Effects of TIPS on liver perfusion measured by dynamic CT

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to measure the arterial, portal venous, and total perfusion of the liver parenchyma with dynamic, single-section CT in patients with liver cirrhosis before and after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement and to compare the results with normal values. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Perfusion of the liver parenchyma was measured in 24 healthy volunteers and 41 patients with liver cirrhosis using dynamic single-section CT. Seventeen patients underwent TIPS placement, and CT measurements were repeated within 7 days. CT scans were obtained at a single level comprising the liver, spleen, aorta, and portal vein. Scans were obtained over a period of 88 sec (one baseline scan followed by 16 scans every 2 sec and eight scans every 7 sec) beginning with the injection of a contrast agent bolus (40 mL at 10 mL/sec). Parenchymal and vascular contrast enhancement was measured with regions of interest, and time-density curves were obtained. These data were processed with a pharmaco-dynamic fitting program (TopFit), and the arterial and portal venous component and the total perfusion of the hepatic parenchyma were calculated (milliliters of perfusion per minute per 100 mL of tissue). RESULTS: Mean normal values for hepatic arterial, portal venous, and total perfusion were 20, 102, and 122 mL/min per 100 mL, respectively. In patients with cirrhosis before TIPS, mean hepatic arterial, portal venous, and total perfusion was 28, 63, and 91 mL/min per 100 mL, respectively, which was statistically significant for all values (p <0.05). After TIPS, hepatic perfusion increased to a mean value of 48, 65, 113 mL/min per 100 mL for arterial (p <0.01), portal venous, and total (p=0.011) perfusion, respectively. CONCLUSION: In patients with cirrhosis, the hepatic arterial perfusion increased, whereas portal venous and total perfusion decreased compared with that of healthy volunteers. TIPS placement caused a statistically significant increase of the hepatic arterial and total hepatic perfusion. The portal venous parenchymal perfusion remained unchanged.     

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.     

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.     

Changes in the distribution of hepatic arterial blood flow following TIPS with uncovered stent and stent-graft: an experimental study

Purpose: To evaluate changes in distribution of hepatic arterial blood flow in the liver following insertion of an uncovered stent and subsequently a stent-graft in the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) channel. Methods: The experiments were performed in eight healthy pigs under general anesthesia. In a pilot study in one pig, scintigraphic evaluation of arterial perfusion to the liver was done before and after inflation of a balloon in the right hepatic vein. In the other pigs, outflow from the right liver vein was checked repeatedly by contrast injection through a percutaneously inserted catheter. The arterial perfusion through the liver was examined by scintigraphy, following selective injection of macro-aggregate of 99Tc m-labeled human serum albumin 99Tc m-HSA) into the hepatic artery. This examination was done before and after creation of a TIPS with an uncovered stent and subsequently after insertion of a covered stent-graft into the cranial portion of the shunt channel. Results: In the pilot study changes in the arterial perfusion to the liver were easily detectable by scintigraphy. One pig died during the procedure and another pig was excluded due to dislodgement of the hepatic artery catheter. The inserted covered stent obstructed venous outflow from part of the right liver lobe. The 99Tc m-HSA activity in this part remained unchanged after TIPS creation with an uncovered stent. A reduction in activity was seen after insertion of a stent-graft (p= 0.06). Conclusion: The distribution of the hepatic arterial blood flow is affected by creation of a TIPS with a stent-graft, in the experimental pig model.     

