Successful Embolization of Bleeding Ileal Varices with N-butyl Cyanoacrylate via a Recanalized Paraumbilical Vein

Interventional Radiology for Bleeding Ectopic Varices: Individualized Approach Based on Vascular Anatomy

Ectopic varices are rare but potentially life-threatening conditions usually resulting from a combination of global portal hypertension and local occlusive components. As imaging, innovative devices, and interventional radiologic techniques evolve and are more widely adopted, interventional radiology is becoming essential in the management of ectopic varices. The interventional radiologist starts by diagnosing the underlying causes of portal hypertension and evaluating the afferent and efferent veins of ectopic varices with CT. If decompensated portal hypertension is causing ectopic varices, placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is considered the first-line treatment, although this treatment alone may not be effective in managing ectopic variceal bleeding because it may not sufficiently resolve focal mesenteric venous obstruction causing ectopic varices. Therefore, additional variceal embolization should be considered after placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Retrograde transvenous obliteration can serve as a definitive treatment when the efferent vein connected to the systemic vein is accessible. Antegrade transvenous obliteration is a vital component of interventional radiologic management of ectopic varices because ectopic varices often exhibit complex anatomy and commonly lack catheterizable portosystemic shunts. Superficial veins of the portal venous system such as recanalized umbilical veins may provide safe access for antegrade transvenous obliteration. Given the absence of consensus and guidelines, a multidisciplinary team approach is essential for the individualized management of ectopic varices. Interventional radiologists must be knowledgeable about the anatomy and hemodynamic characteristics of ectopic varices based on CT images and be prepared to consider appropriate options for each specific situation. ©RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article.

New sights in ectopic varices in portal hypertension

Ectopic varices and associated bleeding, although rare, pose a significant risk to patients with portal hypertension, carrying a relatively high mortality rate. These varices can occur in various anatomical regions, excluding the gastroesophageal region, which is typically associated with portal vein drainage. The limited data available in the literature, derived mostly from case reports and series, make the diagnosis and treatment of ectopic variceal bleeding particularly challenging. Furthermore, it is crucial to recognize that ectopic varices in different sites can exhibit variations in key decision-making factors such as aetiology and vascular anatomy, severity and bleeding risk and hepatic reserve. These factors significantly influence treatment strategies and underscore the importance of adopting individualized management approaches. Therefore, the objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the fundamental knowledge surrounding ectopic varices and to propose site-oriented, stepwise diagnosis and treatment algorithms for this complex clinical issue. A multidisciplinary treatment approach is strongly recommended in managing ectopic varices. In addition, to enhance clinical reference, we have included typical case reports of ectopic varices in various sites in our review, while being mindful of potential publication bias.

Two-session embolization of portosystemic shunt presenting with hepatic encephalopathy via transvenous and trans-paraumbilical approaches: A case report

We describe the endovascular embolization of a 65-year-old man with chronic hepatic encephalopathy. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography demonstrated a splenorenal shunt and a recanalized paraumbilical vein as a continuous portal shunt connecting the left branch of the portal vein and the right common femoral vein. A 2-session embolization was performed for the splenorenal shunt. First, the transvenous approach was used for coil embolization of the splenorenal shunt. It was difficult to advance the catheter system to the embolization site, and it was unstable during coil placement. Second, the paraumbilical venous approach was used to place additional coils. The catheter system had good maneuverability and easily reached the embolization site. Additionally, the stable system allowed for densely packed additional coil implantations. This report demonstrated the paraumbilical venous approach's effectiveness in catheter maneuverability and system stability during coil embolization.

Combination of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt and antegrade through-the-TIPS coil embolization for bleeding mixed-type ectopic ileal varices

A 61-year-old man with alcoholic cirrhosis and a history of severe cholecystitis leading to secondary thrombosis of the recanalized paraumbilical vein was admitted to our hospital for recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding and severe anemia. Capsule endoscopy and CT angiography detected profuse bleeding in the proximal ileum from ectopic ileal varices. Hepatic venous-portal gradient (HVPG) measurement was consistent with severe portal hypertension. Persistent bleeding despite transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement required a combined approach with antegrade through-the-TIPS coil embolization of the ileal varices.

Embolization of a paraumbilical shunt by the transparaumbilical venous approach and one-sheath inverse method: A case report

We describe treatment of a 53-year-old man with chronic hepatic encephalopathy. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography demonstrated a recanalized paraumbilical vein as a portosystemic shunt connecting the left branch of the portal vein and bilateral iliac veins. Percutaneous embolization was performed. The paraumbilical vein was punctured under ultrasonographic guidance; a 7-Fr sheath was inserted in the cranial direction. The hepatic side of the shunt was embolized with a vascular plug. The sheath direction was inverted to the caudal side; the pelvic side of the shunt was then embolized with another vascular plug. This report demonstrates that the percutaneous transparaumbilical venous approach is useful and safe for portosystemic shunt intervention. Moreover, the one-sheath inverse method was useful for embolization of upstream and downstream sides of the puncture site.

Intraabdominal Hemorrhage from Ruptured Ectopic Varices Treated by Antegrade Embolization via a Recanalized Paraumbilical Vein

A 49-year-old man with alcoholic liver cirrhosis was admitted to our hospital with abdominal pain. Contrast-enhanced CT demonstrated massive hemorrhagic ascites and ectopic varices fed by right colic and ileocolic veins. The varices were treated with selective embolization via a recanalized paraumbilical vein using N-butyl cyanoacrylate. Currently, no complications and rebleeding have occurred for 7 months. Antegrade embolization via a recanalized paraumbilical vein is feasible and less-invasive in a patient with massive ascites. Flow reduction may be effective for intraabdominal hemorrhage from ruptured ectopic varices. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 5, case report.

Successful embolization of ileal conduit stomal varices with N-butyl cyanoacrylate via a recanalized paraumbilical vein

A 77-year-old woman with liver cirrhosis was admitted to our hospital for marked hemorrhage in her ileal conduit stoma. She had a history of cystectomy and urinary diversion for bladder carcinoma 2 years ago. Contrast-enhanced CT demonstrated varices in the ileal conduit stoma. We accessed the varices via a recanalized paraumbilical vein to avoid pain from the transhepatic approach, and selectively embolized the varices with N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA). We consider antegrade embolization of ileal conduit stomal varices with NBCA to be effective and feasible. Access via a paraumbilical vein is a useful alternative to the transhepatic approach.