Non-parasitic splenic cysts： A report of three cases

Primary splenic cyst is a relatively rare disease, and the majority of cases are classified as epithelial cysts. Three cases with nonparasitic splenic cysts are presented: two epithelial and one pseudocyst. All cases had an atypical symptomatology, consisted mainly of fullness in the left upper abdomen and a palpable mass. Preoperative diagnosis was established with ultrasonography and computerized tomography. Two cases with large cysts located in the splenic hilum were treated with open complete splenectomy. The most recent case, a pseudocyst, was managed laparoscopically with partial cystectomy. All cases did not have any problems or recurrence during follow-up. Laparoscopic partial cystectomy is an acceptable procedure for the treatment of splenic cysts, because it cures the disease preserving the splenic tissue. Complete splenectomy is reserved for cases in which cyst excision cannot be done otherwise.     

多层螺旋CT全肝灌注成像对不同程度脾功能亢进患者肝脾血流状态的评估

目的应用多层螺旋CT全肝灌注模式,探讨不同程度脾功能亢进患者脾脏体积、肝总动脉、脾动静脉、门静脉内径差异及肝脏血流状态变化情况。方法收集慢性乙型肝炎肝硬化脾功能亢进患者42例,无肝脾疾病患者15例作为对照,所有患者均行多层螺旋CT全肝灌注成像:(1)测量比较不同程度脾功能亢进组与对照组脾脏体积、肝总动脉、脾动静脉、门静脉内径之间的差异;(2)分析比较脾脏体积与各相关血管内径之间的相关性;(3)测量比较基于Couinaud分段肝脏五叶相关灌注参数值:肝动脉灌注量(HAP)、门静脉灌注量(PVP)、总肝灌注量(TLP)和肝动脉灌注指数(HPI)。计量资料采用单因素方差分析,采用Pearson相关分析对脾脏体积与各血管内径进行相关性分析。结果(1)肝硬化脾功能亢进组脾脏体积及脾动脉、脾静脉、门静脉内径均大于对照组,差异有统计学意义(F值分别为37.108、17.484、23.124、13.636,P值均<0.05)。(2)中、重度脾功能亢进组脾脏体积及脾动脉、脾静脉、门静脉内径明显大于轻度脾功能亢进组,差异有统计学意义(F值分别为25.418、13.293、15.136、7.093,P值均<0.05),但中、重度脾功能亢进组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。(3)脾静脉、门静脉、脾动脉内径与脾脏体积呈正相关(r值分别为0.680、0.548、0.726)。(4)脾功能亢进组全肝叶PVP、TLP均低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);不同程度脾功能亢进组HPI均高于对照组,中、重度脾功能亢进组肝右后叶HPI高于轻度脾功能亢进组,差异有统计学意义(F值为3.555、4.570,P值均<0.05);各组间全肝叶HAP差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),但重度脾功能亢进组全肝叶HAP均低于对照组、轻及中度脾功能亢进组。结论不同程度脾功能亢进患者脾动静脉内径均有不同程度的增宽,与脾脏体积增大一致,且中、重度为著;不同程度脾功能亢进患者门静脉灌注量及总肝灌注量均减少,肝动脉灌注量以重度脾功能亢进患者减少显著。     

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.     

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.     

Bleeding portal-hypertensive gastropathy managed successfully by partial splenic embolization

