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Campos S, Poley JW, van Driel L, Bruno MJ. The role of EUS in diagnosis and treatment of liver disorders. Endosc Int Open 2019; 7:E1262-E1275. [PMID: 31579708 PMCID: PMC6773586 DOI: 10.1055/a-0958-2183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aim Transabdominal ultrasound (US), computed tomographic scanning (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are established diagnostic tools for liver diseases. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography is used to perform hepatic interventional procedures including biopsy, biliary drainage procedures, and radiofrequency ablation. Despite their widespread use, these techniques have limitations. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), a tool that has proven useful for evaluating the mediastinum, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, and biliary tract, has an expanding role in the field of hepatology complementing the traditional investigational modalities. This review aimed to assess the current scientific evidence regarding diagnostic and therapeutic applications of EUS for hepatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Campos
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Garcia da Orta, Portugal
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, The Netherlands
| | - Jan-Werner Poley
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, The Netherlands
| | - Lydi van Driel
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, The Netherlands
| | - Marco J. Bruno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, The Netherlands
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2
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Role and safety of human thrombin injection for the treatment of bleeding gastric varices. Indian J Gastroenterol 2018; 37:321-325. [PMID: 30196518 DOI: 10.1007/s12664-018-0877-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human thrombin appears to be a new effective tool in the armamentarium of management of bleeding gastric varices, but there are paucity of data on its use. Thus, we share our experience with human thrombin in the treatment of bleeding gastric varices. METHODS It was a prospective interventional study conducted between September 2015 and December 2017. Patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding from gastric varices were included, while patients with previous history of cyanoacrylate glue injection or band ligation were excluded. RESULTS A total of 20 patients including 13 males (mean age 32.65 [18-52] years) presenting with gastric variceal bleeding requiring endoscopic injection of human thrombin were studied. The underlying diagnosis was cirrhosis in 8 patients, and extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis, noncirrhotic portal fibrosis, and chronic pancreatitis in 6, 4, and 2 patients, respectively. Isolated gastric varices were found in 6 patients while 14 patients had gastroesophageal varices (GOV) (GOV1-3, GOV2-11). Patients received 1 to 3 sessions (mean = 1.3) of thrombin with a mean total dose of 700 IU (range = 500-2000 IU). Mean follow up was 16.8 months (range 3-28 months). Hemostasis in the acute setting was successfully managed in all the 20 patients on initial presentation. On serial follow up, 4 out of 20 patients required repeat endoscopic session for gastric varices. No thrombin injection-related complication was recorded. CONCLUSION Endoscopic therapy with thrombin appears safe and effective in the management of bleeding gastric varices.
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Bhavsar I, Rooney AW, Corning B, Shah NL. Ectopic varices: a potential cause of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with portal hypertension. BMJ Case Rep 2018; 2018:bcr-2018-225031. [PMID: 29909391 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2018-225031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A newly diagnosed 53-year-old woman with cirrhosis has repeated gastrointestinal bleeding with resulting symptomatic anaemia. She underwent routine diagnostic endoscopic evaluation without localisation of the aetiology of her bleed. Ultimately, she was found to have ectopic varices in the small bowel as a result of underlying high portal pressures. She underwent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for portal system decompression with resolution in her bleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indira Bhavsar
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Anthony W Rooney
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Brooke Corning
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Neeral L Shah
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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Frost JW, Hebbar S. EUS-guided thrombin injection for management of gastric fundal varices. Endosc Int Open 2018; 6:E664-E668. [PMID: 29868631 PMCID: PMC5979194 DOI: 10.1055/a-0599-0440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS Cyanoacrylate glue is recommended first-line endoscopic therapy for gastric fundal varices but it is difficult to use and carries a risk of embolization. Thrombin is preferred by many in the UK, but its effectiveness can be difficult to establish at endoscopy and the rate of re-bleeding is higher. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) can help assess variceal blood flow and has the potential to improve both targeting and effectiveness of injection therapy. Whereas there is already some data for its use with glue, little data currently exist in relation to its use with thrombin. PATIENTS AND METHODS We present a series of patients treated with EUS-guided thrombin injection over the last 4 years. Thrombin was injected under EUS guidance with the intention of obliterating flow within the fundal varices. Outcomes reviewed included whether haemostasis was achieved, the dose of thrombin required for endosonographic variceal obliteration, the incidence of re-bleeding, and procedural related adverse events. RESULTS Eight patients received EUS-guided thrombin: 3 with active bleeding and 5 as elective prevention. In 2/3 (66 %) patients with active bleeding haemostasis was achieved after a single dose with complete variceal obliteration. 1/3 (33 %) had no alteration in blood flow despite 10 000 IU. None of the elective prevention group had further bleeding and obliteration was observed in 4/5 (80 %). A range of 600 to 10 000 IU of thrombin was used and there were no adverse procedure-related outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Our results are promising and suggest that EUS-guided thrombin injection may have a role in managing bleeding from gastric fundal varices.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W. Frost
- Royal Stoke University Hospital – Gastroenterology, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland,Corresponding author John W. Frost Royal Stoke University Hospital – GastroenterologyNewcastle RoadStoke-on-Trent ST4 6QGUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Srisha Hebbar
