Increase in hepatic arterial blood flow after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation and its potential predictive value of postprocedural encephalopathy and mortality.

PURPOSE: To determine (i) whether there is a significant increase in hepatic artery blood flow (HABF) after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation and (ii) whether the extent of incremental increase in HABF is predictive of clinical outcome after TIPS creation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective, nonrandomized, nonblinded duplex Doppler ultrasound (US) examinations were performed on 24 consecutive patients (19 men; Child Class A/B/C: 4/12/8, respectively) with a mean age of 52.8 years who were referred for TIPS creation for variceal bleeding. Peak hepatic artery velocity and vessel dimensions were used to calculate the hepatic arterial blood flow (HABF) before and after TIPS creation. Patients were clinically followed in the gastrohepatology clinic and TIPS US surveillance was performed at 1 and 3 months to assess shunt function. The extent of incremental increase in HABF was analyzed as a predictor of post-TIPS encephalopathy and/or death. RESULTS: The technical success rate of TIPS creation was 100%. The shunt diameters were either 10 mm (n = 11) or 12 mm (n = 13). TIPS resulted in a significant reduction in the portosystemic gradient from 24.3 mm Hg +/- 5.7 to 9.3 mm Hg +/- 2.9 (P <.001). The hepatic artery peak systolic velocity and HABF increased significantly after TIPS creation, from 60.8 cm/sec +/- 26.7 to 121 cm/sec +/- 51.5 (P <.001) and from 254.2 mL/min +/- 142.2 to 507.8 mL/min +/- 261.3 (P <.001), respectively. The average incremental increase in HABF from pre-TIPS to post-TIPS was 253.6 mL/min +/- 174.2 and the average decremental decrease in portosystemic gradient was 15.0 mm Hg +/- 5.3, but there was no significant correlation (r = 0.04; P =.86) between the two. All shunts were patent at 30 and 90 days without sonographic evidence of shunt dysfunction. After TIPS creation, new or worsened encephalopathy developed in five patients at 30 days and in an additional three at 90 days. They were all successfully managed medically. Three patients (12.5%) died within 30 days of the TIPS procedure. The extent of incremental increase in HABF after TIPS was variable and did not correlate with the development of 30-day and 90-day encephalopathy (P =.41 and P =.83, respectively) or 30-day mortality (P =.2). CONCLUSIONS: HABF increases significantly after TIPS but is not predictive of clinical outcome. The significance of the incremental increase is yet to be determined.     

Value of Doppler sonography in revealing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt malfunction: a 5-year experience in 216 patients

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the long-term clinical efficacy of Doppler sonography in revealing failure of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: During a 5-year period, 1192 Doppler examinations were performed in 216 patients with TIPS. No regular follow-up shunt venography was performed. Doppler examinations were retrospectively compared with the results of shunt revisions. Sonograms with negative findings were compared with the patients' clinical status so that the number of false-negative sonographic findings leading to an episode of shunt failure (recurrence of gastrointestinal bleeding or ascites) could be ascertained. Sonographic parameters assessed included diameter, velocity, flow volume, and congestion index of the portal vein; and shunt velocities. RESULTS: Doppler sonography revealed shunt occlusion in 25 of 26 angiographically proven cases (sensitivity, 96%). The combination of velocity criteria (peak intrashunt velocity > or =250 cm/sec, maximum velocity in the portal third of the shunt < or =50 cm/sec, or maximum portal vein velocity less than or equal to two thirds of the baseline value) revealed shunt stenosis in 103 of 110 cases (sensitivity, 94%). Doppler sonography missed a significant shunt stenosis that led to an episode of gastrointestinal bleeding or ascites recurrence in only seven cases. The congestion index of the portal vein showed significant differences between patent and malfunctioning shunts (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Doppler sonography is an effective primary imaging method for long-term follow-up of patients with TIPS.     

