenerative techniques.Data sources:A systematic search for literature was conducted using the electronic databases Embase,PubMed(MEDLINE),Google Scholar and Cochrane.Results:The time to operation was significantly shorter in the ALPPS cohort than in the PVE and LVD cohorts by 27 and 22 days,respectively.Intraoperative parameters of blood loss and the Pringle maneuver demonstrated non-significant differences between the PVE and LVD cohorts.There was evidence of a significantly higher FLR hypertrophy rate in the ALPPS cohort when compared to the PVE cohort,but non-significant differences were observed when compared to the LVD cohort.Notably,the LVD cohort demonstrated a significantly better FLR/body weight(BW)ratio compared to both the ALPPS and PVE cohorts.Both the PVE and LVD cohorts demonstrated significantly lower major morbidity rates compared to the ALPPS cohort.The LVD cohort also demonstrated a significantly lower 90-day mortality rate compared to both the PVE and ALPPS cohorts.Conclusions:LVD in adequately selected patients may induce adequate and profound FLR hypertrophy before major hepatectomy.Present evidence demonstrated significantly lower major morbidity and mortality rates in the LVD cohort than in the ALPPS and PVE cohorts.

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.

Application of ultrasonography-elastography score to suspect porto-sinusoidal vascular disease in patients with portal vein thrombosis

Background:Porto-sinusoidal vascular disease(PSVD)and portal vein thrombosis(PVT)are causes of portal hypertension characterized respectively by an intrahepatic and a pre-hepatic obstacle to the flow in the portal system.As PVT may be a consequence of PSVD,in PVT patients at presentation,a pre-existing PSVD should be suspected.In these patients the identification of an underlying PSVD would have relevant implication regarding follow-up and therapeutic management,but it could be challenging.In this setting ultrasonography may be valuable in differential diagnosis.The aim of the study was to use ultrasonography to identify parameters to discriminate between PSVD and“pure”PVT and then to suspect PVT secondary to a pre-existing PSVD.Methods:Fifty-three patients with histologically proven PSVD and forty-eight patients affected by chronic PVT were enrolled and submitted to abdominal ultrasonography with elastography by acoustic radiation force impulse(ARFI).Results:ARFI was higher and superior mesenteric vein(SMV)diameter was wider in PSVD patients than in PVT patients.Thus,a prognostic score was obtained as linear combinations of the two parameters with a good discrimination capacity between PSVD and PVT(the area under the curve=0.780;95%confidence interval:0.690-0.869).Conclusions:A score based on ARFI and SMV diameter may be useful to suspect an underlying PSVD in patients with PVT and to identify a subgroup of patients to be submitted to liver biopsy.

Effect of an Airbag-selective Portal Vein Blood Arrester on the Liver after Hepatectomy:A New Technique for Selective Clamping of the Portal Vein

Objective:A novel technique was explored using an airbag-selective portal vein blood arrester that circumvents the need for an intraoperative assessment of anatomical variations in patients with complex intrahepatic space-occupying lesions.Methods:Rabbits undergoing hepatectomy were randomly assigned to 4 groups:intermittent portal triad clamping(PTC),intermittent portal vein clamping(PVC),intermittent portal vein blocker with an airbag-selective portal vein blood arrester(APC),and without portal blood occlusion(control).Hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury were assessed by measuring the 7-day survival rate,blood loss,liver function,hepatic pathology,hepatic inflammatory cytokine infiltration,hepatic malondialdehyde levels,and proliferating cell nuclear antigen levels.Results:Liver damage was substantially reduced in the APC and PVC groups.The APC animals exhibited transaminase levels similar to or less oxidative stress damage and inflammatory hepatocellular injury compared to those exhibited by the PVC animals.Bleeding was significantly higher in the control group than in the other groups.The APC group had less bleeding than the PVC group because of the avoidance of portal vein skeletonization during hepatectomy.Thus,more operative time was saved in the APC group than in the PVC group.Moreover,the total 7-day survival rate in the APC group was higher than that in the PTC group.Conclusion:Airbag-selective portal vein blood arresters may help protect against hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury in rabbits undergoing partial hepatectomy.This technique may also help prevent liver damage in patients requiring hepatectomy.

Percutaneous transhepatic stenting for acute superior mesenteric vein stenosis after pancreaticoduodenectomy with portal vein reconstruction:A case report

BACKGROUND Percutaneous transhepatic stent placement has become a common strategy for the postoperative treatment of portal vein(PV)/superior mesenteric veins(SMV)stenosis/occlusion.It has been widely used after liver transplantation surgery;however,reports on stent placement for acute PV/SMV stenosis after pancreatic surgery within postoperative 3 d are rare.CASE SUMMARY Herein,we reported a case of intestinal edema and SMV stenosis 2 d after pancreatic surgery.The patient was successfully treated using stent grafts.Although the stenosis resolved after stent placement,complications,including bleeding,pancreatic fistula,bile leakage,and infection,made the treatment highly challenging.The use of anticoagulants was adjusted multiple times to prevent venous thromboembolism and the risk of bleeding.After careful treatment,the patient stabilized,and stent placement effectively managed postoperative PV/SMV stenosis.CONCLUSION Stent placement is effective and feasible for treating acute PV/SMV stenosis after pancreatic surgery even within postoperative 3 d.