Transjugular local thrombolysis with/without TIPS in patients with acute non-cirrhotic,non-malignant portal vein thrombosis

Background & aimsTherapeutic anticoagulation is the standard treatment in patients with acute non-cirrhotic portal vein thrombosis (PVT). In critically ill patients, anticoagulation only may not suffice to achive rapid and stable recanalization. This study evaluates efficacy and safety of transjugular interventional therapy in acute non-cirrhotic PVT.MethodsThis retrospective study includes 17 consecutive patients with acute noncirrhotic, non-malignant PVT. Main indication for interventional therapy was imminent intestinal infarction (n = 10). Treatment consisted of a combination of transjugular thrombectomy, local fibrinolysis and – depending on thrombus resolution – transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt.ResultsRecanalization was successful in 94.1%. One- and two-year secondary PV patency rates were 88.2%. Major complications (n = 3) resolved spontaneously in all but one patient (heparin induced thrombocytopenia type 2 with intestinal infarction). Symptoms improved in all patients. However, segmental bowel resection had to be performed in two (11.8%). During a median follow-up of 28.6 months, no patient experienced portal hypertensive complications. Presence of JAK2 V617F mutation predicted both short-term and long-term technical success.ConclusionsTransjugular recanalization is safe and effective in patients with acute non-cirrhotic, non-malignant PVT. It should be considered especially in patients with imminent bowel infarction and low likelihood of recanalization following therapeutic anticoagulation. Patients with JAK2 mutation ought to be followed meticulously.     

Biliopancreatic fistula with portal vein thrombosis caused by a pancreatic pseudocyst

We encountered a very rare case of biliopancreatic fistula with portal vein thrombosis caused by pancreatic pseudocyst. A 57-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of abdominal pain, obstructive jaundice, and portal vein thrombosis due to acute pancreatitis. Computed tomography showed a 7-cm-diameter pseudocyst around the superior mesenteric vein extending towards the pancreatic head, dilatation of the intrahepatic bile duct, and portal vein thrombosis. Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography revealed a main pancreatic duct with a pseudocyst communicating with the common bile duct. After pancreatic sphincterotomy, a 7-F tube stent was endoscopically placed into the pseudocyst. However, a 6-F nasobiliary tube could not be inserted into the bile duct because the fistula had a tight stenosis. Subsequently, the patient’s abdominal pain improved, the pancreatic cyst disappeared, and the serum amylase level normalized. Two months after the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage was required because the patient’s jaundice became aggravated. Two weeks after the choledochojejunostomy, the patient left the hospital in good condition. A follow-up computed tomography showed cavernous transformation of the portal vein and no pancreatic pseudocyst. The patient remains asymptomatic for 2 years and 7 months after surgery. Biliary drainage may be necessary for biliopancreatic fistula with obstructive jaundice in addition to pancreatic cyst drainage. Biliopancreatic fistula can be treated by endoscopic procedure in some cases; however, surgical treatment should be required in cases that are impossible to insert a biliary stent because of hard stricture.     

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.     

肝硬化并发门静脉血栓防治研究进展

门静脉血栓（PVT）是肝硬化的常见并发症,也是患者预后不良的临床标志之一。肝硬化常并发食管胃底静脉曲张、凝血酶原时间延长和血小板降低,存在门脉高压所致出血的风险。临床上,对应用抗凝药物防治PVT存在较多的疑虑。目前,防治肝硬化并发PVT仍缺乏可以遵循的诊疗指南。然而,日益增加的证据显示,抗凝治疗不仅不会增加肝硬化患者出血的风险,而且可获得较高的血管再通率。预防性抗凝治疗可有效降低肝硬化患者PVT发病率,并可能改善肝硬化疾病进程。如抗凝治疗无效,经颈静脉肝内门体静脉支架分流术（TIPS）或溶栓治疗可作为肝硬化并发PVT的备选处理方案。TIPS可获较高的血管再通率,但技术难度较大,而溶栓治疗存在出血风险,需谨慎进行。     

A surgical solution to extrahepatic portal thrombosis and portal cavernoma: the splanchnic–intrahepatic portal bypass

Three cases of prehepatic portal vein thrombosis, complicated by the clinical manifestations of portal hypertension, were successfully treated by surgically created splanchnic–intrahepatic portal bypass. Two out of three patients had been previously submitted to liver transplantation. No significant morbidity was observed and long-term Doppler evaluations proved the patency of the venous grafts.

