Erika Hartmann

Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor of the Liver: A Case Report

A large, rapidly growing malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) of the liver in a young female patient, not associated with von Recklinghausen’s disease, is presented. Diagnosis was based on detailed immunohistochemical and electromicroscopic examination beside the characteristic H&E picture. As far as we know, this is the first reported, unambiguously proven “de novo” MPNST in the liver. Differential diagnostic problems are discussed and a review of the literature is given.

Biliary complications following orthotopic liver transplantation. The Hungarian experience

INTRODUCTION The authors summarize the characteristics of biliary complications following liver transplantation in the Hungarian liver transplant program. Aims were to analyze the frequency and the types of biliary complications as well as their effect on the patient and graft survival. The authors observed the known risk factors in the Hungarian practice, and they also try to find unknown risk factors for biliary complications. They review the therapy of biliary complications. METHOD In the retrospective study, patients were divided into two groups, with and without biliary complication after liver transplantation. These two groups were compared with many factors, and with the survivals. The biliary complication group was divided into two parts: those who had an early and those with a late biliary complication. These two new groups were also compared with the controls. The results are summarized in tables and statistical figures. Categorical variables are evaluated by chi 2 -test, continuous ones are with Levine Test (for homogenicity of means), Student T test and Mann-Whitney U-test. Cumulative survivals are computed with Kaplan-Meier log rank analysis. RESULTS Biliary complication appeared in 25% of the patients. The most frequent complications were stenosis (18%), biliary leakage (9%), biliary necrosis (6%), and ischaemic type of biliary lesions (3%). The 5-year survival is worse when biliary complications were diagnosed (55%) than without such a complication (66%). In the biliary complication group the retransplantation rate was higher (15%). The most frequent treatments were interventional radiologic methods (69%), surgical methods (17%), and the ERCP. CONCLUSIONS The rate of biliary complications met the international reviews. Risk factors for biliary complications were cholangitis, hepatic artery thrombosis and stenosis, high rate of intraoperative blood transfusions, and acute rejection. Biliary complications frequently associated with the initial poor function of the transplanted graft. Early biliary complications have a negative impact on patient survival, while late complications influence a decreased quality of life. Biliary complications were treated mostly by interventional radiologic procedures.

Surgical aspects of pediatric liver transplantation. Living donor liver transplant program in Hungary

Because of the long waiting time for pediatric liver transplantation, new techniques of liver transplantation were invented. Split and living-donor related liver transplantation are common today and the Kaplan-Meier (3 years) overall survival is over 80%. By splitting the liver, two recipients can be transplanted. In general, the left lobe is used for the pediatric, the right lobe for the adult recipient. There are a lot of combinations depending on the donor and recipient weight. The accepted liver volume is approx. 1% of the recipient body weight. The results of the Hungarian pediatric program improve, 27 transplantations were done using 14 partial liver grafts and living donor program was started. Using strict protocols and improving surgical skills, the overall pediatric survival was over 80% in the last 5 years.

Radiofrequency ablation of an intercalyceal neoplasm in a transplanted kidney using percutaneous nephrostomy for cooling — Safety and early result

Abstract Kidney neoplasms can occur after kidney transplantation in low percentage. In this report we delineate a rare case of neoplasm in the transplanted kidney detected on screening ultrasonographic examination. Due to the intercalyceal location of the tumor percutaneous radiofrequency ablation was planned with continuous cooling the collecting system avoiding the thermal damage. To the best of our knowledge this method has never been reported applying in transplanted kidney. The two-month CT follow-up verified no residual tumor and the kidney function remained in normal range during this period. These facts imply that the method can be safely applied.

Treatment of early hepatic artery complications after adult liver transplantation: A single center experience

Abstract Introduction Hepatic artery complication represents recognized sequel of liver transplantation that carries significant morbidity and mortality. Besides retransplantation, hepatic artery recanalization is provided surgically, or by percutaneous angioplasty and stent placement. This study provides an analysis of a single center experience comparing surgical and interventional treatments in cases of early hepatic artery complications. Methods In this retrospective single center study, 25 of 365 liver transplant recipients were enrolled who developed early hepatic artery complication after transplantation. Percutaneous intervention was performed in 10 cases, while surgical therapy in 15 cases. Mean follow-up time was not different between the groups (505±377 vs. 706±940 days, respectively). Results 6 patients in the Intervention Group and 10 patients in the Surgery Group are alive. The retransplantation rate (1 and 3) was lower after interventional procedures, while the development of biliary compli...

