Percutaneous transsplenic embolization of esophageal and gastrio-fundal varices in 18 patients

Trans-splenic anterograde coil-assisted transvenous occlusion (TACATO) of bleeding gastric varices associated with gastrorenal shunts in cirrhosis

Background & Aims

There is a lack of consensus on the optimal management of fundal gastric varices (GVs) in patients with cirrhosis due to varied anatomy and hemodynamics. In this study, we evaluate the safety and efficacy of trans-splenic anterograde coil-assisted transvenous occlusion (TACATO) for preventing recurrent bleeding in fundal GVs associated with gastrorenal shunt (GRS).

Methods

In this 4-year study, patients with cirrhosis with GRS-associated GV bleeding, without prior esophageal variceal bleeding, ascites, or portal vein thrombosis, were eligible for TACATO. Trans-splenic access was achieved by puncturing a splenic venous branch using ultrasound/fluoroscopic guidance. A microcatheter was inserted into the varices for embolization with detachable microcoils and possibly N-butyl-cyanoacrylate-Lipiodol. Technical success was assessed by venography. All patients underwent follow-up endoscopy and decompensating events were recorded. A retrospective external control group of patients with cirrhosis and similar GRS-associated GVs treated by retrograde transvenous obliteration was enrolled as a comparative group.

Results

Twenty patients with cirrhosis underwent TACATO (17 GOV2, 6 IGV1 - median GRS size 23 mm, range 15-32 mm). Median occlusion of the shunt was 90% (complete in 14/20); complications included local abdominal pain and partial splanchnic thrombosis in two patients. Over a median follow-up of 23 (range 10-31) months, no rebleeding or further decompensation occurred; liver function remained stable and endoscopy showed reduced or resolved fundal GVs without worsening esophageal varices in all patients. The comparative group (18 patients - median GRS diameter 14 mm, range 6-23 mm) reported no rebleeding but worsening varices in two and ascites progression in two.

Conclusions

TACATO is a viable option for secondary prophylaxis of bleeding from GVs associated with GRS and may reduce hepatic decompensation risk. Further studies are needed to validate these results and determine TACATO's broader role in GV management.

Impact and implications

Gastric varices (GVs) affect 20% of patients with cirrhosis, with a 2-year bleeding risk of 25%. Fundal GVs, which account for 70% of cases, are associated with mortality rates of up to 55%, posing management challenges due to their complex anatomy and hemodynamics. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement often fails to address fundal GV hemodynamics, leaving patients at a high risk of rebleeding. Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration, while effective, is limited by complexity, logistical hurdles, and complications. TACATO (trans-splenic anterograde coil-assisted transvenous occlusion) provides effective secondary prophylaxis for fundal GV bleeding linked to gastrorenal shunts. It matches the efficacy of retrograde and anterograde techniques while offering faster execution, minimal side effects, and no need for specialized equipment or gastrorenal shunt size restrictions. Trans-splenic access ensured safe and straightforward access to the portal system and fundal GVs in all patients treated with TACATO.

Safety and effectiveness of transsplenic access for portal venous interventions: a single-center retrospective study

PURPOSE

To assess the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous transsplenic access (PTSA) for portal vein (PV) interventions among patients with PV disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult patients with PV disease were enrolled if they required percutaneous catheterization for PV angioplasty, embolization, thrombectomy, variceal embolization, or transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement for a difficult TIPS or recanalization of a chronically occluded PV. The procedures were performed between January 2018 and January 2023. Patients were excluded if they had an active infection, had a chronically occluded splenic vein malignant infiltration of the needle tract, had undergone splenectomy, or were under age 18 years.

RESULTS

Thirty patients (15 women, 15 men) were enrolled. Catheterization of the PV through PTSA succeeded for 29 of 30 patients (96.7%). The main adverse effect recorded was flank pain in 5 of 30 cases (16.7%). No bleeding events from the spleen, splenic vein, or percutaneous access point were recorded. Two cases (6.7%) each of hepatic bleeding and rethrombosis of the PV were reported, and a change in hemoglobin levels (mean [SD], - 0.5 [1.4] g/dL) was documented in 14 cases (46.7%).

