Anatomic Features and Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration of Duodenal Varices Associated with Mesocaval Collateral Pathway

PurposeTo evaluate techniques and efficacy of retrograde transvenous obliteration for the treatment of duodenal varices associated with mesocaval collateral pathway.Materials and MethodsSix consecutive cases of large/growing or ruptured duodenal varices treated by retrograde transvenous obliteration were retrospectively reviewed. Selective balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) with 5% ethanolamine oleate (EO) was performed in all cases. When EO could not be sufficiently stagnated in the varices, additional/alternative techniques were performed, including coil embolization of afferent vein or intravariceal injection of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA). Clinical findings, anatomic features of duodenal varices, obliteration techniques, complications, posttherapeutic computed tomography (CT) findings, and follow-up endoscopic findings were investigated.ResultsAll duodenal varices were located at the second/third junction of the duodenum and were fed by single (n = 1) or multiple (n = 5) pancreaticoduodenal veins. One varix fed by a single afferent vein was successfully treated by simple selective B-RTO technique alone. The other five cases required coil embolization of afferent vein (n = 1) or intravariceal injection of NBCA (n = 4) because sclerosant was not sufficiently stagnated in the varices. CT 1 week after the procedure showed complete occlusion of the varices in all cases. A duodenal ulcer at the variceal site developed in one patient and was successfully treated by medication. Follow-up endoscopy showed disappearance of varices in all cases, and no recurrence was observed during follow-up.ConclusionsRetrograde transvenous obliteration is an effective technique for the treatment of duodenal varices. However, additional/alternative techniques are required for successful treatment because of the complex anatomic features of duodenal varices.     

Balloon-occluded antegrade transvenous obliteration of rectal varices: A case report

Patients with liver cirrhosis frequently experience rectal variceal bleeding subsequent to portal hypertension. Unlike gastroesophageal variceal bleeding, a well-established guideline does not exist in terms of management of bleeding rectal varices. A 75-year-old male with non-alcoholic-steatohepatitis induced cirrhosis presented with a 3-day history of severe rectorrhagia. Considering patient''s clinical history, TIPS was not performed and thus, a novel endovascular technique termed balloon-occluded antegrade transvenous obliteration was considered. Under conscious sedation, an occlusion was made through balloon catheter by sclerotic agents including air/sodium tetradecyl sulfate/Lipiodol. After the procedure, and in the 6 months follow up period the patient''s hemodynamic status was stable and he recovered without any serious complications. Balloon-occluded antegrade transvenous obliteration is a feasible and safe modality for treating rectal varices bleeding and could be used as an alternative approach in patients with contraindications to traditional treatments.     

Retrograde transvenous obliteration of gastric varices

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy, techniques, and complications associated with balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration of gastric varices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between December 1994 and November 1997, balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration was performed on 20 patients with gastric varices in danger of rupture and with gastrorenal shunts; three patients also had hepatic encephalopathy. The sclerosant was injected into the gastric varices during balloon occlusion. The degree of progression of the gastric varices and of collateral veins was classified into five grades, with grade 1 being least progression and grade 5 most progression; collateral veins that had developed were treated with embolization. Follow-up consisted of fiberoptic endoscopy and computed tomography. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in all patients. Occlusion of collateral veins was essential for the occlusion of gastric varices with a grade greater than grade 2. The clinical symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy in the three patients improved remarkably. Follow-up endoscopy 3 months after the procedure revealed the disappearance of gastric varices in 15 patients and reduced variceal size in five. During the follow-up period, 19 patients had no recurrence of gastric varices; three patients had aggravation of the esophageal varices. CONCLUSION: Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration is a feasible alternative to a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for patients with large gastrorenal shunts or hepatic encephalopathy (or both).     

Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration of complex gastric varices assisted by temporary balloon occlusion of the splenic artery

Six cases of gastric varices with multiple afferent veins, in which balloon-occluded venography of the draining vein showed insufficient filling of gastric varices with contrast medium, were treated by balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) and temporary balloon occlusion of the splenic artery. The gastric varices were completely filled with sclerosant in all but one patient. No procedure-related complications were encountered. Computed tomography (CT) after the procedure showed complete thrombosis of the varices in five patients and partial thrombosis in one patient. Temporary balloon occlusion of the splenic artery is a useful additional technique for complete obliteration of gastric varices in selected cases.     

