Total embolization of the main splenic artery as a supplemental treatment modality for hypersplenism

AIM:To study the safety and feasibility of total embolization of the main splenic artery as a supplemental treatment modality for hypersplenism with thrombocytopenia or leukocytopenia accompanying liver cirrhosis.METHODS:Fifteen consecutive patients with hypersplenism due to cirrhosis were enrolled in this study from January 2006 to June 2010.All patients underwent total embolization of the main splenic artery.Clinical symptoms,white blood cell(WBC) and platelet(PLT) counts,splenic volume,and complications ...     

Comparison of total splenic artery embolization and partial splenic embolization for hypersplenism

AIM: To evaluate whether total splenic artery embolization (TSAE) for patients with hypersplenism delivers better long-term outcomes than partial splenic embolization (PSE).METHODS: Sixty-one patients with hypersplenism eligible for TSAE (n = 27, group A) or PSE (n = 34, group B) were enrolled into the trial, which included clinical and computed tomography follow-up. Data on technical success, length of hospital stay, white blood cell (WBC) and platelet (PLT) counts, splenic volume and complications were collected at 2 wk, 6 mo, and 1, 2, 3, 4 years postoperatively.RESULTS: Both TSAE and PSE were technically successful in all patients. Complications were significantly fewer (P = 0.001), and hospital stay significantly shorter (P = 0.007), in group A than in group B. Post-procedure WBC and PLT counts in group A were significantly higher than those in group B from 6 mo to 4 years (P = 0.001), and post-procedure residual splenic volume in group A was significantly less than that observed in group B at 1, 2, 3 and 4 years post-procedure (P = 0.001). No significant differences were observed in red blood cell counts and liver function parameters between the two groups following the procedure.CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that TSAE for patients with hypersplenism not only delivers a better long-term outcome, but is also associated with lower complication rates and a shorter hospital stay than PSE.     

Proximal total splenic artery embolization for refractory hepatic encephalopathy

A Japanese woman with a history of Kasai operation for biliary atresia had living-donor liver transplantation at the age of 22. The first episode of refractory HE and late cellular rejection was treated by a high dose of methylprednisolone. The second episode of refractory HE was treated by balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration for a spleno-renal shunt. However, the third episode of refractory HE occurred 11 years after liver transplantation. The liver cirrhosis and hypersplenism were present with a Child–Pugh score of C-10. Although portal vein flow was hepatopetal, superior mesenteric vein flow regurgitated. We performed proximal total splenic artery embolization (TSAE). Superior mesenteric vein flow changed to a hepatopetal direction and she became clear. At a year after proximal TSAE, her spleen volume had decreased to 589 mL (20% decrease) on computed tomography. She is well and has a Child–Pugh score of 8 without overt HE. We report the first case of refractory HE treated by proximal TSAE that is a possible less invasive treatment option for a selected patient.     

肝动脉及部分脾动脉栓塞治疗肝癌伴脾功能亢进

目的 观察采用肝动脉栓塞化疗联合部分脾动脉栓塞治疗原发性肝癌合并脾功能亢进的疗效。方法 原发性肝癌伴肝硬化脾功能亢进患者３４例,采用经皮穿刺肝动脉插管化疗栓塞及脾动脉部分栓塞治疗,治疗前后测肝功,免疫指标,外周血及Ｂ超,ＣＴ等。结果 术后ＣＴ随访显示肝脏瘤体缩小２４例,占７０．５８％,其中缩小５０％以上占１３例,２例治疗后行二期手术切除;脾脏栓塞后ＣＴ复查缩小最大３４．７％,最小２０．６％,治疗后     