CONCLUSION

PTSA as an approach to accessing the PV is secure and achievable, with minimal risk of complications. Minimal to no bleeding is possible by using tract closure methods.

A Multicenter Study of Needle Size and Safety for Splenic Biopsy

Background Splenic biopsy is rarely performed because of the perceived risk of hemorrhagic complications. Purpose To evaluate the safety of large bore (≥18 gauge) image-guided splenic biopsy. Materials and Methods This retrospective study included consecutive adult patients who underwent US- or CT-guided splenic biopsy between March 2001 and March 2022 at eight academic institutions in the United States. Biopsies were performed with needles that were 18 gauge or larger, with a comparison group of biopsies with needles smaller than 18 gauge. The primary outcome was significant bleeding after the procedure, defined by the presence of bleeding at CT performed within 30 days or angiography and/or surgery performed to manage the bleeding. Categorical variables were compared using the χ2 test and medians were compared using the Mann-Whitney test. Results A total of 239 patients (median age, 63 years; IQR, 50-71 years; 116 of 239 [48.5%] female patients) underwent splenic biopsy with an 18-gauge or smaller needle and 139 patients (median age, 58 years [IQR, 49-69 years]; 66 of 139 [47.5%] female patients) underwent biopsy with a needle larger than 18 gauge. Bleeding was detected in 20 of 239 (8.4%) patients in the 18-gauge or smaller group and 11 of 139 (7.9%) in the larger than 18-gauge group. Bleeding was treated in five of 239 (2.1%) patients in the 18-gauge or smaller group and one of 139 (1%) in the larger than 18-gauge group. No deaths related to the biopsy procedure were recorded during the study period. Patients with bleeding after biopsy had smaller lesions compared with patients without bleeding (median, 2.1 cm [IQR, 1.6-5.4 cm] vs 3.5 cm [IQR, 2-6.8 cm], respectively; P = .03). Patients with a history of lymphoma or leukemia showed a lower incidence of bleeding than patients without this history (three of 90 [3%] vs 28 of 288 [9.7%], respectively; P = .05). Conclusion Bleeding after splenic biopsy with a needle 18 gauge or larger was similar to biopsy with a needle smaller than 18 gauge and seen in 8% of procedures overall, with 2% overall requiring treatment. © RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Grant in this issue.

Transsplenic tract closure after transsplenic portalvenous access using gelfoam-based tract plugging

BACKGROUND

To assess the feasibility and safety of a gelfoam torpedo plugging technique for embolization of the transsplenic access channel in adult patients following transvenous portal vein interventions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 09/2016 and 08/2021, an ultrasound guided transsplenic portalvenous access (TSPVA) was established in twenty-four adult patients with a 21-G needle and 4-F microsheath under ultrasound guidance. Afterwards, sheaths ranging from 4-F to 8-F were inserted as needed for the procedure. Following portal vein intervention, the splenic access tract was embolized with a gelfoam-based tract plugging (GFTP) technique. TSPVA and GFTP were performed twice in two patients. Patients' pre-interventional and procedural characteristics were analyzed to assess the feasibility and safety of the plugging technique according Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE) classification system. Values are given as median (minimum;maximum). Subgroup analysis of intercostal vs. subcostal puncture site for TSPVA was performed using the two-sided Mann-Whitney-U test or Student's t-test and Fisher's exact test. Level of significance was p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The study population's age was 56 (29;71) years and 54% were female patients. Primary liver disease was predominantly liver cirrhosis with 62% of the patients. Pre-interventional model for end-stage liver disease score was 9 (6;25), international normalized ratio was 1.15 (0.86;1.51), activated partial thromboplastin time was 33s (26s;52s) and platelet count was 88.000/µL (31.000;273.000/µL). Ascites was present in 76% of the cases. Craniocaudal spleen diameter was 17cm (10cm;25cm). Indication for TSPVA was assisted transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement in 16 cases and revision in two cases, portal vein stent placement in five cases and variceal embolization in three cases. TSPVA was successfully established in all interventions; interventional success rate was 85% (22/26). The splenic access time was 33min (10min;133min) and the total procedure time was 208min (110min;429min). Splenic access was performed with a subcostal route in 11 interventions and with an intercostal route in 15 interventions. Final sheath size was 4-F in 17 cases, 5-F in three cases, 6-F in five cases, 7-F in two cases and 8-F in one case. A median of two gelfoam cubes was used for GFTP. TSPVA- and GFTP-related complications occurred in 4 of 26 interventions (15%) with a subcapsular hematoma of the spleen in two patients (CIRSE grade 1), access-related infection in one patient (CIRSE grade 3) and both in one patient (CIRSE grade 3). In detail, one access-related complication occurred in a patient with subcostal TSPVA (CIRSE grade 1 complication) and the other three complications occurred in patients with intercostal TSPVA (one CIRSE grade 1 complication and two CIRSE grade 3 complication) (p = 0.614). No patient required interventional or surgical treatment due to puncture tract bleeding.