Together with the technical aspects of the procedures, the possible role of this technique, primarily proposed by De Ville de Goyet in 1992, is discussed in relation to the available therapies for the extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis.     

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). METHODS: Eleven advanced HCC patients(all male, aged 37-78 years, mean: 54.3 ± 12.7 years) presented with acute massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding(n = 9) or refractory ascites(n = 2) due to tumor thrombus in the main portal vein. The diagnosis of PVTT was based on contrast-enhanced computed tomography and color Doppler sonography. The patients underwent TIPS with covered stents. Clinical characteristics and average survival time of 11 patients were analyzed. Portal vein pressure was assessed before and after TIPS. The follow-up period was 2-18 mo. RESULTS: TIPS with covered stents was successfully completed in all 11 patients. The mean portal vein pressure was reduced from 32.0 to 11.8 mmHg(t = 10.756, P = 0.000). Gastrointestinal bleeding was stopped in nine patients. Refractory ascites completely disappeared in one patient and was alleviated in another. Hepatic encephalopathy was observed in six patients and was resolved with drug therapy. During the follow-up, ultrasound indicated the patency of the shunt and there was no recurrence of symptoms. Death occurred 2-14 mo(mean: 5.67 mo) after TIPS in nine cases, which were all due to multiple organ failure. In the remaining two cases, the patients were still alive at the 16- and 18-mo follow-up, respectively. CONCLUSION: TIPS with covered stents for HCC patients with tumor thrombus in the main portal vein is technically feasible, and short-term efficacy is favorable.     

Portal vein thrombosis in cirrhosis: Controversies and latest developments

Portal vein thrombosis(PVT) is encountered in livercirrhosis, particularly in advanced disease. It has been a feared complication of cirrhosis, attributed to significant worsening of liver disease, poorer clinical outcomes and potential inoperability at liver transplantation; also catastrophic events such as acute intestinal ischaemia. Optimal management of PVT has not yet been addressed in any consensus publication.We review current literature on PVT in cirrhosis; its prevalence, pathophysiology, diagnosis, impact on the natural history of cirrhosis and liver transplantation,and management. Studies were identified by a search strategy using MEDLINE and Google Scholar. The incidence of PVT increases with increasing severity of liver disease: less than 1% in well-compensated cirrhosis, 7.4%-16% in advanced cirrhosis. Prevalence in patients undergoing liver transplantation is 5%-16%.PVT frequently regresses instead of uniform thrombus progression. PVT is not associated with increased risk of mortality. Optimal management has not been addressed in any consensus publication. We propose areas for future research to address unresolved clinical questions.     

Targeted puncture of left branch of intrahepatic portal vein in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt to reduce hepatic encephalopathy

BACKGROUND Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS) is currently used for the treatment of complications of portal hypertension. The incidence of hepatic encephalopathy(HE) remains a problem in TIPS placement. It has been reported that the right branch mainly receives superior mesenteric venous blood while the left branch mainly receives blood from the splenic vein. We hypothesized that targeted puncture of the left portal vein would divert the non-nutritive blood from the splenic vein into the TIPS shunt; therefore, targeted puncture of the left branch of the intrahepatic portal vein during TIPS may reduce the risk of HE.AIM To evaluate the influence of targeted puncture of left branch of portal vein in TIPS on HE.METHODS A retrospective analysis of 1244 patients with portal-hypertension-related complications of refractory ascites or variceal bleeding who underwent TIPS from January 2000 to January 2013 was performed. Patients were divided into group A(targeting left branch of portal vein, n = 937) and group B(targeting right branch of portal vein, n = 307). TIPS-related HE and clinical outcomes were analyzed.RESULTS The symptoms of ascites and variceal bleeding disappeared within a short time.By the endpoint of follow-up, recurrent bleeding and ascites did not differ significantly between groups A and B(P = 0.278, P = 0.561, respectively).Incidence of HE differed significantly between groups A and B at 1 mo(14.94% vs36.80%, χ~2 = 4.839, P = 0.028), 3 mo(12.48% vs 34.20%, χ~2 = 5.054, P = 0.025), 6 mo(10.03% vs 32.24%, χ~2 = 6.560, P = 0.010), 9 mo(9.17% vs 31.27%, χ~2 = 5.357, P =0.021), and 12 mo(8.21% vs 28.01, χ~2 = 3.848, P = 0.051). There were no significant differences between groups A and B at 3 years(6.61% vs 7.16%, χ~2 = 1.204, P =0.272) and 5 years(5.01% vs 6.18%, χ~2 = 0.072, P = 0.562). The total survival rate did not differ between groups A and B(χ~2 = 0.226, P = 0.634, log-rank test).CONCLUSION Targeted puncture of the left branch of the intrahepatic portal vein during TIPS may reduce the risk of HE but has no direct influence on prognosis of portalhypertension-related complications.     

