Radioisotopic splenoportography in patients with portal hypertension

Radio-isotopic splenoportography was performed by injecting 99mTcO4- into the spleens of 46 patients with portal hypertension and 14 patients with various disorders not having portal hypertension. No collateral circulation was demonstrated in the 14 patients without portal hypertension whereas some RI-images of portosystemic collaterals were found in 40 (87.0 per cent) of the 46 patients with portal hypertension. Collaterals were divided into an ascending group and a descending group, the appearance rate of ascending collaterals being 80.4 per cent and that of descending collaterals, 41.3 per cent. There were 3 image patterns in the ascending group, namely, an AZ-pattern in which the azygos vein was demonstrated; a SC-pattern in which the RI-bolus ascended along the esophagus to the neck and the subclavian vein; and an EG-pattern which showed stagnation of the RI-bolus in the esophagogastric region. There were 4 patterns in the descending group, namely; a pattern of gastro-renal caval shunt (GR-pattern); reverse flow patterns into the umbilical or paraumbilical veins (UV-pattern); into the superior mesenteric vein (SMV-pattern); and into the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV-pattern). The appearance of the EG-pattern was seen most frequently (74.4 per cent). The usefulness of this method for surveying the collateral circulation in portal hypertension, estimating the risk of esophageal variceal bleeding and evaluating its treatments, was suggested by the results of this study.     

Radioisotopic splenoportography in patients with portal hypertension

Radio-isotopic splenoportography was performed by injecting^99mTcO₄ ⁻ into the spleens of 46 patients with portal hypertension and 14 patients with various disorders not having portal hypertension. No collateral circulation was demonstrated in the 14 patients without portal hypertension whereas some RI-images of portosystemic collaterals were found in 40 (87.0 per cent) of the 46 patients with portal hypertension. Collaterals were divided into an ascending group and a descending group, the appearance rate of ascending collaterals being 80.4 per cent and that of descending collaterals, 41.3 per cent. There were 3 image patterns in the ascending group, namely, an AZ-pattern in which the azygos vein was demonstrated; a SC-pattern in which the RI-bolus ascended along the esophagus to the neck and the subclavian vein; and an EG-pattern which showed stagnation of the RI-bolus in the esophagogastric region. There were 4 patterns in the descending group, namely; a pattern of gastro-renal caval shunt (GR-pattern); reverse flow patterns into the umbilical or paraumbilical veins (UV-pattern); into the superior mesenteric vein (SMV-pattern); and into the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV-pattern). The appearance of the EG-pattern was seen most frequently (74.4 per cent). The usefulness of this method for surveying the collateral circulation in portal hypertension, estimating the risk of esophageal variceal bleeding and evaluating its treatments, was suggested by the results of this study.     

直接门静脉造影在门静脉高压症治疗中的作用

目的 研究直接门静脉高压症治疗中的作用。方法 采用直接门静脉造影观察１８５例门静脉高压症患者例支血管和冠状静脉解剖,根据造影结果对３５例门静脉高压症患者行经腹联合门奇断流术。结果 门静脉高压症患者显示冠状静脉２２３支,其中单支７９．４６％,双支２０．５４％,冠状静脉开口于门静脉主干、脾静脉和门脾静脉交汇处分别为６２．３３％、２７．３５％和８．０７％,出血和断流术后现出知患者主要位于门静脉主干,顽固     

Hemodynamic studies of portal hypertension with esophageal varices; a role of left gastric artery and vein

Hemodynamic states of portal hypertension with esophageal varices were studied by scintiphoto splenoportography (SSP) and left gastric angiographies in relation to endoscopic findings. The cases were classified into two groups by SSP. The flow of left gastric vein was hepatofugal in Group I (77.3%), and it was hepatopetal or "to and fro" in Group II (22.7%). Endoscopically, the varices were more severe in Group I than those in Group II. The diameter of left gastric vein was significantly larger in Group I. The values of K.ICG and liver function by blood analysis were also poor in Group I. Moreover, the cases with varices supplied by both left gastric artery and vein showed more severe endoscopic findings and history of hematemesis than those in the cases with varices supplied by left gastric artery alone. In conclusion, the results suggested that the flow of left gastric vein was closely related to the severity of esophageal varices.     

