Related Experiment Videos
[Hepatitis B in established cardiac cirrhosis--a rare indication for liver transplantation]
W O Bechstein1, G Blumhardt, P Neuhaus
1Chirurgische Klinik, Universitätsklinikum Rudolf Virchow, Standort Charlottenburg, Berlin.
Insights
Liver transplantation successfully treated a patient with cirrhosis and hepatitis B. The liver graft showed hepatitis B virus markers without active inflammation, suggesting a favorable prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Transplantation Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Constrictive pericarditis leading to congestive cirrhosis.
- Acquired chronic aggressive hepatitis B causing liver failure.
- Orthotopic liver transplantation as a treatment option.
Observation:
- Patient presented with advanced liver disease secondary to cirrhosis and hepatitis B.
- Underwent orthotopic liver transplantation.
- Post-transplant monitoring for 10 months.
Findings:
- Successful outcome 10 months post-liver transplantation.
- Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) detected in the liver graft.
- Absence of histological evidence of active hepatitis in the graft.
Implications:
- Liver transplantation can be a viable treatment for end-stage liver disease caused by hepatitis B.
- Re-emergence of hepatitis B virus markers in the graft without active hepatitis may indicate a manageable post-transplant course.
- Further discussion on the long-term prognosis of hepatitis B virus infection following liver transplantation is warranted.
Abstract:
A 34 year old patient was diagnosed as suffering from congestive cirrhosis due to constrictive pericarditis 18 years ago. A terminal dystrophic episode of additionally acquired chronic aggressive hepatitis B led to rapidly progressive liver failure. Orthotopic liver transplantation was carried out. 10 months after transplantation the patient is alive and well. Presence of HBsAg and HBcAg can again be demonstrated in the liver graft, however, without histologic evidence of hepatitis. Problems of prognosis after liver transplantation for hepatitis B virus infection are discussed.