CONCLUSION

Gelfoam-based plugging of the puncture tract was feasible and safe for transsplenic access in adult patients undergoing percutaneous portal vein interventions. The lack of major bleeding complications and complete absorption of the gelatine sponge make it a safe alternative to transjugular and transhepatic access and re-interventions via the splenic route.

Transsplenic Portal System Catheterization: Review of Current Indications and Techniques

Multiple diseases of the portal system require effective portal vein access for endovascular management. While percutaneous transhepatic and transjugular approaches remain the standard methods of portal vein access, transsplenic access (TSA) has gained recognition as an effective and safe technique to access the portal system in patients with contraindications to traditional approaches. Recently, the utility of percutaneous TSA has grown, with described treatments including recanalization of chronic portal vein occlusion, placement of stents for portal vein stenosis, portal vein embolization of the liver, embolization of gastric varices, placement of complicated transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts, and interventions after liver transplant. The authors provide a review of percutaneous TSA, including indications, a summary of related portal vein diseases, and the different techniques used for access and closure. In addition, an imaging-based review of technical considerations of TSA interventions is presented, with a review of potential procedural complications. With technical success rates that mirror or rival the standard methods and reported low rates of major complications, TSA can be a safe and effective option in clinical scenarios where traditional approaches are not feasible. ^©RSNA, 2022.

Closure of Transsplenic Access Tracts Using Tract Embolics: Success, Clinical Outcomes, and Complications in a Tertiary Center

Purpose The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of transsplenic venous access closure.

Materials and Methods Twenty patients (mean age: 51.8 years; range: 28–72), underwent 21 transsplenic venous access procedures over 4 years in this retrospective study. Comorbidities, active hemorrhage, anticoagulation, coagulation parameters, platelets, indications for transsplenic access, needle gauge, sheath size, variceal embolization method, tract embolization method, bleeding complications, and transfusion requirements and additional procedures to manage bleeding complications were recorded.

Results Preprocedure comorbidities included portal hypertension (n = 18/20, 90%), portal vein thrombosis (n = 14/20, 70%), hemorrhage (n = 6/20, 30%), splenic vein thrombosis (n = 7/20, 35%), anticoagulation (n = 2/20, 10%), and sinistral portal hypertension (n = 2/20,10%). Mean baseline international normalized ratio was 1.3 (range: 1–1.9), platelets 122 (range: 18–492). Most common transsplenic access indications were gastric varices with nonpatent portosystemic shunt (n = 11/21, 52%) and portal vein targeting for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (n = 8, 38%). Most common access sheath sizes were 4-French (n = 5, 24%) and 6-French (n = 6, 29%). Fifteen procedures (71%) involved variceal embolization. Transsplenic tracts were embolized with microfibrillar collagen alone (n = 7), coils and microfibrillar collagen (n = 8), or others (n = 6). Based on the Society of Interventional Radiology adverse event classification system, embolization complications included one major (splenic artery pseudoaneurysm and a splenic vein pseudoaneurysm) and three moderate (19%) adverse bleeding events, which required blood transfusion.

