Gastric varices with splenic vein occlusion treated by splenic arterial embolization

A 53-year-old man was admitted to our hospital in August 1997 with enlarged gastric varices. Computed tomography (CT) showed splenic vein occlu-sion, gastric varices, and extra-gastric wall collateral veins. Color flow images of gastric varices were clearly visualized, and the velocity in the gastric varices was 19.6 cm/s via endoscopic color Doppler ultrasonography (ECDUS). The patient was diagnosed with gastric varices according to angiographic findings of splenic vein occlusion, and splenic arterial embolization was performed. Two weeks after the splenic arterial embolization, CT showed peripheral areas of low attenuation in the spleen, due to splenic infarction, with 70% of the spleen volume showing low attenuation. Eight months after the splenic arterial embolization, ECDUS revealed a decrease in gastric variceal color flow images, with the velocity in the gastric varices being 10.3 cm/s. Received: April 26, 1999 / Accepted: August 27, 1999     

Therapeutic benefits of partial splenic embolization for thrombocytopenia in hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with radiofrequency ablation

Aim: Partial splenic embolization (PSE) is a non‐surgical procedure developed to treat hypersplenism. The purpose of this study is to evaluate therapeutic benefits of PSE with follow‐up radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatment in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with thrombocytopenia. Methods: Between September 1999 and January 2007, a total of 20 patients with HCC who had a few lesions, each 3 cm or less in diameter, and liver function of Child‐Pugh class A or B were enrolled into our study. The patients were diagnosed with marked thrombocytopenia (<50 × 10³/mm³), or mild thrombocytopenia (<80 × 10³/mm³) with decreased prothrombin activity. They were treated once or twice with PSE. RFA was given as a follow‐up treatment 2 weeks after final PSE. The primary endpoint was a platelet‐count increase and improvement of prothrombin activity, and the secondary endpoint was the initiation of RFA. Results: PSE was performed successfully in 19 patients (95%). Two weeks after final PSE, platelet counts increased significantly (38 ± 14 × 10³/mm³ vs. 97 ± 43 × 10³/mm³; P < 0.0001), and prothrombin activity improved significantly (59.3 ± 19.8% vs. 65.2 ± 17.9%; P < 0.0001). No patients had major complications during the PSE procedure. The secondary endpoint was achieved in 18 of 19 patients (94.7%). The mean overall survival was 2257 days (95% confidence interval; range, 1659?2855 days). The Kaplan‐Meier cumulative survival rate was estimated to be 61.9% at 5 years. Conclusions: PSE is a safe and effective treatment for thrombocytopenia and has adjuvant therapeutic benefits for the therapy of HCC.     

Predictive factors for platelet increase after partial splenic embolization in liver cirrhosis patients

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Partial splenic embolization (PSE) is often performed for improving thrombocytopenia in cirrhotic patients. We investigated the largely unclear predictive factors for platelet increase at both 1 month and 1 year after PSE. METHODS: Aimed at increasing the platelet count, PSE was performed in 42 cirrhotic patients with thrombocytopenia (platelets < 80 x 10(4)/mL) caused by hypersplenism. The clinical data were analyzed to clarify the predictive factors for platelet increase at 1 month (n = 42) and 1 year (n = 38) after PSE. RESULTS: The mean splenic infarction ratio was 76.7% +/- 11.2%. The platelet count increased to 259% +/- 112% and 228% +/- 75% of the pretreatment values at 1 month and at 1 year after PSE, respectively. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that the infarcted splenic volume had a positive independent association with the increase in platelet count at both 1 month (P = 0.00004) and 1 year (P = 0.005) after PSE (increase in platelet count (x10(4)/mL): at 1 month = 0.752 + 0.018 x infarcted splenic volume (mL), R(2) = 0.344; at 1 year = 2.19 + 0.01 x infarcted splenic volume (mL), R(2) = 0.203). Receiver operating characteristic analysis yielded a cut-off value of 388 mL of infarcted splenic volume for achieving an increase of 5.0-8.0 x 10(4)/mL in platelet count at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: PSE can reduce the platelet pool and induce an increase in platelet count. This increase is greatly dependent on the infarcted splenic volume.     

