Percutaneous transhepatic obliteration for isolated gastric varices with gastropericardiac shunt: case report

Management of isolated gastric varices with a gastropericardiac shunt (GPS) has not yet been established. We were able to control a case of isolated gastric varices with a GPS by percutaneous transhepatic obliteration (PTO) using a microcatheter. In this case, the main blood drainage route was not a gastrorenal shunt, so transvenous retrograde obliteration could not be performed and PTO using the microcatheter was applied. Percutaneous transhepatic splenic venography revealed that the gastric varices came from the posterior gastric vein and the main drainage route was a GPS. Gastric varices and their blood supply were superselectively embolized using platinum microcoils and absolute ethanol. Portal venous pressure did not change after PTO because the route from the left gastric vein to the azygos venous system was preserved. Computed tomography 7 days after PTO revealed that the gastric varices were completely obliterated by the thrombi. Plasma ammonia level, arterial ketone body ratio, and indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min were improved. We conclude that PTO using a microcatheter is a rational, effective, and safe therapy for isolated gastric varices with a GPS.     

Efficacy of color Doppler ultrasonography for the diagnosis of duodenal varices successfully treated with percutaneous transhepatic obliteration

We treated a 74-year-old woman who complained of tarry stool. Neither endoscopic examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract nor colonoscopy revealed any finding indicative of bleeding, and ^99mTc-HSA-D pool scintigraphic imaging showed no accumulation of blood in the digestive tract. Small tortuous collateral veins were observed on computed tomography (CT) in the distal third portion of the duodenum. Color Doppler ultrasonography obtained color flow images of varices in the distal third portion of the duodenum indicating turbulent flow, and color flow imaging showed the outflow vessel from duodenal varices. Duodenoscopy revealed tortuous varices, with erosions and blue in appearance, in the same area. Percutaneous transhepatic portography was carried out 18 days after the treatment of ascites, and hepatofugal blood flow was confirmed in the pancreatic duodenal vein originating near the junction between the splenic and inferior mesenteric veins with the passage of contrast medium into the duodenal varices, which drained into the left ovarian vein. We performed selective catheterization into the afferent vein of the varices, and injected 8 ml of a 5% solution of ethanolamine oleate containing iopamidol. Microcoil embolization using steel coils was added because the therapeutic effect resulting after the relatively rapid washout of sclerosant was insufficient. CT and color Doppler ultrasonography showed absence of blood flow in the varices 1 week after the therapy. This patient has had no episodes of rebleeding in the 24 months after therapy. Color Doppler ultrasonography was useful in diagnosing this case of duodenal varices and in evaluating therapeutic effect.     

Mesenteric varices demonstrated by transhepatic portography

A case of mesenteric varices draining into the left renal vein is reported. The varices were well demonstrated by percutaneous transhepatic portography and were obliterated. This disease entity should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with lower gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage and portal hypertension.     

Retrograde venography during balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration of gastric varices

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in thrombosis in gastric varices.

Material and methods: Fourteen patients were studied who underwent balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) for gastric varices with a gastrorenal shunt. The B-RTO catheter was retained overnight in all patients. Balloon-occluded retrograde venography (B-RTV) was performed to evaluate the degree of thrombus formation. This evaluation was done twice during the overnight B-RTO procedure: A few hours after the procedure and on the following day. Investigated were the degree of thrombus formation observed by the first and second B-RTV, change in the degree of thrombus between the first and second B-RTV, and whether and how much sclerosing agent was administered on the second day.

Results: The first B-RTV showed entire or partial enhancement of the gastric varix in seven (50%) cases and complete or almost complete lack of enhancement in the remaining seven cases. In four of the former seven cases, the second B-RTV showed entire or partial enhancement of the gastric varix, and the sclerosing agent was added. However, in the remaining ten cases, enhancement was almost or completely lacking.

Conclusion: When complete thrombosis is shown on B-RTV obtained a few hours after B-RTO, the addition of a sclerotic agent would be unnecessary.     