Conclusion Transsplenic venous access tract embolization is a safe and moderately effective method to achieve tract hemostasis, with an overall clinical failure rate of 20%.

Treatment of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding by Percutaneous Transsplenic Varices Embolization in Chronic Hepatic Schistosomiasis Japonicum Patients

To evaluate percutaneous transsplenic varices embolization (PTSVE) in the treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in patients with chronic hepatic schistosomiasis japonicum (CHS), 29 CHS patients (20 males and 9 females) complicated with UGIB were selected as the investigation subjects. The patients were treated by PTSVE under the guidance of X-ray fluoroscopy. The success rate of PTSVE and the rate of complications were observed. In addition, the degrees of varices before and after PTSVE were evaluated by abdominal computed tomography (CT). Results showed that 26 CHS patients (89.6%) were successfully treated with PTSVE. Three cases (10.3%) failed, and two experienced intraperitoneal bleeding within 1 week after PTSVE. The abdominal CT showed a significant decrease of the varices stage in coronary (P < 0.001), esophageal (P = 0.006), and paraesophageal (P = 0.013) varices, but slightly increased perisplenic varices within 1 month of the intervention (P = 0.014). PTSVE may be a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of UGIB in CHS patients, particularly suitable for those with a widened hepatic fissure and exposed hepatic portal vein trunk and an enlarged spleen.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Radiologic Management of Portal Hypertension

Cirrhosis is a heterogeneous disease that cannot be studied as a single entity and is classified in two main prognostic stages: compensated and decompensated cirrhosis. Portal hypertension, characterized by a pathological increase of the portal pressure and by the formation of portal-systemic collaterals that bypass the liver, is the initial and main consequence of cirrhosis and is responsible for the majority of its complications. A myriad of treatment options exists for appropriately managing the most common complications of portal hypertension, including acute variceal bleeding and refractory ascites. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Delayed Splenic Rupture After a Percutaneous Transsplenic Approach to Treat Portal Vein Occlusion

PURPOSE

To report a case of delayed splenic rupture after percutaneous transsplenic portal vein stent deployment.

CASE REPORT

A 72-year-old male patient presented at a medical center with abdominal pain and reduced liver function according to laboratory tests. Due to a history of right hemihepatectomy and left portal vein occlusion, the percutaneous transhepatic approach was considered inappropriate. Instead, percutaneous transsplenic access was selected as a suitable procedure for portal vein catheterization. Eight days following the procedure, the patient developed abdominal pain, and a computed tomography scan showed a small splenic pseudoaneurysm that was underappreciated at the time. Patient suffered acute splenic rupture 32 days post-procedure. Subsequent embolization was performed, achieving complete hemostasis.

CONCLUSION

The transsplenic approach should be considered when the transhepatic or transjugular approach is unfeasible or difficult to implement. A careful plugging of the puncture tract is necessary to prevent or minimize hemorrhage from the splenic access tract. In addition, careful serial follow-up computed tomography should be used to evaluate the splenic puncture tract.

Per-Cutaneous Trans-splenic Vein Thrombolysis of Acute Major Portal Vein Thrombosis in Post-Liver Transplant Recipient: A Unique Experience

Portal venous thrombosis (PVT) is an uncommon complication in post-liver transplant recipients. The reported incidence is 1-4%. It may occur within a month, called early or after one month of transplantation, known as late PVT. Early PVT has a poor prognosis, leading to graft failure in most cases. Treatment of such cases is quite challenging because of difficult alternative portal inflow establishment. We performed successful thrombolysis of acute major PVT with a unique technique using ultrasound-guided percutaneous trans-splenic vein access in a post-liver transplant recipient. The per-cutaneous trans- splenic vein approach-based thrombolysis described here in this report might be very helpful in similar cases. This technique minimizes the potential risk of graft loss, avoids re-exploration, has a low risk of bleeding, and is cost-effective.