Partial splenic embolization prior to combination therapy of interferon and ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C patients with thrombocytopenia

Aim: A low platelet count leads to dose reduction of interferon (IFN) and is associated with failure to achieve a sustained virological response (SVR) in chronic hepatitis C patients. However, partial splenic embolization (PSE) is effective for treating thrombocytopenia resulting from hypersplenism. Methods: We compared the clinical features of 10 patients receiving PSE prior to the combination therapy of IFN and ribavirin (RBV) (PSE group) with those of 10 non‐receiving PSE patients (non‐PSE group). Results: In all 10 patients, PSE was successfully performed without serious adverse events. After PSE, leukocyte, neutrophil, and platelet counts significantly increased. The period from PSE to the initiation of the combination therapy was 15 (7–21) days. In the PSE group, two of six patients (33%) infected with genotype 1, and all four patients infected with genotype 2, achieved SVR. In the non‐PSE group, only three patients infected with genotype 2 achieved SVR. Two patients in the PSE group and one in the non‐PSE group discontinued the combination therapy. Three patients of the PSE group and five of the non‐PSE group reduced the dose of pegylated IFN‐α‐2b because of thrombocytopenia. In the PSE group, platelet counts during the combination therapy fell to baseline levels; however, they did not fall to lower levels than baseline levels. In the non‐PSE group, platelet counts 1 month after the initiation of the therapy were lower than baseline levels. Conclusion: The increase of platelet counts after PSE may allow the safe use of IFN and RBV and improve the SVR rate in chronic hepatitis C patients with thrombocytopenia.     

部分脾栓塞治疗脾亢的现状

脾功能亢进(hypersplenism)是一种发生于各种原因的常见病,临床表现为脾肿大,一种或多种血细胞减少,而骨髓造血细胞相应增生,脾切除后可恢复的一组综合征。在我国主要以肝炎后肝硬化门脉高压、造血系统疾病导致脾功能亢进为主。临床上曾用脾切除术治疗内科治疗无效的脾功能亢进,但是脾切除术往往伴有机体免疫功能下降,易并发感染和出血。     

Evaluation of the effect of partial splenic embolization on platelet values for liver cirrhosis patients with thrombocytopenia

AIM： TO investigate the effect of partial splenic embolization （PSE） on platelet values in liver cirrhosis patients with thrombocytopenia and to determine the effective embolization area for platelet values improvement.
METHODS： Blood parameters and liver function indicators were measured on 10 liver cirrhosis patients （6 in Child-Pugh grade A and 4 in grade B） with thrombocytopenia （platelet values 〈 80 × 10^3/μL） before embolization. Computed tomography scan was also needed in advance to acquire the splenic baseline. After 2 to 3 d, angiography and splenic embolization were performed. A second computed tomography scan was made to confirm the embolization area after 2 to 3 wk of embolization. The blood parameters of patients were also examined biweekly during the 1 year follow-up period. RESULTS： According to the computed tomography images after partial splenic embolization, we divided all paUents into two groups： low （〈 30%）, and high （≥ 30%） embolization area groups. The platelet values were increased by 3 times compared to baseline levels after 2 wk of embolization in high embolization area group. In addition, there were significant differences in platelet values between low and high embolization area groups. GPT values decreased significantly in all patients after 2 wk of embolization. The improvement in platelet and GPT values still persisted until 1 year after PSE. In addition, 3 of 4 （75%） Child-Pugh grade B patients progressed to grade A after 2 mo of PSE. The complication rate in 〈 30% and ≥30% embolization area groups was 50% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSION： Partial splenic embolization is an effective method to improve platelet values and GPT values in liver cirrhosis patients with thrombocytopenia and the ≥ 30% embolization area is meaningful for platelet values improvement. The relationship between the complication rate and embolization area needs further studies.     

Treatment of gastric varices with partial splenic embolization in a patient with portal vein thrombosis and a myeloproliferative disorder

Therapeutic options for gastric variceal bleeding in the presence of extensive portal vein thrombosis associated with a myeloproliferative disorder are limited. We report a case of a young woman who presented with gastric variceal bleeding secondary to extensive splanchnic venous thrombosis due to a Janus kinase 2 mutation associated myeloproliferative disorder that was managed effectively with partial splenic embolization.     

内镜套扎-部分脾栓塞联合术治疗门脉高压症的临床疗效观察

探讨内镜套扎-部分脾栓塞联合术治疗门脉高压症的临床应用价值。对2 5例合并食道静脉曲张和脾功能亢进的门脉高压患者进行内镜套扎-部分脾栓塞联合术,对其术前术后外周血象、脾脏大小、门静脉、脾静脉内径的变化进行对比研究。联合术后患者食道静脉曲张得到根治,脾功能亢进明显缓解,脾脏缩小(P <0 .0 1)、门静脉、脾静脉内径缩小(P <0 . 0 1)。内镜套扎-部分脾栓塞联合术治疗门脉高压症具有简便、安全、效果显著、创伤小、并发症少等优点,是治疗肝硬化门脉高压症的一种新的途径。     