Acute Increase in Hepatic Arterial Flow During TIPS Identified by Intravascular Flow Measurements

The purpose of this study was to investigate alterations of hepatic arterial flow during transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt (TIPS) applying intravascular Doppler sonography. This prospective monocenter study included 25 patients with liver cirrhosis (alcohol induced [n = 19], chronic hepatitis associated [n = 3], primary biliary cirrhosis associated [n = 1], and cryptogenic [n = 2]) successfully treated with TIPS. All patients underwent intravascular hepatic arterial flow measurements during TIPS using an endoluminal flow sensor. The average arterial peak velocity (APV) and the maximum arterial peak velocity (MPV) were registered. Twenty-two patients (88%) showed increased APV, one patient (4%) showed unaffected APV, and two patients (8%) showed decreased APV after TIPS. The average portosystemic pressure gradient decreased significantly, from 22.0 ± 5.1 mmHg before TIPS to 11.0 ± 4.1 mmHg after TIPS (−50.0%; p < 0.0001). The average APV increased significantly, from 41.9 ± 17.8 cm/s before TIPS to 60.7 ± 19.0 cm/s after TIPS (+44.9%; p < 0.0001). The average MPV increased significantly, from 90.8 ± 31.7 cm/s before TIPS to 112.6 ± 34.9 cm/s after TIPS (+24.0%; p = 0.0002). These changes in perfusion set in within seconds after TIPS tract formation in all the patients with increased APV. We conclude that TIPS-induced portosystemic decompression leads to a significant increase in hepatic arterial flow. The changes occurred within seconds, suggesting a reflex-like mechanism.     

Scintigraphic evaluation of hepatic blood flow after intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)

In patients with liver cirrhosis a transjugularly placed intrahepatic portocaval shunt (TIPS) is a non-surgical portosystemic device which aims to reduce portal venons pressure. In comparison with Doppler sonography, we evaluated in 28 patients the diagnostic impact of liver perfusion scintigraphy (with technetium-99m diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid) in the assessment of changes in the hepatic blood flow after TIPS shunting. The arterial and portal contributions to hepatic flow were calculated from the areas under the biphasic timeactivity curve. In the course of TIPS shunting, patency is threatened by reocclusion. Angiography is the gold standard for TIPS shunt reassessment. However, there is a need for a less invasive diagnostic procedure, such as scintigraphy or Doppler sonography, for the early detection of shunt insufficiency. Scintigraphy demonstrated that prior to TIPS shunting the portal venons contribution to hepatic perfusion was reduced to 29.2%, this reduction being due to portal hypertension. After TIPS placement a significant increase in portal venous perfusion was observed (38.2%;P<0.02). TIPS shunt occlusion was identified in patients by a significant reduction in the scintigraphically measured portal venons contribution to hepatic blood flow. Hepatic perfusion scintigraphy appears to be a valuable method to determine the immediate effect of TIPS on hepatic blood flow. Post-TIPS follow-up studies of hepatic haemodynamics by liver perfusion scintigraphy appear able to contribute to the detection of TIPS shunt occlusion before the clinical consequences of this complication have become apparent.     

Budd-Chiari syndrome: the results of duplex and color Doppler imaging

This study was designed to evaluate duplex and color-flow Doppler imaging as potential noninvasive methods of diagnosing patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome and following them after surgery. Five patients with confirmed hepatic venoocclusive disease were imaged. All five underwent duplex Doppler examinations; three were also evaluated with color-flow Doppler. The hepatic vasculature was examined in all five patients; decompressive mesoatrial shunts were present and were evaluated in four of the five patients. Color-flow Doppler precisely defined intrahepatic, portal, and inferior vena caval circulatory dynamics. Correlation with angiography was excellent. In the two patients in whom hepatic vasculature was evaluated with duplex Doppler alone, the results were less impressive. Intrahepatic flow abnormalities were identified, but the sites of occlusion were not determined convincingly. Signals transmitted from the heart and the inability to visualize the hepatic veins made duplex Doppler evaluation problematic. Duplex Doppler was able to define patency and the direction of flow in the portal vein and inferior vena cava. Our results suggest that color-flow Doppler is an excellent technique for the initial evaluation of patients suspected of having Budd-Chiari syndrome. In the evaluation of decompressive mesoatrial shunts, color-flow Doppler produced dramatic images. However, both duplex and color-flow Doppler were highly accurate in determining the patency of decompressive shunts. Either duplex or color-flow Doppler may be used as the primary imaging procedure to determine shunt patency.     

