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.

Clinical efficacy of TIPS combined with catheter thrombolysis or local treatment for portal vein thrombosis / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)combined with indwelling catheter-directed thrombolysis for the treatment of portal vein thrombosis(PVT).Methods The clinical efficacy of 307 patients with portal hypertension complicated by PVT,who received successful TIPS combined with indwelling catheter-directed thrombolysis at the Affiliated Beijing Shijitan Hospital of Capital Medical University of China between January 2016 and December 2019,were retrospectively analyzed.Before and after TIPS,the inferior vena cava pressure(IVCP)and portal vein pressure(PVP)were measured,and the pre-TIPS,post-TIPS(before thrombolysis),and post-thrombolysis portal pressure gradient(PPG,PPG=PVP-IVCP)was separately calculated.Reexamination of portal venography DSA was performed to determine the degree of PVT disappearance and whether the shunt was unobstructed.All patients were followed up for one year.Results The pre-TIPS,post-TIPS(before thrombolysis),and post-thrombolysis mean PPG was(24.50±6.91)mmHg,(18.51±5.11)mmHg,and(10.17±3.97)mmHg,respectively.The post-thrombolysis mean PPG was strikingly lower than the pre-thrombolysis values,the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.001).Among the 307 patients,complete disappearance of PVT was observed in 221(72.3%),remarkable reduction of PVT in 86(27.7%),and no invalid result was seen.The patients having complete patency of the shunt flow accounted for 85.7%of the 307 patients(261/307),and the patients having partial patency of the shunt flow accounted for 14.3%of the 307 patients(46/307).Forty-two patients developed complications,and no death occurred.All patients were followed up for one year,and the main clinical symptoms were improved or completely disappeared.Among the 307 patients,an increase in thrombus volume was found in 17(5.5%)when compared to their postoperative values,which returned to the first-time postoperative level after local treatment of the thrombus via the TIPS shunt combined with catheter-directed thrombolysis.Within one year after TIPS and thrombolysis,overt hepatic encephalopathy(OHE)occurred in 54 patients(17.6%,54/307).One patient died of hepatic failure 9 months after TIPS,another patient died of cerebral hemorrhage 11 months after TIPS,and all the remaining patients were alive.Conclusion For patients with portal hypertension complicated by PVT,TIPS combined with indwelling catheter-directed thrombolysis is clinically safe and effective.The standardized,systematic management of the whole therapeutic process should be strengthened.(J Intervent Radiol,2024,32:22-27)

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)

Research progress in perioperative management of portal vein thrombosis in liver transplantation / 器官移植

Portal vein thrombosis is one of the common complications of liver cirrhosis. The incidence of portal vein thrombosis is increased with the progression of diseases. The incidence and progression of portal vein thrombosis are associated with multiple factors. The indications of anticoagulant therapy remain to be investigated. At present, portal vein thrombosis is no longer considered as a contraindication for liver transplantation. Nevertheless, complicated portal vein thrombosis will increase perioperative risk of liver transplantation. How to restore the blood flow of portal vein system is a challenge for surgical decision-making in clinical practice. Rational preoperative typing, surgical planning and portal vein reconstruction are the keys to ensure favorable long-term prognosis of liver transplant recipients. In this article, epidemiological status, risk factors, typing and identification of portal vein thrombosis, preoperative and intraoperative management of portal vein thrombosis in liver transplantation, and the impact of portal vein thrombosis on the outcomes of liver transplantation were reviewed, aiming to provide reference for perioperative management of portal vein thrombosis throughout liver transplantation.