Percutaneous Trans-splenic Obliteration for Duodenal Variceal bleeding: A Case Report

Duodenal varices are a serious complication of portal hypertension. Bleeding from duodenal varices is rare, but when bleeding does occur, it is massive and can be fatal. Unfortunately, the optimal therapeutic modality for duodenal variceal bleeding is unclear. This paper presents a patient with duodenal variceal bleeding that was managed successfully using percutaneous trans-splenic variceal obliteration (PTVO). A 56-year-old man with a history of alcoholic cirrhosis presented with a 6-day history of melena. Emergency esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a large, bluish mass with a nipple sign in the second portion of the duodenum. Coil embolization of the duodenal varix was performed via a trans-splenic approach (i.e., PTVO). The patient no longer complained of melena after treatment. The duodenal varix was no longer visible at the follow-up esophagogastroduodenoscopy performed three months after PTVO. The use of PTVO might be a viable option for the treatment of duodenal variceal bleeding.

The Future Liver Remnant : Definition, Evaluation, and Management

When considering patients for a major hepatectomy, one must carefully consider the volume of liver to be left behind and if additional procedures are necessary to augment its volume. This review considers the optimal volume of the future liver remnant (FLR) and analyzes the techniques of augmenting this volume, the various growth parameters to assess adequate growth of the FLR, as well as further management when there has been inadequate growth of the FLR.

Endovascular transsplenic recanalization with angioplasty and stenting of an occluded main portal vein in an adult liver transplant recipient

Endovascular transshepatic access has limitations that can be exacerbated in the posttransplantation setting. Although several techniques are available for portal venous system catheterization, the transsplenic approach offers a direct pathway for accessing the portal venous system, as well as associated varices or shunts, while avoiding potential injury to the liver transplant. The purpose of this report is to present the diagnostic and interventional management of main portal vein occlusion in a 56-year-old female after liver transplantation. Endovascular transsplenic recanalization with stenting and shunt embolization is a viable method for treatment of main portal vein thrombosis in an adult liver transplant recipient.

Transsplenic splenoportography and portal venous interventions in pediatric patients

BACKGROUND

Data regarding transsplenic portal venous access for diagnostic imaging and endovascular intervention in children are limited, possibly due to concerns regarding high bleeding risks and resultant underutilization.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the safety and utility of transsplenic splenoportography and portal venous interventions in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of all pediatric patients undergoing percutaneous transsplenic portal venous access and intervention at two large tertiary pediatric institutions between January 2012 and April 2017 was performed. Parameters assessed included procedural indications, procedural and relevant prior imaging, technical details of the procedures, laboratory values and clinical follow-up.

RESULTS

Transsplenic portal venous access was achieved in all patients. Diagnostic transsplenic splenoportography was performed in 22 patients and was 100% successful at providing the desired anatomical and functional information. Four transsplenic portal venous interventions were performed with 100% success: meso-Rex shunt angioplasty, snare targeted transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation through cavernous transformation, pharmacomechanical thrombectomy for acute thrombosis, and transplant portal vein angioplasty. Intraperitoneal bleeding occurred in 2/26 (7.7%) and one case required transfusion (3.8%). No cases of hemorrhage were observed when transsplenic access size was 4 Fr or smaller.

CONCLUSION

Transsplenic splenoportography in children is safe and effective when noninvasive imaging methods have yielded incomplete information. Additionally, a transsplenic approach has advantages for complex portal interventions. Bleeding risks are proportional to tract access size and may be mitigated by tract embolization.

