Caracterización de pacientes con trombosis portal sobre hígado no cirrótico en un hospital universitario de Medellín, Colombia / Characterization of patients with portal vein thrombosis on non-cirrhotic liver at a university hospital in Medellín, Colombia

Introducción. La trombosis de la vena porta es la oclusión parcial o completa de la luz de la vena porta o sus afluentes por la formación de trombos. Se asocia a desenlaces adversos y a un peor pronóstico. La frecuencia de aparición viene en aumento, a menudo de manera incidental, debido al uso cada vez mayor de imágenes diagnósticas. Metodología. Estudio observacional de una serie de casos de pacientes mayores de 18 años a quienes se les documentó trombosis venosa portal en hígado no cirrótico en el periodo comprendido entre enero de 2012 y diciembre de 2019 en un hospital de cuarto nivel de la ciudad de Medellín, Colombia. Resultados. Se documentaron 94 trombosis portales, la media de edad fue 44 ± 15 años, el 56 % eran mujeres. El promedio de aparición de síntomas fue de 14 días. La presentación de la trombosis fue aguda en un 41 %, crónica en 44 % y de instauración aguda sobre una trombosis crónica en un 15 %. La presentación clínica fue asintomática en el 33 %, el dolor abdominal fue la presentación más común con el 62 %. La trombofilia adquirida de mayor ocurrencia fueron las neoplasias mieloproliferativas crónicas en un 18 %, seguida del síndrome antifosfolípido en un 6 %. El método diagnóstico más usado fue la TAC trifásica en un 58 % seguido de la ultrasonografía en un 35 %. El 66 % de los pacientes fueron anticoagulados, siendo la warfarina el principal anticoagulante usado en un 56 %. El 16 % presento algún tipo de sangrado, aunque ninguno fue sangrado mayor. Conclusiones. La trombosis portal sigue siendo en muchos casos un hallazgo incidental. Se encontró un número inusual de neoplasias mieloproliferativas crónicas. La anticoagulación es segura y eficaz, aunque los anticoagulantes orales directos aún tienen un uso restringido.

Introduction. Portal vein thrombosis is the partial or complete occlusion of the lumen of the portal vein or its tributaries by thrombus formation. It is associated with adverse outcomes and a poorer prognosis. Its frequency is increasing, often incidentally, due to the growing use of diagnostic imaging. Methodology. This is an observational study of a case series of patients over 18 years old who were documented with portal vein thrombosis in a non-cirrhotic liver between January 2012 and December 2019 in a fourth-level hospital in the city of Medellín, Colombia. Results. Ninety-four cases of portal vein thrombosis were documented. The mean age was 44 ± 15 years, and 56 % were women. The average onset of symptoms was 14 days. Thrombosis presentation was acute in 41 %, chronic in 44 %, and acute on chronic in 15 %. Clinically, 33 % were asymptomatic, and abdominal pain was the most common presentation at 62 %. The most common acquired thrombophilia was chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms at 18 %, followed by antiphospholipid syndrome at 6 %. The most used diagnostic method was triphasic CT at 58 %, followed by ultrasonography at 35 %. Sixty-six percent of the patients received anticoagulation, with warfarin being the main anticoagulant used at 56 %. Sixteen percent experienced some type of bleeding, although none were major. Conclusions. Portal vein thrombosis remains, in many cases, an incidental finding. An unusual number of chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms were found. Anticoagulation is safe and effective, although the use of direct oral anticoagulants remains restricted.

Hipertensión portal no cirrótica por enfermedad vascular porto-sinusoidal: presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension due to porto-sinusoidal vascular disease: Case presentation and literature review

La enfermedad vascular porto-sinusoidal es una causa infrecuente de hipertensión portal no cirrótica, fue descrita recientemente y es poco diagnosticada por el desconocimiento entre los médicos. Se considera en casos de hipertensión portal clínicamente significativa, en ausencia de cirrosis. El diagnóstico se basa en los hallazgos de la biopsia. El pronóstico de la enfermedad es mejor que el de los pacientes cirróticos, y el tratamiento es similar al de la hipertensión portal y al de las complicaciones que presentan los pacientes con cirrosis. Se presenta el caso de una paciente con várices esofágicas con estudios de imágenes no compatibles con cirrosis y hallazgos específicos en la biopsia de enfermedad vascular porto-sinusoidal. Este caso muestra el ejercicio diagnóstico en un caso de enfermedad vascular porto-sinusoidal de una paciente de Colombia, así como el resultado de las intervenciones terapéuticas y la evolución en el tiempo.

Porto-sinusoidal vascular disease is an uncommon cause of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. It was recently described and is rarely diagnosed due to lack of knowledge among doctors. It is considered in cases of clinically significant portal hypertension in the absence of cirrhosis, and the diagnosis is based on biopsy findings. The prognosis of the disease is better than that of cirrhotic patients, and the treatment is similar to that of portal hypertension, including the management of complications associated with cirrhosis. We present the case of a patient with esophageal varices, whose imaging studies were not compatible with cirrhosis, alongside specific biopsy findings of porto-sinusoidal vascular disease. This case illustrates the diagnostic process in a patient from Colombia with portosinusoidal vascular disease, as well as the outcomes of therapeutic interventions and the patient´s evolution over time.