Investigation and analysis of the current status of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt treatment for portal hypertension in China / 中华放射学杂志

Objective:To investigate the current situation of the use of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for portal hypertension, which should aid the development of TIPS in China.Methods:The China Portal Hypertension Alliance (CHESS) initiated this study that comprehensively investigated the basic situation of TIPS for portal hypertension in China through network research. The survey included the following: the number of surgical cases, main indications, the development of Early-TIPS, TIPS for portal vein cavernous transformation, collateral circulation embolization, intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurement, commonly used stent types, conventional anticoagulation and time, postoperative follow-up, obstacles, and the application of domestic instruments.Results:According to the survey, a total of 13 527 TIPS operations were carried out in 545 hospitals participating in the survey in 2021, and 94.1% of the hospital had the habit of routine follow-up after TIPS. Most hospitals believed that the main indications of TIPS were the control of acute bleeding (42.6%) and the prevention of rebleeding (40.7%). 48.1% of the teams carried out early or priority TIPS, 53.0% of the teams carried out TIPS for the cavernous transformation of the portal vein, and 81.0% chose routine embolization of collateral circulation during operation. Most of them used coils and biological glue as embolic materials, and 78.5% of the team routinely performed intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurements. In selecting TIPS stents, 57.1% of the hospitals woulel choose Viator-specific stents, 57.2% woulel choose conventional anticoagulation after TIPS, and the duration of anticoagulation was between 3-6 months (55.4%). The limitation of TIPS surgery was mainly due to cost (72.3%) and insufficient understanding of doctors in related departments (77.4%). Most teams accepted the domestic instruments used in TIPS (92.7%).Conclusions:This survey shows that TIPS treatment is an essential part of treating portal hypertension in China. The total number of TIPS cases is far from that of patients with portal hypertension. In the future, it is still necessary to popularize TIPS technology and further standardize surgical indications, routine operations, and instrument application.

Study on the comparative analysis of the efficacy of transmesenteric vein extrahepatic portosystemic shunt and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in the treatment of cavernous transformation of portal vein / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of transmesenteric vein extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TEPS) and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in the treatment of cavernous transformation of the portal vein (CTPV). Methods: The clinical data of CTPV patients with patency or partial patency of the superior mesenteric vein treated with TIPS or TEPS treatment in the Department of Vascular Surgery of Henan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2019 to December 2021 were selected. The differences in baseline data, surgical success rate, complication rate, incidence rate of hepatic encephalopathy, and other related indicators between TIPS and TEPS group were statistically analyzed by independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Chi-square test. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to calculate the cumulative patency rate of the shunt and the recurrence rate of postoperative portal hypertension symptoms in both groups. Results: The surgical success rate (100% vs. 65.52%), surgical complication rate (6.67% vs. 36.84%), cumulative shunt patency rate (100% vs. 70.70%), and cumulative symptom recurrence rate (0% vs. 25.71%) of the TEPS group and TIPS group were statistically significantly different (P < 0.05). The time of establishing the shunt [28 (2141) min vs. 82 (51206) min], the number of stents used [1 (12) vs. 2 (15)], and the length of the shunt [10 (912) cm vs. 16 (1220) cm] were statistically significant between the two groups (t = -3.764, -4.059, -1.765, P < 0.05). The incidence of postoperative hepatic encephalopathy in the TEPS group and TIPS group was 6.67% and 15.79% respectively, with no statistically significant difference (Fisher's exact probability method, P = 0.613). The pressure of superior mesenteric vein decreased from (29.33 ± 1.99) mmHg to (14.60 ± 2.80) mmHg in the TEPS group and from (29.68 ± 2.31) mmHg to (15.79 ± 3.01) mmHg in TIPS group after surgery, and the difference was statistically significant (t = 16.625, 15.959, P < 0.01). Conclusion: The best indication of TEPS is in CTPV patients with patency or partial patency of the superior mesenteric vein. TEPS improves the accuracy and success rate of surgery and reduces the incidence of complications.