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt plus embolization for bleeding esophagojejunal varices after total gastrectomy

A 64-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with hematemesis and melena. Six years ago, he had undergone total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy for gastric cancer. Endoscopic examination revealed varicose veins at the anastomotic sites with cherry-red spots and hemorrhage. Abdominal computed tomography showed that the varices were supplied by a dilated jejunal vein. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and variceal embolization were performed. There were no major complications or episodes of bleeding during the three-month follow-up. We conclude that TIPS in combination with varices obliteration is an effective alternative method for treatment of ruptured esophagojejunal varices after total gastrectomy.     

Percutaneous transhepatic intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for variceal bleeding: A series of six cases and literature review

ObjectivesTo present a case series of modified transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) and percutaneous transhepatic intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (PTIPS) in cirrhotic patients with variceal bleeding (VB). In addition, the scientific literature pertaining to PTIPS was reviewed.MethodsThis retrospective clinical case series included six cirrhotic patients with VB who were treated with PTIPS after the failure of endoscopic band ligation or endoscopic injection sclerotherapy combined with vasoactive drugs. The treatment was conducted between January 2017 and June 2019 at a single institution. Three patients suffered from severe atrophy of the right or left lobar of the liver as well as the main right or left branch of the portal vein. The remaining three patients showed severe atrophy of the whole liver and portal vein, resulting in widening of the liver fissure. A paired t-test was used to compare the changes in portal pressure gradient between before and after the PTIPS operation. The rebleeding rate, treatment efficacy, complications, and technical success rate were all assessed during follow-up.ResultsAll six PTIPS procedures were performed successfully, with no severe procedural-related complications observed. None of the patients experienced VB during a mean follow-up of 22.8 (range, 18.0–28.0) months. The mean portosystemic pressure gradient decreased from 28.3 ​± ​4.3 ​mmHg pre-procedure to 12.3 ​± ​2.6 ​mmHg immediately post-procedure (P ​< ​0.001). At follow-up, one patient was found to have developed grade 2 hepatic encephalopathy thrice during the first year, according to the West Haven criteria. However, this was resolved following medical treatment.ConclusionsWhen the patient’s portal venous anatomy is unconducive to the performance of TIPS using the transjugular approach, PTIPS can be considered as a safe, effective complementary surgical approach for patients with VB.     

Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration using a new microballoon for gastric varices

We here present a case involving a complicated type of gastric fundal varices treated by balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration. A newly developed 1.8-Fr tip coaxial microballoon catheter was successfully advanced into narrow and tortuous varices, and a sclerosant could be infused in a reasonable manner, avoiding reflux into collaterals. Divided injections of sclerosant were performed over two days, via a microballoon catheter that remained inserted overnight with balloon inflation, and the sclerosant could be infused sufficiently in the entirety of the varices. The varices were completely thrombosed and prominently reduced.     

Short-term complications of retrograde transvenous obliteration of gastric varices in patients with portal hypertension: effects of obliteration of major portosystemic shunts

The type, incidence, and severity of complications of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) for gastric varices should be precisely estimated. Complications were evaluated in 38 patients who had fundic gastric varices and 43 B-RTO procedures during injection of ethanolamine oleate (phase 1), within 4 h after injection (phase 2), 24 h after injection (phase 3), and from 24 h to 10 days after injection (phase 4). Endoscopic evaluation at 8 weeks showed resolution of gastric varices in 35 of 38 patients (92%) and smaller varices in the remaining three (8%). B-RTO caused transient hypertension in 35% of patients, hemoglobinuria in 49%, and fever in 33% during phases 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Pleural effusion, pulmonary infarction, ascites, gastric ulcers with unique appearance, localized mosaic-like change of gastric mucosa, and hemorrhagic portal hypertensive gastropathy were noted in phase 4. There were no fatalities. Lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, and bilirubin increased on day 1. Each datum was retrieved within 7 days. The severity of lactate dehydrogenase elevation correlated significantly with the volume of infused ethanolamine oleate. Thus, B-RTO is a safe and effective management of fundic varices. However, short-term hemodynamic change after B-RTO may cause gastric mucosal damage. Pulmonary infarction and pleural effusion are potential complications.     