Viatorr支架行TIPS术治疗门静脉高压性静脉曲张消化道出血效果评估

目的评价应用Viatorr支架行经颈静脉肝内门体分流术(TIPS)术治疗门静脉高压性静脉曲张消化道出血的可行性、安全性和临床效果。方法回顾性分析2015年10月至2018年11月收治的42例肝硬化门静脉高压性静脉曲张消化道出血患者临床资料,所有患者符合TIPS治疗指征,均接受Viatorr支架行TIPS术治疗。术中检测门静脉压力梯度(PPG)。术后1、3、6、12个月,之后每年随访超声或增强CT检查,评价分流道通畅情况,并通过电子病历、临床或电话随访患者肝功能、凝血4项、再出血、肝性脑病发生和生存时间。配对t检验分析术前、术后PPG、总胆红素、血清白蛋白和凝血酶原时间变化,Kaplan-Meier法分析分流道通畅率和生存率。结果 42例均成功施行TIPS术,技术成功率为100%。共植入直径8 mm Viatorr支架42枚。PPG均值由术前(26.85±6.00) mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)降低为(11.62±4.54) mmHg(t=11.359,P<0.05),平均降低(55.63±16.77)%。与术前相比,术后3 d总胆红素浓度升高(P<0.05),血清白蛋白降低(P<0.05),凝血酶原时间延长(P<0.05)。术后1个月总胆红素、血清白蛋白和凝血酶原时间与术前水平差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术后中位随访14.5(2~39)个月,再出血发生率为9.5%(4/42),其中1例接受分流道再通;肝性脑病发生率为19.1%(8/42)。术后1、2、3年分流道通畅率分别为91.9%、83.9%、77.4%,生存率分别为94.7%、89.4%、82.0%。肝硬化相关死亡率为9.5%(4/42),均于术后2~30个月死于终末期肝病伴多脏器功能衰竭。结论 Viatorr支架行TIPS术治疗肝硬化门静脉高压性静脉曲张消化道出血具有较高的技术成功率,术后分流道通畅率高,肝性脑病发生率低。     

Abnormal portal venous flow at sonography predicts reduced survival after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation

PURPOSE: To determine if ultrasound (US) findings of abnormal portal venous flow (APVF) before transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation are predictive of increased mortality risk after TIPS creation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 141 patients with US before TIPS creation was performed. APVF was defined by (i) bidirectional flow, (ii) thrombus, and/or (iii) reversed flow. Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores were calculated. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank tests were used to detect survival differences based on the presence of APVF. Multivariate analysis included APVF, MELD, Child-Pugh class, International Normalized Ratio, creatinine level, total bilirubin level, ascites, hepatocellular carcinoma, low serum sodium level, congestive heart failure, and myocardial infarction. RESULTS: Twenty-six percent of patients (36 of 141) exhibited APVF on US before TIPS creation. Patients with APVF had lower survival rates at 3 and 6 months after TIPS procedures in comparison with patients with normal portal flow (P = .02 at 3 months and P = .04 at 6 months). In patients with MELD scores lower than 18, there was decreased survival based on APVF at 1, 3, and 6 months (P = .04, P = .02, and P = .04, respectively). In patients with MELD scores of 18 or greater, there was a trend for lower survival rates with APVF, but it did not reach statistical significance. Multivariate analysis of patients with MELD scores lower than 18 demonstrated only APVF and low serum sodium levels as independent predictors of outcome, with APVF resulting in a greater than six-fold increased likelihood of mortality. CONCLUSION: US findings of APVF before TIPS creation are associated with increased mortality risk and may be useful in identifying patients otherwise considered safe candidates based on MELD score alone.     

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.     

Changes in cerebral blood flow after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt can help predict the development of hepatic encephalopathy: An arterial spin labeling MR study

Background and purpose

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) changes after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) are still unclear. Our aim is to assess the TIPS-induced CBF changes and their potential clinical significance using the arterial spin labeling (ASL) perfusion magnetic resonance imaging.

Materials and methods

Nine cirrhotic patients underwent ASL 1–8 days before and 4–7 days after TIPS. CBF was calculated at each voxel and mean CBF values were computed in the whole brain, gray matter and white matter. Changes of CBFs before and after TIPS were compared by paired t-test.

Results

Voxel-wise results showed CBF diffusely increased in patients after TIPS, but no region with significant decrease in CBF was found, nor was any significant mean CBF difference detected in the whole brain, gray matter and white matter. Six patients out of nine showed a global CBF increase of 9–39%; one patient presented a global CBF decrease of 6%; another two showed a global CBF decrease of 16% and 31% respectively. Follow-up studies showed that the two patients with greatly decreased global CBF suffered from multiple episodes of overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) after TIPS and one died of OHE.