Long-term hematological and biochemical effects of partial splenic embolization in hepatic cirrhosis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Partial splenic embolization was developed as a non-surgical treatment for hypersplenism, but recently splenic embolization has been reported to improve the hepatic function. We undertook long-term evaluation of partial splenic embolization in patients with hepatic cirrhosis in comparison with patients not undergoing embolization. METHODOLOGY: We performed embolization in 26 patients with cirrhosis. The controls consisted of 26 with cirrhosis patients who were not undergone embolization. RESULTS: Red blood cell counts of embolized patients had increased significantly at 6 months after the procedure, remaining increased for up to 7.5 years. Platelet counts increased maximally by 2 weeks after embolization, followed by a gradual decrease. Nonetheless, platelets remained significantly more numerous than before embolization for up to 8 years. Neither aspartate aminotransferase nor alanine aminotransferase activities in serum changed significantly during follow-up. Choline esterase activity increased significantly by 6 months after embolization and remained increased for more than 7 years. Serum albumin concentration increased significantly, beginning at 6 months after embolization; this increase was maintained for 6 years. Survival did not differ between embolized and non-embolized groups. CONCLUSIONS: Partial splenic embolization is a beneficial non-surgical treatment that enhances hepatic protein synthetic capacity as well as alleviating hypersplenism in patients with cirrhosis.     

Total splenic artery embolization for splenic artery aneurysms in patients with normal spleen

AIM:To evaluate total embolization of the main splenic artery in patients with splenic artery aneurysms(SAAs)and normal spleen.METHODS:Thirty-five consecutive patients with SAAs were referred for treatment with coil embolization.Patients were classified into two groups:coil embolization of the main splenic artery with complete occlusion of the artery and aneurysms(group A,n=16),and coil embolization of the aneurysmal sac with patency of the splenic artery(group B,n=19).Data on white blood cell(WBC)and platelet counts,liver function,and complications were collected on days 7 and 30,and subsequently at a 6-mo interval postoperatively.Abdominal computed tomography was routinely performed to calculate the splenic volume before and 1 mo after the procedure,and subsequently every 6 mo during follow-up.RESULTS:Coil embolization of the SAAs was technically successful in all 35 patients,with no procedurerelated complications.The post-embolization syndrome,including abdominal pain,fever and vomiting,occurred in six patients(37.5%)in group A and three patients in group B(15.8%).There were no significant differences in WBC and platelet counts between preoperatively and at each follow-up point after the procedures.There were also no significant differences in average WBC and platelet counts between the two groups at each follow-up point.There were significant differences in splenic volume in group A between preoperatively and at each follow-up point,and there were also significant differences in splenic volume between the two groups at each follow-up point.CONCLUSION:Total embolization of the main splenic artery was a safe and feasible procedure for patients with SAAs and normal spleen.     

Combination treatment of partial splenic embolization, endoscopic embolization and transjugular retrograde obliteration for complicated gastroesophageal varices

The treatment of complicated gastroesophageal varices with a gastrorenal shunt and portal hypertensive gastropathy has not yet been established. We were able to control a case of complicated large gastroesophageal varices with gastrorenal shunt and portal hypertensive gastropathy using a combination treatment of partial splenic embolization, endoscopic embolization and transjugular retrograde obliteration. We first applied partial splenic embolization to reduce the hyperdynamic cycle of portal hypertension and to treat thrombocytopenia. We secondarily applied endoscopic embolization for the esophageal varices. Transjugular retrograde obliteration was performed for the gastric varices 14 days after endoscopic embolization. The wedged hepatic venous pressure had not changed after transjugular retrograde obliteration. After the combination treatment, the gastroesophageal varices were successfully obliterated, but portal hypertensive gastropathy did not worsen. The platelets count, arterial ketone body ratio and ICGR15 were improved. Partial splenic embolization was useful to protect side effects of endoscopic embolization and transjugular retrograde obliteration. We conclude that the combination treatment of partial splenic embolization, endoscopic embolization and transjugular retrograde obliteration is a rational, effective and safe treatment for complicated gastroesophageal varices with gastrorenal shunt and portal hypertensive gastropathy.     