经颈静脉肝内门-体静脉分流术应用疗效观察

本文报告经颈静脉肝内门-体静脉分流术(TIPSS)14例,成功12例。术后食道静脉曲张明显减轻乃至消失、门脉主干血流速度显著增加、门脉压力平均下降1.48kPa、血小板有所升高、白细胞变化不大、脾脏体积缩小30-60％。本组临床应用结果表明:TIPSS创伤性小,降低门脉压可靠,是治疗门脉高压症的有效方法;此技术成功的关键是术前了解肝静脉与门静脉的空间关系。     

Color Doppler imaging of portosystemic shunts

This study was designed to investigate the utility of color Doppler sonography in the evaluation of portosystemic shunts. Thirty-one patients with a total of 32 shunts were imaged. The types of shunts examined included portacaval, five; mesocaval, eight; distal splenorenal (Warren), 14; and mesoatrial, five. Sonography was performed without knowledge of the status of the shunt, although the type of shunt was known before beginning the study. The sonographic studies were evaluated to determine their sensitivity and specificity on the basis of a prospective comparison with angiography or MR imaging (22 cases). The possible advantages of color Doppler over duplex Doppler sonography in evaluating portosystemic shunts were also investigated, as was the ability of color Doppler sonography to image specifically the shunt anastomoses. Color Doppler sonography successfully inferred shunt patency (17 cases) or thrombosis (five cases) in all 22 shunts for which correlative imaging was available (sensitivity = 100%, specificity = 100%). In comparing duplex with color Doppler sonography in all 32 shunts, the two techniques were almost equally effective in establishing patency in portacaval, mesocaval, and mesoatrial shunts. Duplex Doppler sonography, however, provided useful diagnostic information in only four of 14 splenorenal shunts. Color Doppler correctly inferred patency or thrombosis in all 14. Among all 32 shunts, the anastomosis was shown clearly by color Doppler in 23, probably in four, and not all in five. Our results suggest that color Doppler sonography is an excellent method for the evaluation of all varieties of surgically created portosystemic shunts. In particular, color Doppler sonography appears to be superior to duplex Doppler sonography in imaging splenorenal communications.     

Distal arterial flow in patients undergoing upper extremity dialysis shunting: a prospective study using doppler sonography

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to document changes in the distal circulation after creation of a proximal upper extremity dialysis shunt and to correlate these findings with the patient's clinical condition. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We prospectively examined 18 patients scheduled for upper extremity shunt creation. We used color and spectral Doppler sonography to examine flow in the radial and ulnar arteries, noting flow direction and peak systolic velocity. After the shunt procedure, we repeated the measurements and correlated them statistically with hand symptomatology. RESULTS: Six (33%) of 18 patients were symptomatic. The mean peak systolic velocities in the radial and ulnar arteries were 52 and 61 cm/sec, respectively, before surgery, and decreased to 12 cm/sec after surgery in the radial artery and 44 cm/sec in the ulnar artery. The mean percentage of decrease in peak systolic velocity was 77% in the radial artery and 28% in the ulnar artery. Eight patients showed reversed flow. No statistical correlation was found between change in peak systolic velocity values before and after surgery and the presence of hand symptoms. Similarly, no correlation was found between flow reversal and symptoms. The most consistent factor associated with symptoms was diabetes; all symptomatic patients were diabetic, but only 54% of the diabetic patients were symptomatic. CONCLUSION: The difference in the peak systolic velocities in the radial and ulnar arteries after shunt construction does not correlate with symptoms. The hand can tolerate a significant decrease in the peak systolic velocity and even flow reversal without symptomatology.     