TIPS en pacientes cirróticos con trombosis venosa portal: una revisión de la literatura / TIPS in cirrhotic patients with portal vein thrombosis: A review of the literature

En los últimos años, la trombosis de la vena porta entre los pacientes cirróticos se ha comportado como una entidad reconocida y cada vez más estudiada, no solo por su creciente incidencia, sino por la asociación con gravedad y mal pronóstico en cirrosis. Asimismo, se hacen objeto de estudio las terapias disponibles para el manejo tanto médico como quirúrgico de estos pacientes, lo que ha dado un papel importante a la derivación portosistémica transyugular intrahepática (TIPS). El uso de TIPS en esta población se posiciona como una alternativa de manejo aceptable, no solo por brindar mejoría en las complicaciones derivadas de la hipertensión portal, sino también por sus resultados prometedores en diferentes estudios sobre el flujo y la recanalización portal, y por su perfil de seguridad. Sin embargo, la eficacia, los efectos adversos a largo plazo y el pronóstico de dicha intervención en la compleja fisiopatología de la cirrosis deben continuar en estudio. El objetivo de este artículo es revisar los avances del uso de TIPS en el manejo de pacientes con cirrosis hepática y trombosis portal.

In recent years, portal vein thrombosis among cirrhotic patients has been a well-recognized and continuously studied entity, not only because of its increasing incidence but also because of its association with severity and poor prognosis in cirrhosis. Likewise, therapies available for both medical and surgical management in these patients are being studied, which has given an important role to the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). The use of TIPS in this population is positioned as an acceptable management alternative, not only because it provides improvement in complications derived from portal hypertension, but also because of its promising results in different studies on portal flow and recanalization upgrade, and for its safety. However, the efficacy, long-term adverse effects, and prognosis of this intervention in the complex pathophysiology of cirrhosis must continue to be studied. The objective of this article is to review the advances in the use of TIPS in the management of patients with liver cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis.

Cohorte descriptiva de pacientes adultos con hipertensión portal en una institución de tercer nivel en Colombia / Descriptive cohort of adult patients with portal hypertension at a tertiary care institution in Colombia

Introducción. La hipertensión portal (HTP) se define como una elevación anormal de la presión venosa en el sistema portal que lleva al desarrollo de vías colaterales para desviar el flujo sanguíneo de la zona. Dentro de su etiología están las relacionadas con la cirrosis hepática y otras causas denominadas no cirróticas. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los principales hallazgos demográficos, clínicos y paraclínicos en un grupo de pacientes con HTP, y determinar el uso de ayudas invasivas y no invasivas, y su disponibilidad para el diagnóstico y seguimiento de los pacientes en los centros que no cuentan con laboratorio de hemodinamia hepática, reflejando la dinámica de múltiples escenarios en Colombia. Metodología. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, retrospectivo, en pacientes atendidos en una institución de tercer nivel del sur de Colombia, entre enero del año 2015 y diciembre del año 2020. Resultados. Se obtuvo una muestra de 61 pacientes en donde la mayoría de casos correspondían a hombres en la séptima década de la vida, procedentes del área urbana. La principal causa de consulta fue el sangrado digestivo (39,3 %), asociado a la presencia de telangiectasias (arañas vasculares) en el 37,2 %, seguido de circulación colateral (31,3 %) e ictericia (19,7 %). En la ecografía abdominal (realizada en el 57,4 % de los pacientes) predominaron la cirrosis (68 %) y la presencia de esplenomegalia (14,2 %), y en lospacientes con Doppler portal (realizado en el 16,4 %) se encontró hígado cirrótico (80 %) y dilatación portal (40 %). Con respecto a los hallazgos en la esofagogastroduodenoscopia predominó la presencia de várices esofágicas y gastritis crónica. Conclusión. El principal motivo de consulta fue el sangrado digestivo, en tanto que la cirrosis fue el antecedente y el hallazgo imagenológico más frecuente, seguido de las várices esofágicas. Se encontró que el uso de paraclínicos, ecografía abdominal, ecografía con Doppler portal y esofagogastroduodenoscopia fueron los más utilizados en el contexto clínico de los pacientes con el diagnóstico de HTP.

Introduction. Portal hypertension (PHT) is defined as an abnormal elevation of venous pressure in the portal system that leads to the development of collateral pathways to divert blood flow from the area. Within its etiology are those related to liver cirrhosis and other so-called non cirrhotic causes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the main demographic, clinical and paraclinical findings in a group of patients with PHT, and to determine the use of invasive and non-invasive aids, and their availability for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients in centers that do not have a hepatic hemodynamics laboratory, reflecting the dynamics of multiple scenarios in Colombia. Methodology. A descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted in patients attended in a third level institution in Southern Colombia, between January 2015 and December 2020. Results. A sample of 61 patients was obtained where the majority of cases corresponded to men in the seventh decade of life, from the urban area. The main cause of consultation was digestive bleeding (39.3%), associated with the presence of telangiectasias (spider veins) in 37.2%, followed by collateral circulation (31.3%) and jaundice (19.7%). In abdominal ultrasound (performed in 57.4% of the patients), cirrhosis (68%) and the presence of splenomegaly (14.2%) predominated, and in patients with portal Doppler (performed in 16.4%), cirrhotic liver (80%) and portal dilatation (40%) were found. With respect to the findings in the esophagogastroduodenoscopy, esophageal varices and chronic gastritis were predominant. Conclusion. The main reason for consultation was gastrointestinal bleeding, while cirrhosis was the most frequent history and imaging finding, followed by esophageal varices. It was found that the use of paraclinics, abdominal ultrasound, ultrasound with portal Doppler and esophagogastroduodenoscopy were the most used in the clinical context of patients diagnosed with PHT.

