O índice esplênico como preditor de sangramento e recidiva varicosa no seguimento tardio de paciente esquistossomóticos após tratamento endoscópico exclusivo / The splenic index as predictor of bleeding and variceal recurrence in the late follow-up of schistosomotic patients after exclusive endoscopic treatment

RESUMO - RACIONAL: O tratamento endoscópico das varizes esofágicas tem sido utilizado como principal intervenção em pacientes com hipertensão portal secundária à esquistossomose, mas com taxas significativas de recorrência de varizes esofágicas e ressangramento. Os resultados em longo prazo do tratamento endoscópico exclusivo são pouco estudados quanto à relação das dimensões esplênicas neste contexto. OBJETIVO: Avaliar, por meio da ultrassonografia, o índice esplênico e a dimensão longitudinal (craniocaudal) do baço como preditores de ressangramento e recorrência de varizes no seguimento tardio de pacientes esquistossomóticos não operados, após erradicação endoscópica das varizes esofágicas. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional retrospectivo por meio da análise de prontuários de pacientes com diagnóstico de esquistossomose hepatoesplênica. A curva ROC foi usada para determinar o melhor ponto de corte para o índice esplênico médio como preditor de recorrência e sangramento. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 54 pacientes, durante o período de 2002 a 2018. O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 8 anos. O índice esplênico provou ser um teste sensível em valores acima de 144 como preditor de ressangramento. Na análise da dimensão longitudinal, o valor acima de 20 cm apresentou teste estatisticamente significativo para recorrência de varizes e valor acima de 19 cm apresentou-se como teste muito sensível e estatisticamente significativo para ressangramento. CONCLUSÃO: A análise do índice esplênico e da dimensão craniocaudal, obtidos por ultrassonografia, podem predizer recorrência de varizes e ressangramento após erradicação endoscópica exclusiva.

ABSTRACT - BACKGROUND: Endoscopic treatment for esophageal variceal has been used as the main intervention in patients with portal hypertension secondary to schistosomiasis, but with significant rates of recurrence of esophageal variceal and rebleeding. The long-term results of exclusive endoscopic treatment are poorly studied as the relationship of the splenic dimensions in this context. AIM: The aim of this study was to identify, through ultrasonography, whether the splenic index and the longitudinal (craniocaudal) dimension of the spleen are the predictors of rebleeding and variceal recurrence in late follow-up of patients with nonoperated schistosomiasis, after endoscopic eradication of esophageal variceal. METHODS: This is a retrospective and observational study analyzing the medical records of patients diagnosed with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the best cutoff point for the mean splenic index as a predictor of recurrence and bleeding. Results: A follow-up of 54 patients were analyzed during the period from 2002 to 2018. The mean follow-up time was 8 years. The splenic index with value >144 was proved to be a sensitive test for rebleeding. In the analysis of the longitudinal dimension, the spleen length of >20 cm showed a statistically significant test for recurrence of variceal and a length >19 cm presented as a very sensitive and statistically significant test for rebleeding. CONCLUSION: Splenic index and craniocaudal dimension analysis, obtained by ultrasonography, can predict recurrence of varicose veins and rebleeding after exclusive endoscopic treatment.

Transesplenic access in the treatment of varicose gastrointestinal bleeding. Case and technical report / Uso do acesso transesplênico no tratamento do sangramento gastrointestinal varicoso. Relato de caso e técnica

ABSTRACT Varicose gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic liver disease. Endoscopic treatment is the first therapeutic line for these patients, however, for those whom this therapeutic modality fail, a broad knowledge of alternative treatment options may improve the prognosis. We describe a case of a patient who were successfully embolized from gastroesophageal varices via transsplenic access.

RESUMO O sangramento gastrointestinal varicoso está entre as maiores causas de morbimortalidade nos paciente com doença hepática crônica. O tratamento endoscópico é a primeira linha terapêutica neste pacientes, porém naqueles que apresentam falha nesta modalidade terapêutica, o amplo conhecimento de opções alternativas de tratamento pode melhorar o prognóstico. Descrevemos um caso de paciente submetido à embolização com sucesso de varizes gastresofágicas por acesso transesplênico.