Sexual impotence caused by vascular disease: diagnosis with duplex sonography

We used duplex Doppler sonography to assess the hemodynamic function of the penis in patients with impotence to determine if there is arterial disease or if the veins are incompetent. The penis was scanned in the flaccid state, then again after erection was induced by intracorporal injection of papaverine. The diameter of each cavernosal artery was measured before and after injection and, by using Doppler sonography, the maximal systolic velocity in each cavernosal artery was measured. The Doppler gate was placed over the dorsal vein to detect any flow in that vein signifying venous leakage. The Doppler gate then was placed over the cavernosal veins in an attempt to detect cavernosal venous incompetence. Forty-five men with impotence were included in the study. In 39 patients, the cause of impotence was confirmed by other studies. The diameter of the cavernosal arteries and the increase in diameter of these arteries after induction of an erection were similar in all diagnostic groups. The peak systolic velocity, however, was decreased in patients with arterial insufficiency as compared with the velocity in normal subjects. In normal subjects, the mean peak velocity was 47 +/- 9 cm/sec; in patients with mild to moderate arterial insufficiency it was 35 +/- 16 cm/sec; in patients with severe arterial insufficiency it was 7 +/- 8 cm/sec. The difference in peak velocities between the right and left cavernosal arteries after papaverine injection (asymmetric arterial response) was significantly larger in patients with mild to moderate arterial insufficiency than in other diagnostic groups. Four patients with venous incompetence had detectable flow in the dorsal vein, but no flow could be detected with Doppler sonography in the cavernosal veins in any patients, including those who were proved to have significant cavernosal venous leaks. Our findings suggest that Doppler measurement of maximal systolic velocity in the cavernosal arteries after papaverine injection is an accurate indicator of arterial function. Asymmetric flow in the cavernosal arteries also suggests some degree of arterial insufficiency. Diameters of the cavernosal arteries and their increase after injection are not predictive of arterial patency. Doppler sonography cannot show cavernosal venous leakage, but in some cases it can show dorsal venous incompetence.     

Transhepatic puncture of portal and hepatic veins for TIPS using a single-needle pass under sonographic guidance

OBJECTIVE: Creating transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) requires accessing a portal vein branch from a metal cannula wedged in a hepatic vein. This initial step in shunt creation often requires multiple blind intrahepatic punctures and occasionally fails. We describe a method using sonographic guidance to serially puncture the portal vein and hepatic vein with a single transhepatic needle pass, after which the TIPS procedure is completed in the standard transjugular fashion. CONCLUSION: Sonographically guided transhepatic dual puncture of the portal and hepatic veins facilitates portosystemic shunt creation in a single needle pass and allows more controlled selection of the portal vein entry and hepatic vein landing sites in selected patients.     

Hepatic perfusion as a predictor of mortality after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation in patients with refractory ascites

PURPOSE: To determine whether hepatic perfusion patterns predict mortality after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation in patients with severe ascites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 22 patients who had enhanced cine magnetic resonance (MR) imaging performed immediately before TIPS creation in the angled coronal plane including the left kidney, liver, and main portal vein. Regions of interest were centered over the liver and kidney, and perfusion curves were generated and reviewed before the standard TIPS procedure was performed. Four patients did not undergo TIPS creation as a result of very poor hepatic perfusion by MR. All patients were followed clinically and by ultrasound surveillance of their shunt. RESULTS: Eleven patients died within 6 months, including all four patients who did not have a TIPS because of MR evidence of poor hepatic perfusion. Of these 11 patients, eight (73%) had unfavorable liver flow consisting of diminished enhancement compared to the kidney and early peak enhancement of less than 50 seconds. The surviving patients all showed a delayed peak enhancement of greater than 50 seconds. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing TIPS creation for refractory ascites, blunted arterial-type hepatic enhancement is a poor prognostic sign. Cine MR imaging with evaluation of hepatic perfusion can be performed and reviewed before the TIPS procedure. Alternative techniques for ascites reduction may be preferred for patients with unfavorable hepatic perfusion.     