An excerpt of AASLD practice guidance on risk stratification and management of portal hypertension and varices in cirrhosis （2023） / 临床肝胆病杂志

This Practice Guidance intends to coalesce best practice recommendations for the identification of portal hypertension （PH）， for prevention of initial hepatic decompensation， for the management of acute variceal hemorrhage （AVH）， and for reduction of the risk of recurrent variceal hemorrhage in chronic liver disease. The most significant changes in the current Guidance relate to recognition of the concept of compensated advanced chronic liver disease， codification of methodology to use noninvasive assessments to identify clinically significant PH （CSPH）， and endorsement of a change in paradigm with the recommendation of early utilization of nonselective beta-blocker therapy when CSPH is identified. The updated guidance further explores potential future pharmacotherapy options for PH， clarifies the role of preemptive transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in AVH， discusses more recent data related to the management of cardiofundal varices， and addresses new topics such as portal hypertensive gastropathy and endoscopy prior to transesophageal echocardiography and antineoplastic therapy.

Different therapeutic methods combined with TACE for primary liver cancer complicated by upper gastrointestinal bleeding:evaluation of clinical efficacy / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To compare the clinical efficacy of three different therapies,including transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)treatment,endoscopic treatment and medication treatment,combined with transhepatic arterial chemoembolization(TACE)in treating primary liver cancer complicated by portal hypertension and upper gastrointestinal bleeding.Methods A total of 105 patients with primary liver cancer associated with portal hypertension and upper gastrointestinal bleeding,who were admitted to the No.980 Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Forces of China to receive treatment between January 2014 and June 2020,were enrolled in this study.According to the therapeutic scheme,the patients were divided into TIPS+TACE group(TIPS group,n=25),endoscopy+TACE group(endoscopy group,n=30),and medication+TACE group(medication group,n=50).The clinical efficacy,recurrence rate of bleeding,incidence of hepatic encephalopathy,and survival rate were compared between each other among the three groups.Results The differences in the postoperative 6-month,12-month and 24-month recurrence rates of bleeding between each other among the three groups were statistically significant(all P＜0.05).In TIPS group,the portal vein pressure decreased from preoperative(38.47±9.35)mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)to postoperative(25.24±5.68)mmHg,the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).After treatment,the hemoglobin level in the three groups showed varying degrees of elevation,which in the TIPS group and endoscopy group were better than that in the medication group,the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).In all three groups,the differences in the recurrence rate of bleeding between postoperative 6-month value,12-month value and 24-month value were statistically significant(all P＜0.05).The postoperative 6-month,12-month and 24-month recurrence rates of bleeding in the TIPS group were lower than those in the endoscopy group and the medication group,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).The postoperative 12-month and 24-month recurrence rates of bleeding in the TIPS group were lower than those in the endoscopy group,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).The postoperative 12-month and 24-month recurrence rates of bleeding in the endoscopy group were lower than those in the medication group(P＜0.05),and the difference in the postoperative 6-month recurrence rate of bleeding between the two groups was not statistically significant(P＞0.05).The postoperative 6-month and 12-month incidences of hepatic encephalopathy in the TIPS group were higher than those in the endoscopy group and the medication group,the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05),while the differences in the postoperative 6-month and 12-month incidences of hepatic encephalopathy between the endoscopy group and the medication group were not statistically significant(P＞0.05),and the differences in the postoperative 24-month incidence of hepatic encephalopathy between each other among the three groups were not statistically significant(P＞0.05).No statistically significant difference in the 6-month mortality existed between TIPS group and endoscopy group(P＞0.05),and the 6-month mortality of both TIPS group and endoscopy group was remarkably lower than that of the medication group(P＜0.05).The postoperative 12-month mortality and 24-month mortality in TIPS group were lower than those in the endoscopy group and the medication group,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05),but the differences in the postoperative 12-month mortality and 24-month mortality between the endoscopy group and the medication group were not statistically significant(P＞0.05).Conclusion For primary liver cancer associated with portal hypertension and upper gastrointestinal bleeding,TIPS combined with TACE can effectively control tumor progression and prolong survival.(J Intervent Radiol,2024,32:33-37)