Unselective end-to-side proximal left-gastric-caval shunt without splenectomy. Indications and technique

From 1976 to 1982, 104 patients with bleeding esophageal varices were treated surgically. In three patients a wide left gastric vein without portal flow was demonstrated by means of arterial splenoportography. Ascites estimated at between 4-to-6 liters was observed in two patients. Anemia, leukopenia and platelet counts below 85 X 10(9)/l were shown in all of three. Liver panangiography was performed on all three patients. Given the absence of portal flow, the presence of intractable ascites and the demonstration of a wide left gastric vein, we dissect this vein disconnecting it from the stomach, and performing the anastomosis between the proximal end of this vessel and the inferior vena cava (proximal unselective left gastric caval shunt). Ascites and esophageal varices disappeared in our three patients between one and three weeks after the operation. The shunts were patent between eight months to eight and a half years after the operation. All three patients are still living.     

A nonselective proximal end-to-side shunt between the gastric vein and the inferior vena cava (coronario-caval shunt). Indication, technic and results

From 1976 to 1982, 104 patients with bleeding esophageal varices were treated surgically. In three patients a wide left gastric vein without portal flow was demonstrated by means of arterial splenoportography. Ascites estimated between 4 to 61 was observed in two patients. Anemia, leukopenia, platelet counts inferior to 85 X 10(9)/l were shown in all of them. Liver panangiography was done in the three patients. According to the absence of portal flow, the presence of intractable ascites and the demonstration of a wide left gastric vein, we dissect this vein disconnecting it from the stomach, and performing the anastomosis between the proximal end of this vessel and the inferior caval vena (proximal unselective left gastric caval shunt). Ascites and esophageal varices disappeared in the three patients between 1 and 3 weeks after the operation. The shunts were confirmed open between eight months to eight and a half years after operation. All the three patients are still living.     

Endoscopic and radiological appraisal of gastric varices

Of 104 patients with portal hypertension who were subjected to oesophageal variceal sclerotherapy, gastric varices were seen in 81 (78 per cent) at endoscopy and 69 (74 per cent) at splenoportography. In 50 (48 per cent) patients gastric varices were seen at the initial endoscopic examination and in 31 they developed during follow-up at intervals varying from 1 to 56 weeks. Gastric varices were seen significantly more often along the lesser curvature than in the gastric fundus and the left gastric vein was the main feeding vessel in 75 per cent of cases. Varices bled in nine of 81 patients and bleeding was seen significantly more often from fundal varices (30 per cent) than from lesser curve varices (5 per cent) (P less than 0.02). The incidence of gastric varices is high, and contrary to popular belief they are more often located along the lesser curvature of the stomach than in the gastric fundus.     

Modified distal splenorenal shunt with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene interposition

Two types of modified distal splenorenal shunt with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex; WL Gore & Associates Inc., Elkton, Md.) interposition were performed in 18 consecutive patients with esophageal or esophagogastric varices. There were 12 men and six women ranging in age from 32 to 76 years. The causes of portal hypertension were cirrhosis of the liver in 15 patients, chronic hepatitis in two, and idiopathic portal hypertension in one. In five patients the left gastric vein branched off from the splenic vein; bilateral gastric venous decompression was achieved by preserving the splenic vein. Porta-azygos disconnection was routinely performed by confirming repeated intraoperative direct splenoportography. The operations were elective in seven and were emergencies in five patients. Six patients underwent a prophylactic shunt; all patients had "red color signs" endoscopically, and three of them had concomitant hepatocellular carcinoma. Postoperative morbidity was minimal and there was no mortality. Shunt patency was confirmed angiographically in all patients 14 to 56 days after surgery. The varices disappeared or significantly improved in all patients. No patients had variceal bleeding postoperatively. Hepatic encephalopathy was transiently seen in one (the oldest) patient.     