部分脾栓塞治疗脾亢的现状

脾功能亢进(hypersplenism)是一种发生于各种原因的常见病,临床表现为脾肿大,一种或多种血细胞减少,而骨髓造血细胞相应增生,脾切除后可恢复的一组综合征。在我国主要以肝炎后肝硬化门脉高压、造血系统疾病导致脾功能亢进为主。临床上曾用脾切除术治疗内科治疗无效的脾功能亢进,但是脾切除术往往伴有机体免疫功能下降,易并发感染和出血。     

部分脾动脉栓塞术后短期疗效观察

通过对肝炎肝硬化门静脉高压患者行部分脾动脉栓塞术（PSE）治疗,观察短期术后肝功能、血细胞计数和并发症发生情况。方法63例肝炎肝硬化患者术前行B超或（和）CT检查,常规行PSE。结果在术前,患者血清ALT、ALB和TBIL分别为（49.9±9.8） U/L、（35.6±1.6） g/L和（22.47±3.7）μmol/L,而术后8 d则分别为（24.4±3.1） U/L、（33.7±1.7） g/L和（30.2±4.4）μmol/L,均变化显著（P〈0.05）;术前WBC、RBC和PLT分别为（2.36±1.24）×10^9/L、（3.62±0.51）×10^12/L和（45.3±20.2）×10^9/L,术后8 d则分别为（6.32±2.16）×10^9/L、（3.66±0.47）×10^12/L和（154.2±161.2）×10^9/L,白细胞和血小板升高显著（P〈0.05）;所有患者在术后均出现不同程度的发热、脾区疼痛。结论 PSE虽可减轻肝硬化脾功能亢进症患者血细胞减少,但术后短期内黄疸加深,须要加强保肝和退黄治疗。     

Lactitol,a second-generation disaccharide for treatment of chronic portal-systemic encephalopathy

A double-blind crossover trial was performed to test the therapeutic usefulness and safety of lactitol, a beta-galactoside sorbitol, against lactose in 18 patients with chronic portal-systemic encephalopathy (PSE). The study included four periods: two for washout and two for lactitol and lactose administration. During washout periods, which lasted two weeks each, patients were stabilized with neomycin plus milk of magnesia. Lactitol and lactose were administered during four weeks each. Ten patients were randomly assigned to receive lactose (group A) and eight patients to receive lactitol (group B) first. PSE parameters, ie, mental state, number connection test performance, asterixis and blood ammonia levels were assessed fortnightly. Electroencephalographic tracings and stool pHs were evaluated at the end of each study period. After the first administration of lactose and lactitol, no statistically significant differences in PSE parameters were found. At the same stage, a significant stool acidification (P<0.05) was detected. It is concluded that lactitol seems to be safe and efficacious in treating patients with chronic PSE.     

Partial embolization as re-treatment of hypersplenism after unsuccessful splenic artery ligation

Ligation of splenic artery(LSA) is used for the treatment of liver cirrhosis with hypersplenism. However, hypersplenism is not significantly improved following LSA treatment in some cases, and there are few reports of retreatment of hypersplenism after LSA. We report the case of a47-year-old man with liver cirrhosis and hypersplenism who underwent LSA treatment, but did not significantly improve. Laboratory tests revealed severe leukocytopeniaand thrombocytopenia. Celiac computed tomography arteriogram and digital subtraction angiography revealed two compensatory arteries connected to the hilar splenic artery from the left gastro-epiploic artery and from the dorsal pancreatic artery. Partial splenic embolization(PSE) was performed through the compensatory arteries. As a result, the patient achieved partial splenic ischemic infarction, and white blood cell and platelet counts rose and remained in the normal range. PSE is an effective therapeutic modality for the retreatment of hypersplenism when other modalities have failed.     

