Vivian Resende

Functions of the splenic remnant after subtotal splenectomy for treatment of severe splenic injuries

BACKGROUND To evaluate the clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients submitted to subtotal splenectomy during the immediate and late postoperative period. METHODS The study was conducted on 34 patients, 25 of whom were submitted to subtotal splenectomy (group I), and 9 to total splenectomy without preservation of splenic tissue (group II), and on 22 patients with intact spleens (group III, control). The immediate and late postoperative complications were investigated. Hematological examinations were performed during the late postoperative period (red cell count, hemoglobin, platelets, total and segmented leukocytes, lymphocytes, and Howell-Jolly bodies). Immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, and IgG) and total T lymphocytes (TTL), active T lymphocytes (ATL), and B lymphocytes were also determined. Splenic scintigraphy with (99m)Tc colloidal sulfur was performed. RESULTS Groups I and III did not presented abnormal blood bodies and their hematological and immunological pattern were normal. None of the groups showed leukocytosis or thrombocytosis. Howell-Jolly bodies were observed only in group II, which also showed reduced IgM levels. Scintigraphy showed filtering splenic tissue in group I. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that subtotal splenectomy is a good surgical alternative for serious distal spleen lesion or when the main splenic pedicle is injured.

Subtotal splenectomy for treatment of severe splenic injuries.

OBJECTIVE The spleen is an organ of the defense system with important roles in filtering functions, phagocytosis, and immunoglobulin production. Septic phenomena are severe complications that may occur after total splenectomy. To avoid these adverse effects, the preservation of the spleen is indicated. However, in the presence of severe spleen damage, lesions of the splenic pedicle, or both, complete removal of the spleen has been considered unavoidable. METHODS The present paper presents the preservation of the upper splenic pole supplied by the splenogastric vessels in six patients with severe injuries of the spleen and its pedicle. RESULTS All patients had good postoperative courses. CONCLUSIONS Subtotal splenectomy may be useful in the treatment of severe injuries of the distal part of the spleen, when the vessels of its pedicle are damaged, or both.

Autotransplantation for treatment of severe splenic lesions.

Abstract. The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical and laboratory variables in patients undergoing spleen autotransplantation. We studied 29 patients with severe trauma of the spleen and its pedicle. Of these, 20 underwent autotransplantation (group I) and 9 underwent total splenectomy without preservation of splenic tissue (group II). Twenty-two additional subjects with an intact spleen were used as controls (group III). Immediate and late postoperative complications were investigated. Laboratory counts were performed during the late postoperative period (red blood cells, hemoglobin, white blood cells, platelets, and Howell–Jolly bodies). To investigate the immunological profiles of patients we performed B- and T-lymphocyte counts and determined IgA, IgG, and IgM levels. All patients underwent splenic scintigraphy with technetium 99m sulfur colloid. Groups I and III did not present abnormal blood bodies, and their hematological and immunological patterns were normal. Group II showed increased numbers of Howell–Jolly bodies and low IgM levels. Splenic scintigraphy indicated the viability and filtering function of the splenic remnant in group I. Autotransplantation is a good option to maintain splenic function when total splenectomy is necessary.

Estudo funcional tardio do auto-implante esplênico após trauma complexo do baço humano

BACKGROUND: To evaluate clinical and laboratory variables in patients submitted to autotransplantation of the spleen. METHOD:In the present investigation 29 patients were studied with severe trauma of the spleen and its pedicle were studied. Of these, 20 were submitted to autotransplantation (Group I) and 9 were submitted to total splenectomy without preservation of splenic tissue (Group II). Twenty-two additional subjects with an intact spleen were used as controls (Group III). Immediate and late postoperative complications were investigated. Laboratory exams were performed during the late postoperative period (red blood cells, hemoglobin, white blood cells, platelets, and Howell-Jolly bodies). To investigate the immunological profiles of patients we performed B- and T-lymphocyte counts and immunoglobulin A, G and M (IgA, IgG and IgM) levels were determined. All patients were submitted to splenic scintigraphy with technetium 99mTc sulfur colloid. RESULTS: Group II presented increased Howell-Jolly bodies and low IgM levels. Splenic scintigraphy indicated the viability and filtering function of the splenic remnant in Group I. CONCLUSION: Autotransplantation is a good alternative when total splenectomy is required.

Complete Genome Sequence of Type Strain Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis NCTC 10354T

Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis is the etiologic agent of bovine genital campylobacteriosis, a sexually transmitted disease of cattle that is of worldwide importance. The complete sequencing and annotation of the genome of the type strain C. fetus subsp. venerealis NCTC 10354(T) are reported.

Schistosome-induced cholangiocyte proliferation and osteopontin secretion correlate with fibrosis and portal hypertension in human and murine schistosomiasis mansoni

Schistosomal egg antigens induce host bile ductular cells to proliferate and produce osteopontin (OPN), a pro-fibrogenic factor that stimulates hepatic stellate cells to become myofibroblasts. The numbers of OPN-producing bile ductules correlate with fibrogenesis and portal hypertension in humans and mice.