Value of hepatic venous pressure gradient in preoperative evaluation and prognosis prediction in liver transplant recipients / 器官移植

Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is the "gold standard" for the diagnosis of portal hypertension, which could be applied in the evaluation of liver cirrhosis. Combined use of HVPG with model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scoring system may more accurately match the donors and recipients undergoing liver transplantation for liver cirrhosis, select the appropriate timing of surgery, and provide guidance for bridging treatment for patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation. Besides, HVPG may also predict clinical prognosis of liver transplant recipients, and provide evidence for early detection and intervention of potential complications. Therefore, the value of HVPG in preoperative evaluation and prognosis prediction of liver transplant recipients was reviewed, aiming to provide guidance for clinical diagnosis and treatment of liver transplant recipients before and after surgery.

Factors influencing bilirubin elevation and its correlation with UGT1A1 gene polymorphism in the early postoperative period of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective: To investigate the factors influencing total bilirubin elevation and its correlation with UGT1A1 gene polymorphism in the early postoperative period of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). Methods: 104 cases with portal hypertension and esophageal variceal hemorrhage (EVB) treated with elective TIPS treatment were selected as the study subjects and were divided into a bilirubin-elevated group and a normal bilirubin group according to the total bilirubin elevation level during the early postoperative period. Univariate analysis and logistic regression were used to analyze the factors influencing total bilirubin elevation in the early postoperative period. PCR amplification and first-generation sequencing technology were used to detect the polymorphic loci of the UGT1A1 gene promoter TATA box, enhancer c.-3279 T > G, c.211G > A, and c.686C > A. Logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation of four locus alleles and genotypes with elevated total bilirubin in the early postoperative period. Results: Among the 104 cases, 47 patients were in the bilirubin elevated group, including 35 males (74.5%) and 12 females (25.5%), aged (50.72 ± 12.56) years. There were 57 cases in the normal bilirubin group, including 42 males (73.7%) and 15 females (26.3%), aged (51.63 ± 11.10) years. There was no statistically significant difference in age (t = -0.391, P = 0.697) and gender (χ(2) = 0.008, P = 0.928) between the two groups of patients. Univariate analysis revealed that preoperative alanine transaminase (ALT) level (χ(2) = 5.954, P = 0.015), total bilirubin level (χ(2) = 16.638, P < 0.001), MELD score (χ(2) = 10.054, P = 0.018), Child-Pugh score (χ(2) = 6.844, P = 0.022), and postoperative portal vein branch development (χ(2) = 6.738, P = 0.034) were statistically significantly different between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative ALT level, total bilirubin level, and portal vein branch development after TIPS were correlated with the elevated total bilirubin in the early postoperative period. The polymorphism of the c.211G > A locus of the UGT1A1 gene correlation had elevated total bilirubin in the early postoperative period of TIPS. The risk of elevated total bilirubin was increased in the population carrying allele A (P = 0.001, OR = 4.049) in the early postoperative period. Allelic polymorphisms in the TATA box promoter region and enhancer c.-3279 T > G and c.686C > A had no statistically significant difference between the bilirubin-elevated group and the normal bilirubin group. Conclusion: The preoperative ALT level, total bilirubin level, and portal vein branch development are correlated with the elevated total bilirubin in early postoperative patients. The polymorphisms of the UGT1A1 gene and enhancer c.211G > A are correlated with the occurrence of elevated total bilirubin in the early postoperative period of TIPS. Allele A carrier may have a higher risk of elevated total bilirubin in the early postoperative period.

Portal vein aneurysm after liver transplantation: report of two cases and literature review / 器官移植

Objective To summarize the diagnosis and treatment experience of portal vein aneurysm after liver transplantation. Methods Clinical data of two recipients with portal vein aneurysm after liver transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis were summarized based on literature review. Results Both two cases were diagnosed with intrahepatic portal vein aneurysm complicated with portal vein thrombosis and portal hypertension after liver transplantation. Case 1 was given with targeted conservative treatment and he refused to undergo liver retransplantation. Physical condition was worsened after discharge, and the patient eventually died from liver graft failure, kidney failure, lung infection, and septic shock. Case 2 received high-dose glucocorticoid pulse therapy, whereas liver function was not improved, and the patient was recovered successfully after secondary liver transplantation. Conclusions Long-term complication of portal vein aneurysm (especially intrahepatic type) after liver transplantation probably indicates poor prognosis. Correct understanding, intimate follow-up and active treatment should be conducted. Liver retransplantation may be a potential treatment regimen.