Portal vein aneurysm associated with Budd-Chiari syndrome treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt: A case report

A 65-year-old woman with Budd-Chiari syndrome(BCS) presented with right upper quadrant pain.A computed tomography(CT) scan showed a saccular aneurysm located at the extrahepatic portal vein main branch measuring 3.2 cm in height and 2.5 cm × 2.4 cm in diameter.The aneurysm was thought to be associatedwith BCS as there was no preceding history of trauma and it had not been present on Doppler ultrasound examination performed 3 years previously.Because of increasing pain and concern for complications due to aneurysm size, the decision was made to relieve the hepatic venous outflow obstruction.Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS) was created without complications.She had complete resolution of her abdominal pain within 2 d and remained asymptomatic after 1 year of follow-up.CT scans obtained after TIPS showed that the aneurysm had decreased in size to 2.4 cm in height and 2.0 cm × 1.9 cm in diameter at 3 mo, and had further decreased to 1.9 cm in height and 1.6 cm × 1.5 cm in diameter at 1 year.     

A large congenital and solitary intrahepatic arterioportal fistula in an old woman

Arterioportal fistula （APF） is a rare cause of portal hypertension and may lead to death. APF can be congenital, post-traumatic, iatrogenic （transhepatic intervention or biopsy） or related to ruptured hepatic artery aneurysms. Congenital APF is a rare condition even in children. In this case report, we describe a 73-year-old woman diagnosed as APF by ultrasonography, computed tomography, and hepatic artery selective arteriography. The fistula was embolized twice but failed, and she still suffered from alimentary tract hemorrhage. Then, selective arteriography of the hepatic artery was performed again and venae coronaria ventriculi and short gastric vein were embolized. During the 2-year follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic. We therefore argue that embolization of venae coronaria ventriculi and short gastric vein may be an effective treatment modality for intrahepatic APF with severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding.     

经颈静脉肝内门体分流术预防门静脉海绵样变食管胃底静脉曲张再出血的临床应用

目的初步评估经颈静脉肝内门体分流术(TIPS)用于预防门静脉海绵样变(CTPV)患者食管静脉曲张再出血的可行性、有效性和安全性。方法选取2011年1月至2016年12月在山东省立医院住院,诊断为CTPV且合并食管静脉曲张出血史,行TIPS预防再出血的患者67例,纳入回顾性分析并随访。总结技术成功率、并发症发生率、再出血、支架通畅、肝性脑病及生存情况。结果在67例CTPV患者中,56例(83.6%)患者成功行TIPS术。单独通过颈静脉入路15例,经颈静脉联合经皮经肝入路33例,经颈静脉联合经皮经脾入路8例。TIPS术后平均门-体静脉压力梯度,从(28.09±7.28)mmHg降至(17.53±6.12)mmHg(P<0.01)。平均随访(23.91±12.35)个月,累计无出血率87.0%,支架通畅率81.5%,肝性脑性发生率27.8%,累计生存率88.9%。11例未成功行TIPS术的患者中死亡4例,再次出血4例。结论TIPS用于预防门静脉海绵样变性患者食管静脉曲张再出血,是一种安全、可行、有效的方法。     

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).METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed 307 consecu5tive cirrhotic patients who underwent TIPS placement for variceal bleeding from March 2001 to July 2010 at our center.The left PV was used in 221 patients and the right PV in the remaining 86 patients.And,224 and83 patients have optimal stent position and sub-optimal stent positions,respectively.The patients were followed until October 2011 or their death.Hepatic encephalopathy,shunt dysfunction,and survival were evaluated as outcomes.The difference between the groups was compared by Kaplan-Meier analysis.A Cox regression model was employed to evaluate the predictors.RESULTS:Among the patients who underwent TIPS to the left PV,the risk of hepatic encephalopathy(P=0.002)and mortality were lower(P<0.001)compared to those to the right PV.Patients who underwent TIPS with optimal initial stent position had a higher primary patency(P<0.001)and better survival(P=0.006)than those with suboptimal initial stent position.The shunting branch of the portal vein and the initial stent position were independent predictors of hepatic encephalopathy and shunt dysfunction after TIPS,respectively.And,both were independent predictors of survival.CONCLUSION:TIPS placed to the left portal vein with optimal stent position may reduce the risk of hepatic encephalopathy and improve the primary patency rates,thereby prolonging survival.     

