Intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt via right renal vein successfully treated with balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration

A 66-year-old woman with a history of alcoholic liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma was repeatedly hospitalized for the treatment of encephalopathy. Computed tomography demonstrated a portosystemic venous shunt which continued from portal branch P7 to the right renal vein. Since pharmacotherapy for encephalopathy was ineffective, balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) was performed to block the portal-renal flow. Hyperammonemia and encephalopathy improved remarkably after the procedure. Intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt draining into the right renal vein is a rare condition. To the best of our knowledge, management of this type of shunt by B-RTO has not been previously described. We report this case accompanied by a short review of the related literature.     

A case of liver cirrhosis with bleeding from stomal varices successfully treated using balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration

A 66-year-old male patient with liver cirrhosis because of alcohol intake underwent a Hartmann’s procedure for rectal cancer. Four months later, bleeding from the sigmoid stoma occurred and persisted for 2 months. A colonoscopic examination revealed bleeding from stomal varices. Three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) imaging demonstrated the inferior mesenteric vein and left superficial epigastric vein as the feeding and drainage vessels, respectively. Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) through the left epigastric vein was performed using a microballoon catheter inserted from the right femoral vein according to the Seldinger method. A CT examination performed 2 days after the B-RTO procedure revealed that the blood flow had disappeared, with thrombosis formation in both the stomal varices and the feeding vein. No recurrent bleeding from the stoma occurred. B-RTO using a microballoon catheter is useful as a therapeutic procedure for stomal varices to prevent bleeding, since the procedure can be performed with minimal invasion using the Seldinger method.     

Prophylactic transileocolic obliteration of esophageal varices after balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration of gastric varices with a gastrorenal shunt

Several non-surgical techniques have been developed to treat esophagogastric varices that occur secondary to portal hypertension, including those performed endoscopically or with interventional radiologic therapies. In patients with large gastric fundal varices and associated gastrorenal shunting, controversy still remains in defining the most appropriate non-surgical intervention. Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration has been shown to be one effective treatment for gastric varices in these instances. However, in the population treated in this manner, the inhibition of subsequent esophageal varices is essential. We report a patient with gastric fundal varices that were successfully treated using balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration and in whom prophylactic transileocolic obliteration of esophageal varices was additionally performed. This 46-year-old man was diagnosed with severe gastric varices and gastrorenal shunting with only mild esophageal varices. Five years after therapy, the patient demonstrates no evidence of recurrence of either gastric or esophageal varices and has remained otherwise healthy.     

Emergency balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration for gastric varices

Background We evaluated the efficacy of emergency balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) performed within 24 h after initial hemostasis for the prevention of rebleeding from ruptured gastric varices. Methods From December 1995 to March 2003, 11 patients who had undergone B-RTO within 24 h after the control of gastric variceal bleeding at Maebashi Red Cross Hospital were investigated. They were followed up for complete eradication, recurrence of varices, and rebleeding. Efficacy was determined by endoscopic examination and computed tomography. Results The 4 patients with acute bleeding from ruptured gastric varices were treated with endoscopic therapy—endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) in 2 patients, and clipping treatment in 2. Initial hemostasis was achieved in all 4; the other 7 patients had already stopped bleeding at endoscopy. After hemostasis was achieved, emergency B-RTO was immediately performed within 24 h and was successful in all 11 patients. Ten (90.9%) of the 11 gastric varices were obliterated and the other 1 (9.1%) was diminished in size. During the mean follow-up period of 1136 days, no rebleeding or recurrence as found. Four patients died during the follow-up period, but none died from variceal bleeding. Survival rates were 90.9% and 70.7%, respectively, at 1 year and 3 years. In 6 patients, development of esophageal varices appeared during the follow-up period, all of which were controlled by usual endoscopic therapy. No severe side effects were found after the B-RTO treatment. Conclusions Emergency B-RTO is an effective treatment for the prevention of rebleeding from ruptured gastric varices.     

A case of colonic varices complicated by alcoholic cirrhosis treated using balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration

A 44-year-old man with cirrhosis arising from alcohol abuse manifested melena caused by the rupture of esophageal varices. He received endoscopic variceal ligation for the initial hemostasis, followed by endoscopic injection sclerotherapy as an additional consolidation therapy. A CT examination performed at the time of admission revealed collateral veins developing around the ascending colon, in which the feeding and draining vessels were identified as the superior mesenteric vein and the right testicular vein, respectively. Moreover, large nodular varices were observed in the ascending colon during a colonoscopy. To prevent the rupture of the colonic varices, balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) was performed through the right testicular vein using a microballoon catheter. A CT examination performed 4 days after the B-RTO procedure revealed the disappearance of blood flow with thrombosis formation in both the colonic varices and the feeding vein. The varices in the ascending colon had completely disappeared when examined during a colonoscopy performed 4 months after the B-RTO procedure. B-RTO is a useful and minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of colonic varices to prevent bleeding.     