Should balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration be the first-line interventional radiologic treatment for bleeding duodenal varices? A case report and review of the literature

We report a 78-year-old woman who presented with repeated tarry stools, and having lower duodenal variceal bleeding caused by portal hypertension. Endoscopic therapy had been attempted, but was impossible because the endoscope could not be inserted into the lower duodenum. Thus, the lower duodenal variceal bleeding was treated with balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration in combination with embolization using microcoils. Complete hemostasis was achieved without complications, and neither the recurrence of varices nor rebleeding has occurred for the last 3 years. A review of the English-language literature reveals only 11 such cases. The world literature is reviewed.     

经脾穿刺插管栓塞治疗门静脉高压上消化道出血

目的 评价经脾入路栓塞治疗门静脉高压上消化道出血的临床疗效及安全性.方法 20例乙型肝炎后肝硬化患者,均出现门静脉高压性食管胃底静脉曲张破裂出血.8例为右叶巨大肝癌;10例为肝癌合并门静脉癌栓,门静脉主干闭塞;2例为肝硬化并发门静脉主干血栓性闭塞.所有患者采取经脾穿刺,脾静脉插管至胃冠状静脉,用液态栓塞剂加弹簧圈栓塞曲张的食管胃底静脉.结果 18例患者手术成功,2例失败;共栓塞35支胃冠状静脉,栓塞成功患者均获有效止血,未出现并发症.结论 经脾穿刺插管栓塞治疗门静脉高压上消化道出血的方法安全有效,适合于患有巨大肝癌及(或)门静脉主干闭塞等无法采用经皮经肝入路或TIPS栓塞食管胃底静脉曲张的患者.     

Spontaneous regression of gastric varices after iatrogenic injury to a gastrorenal shunt

We present a patient with gastric varices complicating portal hypertension caused by liver cirrhosis related to hepatitis C virus. The patient underwent balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration. The gastric varices almost completely disappeared, without any sclerotic agent being used, after iatrogenic injury of the gastrorenal shunt at the time of the interventional procedure.     

Balloon Occlusion Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration of Gastric Varices in Two Non-Cirrhotic Patients with Portal Vein Thrombosis

This report describes two non-cirrhotic patients with portal vein thrombosis who underwent successful balloon occlusion retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) of gastric varices with a satisfactory response and no complications. One patient was a 35-year-old female with a history of Crohn''s disease, status post-total abdominal colectomy, and portal vein and mesenteric vein thrombosis. The other patient was a 51-year-old female with necrotizing pancreatitis, portal vein thrombosis, and gastric varices. The BRTO procedure was a useful treatment for gastric varices in non-cirrhotic patients with portal vein thrombosis in the presence of a gastrorenal shunt.     

Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration of gastric fundal varices with hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to evaluate the clinical efficacy, feasibility, and complications of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration for patients with hemorrhage from gastric fundal varices. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between December 1994 and February 2001, 24 consecutive patients with hemorrhage from gastric fundal varices were enrolled in this study. Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration consisted of injecting 5% ethanolamine oleate iopamidol through the outflow vessels during balloon occlusion. The treatment was performed during acute bleeding in 11 patients and electively in 13 patients. Among those patients with acute bleeding, six were treated for temporary hemostasis with balloon tamponade, and five were treated endoscopically. RESULTS: Cannulation into the outflow vessels was performed in 23 patients, but the balloon catheter could not be inserted in one patient who had inferior phrenic vein outflow. Complete success was obtained in 88% (21/24) of patients, and partial success was obtained in two patients. In nine of 11 patients with acute bleeding, complete success was achieved. Rebleeding from gastric varices was not observed in patients treated with complete success, whereas two patients treated partially rebled within 1 week of the treatment (rate of rebleeding, 9%). Eradication of gastric varices was obtained in all patients (n = 19) who were examined by endoscopy 3 months after the treatment. Eight patients experienced worsening of esophageal varices. These patients were treated endoscopically because of findings that suggested a risk of hemorrhage. The overall mortality rate was 4% (1/24). No damage to the kidney was observed, although 11 patients had macrohematuria. CONCLUSION: Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration followed by any hemostatic procedure might be effective for both prophylaxis of rebleeding and eradication of gastric fundal varices, even in urgent cases.     

Efficacy and Safety of Balloon-Occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration with Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate Liquid Sclerotherapy

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) with sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) liquid sclerotherapy of gastric varices.

Materials and Methods

Between February 2012 and August 2014, STS liquid sclerotherapy was performed in 17 consecutive patients (male:female = 8:9; mean age 58.6 years, range 44–86 years) with gastric varices. Retrograde venography was performed after occlusion of the gastrorenal shunt using a balloon catheter and embolization of collateral draining veins using coils or gelfoam pledgets, to evaluate the anatomy of the gastric varices. We prepared 2% liquid STS by mixing 3% STS and contrast media in a ratio of 2:1. A 2% STS solution was injected into the gastric varices until minimal filling of the afferent portal vein branch was observed (mean 19.9 mL, range 6–33 mL). Patients were followed up using computed tomography (CT) or endoscopy.