TIPS with bare stents and covered stents for the treatment of portal hypertension:analysis of its long-term efficacy / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To evaluate the long-term efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)with bare stents and Fluency covered stents in the treatment of portal hypertension,and to discuss its clinical value.Methods The clinical data of 29 patients with intractable ascites or esophagogastric fundus varices rupture and hemorrhage caused by cirrhotic portal hypertension,who received TIPS with bare stents and covered stents at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University of China(25 patients)and the Lishui Municipal Central Hospital of China(4 patients)between August 2012 and December 2017,were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were regularly followed up to check the survival status.The postoperative cumulative shunt patency rate and cumulative survival rate of the patients were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method.Results The technical success rate of TIPS was 100％.The mean portal vein pressure was decreased from preoperative(40.21±3.24)cmH2O to postoperative(24.55±3.55)cmH2O(P＜0.05).The patients were followed up for 5.1-10.5 years.The postoperative 1-,3-,5-,7-year primary cumulative patency rates of the shunt were 89.7％,75.9％,75.9％ and 52.5％,respectively.The postoperative 5-,7-,9-and 10-year cumulative survival rates were 100％,66.9％,66.9％ and 33.4％,respectively.The incidence of hepatic encephalopathy was 13.8％(4/29).Conclusion Using bare stents combined with Fluency covered stents for TIPS is clinically safe and effective in the treatment of portal hypertension.This technique carries higher long-term shunt patency rate and low incidence of hepatic encephalopathy.Therefore,it can be used as a substitute for Viatorr stent when necessary.(J Intervent Radiol,2024,33:295-299)

A national questionnaire survey on endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in China / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective:To investigate the current status of endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in China, and to provide supporting data and reference for the development of endoscopic treatment.Methods:In this study, initiated by the Liver Health Consortium in China (CHESS), a questionnaire was designed and distributed online to investigate the basic condition of endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in 2022 in China. Questions included annual number and indication of endoscopic procedures, adherence to guideline for preventing esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EGVB), management and timing of emergent EGVB, management of gastric and isolated varices, and improvement of endoscopic treatment. Proportions of hospitals concerning therapeutic choices to all participant hospitals were calculated. Guideline adherence between secondary and tertiary hospitals were compared by using Chi-square test.Results:A total of 836 hospitals from 31 provinces (anotomous regions and municipalities) participated in the survey. According to the survey, the control of acute EGVB (49.3%, 412/836) and the prevention of recurrent bleeding (38.3%, 320/836) were major indications of endoscopic treatment. For primary [non-selective β-blocker (NSBB) or endoscopic therapies] and secondary prophylaxis (NSBB and endoscopic therapies) of EGVB, adherence to domestic guideline was 72.5% (606/836) and 39.2% (328/836), respectively. There were significant differences in the adherence between secondary and tertiary hospitals in primary prophylaxis of EGVB [71.0% (495/697) VS 79.9% (111/139), χ2=4.11, P=0.033] and secondary prophylaxis of EGVB [41.6% (290/697) VS 27.3% (38/139), χ2=9.31, P=0.002]. A total of 78.2% (654/836) hospitals preferred endoscopic therapies treating acute EGVB, and endoscopic therapy was more likely to be the first choice for treating acute EGVB in tertiary hospitals (82.6%, 576/697) than secondary hospitals [56.1% (78/139), χ2=46.33, P<0.001]. The optimal timing was usually within 12 hours (48.5%, 317/654) and 12-24 hours (36.9%, 241/654) after the bleeding. Regarding the management of gastroesophageal varices type 2 and isolated gastric varices type 1, most hospitals used cyanoacrylate injection in combination with sclerotherapy [48.2% (403/836) and 29.9% (250/836), respectively], but substantial proportions of hospitals preferred clip-assisted therapies [12.4% (104/836) and 26.4% (221/836), respectively]. Improving the skills of endoscopic doctors (84.2%, 704/836), and enhancing the precision of pre-procedure evaluation and quality of multidisciplinary team (78.9%, 660/836) were considered urgent needs in the development of endoscopic treatment. Conclusion:A variety of endoscopic treatments for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension are implemented nationwide. Participant hospitals are active to perform emergent endoscopy for acute EGVB, but are inadequate in following recommendations regarding primary and secondary prophylaxis of EGVB. Moreover, the selection of endoscopic procedures for gastric varices differs greatly among hospitals.

Screening of hub genes and pathways of idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension and prediction of traditional Chinese medicine / 中国现代医生

Objective To with analyzing the gene expression profile of idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension(INCPH)by bioinformatics methods,we may obtain its key genes and signaling pathways to explore the molecular mechanism of INCPH and predict the potential traditional Chinese medicine.Methods The gene microarray dataset GSE77627 on INCPH was downloaded from gene expression omnibus(GEO)database,the data were normalized and screened for differential genes(DEGs)of INCPH using R language,and all DEGs were analyzed for gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)enrichment using Metascape database,and protein-protein interaction network was constructed by STRING database;meanwhile DEGs with the top 15 Degree values were screened as key genes using CytoHubba plugin.Subsequently,the key genes were mapped to each other with the medical ontology information retrieval platform(coremine medical)to screen potential Chinese herbal medicines for the treatment of INCPH with P<0.05,and the potent components that potential Chinese medicines have were screened from the TCMSP database,imported into Cytoscape software to construct a Chinese medicine correlation network map and predict the key targets.Results A total of 1880 DEGs were screened,including 1061 up-regulated and 819 down-regulated genes.DEGs were analyzed using the protein interaction database STRING and cytoHubba in Cytoscape software to obtain key genes,which were RPS27A,CDC42,EIF4E,MAPK1,PIK3R1,RPS6,RPS9,RPS8,RPL15,RPL27A,RPL24,RPL27,RPL26,RPL12 and MAPK14.The GO and KEGG analysis mainly involved gamete production and AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in INCPH.Conclusion The potential traditional Chinese medicines screened for INCPH are Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma,Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,Scutellariae Radix,etc,which may be a potential source of molecular drugs for the treatment of INCPH.

