Hepatic venous outflow obstruction after adult living donor liver transplantation.

Hepatic venous outflow obstruction (HVOO) is a critical complication after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of HVOO and the risk factors for HVOO in adults. From 2005 to 2015, 430 adult LDLT patients (right lobe [RL] graft, 270 patients; left lobe [LL] graft, 160 patients) were enrolled and divided into no HVOO (n = 413) and HVOO (n = 17) groups. Patient demographics and surgical data were compared, and risk factors for HVOO were analyzed. Furthermore, the longterm outcomes of percutaneous interventions as treatment for HVOO were assessed. HVOO occurred in 17 (4.0%) patients. The incidence of HVOO in patients receiving a LL graft was significantly higher than in those receiving a RL graft (8.1% versus 1.5%; P = 0.001). The body weight and caliber of hepatic vein anastomosis in the HVOO group were significantly lower compared with the no HVOO group (P = 0.02 and P = 0.008, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that only LL graft was an independent risk factor for HVOO (OR, 4.782; 95% CI, 1.387-16.488; P = 0.01). Among 17 patients with HVOO, 7 patients were treated with single balloon angioplasty, and 9 patients who developed recurrence were treated with repeated interventions. Overall, 6 patients underwent stent placement: 1 at the initial procedure, 3 at the second procedure for early recurrence, and 2 following repeated balloon angioplasty (≥3 interventions). These 6 patients experienced no recurrence. Overall graft survival was not significantly different between the HVOO and no HVOO groups (P = 0.99). In conclusion, the use of a LL graft was associated with HVOO, and percutaneous interventions were effective for treating adult HVOO after LDLT. Liver Transplantation 22 785-795 2016 AASLD.

To the editor, We thank Dr. Guo and colleagues for their interest in our manuscript published in Liver Transplantation regarding hepatic venous outflow obstruction after adult living donor liver transplantation.1 They discussed 2 different choices of venous access (femoral and internal jugular) and highlighted the differences in procedure-related risks and successful rates of these 2 accesses. They suggested that we should provide more information about the selection of interventional radiology access to guide clinical practice. We agree with the opinion that femoral vein access is theoretically safer than internal jugular vein access. However, catheter canulation to the hepatic vein is sometimes difficult in femoral vein access due to the acute angle between the hepatic vein and the IVC (especially for right liver grafts), as Dr. Guo mentioned. This also stands true for stent insertion, and there is a risk of unstable stent positioning or stent migration. Currently, we have no uniform criteria for the choice of venous access, and it is decided on a case-by-case basis. We preferred the use of femoral access during the early era (2000–2010), but we have experienced several cases in which stent insertion was difficult. Recently, internal jugular vein access is more often selected because it is technically easier. In fact, most (4/5) of the stent placement in our cohort was performed by internal jugular access. In addition, when repeated interventional radiological procedures are needed, it is important to select suitable venous access based on the angiographic findings of the initial session. In fact, in many patients in our study, the first angiogram and balloon angioplasty were performed with femoral access, but the second procedure (either repeat balloon angioplasty or stent placement) was performed by internal jugular access. There is no need to adhere to one approach. Regarding success rates, we believe there is no difference between the two approaches if an experienced interventional radiologist selects the appropriate venous access and carefully carries out the procedure. Regarding the risks associated with internal jugular vein access, we believe it is safe if the venous puncture is performed under both ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance. Among the 15 patients in our study, we did not experience any serious complications related to venous puncture. As mentioned by Dr. Guo, the working space tends to be smaller in jugular vein access; however, there is still enough space for 2 interventional radiologists to safely and efficiently perform the procedures. In conclusion, based on our experience, both accesses are feasible and have similar success rates. It is paramount to select the access that is favorable from the venous anatomy standpoint and the type of procedure according to each individual patient.