Avaliação clínica e endoscópica em pacientes com sintomas gastroesofágicos / Clinical and endoscopic evaluation in patients with gastroesophageal symptoms

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common esophageal disease in medical practice, and it is suspected according to patients' symptoms. GERD can be classified in erosive esophagitis (EE) according to the presence of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate endoscopic findings in patients with symptoms suggestive of GERD comparing epicemiological and risk factors. METHODS: Upper endoscopy reports were examined retrospectively from patients with symptoms of GERD such as heartburn, regurgitation, cough, throat clearing, globus and chest pain. EE was determined based on Los Angeles classification. Comparisons between risk factors in EE and non-EE groups were done with statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 984 endoscopic reports were examined and 676 selected for analysis (281 with EE and 395 with non-EE form). Most were female 381 (56.36%) with a mean age of 44.01±15.40 years. Hiatal hernia was present in 47(6.96%) and smoking in 41(6.07%). Univariate logistic regression showed that male (OR=2.24, CI 95%, 1.63-3.06) and hiatal hernia (OR=4.52, CI 95%, 2.30-8.89) were independent predictors of erosions in the EE group. The presence of hiatal hernia (OR=12.04, CI 95%, 3.57-40.62), smoking (OR=8.46, CI 95%, 3.28-31.32) and aged patients (OR=8.01, CI 95%, 2.42-26.49) were also indicated as a risk factor for severe EE (grades C and D of Los Angeles). CONCLUSION Male gender and hiatal hernia were associated with EE. Aged patients, smoking and hiatal hernia were related to severe EE. It is suggested that the risk factors for EE and non-EE types are different. Cohort studies are necessary to identify the exact mechanisms involved in each disease form.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A doença do refluxo gastroesofágico (DRGE) é uma das doenças digestivas mais comuns na prática médica e deve ser suspeitada de acordo com os seus sintomas clínicos, podendo ser classificada em esofagite erosiva (EE) de acordo com os achados de endoscopia. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os achados endoscópicos em pacientes com sintomas sugestivos de DGRE comparando fatores de risco e epidemiológicos. MÉTODOS: Resultados de endoscopias digestiva foram examinados retrospectivamente de pacientes com sintomas relacionados com DRGE como pirose, regurgitação, tosse, pigarro, globus e dor torácica. EE foi determinada de acordo com a classificação de Los Angeles. Comparação de fatores de risco entre os grupos EE e não-EE foram feitos com análise estatística. RESULTADOS: Um total de 984 endoscopias foram examinadas e 676 endoscopias selecionadas para análise (281 com EE e 395 sem EE). A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo feminino 381 (56,36%) com uma idade média de 44,01±15,40 anos. Hérnia hiatal esteve presente em 47 (6,96%) e tabagismo em 41 (6,07%). Regressão logística uni variada mostrou que sexo masculino (OR=2,24 - IC 95%: 1,63-3,06) e hérnia hiatal (OR=4,52 - CI 95%: 2,30-8,89) foram fatores de risco independentes de EE. A presença de hérnia hiatal (OR=12,04 - CI 95%: 3,57-40,62), tabagismo (OR=8,46 - CI 95%: 3,28-31,32) e pacientes idosos (OR=8,01 - CI 95%, 2,42-26,49) foram fatores de risco no grupo de EE grave (classes C e D de Los Angeles). CONCLUSÃO: Sexo masculino e hérnia hiatal foram associados com EE. Idade avançada, tabagismo e hérnia hiatal foram relacionados à forma grave de EE. É sugerido que os fatores de risco de pacientes com e sem EE sejam diferentes. Estudos de coorte são necessários para identificar os mecanismos exatos envolvidos em cada forma da doença.