Safety and efficacy of transhepatic and transsplenic access for endovascular management of portal vein complications after liver transplantation

The purpose of this article is to evaluate and compare the safety and efficacy of endovascular management of the portal vein (PV) via percutaneous transsplenic access versus percutaneous transhepatic access in liver transplantation (LT) recipients. A total of 18 patients who underwent endovascular management of PV via percutaneous transhepatic (n = 8) and transsplenic (n = 10) access were enrolled. Transsplenic access was chosen if the spleen was located in a normal position, the splenic vein (SpV) was preserved, and the target lesion did not involve confluence of the superior mesenteric and SpVs. Accessibility of the percutaneous transsplenic puncture was confirmed via ultrasound (US) in the angiography suite. All procedures were performed under local anesthesia. Percutaneous transhepatic or transsplenic access was performed using a 21-gauge Chiba needle under US and fluoroscopic guidance, followed by balloon angioplasty, stent placement, or variceal embolization. The access tract was embolized using coils and a mixture (1:2) of glue and ethiodized oil. Transhepatic or transsplenic access was successfully achieved in all patients. A total of 12 patients underwent stent placement; 3 had balloon angioplasty only; 2 had variceal embolization only; and 1 had variceal embolization followed by successful stent placement. Regarding major complications, 1 patient experienced a SpV tear with extravasation during transsplenic balloon angioplasty, which was successfully managed using temporary balloon inflation, followed by transfusion. Clinical success was achieved in 9 of 11 (82%) patients who exhibited clinical manifestations. The remaining 7 patients who underwent prophylactic endovascular management were healthy. In conclusion, endovascular management of PV via percutaneous transsplenic access is a relatively safe and effective alternative that does not damage the liver grafts of LT recipients. Liver Transplantation 23 1133-1142 2017 AASLD.

Trans-splenic Access for Portal Venous Interventions in Children: Do Benefits Outweigh Risks?

BACKGROUND

The primary concern of trans-splenic access for portal interventions is the risk of life-threatening intraperitoneal bleeding.

OBJECTIVE

To review the clinical indications and efficacy and evaluate the risk factors for intraperitoneal bleeding during trans-splenic portal interventions in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent trans-splenic portal interventions at a tertiary care pediatric institution between March 2011 and April 2017 was performed. Forty-four procedures were performed in 30 children with a median age of 5 (0.3-18) years. Clinical indications, technical success, procedural success, and incidence of complications were recorded. Potential risk factors for intraperitoneal bleeding were evaluated using Wilcoxon rank and Fisher's exact tests.

RESULTS

Trans-splenic access was 100% successful. In 35/44 (79%) procedures, the subsequent intervention was successful including recanalization of post-transplant portal vein occlusion in 10/13, embolization of bleeding Roux limb varices in 8/8, recanalization of chronic portal vein thrombosis in native liver in 7/13, splenoportography and manometry in 6/6, and occlusion of portosystemic shunts in 4/4 procedures. Intraperitoneal bleeding occurred during 12/44 (27%) procedures and was managed with analgesics, blood transfusion, and peritoneal drainage without the need for splenectomy or splenic artery embolization. Statistically significant correlation of bleeding was found with intraprocedural anticoagulation, but not with patient age, weight, platelet count, INR, ascites, splenic length, splenic venous pressure, vascular sheath size, or tract embolization technique.

CONCLUSION

Trans-splenic access is a useful technique for successful pediatric portal interventions. Although it entails a substantial risk of intraperitoneal bleeding, this can be managed conservatively.