Study of spontaneous portosystemic shunts in patients with cirrhosis evaluated by enhanced CT / 中国现代医生

@#Objective To investigate the imaging value and associated clinical features of enhanced CT evaluation of spontaneous portosystemic shunts(SPSS)in patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension.Methods Patients with cirrhosis who attended Panjin Central Hospital from June 2020 to July 2022 were retrospectively collected to evaluate the presence,size and type of spontaneous portal shunts for statistical analysis,and relevant clinical and laboratory indices were recorded.Results A total of 119 patients with liver cirrhosis were included in this study.Total bilirubin level,albumin level,prothrombin time,international normalized ratio,Child-Pugh grade,hepatic encephalopathy,portal vein thrombosis,and renal vein diameter were all statistically significant difference(P<0.05)compared to the three groups of patients in the no-SPSS,SPSS<8mm and SPSS≥8mm groups.Multi-factor logistic analysis could identify Child-Pugh grade C and portal vein thrombosis as independent risk factors for the occurrence of spontaneous splenorenal shunt(SSRS)≥8mm.In the group without SPSS and in the group with SSRS,there was a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).When comparing uric acid values,left gastric vein diameter and left renal vein diameter.Conclusion The presence of SPSS can be detected early by enhancing CT.The presence of SPSS,especially in patients with a diameter greater than or equal to 8mm,is associated with poorer liver function and a greater risk of portal vein thrombosis;the presence of SPSS reflects the patient's cirrhotic state to some extent.

Influencing factors for chronic pancreatitis complicated by pancreatogenic portal hypertension and establishment of a predictive model / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the influencing factors for chronic pancreatitis （CP） complicated by pancreatogenic portal hypertension （PPH）， and to establish a predictive model. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 99 patients with CP complicated by PPH who were hospitalized in The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University， Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture People’s Hospital， Wenshan People’s Hospital， and Puer People’s Hospital from January 2017 to December 2022， and these patients were enrolled as PPH group. The incidence density sampling method was used to select 198 CP patients from databases as control group. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups， and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups； the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. The Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator （LASSO） regression model was used to identify the potential predictive factors for CP complicated by PPH， and the predictive factors obtained were included in the multivariate Logistic regression analysis to obtain independent risk factors， which were used to establish a nomogram prediction model. The receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve， the calibration curve， and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test were used to perform internal validation of the model， and the clinical decision curve was used to assess the clinical practicability of the model. ResultsThere were significant differences between the two groups in sex， history of recurrent acute pancreatitis attacks， acute exacerbation of CP， bile duct stones， peripancreatic fluid accumulation， pseudocysts， pulmonary infection， elevated C-reactive protein （CRP）， elevated procalcitonin， fibrinogen （FIB）， neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio （NLR）， gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase， total bilirubin， direct bilirubin， low-density lipoprotein （LDL）， serum amylase， D-dimer， and serum albumin （all P<0.05）. The predictive variables obtained by the LASSO regression analysis included sex， recurrent acute pancreatitis attacks， bile duct stones， peripancreatic fluid accumulation， pulmonary infection， pseudocysts， CRP， NLR， FIB， and LDL. The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that sex （odds ratio ［OR］=2.716， P<0.05）， recurrent acute pancreatitis attacks （OR=2.138， P<0.05）， peripancreatic fluid accumulation （OR=2.297， P<0.05）， pseudocysts （OR=2.805， P<0.05）， and FIB （OR=1.313， P<0.05） were independent risk factors for CP complicated by PPH. The above factors were fitted into the model， and the Bootstrap internal validation showed that the nomogram model had an area under the ROC curve of 0.787 （95% confidence interval： 0.730 — 0.844）， and the calibration curve was close to the reference curve. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test showed that the model had a good degree of fitting （χ2=7.469， P=0.487）. The clinical decision curve analysis showed that the prediction model had good clinical practicability. ConclusionMale sex， recurrent acute pancreatitis attacks， peripancreatic fluid accumulation， pseudocysts， and FIB are independent risk factors for CP complicated by PPH， and the nomogram model established has good discriminatory ability， calibration， and clinical practicability.

