ObjectiveTo analyze findings of 3.0 T diffusion weighted magnetic resonance (MR) in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis and evaluate potential role of apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis. MethodsThe clinical data of 26 patients with hepatic alveolar echinococcosis from November 2013 to January 2015 in this hospital were analyzed retrospectively. Hepatic MR scannings with diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) sequences (b-value=0, 600, 1 000, and 1 200 s/mm2) were performed in 26 patients with hepatic alveolar echinococcosis. The data of all the patients were stored to the PACS. The lesion features including type, size, distribution, location, and calcification (on the CT) were assessed by two deputy radiologists. TheADCvalues of marginal area, centre area, surrounding area of liver parenchyma tissue were measured at different b values (0, 600, 1 000, and 1 200 s/mm2) and compared. Results①There were 26 patients with a total of 29 lesions, of which involved multiple liver segments, 21 (72%) lesions located in the right lobe, 4 lesions involved simultaneously the left and right lobes. Twenty-four lesions invaded the hepatic vein or portal vein, 20 lesions invaded the intrahepatic bile duct, 10 lesions invaded the right adrenal gland. Seven patients occurred hilar and retroperitoneal lymph nodes metastases, 5 patients occurred pulmonary metastasis, 3 patients occurred brain metastasis, while 3 patients occurred lung and brain metastases simultaneously. ②There were 20 liquefied necrotic lesions, of which 5 lesions marginal area had multiple small round cysts in T2WI, 15 were only solid and without small cyst; The DWI of the centre area in 12 lesions showed a high signal, 8 lesions showed a low signal. There were 9 solid lesions, of which 2 lesions marginal area had multiple small round cysts in T2WI, 7 lesions marginal area were only solid and without cyst in T2WI. The DWI of the solid lesions showed a low signal, there was a "ring" high signal in the edge of lesions. ③At the same b value, theADCvalue of the centre area in the liquefied necrosis lesions were significantly higher than that in the solid lesions (P<0.01). At different b values, theADCvalue of the surrounding liver parenchyma tissue was significantly lower than that of the marginal area (P<0.01) and the centre area (P<0.01) in the liquefied necrosis lesions; theADCvalue of the centre area was significantly higher than that of the marginal area or surrounding liver parenchyma tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the solid lesions. ConclusionsDWI could clearly distinguish structure and composition of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis and has a higher value in distinguishing from other liver dieases. The averageADCvalue of centre area in liquefied necrotic lesions is higher than that in solid lesions.
Objective To discuss the clinical application of two-stage hepatectomy for multiple and huge hepatic alveolar echinococcosis. Methods The clinical data of 7 patients with multiple hepatic alveolar echinococcosis treated with two-staged hepatectomy in West China Hospital of Sichuan University and The people's Hospital of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province from August, 2013 to June, 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. The preoperative diagnose was definite according to CT and (or) MRI, serological and life in the epidemic area. The patients, which the future liver remnant was less than 30% according to CT, received two-staged hepatectomy. Epigastric enhancement CT, liver function and blood routine examination were reviewed monthly after the first surgery, the second surgery was operated after 3 monthes, epigastric ultrasound, enhancement CT or MRI, liver function, blood routine examination and serological were adopted in 1, 6, and 12 months and each year after the second operation. Results The liver function was normal in 7 days after two operations and no complications after the first suegery, one patient developd with biliary fistula after the second surgery, no recurrence or death occurred during the followed-up period. Conclusion The two-stage hepatectomy can be operated in multiple and huge alveolar echinococcosis to reduce surgery risk and cost, shorten hospital stays and improve quality of life.