Treatment of gastric fundal varices by balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration

Although less common than oesophageal varices in portal hypertension, gastric fundal varices carry a higher mortality rate when they rupture. They are less amenable to sclerotherapy. We have developed a minimally invasive balloon-occluded retrograde transverse obliteration (B-RTO) procedure to treat gastric fundal varices. B-RTO involves inserting a balloon catheter into an outflow shunt (gastric-renal or gastric-vena caval inferior) via the femoral or internal jugular vein. Blood flow is then blocked by inflating the balloon, and 5% ethanolamine oleate iopamidol is injected in a retrograde manner. The embolized gastric varix subsequentlyl disappears. B-RTO was performed in 32 patients with gastric varices. Follow-up endoscopies were performed at intervals of 2–4 months for an average observation period of 14 months. Eradication of the varices has been confirmed in 31 of 32 patients. No recurrence occurred in any patients in the follow-up period. There were no significant changes in liver function after the procedure. We conclude that B-RTO is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of gastric fundal varices.     

Emergency balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration of ruptured gastric varices

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of emergency balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration(BRTO) for ruptured gastric varices.METHODS: Emergency BRTO was performed in 17 patients with gastric varices and gastrorenal or gastrocaval shunts within 24 h of hematemesis and/or tarry stool.The gastric varices were confirmed by endoscopy,and the gastrorenal or gastrocaval shunts were identified by contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CE-CT).A 6-Fr balloon catheter(Cobra type) was inserted into the gastrorenal shunt via the right internal jugular vein,or into the gastrocaval shunt via the right femoral vein,depending on the varices drainage route.The sclerosant,5% ethanolamine oleate iopamidol,was injected into the gastric varices through the catheter during balloon occlusion.In patients with incom plete thrombosis of the varices after the first BRTO,a second BRTO was performed the following day.Patients were followed up by endoscopy and CE-CT at 1 d,1 wk,and 1,3 and 6 mo after the procedure,and every 6 mo thereafter.RESULTS: Complete thrombosis of the gastric varices was not achieved with the first BRTO in 7/17 patients because of large gastric varices.These patients underwent a second BRTO on the next day,and additional sclerosant was injected through the catheter.Complete thrombosis which led to disappearance of the varices was achieved in 16/17 patients,while the remaining patient had incomplete thrombosis of the varices.None of the patients experienced rebleeding or recurrence of the gastric varices after a median follow-up of 1130 d(range 8-2739 d).No major complications occurred after the procedure.However,esophageal varices worsened in 5/17 patients after a mean follow-up of 8.6 mo.CONCLUSION: Emergency BRTO is an effective and safe treatment for ruptured gastric varices.     

Spontaneous hemoperitoneum due to rupture of the paraumbilical vein successfully treated with balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration

Spontaneous hemoperitoneum is an uncommon condition, which may be critical even if treated appropriately. The paraumbilical vein is a portosystemic collateral vein that develops in patients with portal hypertension, and is rarely found to be a source of bleeding. Here we present a case report of spontaneous hemoperitoneum due to rupture of the paraumbilical vein successfully treated with balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO). A 69-year-old man with cirrhosis due to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis was admitted to our hospital with abdominal distention and pain. Computed tomography revealed hemoperitoneum with a dilated paraumbilical vein, and rupture of the paraumbilical vein was diagnosed to be the cause of anemia. B-RTO was performed via the left femoral vein with upstream embolization using microcoils, and thrombosis of the paraumbilical vein was confirmed after B-RTO. The patient was discharged without complications 20 days after B-RTO and he experienced no further episodes of bleeding during the subsequent 6-month period.     

Treatment of bleeding stomal varices by balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration

Although stomal varices are a rare complication, bleeding stomal varices often need to be treated owing to symptoms of hypovolemic shock, recurrence of stomal bleeding, or deterioration in the quality of life. Various treatment strategies for the management of bleeding stomal varices have thus far been reported. We report the case of a 60-year-old woman with refractory recurrent bleeding from varices in a sigmoid stoma, along with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and marked splenomegaly. A physical examination revealed that the skin was discolored and bluish around the circumference of the sigmoid stoma. The venous phase of a celiac arteriogram revealed an afferent vein from the splenic vein and another from the inferior mesenteric vein, and veins draining into the left superficial epigastric vein. A balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) procedure was performed. The skin around the stoma, initially discolored bluish, improved markedly. After 10 months of follow-up, the patient has remained well without further episodes of stomal bleeding. To our knowledge, this is the first case of recurrent hemorrhage from stomal varices that was successfully treated by BRTO in a patient with portal hypertension.     