球囊导管逆行性静脉栓塞术治疗肝硬化胃底静脉曲张1例报告并文献复习

正门静脉高压患者中约20%出现胃底静脉曲张(gastricfundal varices,GFV)~([1])。尽管与食管静脉曲张相比,GFV出血发生率较低,但由于其曲张静脉粗大、位置特殊和高血流量,较难通过内镜成功治疗~([2])。此外,GFV具有更高的再出血风险和死亡率~([3])。球囊导管逆行性静脉栓塞术(balloonoccluded retrograde transvenous obliteration,     

A creatinine-based model for predicting recurrent bleeding after modified percutaneous transhepatic variceal embolization in patients with cirrhosis

BackgroundPatients who survive initial esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EVB) are at an increased risk of recurrent bleeding and death; however, a reliable predictive model is lacking. We aimed to develop a model for rebleeding prediction in patients with EVB after modified percutaneous transhepatic variceal embolization (PTVE) with cyanoacrylate.MethodsA total of 122 patients with EVB who underwent PTVE from January 2015 to November 2020 were enrolled. Multivariate logistic analyses were conducted to determine independent risk factors for nomogram construction. The discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility of the nomogram were compared with the Model for End-stage Liver Disease score (MELD) and the Child–Pugh model. Risk stratification was performed according to the nomogram.ResultsRebleeding within 3 months of PTVE occurred in 32 patients (26.2%). Independent rebleeding indicators included prior history of endoscopic therapy, Child–Pugh score, partial splenic embolization, and creatinine level. The nomogram incorporating these four predictors achieved excellent calibration and discriminatory abilities, with a concordance index of 0.85, which was confirmed to be 0.83 through bootstrapping validation. The nomogram demonstrated superior discrimination and clinical applicability than the MELD and Child–Pugh models. As shown in the Kaplan–Meier curves, high-risk patients had a high probability of rebleeding (P ​< ​0.001).ConclusionsThe creatinine-based nomogram had a superior ability to predict rebleeding after PTVE in patients with EVB. Risk stratification may help identify high-risk patients and lead to the earlier implementation of aggressive treatments and formulation of intensive follow-up plans.     

Coil-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration for gastric varices in a Chinese case

Gastric varices are a major complication of portal hypertension in patients with liver cirrhosis and are associated with more massive bleeding events and higher mortality rate. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) have been well documented as effective therapies for portal hypertensive gastric variceal bleeding. In China, TIPS are well accepted but BRTO is not well recieved due to the increase risk of complications associated with traditional BRTO. However, modified-BRTO, known as coil-assisted and plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration (CARTO and PARTO, respectively), is receiving increased attention due to devoid of BRTO’s shortcomings. No CARTO case from China has been reported in literature thus far. Here, we present a Chinese case of CARTO to treat gastric varices bleeding.     

超声引导下经皮肝穿刺胆道引流术治疗梗阻性黄疸的护理

目的探讨超声引导下经皮肝穿刺胆道引流术（PTCD）在梗阻性黄疸应用中的效果及相应的护理措施。方法在超声引导下对56例梗阻性黄疸患者行PTCD,并观察疗效。结果56例均穿刺成功,术后患者血清胆红素和转氨酶较术前显著下降,全身情况改善。结论超声引导下行PTCD是治疗梗阻性黄疸的安全、有效的方法。     