Transjugular intrahepatic portocaval shunt placed through the strut of an inferior vena cava stent in a patient with Budd–Chiari syndrome: a technical modification

Transjugular intrahepatic portocaval shunt (TIPS) is performed in patients with symptomatic Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS) who do not have repairable hepatic veins. We report the case of a patient who had an inferior vena cava (IVC) stent placed previously as part of the management for BCS, and who subsequently required TIPS. The TIPS tract was created through the strut of the previously placed IVC stent; the TIPS stent was placed after dilatation of the liver parenchyma as well as the strut of the IVC stent. This novel technique of “strutplasty” of a previously placed stent as part of TIPS has not been reported in the literature.The transjugular intrahepatic portocaval shunt (TIPS) procedure, as well as stent technology, is continually being improved [1–5]. Direct intrahepatic portocaval shunt (DIPS) – a modification of the TIPS procedure – is especially useful when there are occluded hepatic veins or an unfavourable angle between the inferior vena cava (IVC) and the hepatic vein resulting from hydrothorax and hypertrophy of the caudate lobe of the liver [1]. Herein, we report a technical modification of the TIPS procedure in Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS).     

Value of blood flow velocity on color Doppler ultrasonography for optimization of delay in scanning time on computed tomography venography in patients with Budd–Chiari syndrome and inferior vena cava obstruction

Purpose

To prospectively determine the value of blood flow velocity in the inferior vena cava (IVC) on color Doppler ultrasonography for the optimization of the delay in scanning time after contrast injection during computed tomography (CT) venography in patients with Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS) with IVC obstruction.

Methods

We enrolled 122 consecutive BCS patients with IVC obstruction. All patients underwent color Doppler ultrasonography, CT venography, and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in that order prior to treatment. The delay in scanning time during CT venography was set at 120, 180, 240, and 300 s after contrast injection. The correlation between delay in CT scanning and IVC blood flow velocity on color Doppler ultrasonography was explored. Image quality was classified as good, moderate, or poor. Patients with good CT image quality were considered to have an optimal delay in scanning time.

Results

Delays in scanning time of 120, 180, 240, and 300 s yielded good-quality images in 2, 7, 49, and 64 patients, respectively. The corresponding IVC blood flow velocities in these patients were 16.10 ± 0.42 cm/s (range 15.8–16.4 cm/s), 12.90 ± 1.58 cm/s (range, 11–15 cm/s), 7.53 ± 1.35 cm/s (range 5–10 cm/s), and 1.95 ± 1.75 cm/s (range 0–5.5 cm/s).

Conclusion

IVC blood flow velocity on color Doppler ultrasonography could serve as a useful tool for the optimization of the delay in scanning time during CT venography to ensure good-quality images for the diagnosis of BCS with IVC obstruction.

     

Placement of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt via the left hepatic vein under sonographic guidance in a patient with right hemihepatectomy

In a patient with refractory ascites after right hemihepatectomy TIPS was created between the left hepatic vein and the left portal vein via a transjugular approach. The puncture was guided only by sonography from the epigastrium. Portosystemic pressure gradient was reduced from 28 to 7 mm Hg and ascites disappeared. This case shows that TIPS can be created with technical and clinical success after right hemihepatectomy as left hepatic vein to left portal vein shunt under sonographic guidance.     

经颈静脉门腔分流术中Fluency覆膜支架应用的临床观察

目的 评价Fluency覆膜支架在经颈静脉门腔分流术(TIPS)中的临床效果.方法 搜集21例采用Fluency覆膜支架行TIPS治疗患者的临床病例资料进行回顾性分析.本组患者随访时间2.0～24.0个月,平均(10.1±4.6)个月;均为门静脉高压上消化道大出血,其中原发性肝癌门静脉主干癌栓伴大出血1例,布加综合征1例.分析患者术后支架开通情况,门静脉压力及肝功能变化情况.对手术前后门静脉压力及肝功能变化情况的比较采用配对t检验.结果21例患者共放支架25枚,均成功放置,支架直径10 mm 2枚、8 mm为23枚;覆膜支架长度6～8 cm.所有患者术后上消化道出血停止;门静脉压力由术前平均(25.4±3.5)mm Hg(1mm Hg=0.133 kPa)降为(15.4±2.8)mm Hg,手术前后差异有统计学意义(t=12.495,P<0.01).随访期间,1例原发性肝癌伴门静脉主干癌栓患者于术后4个月死亡,1例随访期间发现原发性肝癌的患者术后24个月死亡,1例门静脉高压上消化道大出血患者于术后2个月死于多器官功能衰竭,1例于术后15个月出现肝静脉端狭窄,行第2枚支架治疗效果良好,余17例随访7～17个月支架无狭窄.患者死亡前1周复查超声示支架均通畅.3例术后出现一过性肝性脑病前驱症状,经对症处理后好转.存活6个月以上的19例患者,术前Child肝功能评分(6.3±1.4)分,术后6个月评分(6.4±1.9)分,两者差异无统计学意义(t=0.645,P>0.05).结论采用Fluency覆膜支架行TIPS术,能明显提高TIPS术后开通率,但长期效果及肝性脑病的评价尚需验'证.     