部分脾动脉栓塞术联合普萘洛尔预防肝硬化食管胃底静脉曲张再出血的疗效评价

[目的]评价部分脾动脉栓塞术(PSE)联合普萘洛尔预防食管胃底静脉曲张再出血的临床疗效。[方法]35例近期食管胃底静脉曲张破裂出血患者,被随机分为普萘洛尔组(对照组,17例)、PSE+普萘洛尔组(联合组,18例),比较2组治疗后1、3个月外周血象变化,脾脏厚度、门静脉内径、脾静脉内径变化,治疗后3、6及12个月不同时间段的再出血率,观察并发症和预后情况。[结果]与治疗前比较,联合组治疗后1、3个月外周血WBC和PLT明显升高(P0.01),治疗后3个月脾脏厚度、门静脉内径及脾静脉内径明显缩小(P0.05);治疗后3个月外周血WBC和PLT较治疗后1个月明显下降(P0.01)。与对照组比较,联合组治疗后1、3个月外周血WBC和PLT明显升高(P0.01),治疗后3个月脾脏厚度、门静脉内径及脾静脉内径明显缩小(P0.05),治疗后12个月内再出血率明显降低(P0.05)。2组均出现了相关并发症,但未发现严重的并发症,观察期间2组病死率比较差异无统计学意义。[结论]PSE联合普萘洛尔预防食管胃底静脉曲张再出血疗效较单独使用普萘洛尔更佳。     

部分脾动脉栓塞术治疗肝硬化门静脉高压症的疗效及安全性观察

[目的]探讨部分脾动脉栓塞术(PSE)治疗肝硬化门静脉高压症的临床疗效及安全性。[方法]对48例不同原因肝硬化门静脉高压患者行PSE治疗,观察术前及术后1周、1、3、6个月血常规、肝功能、脾脏厚度、脾静脉和门静脉内径、Child-Pugh分级变化及并发症情况。[结果]PSE后患者白细胞和血小板计数均明显升高(P0.01);术后1个月患者脾静脉和门静脉内径明显缩小(P0.05,P0.01),术后6个月脾脏厚度明显缩小(P0.05);术后患者凝血酶原时间缩短(P0.01),总胆红素升高(P0.01),但谷草转氨酶、谷丙转氨酶及ChildPugh分级变化PSE前、后差异无统计学意义(P0.05);PSE后并发症较多,但未发现严重的并发症。[结论]PSE治疗肝炎肝硬化门静脉高压症合并脾功能亢进安全有效。     

经皮胃冠状静脉栓塞术联合脾动脉主干截流术治疗肝硬化盗血综合征临床研究*

目的观察经皮胃冠状静脉栓塞术联合脾动脉主干截流术治疗肝硬化盗血综合征患者的疗效。方法在89例肝硬化并发脾功能亢进症伴食管胃底静脉曲张破裂出血患者中,53例接受经皮胃冠状静脉栓塞术联合脾动脉主干截流术治疗,36例行脾动脉主干截流术治疗。在术后1个月、6个月、12个月观察肝功能、血常规等指标变化及再出血和生存情况。结果术后1个月、6个月、12个月联合组再出血率分别为0.0%、5.7%和15.1%,而脾动脉主干截流术治疗患者分别为0.0%、16.7%（P<0.05）和44.4%（P<0.05）;术后两组白细胞和血小板计数均升高,但在6个月后又有所下降,两组生存患者 Child-Pugh评分无显著相差（P>0.05）。结论采用经皮胃冠状静脉栓塞术联合脾动脉主干截流术治疗肝硬化并发食管胃底静脉曲张破裂出血患者损伤小、安全性好,控制再出血作用肯定。     

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.     

脾动脉栓塞术对肝癌伴脾亢患者免疫功能的影响

目的:研究脾切除及部分脾动脉栓塞术(PSE)对肝癌伴脾亢患者免疫功能的影响.方法:前瞻性研究肝癌合并脾亢的患者69例,全部经过影像学及实验室检查证实为肝癌合并脾亢,随机分为两组,其中PSE组37例,脾切除组32例.PSE组实施肝癌介入治疗同时行PSE(双介入)治疗,脾切除组实施肝癌介入治疗同时行外科切脾.观察两组术前术后的外周血象、免疫系统指标及临床症状体征的变化.结果:在PSE组.术后测WBC、PLT,与术前比较均有显著性差异(P<0.05);术后测RBC与术前相比无显著差异(P>0.05).在脾切除组,术后测WBC、PLT,与术前比较均有显著性差异(P<0.05);术后测RBC与术前相比无显著差异(P>0.05).术前测PSE组与脾切除组的CD4+、CD4+/CD8+,两组问无显著差异,术后7 d、术后28 d测CD4+,两组间有显著差异(t=16.063,9.409、P<0.05).术后7 d、术后28 d测CD4+/CD8+,两组间有显著差异(t=2.060,2.228,P<0.05).在PSE组,术后测CD4+、CD4+/CD8+分别与术前比较,均有显著性差异(P<0.05).在脾切除组,术后测CD4+、CD4+/CD8+分别与术前比较,均无显著性差异(P>0.05).两组病例术后并发症(发热、腹痛、腹水、胸腔积液)发生率的比较均无显著性差异(P>0.05).结论:PSE与传统脾切除术相比,有操作简单、并发症少、术后细胞免疫功能改善等优点,取得了更好的临床治疗效果.     