Successful balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration for bleeding duodenal varices using cyanoacrylate

A 76-year-old woman with hepatitis C cirrhosis presented with tarry stools and hematemesis.An endoscopy demonstrated bleeding duodenal varices in the second portion of the duodenum.Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed markedly tortuous varices around the wall in the duodenum.Several afferent veins appeared to have developed,and the right ovarian vein draining into the inferior vena cava was detected as an efferent vein.Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) of the varices using cyanoacrylate was successfully performed in combination with the temporary occlusion of the portal vein.Although no previous publications have used cyanoacrylate as an embolic agent for BRTO to control bleeding duodenal varices,this strategy can be considered as an alternative procedure to conventional BRTO using ethanolamine oleate when numerous afferent vessels that cannot be embolized are present.     

Prophylactic balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration for gastric varices in compensated cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Because gastric variceal bleeding is associated with a high mortality rate, its prophylaxis is expected to improve survival. We investigated the effectiveness of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) for the treatment of gastric fundal varices. METHODS: A prospective nonrandomized study was conducted. Prophylactic B-RTO was performed in 17 patients (B-RTO group), whereas the remaining 17 patients received no specific treatment (control). The nonbleeding rate, cumulative survival rate, and prognostic values of the patients were assessed. RESULTS: The respective nonbleeding rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 100%, 100%, and 83% in the B-RTO group and 81%, 59%, and 39% in the control. The respective cumulative survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 94%, 85%, and 39% in the B-RTO group and 71%, 41%, and 22% in the control. Both the nonbleeding rate and the cumulative survival rate of the B-RTO group were significantly higher than those of the control (P = .01 and .04, respectively). B-RTO was determined by multivariate analysis to be a significant factor for low bleeding rate (relative risk, 0.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.004-0.79), whereas B-RTO (0.11; 95% CI, 0.03-0.44) and Child-Pugh class A (0.10; 95% CI, 0.03-0.39) were the significant factors for a low mortality rate, and the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma (5.68; 95% CI, 1.49-21.7) was the significant factor for a high mortality rate. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic B-RTO is effective in preventing gastric variceal rupture and consequently improves patient survival.     

Long-term follow up of esophageal varices after balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration for gastric varices.

Aim: Because the procedure of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) causes extensive thrombosis of the major shunt that connects the spleen and gastric/renal venous systems, an increase in portal pressure is unavoidable. The aim of the present study was to assess the long-term outcome of B-RTO, including changes in esophageal varices. Methods: B-RTO was conducted in 22 patients with gastric varices, who were divided according to the severity of esophageal varices at baseline; there were no esophageal varices (n = 7), F(1) varices (n = 11), and F(2) varices (n = 4). The outcome measures included the development/worsening of esophageal varices after B-RTO and survival rates. Results: The cumulative bleeding-free probability for all 22 patients at 3 years after B-RTO was 100%. The overall 3-year survival was 94.4%. Seven patients who had no esophageal varices prior to B-RTO did not develop any after the procedure. Seven (63.6%) of the 11 patients with stage F(1) esophageal varices prior to B-RTO showed no changes in the varices after B-RTO, while two patients progressed to F(2) varices and two developed F(3) varices. The cumulative treatment-free probability of the esophageal varices at 24 months after B-RTO was 100% for patients without esophageal varices at baseline, 80.8% for patients with pre-existing F(1) varices, and 75% for those with pre-existing F(2) varices. Conclusion: Although the B-RTO procedure is considered useful for the treatment of gastric varices, changes in hemodynamics due to obliteration of this major shunt must be taken into account and observed closely.     

The long-term outcome of patients with bleeding gastric varices after balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration

Background The purpose of our study was to evaluate the long-term outcome and complications of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) in patients with hemorrhage from gastric fundal varices. Methods Thirty-four consecutive patients with bleeding from gastric varices who were treated with B-RTO were enrolled in this study between December 1994 and September 2005 (urgent cases, n = 12; elective cases, n = 22). The long-term outcome, complications, and various liver functions were evaluated. Results Complete obliteration was achieved in 31 of 34 (91%) patients with an acute bleeding episode. In one of the remaining patients, there was a technical failure, and the other two had only partial obliteration. The two patients with partial obliteration did not obtain hemostasis. Thus, the rate of hemostasis was 94% (31/33). Gastric varices disappeared in all patients with complete obliteration during the treatment. The rate of gastric variceal eradication was 91%. Variceal rebleeding from esophageal varices occurred in three patients. The rate of rebleeding was 10% (3/31). Rebleeding from gastric varices was not observed after complete obliteration. None of the patients showed worsening of their Child-Pugh score. Although the 5-year cumulative worsening rate of esophageal varices was 52%, neither portal hypertensive gastropathy nor ectopic varices were observed. The patients with worsening esophageal varices were successfully treated with an endoscopic procedure. The 5-year survival rate was 68%. Conclusions B-RTO is useful for treatment of bleeding gastric varices, achieving high eradication of gastric varices, a low rebleeding rate, and a fairly good prognosis with improved hepatic function.     

Ruptured high flow gastric varices with an intratumoral arterioportal shunt treated with balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration during temporary balloon occlusion of a hepatic artery

INTRODUCTIONHematemesis of ruptured high ? ow gastric varices from intratumoral arterioportal shunt is a critical condition. The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)[1-2] and percutaneous transhepatic obliteration (PTO) are contraindicatio…     

Combination of transileocolic vein obliteration and balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration is effective for ruptured duodenal varices

Duodenal varices are a rare site of hemorrhage in patients with portal hypertension, but their rupture is a serious and often fatal event. We report a 65-year-old woman who presented with hematemesis and melena. She was admitted to our department because of prolonged shock, despite having received transfusion of a large volume of blood. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed nodular varices with active bleeding in the second portion of the duodenum. Endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) was performed using a tissue adhesive agent, α-cyanoacrylate monomer, with only temporary benefit. However, anemia continued to progress after the procedure. Therefore, we combined transileocolic vein obliteration (TIO) with balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RIO), using 5% ethanolamine oleate with iopamidol to obliterate the varices. Complete hemostasis was achieved without complications. Neither recurrence of varices nor further bleeding has occurred for over 3 years. We conclude that combined TIO and B-RTO, which can obstruct both the feeding and the draining vessels of duodenal varices to retain the sclerosing agent completely in the varices, is a safe and effective hemostatic measure for ruptured duodenal varices, when EIS has failed to accomplish complete hemostasis. Received: January 18, 1999 / Accepted: May 28, 1999     

Portal hemodynamics and clinical outcomes of patients with gastric varices after balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration

Background

Long-term hemodynamic effects and clinical outcomes after balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term clinical results and effects on portal hemodynamics after B-RTO for the treatment of gastric varices with spontaneous gastrorenal shunt.

Methods

A total of 21 patients with cirrhosis and gastric varices treated by B-RTO were evaluated. The cumulative survival rate was calculated, portal blood flow was measured by Doppler ultrasonography, and liver function was estimated on the basis of Child-Pugh classification before and 1 year after B-RTO.

Results

Gastric varices disappeared or decreased markedly in size in all patients. Overall cumulative survival rates at 1, 3 and 5 years were 90.48, 71.11 and 53.71%, respectively. Portal blood flow increased significantly from 681.9 ± 294.9 to 837.0 ± 279.1 ml/min (P = 0.0125) after B-RTO. Child-Pugh score was not significantly changed (P = 0.755) after obliteration, but serum albumin was elevated significantly from 3.49 ± 0.49 to 3.75 ± 0.53 g/dl (P = 0.0459). The ascites score was significantly increased (P = 0.0455) after B-RTO, but all cases of ascites could be controlled with medication.

Conclusions

Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration is a safe and effective treatment for gastric varices with gastrorenal shunt. Portal blood flow and serum albumin parameters are increased, and liver function is unchanged after B-RTO.     

A case of liver cirrhosis due to hepatits C virus infection complicating giant anorectal varices treated with balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration

A 73-year-old man with liver cirrhosis due to hepatitis C virus infection was admitted to our hospital because of massive bleeding from external varices. Colonoscopic examination revealed that giant anorectal varices had developed between the anus and rectal ampulla, and had ruptured at the perianal site. On three-dimensional computed tomography imaging, the feeding and drainage vessels of the varices were identified as the inferior mesenteric vein and right inferior hemorrhoidal vein, respectively. Endoscopic therapies were not employed for the bleeding varices, because the blood flow volume of the feeding vessel was extremely large. Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) was therefore carried out through the drainage vessels. The variceal blood flow disappeared after B-RTO therapy, and the varices decreased in size with thrombus formation verified by colonoscopy. Bleeding from the external varices also ceased. B-RTO therapy may be an effective approach for giant anorectal varices presenting as a complication in liver cirrhosis patients in whom the main drainage vessels can be determined.