Conclusions

CBF derived from noninvasive ASL MRI could be used as a useful biomarker to predict the development of OHE through consecutively tracking CBF changes in patients with inserted TIPS. Increased CBFs in many cortical regions could be common effects of the TIPS procedure, while decreased global CBF following TIPS might indicate the development of OHE.     

Renal perfusion in chronic liver diseases: evaluation by radiotechnetium renography

Twenty-four patients with chronic liver diseases and seven normal controls were studied using renal and hepatic radiotechnetium angiography. The time-activity histograms generated were employed to calculate both the renal perfusion index (RPI) and the hepatic perfusion index (HPI). Renal perfusion proved to be reduced not only in cirrhotic patients but also in patients with aggressive chronic hepatitis, as well as in those with persistent chronic hepatitis. The HPI, which is to be considered as being strictly dependent on portal flow, only fell significantly in the group of cirrhotic patients. In all patients groups, the correlation coefficient between the HPI and RPI (mean of the two kidneys) was low (r = 0.275) and not significant (P greater than 0.05). After Warren's splenorenal derivation, renal perfusion did not improve but worsened, particularly in the left kidney where derivation anastomosis probably caused a venous overload.     

CT perfusion of the liver during selective hepatic arteriography: pure arterial blood perfusion of liver tumor and parenchyma

PURPOSE: To quantify pure arterial blood perfusion of liver tumor and parenchyma by using CT perfusion during selective hepatic arteriography. METHODS: A total of 44 patients underwent liver CT perfusion study by injection of contrast medium via the hepatic artery. CT-perfusion parameters including arterial blood flow, arterial blood volume, and arterial mean transit time in the liver parenchyma and liver tumor were calculated using the deconvolution method. The CT-perfusion parameters and vascularity of the tumor were compared. RESULTS: A complete analysis could be performed in 36 of the 44 patients. For liver tumor and liver parenchyma, respectively, arterial blood flow was 184.6 +/- 132.7 and 41.0 +/- 27.0 ml/min/ 100 g, arterial blood volume was 19.4 +/- 14.6 and 4.8 +/- 4.2 ml/100 g, and arterial mean transit time was 8.9 +/- 4.2 and 10.2 +/- 5.3 sec. Arterial blood flow and arterial blood volume correlated significantly with the vascularity of the tumor; however no correlation was detected between arterial mean transit time and the vascularity of the tumor. CONCLUSION: This technique could be used to quantify pure hepatic arterial blood perfusion.     

肝硬化基础上肝癌肝血流变化功能CT灌注成像研究

目的对正常肝实质、肝硬化和肝硬化基础上肝癌患者的64层螺旋CT灌注成像进行分析,评价多层螺旋CT灌注成像对肝硬化基础上肝癌肝血流变化的诊断价值。资料与方法无肝脏疾病的30例作为对照组。实验组包括49例肝硬化疾病患者,其中27例确诊为原发性肝癌(HCC)。所有研究对象知情同意后,选择癌灶中心层面或肝门层面行CT灌注扫描,采用低剂量扫描:120 kV,60 mA,扫描范围为40 mm。以4～5 ml/s流率,按照1.0ml/kg体重用量静脉团注对比剂。在注入对比剂5 s后行50 s连续的扫描,360°旋转/s,5 mm层厚进行图像重组,矩阵大小512×512像素。利用去卷积数学模型获得与肝血流变化相关的灌注参数值:肝血流量(HBF),肝血容量(HBV),肝动脉灌注分数(HAF),肝动脉灌注量(HAP),门静脉灌注量(HPP)。对不同的感兴趣区进行三次灌注参数测量后取平均值进行灌注结果分析。感兴趣区包括:对照组的正常肝实质、癌灶边缘区、癌灶周围的肝实质和无癌灶的肝硬化肝实质。结果与对照组灌注参数比较,癌周围肝实质的HBF、HAP、HPP、HBV及癌灶边缘区的HBF、HAP、HPP有统计学差异(P<0.05)。与对照组相对应灌注参数比较,癌周的HAP、HPP及对照组的HBF、HAP、HPP有统计学差异(P<0.05)。与癌边缘区HAF对比,癌灶周围肝实质、对照组和无癌灶的肝硬化组均有统计学差异(P<0.05)。对照组和无癌灶的肝硬化组间灌注参数无明显差异(P>0.05)。结论 CT灌注成像能很好地反映肝硬化基础上肝癌的肝血流变化信息,为肝血流动力学变化的影像研究提供新的方法。     

