Use of doppler ultrasound to predict need for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt revision

BACKGROUNDTransjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is used to treat complications of portal hypertension, such as ascites and variceal bleeding (VB). While liver doppler ultrasound (DUS) is used to assess TIPS patency, trans-shunt venography (TSV) is the gold standard.AIMTo determine the accuracy of DUS to assess TIPS dysfunction and for need for revision.METHODSRetrospective review of patients referred for TIPS revision from 2008-2021. Demographics, DUS parameters at baseline and at the DUS preceding TIPS revision, TSV data were collected. Receiver operating characteristics curves, sensitivity, specificity, performance for doppler to predict need for revision were performed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to predict clinical factors associated with need for TIPS revision.RESULTSThe cohort consisted of 89 patients with cirrhosis (64% men, 76% white, 31% alcohol as etiology); median age 59 years. Indication for initial TIPS were VB (41%), refractory ascites (51%), and other (8%). TIPS was revised in 44%. On univariate analysis, factors associated with need for TIPS revision were male (P = 0.03), initial indication for TIPS (P = 0.05) and indication for revision (P = 0.01). Revision of TIPS was associated with lower mortality (26% vs 46%) and significantly lower rates of transplant (13% vs 24%; P = 0.1). In predicting need for TIPS revision, DUS has a 40% sensitivity, 45% specificity, PPV 78%, and NPV 14%. The most accurate location for shunt velocity measure was distal velocity (Area under the curve: 0.79; P = 0.0007). CONCLUSIONDUS has poor overall sensitivity and specificity in predicting need for TIPS revision. Non-invasive methods of predicting TIPS dysfunction are needed since those needing TIPS revision had better survival.     

肠道异位静脉曲张37例

目的:探讨肠道异位静脉曲张(EV)的发病、病因及其与门脉高压(PH)的关系.方法:回顾性分析肠道EV 37例.其诊断方法:内镜26例,经颈静脉肝内门体系统支架分流术(TIPSS)中行门脉造影10例,经皮肝穿刺肠系膜血管造影1例.PH的判断:肝硬化(HC)须有门脉增宽,非HC须有肝外门脉梗阻(EPVO)影像证据.TIPS...     

Parallel transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for controlling portal hypertension complications in cirrhotic patients

AIM: To evaluate the feasibility of a second parallel transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) to reduce portal venous pressure and control complications of portal hypertension.METHODS: From January 2011 to December 2012, 10 cirrhotic patients were treated for complications of portal hypertension. The demographic data, operative data, postoperative recovery data, hemodynamic data, and complications were analyzed.RESULTS: Ten patients underwent a primary and parallel TIPS. Technical success rate was 100% with no technical complications. The mean duration of the first operation was 89.20 ± 29.46 min and the second operation was 57.0 ± 12.99 min. The mean portal system pressure decreased from 54.80 ± 4.16 mmHg to 39.0 ± 3.20 mmHg after the primary TIPS and from 44.40 ± 3.95 mmHg to 26.10 ± 4.07 mmHg after the parallel TIPS creation. The mean portosystemic pressure gradient decreased from 43.80 ± 6.18 mmHg to 31.90 ± 2.85 mmHg after the primary TIPS and from 35.60 ± 2.72 mmHg to 15.30 ± 3.27 mmHg after the parallel TIPS creation. Clinical improvement was seen in all patients after the parallel TIPS creation. One patient suffered from transient grade I hepatic encephalopathy (HE) after the primary TIPS and four patients experienced transient grade I-II after the parallel TIPS procedure. Mean hospital stay after the first and second operations were 15.0 ± 3.71 d and 16.90 ± 5.11 d (P = 0.014), respectively. After a mean 14.0 ± 3.13 mo follow-up, ascites and bleeding were well controlled and no stenosis of the stents was found.CONCLUSION: Parallel TIPS is an effective approach for controlling portal hypertension complications.     