Results

Technical success was achieved in 16 of 17 patients (94.1%). The procedure failed in one patient because the shunt could not be occluded due to the large diameter of gastrorenal shunt. Complete obliteration of gastric varices was observed in 15 of 16 patients (93.8%) with follow-up CT or endoscopy. There was no rebleeding after the procedure. There was no procedure-related mortality.

Conclusion

BRTO using STS liquid can be a safe and useful treatment option in patients with gastric varices.     

Bleeding Duodenal Varices Successfully Treated with Balloon-Occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (B-RTO) Assisted by CT During Arterial Portography

A 60-year-old woman with massive hemorrhage from duodenal varices was transferred to our hospital for the purpose of transcatheter intervention. Although digital subtraction arterial portography could not depict the entire pathway of collateral circulation, the efferent route of the duodenal varices was clearly demonstrated on subsequent CT during arterial portography. Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) of the varices was performed via the efferent vein and achieved complete thrombosis of the varices.     

An emergency hybrid procedure that combines endoscopic treatment with partial splenic embolization for bleeding esophagogastric varices

Management of splenomegaly is important in the treatment of portal hypertension. We report 2 cases who were treated by an emergency hybrid procedure combining endoscopic treatment and partial splenic embolization (PSE) based on a new concept "splanchnic caput Medusae". Case 1 with refractory esophageal variceal bleeding due to alcoholic liver cirrhosis was treated by endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) with ligation and PSE at the same time. Case 2 with gastric variceal bleeding due to polycystic liver disease was treated by EIS using n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate and PSE at the same time. Six days after the hybrid procedure, transjugular retrograde obliteration was added. In both cases, post-treatment 3D-CT reconstruction images revealed that the spleen-portal system reversed to almost normal form. We conclude that an emergency hybrid procedure combining endoscopic treatment and PSE is effective for patients with bleeding esophagogastric varices.KEYWORDS: Emergency hybrid procedure, Splanchnic caput Medusae, Esophagogastric varices, Endoscopic injection sclerotherapy, Partial splenic embolization, Polycystic liver disease     

Management of Stomal Varices with Transvenous Obliteration Utilizing Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate Foam Sclerosis

The management of parastomal varices is not established. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation is the most commonly described treatment; however, the rebleed rate after TIPS is 21–37 %. The purpose of the study is to determine the effectiveness of transvenous obliteration using sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) and to describe a new simplified technique in obliterating these varices. Four patients are presented who underwent transvenous obliteration using STS. One was obliterated using balloon occlusion from the systemic veins, the second was obliterated without balloon from a transhepatic antegrade approach, and the last two patients were obliterated using the direct antegrade technique. This simplified technique requires only a micropuncture kit (not requiring balloons or coils) and ultrasound transducer compression of the systemic draining veins, relying on high portal pressure to keep the sclerosant confined to the varices. The sclerosant is essentially trapped between the portal pressure and the ultrasound-transducer compression (10–15 min). Technical success was achieved in all four patients without procedural or postprocedural complications and no rebleeding for a mean follow-up of 17 (range 2–33) months. Transvenous obliteration of parastomal varices utilizing STS as a sclerosant is safe and effective. The newly described technique is simple, feasible, and requires minimal equipment (no balloons or coils or catheters).     

Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) for portal hypertension

We reviewed the current techniques and published results of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) for gastric varices (GV) and hepatic encephalopathy. The portal hemodynamics of gastric varices were classified into three types according to their feeding vessels, and the development of collateral veins under balloon occlusion of gastro-renal shunt was classified into five grades. The main draining veins of gastric varices were gastro-renal and gastro-inferior phrenic shunts. Preprocedural diagnosis of portal hemodynamics is important in selecting the technique for B-RTO. The rate of disappearance or marked reduction of GV was 98%, and the rate of recurrence of GV was 2%. Hepatic encephalopathy due to gastro-renal shunt improved markedly. In contrast, esophageal varices were aggravated at rates of 10% to 62.5% by the post-procedural elevation of portal pressure. Common adverse effects were hemoglobinuria, abdominal pain, and low-grade fever, but ascites and pleural effusion were also reported. Severe complications such as cardiogenic shock, atrial fibrillation, and pulmonary embolism were reported. We await technical improvements and further indications for this procedure.     