Segurança e eficácia do uso de cianoacrilato + coil guiado por ultrassom endoscópico versus técnica convencional de cianoacrilato no tratamento de varizes gástricas: um ensaio clínico randomizado / Safety and efficacy of eus-guided coil plus cyanoacrylate versus conventional cyanoacrylate technique in the treatment of gastric varices: a randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: One of the most feared complications with the use of cyanoacrylate for treatment of gastric varices is the occurrence of potentially life-threatening systemic embolism. Thus, endoscopists are turning towards new techniques, including endoscopic coiling, as a potentially safer and more effective treatment option. However, no studies have been performed comparing the two techniques. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the safety and efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound guided coil and cyanoacrylate injection versus the conventional technique of injection of cyanoacrylate alone. DESIGN: A pilot randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Patients randomized into group I were treated with coil and cyanoacrylate, and those in group II with cyanoacrylate alone. Flow within the varix was evaluated immediately after the treatment session and one month following initial treatment. If thrombosis was confirmed, additional follow-up was performed 4 and 10 months following initial treatment. All patients underwent a thoracic computerized tomography scan after the procedure. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients, 16 in each group, were followed for an average of 9.9 months (range 1-26 months). Immediately after the procedure, 6 (37.5%) group-I patients and 8 (50%) group-II patients presented total flow reduction in the treated vessel (P=0.476). After 30 days, 11 (73.3%) group-I patients and 12 (75%) group-II patients were found to have varix thrombosis. In both groups, the majority of patients required only one single session for varix obliteration (73.3% in group I versus 80% in group II). Asymptomatic pulmonary embolism occurred in 4 (25%) group-I patients and 8 (50%) group-II patients (P=0.144). No significant difference between the groups was observed. CONCLUSION: There is no statistical difference between endoscopic ultrasound guided coils plus cyanoacrylate versus conventional cyanoacrylate technique in relation to the incidence of embolism. However, a greater tendency towards embolism was observed in the group treated using the conventional technique. Both techniques have similar efficacy in the obliteration of varices. Given the small sample size of our pilot data, our results are insufficient to prove the clinical benefit of the combined technique, and do not yet justify its use, especially in light of higher cost. Further studies with larger sample size are warranted.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Uma das complicações mais temidas com o uso de cianoacrilato para tratamento de varizes gástricas é a ocorrência de embolia sistêmica potencialmente fatal. Assim, os endoscopistas estão se aprimorando com novas técnicas, incluindo o uso de coils endoscópico, como uma opção de tratamento potencialmente mais segura e eficaz. No entanto, nenhum estudo foi realizado comparando as duas técnicas. OBJETIVO: Este estudo tem como objetivo comparar a segurança e eficácia da injeção de coil com cianoacrilato guiados por ultrassom endoscópico versus a técnica convencional de injeção de cianoacrilato. DESIGN: Um ensaio piloto controlado aleatoriamente. MÉTODOS: Os pacientes randomizados para o grupo I foram tratados com coil + cianoacrilato e os do grupo II apenas com cianoacrilato. O fluxo dentro da variz foi avaliado imediatamente após a sessão de tratamento e um mês após o tratamento inicial. Se a trombose foi confirmada, o acompanhamento adicional era realizado em 4 e 10 meses após o tratamento inicial. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a uma tomografia computadorizada torácica após o procedimento. RESULTADOS: Um total de 32 pacientes, 16 em cada grupo, foram acompanhados por uma média de 9,9 meses (variação de 1-26 meses). Imediatamente após o procedimento, 6 (37,5%) pacientes do grupo I e 8 (50%) pacientes do grupo II apresentaram redução total do fluxo no vaso tratado (P=0,476). Após 30 dias, 11 (73,3%) pacientes do grupo I e 12 (75%) pacientes do grupo II apresentaram trombose da variz. Em ambos os grupos, a maioria dos pacientes necessitou de apenas uma única sessão para obliteração da variz (73,3% no grupo I versus 80% no grupo II). Embolia pulmonar assintomática ocorreu em 4 (25%) pacientes do grupo I e em 8 (50%) pacientes no grupo II (P=0,144). Nenhuma diferença significativa entre os grupos foi observada. CONCLUSÃO Apesar de não haver diferença estatística entre os dois grupos em relação à incidência de embolia neste estudo piloto, observou-se maior tendência de embolia no grupo tratado pela técnica convencional.

Mesocaval Shunt Creation for Jejunal Variceal Bleeding with Chronic Portal Vein Thrombosis

The creation of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a widely performed technique to relieve portal hypertension, and to manage recurrent variceal bleeding and refractory ascites in patients where medical and/or endoscopic treatments have failed. However, portosystemic shunt creation can be challenging in the presence of chronic portal vein occlusion. In this case report, we describe a minimally invasive endovascular mesocaval shunt creation with transsplenic approach for the management of recurrent variceal bleeding in a portal hypertension patient with intra- and extrahepatic portal vein occlusion.