门静脉高压症胃静脉曲张的血流动力学研究:附22例直接门静脉造影结果

目的探讨门静脉高压症胃静脉曲张(GV)的血流动力学变化。方法经胃镜确诊为GV的22例肝硬化门静脉高压症患者,其中8例为肝癌合并门静脉主干癌栓。根据GV在胃内的位置及其与食管静脉曲张(EV)的关系,内镜将GV分为食管胃静脉曲张(GEV)和孤立的胃静脉曲张(IGV)。GEV又分2个亚型:GEV1型为EV跨过食管胃交界处,沿胃小弯侧向下延伸;GEV2型为EV跨过食管胃交界处,向胃底部延伸。22例患者均采取了经皮肝穿或脾穿门静脉造影,根据门静脉造影表现,比较不同类型GV的血液供应、引流路径及门静脉压力变化。结果GEV1、GEV2和IGV的发生率分别为54.6%(12例),31.8%(7例)和13.6%(3例)。GEV1型12例中,12例均见胃左静脉供血,胃后静脉参与供血8例(66.7%),胃短静脉参与供血3例(25%),引流路径均经奇静脉系统引流到上腔静脉。GEV2型7例,7例均见有胃左静脉、胃后静脉供血,胃短静脉参与供血4例(57.1%);7例中,5例(71.4%)经胃肾静脉分流道引流到下腔静脉,2例(29.6%)单独经奇静脉系统引流。IGV型3例,均为胃底静脉曲张(IGV1),均见胃左静脉、胃后静脉和胃短静脉供血,引流路径均经胃肾静脉分流道引流。有胃肾分流者门静脉压力为(27.0±4.2)cm水柱,无胃肾分流者门静脉压力为(37.5±5.1)cm水柱(P<0.001)。结论GV的血液供应及引流路径与GV的发生部位有关,胃肾静脉分流是胃底静脉曲张(GEV2、IGV1)的主要引流路径。     

BRTO assisted endoscopic Histoacryl injection in treating gastric varices with gastrorenal shunt

Aims: We evaluated the feasibility, efficacy and safety of a novel technique of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) assisted endoscopic Histoacryl (N-buthyl-2-cyanoacrylate) injection.

Material and methods: A total with 11 patients were enrolled and analyzed in this single center, open-label, prospective study. Patients with high-risk gastric varices (defined as fundal varices, large GV (>5?mm), presence of a red spot, and Child-Pugh score C) and concurrent gastrorenal shunt underwent endoscopic Histoacryl injection while the gastrorenal shunt was temporarily occluded with an occlusion balloon. Feasibility, hemostatic effect, intra- and postoperative complications, and varices recurrence were evaluated.

Results: All procedures were successfully done per protocol. Except for one patient who underwent rescue Histoacryl injection due to residual varices, single therapy was sufficient to eliminate gastric varices in ten patients. Intra-operative hemorrhage occurred in one case and was stopped after additional Histoacryl injection. One patient was confirmed to have treatment-related fungemia. No death or major complications occurred, including ectopic embolism, worsening of hepatic and renal function, etc. No recurrence of the varices was found during a median follow-up time (mean?±?SD) of 228?±?153 days.

Conclusions: BRTO assisted endoscopic Histoacryl injection is effective and safe for patients with high-risk gastric varices and concurrent gastrorenal shunt.     

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for repeated bleeding of hemorrhoids caused by severe portal hypertension with ectopic varices: A case report

BackgroundSevere portal hypertension is life-threatening and can bring adverse complications such as ascites, gastroesophageal varices, and edema. It can, even cause variceal hemorrhage, which may lead to a high risk of death. There is a rare incidence in bleeding of hemorrhoids caused by severe ectopic varices.Case presentationWe report the case of a female patient with a 20-year history of hepatitis B virus infection who presented with repeated bleeding of hemorrhoids caused by severe portal hypertension with ectopic varices that is connection between the superior mesenteric vein and rectal venous plexus. Laboratory results revealed a hemoglobin level of 74 g/L. Finally, the patient was successfully treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS) placement without variceal embolization after a multidisciplinary comprehensive opinion. In the two-month follow-up period, the patient had failed to develop hepatic encephalopathy or hematochezia, and computed tomography venography (CTV) indicated that the stent was unobstructed and ascites disappeared.ConclusionsTIPSS placement is effective for the case, and we hope this case can help improve clinicians’ awareness of hemorrhoidal bleeding with severe portal hypertension. Portal hypertension should also be considered during the diagnosis and treatment, as opposed to hemorrhoidal bleeding alone. Moreover, abdominal CTV is recommended as an effective imaging examination method to determine the stent status after operation.     