Analysis of three-dimensional visualization imaging of severe portal vein stenosis after liver transplantation and clinical efficacy of portal vein stent implantation / 器官移植

Objective To analyze three-dimensional imaging characteristics and advantages for severe portal vein stenosis after liver transplantation, and to evaluate clinical efficacy of portal vein stent implantation. Methods Clinical data of 10 patients who received portal vein stent implantation for severe portal vein stenosis after liver transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. Imaging characteristics of severe portal vein stenosis, and advantages of three-dimensional reconstruction imaging and interventional treatment efficacy for severe portal vein stenosis were analyzed. Results Among 10 patients, 3 cases were diagnosed with centripetal stenosis, tortuosity angulation-induced stenosis in 2 cases, compression-induced stenosis in 2 cases, long-segment stenosis and/or vascular occlusion in 3 cases. Three-dimensional reconstruction images possessed advantages in accurate identification of stenosis, identification of stenosis types and measurement of stenosis length. All patients were successfully implanted with portal vein stents. After stent implantation, the diameter of the minimum diameter of portal vein was increased [(6.2±0.9) mm vs. (2.6±1.7) mm, P<0.05], the flow velocity at anastomotic site was decreased [(57±19) cm/s vs. (128±27) cm/s, P<0.05], and the flow velocity at the portal vein adjacent to the liver was increased [(41±6) cm/s vs. (18±6) cm/s, P<0.05]. One patient suffered from intrahepatic hematoma caused by interventional puncture, which was mitigated after conservative observation and treatment. The remaining patients did not experience relevant complications. Conclusions Three-dimensional visualization technique may visually display the location, characteristics and severity of stenosis, which is beneficial for clinicians to make treatment decisions and assist interventional procedures. Timely implantation of portal vein stent may effectively reverse pathological process and improve portal vein blood flow.

Portal thrombosis after surgical treatment of schistosomatic portal hypertension

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Several studies have investigated the correlation between the effects of different surgical treatments and laboratory exams for schistosomal portal hypertension, especially concerning portal system thrombosis. The etiopathogenic factors of this thrombosis are not fully understood. In this study, the correlation between surgical treatment for schistosomal portal hypertension and the occurrence of postoperative portal system thrombosis was investigated. METHODS: A total of 61 patients who underwent surgical treatment for schistosomal portal hypertension were distributed into four groups: Patients in Group 1 (n=12) underwent portal variceal disconnection associated with splenic artery ligation and spleen preservation. Patients in Group 2 (n=20) underwent portal variceal disconnection and total splenectomy. Patients in Group 3 (n=20) underwent portal variceal disconnection with subtotal splenectomy, preserving the upper splenic pole supplied by the splenogastric vessels. Patients in Group 4 (n=9) underwent portal variceal disconnection with total splenectomy and autogenous splenic implants on the greater omentum. Late postoperative portal vein thrombosis was diagnosed using Doppler ultrasound. RESULTS: Over the 10-year follow-up, portal vein thrombosis occurred in 26 operated patients (42.6%), with no significant difference observed among the four surgical groups (p=0.217). Most of the thrombi only partially occluded the portal system veins. All the patients presented with a thrombus inside the portal vein. There was no difference in hematological and biochemical tests between groups with or without portal vein thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: Portal vein thrombosis is often observed in the late postoperative period, irrespective of the surgical treatment employed, and is not associated with patient characteristics or any hematological and biochemical tests.

Embolização de múltiplos aneurismas de artéria esplênica em paciente com hiperesplenismo por hipertensão portal: relato de caso / Embolization of multiple splenic artery aneurysms in a patient with hypersplenism due to portal hypertension: a case report

Resumo Os aneurismas de artéria esplênica são o terceiro tipo mais comum de aneurismas intra-abdominais, sendo considerados o tipo mais comum de aneurismas viscerais. A hipertensão portal é um fator de risco significativo para o seu desenvolvimento. Relatamos o caso de uma paciente do sexo feminino, branca, de 52 anos, com múltiplos aneurismas de artéria esplênica com hiperesplenismo por hipertensão portal e cirrose. Por meio da angiotomografia abdominal, foram identificados seis aneurismas esplênicos. Nesse contexto, optou-se por intervenção endovascular por meio da embolização com molas de destaque controlado e material embolizante Onyx™. Os três aneurismas maiores foram tratados. As angiografias de controle mostraram boa exclusão dos aneurismas. Portanto, a técnica endovascular foi uma boa opção devido às comorbidades e às discrasias sanguíneas apresentadas. Neste caso, o procedimento foi bem-sucedido. Não houve intercorrências imediatas ou complicações a longo prazo. A paciente evoluiu bem, seguindo em acompanhamento clínico.

Abstract Aneurysms of the splenic artery are the third most common type of intra-abdominal aneurysms and the most common type of visceral aneurysms. Portal hypertension is a significant risk factor for development of these aneurysms. We report the case of a white, female, 52-year-old patient with multiple splenic artery aneurysms and hypersplenism secondary to portal hypertension and cirrhosis. Abdominal angiotomography identified six splenic aneurysms. In this scenario, an endovascular intervention was scheduled to conduct embolization using controlled release coils and Onyx™ embolization agent. The three largest aneurysms were treated. Control angiographs showed good exclusion of the aneurysms. The endovascular technique therefore proved to be a good choice considering the patient's comorbidities and blood disorders. In this case, the procedure was successful. There were no immediate or long-term complications. The patient recovered well and is in clinical follow-up.