Gastric portal hypertension.

Extrahepatic portal hypertension may spontaneously decompress by routes which produce gastric or esophageal portal hypertension. A syndrome of gastric portal hypertension has been identified in five patients with extrahepatic portal obstruction and gastric variceal hemorrhage. Patients were nonalcoholic with good liver function who had tolerated previous bleeding episodes well. Endoscopy and upper gastrointestinal series were not helpful in diagnosing bleeding gastric varices. The definitive diagnostic test was venous phase mesenteric arteriography of the gas-distended stomach, with confirmation of the bleeding site by splenoportography. Portosystemic shunting in two patients and splenectomy in three patients failed to stop gastric variceal bleeding. Emergency total gastrectomy was required in two patients and suture ligation in a third to prevent exigent bleeding.Gastric portal hypertension should be suspected in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding and good liver function. Since there is no standard therapy, recurrent bleeding requiring multiple operations is common. Determination of both location of obstruction and route of decompression are prerequisites to choosing the correct operation. Portocaval shunts in two patients failed to provide effective decompression due to compartmentalization of the portal hypertension to the gastric venous bed. In patients with a patent splenic vein, a distal splenorenal shunt may be effective. However, with splenic vein occlusion splenectomy may be ineffective, and a direct approach such as total gastrectomy or variceal ligation may be necessary to prevent exsanguination.     

The different manifestation and outcome between pancreatitis and pancreatic malignancy with left-sided portal hypertension.

Left-sided portal hypertension can be induced by isolated splenic venous obstruction due to various etiologies, such as chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic malignancy. The patients may present with bleeding isolated gastric varices and hypersplenism in addition to their pancreatic lesions. In the past 3 years, we have encountered 24 patients with left-sided portal hypertension. They were diagnosed with an abdominal echogram, CT or splenoportography. Twelve patients had histories of acute pancreatitis for a few months to years. Eleven of them were found to have isolated gastric varices. Six of them underwent operation due to hypersplenism or pseudocyst. The postoperative courses were smooth and the gastric varices subsided after splenectomy. The other 12 patients with left-sided portal hypertension were diagnosed as having pancreatic malignancy. Only two of them were found to have isolated gastric varices. Seven of them received operations and only two patients with their tumors located at the pancreatic body and tail could be resected. The other 5 patients were diagnosed with abdominal CT and high serum CA 19-9. We concluded that the patients with left-sided portal hypertension can be suspected by isolated gastric varices without liver cirrhosis. The diagnosis can be confirmed by abdominal CT or splenoportography. The incidence of isolated gastric varices are significantly lower in the patients with pancreatic malignancy than those with chronic pancreatitis. The gastric varices subsided after splenectomy. The prognosis of pancreatic malignancy is poor and most of them are inoperable.     

Segmental portal hypertension.

Isolated obstruction of the splenic vein leads to segmental portal hypertension, which is a rare form of extrahepatic portal hypertension, but it is important to diagnose, since it can be cured by splenectomy. In a review of the English literature, 209 patients with isolated splenic vein obstruction were found. Pancreatitis caused 65% of the cases and pancreatic neoplasms 18%, whereas the rest was caused by various other diseases. Seventy-two per cent of the patients bled from gastroesophageal varices, and most often the bleeding came from isolated gastric varices. The spleen was enlarged in 71% of the patients. A correct diagnosis in connection with the first episode of bleeding was made in only 49%; 22% were operated on because of gastrointestinal bleeding, but the cause of bleeding was not found. The diagnosis should be suspected in patients with gastroesophageal varices, but without signs of a liver disease, especially if isolated gastric varices are found. The diagnosis is confirmed by portography.     

