Albumin-bilirubin grade versus MELD score for predicting survival after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores for predicting survival after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of pre-procedure ALBI and MELD scores was performed in 197 patients who underwent TIPS from 2005 to 2012. There were 140 men and 57 women, with a mean age of 56±11 (SD) (range: 19-90years). The prognostic capability of ALBI and MELD scores were evaluated using competing risks survival analysis. Discriminatory ability was compared between models using the C-index derived from cause specific Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: TIPS were created for ascites or hydrothorax (128 patients), variceal hemorrhage (61 patients), or both (8 patients). Prior to TIPS, 5 patients were ALBI grade 1, 76 were grade 2, and 116 were grade 3. The average pre-TIPS MELD score was 14. Pre-TIPS ALBI score, ALBI grade, and MELD were each significant predictors of 30-day mortality from hepatic failure and overall survival (all P<0.05). Based on the C-index, the MELD score was a better predictor of both 30-day and overall survival (C-index=0.74 and 0.63) than either ALBI score (0.70 and 0.59) or ALBI grade (0.64 and 0.56). In multivariate models, after accounting for MELD score ALBI score provided no additional short- or long-term survival information. CONCLUSION: Although ALBI score and grade were statistically significantly associated with risk of death after TIPS, MELD remains the superior predictor.

Hemorrhage risk with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) insertion at the main portal vein bifurcation with stent grafts.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of major hemorrhage after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) insertion using a stent graft at the main portal vein bifurcation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: TIPS insertion using stent grafts was performed in 215 patients due to non-variceal hemorrhage indications. There were 137 men and 78 women, with a mean age of 57 years±10.6 (SD) (range: 19-90 years). Based on retrospective review of portal venograms, TIPS inserted within 5mm from the portal vein bifurcation were considered "bifurcation TIPS", while those inserted 2cm or greater from the bifurcation were considered intrahepatic. Suspicion for acute major periprocedural hemorrhage were categorized as low, moderate, and high, based on the number of signs of hemorrhage. RESULTS: Of 215 TIPS inserted for purposes other than hemorrhage, the TIPS was inserted at the portal bifurcation in 41 patients (29 men, 12 women; mean age, 55.9±11.7 (SD); range: 26-79 years) and intrahepatic in 62 patients (37 men, 25 women; mean age, 57.6±10.6 (SD), range: 34-82 years), whereas 112 were indeterminate in location. No active extravasations were identified on post-TIPS portal venograms. Suspicion for acute major hemorrhage was moderate or high in 3/41 (7%) of patients in the TIPS bifurcation group compared to 5/62 (8%) in the intrahepatic TIPS group (P>0.99). There were no significant differences in 30-day mortality rates (1/41 [2%] and 3/62 [5%] respectively; P> 0.99). No deaths or interventions were attributed to acute hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: TIPS insertion at the portal bifurcation with stent grafts did not incur an elevated risk of hemorrhagic complications.

Current indication of a modified Sugiura procedure in the management of variceal bleeding.

BACKGROUND: The role of gastroesophageal devascularization (Sugiura-rype procedures) for the treatment of variceal bleeding remains controversial. Although Japanese series reported favorable longterm results, the technique has nor been widely accepted in the Western Hemisphere because of a high postoperative morbidity and mortality. The reasons for the different outcomes are unclear. In a multidisciplinary team approach we developed a therapeutic algorithm for patients with recurrent variceal bleeding. STUDY DESIGN: The Sugiura procedure was offered only to patients with well-preserved liver function (Child A or Child B cirrhosis without chronic ascites) who were not candidates for distal splenorenal shunt, transhepatic porto-systemic shunt, or liver transplantation. RESULTS: Fifteen patients with recurrent variceal bleeding underwent a modified Sugiura procedure between September 1994 and September 1997. All but one patient (operative mortality 7%) are alive after a median followup of 4 years. Recurrent variceal bleeding developed in one patient; esophageal strictures, which were successfully treated by endoscopic dilatation, developed in three patients; and one patient experienced mild encephalopathy. Major complications were noted only in patients with impaired liver function (Child B cirrhosis) or when the modified Sugiura was performed in an emergency setting. The presence of cirrhosis or the cause of portal hypertension had no significant impact on the complication rate. CONCLUSIONS: This series was performed during the last decade when all modern therapeutic options for variceal bleeding were available. Our results indicate that the modified Sugiura procedure is an effective rescue therapy in patients who are not candidates for selective shunts, transhepatic porto-systemic shunt, or transplantation. Emergency settings and decreased liver function are associated with an increased morbidity.

Direct percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy with small bowel enteroscopy and fluoroscopy.