Short-term portal hemodynamic effects of partial splenic embolization for hypersplenism

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The purpose of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of partial splenic embolization (PSE) for hypersplenism on portal hemodynamics and liver function. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-seven patients with hypersplenism were included in this study. RESULTS: The wedged hepatic venous pressure before and after PSE were 39 +/- 10 and 33 +/- 8 cmH2O, respectively, showing significant change (p < 0.01). The flow volumes of the splenic vein before and after PSE were 477 +/- 200 and 319 +/-187 mL/min, respectively, also showing significant change (p < 0.05). However, the flow volumes of the portal vein before and after PSE were 713 +/- 284 and 684 +/- 152 mL/min, respectively, showing no significant change. The blood laboratory parameters showed no significant change after PSE. PSE damaged neither the portal blood flow volume nor the liver function, although it improved the local hyperdynamic state in the splenic area and thrombocytopenia. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, PSE is a safe and effective treatment for hypersplenism from the portal hemodynamic point of view.     

Effectiveness of partial splenic embolization as treatment for hypersplenism in thalassaemia major: a 7-year follow up.

Partial splenic embolization is an alternative procedure to total splenectomy in patients with hypersplenism, and was performed in 10 patients with beta-thalassaemia major who were then followed for 5 to 7 years. The results were compared with those of a 7-yr follow-up of 6 splenectomized thalassaemics. The blood consumption decreased and the leucocyte counts increased in both groups of patients. However, after partial splenic embolization, severe thrombocytosis--which is typical of splenectomized patients--did not develop and there were no severe complications from the operation, such as infections or reappearance of hypersplenism. In addition, the minor surgical injury and avoidance of abdominal scars were further advantages of partial splenic embolization over total splenectomy.     

失代偿期乙型肝炎肝硬化患者行脾切除术与脾动脉部分栓塞术治疗疗效观察

目的观察失代偿期乙型肝炎肝硬化患者行脾切除术或脾动脉部分栓塞术的疗效。方法选择我院2010年2月~2013年2月收治的采用脾切除术治疗的失代偿期乙型肝炎肝硬化患者50例和采用脾动脉部分栓塞术治疗的失代偿期乙型肝炎肝硬化患者28例。另选择我院同期收治入院的采用常规保守治疗的患者30例作为对照组。结果随访3组患者治疗后1年,对照组外周血白细胞和血小板计数分别为（3.3±0.6）×10⁹/L和（56.3±5.8）×10⁹/L,显著低于脾切除组（6.2±0.6）×10⁹/L和（126.5±12.7）×10⁹/L（P<0.05）,或脾动脉栓塞组（7.2±0.8）×10⁹/L和（112.8±10.6）×10⁹/L（P<0.05）;对照组CD₄、CD₄/CD₈比值和白蛋白分别为（32.5±3.5） %、（1.1±0.2）和（24.9±3.8） g/L,显著低于脾切除组（41.8±4.2）%、（1.9±0.2）和（29.1±3.7） g/L（P<0.05）,或脾动脉栓塞组（41.6±4.9）%、（1.7±0.2）和（28.2±4.0） g/L（P<0.05）,而CD₈、TBIL、ALT、PT分别为（32.3±4.7） %、（42.7±21.5） μmol/L、（67±35） IU/L、（24.8±3.4） s,显著高于脾切除组（22.7±3.4）%、（29.2±12.4） μmol/L、（40±26） IU/L、（16.2±3.4）s（P<0.05）,或脾动脉栓塞组（23.0±3.6） %、（35.2±13.4） μmol/L、（56±20） IU/L、（16.5±2.9）s（P<0.05）;对照组膈下感染、肺部感染、肺不张、脾静脉炎、上消化道出血发生率分别为43.3%、56.7%、26.7%、20.0%、23.3%,显著高于脾切除组的12.0%、14.0%、6.0%、4.0%、8.0%（P<0.05）,或脾动脉栓塞组的10.7%、14.3%、3.6%、3.6%、7.1%（P<0.05）。结论脾切除术或脾动脉部分栓塞术后,患者肝功能稳定,不同程度地减少了感染和上消化道出血的发生率。     