Sinistral (left-sided) portal hypertension

Between 1953 and 1988, 21 patients with splenic vein thrombosis (SVT), 12 of whom had sinistral portal hypertension (SPH) were treated at our institution. SVT was identified at autopsy in nine patients. Twelve additional patients presented with SPH: bleeding esophageal varices, SVT and normal hepatic function. SVT was caused by pancreatic neoplasm (5), chronic pancreatitis (5), and pancreatic pseudocyst (2). SVT was diagnosed by splanchnic angiography, splenoportography, computerized tomography, and ultrasonography. Gastric varices were diagnosed by endoscopy (10) and barium swallow (2). Splenectomy was performed as primary therapy in 10 patients. Three of these 10 had en block distal pancreatectomy. Two high-risk patients had splenic artery embolization, one as a prelude to splenectomy performed 48 hours later and the other as definitive therapy. One splenectomized patient continued to bleed. No further bleeding occurred in 10 splenectomized patients in follow-up from 1 week to 14 years. Sinistral portal hypertension is a clinical syndrome of splenic vein thrombosis caused by pancreatic pathology and manifests as bleeding gastric varices in patients with a patent portal vein and normal hepatic function. Splanchnic arteriography is necessary for accurate diagnosis. Splenectomy is the effective treatment of choice.     

Intraoperative coronary venography for portal hemodynamic observation in the procedure of combined portozygos disconnection

Since 1986, intraoperative coronary venography was performed on 24 patients before and after undergoing portoazygos disconnection for portal hypertension. Before the disconnection the portal vein was found to be communicated with cardial and esophageal veins by two pathways, i.e. from the esophageal branches of the coronary vein to the esophageal varices, and from the gastric branches of the coronary vein to the esophageal varices by way of the gastric intramural venula. The portal blood flow was postulated to be hepatofugal because the portal trunk could not be seen on the venography. Coronary venography done after the disconnection found no pericardial and esophageal varices but the portal vein with hepatoportal blood flow. The authors come to the conclusion that the operation has the advantage of both complete disconnection between the portal vein and the cardio-esophageal varices, thus preventing the varices bleeding, and increasing hepatic blood flow.     

Hyperdynamic circulation in the left gastric venous area in patients with portal hypertension: angiological assessment

The time of appearance of the left gastric vein on serial celiac arteriograms in patients with portal hypertension and esophageal varices was compared with that of the portal vein to assess regional hemodynamics in the left venous portion of the stomach, an area located in close proximity to the varices. In two thirds of all the patients with cirrhosis or non-cirrhotic idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH), the left gastric vein was visualized earlier or simultaneously than or with the portal vein, while in all but one patient with prehepatic portal obstruction, there was a delayed opacification of the left gastric vein. These results suggest the presence of a hyperdynamic circulatory state which promotes venous hypertension in the left gastric venous area of the stomach of a considerable number of patients with cirrhosis or IPH. In such a hemodynamic state, selective decompression of varices can be achieved by a left gastric venous caval shunt.     

Hyperdynamic circulation in the left gastric venous area in patients with portal hypertension: Angiological assessment

The time of appearance of the left gastric vein on serial celiac arteriograms in patients with portal hypertension and esophageal varices was compared with that of the portal vein to assess regional hemodynamics in the left venous portion of the stomach, an area located in close proximity to the varices. In two thirds of all the patients with cirrhosis or non-cirrhotic idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH), the left gastric vein was visualized earlier or simultaneously than or with the portal vein, while in all but one patient with prehepatic portal obstruction, there was a delayed opacification of the left gastric vein. These results suggest the presence of a hyperdynamic circulatory state which promotes venous hypertension in the left gastric venous area of the stomach of a considerable number of patients with cirrhosis or IPH. In such a hemodynamic state, selective decompression of varices can be achieved by a left gastric venous caval shunt.     