Pharmaceutical care of patients with antithrombotic therapy after transjugular intrahepatic portal shunt / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: To explore the role of clinical pharmacist in the treatment of patients with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. METHODS: Clinical pharmacist participated in the treatment of a patient with repeated oral bleeding after transjugular intrahepatic portal shunt followed treatment with multiple antithrombotic drugs, which assisted the physician to diagnose and adjust the antithrombotic treatment plan as well as provided the patient with whole-process pharmaceutical care and online management. RESULTS: Based on the inquiry about the patient's past and current medical history and medication consumption, the pharmacist considered that there was weak correlation between oral hemorrhage and antithrombotic drugs and advised for dentist inspection. Thereafter, the patient was diagnosed with chronic gingivitis. The dosage of warfarin was adjusted, and the pharmacists managed it online after discharge to achieve stable INR of the patient. In the later online follow-up, an abnormal increase of INR was encountered, By asking about the history of medication, it was considered that the increase in INR was related to taking amoxicillin capsules. Therefore, the pharmacist suggested to stop amoxicillin capsule and to gradually adjust the dose of warfarin to the original level to improve the treatment. CONCLUSION: The involvement of clinical pharmacists in clinical treatment facilitates comprehensive pharmaceutical care of patients, which plays a positive role in the efficacy and safety of medication therapy.

Safety and effectiveness of salvage transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for hepatocellular carcinoma with Vp4 portal vein tumor thrombus / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with Vp4 portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT).Methods:Data of 15 patients undergoing TIPS for HCC with Vp4 PVTT and portal hypertension (PTN) in Peking University First Hospital from July 2018 to February 2023 were retrospectively analyzed, including 14 males and 1 female, aged (61.5±11.1) years old, ranging from 40 to 78 years old. The success rate of TIPS, portal pressure gradient (PPG) before and after procedure, perioperative adverse effects and complications were recorded. The survival status of patients was followed up by telephone review after surgery. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis.Results:The procedure of TIPS was performed uneventfully in all patients, with a technical success rate of 100% (15/15). PPG before and after TIPS were (31.73±5.48) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and (17.60±3.66) mmHg, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.001). No perioperative death, hepatic artery or bile duct injury, acute liver failure or other major complications occurred. Compared with the preoperative status, the performance status scores [0(0, 0) vs. 3(3, 3)] and Child-Pugh scores [6(5, 8) vs. 9(8, 10)] were lower in patients one month after TIPS (all P<0.05). The median survival time was 228 d. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that the cumulative survival rates at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after TIPS were 100%, 64.3%, 32.7% and 8.2%, respectively. Conclusion:TIPS could be safe and effective for HCC with Vp4 PVTT and severe PTN.

Fístula arteriovenosa post-TIPS, un reto diagnóstico: reporte de caso / Post-TIPS arteriovenous fistula, a diagnostic challenge: case report

La hipertensión portal es una de las principales complicaciones de la cirrosis. El papel de la derivación portosistémica transyugular intrahepática (TIPS, por sus siglas en inglés), ha ganado aceptación como tratamiento efectivo en la hipertensión portal. En los últimos años su técnica se ha ido perfeccionando, disminuyendo la morbimortalidad relacionada con este procedimiento. Describimos un caso de un paciente masculino con cirrosis Child-Pugh 8 y MELD 16, con antecedente de descompensación por sangrado variceal recurrente y trombosis parcial de la vena porta, con un gradiente de presión venosa hepática (GPVH) de 20 mmHg, por lo que es llevado a TIPS como profilaxis secundaria, con un gradiente final post-TIPS de 6 mmHg. Posterior al procedimiento, presentó evolución tórpida con deterioro de las pruebas de bioquímica hepática. Se realizó una angiografía demostrando permeabilidad del TIPS sin progresión de la trombosis portal, y hallazgos anormales inespecíficos de la arteria hepática. Se decidió realizar una arteriografía selectiva, demostrando un pseudoaneurisma de la rama derecha de la arteria hepática y una fístula arteriovenosa de la arteria hepática a las colaterales portales. Se realizó embolización selectiva de la fístula con evolución satisfactoria del paciente.