Transradial approach for partial splenic embolization in patients with hypersplenism

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Transradial vascular intervention for heart disease has been expanding recently because it is less invasive, but this approach has only been used to treat abdominal disease at a few institutions. Since 2000, we have performed partial splenic embolization (PSE) via the transradial approach with the aim of achieving the least invasive procedure possible. METHODOLOGY: During the past five years, transradial abdominal angiography was performed in 426 patients and eight of them (two men and six women undergoing PSE for LC) were included in this study. They ranged from 48 years to 72 years in age, consisting of three patients in Child class A and five in Child class B. To perform transradial partial splenic embolization, a 4-Fr sheath was inserted in the left radial artery. Under fluoroscopy, intrasplenic branches of the splenic artery supplying about 60-70% of the parenchyma of the spleen were selected and embolized with a newly developed transradial catheter inserted along a guide wire running through the descending aorta. After treatment, the puncture site was compressed by applying a tourniquet. No restriction on movement of the lower or upper extremities is required and the patient is allowed to walk freely. RESULTS: Transradial embolization was successful in all 8 patients. The procedure required 70 minutes on average. The mean platelet count was 3.3x10(4)/microL before treatment, and it increased to 16.3x10(4) and 11.3x10(4)/microL after two weeks and three months, respectively. All patients suffered from fever and pain after treatment, which were treated conservatively. Occlusion of the radial artery, digital paralysis, or splenic abscess did not occur in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: This transcatheter technique facilitates hemostasis and requires neither shaving of hair nor insertion of a urinary catheter. In addition, no restriction on movement is needed after the procedure. Consequently, this minimally invasive transradial approach is highly satisfactory for patients and should become a first-line approach for PSE.     

胃冠状静脉栓塞联合部分脾动脉栓塞术在门静脉高压治疗中的评价

目的探讨经皮胃冠状静脉栓塞联合部分脾动脉栓塞术在门静脉高压治疗中的可行性和疗效。方法50例肝硬化食管胃底静脉曲张的患者,用TH胶进行胃冠状静脉栓塞并联合部分脾动脉栓塞术,分析术中造影情况,随访术后反应及并发症、止血效果、血小板及白细胞上升情况。结果经皮胃冠状静脉栓塞联合部分脾动脉栓塞手术成功率100%;栓塞前门静脉压在35～55cmH2O,平均43.2cmH2O,栓塞后门静脉压力在25～38cmH2O,平均28.5cmH2O。栓塞前可看到明显增粗的胃冠状静脉以及曲张静脉团,栓塞后则消失;所有患者中10例有穿刺部位疼痛,穿刺道出血0例。10例出现左上腹脾区隐痛不适,10例出现反应性左胸腔积液,2例出现脾脓肿;18例急性出血者术后出血皆停止,2例6个月内再出血,重行胃短静脉栓塞,术后未再出血;术前血小板50×10^9/L以下12例中2例3个月内没有明显上升,余血小板异常者3个月内均有不同程度上升。结论胃冠状静脉栓塞联合部分脾动脉栓塞术治疗门静脉高压效果显著,是目前值得推广的治疗方案。     

部分脾动脉栓塞术对肝硬化门静脉高压症血流动力学的影响

目的探讨部分脾动脉栓塞术（PSE）治疗肝硬化门静脉高压症的临床疗效及应用价值。方法 23例不同原因肝硬化门静脉高压患者行PSE治疗,PSE术前及术后1周、1、3、6个月彩色多普勒分别检测患者门静脉和脾静脉的内径、血流速度,计算血流量,并与PSE术前配对分析。结果术后各期患者脾静脉、门静脉血流速度及血流量较术前降低（P〈0.05）;脾静脉内径术后各期与术前相比明显缩小（P〈0.05）;而门静脉主干内径术后6个月内缩小不明显（P〉0.05）。结论 PSE能有效的降低门静脉压力。