Imaging and radiological interventions in extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction

Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) is a primary vascular condition characterized by chronic long standing blockage and cavernous transformation of portal vein with or without additional involvement of intrahepatic branches, splenic or superior mesenteric vein. Patients generally present in childhood with multiple episodes of variceal bleed and EHPVO is the predominant cause of paediatric portal hypertension (PHT) in developing countries. It is a pre-hepatic type of PHT in which liver functions and morphology are preserved till late. Characteristic imaging findings include multiple parabiliary venous collaterals which form to bypass the obstructed portal vein with resultant changes in biliary tree termed portal biliopathy or portal cavernoma cholangiopathy. Ultrasound with Doppler, computed tomography, magnetic resonance cholangiography and magnetic resonance portovenography are non-invasive techniques which can provide a comprehensive analysis of degree and extent of EHPVO, collaterals and bile duct abnormalities. These can also be used to assess in surgical planning as well screening for shunt patency in post-operative patients. The multitude of changes and complications seen in EHPVO can be addressed by various radiological interventional procedures. The myriad of symptoms arising secondary to vascular, biliary, visceral and neurocognitive changes in EHPVO can be managed by various radiological interventions like transjugular intra-hepatic portosystemic shunt, percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage, partial splenic embolization, balloon occluded retrograde obliteration of portosystemic shunt (PSS) and revision of PSS.

Portal vein recanalization and embolization of the transsplenic puncture tract using an Amplatzer® vascular plug: a case report

BACKGROUND

A transsplenic access for the catheterization of the portal venous system to treat a portal vein thrombosis and/or stenosis entails the risk of intra-abdominal or intrasplenic bleeding complications and has to be seen as an approach of last resort. This is one of few reported cases in the literature where a transsplenic puncture tract was successfully embolized using an Amplatzer® vascular plug 4 (8 mm; St. Jude Medical).

CASE PRESENTATION

This is the case report of a 58 years old Caucasian male patient who had received right sided extended hemihepatectomy with partial resection of the portal vein due to hilar cholangiocarcinoma three years ago. The patient suffered from portal hypertension with difficult controllable bleeding of esophageal varices due to chronically progressive thrombosis of the portal vein caused by chronic anastomosis stenosis of the reconstructed left portal vein branch (confirmed in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examination 6 months after the portal vein reconstruction). A transsplenic access (6 French) was chosen to allow recanalization of the portal vein, stent-angioplasty of the anastomosis and coiling of the gastric varices. The transsplenic tract was successfully embolized with an Amplatzer® Vascular Plug 4 and gelfoam pledgets.

CONCLUSION

Amplatzer® Vascular plugs in combination with gelatin sponges can be used to efficiently and precisely seal transsplenic puncture sites.

Portal vein recanalization-transjugularintrahepatic portosystemic shunt using the transsplenic approach to achieve transplant candidacy in patients with chronic portal vein thrombosis

PURPOSE

To present the transsplenic route as an alternative approach for portal vein recanalization-transjugular portosystemic shunt (PVR-TIPS) for chronic main portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in potential transplant candidates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 2013-2014, 11 consecutive patients with cirrhosis-induced chronic main PVT underwent transsplenic PVR-TIPS. All patients had been denied listing for transplant because of the presence of main PVT, a relative contraindication in this center. The patients were followed for adverse events. Portal vein patency was assessed at 1 month by splenoportography and every 3 months subsequently by ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging. After PVR-TIPS, patients were reviewed (and subsequently listed for transplant) at a weekly multidisciplinary conference.

RESULTS

PVR-TIPS using the transsplenic approach was successful in all 11 patients with no major complications. Median age was 61 years (range, 33-67 y) and 9 of 11 patients (82%) were men. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis was the leading cause of liver disease in 4 of 11 patients (36%), and hepatitis C was present in 4 of 11 patients (36%). Complete main PVT was found in 8 of 11 patients (73%). Of 11 patients, 4 (36%) had a Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score > 18, and 8 (73%) had a baseline Child-Pugh score of 7-10. Minor adverse events occurred in 2 of 11 patients (fever, encephalopathy). At the end of the procedure, 5 of 11 patients (45%) exhibited some minor remaining thrombus in the portal vein; 3 of the 5 patients (60%) had complete thrombus resolution at 1 month, with the remaining 2 patients having resolution at 3 months (no anticoagulation was needed). Three patients underwent successful liver transplant with end-to-end anastomoses.