Prevention of hepatic infarction as acute-phase complication of TIPS by temporary balloon occlusion in a patient with primary myelofibrosis

Severe acute liver dysfunction occurred following transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation in a patient with massive ascites due to portal hypertension associated with primary myelofibrosis. On US and TIPS venography, we considered that the acute liver ischemia was induced by TIPS. To avoid diffuse hepatic infarction and irreversible liver damage, a balloon catheter was inserted transjugularly into the TIPS tract and occluded it to increase portal venous flow toward the peripheral liver parenchyma. The laboratory data indicating hepatic dysfunction were improved after the procedure. We should pay attention to the possible occurrence of acute hepatic ischemia and infarction after TIPS creation even in a case of noncirrhotic portal hypertension. In such cases, temporary balloon occlusion of TIPS is an effective therapeutic method, probably as a result of inducing the development of arterial compensation through the peribiliary plexus.     

Renal perfusion in chronic liver diseases: Evaluation by radiotechnetium renography

Twenty-four patients with chronic liver diseases and seven normal controls were studied using renal and hepatic radiotechnetium angiography. The time-activity histograms generated were employed to calculate both the renal perfusion index (RPI) and the hepatic perfusion index (HPI). Renal perfusion proved to be reduced not only in cirrhotic patients but also in patients with aggressive chronic hepatitis, as well as in those with persistent chronic hepatitis. The HPI, which is to be considered as being strictly dependent on portal flow, only fell significantly in the group of cirrhotic patients. In all patient groups, the correlation coefficient between the HPI and RPI (mean of the two kidneys) was low (r=0.275) and not significant (P>0.05). After Warren's splenorenal derivation, renal perfusion did not improve but worsened, particularly in the left kidney where derivation anastomosis probably caused a venous overload.     

Elective Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Using Viatorr Stent-Grafts: A Single-Center Experience from China

Background and Aims:Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a well-established approach for the management of variceal bleeding, refractory ascites, hepatic hydrothorax, and preoperative treatment of portal hypertension prior to major abdominal surgery in patients with compensated cirrhosis, and so on. This study aimed to investigate the safety and long-term efficacy of TIPS implantation using Viatorr TIPS stent-grafts.Material and Methods:A cohort of 59 patients undergoing TIPS placement using Viatorr TIPS stent-grafts were included, and the periprocedural events, and long-term mortality, shunt dysfunction, variceal rebleeding and incidence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) were analyzed.Results:The technical success rate was 100%. The median portosystemic pressure gradient was reduced from 21 mmHg (interquatile range: 19–25) to 13 mmHg (interquatile range: 10–16) before and after TIPS, leading to a hemodynamic success rate of 72.9%. The cumulative rate of overall mortality was 34.2% at five years, and direct bilirubin (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.336, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.050–1.700, P = 0.018) and post-TIPS right atrial pressure (HR = 1.238, 95% CI: 1.015–1.510, P = 0.035) were independent predictors for mortality. The cumulative rates of shunt dysfunction and variceal rebleeding were 11.0% and 28.3% at five years, respectively, and portal venous pressure gradient (HR = 2.572, 95% CI: 1.094–6.047, P = 0.030) was the only independent predictor for shunt dysfunction. The cumulative four-year HE-free rate was 48.6%. No severe adverse event was noted during TIPS procedures.Conclusion:Elective TIPS implantation using Viatorr TIPS stent-grafts is generally safe, and the long-term efficacy is favorable for the treatment of cirrhotic patients with recurrent variceal bleeding or refractory ascites.     