Acute Budd-Chiari syndrome: Treatment with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

The case of a 28-year-old man with acute Budd-Chiari syndrome due to veno-occlusive disease is reported. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) was performed after upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, duplex sonographic and abdominal computed tomographic examination, inferior cavogram with hepatic venous catheterization, and transvenous biopsy. A 10-mm parenchymal tract was created. The patient did well after the procedure; ascites resolved and liver function improved markedly. The shunt has remained patent up to now for 6 months.     

观察改良TIPS在治疗门静脉高压消化道出血中的应用

目的观察改良TIPS在胃食管出血应用中的技术可行性及临床效果。 方法收集接受改良TIPS治疗的肝硬化门静脉消化道出血的患者56例。操作技术改良是在线阵血管探头引导下穿刺右颈内静脉,引入导丝并将Rups-100穿刺系统送至肝右静脉,自肝静脉向门静脉穿刺成功后,引入加强硬度导丝至肠系膜上静脉,撤出Rups-100穿刺系统,直接将8 mm×40 mm球囊经12F鞘沿加硬导丝快速通过肝静脉-肝实质-门静脉,扩张球囊并保留球囊上肝静脉和门静脉切迹图像。支架技术改良是先释放1枚8 mm×60 mm的裸支架,根据球囊切迹,再释放1枚8 mm×40 mm的覆膜支架,覆膜部分覆盖实质全程而不阻挡同侧门静脉入肝血流,其余部分伸入肝静脉内,常规用弹簧栓子和明胶海绵栓塞胃冠状静脉。测量分流前后门静脉压力变化。 结果56例均获得技术性成功,成功率为100%。分流道建立前后门静脉压力分别为（31.20±3.98）mmHg和（17.36±3.48）mmHg,平均下降幅度为（13.839±2.585）mmHg（t=40.062,P<0.001）。随访1～3年。1、2、3年分流道通畅率分别为89.3%、75.0%、67.8%;再出血率分别为7.1%、12.5%、16.1%;肝性脑病发生率为12.5%。有1例术后第2天出现腹腔感染,抗感染治疗7天后好转;有7例于术后1～3年内因分流道完全闭塞而复发再出血,分别给予了介入开通和覆膜支架植入。所有病例均未出现其他严重并发症。5例在随访期间分别死于肝衰竭、肝癌和多器官衰竭。 结论通过对支架的改良,采用模拟Viatorr支架方法能够提高TIPS分流道的中远期通畅率,降低再出血率;简化TIPS操作步骤可减少与技术操作相关的并发症。     

Percutaneous Transjugular Direct Porto-caval Shunt in Patients with Budd-Chiari Syndrome