The use of partial splenic embolization to decrease portal pressure and reduce gastric bleeding from portal-hypertensive gastropathy, a complication of liver cirrhosis, is described. A 62-year-old man with hepatic cirrhosis secondary to hepatitis C and documented portal hypertension was admitted with hypersplenism and bleeding esophageal varices. Endoscopic ligation successfully controlled acute bleeding, but blood loss continued over the next 45 days. Bleeding secondary to portal-hypertensive gastropathy was diagnosed endoscopically. The patient's poor surgical status precluded a portosystemic shunt procedure, so partial splenic embolization was performed radiologically by the injection of Gelfoam squares. Splenic volume decreased 50% following partial embolization. Over 3 weeks, the hemoglobin concentration increased from 8.5 g/dL to 9.8 g/dL, and the platelet count increased from 41,000 to 90,000/microL. Repeat endoscopy found no gastric bleeding 18 days post-procedure. Partial splenic embolization is a radiologic procedure which can be performed safely in patients too ill to undergo portosystemic shunt. This report documents its successful use to manage hypersplenism and reduce portal pressure in a cirrhotic patient with portal-hypertensive gastropathy and hypersplenism.     

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 ...     

A case of splenic pseudocyst difficult to differentiate from splenic lymphangioma]

Splenic pseudocyst is a rare complication of abdominal trauma. Although it is rare, splenic pseudocyst is well-documented in the literature. According to the current classification, approximately 30% of all splenic cysts or pseudocysts result from direct abdominal trauma. In addition, chronic pancreatitis leads to change of nearby organs with possible acute and chronic complications including splenic lesions. This unusual complication can occur in both emergent and non-emergent conditions. The useful diagnostic procedures to assess intrasplenic pseudocyst are sonogram, CT scan, splenic scan, and occasionally angiography. However, definite diagnosis of pseudocyst is possible only after splenectomy when the absence of epithelial lining is confirmed histologically. Splenic pseudocyst requires surgical resection. We experienced a 31-year-old man who confirmed of warmness in the left side of back with left upper quadrant abdominal pain for several months. First impression was splenic lymphangioma based on CT scan and sonogram finding. Splenectomy was performed. Microscopic examination revealed splenic pseudocyst with fibrous capsule without epithelial lining.     

Corticosteroid Therapy in Felty''s Syndrome and its Effect on Hypersplenic Rats

S ummary . A patient with Felty's syndrome was treated with prednisone with resulting improvement in anaemia. This was due to a decrease in an expanded plasma volume; it occurred rapidly and was not associated with any apparent change in the size of the spleen.
A contrasting form of hypersplenism was induced in rats, splenic enlargement being due to storage of methylcellulose in the organ. Corticosteroid treatment of these animals produced haematological changes similar to those in the patient although they occurred much more abruptly. The nature of the changes brought about by steroid therapy was investigated by isotope studies.
It is concluded that corticosteroid therapy can improve the anaemia of hypersplenism by reducing an expanded plasma volume and that this effect may occur without parallel improvement in the other haematological changes of hypersplenism. The decrease in plasma volume does not appear to result from a steroid-induced lymphoid involution and a reduction in splenic size. Instead, it seems likely that this treatment affects an intermediary mechanism by which plasma volume is increased in hypersplenic states. The possible nature of this is discussed.     

Hydatid cyst of the spleen

Though hydatid disease is quite common in Saudi Arabia, splenic echinococcal cysts are rare. Our experience with the diagnostic problems encountered in three patients seen during a three-year period is presented. The helpful role of ultrasonography and computerized tomography in the preoperative evaluation of this disease also is demonstrated.     

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.     

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.     

血管介入在肝硬化脾功能亢进中的应用研究进展

肝硬化是引起继发性脾功能亢进的常见原因,脾功能亢进常常导致患者外周血细胞降低,当白细胞和血小板严重减少时,患者易发生自发性感染和出血,进而加重病情,增加死亡风险.目前对肝硬化脾功能亢进发生机制尚不十分清楚,亦无脾亢治疗适应症标准和合适推荐方法,临床上脾亢的治疗方式有:脾切除术,血管介入术,局部热消融及脾动脉结扎术等.血管介入术主要涉及经颈静脉肝内门体分流术(transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt,TIPS)和部分脾动脉栓塞术(partial splenic embolization,PSE),其中TIPS是治疗肝硬化门脉高压并发症的有效方法,它能有效降低门脉压力,但能否缓解脾亢仍存在争议;PSE对脾亢有一定程度的缓解;TIPS联合PSE应用,在有效降低门脉高压同时对脾亢也能一定程度缓解.本文就血管介入在肝硬化脾亢应用研究进展进行综述.     