部分脾动脉栓塞术后短期疗效观察

通过对肝炎肝硬化门静脉高压患者行部分脾动脉栓塞术（PSE）治疗,观察短期术后肝功能、血细胞计数和并发症发生情况。方法63例肝炎肝硬化患者术前行B超或（和）CT检查,常规行PSE。结果在术前,患者血清ALT、ALB和TBIL分别为（49.9±9.8） U/L、（35.6±1.6） g/L和（22.47±3.7）μmol/L,而术后8 d则分别为（24.4±3.1） U/L、（33.7±1.7） g/L和（30.2±4.4）μmol/L,均变化显著（P〈0.05）;术前WBC、RBC和PLT分别为（2.36±1.24）×10^9/L、（3.62±0.51）×10^12/L和（45.3±20.2）×10^9/L,术后8 d则分别为（6.32±2.16）×10^9/L、（3.66±0.47）×10^12/L和（154.2±161.2）×10^9/L,白细胞和血小板升高显著（P〈0.05）;所有患者在术后均出现不同程度的发热、脾区疼痛。结论 PSE虽可减轻肝硬化脾功能亢进症患者血细胞减少,但术后短期内黄疸加深,须要加强保肝和退黄治疗。     

Assessment of splenic and RES function of patients with thalassemia major long after partial splenic embolization: in vivo clearance study

The activity of the remaining reticuloendothelial system (RES) and the function of the splenic remnants was estimated in 5 thalassemic patients who had undergone successful partial splenic embolization (PSE) 6 yr previously. The kinetics of 125I-heat-denatured human albumin as well as that of 51Cr-heat-damaged homologous red blood cells were applied for this purpose and the parameters derived were compared to those of nonsplenectomized as well as splenectomized thalassemics with the following results: (a) The parameters of splenic function in embolized thalassemics were found to be within the limits observed in nonsplenectomized patients. (b) Their maximum phagocytic capacity was significantly lower, not only than that found in nonsplenectomized, but also than in thalassemic patients splenectomized at about the same time. It is concluded that, 6 yr after PSE has been performed, a reorientation of the altered circulatory dynamics has taken place in the splenic remnants allowing previously blockaded areas to gain normal function. It therefore seems that, despite the continuing hemolytic stimulus, RES hyperplasia is prevented, resulting in the stable, low-level transfusion requirements that have been observed in embolized thalassemics.     

部分脾动脉栓塞治疗慢性胰腺炎相关脾静脉血栓致区域性门静脉高压1例报告

区域性门静脉高压为门静脉某一分支障碍,导致血流异常及侧枝循环开放的临床较少见的疾病,据报道有多达37种原因可导致该类疾病,其中脾静脉血栓是最常见原因之一［1］。而胰腺炎是导致脾静脉血栓的主要原因之一［2］。早在1920年报道了第1例胰腺炎相关脾静脉血栓形成导致的区域性门静脉高压患者,如不及时诊治,患者会出现难治性胃底静脉曲张及出血。本文将报告因反复胰腺疾病所致脾静脉血栓形成,导致脾静脉部分堵塞,引发难治性胃底静脉曲张经部分脾动脉栓塞治疗患者1例。     

Clinical and endoscopic features of gastric varices secondary to splenic vein occlusion