BACKGROUND: Approaches to the creation of a percutaneous jejunostomy (PEJ) include enteroscopy with jejunal transillumination, fluoroscopy with small bowel distension and tract dilation, and jejunal enteral tube placement through a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. Although all have been successful, the combination of enteroscopy and fluoroscopy may improve visualization and the success of PEJ placement. This is a description of such a technique and its successful use in 7 patients. METHODS: The procedure was performed with the patient under conscious sedation in a manner similar to standard PEG placement. The proximal jejunum was visualized and a standard snare was passed though the enteroscope and was opened. A needle and guidewire were directed percutaneously though the snare by using fluoroscopic guidance. Under direct endoscopic visualization the snare was closed around the guidewire. A standard 20F push-type "gastrostomy" tube was passed over the guidewire and through the mouth and the dome seated in the jejunum. A bumper was passed externally over the tube and tightened at the skin. RESULTS: PEJ placement was successful in all 7 patients. The average length of the procedure was 40 minutes (range 22-64 minutes). There were no major complications. Mean follow-up was 124 days (range 28-308 days). Feeding tubes remained functional until removal (2), death (1), or surgical removal for an unrelated reason (1). Three tubes are still in use. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy tube placement can be performed successfully with enteroscopy and fluoroscopy. This technique is safe and efficient and provides distal enteral nutritional support for patients in whom PEG cannot be used.

Hemodialysis arteriovenous access: detection of stenosis and response to treatment by vascular access blood flow.

BACKGROUND: Hemodialysis access to the circulation is best provided by native and synthetic arteriovenous fistulae (AVF and AVG). Thromboses caused by venous outflow stenoses prevent the long-term use of AV access. This pilot study was performed to evaluate the ability of ultrasound dilution-derived access blood flows to detect AV access stenosis and to evaluate the response to treatment. METHODS: This pilot study was a single-center, prospective observational intervention trial. The monitoring technique used was ultrasound dilution access blood flow measurements performed monthly and after any intervention. Screening criteria for interventions were decrements in access flow of 20% when the flow value fell under 1000 mL/min or absolute flow of <600 mL/min. The primary intervention when flow criteria were met was biplanar venography of the access with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of detected stenoses. Stenoses unresponsive to PTA were sent for surgical revision. Access thrombosis was considered a study ending event. RESULTS: Baseline access flow at study entry for AVF was 919 and 1237 mL/min for AVG. Sequential measurement of AV access flow detected AV access stenosis. PTA and surgical revision significantly restored AV access flow back toward the baseline flow measurement. Failure to restore access flow by at least 20% following intervention occurred in 14% of AVF and 21% of AVG PTA attempts. Transluminal angioplasty, once successfully performed, was required at a mean of 5.8-month intervals in order to maintain AVG flow. In contrast, AVF flow was restored for a much longer period of time following angioplasty (11.4 month follow-up at the time of study end). Compared with historic controls, which used venous dialysis pressure as the primary monitoring technique, the overall (AVF-AVG) thrombosis rates improved from 25 to 16% per patient year, and AVF thrombosis rates improved from 16 to 7% per patient year. When flow was not successfully restored, thrombosis ensued. Eight of 10 thrombosis episodes were predicted based on inability to improve access flow either as a result of stenosis treatment failure or unsuccessful referral for treatment. CONCLUSION: Sequential measurement of AV access flow is an acceptable means of both monitoring for the development of access stenoses and assessing response to therapy. PTAs of AVF are more durable than PTAs of AV grafts.

Biliary stricture secondary to donor B-cell lymphoma after orthotopic liver transplantation.

Biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) lead to considerable morbidity and occasional mortality after surgery. Bile duct strictures secondary to localized lymphoproliferative disorder of the porta hepatis is rare, with only 12 cases reported in the English literature. Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder develops in up to 9% of liver allograft recipients. We describe 2 adult patients who developed Epstein-Barr virus-associated localized B-cell lymphoma of donor-tissue origin confined to the porta hepatis 3 and 5 months after OLT. Both patients were administered cyclosporine (CyA) and prednisone as primary immunosuppression. One patient was administered basiliximab as induction therapy. Neither patient had CyA trough levels greater than 250 ng/mL. Both patients were treated with a hepatojejunostomy, 75% reduction in immunosuppression therapy, and acyclovir. One patient had complete involution of the tumor, and the second patient had an 80% reduction of the tumor at the 2-year follow-up visit. This report illustrates the need to consider localized lymphoma post-OLT as a cause of obstructive jaundice even within the first 6 months after surgery. Aggressive reduction of immunosuppression in conjunction with acyclovir remains a highly effective therapy.