Interrelationship between splenic and superior mesenteric venous circulation manifested by transient splenic arterial occlusion using a balloon catheter

We examined the hemodynamic changes induced by transient splenic arterial occlusion using a balloon catheter to investigate the hemodynamic effect of transcatheter splenic arterial embolization--a procedure that has been used since its introduction in 1973 as therapy for hypersplenism and more recently for portal hypertension. The blood flow volume was measured in 20 patients with liver disease using an ultrasonic duplex system (Toshiba SAL50A/SDL-01A). The portal venous pressure was also measured via a 3F catheter using a transducer. The catheter was placed in position by substituting it for a 25-gauge needle that had been inserted into the portal vein under ultrasonic guidance percutaneously and transhepatically. Splenic arterial occlusion caused a drop in splenic venous blood flow from 708 +/- 487 to 241 +/- 155 ml per min, in portal venous blood flow from 993 +/- 439 to 807 +/- 419 ml per min and in portal venous pressure from 17.4 +/- 7.2 to 14.4 +/- 6.1 mm Hg. The latter two reductions were less than expected from the decrease in the splenic venous blood flow volume. This phenomenon was caused by an increase in the mesenteric venous blood flow from 475 +/- 126 to 630 +/- 270 mm per min. This increase may be due to a compensatory mechanism under the control of a regulatory loop in the liver or portal vein, and there seems to be a relationship between splenic and intestinal circulation in portal hypertension that maintains hepatic circulation.     

Successful management of thrombocytopenia by partial splenic embolization in patients with advanced gastric cancer and invasion of the splenic vein: Case reports

Rationale:Hypersplenism causes thrombocytopenia, which may lead to the reduction or discontinuation of chemotherapy. Partial splenic embolization (PSE) is an effective treatment for thrombocytopenia associated with hypersplenism. However, there have been no reports of patients with gastric cancer who have resumed and continued chemotherapy after PSE for splenic hypersplenism associated with tumor infiltration.Here, we report two cases in which we performed PSE for hypersplenism associated with gastric cancer that had invaded the splenic vein. Chemotherapy was continued in both cases.Patient concerns:Both patients developed thrombocytopenia with splenomegaly due to advanced gastric cancer that required discontinuation of chemotherapy.Diagnosis:Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and computed tomography showed advanced gastric cancer with invasion of the splenic vein and splenomegaly. Both patients developed thrombocytopenia.Interventions:Patients were treated with PSE.Outcomes:PSE produced an increase in thrombocyte count, and chemotherapy could be resumed.Lessons:PSE seems to be a useful treatment for thrombocytopenia with splenomegaly associated with advanced gastric cancer and may allow continuation of chemotherapy.     

Co-existence of a huge pseudocyst and mucinous cystadenoma: report of a case and the value of magnetic resonance imaging for differential diagnosis

Co-existence of a pancreatic pseudocyst and a neoplastic cyst is rare and their differential diagnosis is difficult if the patient has an atypical history as well as subclinical symptoms. The formation of a pseudocyst under such circumstances is usually the result of downstream ductal obstruction by the neoplasm. Two large cysts were found in a 43-year-old woman who had symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction that were the result of external compression by one of the cysts. Magnetic resonance imaging was superior to computed tomography, discriminating between the internal contents and surrounding tissue of the two cysts, enabling the correct preoperative diagnosis of a pseudocyst co-existing with a mucinous cystadenoma to be made. It was most unusual for the pseudocyst to be located downstream of the mucinous tumour, ruling out ductal obstruction by the tumour in its pathogenesis. A possible explanation for the pseudocyst formation in this case was pancreatic juice accumulation in the space of the lesser sac after pancreatic parenchymal destruction by the mucinous tumour.     

