ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of transcatheter super-selective hepatic artery embolization (TAE) in treating symptomatic polycystic liver disease (PLD). Methods A total of 8 patients with PLD, who were admitted to authors’ hospital during the period from 2009 to 2013 to receive TAE, were enrolled in this study. The patients included 6 females and 2 males with a mean age of 59.5 years (54-65 years). The used embolic agents were polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) microspheres and micro spring coils. Both plain and contrast-enhanced CT scans of the upper abdomen were performed before TAE as well as at 12 months after TAE; the total volume of the hepatic cysts was measured and the changes of the cystic volume were determined. Statistical analysis was conducted using paired t test. Results The technical success rate was 100%. After TAE, the patients developed fever and different degrees of discomfort at liver area, which were disappeared after active symptomatic medication, and no serious complications occurred. The patients were followed up for 12 months , the mean total volume of the intrahepatic cysts decreased from preoperative (5 794±2 066) cm3 (range 3 120-8 935 cm3) to postoperative (3 832±1 525) cm3 (range 2 019-5 925 cm3), the difference was statistically significant (t=6.971, P<0.001). The reduction ratio of total volume of intrahepatic cysts was 34.6%±11.3%(24.3%-60.4%). Conclusion For symptomatic polycystic liver disease, transcatheter super-selective hepatic arterial embolization is a newly-developed treatment. This technique is safe and effective with reliable response and fewer complications. Therefore, it should be recommended in clinical practice.