Portal hypertension is a life-threatening complication of cirrhosis. The role of transyugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has gained acceptance as an effective treatment for portal hypertension. In the past few years, its technique has been improved, decreasing the mortality related with the procedure. We describe a case of a male with Child-Pugh 8 and MELD 16 cirrhosis, with previous decompensation of recurrent variceal bleeding and partial thrombosis of the portal vein. TIPS was performed due to a hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) of 20 mmHg. The final measure showed HVPG of 6 mmHg. After the procedure, he presented a torpid evolution with deterioration of liver function tests. An angiography was performed demonstrating patency of the TIPS without progression of portal thrombosis and nonspecific abnormal findings of the hepatic artery. Selective arteriography was performed and revealed a pseudoaneurysm of the right branch of the hepatic artery and an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) from the hepatic artery to portal collaterals. Embolization was performed to treat the fistula with satisfactory evolution of the patient.

Alternativas de manejo intervencionista en el síndrome de Budd-Chiari. Serie de casos y revisión de la literatura / Interventional management alternatives in Budd-Chiari syndrome. Series of cases and review of the literature

La obstrucción en el tracto de salida del flujo venoso hepático, también conocida como síndrome de Budd-Chiari, es una condición infrecuente que causa congestión hepática, hipertensión portal, ne-crosis de los hepatocitos y, eventualmente, falla hepática aguda o crónica. Actualmente, el manejo de esta condición representa un reto para el médico, quien debe estar preparado para determinar la mejor alternativa entre las diferentes opciones terapéuticas disponibles. Este artículo pretende ilus-trar las alternativas del manejo intervencionista de esta enfermedad, a través de una serie de casos de pacientes tratados en el servicio de Radiología Intervencionista de un hospital de referencia de la ciudad de Medellín, entre 2011 y 2017.

Hepatic venous outflow tract obstruction, also known as Budd-Chiari syndrome, is a rare condition that causes hepatic congestion, portal hypertension, hepatocyte necrosis and eventually acute or chronic liver failure. Currently, the management of this condition represents a challenge for the physi-cian, who must be prepared to determine the best alternative among the different therapeutic options available. This article aims to illustrate the alternatives of interventional management of this disease, through a series of cases of patients treated in the Interventional Radiology service of a referral hos-pital in the city of Medellin, between 2011 and 2017.

Efficacy of TIPS in treatment of recurrent portal hypertension after splenectomy and devascularization in patients presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To study the efficacy, feasibility and safety of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in treatment of recurrent portal hypertension after splenectomy and devascularization in patients presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding.Methods:Cirrhotic patients with recurrent portal hypertension after splenectomy and devascularization and presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding from August 2015 to December 2020 were studied. Thirty-nine patients were included in this study. There were 24 males and 15 females, with age of (51.56±9.08) years old. These patients were treated with TIPS by using the Viabahn stent. Intraoperative portal vein pressure, success operative rate, hemostasis rate after surgery, changes in hematological indicators and postoperative efficacy and complication rate were studied.Results:Thirty-eight of 39 patients successfully underwent TIPS shunt and 1 patient failed because of portal vein spongiosis. The success rate was 97.44%(38/39). Thirty-three patients underwent TIPS and variceal vein embolization, while 5 patients were treated with TIPS alone. Thirty-nine Viabahn stents with a diameter of 8 mm were implanted in 38 patients, of which 5 patients had the stent expanded to its nominal diameter of 8 mm. The remaining 33 patients (86.84%) had a shunt with a diameter of 6 mm. The hemostasis rate of postoperative gastrointestinal bleeding was 97.37% (37/38). The portal vein pressure and portal venous pressure gradient decreased from (31.28±6.24), (20.61±5.14) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) to (19.58±4.69), (9.24±3.07) mmHg respectively, the differences were significant (all P<0.001). All patients were followed-up for 3 to 36 months, with a median follow-up of 12 months. The postoperative rebleeding rate was 6.90% (2/29). The incidence of hepatic encephalopathy was 13.79% (4/29), and the incidence of shunt disorder was 13.79% (4/29). Conclusion:TIPS was safe, effective and feasible in treating patients with recurrent portal hypertension after splenectomy and devascularization presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Most patients obtained good clinical outcomes with a 6 mm diameter shunt.

