Teegen EM, Denecke T, Schmuck RB, Öllinger R, Geisel D, Pratschke J, Chopra SS. Impact of Doppler Ultrasound on Diagnosis and Therapy Control of Lienalis Steal Syndrome After Liver Transplantation.
Ann Transplant 2017;
22:440-445. [PMID:
28717121 PMCID:
PMC6248044 DOI:
10.12659/aot.903526]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background
Lienalis steal syndrome is a rare complication after orthotopic liver transplantation leading to severe complications. Routine duplex sonography allows early and safe detection of lienalis steal syndrome and secondarily helps to monitor the outcome by evaluating the hemodynamics.
Material/Methods
This analysis included eight patients who after orthotopic liver transplantation needed splenic artery embolization due to lienalis steal syndrome. Lienalis steal syndrome was assumed in case of elevated transaminases, bilirubinemia or persistent ascites, and the absence of further pathologies. Diagnosis was supported by ultrasound, confirmed by digital subtraction angiography, and followed by splenic artery embolization for treatment. We analyzed blood levels and ultrasound findings before and after splenic artery embolization as well as during follow-up and evaluated for incidence of severe biliary complications and survival.
Results
Arterial resistive index (RI) significantly regularized after splenic artery embolization while the maximum arterial velocity increased. The portal venous flow volume and maximum velocity decrease. Laboratory parameters normalized. Two of eight patients developed ischemic-type biliary disease. Survival rate was 88% over a median follow-up of 33 months.
Conclusions
Beside unspecific clinical findings, bedside ultrasound examination enabled a quick verification of the diagnosis and allowed direct treatment to minimize further complications. Furthermore, ultrasound can immediately monitor the therapeutic effect of splenic artery embolization.
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