Conversion of indwelling chest port catheters to tunneled central venous catheters.

PURPOSE: To determine the safety and efficacy of the conversion of subcutaneous chest wall infusion ports to tunneled central venous catheters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During a period of 34 months, 67 patients were referred for conversion of indwelling subcutaneous chest wall ports to tunneled central venous catheters as part of a bone marrow transplant protocol. Six patients were deemed unacceptable for conversion and the remaining 61 underwent successful conversion. All patients had functioning surgically placed single-lumen (n = 50) or double-lumen (n = 11) chest ports, which were removed to maintain the original venous access sites for placement of a tunneled central venous catheter, incorporating the chest wall pocket for tunneling, in 46 patients (75%). A new tunnel was created in the other 15 patients. There were no immediate complications and all patients were followed until catheter removal or patient demise with the catheter in place. RESULTS: 57 of 61 (93%) catheters were used without evidence of infection for 23-164 days (mean, 57 d) after placement. Two (3%) were removed (both at 26 days) because of persistent neutropenic fever without physical signs or laboratory evidence of catheter infection, and two (3%) were removed (at 11 and 77 days) because of proven catheter infection, yielding an overall infection rate of 1.2 per 1,000 catheter days. Two catheters required exchange and two required stripping because of decreased function, resulting in an overall catheter-related complication rate of 2.4 per 1,000 catheter days. CONCLUSIONS: Indwelling subcutaneous chest wall infusion ports can be safely converted to tunneled central venous catheters, even in an immunocompromised patient population, with a low risk of complications such as infection.

Idiopathic splenic vein stenosis: a cause of gastric variceal hemorrhage.

We report the case of a patient with isolated gastric variceal bleeding. Obesity precluded the use of noninvasive means for assessing splenic vein patency. Splenic vein stenosis was diagnosed by transhepatic portal and splenic venography with pressure measurements. A cause for the stenosis could not be found. Splenectomy was used as a curative measure.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS): effects of respiratory state and patient position on the measurement of Doppler velocities.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this prospective study was to examine the effects of patient position and respiratory state on the measurements of Doppler velocities in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts in 34 consecutive patients were studied using Doppler sonography. Peak velocities were measured in the mid shunt with the patient in three positions (supine, sitting upright, and left lateral decubitus) and two respiratory states (deep inspiration and quiet respiration). A mixed linear regression model was used to assess statistically significant differences among the six velocity measurements. RESULTS: Peak velocities in the mid stent averaged 22 cm/sec greater in quiet respiration than in deep inspiration, which was a significant difference (p < 0.00001). Differences in velocities in the three patient positions were not significant (p = 0.53). Using 90-190 cm/sec as the normal range, the peak velocity shifted from normal to abnormal levels by changing respiratory state in 17 (45%) of 38 studies. Using 60 cm/sec as the lower normal limit, the peak velocity fell below the normal range with inspiration in 10 (26%) of 38 studies. In 12 (32%) of 38 studies, a decline in peak velocity exceeding 50 cm/sec could be induced by inspiration. CONCLUSION: Peak systolic velocity in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts is substantially altered by the respiratory state of the patient at the time of the measurement, but not by the patient position. Respiratory state must be taken into account in the interpretation of peak velocity for shunt stenosis.

Provocative angiography in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.

Obscure gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is relatively common but difficult to manage. By definition, diagnosis of a specific etiology is particularly challenging. We report the diagnostic use of provocative angiography in a patient with recurrent obscure GI bleeding. Although provocative angiography led to localization of bleeding and allowed specific treatment (placement of a 2-mm long, 0.010-inch diameter platinum coil, resulting in cessation of bleeding for 2 months), ultimately, the use of provocative angiography delayed specific diagnosis in our patient. We conclude that provocative angiography is a potentially powerful adjunct in the management of obscure GI bleeding, but that caution is required when using it. Provocative angiography should be reserved for patients who have had adequate imaging studies with negative results.

Injury to aberrant bile ducts during cholecystectomy: a common cause of diagnostic error and treatment delay.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of injured aberrant bile ducts in a population with complications after cholecystectomy and to determine whether such injury resulted in significant delay in the diagnosis and treatment of bile duct injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cholangiograms of 82 patients who sustained bile duct injury during cholecystectomy were reviewed. Prevalence of aberrant bile duct anatomy in the injured ducts was noted. The time periods from injury to diagnosis and treatment of bile duct leaks in patients with aberrant bile duct anatomy were compared with those in patients with normal anatomy. RESULTS: Seventeen percent (14/82) of the patients were found to have aberrant bile duct anatomy. Fifteen percent (12/82) were found to have had an aberrant bile duct involved in the injury. Eleven of the patients had an aberrant bile duct leak, and one patient had an aberrant bile duct clipping injury. The time period required for diagnosis and treatment of a leaking aberrant bile duct was significantly longer (p < .005) than that required for a bile leak in an anatomically normal bile duct. CONCLUSION: Aberrant bile ducts are present in a significant number of patients who sustain bile duct injuries during cholecystectomy. Diagnosis of an aberrant bile duct leak may be delayed because of nonfilling of the bile duct during standard cholangiographic techniques. Careful examination of cholangiograms for nonfilling segments and contrast material injection of biloma drains and T tubes may shorten the time to definitive treatment for this group of patients.