Alterations in hepatic perfusion resulting from splanchnic venous luminal compromise caused by pancreatic carcinoma

OBJECTIVE: We determined whether alterations in hepatic enhancement exist on dual phase helical CT of the liver in patients with splanchnic venous luminal compromise resulting from pancreatic adenocarcinoma. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We examined the extent of hepatic enhancement on dual phase helical CT in 22 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Eleven patients had splanchnic venous luminal narrowing (flattening along at least 120 degrees of the circumference) of the superior mesenteric vein with (n = 3) or without (n = 8) portal vein involvement caused by tumor. In the remaining patients, splanchnic vasculature appeared normal. An additional 16 patients without pancreatic or hepatic abnormality who underwent dual phase helical CT served as control subjects. We compared the extent of arterial phase and portal venous phase enhancement among the three groups. RESULTS: The group of patients with splanchnic venous luminal compromise had significantly higher hepatic enhancement during the arterial phase (p < 0.01) and lower enhancement during the portal venous phase (p < 0.05) compared with the other two groups of patients. No significant difference in hepatic enhancement during either phase was noted between the control subjects and the patients with normal vasculature. CONCLUSION: Because hepatic enhancement correlates with perfusion, splanchnic venous luminal compromise resulting from pancreatic adenocarcinoma likely causes decreased portal venous flow and compensatory increased hepatic arterial flow. This finding supports other evidence of a homeostatic mechanism that maintains hepatic perfusion.     

Arterial perfusion abnormalities of the liver after hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy and their correlation with changes in the metastases: evaluation with CT and angiography

We studied the progress of hepatic arterial perfusion abnormalities in 50 patients receiving long-term arterial infusion chemotherapy for palliative treatment of liver metastases from colorectal cancers and correlated the findings with changes in the metastases. Intraarterially and IV enhanced CT scans and digital subtraction angiograms of the liver were made in all patients before chemotherapy and at 3-month intervals during chemotherapy for 1 year. Before the chemotherapy, all patients had normal hepatic arterial perfusion. Arterial perfusion abnormalities were detected in 30 patients (60%) after 6 months of chemotherapy and in 41 patients (82%) after chemotherapy for 1 year. After 6 months of chemotherapy, 36% of the regressive and 39% of the progressive metastases were located in areas with arterial perfusion abnormalities. After 1 year of chemotherapy, 54% of the regressive and 60% of the progressive metastases were situated in portions of the liver with perfusion abnormalities. Hepatic arterial perfusion abnormalities were found to be progressive during intraarterial infusion chemotherapy. No relationship between arterial perfusion abnormalities and tumor response to chemotherapy could be detected.     

经颈静脉肝内门体分流术治疗顽固性腹水

目的　探讨经颈静脉肝内门体分流术 (TIPS)治疗肝硬化顽固性腹水的效果及其影响因素分析。方法　 2 1例患者TIPS术后随访 5 0～ 132 3d(中位时间 337d) ,观察腹水 (腹围 )、临床血清学指标、支架通畅性、随访时间、生存率等。结果　在 1年的各个随访间期内 ,患者的腹水与术前比较均有明显改善 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,术后 3～ 6个月的完全有效率为 81% ,9～ 12个月的完全有效率为 91% ,单因素Logistic回归分析结果为肝硬化肝功能ChildC级与术后 3个月腹水疗效相关 (P <0 .0 5 ) ;TIPS术后血清钠 (Na )、肌酐 (Cr)与术前基线相比较 ,差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 5 )。患者 3、6个月病死率分别为14 %、2 0 % ,1年生存率为 72 % ;单因素COX回归分析显示年龄、肝功能Child分级、血清白蛋白、肝性脑病、血清总胆红素与术后预后相关 ;多因素COX回归仅显示肝性脑病、Child分级与预后相关。结论　TIPS是治疗顽固性腹水的有效方法 ;术前自身的肝功能情况决定腹水的疗效 ,而TIPS对于肝功能相对较好伴有肾功能衰竭的患者仍有效。     

Repeated transcatheter arterial chemoembolization is safe for hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic patients with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

PURPOSE

We aimed to investigate the safety and long-term outcomes of repeated transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in cirrhotic patients with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS).