经颈内静脉肝内门体分流术治疗肝硬化门脉高压症56例

目的:探讨经颈内静脉肝内门体分流术 (transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, TIPS)治疗肝硬化门脉高压症的临床疗效及并发症．方法:肝硬化并发门脉高压症患者56例,行 TIPS术,支架置入前后测量门静脉主干压力, 测定门静脉、脾静脉内径,测定门静脉、分流道血流速度;检测外周血象．结果:TIPS术成功率100％,门脉主干压 (cmH2O)24．5±4．2(P<0．01 vs 术前的45．8± 3．6),门静脉内径及脾静脉内径(cm)分别为 1．28±0．095和0．96±0．064(P<0．01 vs术前的 1．62±0．074和1．28±0．032),门脉主干血流速度(cm／s)48．0±17．6(P<0．01 vs术前的13．2± 3．5),分流道血流速度(cm／s)164．0±58．8．脾功能亢进患者30例,WBC(×109／L),PLT(× 109/L),HGB(×g／L)分别为3．92±0．76,80．74± 16．82,118．20±10．24(P<0．01 vs术前的2．65± 0．58,42．56±12．34,86．52±12．68)．食道胃底静脉曲张,腹水等临床症状明显好转．常见并发症有肝性脑病,支架狭窄及闭塞．结论:TIPS是一种治疗肝硬化门脉高压症的有效方法,他能有效地降低门脉压,控制食道、胃底静脉曲张破裂出血．     

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts and portal hypertension-related complications

Portal hypertension(PH)plays an important role in the natural history of cirrhosis,and is associated with several clinical consequences.The introduction of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts(TIPS)in the 1980s has been regarded as a major technical advance in the management of the PH-related complications.At present,polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stents are the preferred option over traditional bare metal stents.TIPS is currently indicated as a salvage therapy in patients with bleeding esophageal varices who fail standard treatment.Recently,applying TIPS early(within 72 h after admission)has been shown to be an effective and life-saving treatment in those with high-risk variceal bleeding.In addition,TIPS is recommended as the second-line treatment for secondary prophylaxis.For bleeding gastric varices,applying TIPS was able to achieve hemostasis in more than 90%of patients.More trials are needed to clarify the efficacy of TIPS compared with other treatment modalities,including cyanoacrylate injection and balloon retrograde transvenous obliteration of gastric varices.TIPS should also be considered in bleeding ectopic varices and refractory portal hypertensive gastropathy.In patients with refractory ascites,there is growing evidence that TIPS not only results in better control of ascites,but also improves long-term survivalin appropriately selected candidates.In addition,TIPS is a promising treatment for refractory hepatic hydrothorax.However,the role of TIPS in the treatment of hepatorenal and hepatopulmonary syndrome is not well defined.The advantage of TIPS is offset by a risk of developing hepatic encephalopathy,the most relevant postprocedural complication.Emerging data are addressing the determination the optimal time and patient selection for TIPS placement aiming at improving long-term treatment outcome.This review is aimed at summarizing the published data regarding the application of TIPS in the management of complications related to PH.     

Update on management of gastric varices

Gastric varices(GV) have different physiology and clinical characteristics compared to oesophageal varices(OV). There is little information about the management of GV. Most part of the recommendations is extrapolated from studies where the majority of participants had OV. Thus, most recommendations lack of strong evidence. This is a comprehensive review on all aspects of management of GV, i.e., primary, secondary prophylaxis and management of acute bleeding. The papers on which international societies' recommendations are based are scrutinised in this review and areas of research are identified.     

经颈静脉肝内门体分流术治疗肝硬化门静脉高压症临床研究

目的 探讨经颈静脉肝内门体分流术（TIPS）治疗肝硬化门静脉高压症患者的疗效,并总结术中操作关键点,以指导临床治疗。方法 2012年3月~2017年1月诊治的147例肝硬化门静脉高压症患者,术前行肝脏增强CT和肝静脉-门静脉血管CT三维重建,再行TIPS治疗。结果 147例患者均经右颈静脉入路穿刺,操作成功146例（99.3%）;术中发生穿刺胆管、胆囊、肝动脉和肝包膜者分别为5例（3.4%）、2例（1.4%）、4例（2.7%）和8例（5.5%）;2例（1.4%）发生异位栓塞;术前患者干质量（13.0±2.1） kg,空腹血糖（6.4±1.0） mmol/L,空腹胰岛素（20.2±9.3） mU/L,白蛋白（37.4±5.0） g/L,肌酐（59.2±15.9） μmol/L,尿素（5.1±1.6） mmol/L,总胆红素（18.6±5.0） μmol/L,血氨（66.8±24.3） μmol/L;术后3个月,上述指标分别为（15.4±3.2） kg、（5.8±1.4） mmol/L、（15.3±3.3） mU/L、（34.8±3.6） g/L、（58.5±10.9） μmol/L、（4.1±1.6） mmol/L、（27.3±7.2） μmol/L、（70.1±34.4） μmol/L,即术后门静脉压明显下降,干质量、总胆红素水平明显上升,空腹血糖、空腹胰岛素、白蛋白、尿素水平明显下降,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;随访12个月,发生支架狭窄31例（21.2%）,肝性脑病25例（17.1%）。结论 TIPS是治疗肝硬化门静脉高压症的可靠方法。手术的重点在于精确的穿刺定位,术前行CT检查和肝静脉-门静脉血管三维重建、术中行门静脉造影有助于保证穿刺操作的成功。     