Risk factors of death and prognostic scores of patients with liver cirrhosis undergoing TIPS / 国际生物医学工程杂志

Objective:To analyze the risk factors of death within two years of the patients with liver cirrhosis after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS), and to explore the predictive value of 6 common clinical evaluation systems on the risk of death after TIPS.Methods:TIPS clinical data from 132 patients with liver cirrhosis were analyzed retrospectively. According to the 2-year clinical outcome after TIPS, the patients were divided into the death group and the survival group. Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of death within 2 years after TIPS. According to the scores of CTP, MELD, MELD Na, BioCliM, FIB-4, and ALBI evaluation systems, the prediction efficiency of death risk of the six evaluation systems was evaluated by using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the curve (AUC).Results:During the 2-year follow-up period after TIPS, the age, urea nitrogen level, platelet count, and proportion of hepatic encephalopathy in the death group were higher than those in the survival group one month after TIPS, and the serum sodium level was lower than those in the survival group (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the elderly and hepatic encephalopathy one month after operation were independent risk factors for death (all P<0.05). At 1 week after the surgery, there were significant differences in CTP, MELD, and MELD-Na scores between the survival group and the death group (all P<0.05). One week after operation, the AUC of ROC of CTP, MELD, MELD-Na, and ALBI scores were 0.685, 0.721, 0.805, and 0.658 respectively, and the optimal critical values were 8.5, 12.99, 14.51 and -1.52 respectively. Conclusions:The elderly and the occurrence of hepatic encephalopathy one month after TIPS are independent risk factors for the death of liver cirrhosis patients after TIPS. The evaluation of CTP, MELD, MELD-Na, and ALBI one week after TIPS can predict the death risk of decompensated liver cirrhosis patients within 2 years after TIPS, and MELD-Na has the best predictive effect.

Effects of plasma lipopolysaccharide changes on platelet release of vascular endothelial growth factor and thromobospondin-1 in patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension after TIPS procedure / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective: To investigate the effects of plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentration changes on platelet release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and thrombospondin (TSP)-1 in patients with decompensated cirrhotic portal hypertension after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure. Methods: 169 cases with cirrhotic portal hypertension were enrolled, of which 81 cases received TIPS treatment. LPS, VEGF, and TSP-1 concentrations with different Child-Pugh class in peripheral blood plasma of patients were measured. After pre-incubation of normal human platelets with different concentrations of LPS and stimulated by collagen in vitro, platelet PAC-1 expression rate, VEGF, and TSP-1 concentrations were detected. PAC-1 expression rate and the concentrations of LPS, VEGF and TSP-1 in peripheral blood plasma of patients before and after TIPS procedure were detected. The relationship between plasma LPS, VEGF and TSP-1 concentrations and Child-Pugh score changes in patients after TIPS procedure was analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed by t-test, one-way ANOVA or Pearson's rho according to different data. Results: Plasma LPS and TSP-1 concentrations were significantly higher in Child-Pugh class C patients than class A and B, but the concentration of plasma VEGF was significantly lower than class A and B (P < 0.01). In vitro experiments showed that concentration of LPS, TSP-1, and platelet PAC-1 expression rate was higher in the supernatant, but the difference in the concentration of VEGF in the supernatant was not statistically significant. Portal vein pressure and platelet activation were significantly decreased (P < 0.01) in patients after TIPS procedure. Portal venous pressure, platelet activation, plasma LPS, and TSP-1 levels were significantly decreased continuously, while VEGF levels were significantly increased continuously after TIPS procedure. Plasma LPS concentration was positively correlated with TSP-1 concentration (r = 0.506, P < 0.001), and negatively correlated with VEGF concentration (r = -0.167, P = 0.010). Child-Pugh score change range was negatively correlated with change range of plasma VEGF concentration (r = -0.297, P = 0.016), and positively correlated with change range of plasma TSP-1 concentration (r = 0.145, P = 0.031) after TIPS. Conclusion: Portal venous pressure gradient, plasma LPS concentration and corresponding platelet activation was decreased in cirrhotic portal hypertension after TIPS procedure, and with TSP-1 reduction and VEGF elevation it is possible to reduce the liver function injury caused by portal venous shunt.