Clinical study of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt combined with AngioJet thrombectomy for acute portal vein thrombosis in non-cirrhosis

To evaluate the outcomes of the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) combined with AngioJet thrombectomy in patients with noncirrhotic acute portal vein (PV) thrombosis.Retrospective analysis from January 2014 to March 2017, 23 patients underwent TIPS combined with AngioJet thrombectomy for acute PV thrombosis in noncirrhosis. The rates of technical success, the patency of the PV, liver function changes, and complications were evaluated.Twenty-three patients underwent combined treatment, with a technical success rate of 100%. Twenty-four hours after treatment, PV thrombosis grade was improved significantly (P = .001). Before and after treatment, Albumin (gm/dl), aspartate transaminase (IU/l), alanine transaminase (IU/l), and platelets (10⁹/L) were all significantly improved (P < .05). Minor complications include hematoma, hematuria, and hepatic encephalopathy. After 1 week of treatment, computed tomography scan revealed 8.7% (2/23) cases of hepatic envelope hematoma (thickness less than 2 cm). Hemoglobinuria occurred in 18/23 (78.3%) patients after treatment and returned to normal within 1 to 2 days. Two patients 2/23 (8.7%) had transient grade I encephalopathy after TIPS. The 1-year overall survival rate was 100% (23/23). No major complications during treatment in all patientsAngioJet thrombectomy via TIPS has a favorable short-term effect in clearing thrombus and alleviating symptoms in diffuse acute PVT. The long-term efficacy of this treatment needs to be further studied.     

肝硬化合并门静脉血栓致门静脉高压症治疗现状

肝硬化合并门静脉血栓(PVT)并不少见,PVT会进一步加重门静脉高压症,此时针对PVT的治疗可改善肝硬化患者的预后。目前的治疗方式包括抗凝治疗及经颈静脉肝内门体支架分流术(TIPS)。本文就此类患者的治疗现状作一综述。     

Portal vein thrombosis： Etiology and clinical outcome of cirrhosis and malignancy-related non-cirrhotic, non-tumoral extrahepatic portal venous obstruction

The etiology and pathogenesis of portal vein thrombosis are unclear. Portal venous thrombosis presentation differs in cirrhotic and tumor-related versus non-cirrhotic and non-tumoral extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO). Non-cirrhotic and non-tumoral EHPVO patients are young and present with well tolerated bleeding.Cirrhosis and tumor-related portal vein thrombosis patients are older and have a grim prognosis. Among the 118 patients with portal vein thrombosis, 15.3% had cirrhosis, 42.4% had liver malignancy (primary or metastatic), 6% had pancreatitis (acute or chronic), 5% had hypercoagulable state and 31.3% had idiopathy,12% had hypercoagulable state in the EHPVO group.     

脾切除术与TIPS术治疗肝硬化患者门静脉血栓发生率比较*

目的 比较脾切除术与经颈静脉肝内门腔静脉内支架分流术(TIPS)治疗肝硬化患者门静脉血栓(PVT)发生率的差异。方法 2017年1月～2018年12月兰州大学第一医院诊治的肝硬化并发脾功能亢进症患者96例,其中接受脾切除者45例,接受TIPS术治疗者51例。术后随访12个月,使用腹部超声或CT或CTA检查诊断PVT。应用Kaplan-Meier法计算PVT累计发生率。结果 在术后1个月、3个月、6个月和12个月,脾切除术组PVT累计发生率分别为40.0%、46.7%、48.9%和48.9%,显著高于TIPS术组(分别为7.8%、9.8%、15.7%和21.6%,P<0.05);在接受脾切除术患者,基线指标比较发现PVT组门静脉主干直径显著大于非PVT组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);在TIPS术后1年,发生PVT患者11例(21.6%)。基线指标比较,未发现发生与未发生PVT组各指标具有统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论 在肝硬化并发脾功能亢进症患者,接受脾切除术后PVT累计发生率显著高于TIPS术。因此,术前应认真评估病情,严格掌握适应证,择优选择手术方法,并积极给予防治处理。