ObjectiveTo summarize the key operative points and efficacy of ex-vivo ex-vivo liver resection and autologous liver transplantation (ELRA) using various vascular materials for hepatic vein reconstruction in the treatment of end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE). MethodThe clinicopathologic data of a patient with end-stage HAE who underwent ELRA combined with complex hepatic vein reconstruction were retrospectively analyzed. ResultsThe patient was a 60-year-old male who was admitted to the Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital due to giant alveolar hydatid in the liver, with a body weight of 60 kg and a standard liver volume of 1 024.5 mL. The imaging showed that the hydatid invaded the first and second hepatic portals, middle hepatic vein, left hepatic vein, and retrohepatic inferior vena cava. The three-dimensional reconstruction of CT showed that the residual liver volume was 1 270.6 mL. The patient received supportive treatment after admission and underwent ELRA following strict evaluation. Intraoperatively, it was found that the multiple hepatic veins and retrohepatic inferior vena cava were widely invaded. The liver was split in vivo and the mass was excised ex vivo by “in vivo first” principle. The hepatic vein was repaired and reconstructed into a wide mouth outflow tract using allogeneic veins, autologous inferior mesenteric vein, and hepatic round ligaments, then performed the autotransplantation by wide mouth outflow-artificial inferior vena cava anastomosis (end to side). The operative time was 16 h, and the intraoperative blood loss was approximately 2 000 mL. FK506 was orally administered after operation, and low-molecular-weight heparin sodium was administered 24 h later for anticoagulation. The patient was returned to the general ward on the 6th day after the operation, and the enhanced CT scan showed that the hepatic outflow tract was unobstructed, without stenosis and thrombosis, and the patient was discharged on day 18 after the operation. The patient was pathologically diagnosed with alveolar echinococcosis. ConclusionsFrom the results of this case, combination of multiple vascular materials to reconstruct the hepatic outflow tract is an optional procedure for ELRA in treatment of end-stage HAE. Strict preoperative evaluation, skillful vascular anastomosis technique, and postoperative anticoagulation are important measures to maintain patency of postoperative reconstruction vessel.
Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) is a severe zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus multilocularis, primarily affecting the liver. Due to its insidious nature, the patients are often diagnosed at advanced stage, posing significant treatment challenges. We comprehensively examines the progress in surgical techniques for HAE management, focusing on various strategies across different disease stages. For the patients with early-stage HAE, ablation therapy has emerged as an effective treatment option. In the moderate to advanced cases, numerous surgical techniques and innovative approaches have been introduced, including laparoscopic surgery and liver transplantation, with particular emphasis on ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation. These advancements offer more effective treatment options for the patients with advanced HAE. However, significant challenges persist, notably the preservation of adequate liver function while achieving complete lesion removal. Future research should prioritize the exploration and optimization of existing surgical methods, especially for advanced HAE cases. This includes refining surgical techniques through precise preoperative evaluation and staging, as well as developing novel surgical approaches to enhance safety and efficacy. Furthermore, multicenter and long-term follow-up prospective studies are crucial for validating the effectiveness of new surgical techniques and strategies. Through these concerted efforts, it is anticipated that the survival rates and quality of life for HAE patients will significantly be improved, marking a new era in the management of this complex disease.
Objectives To observe the expression of key proteins in the NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway of pyroptosis in the mouse model of hepatic Echinococcus multilocularis (Em) infection and explore its correlation. Methods Twenty-five BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the control group and the infected group. The infected group was injected with 0.2 mL suspension of protoscolex (including 3 000 protoscoleces) injected under the liver capsule to establish a model of secondary infection with hepatic Em. The control group was treated without any treatments and conventional feeding was conducted. The mice were sacrificed at 1, 2, 3, and 5 months after infection. The liver was harvested and observed for gross morphology. HE staining and transmission electron microscopy were performed to observe the histopathological changes. The expressions of key proteins in the NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway of pyroptosis and the IL-1β, a downstream factor of pyroptosis in the liver were detected by immunohistochemistry, Western blot and ELISA. Results Compared with the control group, the cystic lesions on the surface of liver tissues in the infected group mice gradually increased and protruded from the liver surface with the extension of infection time. HE staining showed various pathological changes such as inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrous hyperplasia in the liver lesions to varying degrees. After 2 months of Em infection, transmission electron microscope observation showed that the cell membrane of hepatocytes were broken and discontinuous, conforming to the "punching" phenomenon of pyroptosis. The results of ELISA showed that the concentration of IL-1β in liver homogenate of mice after 1, 2, 3 and 5 months of Em infection were significantly higher than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (F=127.2, P<0.05). Immunohistochemical examination showed that the positive cell ratios of Caspase-1 and NLRP3 in liver of mice infected with Em at 1, 2, 3 and 5 months, were higher than that of the control group, and the difference were statistically significant (F=114.6, P<0.05; F=85.89, P<0.05). The Western blot results showed that the relative expression levels of Caspase-1, Xiaopi D, and NLRP3 proteins in the liver of infected mice showed a trend of first increasing (the expression of Caspase-1 and GSDMD reached their peak at 1 month of infection, while the expression of NLRP3 reached its peak at 2 months of infection) and then decreasing. There were statistically significant differences between the infection groups at different time points and the control group, as well as comparison between the infection groups at different time points there were also statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). Conclusion It is feasible to establish mouse Em infection model by “skin incision and liver puncture through abdominal muscle layer”. There is a new type of programmed cell death, pyroptosis, after Em infection in mouse liver. It may play a role in inflammation amplification through pyroptosis NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway.