CONCLUSIONS

Transsplenic PVR-TIPS is a potentially safe and effective method to treat PVT and improve transplant candidacy.

Percutaneous transsplenic portal vein catheterization: technical procedures, safety, and clinical applications

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of percutaneous transsplenic portal vein catheterization (PTSPC) by retrospective review of its use in patients with portal vein (PV) occlusion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From July 2004 to December 2010, 46 patients with a history of uncontrolled gastroesophageal variceal bleeding secondary to portal hypertension underwent endovascular PV interventions via a percutaneous transsplenic approach. All patients had occlusion of the main PV or central intrahepatic PV branches, which prevented the performance of a transhepatic approach. A vein within the splenic parenchyma was punctured under fluoroscopic guidance by referencing preoperative computed tomography images. PTSPC-related complications and clinical applications were analyzed.

RESULTS

PTSPC was successfully performed in 44 of 46 patients (96%); two failures were caused by inaccessible small intrasplenic veins. PTSPC-related major bleeding complications occurred in three patients (6.5%), including large intraperitoneal hemorrhage in one patient and large splenic subcapsular hemorrhage in two patients. Two of the three patients developed hypotension, and one developed severe anemia. All three of the patients required blood transfusions. PTSPC-related minor bleeding complications occurred in six patients (13%) as a result of a small splenic subcapsular hemorrhage. In addition, three patients exhibited mild left pleural effusion, which subsided spontaneously 1 week later. All 44 patients successfully treated via PTSPC received gastroesophageal variceal embolization. Eight patients received PV stents, five for treatment of PV occlusion and three during transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement.

CONCLUSIONS

PTSPC is a safe and effective access for endovascular PV interventions in patients without a transhepatic window.

Percutaneous transsplenic embolization of jejunal varices in a patient with liver cirrhosis: a case report

Bleeding jejunal varices are rare and could be life threatening. They are usually found in the presence of portal hypertension and prior history of gastrointestinal surgery. They can be effectively managed by radiological interventions such as transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt or transhepatic embolization of varices. However, in patients with portal vein obstruction, an alternative access is necessary. We report a case of bleeding jejunal varices associated with postoperative adhesion in a patient with portal vein thrombosis which was successfully managed by percutaneous transsplenic embolization.

Treatment of rare gastric variceal bleeding in acute pancreatitis using embolization of the splenic artery combined with short gastric vein

In the acute stage of pancreatitis, sinistral portal hypertension is a rare reason for gastric variceal bleeding. Here we report a 20-year-old female patient with massive upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage 7 days after an episode of severe acute pancreatitis. Computed tomography showed gastric varices caused by splenic venous thrombosis. Emergency endoscopic examination was performed, however tissue adhesive utilized to restrain the bleeding was not successful. Although interventional therapy was controversial to treat the gastric variceal hemorrhage resulting from sinistral portal hypertension, the bleeding was successfully treated by embolization of the splenic artery combined with short gastric vein. Two weeks after the interventional the patient was discharged from our hospital without recurrence of bleeding. Embolization of the splenic artery combined with short gastric vein proved to be an effective emergency therapeutic method for gastric variceal bleeding caused by sinistral portal hypertension in the acute stage of pancreatitis.

Transsplenic endovascular therapy of portal vein stenosis and subsequent complete portal vein thrombosis in a 2-year-old child

A complex catheter intervention for portal vein stenosis and subsequent complete thrombosis after split-liver transplantation was performed using transsplenic access to the portal vein circulation. The combination of intrahepatic, local thrombolysis and extrahepatic portal vein angioplasty performed twice on 2 consecutive days followed by anticoagulation with a high dose of heparin and clopidogrel completely resolved portal vein stenosis and thrombosis. Postinterventional angiographic and serial ultrasound examinations confirmed that the endovascular therapy was successful. In selected patients, percutaneous transsplenic access to the portal vein circulation may be used for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions even in early childhood.