Clinical significance of the cine-portogram in patients with portal hypertension

A cine-portogram is a new diagnostic modality in portal system. The main purpose of this study is to assess the clinical significance of cine-portogram in patients with portal hypertension. Portal hemodynamics have been evaluated by cine-portogram in 28 patients with portal hypertension. Portal hemodynamics have been analysed in the following five main diagnostic findings: portal hepatic perfusion, hemodynamics of coronary vein, dominance of gastric vein or short gastric vein, extension of varices in lower esophago-proximal gastric region, and route of draining vein of esophageal varices. The grade of portal hepatic perfusion has been evaluated in all cases by cine-portogram. Hemodynamics of coronary vein have been evaluated in 78% of patients. Dominance of the left gastric vein or short gastric vein has been evaluated in 84% of patients. Extension of varices in lower esophago-proximal gastric lesion and route of draining vein of esophageal varices have been evaluated by only cine-portogram. In conclusion, the cine-portogram is a new and useful diagnostic modality for the evaluation of portal hemodynamics in patients with portal hypertension.     

Bleeding oesophageal varices caused by the Budd-Chiari syndrome treated by the Warren shunt.

A previously healthy nonalcoholic 21-year old man was admitted to the hospital for further investigation because of previous severe haematemesis. Oesophageal varices proved to be the origin of the bleeding. The underlying cause for portal hypertension was total obstruction of the left and 70% obstruction of the right hepatic veins (chronic Budd-Chiari syndrome). Portal flow to the liver was almost normal due to well developed collaterals to the azygos vein and the patient's liver function was good. Distal splenorenal shunt (Warren shunt) was performed to decompress the varices. Postoperative recovery was uneventful and 10 months later the patient's general condition was excellent. Varices had disappeared and there was also improvement in his haematological status.     

A rare case of serous cystadenoma of the pancreas presenting with left-sided portal hypertension

We herein report the case of a 63-year-old woman with a serous cystadenoma of the pancreas presenting with left-sided portal hypertension secondary to isolated splenic vein occlusion. She was admitted to our hospital for sudden hematemesis. Emergency upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed hemorrhagic erosive gastritis and isolated varices in the gastric fundus. An abdominal angiographic study disclosed a large hypervascular tumor of the pancreatic tail which caused isolated splenic vein occlusion by tumor compression and formed large hepatopetal collaterals via the gastric varices. The patient underwent tumor resection with splenectomy and, as a result, the gastric varices disappeared and the postoperative course was uneventful. Left-sided portal hypertension secondary to splenic vein occlusion is an uncommon complication mostly associated with pancreatitis and pancreatic carcinoma. Although benign pancreatic neoplasms only rarely cause such a condition, the possibility of gastrointestinal bleeding due to this condition should be carefully taken into consideration when treating pancreatic disease.     

Bilateral gastric venous decompression by a modified Warren shunt

A new modification of the Warren shunt by which the coronary and short gastric venous systems can be simultaneously decompressed was carried out on two patients with oesophagogastric varices due to liver cirrhosis. One was an elective and the other an emergency operation. The left gastric vein entering the splenic vein was also drained through a Gore-Tex graft between the splenic and left renal veins. The proximal end of the splenic vein was ligated at its junction to the superior mesenteric vein. Porta-azygos disconnection was achieved by ligating the right gastric and gastro-epiploic veins. The shunt was patent and its effect on the varices was immediate with good decompression in both patients. The patients have had no recurrent variceal haemorrhage or postshunt encephalopathy. This modification may be indicated for selected patients with portal hypertension for both elective and emergency operations.     

Segmental portal hypertension caused by splenic vein thrombosis

Seventeen cases of segmental portal hypertension due to splenic vein thrombosis are reported. This syndrome may be asymptomatic for a long time and then present suddenly in the form of a serious picture of high digestive haemorrhage due to rupture of gastric fundus varices as a result of hypertrophied submucous collateral drainage circulation. Useful for diagnosis are oesophagogastroduodenoscopy, which points to stomach varices, and splenoportography or splenic artery angiography with venous phase, which highlight pathognomonic dilatation and tortuosity of the gastroepiploic veins. Surgical exploration typically shows: presence of large epiploic vessels, splenomegaly, absence of changes in the liver and in the portal and mesenteric circulation. Curative treatment of choice is splenectomy.