ObjectiveTo explore the reasonable and feasible safe distance for radical resection of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE). MethodsLiver samples were collected prospectively from 20 HAE patients (from Jan. 2019 to Jun. 2019) undergoing liver resection in West China Hospital of Sichuan University. A total of three samples containing lesion and adjacent liver tissue were collected from each patient, which were divided into lesion group, 0 to0.5 cm liver tissue group (contained 0.5 cm), 0.5 to 1.0 cm liver tissue group (contained 1.0 cm), 1.0 to 1.5 cm liver tissue group (contained 1.5 cm), and 1.5 to 2.0 cm liver tissue group (contained 2.0 cm). Comparisons of the Cox1 expressionand the liver fibrosis area between HAE lesion and adjacent liver tissues were performed. ResultsBoth expression of Cox1 and fibrosis area in HAE lesion were significantly higher than those in the adjacent liver tissues (P<0.000 1). However, there was no significant difference among the four kinds of adjacent liver tissues (P>0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between the expression of Cox1 and the fibrosis area both in HAE lesion and adjacent liver tissues (P<0.05). ConclusionsBoth the expression of Cox1 and degree of the liver fibrosis are significant higher in HAE lesion comparing to adjacent liver tissues, however, no significant difference is found among adjacent liver tissues. Consequently, a safe distance of 0.5 cm may be reasonable and feasible on the basis of the criteria for sample collection in the study.
Objective To explore feasibility and safety of ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation in treating end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis combined with secondary cavernous transformation of portal vein. Methods The patient was diagnosed with the end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis combined with secondary cavernous transformation of portal vein. The ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging were used to access the characteristics of the lesions and the extent of involvement of the portal vein and its branches. The liver model was reconstructed using a three-dimensional imaging data analysis system (EDDA Technology, Inc. USA), the remnant liver volume and the extent of involvement of the first hepatic hilum were recorded. Then the multidisciplinary team repetitively discussed the risks and procedures involved in the surgery. Finally, the ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation was proposed. Results The preoperative evaluation showed the patient had a large intrahepatic lesion which severely invaded the retrohepatic inferior vena cava, the right hepatic vein, and the middle hepatic vein and were completely occluded, the left hepatic vein was partially invaded, and the portal vein was spongiform. The remnant liver volume was 912 mL, the ratio of residual liver volume to standard liver volume was 0.81. The preoperative liver function Child-Pugh score was grade A. The ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation was successfully managed according to the expected schedule. The autografts (made by patient’s great saphenous vein) were used to reconstruct the hepatic vein and portal vein, and the retrohepatic inferior vena cava was not reconstructed. The patient recovered well and was discharged on day 20 after the operation. Conclusions Ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation could successfully be applied in treating patient with end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis combined with secondary cavernous transformation of portal vein. Adequate preoperative assessment and management of the first hepatic hilum are key to this operation.
ObjectivesTo evaluate the learning curve of radical hepatectomy combined with vascular and/or bile duct reconstruction (RHVBR) in the treatment of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE), and to explore the feasibility and safety of RHVBR. MethodsThe clinical data of 203 patients who received RHVBR treatment for HAE complicated with vascular invasion in West China Hospital from 2010 to 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) and risk-adjusted cumulative sum (RA-CUSUM) were used to analyze the learning curve of RHVBR, determine the learning stage, and compare the differences of intraoperative and postoperative outcome indexes in different learning stages. ResultsThe average operative time was (537.9±207.6) minutes, with blood loss amounted to 617.3 (138.9, 1 094.2) mL. Postoperative complications occurred in 65 cases, and the incidence of complications was 32.0%. Among them, 29 cases (14.3%) had serious complications. Three cases (1.5%) died within 90 days after operation. The results of RA-CUSUM analysis showed that 54 cases of surgery were the cut-off point of learning curve for serious postoperative complications. According to the results of CUSUM analysis, the whole queue was divided into the first stage (n=53) and the second stage (n=150) based on the completion of 53 operations. Compared with the first stage, the operative time and total postoperative hospital stay in the second stage was shortened, the incidence of serious complications was reduced, and the number of resected liver segments was increased. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). ConclusionIt is feasible and safe to treat HAE with RHVBR, and the incidence of serious complications is obviously reduced after 54 cases of operation.