Due to its minimal-invasive approach, endovascular procedure had replaced surgery in treating Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS). The interventional therapy was a safe and effective treatment in adults with BCS and the cure rate was high. However Budd-Chiari syndrome in children and adolescents is rare. Published literature on interventional procedure for Budd-Chiari syndrome in children and adolescents is scarce. The aim of the study was to present results of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and stents placement in children and adolescents with BCS and to evaluate the efficacy and safety in these patients of this approach. Twenty-five patients [16 boys and 9 girls; average age of (14.5 ± 3.4) years old; age ranged from 5 to 17 years] with Budd-Chiari syndrome who were hospitalized from December 1990 to August 2012 were presented. All of them were diagnosed by color Doppler ultrasound scan while 12 of them had magnetic resonance venography (MRV) scan. All of the patients had undergone angiographic examination. Four cases with membranous obstruction of the inferior vena cava (IVC) were treated with PTA. One case with segmental block of IVC was treated with PTA and stent placement. Five cases with membranous obstruction of IVC and hepatic vein (/and accessory hepatic vein) were treated with PTA. Among 8 cases with membranous obstruction of hepatic veins, 6 cases were treated with PTA and the others with PTA and stent placement. Among 4 cases with blocks of 3 hepatic veins (HVs), one was treated with PTA, one with PTA plus catheter thrombolysis plus PTA, one with PTA and stent placement and the other one was unsuccessful. Three cases with obstruction of HV and accessory HV (AHV) were treated with PTA. Totally, 24 patients were treated with interventional approach and followed up. The procedure was successful in 24 patients. The involved veins (hepatic veins or IVC) were patented after interventional procedure. The pressure of hepatic vein was (42.1 ± 4.2) cm H2O (37-50 cm H2O) (1 cm H2O = 0.098 kPa) before the interventional therapy, while it was (17.3 ± 3.3) cm H2O (14-26 cm H2O) after it. The pressure of IVC was (30.6 ± 2.9) cm H2O (26-36 cm H2O) before the interventional therapy, while it was (18.8 ± 4.2) cm H2O (15-26 cm H2O) after it. The symptoms and signs vanished instantly after interventional procedure. There were no procedure-related complications. The rate of overall initial cure was 96%. The patients were followed up for a mean of 25.8 months (range 6 months to 8 years). Seven cases developed restenosis after first procedure. Five of them were treated with PTA, one with PTA plus catheter thrombolysis plus PTA, one with PTA and stent placement. All of the involved veins were patented again. Clinical symptoms were relieved. There were no procedure-related complications as well. The interventional procedure in children and adolescents with BCS is the same as in adults. Radiological therapeutic intervention is efficacious and safe in children and adolescents with BCS.

Endoscopic Therapy of Posttransplant Biliary Stenoses After Right-Sided Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation

Objective To investigate the diagnosis and interventional therapeutic technology for the obstruction of hepatic vein(HV)or inferior vena cava(IVC)after liver transplantation.Methods In the 831 patients who received orthotopic liver transplantation(OLT)and 26 patients who received living donorliver transplantation(LDLT),11 cases were confirmed with HV or IVC obstruction by venography and received interventional treatment from 2 to 111 days after liver transplantation.Of the 11 patients,five had the obstruction of HV anastomosis,five had the obstruction of IVC anastomosis,and one had the obstructionof HV and IVC anastomosis.In the eleven patients,five patients underwent OLT,four patients underwent LDLT,and two pediatric patients underwent reduced-size OLT.Before interventional treatment,9 patients received CT enhanced scans,2 received MR enhanced scans.Follow-up evaluations included liver or renalfunction tests,clinical symptom,and monitoring of HV or IVC flow.Pressure gradients before and after interventional treatment were compared by using a paired t test.The imaging data and interventional therapeutic technology of 11 cases were retrospectively analyzed.Results In all 11 patients,CT or MRI could clearly show congested areas of the liver,and the location and degree of HV or IVC obstruction.Of the 11 patients,four with HV obstruction and five with IVC obstruction were treated with stent placement,one with HV obstruction was treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty(PTA),one with HV and IVCobstruction was treated with HV PTA and IVC stent placement.Interventional technical success was achievedin all patients.The venous pressure gradient across obstruction was significantly reduced from(16.5±4.1)mm Hg(1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa)before the procedure to(2.9±1.7)mm Hg after the rocedure(t=11.5,P＜0.01).Clinical improvement was noted in 10 patients except one pediatric patient who died of multiple-organs failure at the 9 th day after the treatment During the follow-up period of 9 to 672 days,two patients with PTA treatment had recurrent HV stenosis within one month after treatment,no patient with stent placement developed venous restenosis.No major complications occurred during the procedures.Conclusions Stent placement is safe and effective for HV or IVC obstruction after liver transplantation.CT or MRI before treatment is of important value for the diagnosis of congested areas of the liver,and theobservation of HV or IVC obstruction. Key words: Liver transplantation; Postoperative complications; Hepatic vein-occlusive disease; Radiology,interventional; Inferior vena cava

Efficiency of Transluminal Angioplasty of Hepatic Venous Outflow Obstruction in Pediatric Liver Transplantation

Objective To investigate the diagnosis and treatment of hepatic venous outflow obstruction(HVOO) after pediatric liver transplantation.Methods From Jan.2000 to Dec.2009,48 children received liver transplantation in the Department of Liver Transplantation,First Central Hospital,Tianjin.There were 3 patients who developed HVOO (2 received liver transplantation in our center,while the third from another centre).The HVOO was diagnosed by color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS),computed tomography (CT),and angiography of inferior vena cava (IVC).The patients received balloon dilation and/or stent placement and followed-up with regular monitoring.Results In our center,the incidence rate of HVOO was 4.17％ (2/48).The time of onset was 2 months to 1 year postoperatively.The pressure gradient between the hepatic vein and the right atrium was from 6 to 30mmHg.After treatment,the venous pressure gradient decreased from 4 to 10mmHg.Resolution of clinical symptoms was achieved in these patients.HVOO relapsed in two patients who received balloon angioplasty only.The clinical symptoms were relieved after repeated balloon dilation in one and stent placement in the other.There were no further complications after these procedures.All patients were alive at a follow-up from 2 months to 9 years.Conclusion The incidence of HVOO after pediatric liver transplantation was not high,but HVOO led to serious consequences.Balloon dilation and/or stent implantation were safe and efficacious treatments for HVOO after pediatric liver transplantation. Key words: Liver transplantation; Child; Hepatic venous outflow obstruction; Diagnosis; Therapy

Hepatic Venous Outflow Obstruction in Living Donor Liver Transplantation: Balloon Angioplasty or Stent Placement?