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of direct porto-caval shunts in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) in whom there is no access to the hepatic veins during transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS). We included six consecutive patients with fulminant/acute Budd-Chiari syndrome (mean age: 35 years) in whom a conventional TIPSS was not possible due to inaccessible hepatic veins. We performed a direct porto-caval shunt via a transhepatic approach. Patients were followed up by means of clinical examination, laboratory investigations, and Doppler ultrasound. TIPSS implantation from the inferior vena cava (IVC) was successful in all six patients (100%). The median transhepatic shunt length was 9 cm (8–10 cm). No procedure-related complications were observed in our patients. Early shunt occlusion occurred in three out of six patients (50%). In all three of these patients, the stent used to stabilize the shunt ended 1–2 cm before reaching the IVC. All occlusions were successfully recanalized. One of these patients developed recurrent early shunt as well as mesenteric and splenic vein occlusions. She died 7 days after TIPSS placement due to an unmanageable coagulation disorder. The remaining five patients were followed up by planned clinical examination and laboratory investigations (mean follow-up time was 15 months; patient 1 was followed up for 13 months, patient 2 for 14 months, patient 3 for 15 months, and patients 4 and 5 for 16 months) and all displayed a complete and durable resolution of liver failure and ascites without reintervention. In patients with acute liver failure originating from BCS and inaccessible hepatic veins, a direct transhepatic porto-caval shunt can be performed safely and effectively under ultrasound guidance. Future studies in larger patient groups should investigate if the patency of transcaval TIPSS with long transhepatic shunt segments is similar compared to conventional TIPSS via the hepatic vein.     

Doppler sonography in the diagnosis of liver tumors]

The value of color duplex Doppler sonography in evaluating tumor vascularity was investigated in 82 hepatic tumors (61 hepatocellular carcinomas, 11 metastatic cancers, eight adenomatous hyperplasia, one focal nodular hyperplasia, and one cholangiocellular carcinoma) receiving angiography, 64 intrahepatic arteries, and five hepatic cysts. The minimum diameter of the intrahepatic arteries (lateral inferior subsegmental arteries) from which signals could be weakly obtained by using a 3.5 MHz transducer was 0.7 mm. Twenty-eight (74%) of 38 tumors with signals within them had definite tumor vessels on angiography, and continuous blood flow within the tumors showed an association with the dilated tumor vessels. Eighteen (69%) of 26 tumors with signals within them receiving conventional angiography had tumor vessels greater than 0.7 mm. However, only 17 (31%) of 55 tumors less than or equal to 3 cm showed signals within them in contrast to 21 (78%) of 27 tumors greater than 3 cm. Three of eight adenomatous hyperplasias, which were angiographically undetected and had portal or hepatic venous branches, showed signals within them. Four tumors that had abnormally high velocity arterial signals (greater than 0.63 m/sec) within them showed no arteriovenous shunt. Evaluation of tumor vascularity according to the Doppler sonographic findings at the periphery of the tumor was difficult. This was attributed to the fact that the real sample volume was larger than that on B-mode image, with no correlation seen between the signals at the tumor periphery or the existence of arteries surrounding the tumor and tumor vascularity. Although a correlation was seen between tumor vascularity or tumor size and peak systolic velocity determined at the tumor periphery (p less than 0.05), five of six tumors with abnormally high velocities (greater than 0.63 m/sec) at the tumor periphery were greater than or equal to 5 cm in diameter. Doppler signals of the artery feeding the arteriovenous shunt were characterized by abnormally high velocity and low resistive index. In conclusion, Doppler sonography is somewhat useful in evaluating tumor vascularity, but less so in small hepatic tumors.     

多普勒导丝评价TIPS术门腔分流道血流特点

目的应用血管内多普勒导丝测定TIPS术后门腔分流量及血流特点,提出一种新的、更可靠的检测静脉血流动力学指标的方法。方法 10例门静脉高压患者TIPS术后即刻,使用血管内多普勒导丝测定分流通道内血流速度,结合DSA技术,测出血流量;并予10例正常肝静脉血流作为对照。结果测得TIPS术后分流通道内的平均峰值流速(APV)为(18.51±7.32)cm/s,最大峰值流速(MPV)为(25.93±9.54)cm/s,分流道的直径为(0.80±0.26)cm,门腔分流量为(557.96±94.57)ml/min,并且获得血流频谱特点为波形呈单相,不随心动周期而变化。而肝静脉APV为(15.73±4.52)cm/s;MPV为(26.01±8.33)cm/s;血流量为(654.64±108.56)ml/min,血流频谱特点为波形呈三相,随心动周期而变化。结论利用血管内多普勒导丝能准确而方便地测出TIPS术后门腔分流量并用于评价其血流特点,为检测静脉血流提供了一种新的方法,具有实用性及可行性。