ObjectiveTo explore the influencing factors of textbook outcomes (TO) after radical resection for hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE). MethodsClinical data from 427 patients diagnosed with HAE at the Ganzi Branch of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, between 2015 and 2022, were retrospectively collected. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression (LASSO) was first used to screen potential influencing factors for achieving TO (predictive model A). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were then used to explore the influencing factors of TO (predictive model B). A Nomogram was further constructed and validated. ResultsA total of 427 patients who successfully underwent radical liver resection were included, of which 174 patients (40.7%) achieved TO. Compared to the non-TO group, patients in the TO group had higher proportions of WHO PNM stage of P 1+2 [62.6% (109/174) vs 42.3% (140/253)], N0 [77.0% (134/174) vs 63.6% (161/253)], lesion diameter≤10 cm [77.0% (134/174) vs 64.8% (164/253)], albumin-bilirubin index (ALBI) ≤–2.6 [70.1% (122/174) vs 59.3% (150/253)], and minor liver resection [71.8% (125/174) vs 50.2% (127/253)], higher prealbumin (181 mg/L vs 169 mg/L) and albumin (39 g/L vs 38 g/L) levels, shorter postoperative hospital stay (15 d vs 19 d), and lower hospitalization costs (51 727 RMB vs 62 715 RMB), P<0.05. LASSO regression analysis indicated that P stage, lesion diameter, ALBI, and liver resection method were potential influencing factors for achieving TO after HAE surgery (model A), P<0.05. The TO rate for P 1+2 stage was higher than that of P 3+4 stage, the TO rate for lesion diameter ≤ 10 cm was higher than that of lesion diameter >10 cm, the TO rate for ALBI ≤–2.6 was higher than that of ALBI >–2.6, and the TO rate for minor liver resection was higher than of major liver resection. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that P stage (OR=1.800, P=0.025) and liver resection method (OR=1.974, P<0.001) were influencing factors for achieving TO (model B). The TO rates for P1+2 stage and minor liver resection were higher. Predictive model A demonstrated higher accuracy and stability compared to predictive model B (AUC: 0.754 vs 0.712, C-index: 0.756 vs 0.707). ConclusionsAmong patients undergoing radical resection for HAE, less than half achieved TO. Striving to achieve TO can significantly shorten the length of hospital stay and effectively reduce medical costs. The TO predictive model based on P stage, lesion diameter, ALBI, and liver resection method is superior to the model based solely on P stage and liver resection method.
ObjectiveTo summarize the surgical technique and indications for liver masses involving the second and the third porta hepatis.MethodsThirteen cases of liver mass involving the second and the third porta hepatis, who underwent surgery in West China Hospital of Sichuan University from June 2013 to September 2016 were collected retrospectively, then made a statistical analysis, including patients’ information, characteristics of liver masses, operation information, and result of followed-up.ResultsOf the 13 cases, there were 3 cases of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis, 4 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma, 4 cases of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and 2 cases of liver metastasis induced by colon cancer. The mean tumor diameter was 12.5 cm (7–21 cm). Preoperative imaging examinations showed that mass had involved the second and the third porta hepatis, and all masses were resected by surgery without perioperative death, including 7 cases of right three hepatectomy resection, 1 case of left three hepatectomy resection, 4 cases of right hepatectomy resection, and 1 case of left hemi hepatectomy resection; among them, 9 cases were performed caudal lobectomy resection. The mean of operative time was 313 min (210–450 min), the mean of intraoperative blood loss was 592 mL (300–1 100 mL). Four cases received blood transfusion with 300–450 mL (mean of 338 mL). The total hepatic blood inflow occlusion time was 25–55 min (mean of 42 min). Five cases received venous reconstruction, and 1 case received hepatic vein reconstruction. After operation, ascites occurred in 6 cases, pleural effusion occurred in 6 cases, liver failure occurred in 2 cases, bile leakage occurred in 2 cases, pulmonary infection occurred in 3 cases, deep vein thrombosis occurred in 1 case. All of the 13 cases were followed-up for 1–39 months (median time was 14 months), during the followed-up period, 4 cases died, including 3 cases of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and 1 case of liver metastasis induced by colon cancer.ConclusionIt is encouraging to apply the vascular reconstruction and skilled hepatic partition technique for resection lesions which involved the second and the third porta hepatis, through meticulous preoperative evaluation and preparation.