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for the management of acute variceal hemorrhage

Acute variceal hemorrhage,a life-threatening condition that requires a multidisciplinary approach for effective therapy,is defined as visible bleeding from an esophageal or gastric varix at the time of endoscopy,the presence of large esophageal varices with recent stigmata of bleeding,or fresh blood visible in the stomach with no other source of bleeding identified.Transfusion of blood products,pharmacological treatments and early endoscopic therapy are often effective;however,if primary hemostasis cannot be obtained or if uncontrollable early rebleeding occurs,transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)is recommended as rescue treatment.The TIPS represents a major advance in the treatment of complications of portal hypertension.Acute variceal hemorrhage that is poorly controlled with endoscopic therapy is generally well controlled with TIPS,which has a 90%to 100%success rate.However,TIPS is associated with a mortality of 30%to 50%in such a setting.Emergency TIPS should be considered early in patients with refractory variceal bleeding once medical treatment and endoscopic sclerotherapy failure,before the clinical condition worsens.Furthermore,admission to specialized centers is mandatory in such a setting and regional protocols are essential to be organized effectively.This review article discusses initial management and then focuses on the specific role of TIPS as a primary therapy to control acute variceal hemorrhage,particularly as a rescue therapy following failure of endoscopic approaches.     

Clinical algorithms for the prevention of variceal bleeding and rebleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis

Portal hypertension(PH), a common complication of liver cirrhosis, results in development of esophageal varices. When esophageal varices rupture, they cause significant upper gastrointestinal bleeding with mortality rates up to 20% despite state-of-the-art treatment. Thus, prophylactic measures are of utmost importance to improve outcomes of patients with PH. Several high-quality studies have demonstrated that non-selective beta blockers(NSBBs) or endoscopic band ligation(EBL) are effective for primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding. In secondary prophylaxis, a combination of NSBB + EBL should be routinely used. Once esophageal varices develop and variceal bleeding occurs, standardized treatment algorithms should be followed to minimize bleeding-associated mortality. Special attention should be paid to avoidance of overtransfusion, early initiation of vasoconstrictive therapy, prophylactic antibiotics and early endoscopic therapy. Pre-emptive transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt should be used in all Child C10-C13 patients experiencing variceal bleeding, and potentially in Child B patients with active bleeding at endoscopy. The use of carvedilol, safety of NSBBs in advanced cirrhosis(i.e. with refractory ascites) and assessment of hepatic venous pressure gradient response to NSBB is discussed. In the present review, we give an overview on the rationale behind the latest guidelines and summarize key papers that have led to significant advances in the field.     

Targeted puncture of left branch of intrahepatic portal vein in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt to reduce hepatic encephalopathy

BACKGROUND Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS) is currently used for the treatment of complications of portal hypertension. The incidence of hepatic encephalopathy(HE) remains a problem in TIPS placement. It has been reported that the right branch mainly receives superior mesenteric venous blood while the left branch mainly receives blood from the splenic vein. We hypothesized that targeted puncture of the left portal vein would divert the non-nutritive blood from the splenic vein into the TIPS shunt; therefore, targeted puncture of the left branch of the intrahepatic portal vein during TIPS may reduce the risk of HE.AIM To evaluate the influence of targeted puncture of left branch of portal vein in TIPS on HE.METHODS A retrospective analysis of 1244 patients with portal-hypertension-related complications of refractory ascites or variceal bleeding who underwent TIPS from January 2000 to January 2013 was performed. Patients were divided into group A(targeting left branch of portal vein, n = 937) and group B(targeting right branch of portal vein, n = 307). TIPS-related HE and clinical outcomes were analyzed.RESULTS The symptoms of ascites and variceal bleeding disappeared within a short time.By the endpoint of follow-up, recurrent bleeding and ascites did not differ significantly between groups A and B(P = 0.278, P = 0.561, respectively).Incidence of HE differed significantly between groups A and B at 1 mo(14.94% vs36.80%, χ~2 = 4.839, P = 0.028), 3 mo(12.48% vs 34.20%, χ~2 = 5.054, P = 0.025), 6 mo(10.03% vs 32.24%, χ~2 = 6.560, P = 0.010), 9 mo(9.17% vs 31.27%, χ~2 = 5.357, P =0.021), and 12 mo(8.21% vs 28.01, χ~2 = 3.848, P = 0.051). There were no significant differences between groups A and B at 3 years(6.61% vs 7.16%, χ~2 = 1.204, P =0.272) and 5 years(5.01% vs 6.18%, χ~2 = 0.072, P = 0.562). The total survival rate did not differ between groups A and B(χ~2 = 0.226, P = 0.634, log-rank test).CONCLUSION Targeted puncture of the left branch of the intrahepatic portal vein during TIPS may reduce the risk of HE but has no direct influence on prognosis of portalhypertension-related complications.     