Splenectomy improves liver function in patients with liver cirrhosis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Partial splenic embolization or splenectomy has been reported to improve liver function as well as hypersplenism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of splenectomy in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) on liver function. METHODOLOGY: Twelve consecutive patients with LC were followed for more than 6 months using laboratory examinations, ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography. Portal blood flow was measured using color Doppler US before and after splenectomy in 6 cases. RESULTS: Hypersplenism was improved in all patients. Protein synthesis in the liver was improved, which significantly correlated with these patients' increased liver volume. Having a large spleen and a low serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels are predictive factors for favorable improvement of liver function after splenectomy. Splenectomy was safely carried out in all patients without major complications except for portal thrombus occurred in 4 patients, but did not affect liver function if it was well treated. CONCLUSIONS: Splenectomy improved liver function in patients with LC, and could be a supportive and bridging therapy for patients waiting for liver transplantation, especially with large spleen and lower ALT levels.     

Partial splenic embolization in patients with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma: Effects on portal hemodynamics

Partial splenic embolization (PSE) was performed on patients with liver cirrhosis to control hypersplenism and gastroesophageal varices. In this study, we evaluated the effects of PSE on the portal hemodynamics and hepatic function of 17 cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. The mean splenic volume and the peak platelet count increased significantly and the splenic vein pressure decreased significantly after PSE. However, the portal blood flow did not change. Changes in the 15-min retention rate of indocyanine green and the arterial ketone body ratio were not significant, but the redox tolerance index increased from 0.24 ± 0.28 × 10^?2 to 0.59 ± 0.35 × 10^?2. These results suggest that PSE may reduce perioperative risks in cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who are candidates for hepatic resection.     

Hypersplenism in Wilson''s disease

Thirteen patients with Wilson's disease were compared with seven cirrhotic and 13 normal controls to define better the haematological abnormalities in this condition. Hypersplenism (anaemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and reduced red cell survival) commonly occurred in patients with both Wilson's disease and cirrhosis. These abnormalities correlated with splenic enlargement. Despite reduced haematocrits, red cell mass was greater in these two groups than in normal controls. Plasma volume and the body haematocrit/peripheral haematocrit ratios were also greater in patients with Wilson's disease and cirrhosis. Increased splenic sequestration of ⁵¹Cr-tagged red blood cells was not demonstrated in any subjects. The hypersplenism in patients with Wilson's disease is similar to that found in patients with cirrhosis from other causes.     

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.     

脾动脉阻断技术在射频消融治疗门脉高压性脾功能亢进症中的应用

目的探讨脾动脉阻断技术联合脾脏射频消融（RFA）治疗门静脉高压性脾功能亢进症（脾亢）的有效性和临床应用前景。方法对阻断或未阻断脾动脉主干的接受脾脏RFA治疗的肝硬化性门静脉高压合并重症脾亢患者,分析随访6个月的临床疗效;并评估脾动脉阻断对肝硬化合并脾动脉盗血综合征的治疗效果。结果阻断或未阻断脾动脉主干的接受脾脏RFA治疗的门脉高压性脾亢患者各15例,术后未发生严重并发症。阻断脾动脉后实施脾脏RFA组消融（56±35）%脾脏体积,较未阻断脾动脉组消融体积（38±21）%显著增加（P〈0.01）;且阻断脾动脉组治疗后血小板计数、Child-Pugh评分和分级改善明显优于未阻断脾动脉组。合并巨脾的脾动脉阻断组15例患者经影像学诊断都符合脾动脉盗血综合征诊断,经脾动脉栓塞（13例）和脾动脉结扎（2例）后肝动脉内径显著增粗,肝动脉供血明显改善。结论脾动脉阻断联合脾脏射频消融术是治疗门静脉高压性脾亢,可以显著提高脾亢治疗的安全性和有效性,同时纠正脾动脉盗血综合征和有效改善肝功能。