The role of ERCP in diagnosis and management of accessory bile duct leaks after cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) plays an important role in the management of bile leaks after cholecystectomy. Although most leaks occur from the cystic duct stump, clinically significant leakage from accessory bile ducts is less common and has not been investigated systematically. We report our experience with endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of accessory bile duct leaks after cholecystectomy. METHODS: Patients with accessory bile duct leaks were identified from a computerized database. Hospital charts and cholangiograms were reviewed to determine the outcome of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. RESULTS: Of 86 patients with postcholecystectomy leaks, 15 (17%) were diagnosed with accessory bile duct leaks. ERCP established the diagnosis of accessory bile duct leaks in 11 of 15 patients (73%); percutaneous fistulography (2) and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (2) were diagnostic in 4 patients. Endoscopic therapy led to resolution of the leak in 12 patients. One patient underwent successful percutaneous biliary drainage, and two patients required surgical repair. CONCLUSIONS: Accessory bile ducts are rare sites of significant bile leakage after cholecystectomy. ERCP identifies the leak in the majority of patients; percutaneous fistulography or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography may help clarify the diagnosis if ERCP is nondiagnostic. Most patients can be successfully treated with endoscopic stenting. If endoscopic therapy fails, percutaneous drainage or surgical repair needs to be considered.

Incarceration of umbilical hernia following transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for the treatment of ascites.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an effective therapy for patients with medically refractory ascites. Many patients with refractory ascites have umbilical herniation. Incarceration of umbilical hernia has been reported following diuresis, paracentesis, and peritoneovenous shunting. We report 2 cases of umbilical hernia incarceration following resolution of ascites after TIPS.

Endoscopic nasobiliary drain placement facilitates subsequent percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous biliary drainage is an established alternative to ERCP for managing bile duct obstruction. Although generally safe and effective, percutaneous drainage has its risks and is technically more difficult in patients with nondilated bile ducts. We report the use of nasobiliary drains and subsequent nasobiliary drain cholangiography to facilitate percutaneous biliary drainage by providing a target for accessing intrahepatic bile ducts. METHODS/RESULTS: Nine patients who were identified as requiring percutaneous biliary drainage underwent nasobiliary tube placement at completion of ERCP. Five of 9 patients had generalized intrahepatic ductal dilatation; in 4 patients, dilatation was focal or absent. Following nasobiliary drain cholangiography, percutaneous needle puncture of a bile duct was successful in all patients, in most cases with only a single puncture of the liver capsule. No procedural complications were encountered. CONCLUSION: Nasobiliary drain placement with subsequent nasobiliary drain cholangiography facilitates percutaneous biliary drainage and may be especially helpful in patients with nondilated intrahepatic bile ducts.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in patients with refractory ascites: effect on body weight and Child-Pugh score.

OBJECTIVE: This study suggests that patients with medically refractory ascites treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) may have improved in overall clinical status. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 35 patients with medically refractory ascites treated with TIPS. Body weight, ascites, and Child-Pugh score were assessed at baseline, at 2 months, and after a mean 8.8-month follow-up interval. RESULTS: After TIPS, there was significant improvement in Child-Pugh score from 9.7+/-1.5 to 8.2+/-2.3. Ascites completely resolved or improved in 23 of 24 patients (96%) who had long term follow-up. Two months after TIPS, there was a significant decrease in weight of 6.1 kg corresponding to a loss of ascites. Between 2 and 8.8 months, there was a significant mean weight gain of 5.5 kg. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that patients treated with medically refractory ascites with TIPS may have improvement in overall clinical status, as measured by increase in lean body mass and improvement in Child-Pugh score.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia causing high output cardiac failure: treatment with transcatheter embolization.

We report a case of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia complicated by high output heart failure caused by intrahepatic arteriovenous malformations. This patient was treated using transcatheter embolization of the intrahepatic arteriovenous malformations with concurrent measurement of cardiac output to monitor progress of the embolization.