- Royal Stoke University Hospital – Gastroenterology, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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Jain D, Thosani N, Singhal S. Endoscopic ultrasound-assisted gastrointestinal hemostasis: an evolving technique. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2016; 9:635-47. [PMID: 27366229 PMCID: PMC4913341 DOI: 10.1177/1756283x16645050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal bleeding can range from grossly visible blood in stool or vomitus to microscopic bleed. However, any kind of bleeding can lead to potential life-threatening consequences. A small proportion of patients with gastrointestinal bleeding remain refractory to initial endoscopic hemostasis. While some are successfully managed by repeat endoscopic intervention, a few fail to respond or are not amenable to endoscopic hemostasis. As of now, the next level of intervention is passed on to either surgeons or interventional radiologists. There is new evidence suggesting the increased utility of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in diagnosis and treatment of culprit vascular lesions across the gut. In addition, EUS-assisted technique has also been used in the primary prevention of bleeding from gastroesophageal varices. In this review article, we have summarized case series and reports describing the use of EUS-assisted hemostasis. Indications, techniques, complications and success rates reported are discussed. While most of the authors describe their experience with primary and secondary treatment of gastric varices, treatment of other gastrointestinal lesions with EUS assisted hemostatic techniques is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepanshu Jain
- Department of Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein medical center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nirav Thosani
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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Crisan D, Tantau M, Tantau A. Endoscopic management of bleeding gastric varices--an updated overview. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 2015; 16:413. [PMID: 25189661 DOI: 10.1007/s11894-014-0413-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Gastric varices (GVs) are known to bleed massively and often difficult to manage with conventional techniques. This article aims to overview the endoscopic methods for the management of acute gastric variceal bleeding, especially the advantages and limits of GV obliteration with tissue adhesives, by comparison with band ligation and other direct endoscopic techniques of approach. The results of indirect radiological and surgical techniques of GV treatment are shortly discussed. A special attention is payed to the emerging role of endoscopic ultrasound in the therapy of bleeding GV, in the confirmation of its eradication and in follow-up strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Crisan
- 3rd Medical Clinic, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania,
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Garcia-Pagán JC, Barrufet M, Cardenas A, Escorsell A. Management of gastric varices. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2014; 12:919-28.e1; quiz e51-2. [PMID: 23899955 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2013.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2013] [Revised: 07/10/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
According to their location, gastric varices (GV) are classified as gastroesophageal varices and isolated gastric varices. This review will mainly focus on those GV located in the fundus of the stomach (isolated gastric varices 1 and gastroesophageal varices 2). The 1-year risk of GV bleeding has been reported to be around 10%-16%. Size of GV, presence of red signs, and the degree of liver dysfunction are independent predictors of bleeding. Limited data suggest that tissue adhesives, mainly cyanoacrylate (CA), may be effective and better than propranolol in preventing bleeding from GV. General management of acute GV bleeding must be similar to that of esophageal variceal bleeding, including prophylactic antibiotics, a careful replacement of volemia, and early administration of vasoactive drugs. Small sample-sized randomized controlled trials have shown that tissue adhesives are the therapy of choice for acute GV bleeding. In treatment failures, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is considered the treatment of choice. After initial hemostasis, repeated sessions with CA injections along with nonselective beta-blockers are recommended as secondary prophylaxis; whether CA is superior to TIPS in this scenario is not completely clear. Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) has been introduced as a new method to treat GV. BRTO is also effective and has the potential benefit of increasing portal hepatic blood flow and therefore may be an alternative for patients who may not tolerate TIPS. However, BRTO obliterates spontaneous portosystemic shunts, potentially aggravating portal hypertension and its related complications. The role of BRTO in the management of acute GV bleeding is promising but merits further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Garcia-Pagán
- Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi-Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Ciber de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Marta Barrufet
- Diagnostic Imaging Center, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andres Cardenas
- GI/Endoscopy Unit, Institut de Malalties Digestives i Metaboliques, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBEREHD, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angels Escorsell
- ICU, Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi-Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Ciber de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain
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Girotra M, Raghavapuram S, Abraham RR, Pahwa M, Pahwa AR, Rego RF. Management of gastric variceal bleeding: Role of endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound. World J Hepatol 2014; 6:130-136. [PMID: 24672642 PMCID: PMC3959113 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v6.i3.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Revised: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric varices (GVs) are notorious to bleed massively and often difficult to manage with conventional techniques. This mini-review addresses endoscopic management principles for gastric variceal bleeding, including limitations of ligation and sclerotherapy and merits of endoscopic variceal obliteration. The article also discusses how emerging use of endoscopic ultrasound provides optimism of better diagnosis, improved classification, innovative management strategies and confirmatory tool for eradication of GVs.