Percutaneous Access via the Recanalized Paraumbilical Vein for Varix Embolization in Seven Patients

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of percutaneous access via the recanalized paraumbilical vein for varix embolization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July 2008 and Jan 2014, percutaneous access via the recanalized paraumbilical vein for varix embolization was attempted in seven patients with variceal bleeding. Paraumbilical vein puncture was performed under ultrasonographic guidance, followed by introduction of a 5-Fr sheath. We retrospectively evaluated the technical feasibility, procedure-related complications, and clinical outcomes of each patient. RESULTS: Recanalized paraumbilical vein catheterization was performed successfully in all patients. Gastroesophageal varix embolization was performed in six patients, and umbilical varix embolization was performed in one patient. Embolic materials used are N-butyl cyanoacrylate (n = 6) and coil with N-butyl cyanoacrylate (n = 1). There were no procedure-related complications. One patient underwent repeated variceal embolization 6 hours after initial procedure via recanalized paraumbilical vein, due to rebleeding from gastric varix. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous access via the paraumbilical vein for varix embolization is a simple alternative in patients with portal hypertension.

Percutaneous Transportal Sclerotherapy with N-Butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate for Gastric Varices: Technique and Clinical Efficacy

OBJECTIVE: This study was deigned to evaluate the technique and clinical efficacy of the use of percutaneous transportal sclerotherapy with N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) for patients with gastric varices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven patients were treated by transportal sclerotherapy with the use of NBCA. For transportal sclerotherapy, portal vein catheterization was performed with a 6-Fr sheath by the transhepatic approach. A 5-Fr catheter was introduced into the afferent gastric vein and a microcatheter was advanced through the 5-Fr catheter into the varices. NBCA was injected through the microcatheter in the varices by use of the continuous single-column injection technique. After the procedure, postcontrast computed tomography (CT) was performed on the next day and then every six months. Gastroendoscopy was performed at one week, three months, and then every six months after the procedure. RESULTS: The technical success rate of the procedure was 88%. In six patients, gastric varices were successfully obliterated with 1-8 mL (mean, 5.4 mL) of a NBCA-Lipiodol mixture injected via a microcatheter. No complications related to the procedure were encountered. As seen on the follow-up endoscopy and CT imaging performed after six months, the presence of gastric varcies was not seen in any of the patients after treatment with the NBCA-Lipiodol mixture and the use of microcoils. Recurrence of gastric varices was not observed during the follow-up period. Worsening of esophageal varices occurred in four patients after transportal sclerotherapy. The serum albumin level increased, the ammonia level decreased and the prothrombin time increased at six months after the procedure (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous transportal sclerotherapy with NBCA is useful to obliterate gastric varices if it is not possible to perform balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration.

Sonographic signs in portal hypertension: a multivariate analysis.

A prospective case controlled study was conducted to evaluate the value of real time ultrasound in establishing the diagnosis and the etiology of portal hypertension. Patients attending the outpatient department of a tertiary care centre were included. There were 324 consecutive patients with portal hypertension due to cirrhosis (n = 229), non cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF: n = 64) and extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO: n = 31). During this period, 146 patients with dyspepsia, 35 with splenomegaly and 32 with ascites due to varied causes served as negative and positive controls. Real time ultrasonography using a 3.5 MHz linear array scanner was performed in a fasting state in all subjects. Portal and splenic vein diameter greater than 10 mm, splenomegaly, hepatic and splenic hilar collaterals were suggestive of portal hypertension. Non visualization of the portal vein which was replaced by a cavernoma had a diagnostic accuracy of 98% in EHPVO. Splenic infarcts and absence of ascites were features of non cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPF and EHPVO). Sonography had an overall diagnostic accuracy of 80%. A stepwise logistic regression with multivariate analysis using discriminate function showed that collaterals at the hepatic and splenic hilum, hepatomegaly, ascites and splenic infarcts were independent markers to differentiate cirrhotic from noncirrhotic causes of portal hypertension. The discriminate equation generated had a mismatch of 9.8%. Correlations between the sonographic signs demonstrated that the variceal grade correlated positively with the presence of splenic hilar collaterals and the liver size inversely correlated with presence of ascites. It was concluded that real time ultrasonography is an accurate method to establish the presence and etiology of portal hypertension.

Gastric varices: diagnosis with duplex Doppler ultrasonography: a case report

The diagnosis of gastric varices may be difficult due to their anatomic location and morphology. In this abstract we describe a case of gastric varices, of which a duplex Doppler sonography was useful in the diagnosis, that was initially suggested as submucosal tumor of the stomach by barium studies and endoscopy.