Development of a New Coaxial Balloon Catheter System for Balloon-Occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (B-RTO)

Purpose To develop a new coaxial balloon catheter system and evaluate its clinical feasibility for balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO). Methods A coaxial balloon catheter system was constructed with 9 Fr guiding balloon catheter and 5 Fr balloon catheter. A 5 Fr catheter has a high flexibility and can be coaxially inserted into the guiding catheter in advance. The catheter balloons are made of natural rubber and can be inflated to 2 cm (guiding) and 1 cm (5 Fr) maximum diameter. Between July 2003 and April 2005, 8 consecutive patients (6 men, 2 women; age range 33–72 years, mean age 55.5 years) underwent B-RTO using the balloon catheter system. Five percent ethanolamine oleate iopamidol (EOI) was used as sclerosing agent. The procedures, including maneuverability of the catheter, amount of injected sclerosing agent, necessity for coil embolization of collateral draining veins, and initial clinical results, were evaluated retrospectively. The occlusion rate was assessed by postcontrast CT within 2 weeks after B-RTO. Results The balloon catheter could be advanced into the proximal potion of the gastrorenal shunt beyond the collateral draining vein in all cases. The amount of injected EOI ranged from 3 to 34 ml. Coil embolization of the collateral draining vein was required in 2 cases. Complete obliteration of gastric varices on initial follow-up CT was obtained in 7 cases. The remaining case required re-treatment that resulted in complete obstruction of the varices after the second B-RTO. No procedure-related complications were observed. Conclusion B-RTO using the new coaxial balloon catheter is feasible. Gastric varices can be treated more simply by using this catheter system.     

Isobutyl 2-cyanoacrylate (bucrylate) in obliteration of gastric coronary vein and esophageal varices.

Percutaneous transhepatic portography was performed in 22 patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. All patients had bled or were bleeding from presumed esophageal varices. One or more veins feeding esophageal varices were occluded with bucrylate. Follow-up examination in eight patients 1-12 months later showed recanalization of previously obliterated veins in six; however, these veins were markedly smaller than before the procedure. In patients where veins were still occluded, new veins had opened up and carried blood to the esophageal varices, which were filled to a lesser degree than before. In our experience, bucrylate is superior to Gelfoam, thrombin, and Etolein in producing venous occlusion.     

Retrograde transvenous obliteration of gastric varices associated with large collateral veins or a large gastrorenal shunt

Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration of gastric varices by a microcatheter insertion method was performed in eight patients with large collateral veins or a large gastrorenal shunt. A 3-F microcatheter was selectively inserted into the gastric varices through a 6-F balloon catheter wedged in the left adrenal vein. Selective venography of the gastric varices and injection of the sclerosing agent, a mixture of 10% ethanolamine oleate and iopamidol, through the microcatheter system without occluding the collateral veins was accomplished in one treatment session in all patients. There have been no complications or recurrences of gastric varices in any of the patients during the follow-up period.     

Balloon-Occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration for Gastric Varices: A Feasibility Study

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical feasibility of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BORTO) for gastric varices. Methods: BORTO was performed in 14 patients with gastric varices due to liver cirrhosis. The gastric varices were confirmed by endoscopy, and their feeding and draining veins were identified by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and angiography. A 6 Fr Simmons-shaped balloon catheter was inserted into the gastrorenal shunt. The balloon was inflated, and 5% ethanolamine oleate iopamidol was infused slowly through the catheter. Patients were followed up with endoscopy and enhanced CT at 1 week, 1, 3, and 6 months after the procedure and every 6 months thereafter. Results: The gastric varices completely disappeared in 12 of 14 patients and was partially resolved in the remaining 2 patients. Neither a recurrence nor an aggravation of gastric varices were found. No major complications were experienced. Conclusion: BORTO is a safe and effective treatment for gastric varices. Received: 0/00/00/Accepted: 0/00/00     

"Downgrading" of gastric varices with multiple collateral veins in balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration

The efficacy of a "downgrading" method for treatment of gastric varices (GVs) was evaluated in 15 patients who had undergone balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) of GVs with multiple collateral veins. Downgrading in this study was meant to transform high-grade GVs into GVs with a low-grade architecture more amenable to treatment. Success was defined as gastrorenal shunt occlusion at the proximal site with a 6-F balloon catheter advanced over a microcatheter and without opacification of large collateral vessels. Thirteen of 15 patients with grade 3/4 GVs had their GVs successfully downgraded. The procedure is thought to be safe and effective in the initial B-RTO procedure.     

Emergent treatment of variceal bleeding in two infants

Two infants with portal hypertension were treated on an emergency basis for life-threatening uncontrollable variceal bleeding. One 9-month-old girl had portal vein thrombosis, and the other 28-months-old girl had liver cirrhosis secondary to biliary atresia. Following percutaneous transhepatic embolization of the varices, successful bleeding control was achieved in both patients.