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Turon F, Casu S, Hernández-Gea V, Garcia-Pagán JC. Variceal and other portal hypertension related bleeding. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2013; 27:649-64. [PMID: 24160925 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2013.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2013] [Accepted: 08/11/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Variceal bleeding is one of the commonest and most severe complications of liver cirrhosis. Even with the current best medical care, mortality from variceal bleeding is still around 20%. When cirrhosis is diagnosed, varices are present in about 30-40% of compensated patients and in 60% of those who present with ascites. Once varices have been diagnosed, the overall incidence of variceal bleeding is in the order of 25% at two years. Variceal size is the most useful predictor for variceal bleeding, other predictors are severity of liver dysfunction (Child-Pugh classification) and the presence of red wale marks on the variceal wall. The current consensus is that every cirrhotic patient should be endoscopically screened for varices at the time of diagnosis to detect those requiring prophylactic treatment. Non-selective beta-adrenergic blockers (NSBB) and endoscopic band ligation (EBL) have been shown effective in the prevention of first variceal bleeding. The current recommendation for treating acute variceal bleeding is to start vasoactive drug therapy early (ideally during the transferral or to arrival to hospital, even if active bleeding is only suspected) and performing EBL. Once bleeding is controlled, combination therapy with NSBB + EBL should be used to prevent rebleeding. In patients at high risk of treatment failure despite of using this approach, an early covered-TIPS within 72 h (ideally 24 h) should be considered. Data on management of gastric variceal bleeding is limited. No clear recommendation for primary prophylaxis can be done. In acute cardiofundal variceal bleeding, vasoactive agents together with cyanoacrylate (CA) injection seem to be the treatment of choice. Further CA injections and/or NSBB may be used to prevent rebleeding. TIPS or Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration when TIPS is contraindicated may be used as a rescue therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Turon
- Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Institut de Malalties Digestives i Metaboliques, Hospital Clinic, Institut de Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Ferreira AO, Sousa HT, Brito J, Rosa L. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in cirrhosis: varix or no varix? BMJ Case Rep 2013; 2013:bcr-2013-008815. [PMID: 23897373 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2013-008815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding from variceal origin is a frequent complication in the cirrhotic population. Duodenal variceal haemorrhage, however, is infrequent and the endoscopic management of such lesions is not straightforward. Non-endoscopic options include vasoactive drugs, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), transvenous obliteration and surgery as rescue therapy. We present a patient with Child-Pugh A hepatitis C virus-cirrhosis with acute bleeding from a duodenal varix. It was managed with elastic band ligation but late rebleeding occurred after 6 weeks. Gastroduodenoscopy revealed active bleeding from the ligation eschar. Band ligation and sclerosis were attempted but unsuccessful. Terlipressin was started and the patient referred for TIPS. Surprisingly, angiography showed a normal hepatic vein pressure gradient; therefore, TIPS was not performed. Haemorrhage ceased with medical treatment alone. The patient remained stable and was discharged after 10 days, being currently under evaluation for hepatitis C therapy.
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McAvoy NC, Plevris JN, Hayes PC. Human thrombin for the treatment of gastric and ectopic varices. World J Gastroenterol 2012; 18:5912-7. [PMID: 23139607 PMCID: PMC3491598 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i41.5912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2012] [Revised: 05/11/2012] [Accepted: 05/26/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of human thrombin in the treatment of bleeding gastric and ectopic varices.
METHODS: Retrospective observational study in a Tertiary Referral Centre. Between January 1999-October 2005, we identified 37 patients who were endoscopically treated with human thrombin injection therapy for bleeding gastric and ectopic varices. Patient details including age, gender and aetiology of liver disease/segmental portal hypertension were documented. The thrombin was obtained from the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service and prepared to give a solution of 250 IU/mL which was injected via a standard injection needle. All patient case notes were reviewed and the total dose of thrombin given along with the number of endoscopy sessions was recorded. Initial haemostasis rates, rebleeding rates and mortality were catalogued along with the incidence of any immediate complications which could be attributable to the thrombin therapy. The duration of follow up was also listed. The study was conducted according to the United Kingdom research ethics guidelines.
RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were included. 33 patients (89%) had thrombin (250 U/mL) for gastric varices, 2 (5.4%) for duodenal varices, 1 for rectal varices and 1 for gastric and rectal varices. (1) Gastric varices, an average of 15.2 mL of thrombin was used per patient. Re-bleeding occurred in 4 patients (10.8%), managed in 2 by a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS) (one unsuccessfully who died) and in other 2 by a distal splenorenal shunt; (2) Duodenal varices (or type 2 isolated gastric varices), an average of 12.5 mL was used per patient over 2-3 endoscopy sessions. Re-bleeding occurred in one patient, which was treated by TIPSS; and (3) Rectal varices, an average of 18.3 mL was used per patient over 3 endoscopy sessions. No re-bleeding occurred in this group.
CONCLUSION: Human thrombin is a safe, easy to use and effective therapeutic option to control haemorrhage from gastric and ectopic varices.
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