Portal vein aneurysm associated with Budd-Chiari syndrome treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt: A case report

A 65-year-old woman with Budd-Chiari syndrome(BCS) presented with right upper quadrant pain.A computed tomography(CT) scan showed a saccular aneurysm located at the extrahepatic portal vein main branch measuring 3.2 cm in height and 2.5 cm × 2.4 cm in diameter.The aneurysm was thought to be associatedwith BCS as there was no preceding history of trauma and it had not been present on Doppler ultrasound examination performed 3 years previously.Because of increasing pain and concern for complications due to aneurysm size, the decision was made to relieve the hepatic venous outflow obstruction.Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS) was created without complications.She had complete resolution of her abdominal pain within 2 d and remained asymptomatic after 1 year of follow-up.CT scans obtained after TIPS showed that the aneurysm had decreased in size to 2.4 cm in height and 2.0 cm × 1.9 cm in diameter at 3 mo, and had further decreased to 1.9 cm in height and 1.6 cm × 1.5 cm in diameter at 1 year.     

肝硬化门脉高压症内科治疗的选择与评价

心得安推荐作为预防Child A或B级肝硬化患者中-重度静脉曲张初次出血;生长抑素及其类似物为急性食管胃底静脉曲张出血(EVB)的首选药物,控制出血疗效85%-90%;心得安或联合5-单硝异山梨醇、内镜下套扎或硬化剂可作为预防静脉曲张再出血的方法;经颈静脉肝内门腔分流术(TIPS)仅为Child B或C级患者准备肝脏移植的过度.内科联合治疗方法的评价需要循症医学的证据,轻度静脉曲张及早期门脉高压的治疗策略仍需要进一步研究.     

Combined transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt and other interventions for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal hypertension

AIM: To evaluate combination transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS) and other interventions for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and portal hypertension.METHODS: Two hundred and sixty-one patients with HCC and portal hypertension underwent TIPS combined with other interventional treatments(transarterial chemoembolization/transarterial embolization,radiofrequency ablation,hepatic arterio-portal fistulas embolization,and splenic artery embolization) from January 1997 to January 2010 at Beijing Shijitan Hospital. Two hundred and nine patients(121 male and 88 female,aged 25-69 years,mean 48.3 ± 12.5 years) with complete clinical data were recruited. We evaluated the safety of the procedure(procedurerelated death and serious complications),change of portal vein pressure before and after TIPS,symptom relief [e.g.,ascites,hydrothorax,esophageal gastricfundus variceal bleeding(EGVB)],cumulative rates of survival,and distributary channel restenosis. The characteristics of the patients surviving ≥ 5 and 5 years were also analyzed.RESULTS: The portosystemic pressure was decreased from 29.0 ± 4.1 mm Hg before TIPS to 18.1 ± 2.9 mm Hg after TIPS(t = 69.32,P 0.05). Portosystemic pressure was decreased and portal hypertension symptoms were ameliorated. During the 5 year followup,the total recurrence rate of resistant ascites or hydrothorax was 7.2%(15/209); 36.8%(77/209) for EGVB; and 39.2%(82/209) for hepatic encephalopathy. The cumulative rates of distributary channel restenosis at 1,2,3,4,and 5 years were 17.2%(36/209),29.7%(62/209),36.8%(77/209),45.5%(95/209) and 58.4%(122/209),respectively. No procedure-related deaths and serious complications(e.g.,abdominal bleeding,hepatic failure,and distant metastasis) occurred. Moreover,Child-Pugh score,portal vein tumor thrombosis,lesion diameter,hepatic arterio-portal fistulas,HCC diagnosed before or after TIPS,stent type,hepatic encephalopathy,and type of other interventional treatments were related to 5 year survival after comparing patient characteristics.CONCLUSION: TIPS combined with other interventional treatments seems to be safe and efficacious in patients with HCC and portal hypertension.     