Primary hepatic lymphoma: A case report

INTRODUCTION Primary hepatic lymphoma is a rare malignancy which misdiagnosis and mistreatment is very frequent. Differential diagnosis of the hepatic lesion, based on the noninvolvement of blood vessels, includes: fatty infiltration, cirrhosis, amyloid infiltration, primary hepatomas, and metastatic neoplasms. PRESENTATION OF CASE We describe a case of a 69-year-old man who presented with 15% weight loss and general fatigue over the previous 9 months. Physical examination revealed hepatomegaly without lymphadenopathy or splenomegaly. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a 13 cm × 9 cm × 11 cm tumor on the right liver associated with normal levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). After two negatives ultrasonography-guided needle liver biopsies, the third one showed diffuse infiltration of large sized lymphoid cells. Immunohistochemical findings demonstrated the B-lymphocyte lineage of the tumor. The patient received R-CHOP therapy (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone, and rituximab) with good response. DISCUSSION It is important to recognize PHL because it responds favorably to chemotherapy and may have a better prognosis than hepatocellular carcinoma or metastatic disease of the liver. When imaging findings on CT scans and MRI are nonspecific, a biopsy is needed not only for a definitive diagnosis but also for identifying the immunophenotype of the PHL. This type of lesion is highly chemosensitive and early aggressive chemotherapy may result in sustained remission. CONCLUSION This case emphasizes the importance of effective recognition of PHL considering its good response to chemotherapy and the possibility of sustained remission if early aggressive treatment is implemented.

Late postoperative follow-up of patients undergoing subtotal splenectomy

PURPOSE Over the past 21 years, we have performed more than 200 subtotal splenectomies, in which the upper splenic pole vascularized only by the gastrosplenic pole vascularized only by the gastrosplenic vessels is preserved, to treat different pathologic conditions. A meticulous follow-up of the postoperative results of this procedure is of fundamental importance. METHODS All patients undergoing subtotal splenectomy were invited to be reviewed. A total of 86 patients who had undergone surgery 1 to 20 years ago were gathered; the surgical procedure was performed for one of the following conditions: portal hypertension due to schistosomiasis (n = 43), trauma (n = 31), Gauchers disease (n = 4), myeloid hepatosplenomegaly due to myelofibrosis (n = 3), splenomegalic retarded growth and sexual development (n = 2), severe pain due to splenic ischemia (n = 2) and pancreatic cystadenoma (n = 1). Patients underwent a hematologic exam, an immunologic assessment, abdominal ultrasonography, computed tomography, scintigraphy and endoscopy. RESULTS Increased white blood cell count and platelets were the only hematological abnormalities. No immunologic deficit was found. Esophageal varices were still present in patients who underwent surgery because of portal hypertension although without rebleeding. The ultrasound, tomography and scintigraphy exams confirmed the presence of functional splenic remnants without significant size alteration. CONCLUSIONS Subtotal splenectomy seems to be a safe procedure that can be useful in treating conditions involving the spleen. The functions of the splenic remnants are preserved during long periods of time.

Gallbladder Papillary Neoplasia Associated With Intrahepatic Carcinoma and Pancreaticobiliary Malformation

Papillary carcinoma is a rare tumor of the gallbladder. Papillary mucinous lesions of the intra- and extra-hepatic biliary tract (BT- IPMN) have been recognized. However the gallbladder is not included, except for the diffuse papillomatosis, where the sequence biliary papillomatosis to papillary carcinoma is proposed. We report a simultaneous case of gallbladder papillary neoplasia and intrahepatic duct carcinoma in situ associated with pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM). We proposed that double location, in our case, is more likely explained by a diffuse biliopancreatic tree disease leading to synchronous tumors arising in amenable duct. It was verified absence of continuity between gallbladder and intrahepatic bile duct site of involvement, absence of lymph node metastasis or venous involvement. This case report supports the concept of a proliferative and neoplastic process involving simultaneously the biliary tree and gallbladder associated with PBM.

Avaliação da morbidade e da mortalidade após ressecções hepáticas

OBJECTIVE: To describe morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing hepatectomy. METHODS: We evaluated hepatectomy according to type of surgery, perioperative blood transfusion, hospital stay, complications and postoperative mortality. For statistical analysis we used the Fichers exact test, considering significant p values <0.05. RESULTS: We performed 22 (31.43%) major hepatectomies, 13 (18.57%) being right hepatectomies extended to segments IVa and IVb, nine (12.86%) left hepatectomies, among these, six included the segment I. We conducted 48 (68.57%) minor hepatectomies, 36 (51.43%) segmental resections and 12 (17.14%) non-anatomical resections. The main indication for resection was colorectal adenocarcinoma metastasis in 27 (38.57%) patients. The higher incidence of primary tumor was hepatocellular carcinoma in 14 (20%) patients, followed by cholangiocarcinoma in six (8.57%). Among the 13 (18.57%) resections for benign diseases, the predominant one was intrahepatic lithiasis (n = 6). Six patients (8.57%) received perioperative blood transfusion. Hospital stay ranged from 2 to 28 days (mean four days). Eight (11.43%) patients developed postoperative complications. Overall mortality was 8.57%, mostly in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (5.71%). CONCLUSION: Metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma was the main indication for surgery and minor hepatectomies were the most common procedures. Despite the low overall incidence of postoperative complications, there was high morbidity and mortality in cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.