O papel da elastografia na hipertensão portal clinicamente significativa / The role of elastography in clinically significant portal hypertension

ABSTRACT This is a narrative review that aims to discuss the importance of elastographic methods in the evaluation of clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) in cirrhotic patients, where the authors propose an algorithm for evaluating these patients. In compensated advanced chronic liver disease, the goal is to prevent the development of CSPH and, in those already with CSPH, prevent the appearance of gastroesophageal varices (GEV) and other complications of portal hypertension. In compensated cirrhosis, the prevalence of GEV is 30-40%, of which 10-20% are at risk of bleeding. Therefore, using non-invasive methods would exempt the patient from the need of an endoscopy. Hepatic Elastography is a non-invasive, safe, reproducible method, available through many techniques: Vibration-Controlled Transient Elastography (VCTE), Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) and Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE). The Baveno VII presented the "rule of 5" for VCTE: liver stiffness measurement (LSM) ≤15 kPa and platelets >150.000/mm3 exclude CSPH, while an LSM ≥25 kPa is highly suggestive of CSPH. Also, the "rule of 4" for SWE has been proposed: patients with ≥17 kPa could be considered as having CSPH. At last, spleen stiffness measurement (SSM) has been proposed as a more specific technique to predict the presence of CSPH. In conclusion, elastography has gained prestige in the non-invasive evaluation of patients with advanced chronic liver disease by allowing prophylactic measures to be taken when suggesting the presence of CSPH.

RESUMO Trata-se de uma revisão narrativa que visa discutir a importância dos métodos elastográficos na avaliação da hipertensão portal clinicamente significativa (HPCS) em pacientes cirróticos, onde os autores propõem um algoritmo para avaliação desses pacientes. Na doença hepática crônica avançada compensada, o objetivo é prevenir o desenvolvimento de HPCS, e naqueles já com HPCS prevenir o aparecimento de varizes gastroesofágicas (VGE) e outras complicações da hipertensão portal. Na cirrose compensada, a prevalência de VGE é de 30-40% e 10-20% são varizes com risco de sangramento, portanto o uso de métodos não invasivos dispensaria o paciente de endoscopia. A elastografia hepática é um método não invasivo, seguro e reprodutível, disponível através de várias técnicas: elastografia transitória (VCTE), onda de cisalhamento (SWE) e elastografia por ressonância magnética. O Baveno VII apresentou a "regra dos 5" para VCTE: medida da rigidez hepática (LSM) ≤15 kPa e plaquetas >150.000/mm3 excluem HPCS enquanto um LSM ≥25 kPa é altamente sugestivo de HPCS. Além disso, foi proposta a "regra dos 4" para SWE: pacientes com ≥17 kPa podem ser considerados como portadores de HPCS. Por fim, a medição da rigidez do baço (SSM) foi proposta como uma técnica mais específica para prever a presença de HPCS. Em conclusão, a elastografia ganhou prestígio na avaliação não invasiva de pacientes com doença hepática crônica avançada, ao permitir a adoção de medidas profiláticas ao sugerir a presença de HPCS.

Fatores preditivos de morbidade associada à sangramento de varizes esofágicas em crianças com hipertensão porta / Predictive factors of morbidity associated with esophageal variceal bleeding in children with portal hypertension

ABSTRACT Background: Most data on the natural history of portal hypertension come from studies in adults. The morbidity rate of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in children with portal hypertension has not been systematically characterized. Objective: To describe the morbidity and mortality of UGIB in pediatric patients with portal hypertension and identify predictive factors for the occurrence of its main complications. Methods: This retrospective study included pediatric patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension or with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO). Mortality and UGIB complications within a period of up to 6 weeks of the bleeding were investigated. To determine the predictive factors of morbidity, a multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression; all results were considered significant at P<0.05. Results: A total of 86 patients (51.2% with EHPVO and 48.8% with cirrhosis) had 174 bleeding events. Ascites was the most common complication (43.1% of all cases), being more prevalent in patients with cirrhosis (P<0.001). Cirrhosis was a predictor of the occurrence of any morbidity (OR 20.3). The need for blood transfusion was predictor of at least one complication (OR 5.8), ascites (OR 7.2) and infections (OR 3.8) in the general group and at least one complication (OR 11.3) and ascites (OR 5.8) in cirrhotic patients. The need for expansion was a predictor of any morbidity (OR 4.6) and infections (OR 3.9) in the general group, in addition to being predictor of infection in cirrhotic patients (OR 5.4). There were no deaths from UGIB in the six weeks post-bleeding. Conclusion: The study showed the relevance of morbidity after UGIB in pediatric patients with portal hypertension, especially in those with cirrhosis. The patients with hemodynamic instability requiring blood transfusion or expansion on admission are at increased risk of complications related to upper gastrointestinal bleeding and should be closely monitored.