Diagnosis and treatment of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome after liver transplantation: a single-center experience / 器官移植

Objective To summarize the incidence, diagnostic and therapeutic experience of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS) after liver transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 4 patients with HSOS after liver transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. The incidence, clinical manifestations, imaging and pathological characteristics of HSOS after liver transplantation were collected, and the treatment methods and clinical outcomes of patients with HSOS were analyzed. Results The incidence of HSOS after liver transplantation was 0.8%(2/239), and the median time of onset was 4.5(1.7, 9.0) months after liver transplantation. The clinical manifestations of HSOS mainly included abdominal distension, ascites, hepatomegaly, increased bilirubin, and renal insufficiency in partial cases. Enhanced abdominal CT scan of 4 patients with HSOS showed uneven spot-like enhancement and the liver histopathological examination mainly showed the signs of hepatic sinusoidal dilatation complicated with congestion. Four patients were administered with an adjusted regime of immunosuppressant by replacing tacrolimus (Tac) with ciclosporin and adding anticoagulant therapy with warfarin. One patient received transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). After treatment, the symptoms of 3 patients were completely relieved, and 1 patient died. One of the 3 surviving patients died from pulmonary infection and gastrointestinal bleeding. Conclusions HSOS is a rare and fatal complication after liver transplantation. Timely diagnosis and treatment can avoid the incidence of graft failure and improve clinical prognosis of the patients.

Trombosis venosa portal en la cirrosis hepática / Portal vein thrombosis in liver cirrhosis

La trombosis de la vena porta (TVP) se define como una oclusión parcial o completa de la luz de la vena porta o sus afluentes por la formación de trombos. La etiología de la formación de TVP en un hígado cirrótico parece ser multifactorial, y presenta una prevalencia de 1,3% a 9,8%. La fisiopatología de la TVP en pacientes con cirrosis aún no se comprende completamente, pero se sabe que existe una disminución de la síntesis tanto de factores procoagulantes como de anticoagulantes, que asociados a factores de riesgo locales o sistémicos, favorecen el predominio de los procoagulantes que causan la trombosis. Establecer el momento de la instauración de la trombosis y el nivel anatómico dentro del sistema venoso espleno-mesentérico, son aspectos fundamentales para estimar el pronóstico y ayudar a la toma de decisiones terapéuticas. A pesar de que hasta la fecha no se ha publicado un consenso sobre su profilaxis o tratamiento en la cirrosis hepática, y existen muchas controversias con respecto al manejo óptimo de la TVP, se han observado beneficios generales de la anticoagulación con heparina de bajo peso molecular en pacientes con cirrosis hepática, en particular en aquellos con TVP aguda. El objetivo de esta revisión es explorar los temas más relevantes al momento de abordar un paciente con cirrosis hepática y TVP.