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in refractory chylothorax due to liver cirrhosis

A pleural effusion containing chylomicrons is termed chylothorax and results from leakage of lymph fluid into the pleural cavity.We report on the case of a 59-year-old woman with severe dyspnea due to a large chylothorax.She was known to have liver cirrhosis but no ascites.There was no history of trauma,cardiac function was normal and thorough diagnostic work-up did not reveal any signs of malignancy.In summary,no other etiology of the chylothorax than portal hypertension could be found.Therapy with diuretics as well as parenteral feeding failed to relieve symptoms.After a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS) had successfully been placed,pleural effusion decreased considerably.Eight months later,TIPS revision had to be performed because of stenosis,resulting in remission from chylothorax.This case shows that even in the absence of ascites,chylothorax might be caused by portal hypertension and that TIPS can be an effective treatment option.     

Effect of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt on pulmonary gas exchange in patients with portal hypertension and hepatopulmonary syndrome

AIM: To assess the impact of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) on pulmonary gas exchange and to evaluate the use of TIPS for the treatment of hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS ). METHODS: Seven patients, three of them with advanced HPS, in whom detailed pulmonary function tests were performed before and after TIPS placement at the University of Alabama Hospital and at the Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, were considered. RESULTS: TIPS patency was confirmed by hemodynamic evaluation. No changes in arterial blood gases were observed in the overall subset of patients. Transient arterial oxygenation improvement was observed in only one HPS patient, early after TIPS, but this was not sustained 4 mo later. CONCLUSION: TIPS neither improved nor worsened pulmonary gas exchange in patients with portal hypertension. This data does not support the use of TIPS as a specific treatment for HPS. However, it does reinforce the view that TIPS can be safely performed for the treatment of other complications of portal hypertension in patients with HPS.     

经颈静脉肝内门体分流术预防门静脉海绵样变食管胃底静脉曲张再出血的临床应用

目的初步评估经颈静脉肝内门体分流术(TIPS)用于预防门静脉海绵样变(CTPV)患者食管静脉曲张再出血的可行性、有效性和安全性。方法选取2011年1月至2016年12月在山东省立医院住院,诊断为CTPV且合并食管静脉曲张出血史,行TIPS预防再出血的患者67例,纳入回顾性分析并随访。总结技术成功率、并发症发生率、再出血、支架通畅、肝性脑病及生存情况。结果在67例CTPV患者中,56例(83.6%)患者成功行TIPS术。单独通过颈静脉入路15例,经颈静脉联合经皮经肝入路33例,经颈静脉联合经皮经脾入路8例。TIPS术后平均门-体静脉压力梯度,从(28.09±7.28)mmHg降至(17.53±6.12)mmHg(P<0.01)。平均随访(23.91±12.35)个月,累计无出血率87.0%,支架通畅率81.5%,肝性脑性发生率27.8%,累计生存率88.9%。11例未成功行TIPS术的患者中死亡4例,再次出血4例。结论TIPS用于预防门静脉海绵样变性患者食管静脉曲张再出血,是一种安全、可行、有效的方法。     

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for the prevention of recurrent esophageal variceal bleeding in patients with cavernous transformation of portal vein

Background: Treatment options for patients with cavernous transformation of portal vein(CTPV) are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS) to prevent recurrent esophageal variceal bleeding in patients with CTPV. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 67 consecutive patients undergone TIPS from January 2011 to December 2016. All patients were diagnosed with CTPV. The indication for TIPS was a previous episode of variceal bleeding. The data on recurrent bleeding, stent patency, hepatic encephalopathy and survival were retrieved and analyzed. Results: TIPS procedure was successfully performed in 56 out of 67(83.6%) patients with CTPV. TIPS was performed via a transjugular approach alone( n = 15), a combined transjugular/transhepatic approach( n = 33) and a combined transjugular/transsplenic approach( n = 8). Mean portosystemic pressure gradient(PSG) decreased from 28.09 ± 7.28 mmHg to 17.53 ± 6.12 mmHg after TIPS( P 0.01). The probability of the remaining free recurrent variceal bleeding was 87.0%. The probability of TIPS patency reached 81.5%. Hepatic encephalopathy occurrence was 27.8%, and survival rate was 88.9% until the end of follow-up. Four out of 11 patients who failed TIPS died, and 4 had recurrent bleeding. Conclusions: TIPS should be considered a safe and feasible alternative therapy to prevent recurrent esophageal variceal bleeding in patients with CTPV, and to achieve clinical improvement.     

超声血流参数对肝硬化门脉高压症的诊断价值

目的:研究超声参数对门脉高压的诊断价值.方法:以经颈静脉门体静脉分流术(TIPS) 中导管测量的门体静脉压差≥6.8 cmH2O为诊断PHT(PHT) 的金标准,将25 例肝硬化患者分为试验组(18 例)和对照组(7 例),利用随机双盲法研究两组的超声血流参数,使用单因素方差分析组间差异,利用受试者工作曲线ROC 曲线...