RESUMO Contexto: A maioria dos dados sobre a história natural da hipertensão porta provém de estudos em adultos. A morbidade associada à hemorragia digestiva alta (HDA) em crianças com hipertensão porta ainda não foi sistematicamente estudada. Objetivo: Descrever a morbimortalidade da HDA em pacientes pediátricos com hipertensão porta e identificar fatores preditivos para a ocorrência de suas principais complicações. Métodos: Este estudo retrospectivo incluiu pacientes pediátricos com hipertensão porta cirrótica ou com obstrução extra-hepática da veia porta (OEHVP). A mortalidade e as complicações da HDA foram estudadas até seis semanas após o sangramento. Para determinar os fatores preditivos de morbidade, foi realizada análise multivariada por meio de regressão logística; todos os resultados foram considerados significativos com P<0,05. Resultados: Oitenta e seis pacientes (51,2% com OEHVP e 48,8% com cirrose) tiveram 174 eventos hemorrágicos. A ascite foi a complicação mais comum (43,1% de todos os casos), sendo mais prevalente em pacientes com cirrose (P<0,001). A cirrose foi preditor da ocorrência de pelo menos uma complicação (OR 20,3). A necessidade de transfusão sanguínea foi preditora de pelo menos uma complicação (OR 5,8), ascite (OR 7,2) e infecções (OR 3,8) no grupo geral e pelo menos uma complicação (OR 11,3) e ascite (OR 5,8) nos cirróticos. A necessidade de expansão foi preditor de qualquer morbidade (OR 4,6) e infecções (OR 3,9) no grupo geral, além de ser preditor de infecção em cirróticos (OR 5,4). Não houve óbitos por HDA nas 6 semanas pós-sangramento. Conclusão: O estudo mostrou a relevância da morbidade após HDA em pacientes pediátricos com hipertensão porta, principalmente naqueles com cirrose. Os pacientes com instabilidade hemodinâmica que necessitam de transfusão de sangue ou expansão na admissão têm risco aumentado de complicações relacionadas à hemorragia digestiva alta e devem ser monitorados de perto.

Cholestatic Jaundice Secondary to Portal Hypertensive Biliopathy Regarding a Case of Cavernous Transformation of the Portal Vein

Portal hypertensive biliopathy comprises the anatomical and functional abnormalities of the intra- and extrahepatic biliary tract, cystic duct, and gallbladder in patients with portal hypertension. The compromise of the bile duct usually occurs in portal obstruction due to the cavernous transformation of the portal vein (CTPV). We present a case of a young patient with a recent history of portal hypertension and CTPV who presented with an episode of cholestatic hepatitis. Studies documented an image of nodular appearance with extrinsic compression of the distal bile duct compatible with a tumor-like cavernoma. Effective endoscopic treatment was performed using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), sphincterotomy, and biliary stenting.

La biliopatía hipertensiva portal comprende las anomalías anatómicas y funcionales del tracto biliar intra- y extrahepático, el conducto cístico y la vesícula biliar en pacientes con hipertensión portal. El compromiso de la vía biliar suele presentarse en obstrucción portal debido a transformación cavernomatosa de la porta. Presentamos un caso de un paciente joven, con historia reciente de hipertensión portal y cavernomatosis de la porta, que presentó un episodio de hepatitis colestásica y en estudios se le documentó una imagen de apariencia nodular con compresión extrínseca de la vía biliar distal compatible con tumor-like cavernoma. En este caso se realizó un tratamiento endoscópico efectivo mediante colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE), esfinterotomía y stent biliar.

Effect of systemic therapeutic drugs for hepatocellular carcinoma on portal hypertension / 临床肝胆病杂志

The vast majority of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in China originate from hepatitis B cirrhosis, while 90% of cirrhotic patients may develop portal hypertension, and the HCC patients with portal hypertension account for 15%-30%. Portal hypertension is a group of clinical syndromes characterized by elevated portal venous pressure and formation of portal-systemic collateral circulation, and it is one of the most important complications of liver cirrhosis. HCC and portal hypertension affect each other, and portal hypertension seriously affects the prognosis of HCC patients. The development of systemic treatment regimens for HCC provides more treatment options for patients with advanced HCC, including molecular-targeted drug therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. Different systemic therapeutic drugs for HCC have different impacts on portal hypertension, and this article reviews the effect of commonly used systemic therapeutic drugs for HCC on portal hypertension.

Comparison of endoscopic therapy and TIPS in prophylaxis and treatment of variceal bleeding in decompensated portal hypertension / 临床肝胆病杂志

Esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EGVB) is one of the main complications of decompensated portal hypertension, especially in patients with liver cirrhosis, and it often has a high mortality rate. Medication combined with endoscopy is the main prevention and treatment method for EGVB, while transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) combined with variceal embolization can also be selected for some high-risk patients, and individualized diagnosis and treatment of portal hypertension based on hepatic venous pressure gradient should become the latest consensus and the main strategy. This article mainly reviews endoscopic therapy and TIPS for the prevention and treatment of EGVB patients with decompensated portal hypertension in terms of selection of indications, incidence rate of complications, and respective advantages and disadvantages.

Current status and advances in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in treatment of refractory ascites due to portal hypertension / 临床肝胆病杂志

Refractory ascites is one of the common complications of portal hypertension in decompensated liver cirrhosis and is characterized by extremely poor prognosis and high mortality rate. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is recommended by several international and national guidelines as one of the treatment methods after failure of large volume paracentesis combined protein infusion therapy. TIPS can effectively control the recurrence of ascites, but it can increase the risk of hepatic encephalopathy, and there are still controversies over whether it can prolong survival time. With a deeper understanding of TIPS, the maturity of surgical techniques, and the update of stent materials, it is urgent to reevaluate the position of TIPS in the treatment of refractory ascites due to portal hypertension. This article reviews the current status and advances in TIPS for the treatment of refractory ascites due to portal hypertension.