Hepatic venous outflow obstruction (HVOO) is a rare complication after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) usually related to technical issues or to malposition or kinking of the hepatic graft. When HVOO is diagnosed during the early post-transplant period, surgical options are technically very demanding and outcomes discouraging. Therefore, angioplasty and stent placement have been indicated to avoid a chronic lesion of the graft. Three cases of HVOO after OLT are reported. HVOO was diagnosed during the early post-transplant period and was due to graft malposition in two patients and kinking of the vena cava anastomosis in one. All patients were successfully treated with a 300-cc gel-filled breast implant surgically placed in the right hepatic fossa with the liver graft resting on it. Massive ascites in all three patients disappeared and renal impairment resolved within two wk post-implant placement. No prosthesis-related complications have been observed after a follow-up ranging from 30 to 58 months. We describe a simple and effective method of maintaining the liver graft in an adequate position to achieve prolonged relief of the outflow obstruction for the whole graft and discuss the advantages of a breast implant over stent placement or the use of different balloon catheters.

Hepatic Venous Outflow Obstruction after Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation

The purpose of our study was to address the long-term outcome of angioplasty and stent placement for hepatic venous outflow obstruction following pediatric liver transplantation. From October 1999 to December 2011, 20 stenotic lesions were confirmed to constitute hepatic venous outflow obstruction in 18 pediatric patients (13 boys, 5 girls) among 152 pediatric patients following liver transplantation and were managed with endovascular intervention. Stent placement was favored over additional angioplasty in patients of preadolescent or adolescent age (>8 years old), after 1 or 2 sessions of balloon angioplasty. The primary patency and assisted primary patency were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. A total of 32 procedures (24 balloon angioplasties, 8 stent placements) were conducted. The technical success rate was 90.6% (29/32). Clinical success was achieved in 15 of 18 patients (clinical success rate of 83.3%). Major complications did not occur in our study. Median follow-up was 91.5 months (interquartile range, 54.7-137.3 months) for the 18 patients. The 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year primary patencies of the 20 treated lesions were 63.5%, 57.8%, 57.8%, and 57.8%, respectively. The 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year assisted-primary patencies of the lesions were 100%, 100%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. Of the 6 patients of preadolescent or adolescent age, 5 patients underwent stent placement procedures, and the stents were patent during the follow-up period of 57.3-162.5 months (median, 72.7 months). In conclusion, endovascular intervention is very effective in hepatic venous outflow obstruction following pediatric liver transplantation. In addition, early stent placement in patients of preadolescent or adolescent age can provide a safe and favorable long-term outcome.

Long-term Outcome of Percutaneous Interventions for Hepatic Venous Outflow Obstruction after Pediatric Living Donor Liver Transplantation: Experience from a Single Institute

AIMTo assess the efficacy and safety of balloon dilatation for the treatment of hepatic venous outflow obstruction (HVOO) following pediatric liver transplantation.METHODSA total of 246 pediatric patients underwent liver transplantation at our hospital between June 2013 and September 2016. Among these patients, five were ultimately diagnosed with HVOO. Seven procedures (two patients underwent two balloon dilatation procedures) were included in this analysis. The demographic data, types of donor and liver transplant, interventional examination and therapeutic outcomes of these five children were analyzed. The median interval time between pediatric liver transplantation and balloon dilatation procedures was 9.8 mo (range: 1-32).RESULTSFive children with HVOO were successfully treated by balloon angioplasty without stent placement, with seven procedures performed for six stenotic lesions. All children underwent successful percutaneous intervention. Among these five patients, four were treated by single balloon angioplasty, and these patients did not develop recurrent stenosis. In seven episodes of balloon angioplasty across the stenosis, the pressure gradient was 12.0 ± 8.8 mmHg before balloon dilatation and 1.1 ± 1.5 mmHg after the procedures, which revealed a statistically significant reduction (P < 0.05). The overall technical success rate among these seven procedures was 100% (7/7), and clinical success was achieved in all five patients (100%). The patients were followed for 4-33 mo (median: 15 mo). No significant procedural complications or procedure-related deaths occurred.CONCLUSIONBalloon dilatation is an effective and safe therapeutic option for HVOO in children undergoing pediatric liver transplantation. Venous angioplasty is also recommended in cases with recurrent HVOO.

Life-Threatening Portal Flow Steal Reappearing Under Increased Intrahepatic Vascular Resistance After Living Donor Liver Transplantation

Classification of Hepatic Venous Outflow Obstruction: Ambiguous Terminology of the Budd-Chiari Syndrome