METHODS

Data of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, who had previous TIPS implantation and received TACE between January 2010 and December 2012, were reviewed retrospectively. The primary outcome measure was liver function, which was represented by model for end-stage liver disease score, Child-Pugh-Turcotte score, serum total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase. Changes in liver function before and after the initial TACE procedure and hepatobiliary severe adverse events (SAEs) were compared. Liver function following the initial TACE session was compared with that obtained in later TACE sessions. The secondary outcome measures were tumor response to multiple TACE sessions and survival.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients underwent at least two TACE sessions, while nine patients underwent at least three sessions during the follow-up period. There was no statistically significant difference between the liver function tests performed before and one-month after the TACE procedure. Grade 3 or 4 SAEs occurred in six (31.6 %) patients within one month. The one, two-, and three-year survival rates were 88%, 53%, and 32%, respectively. Tumor response of multiple TACE sessions was the only predictive risk factor of mortality (OR=4.40; P = 0.030; 95% CI, 1.15–16.85).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that repeated TACE is safe in selected patients with TIPS.Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is an established method for the management of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (1). Since HCC is likely to develop in individuals with uncompensated liver cirrhosis, TACE may be required in patients with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). The safety profile of TACE in patients with TIPS remains unclear. Theoretically, TACE can further reduce liver perfusion, thereby potentially increasing the risk of liver deterioration (2, 3). Previous studies have investigated the safety of TACE in cirrhotic patients with TIPS, and the results have shown that TACE may be beneficial in patients with adequate liver function (4–9). However, these studies only investigated the patients’ adverse events after a single TACE procedure, and thus they cannot reflect the dynamic changes of liver function from multiple sessions of TACE over time. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and long-term outcomes of repeated TACE in cirrhotic patients with TIPS.     

Spontaneous intermittent reversal of blood flow in intrahepatic portal vein branches in cirrhosis of the liver

The intrahepatic portal venous flow in cirrhosis of the liver was evaluated by percutaneous transhepatic portography and hepatic arteriography. Spontaneous reversal of flow in segmental portal vein branches was documented. Changes in hepatic arterial inflow and portal venous pressure may result in intermittent changes in the direction of flow in segmental portal venous branches within the cirrhotic liver. Segmental reversal of blood flow seems to be the precursor of total hepatofugal portal flow.     

Predictors of early mortality after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation for the treatment of refractory ascites

PURPOSE: Currently there is no consensus regarding a target portosystemic gradient (PSG) after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation for the treatment of refractory ascites. The goal of this study was to examine whether the PSG after TIPS creation is predictive of subsequent mortality risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 99 patients who underwent successful TIPS creation for refractory ascites between January 1997 and December 2004 was performed. Follow-up consisted of clinic and emergency department visits, hospital admissions, and radiology studies (mean, 7 months). Comparison of baseline patient characteristics was performed between survivors and patients who died. Survival rates were calculated with use of the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log-rank test based on Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores and PSGs before and after TIPS creation. Univariate and multivariate analysis of potential predictors of mortality was performed with Cox proportional-hazards analysis. RESULTS: Sixteen patients died during follow-up (mean, 1.9 months after TIPS creation). The patients who died had significantly higher MELD scores before TIPS creation than did survivors (P = .04) and significantly lower PSGs before and after TIPS creation (P = .02 and P = .03, respectively). Survival rates were significantly lower for patients with higher MELD scores (P = .01) and lower PSGs before TIPS creation (P = .01) and after TIPS creation (P = .01). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that Child class C cirrhosis, MELD score greater than 25, and PSG less than 8 mm Hg after TIPS creation were the most significant predictors of mortality (increased likelihood by factors of 4, 5, and 3, respectively). CONCLUSION: Excessive reduction of the PSG along with severe liver dysfunction is associated with an increased risk of mortality after TIPS creation in patients presenting with refractory ascites.