Percutaneous transhepatic metallic stent placement for the treatment of post-transplantation portal vein stenosis

UNLABELLED Liver transplantation is a routinely used therapeutic choice in the treatment of end stage liver disease. Portal vein stenosis is a rare vascular complication after liver transplantation. We report the interventional radiological management of three cases of portal vein stenosis. AIM The surgical management of portal vein stenosis can be hazardous for the patient and the transplanted liver in the early post-transplantation period. In general, interventional radiological methods are tolerable for patients and can be safely performed with high success rate. The aim of this report is to analyze the feasibility, the risks and the efficacy of the percutaneous transhepatic self expanding metallic stent placement into the portal vein. METHOD Three of the 396 liver transplantations cases in Budapest developed significant portal vein stenosis. In these cases, ultrasound guided percutaneous transhepatic portal vein puncture with fine needle was performed. The tract was dilated with a coaxial dilator set, and an adequately sized sheath introducer was inserted into the liver parenchyma. Two nitinol and one stainless steel self expanding metallic stent were implanted at the stenotic portal vein anastomoses. The tract was embolized with gelfoam particles (1 case), or coils (1 case). In the third patient no tract embolization was performed. RESULT All treatments were technically successful, without minor or major complications. In two cases the amount of free abdominal fluid decreased significantly, and in the third case the esophageal varicosity regressed. The morphological success was documented with ultrasound and computed tomography examination. Two patients are alive and well after 10 and 39 months of follow up, while the third patient died after one month in multi organ failure. CONCLUSION Percutaneous transhepatic metallic stent placement for the treatment of post-transplantation portal vein stenosis is a safe and effective method.

Non-anastomotic biliary strictures after liver transplantation: Focus on percutaneous treatment and extent of disease

Abstract Introduction: Biliary strictures remain a key problem after liver transplantation. Anastomotic strictures are treated by surgery or interventional therapy. Intrahepatic stenosis requires retransplantation. For bridging, percutaneous and endoscopic interventions are used. The extent of the strictures may have an important role in therapy planning. Methods: Strictures were divided into four zones (1: extrahepatic, not included in this study; 2: hilar; 3: central; 4: peripheral). Twenty patients were treated with balloon dilatation/stent implantation/retransplantation/supportive care (Zone 1: 0/0/0/0; Zone 2: 8/7/2/0; Zone 3: 7/5/2/1; Zone 4: 1/1/3/1). Results: Mean follow-up time was 48 months. In Zone 2, one patient died as a result of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and seven patients are alive, five after stent placements and two after retransplantation. Four patients are alive in Zone 3: all had stent placements and one later retransplantation. One patient died after retransplantation...

[Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis. Pitfalls and challenges--experience with two cases].

Retroperitoneal fibrosis is the chronic, nonspecific inflammation of the retroperitoneum. About 75% of the cases are idiopathic. The pathomechanism of the disorder is not clearly defined. Autoimmune inflammation and secondary fibrosis are the main suspected mechanisms against an unknown factor possibly related to atherosclerosis. Symptoms and laboratory parameters are nonspecific which make the diagnosis difficult. At the time of the diagnosis complications are often present. After the urological and surgical management of the complications, the aim of the medical treatment is immunosuppression. Corticosteroids are usually used for treatment, although the optimal dosage and the duration of the treatment are not known. After therapy cessation relapse may occur, requiring repeated steroid therapy or addition of steroid sparing drugs. Predicting factors for treatment response, corticosteroid demand or relapse are not known. Authors review the medical history of two patients with retroperitoneal fibrosis and discuss diagnostic difficulties of this disorder.

Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis: Buktatók és kihívások – két kórlefolyás tapasztalataiPitfalls and challenges – experience with two cases

Retroperitoneal fibrosis is the chronic, nonspecific inflammation of the retroperitoneum. About 75% of the cases are idiopathic. The pathomechanism of the disorder is not clearly defined. Autoimmune inflammation and secondary fibrosis are the main suspected mechanisms against an unknown factor possibly related to atherosclerosis. Symptoms and laboratory parameters are nonspecific which make the diagnosis difficult. At the time of the diagnosis complications are often present. After the urological and surgical management of the complications, the aim of the medical treatment is immunosuppression. Corticosteroids are usually used for treatment, although the optimal dosage and the duration of the treatment are not known. After therapy cessation relapse may occur, requiring repeated steroid therapy or addition of steroid sparing drugs. Predicting factors for treatment response, corticosteroid demand or relapse are not known. Authors review the medical history of two patients with retroperitoneal fibrosis and discuss diagnostic difficulties of this disorder.

Idiopathiás retroperitonealis fibrosis

Retroperitoneal fibrosis is the chronic, nonspecific inflammation of the retroperitoneum. About 75% of the cases are idiopathic. The pathomechanism of the disorder is not clearly defined. Autoimmune inflammation and secondary fibrosis are the main suspected mechanisms against an unknown factor possibly related to atherosclerosis. Symptoms and laboratory parameters are nonspecific which make the diagnosis difficult. At the time of the diagnosis complications are often present. After the urological and surgical management of the complications, the aim of the medical treatment is immunosuppression. Corticosteroids are usually used for treatment, although the optimal dosage and the duration of the treatment are not known. After therapy cessation relapse may occur, requiring repeated steroid therapy or addition of steroid sparing drugs. Predicting factors for treatment response, corticosteroid demand or relapse are not known. Authors review the medical history of two patients with retroperitoneal fibrosis and discuss diagnostic difficulties of this disorder.