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is defined as a partial or complete occlusion of the lumen of the portal vein or its tributaries due to the formation of thrombi. The etiology of DVT formation in a cirrhotic liver appears to be multifactorial, with a prevalence of 1.3% to 9.8%. The pathophysiology of PVT in patients with cirrhosis is not yet fully understood, but it is known that there is a decrease in the synthesis of both procoagulant and anticoagulant factors, which associated with local or systemic risk factors, favor the predominance of procoagulants that cause thrombosis. Establishing the onset of thrombosis and the anatomical level within the splanchnic mesenteric venous system are fundamental aspects to estimate the prognosis and aid in therapeutic decision-making. Despite the fact that to date no consensus has been published on its prophylaxis or treatment in liver cirrhosis, and the many controversies regarding the optimal management of PVT, general benefits of anticoagulation with low molecular weight heparin have been observed in patients with liver cirrhosis, particularly those with acute PVT. The objective of this review is to explore the most relevant issues when approaching a patient with liver cirrhosis and PVT.

Manejo de pacientes con síndrome de Budd-Chiari. Revisión de tema / Treatment of patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome. Literature review

El síndrome de Budd-Chiari (SBC), descrito en 1845, se define como la obstrucción del flujo venoso hepático en ausencia de enfermedad cardíaca o pericárdica. En Colombia no se tienen datos epidemiológicos claros de esta patología, la cual alrededor del mundo se considera poco frecuente. Se diagnostica al demostrar la obstrucción del flujo de las venas hepáticas. Tiene diversas manifestaciones clínicas como fiebre, ascitis, dolor abdominal y circulación colateral, entre otras. En ciertos casos es asintomática y en su gran mayoría se acompaña de patologías protrombóticas. El manejo inicial depende de la condición del paciente; sin embargo, se ha propuesto el manejo escalonado, donde se inicia con anticoagulación, se continúa con angioplastia, luego con desvío portosistémico intrahepático transyugular (TIPS), y se termina con trasplante hepático. El pronóstico depende de un diagnóstico precoz y un tratamiento adecuado. En las mejores circunstancias se alcanza una sobrevida a cinco años en el 90% de los casos, mientras que en ausencia de manejo, la tasa de mortalidad a un año alcanza el mismo porcentaje.

Budd-Chiari syndrome (SBC), described in 1845, is defined as the obstruction of hepatic venous flow in the absence of heart or pericardial disease. In Colombia there are no clear epidemiological data of this pathology, that around the world is considered rare. It is diagnosed by demonstrating the obstruction of the flow of the hepatic veins. It has various clinical manifestations such as fever, ascites, abdominal pain and collateral circulation, among others. In certain cases, it is asymptomatic but in the great majority it is accompanied by prothrombotic pathologies. Initial management depends on the patient's condition; however, staggered management has been proposed, beginning with anticoagulation, continuing with angioplasty, then with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), and finally, with liver transplantation. The prognosis depends on an early diagnosis and proper treatment. In the best circumstances, a five-year survival is achieved in 90% of cases, while in the absence of treatment, the one-year mortality rate reaches the same percentage.

CCI clinical practice guidelines: management of TIPS for portal hypertension (2019 edition) / 中华肝脏病杂志

Portal hypertension(PH) is one of the main complications of cirrhosis.Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS) is the percutaneous creation of a conduit from the hepatic vein to the portal vein that is used to manage consequences of PH (i.e., variceal bleeding and refractory ascites) and used as a bridging therapy to liver transplant for decompensated cirrhosis. The following Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) presents profession associational recommendations of the Chinese College of Interventionalists(CCI) on TIPS for PH. The CPGs was written by more than 30 experts in the field of TIPS in China (including interventional radiologists, liver surgeons, hepatologists and gastroenterologist, et al.). The panel of experts, produced these CPGs using evidence from PubMed and Cochrane database searches and combined with relevant expert consensuses and high quality clinical researches in China providing up to date guidance on TIPS for PH with the only purpose of improving clinical practice.