Aim: This study provides a retrospective evaluation of cases with gastric varices secondary to splenic vein occlusion. Methods: Our study group consisted of 14 patients. The clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods and therapeutic modalities were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Eleven patients had co‐existing pancreatic diseases: seven with chronic pancreatitis, three with cancer of the pancreatic body or tail and one with severe acute pancreatitis. Among the three remaining patients, one had advanced left renal cancer, one had myeloproliferative disease and the third had splenic vein occlusion due to an obscure cause. A diagnosis of gastric varices was made following endoscope gastroduodenoscopy or endoscopic color Doppler ultrasonography (ECDUS), and splenic vein occlusions were diagnosed from enhanced computed tomography in all cases. Specific findings of gastric varices secondary to splenic vein occlusion were based on ECDUS color flow images of gastric variceal flow that clearly depicted round cardiac and fundal regions at the center, with varices expanding to the curvatura ventriculi major of the gastric body. For three cases with gastric variceal bleeding, endoscopic injection sclerotherapy using a mixture of histoacryl and lipiodol (70% histoacryl solution) was performed, after which no further bleeding from gastric varices was detected. Due to a high risk of gastric variceal rupture, splenectomy was performed in two cases and splenic arterial embolization in another two cases. Conclusion: ECDUS color flow images of gastric variceal flow depicted specific findings of gastric varices secondary to splenic vein occlusion. Treatment should take into account the diseases underlying these conditions.     

Outcomes of partial splenic embolization in patients with massive splenomegaly due to idiopathic portal hypertension

AIM To determine the outcomes of partial splenic em-bolization(PSE) for massive splenomegaly due to idiopathic portal hypertension(IPH).METHODS In this prospective study, we evaluated the charac-teristics and prognosis of consecutive patients with IPH who underwent PSE for all indications at a single medical center between June 2009 and January 2015. The inclusion criteria were: presence of hypersplenism, massive splenomegaly, and resultant pancytopenia. The exclusion criteria were: presence of other diseases causing portal hypertension. During the post-PSE period, the patients were hospitalized. All patients underwent abdominal computed tomography imaging 4 wk post-PSE to determine total splenic and non-infarcted splenic volumes.RESULTS A total of 11 patients, with median age of 33.27 ± 4.8 years, were included in the study. Mean spleen size was 22.9 cm(21-28 cm), and severe hypersplenismwas diagnosed in all patients before PSE. Post-PSE, leukocyte and platelet counts increased significantly, reaching peak levels in the second week with gradual decreases thereafter. Liver function tests did not exhibit significant changes during post-intervention follow-up. All patients developed post-embolization syndrome, and one patient experienced serious complications; all complications were successfully treated with conservative therapy and no death occurred. CONCLUSION Our findings showed that PSE has a lower complication rate than previously-reported surgical complication rates, which supports this intervention as a viable alternative for high-risk operable patients with severe hypersplenism.     

失代偿期乙型肝炎肝硬化患者行脾切除术与脾动脉部分栓塞术治疗疗效观察

目的观察失代偿期乙型肝炎肝硬化患者行脾切除术或脾动脉部分栓塞术的疗效。方法选择我院2010年2月~2013年2月收治的采用脾切除术治疗的失代偿期乙型肝炎肝硬化患者50例和采用脾动脉部分栓塞术治疗的失代偿期乙型肝炎肝硬化患者28例。另选择我院同期收治入院的采用常规保守治疗的患者30例作为对照组。结果随访3组患者治疗后1年,对照组外周血白细胞和血小板计数分别为（3.3±0.6）×10⁹/L和（56.3±5.8）×10⁹/L,显著低于脾切除组（6.2±0.6）×10⁹/L和（126.5±12.7）×10⁹/L（P<0.05）,或脾动脉栓塞组（7.2±0.8）×10⁹/L和（112.8±10.6）×10⁹/L（P<0.05）;对照组CD₄、CD₄/CD₈比值和白蛋白分别为（32.5±3.5） %、（1.1±0.2）和（24.9±3.8） g/L,显著低于脾切除组（41.8±4.2）%、（1.9±0.2）和（29.1±3.7） g/L（P<0.05）,或脾动脉栓塞组（41.6±4.9）%、（1.7±0.2）和（28.2±4.0） g/L（P<0.05）,而CD₈、TBIL、ALT、PT分别为（32.3±4.7） %、（42.7±21.5） μmol/L、（67±35） IU/L、（24.8±3.4） s,显著高于脾切除组（22.7±3.4）%、（29.2±12.4） μmol/L、（40±26） IU/L、（16.2±3.4）s（P<0.05）,或脾动脉栓塞组（23.0±3.6） %、（35.2±13.4） μmol/L、（56±20） IU/L、（16.5±2.9）s（P<0.05）;对照组膈下感染、肺部感染、肺不张、脾静脉炎、上消化道出血发生率分别为43.3%、56.7%、26.7%、20.0%、23.3%,显著高于脾切除组的12.0%、14.0%、6.0%、4.0%、8.0%（P<0.05）,或脾动脉栓塞组的10.7%、14.3%、3.6%、3.6%、7.1%（P<0.05）。结论脾切除术或脾动脉部分栓塞术后,患者肝功能稳定,不同程度地减少了感染和上消化道出血的发生率。