两种切面超声引导经皮经肝胆道置管引流术对比研究

目的比较两种切面超声引导经皮经肝胆道置管引流术(PTCD)的疗效,探讨如何提高在超声引导下一步快速法PTCD的成功率。方法将158例病理确诊的梗阻性黄疸患者,分别在靶胆管长轴切面和靶胆管斜短轴切面,超声引导下采用套管针一步快速法行PTCD,记录超声引导切面、穿刺成功率、并发症。结果 69例梗阻性黄疸患者行靶胆管长轴切面超声引导PTCD,置管成功61例,并发症8例;89例梗阻性黄疸患者行靶胆管斜短轴切面超声引导PTCD,置管成功87例,并发症2例。两者对靶胆管置管成功率分别为88.4%(61/69)、97.8%(87/89),两者之间的差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论对梗阻性胆管患者采用超声引导下一步快速置管法,靶胆管斜短轴切面超声引导PTCD优于靶胆管长轴切面超声引导PTCD,值得运用推广。     

经皮经肝胆管引流术的临床应用价值

目的：探讨经皮经肝胆管引流术作为快速缓解胆管压力的有效方法、临床应用的实际意义及对预后的影响。方法：我们对22例晚期消化道肿瘤重度阻塞性黄疸患者实施了胆管引流术，并在其中9例患者胆道内放置了支架。结果：全部患者术后黄疸明显减轻，15人黄疸完全消失，无一例出现气胸、出血、胆汁外漏等并发症。结论：经皮经肝胆管引流术是一种安全、快捷、经济的缓解胆道梗阻、提高晚期肿瘤患者生活质量的有效方法。     

肝硬化食管静脉曲张破裂出血患者门静脉血流参数的变化

目的 探讨彩色多普勒超声预测肝硬化门静脉高压症(cirrhotic portal hypertension)患者食管静脉曲张破裂出血的应用价值.方法 肝硬化门静脉高压症患者81例,根据有无出血史分为出血组(36例),非出血组(45例).应用彩色多普勒超声分别检测两组的门静脉(pv)和脾静脉(sv)内径(Dpv、Dsv)、血流动力学参数并进行对比分析.结果 门静脉和脾静脉的内径、血流速度(Vpv、Vsv)及脾静脉的血流量(Qsv)在两组间差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),但门静脉血流量(Qpv)在两组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 彩色多普勒超声检测肝硬化门静脉高压症患者门静脉和脾静脉内径及血流动力学参数,对预测肝硬化门静脉高压时食管静脉曲张破裂出血是有价值的.     

胆管内超声造影在经皮经肝胆道引流术中的应用价值

目的 探讨胆管内超声造影在超声引导下经皮经肝胆道引流术(PTCD)中的应用价值.方法 100例因梗阻性黄疸行超声引导下PTCD的患者中,64例患者经PTCD胆道引流管注入超声造影剂(SonoVue)行胆管内超声造影检查,观察引流管是否位于胆管腔内及引流管末端位置,并与常规超声比较.在胆管内超声造影指导下,判断肝门部梗阻患者需要留置的PTCD胆道引流管数目.所有患者均行X线胆道造影或CT胆道造影证实.结果 胆管内超声造影判断引流管是否在胆管腔内的准确率和引流管末端的显示率均为100%(64/64),均优于常规超声的89.1%(57/64)和54.7%(35/64),差异有统计学意义(P=0.013和χ2=37.495,P<0.001).35例肝门部梗阻患者中的17例患者根据胆管内超声造影的结果留置了2条以上的胆道引流管,以达到充分引流效果.结论 胆管内超声造影技术弥补了常规超声的不足,可以在PTCD术中常规应用.     

B超引导下经皮经肝胆囊穿刺引流术治疗急性胆囊炎的临床疗效

目的探讨B超引导下肝胆囊穿刺引流手术(PTGD)治疗急性胆囊炎的临床疗效。方法选择2010年2月至2012年11月收治的140例急性胆囊炎患者,随机分为两组,观察组70例采用PTGD治疗,对照组70例采用传统的胆囊切除术治疗,比较两组的临床疗效。结果治疗后,观察组的治愈率为100%,明显高于对照组(95.71%),而病死率和并发症的发生率明显低于对照组患者,且差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。此外,观察组的住院时间和抗生素使用时间也明显短于对照组(P<0.05),而两组治疗费用基本相当,差异无统计学意义。结论采用PTGD治疗急性胆囊炎具有十分显著的疗效,有利于患者术后早期恢复,且引流效果好,值得临床推广和应用。