Intravascular Ultrasound Guidance for Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Creation Reduces Laboratory Markers of Acute Liver Injury

Abstract

PurposeTo compare the laboratory markers of acute liver injury after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation performed using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance with those using other techniques. Materials and MethodsThis single-center, retrospective study examined 293 TIPS procedures performed between 2014 and 2022 (160 men; mean age, 57.4 years; 71.7% with ascites, 158 with IVUS). Laboratory changes on postprocedural day (PPD) 1 were classified based on Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) grades and were compared between IVUS and non-IVUS cases. ResultsIVUS cases had a lower baseline Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score (12.5 vs 13.7, P = .016), higher pre- (16.8 vs 15.2, P = .009), and post-TIPS (6.6 vs 5.4 mm Hg, P < .001) pressure gradient, smaller stent diameter (9.2 vs 9.9 mm, P < .001), and fewer needle passes (2.4 vs 4.2, P < .001). IVUS predicted a lower PPD 1 CTCAE grade for aspartate transaminase (8.0% vs 22.2% grade ≥ 2, P = .010), alanine transaminase (ALT) (2.2% vs 7.1%, P = .017), and bilirubin (9.4% vs 26.2%, P < .001), findings confirmed using multivariable regression and propensity score analysis. IVUS predicted fewer adverse events (1.3% vs 8.1%, P = .008) and an increased likelihood of PPD 1 discharge (81% vs 59%, P = .004). IVUS was not associated with differences in PPD 30 MELD scores or 30-day survival; however, higher PPD 1 ALT (β = 1.96, P = .008) and bilirubin levels (β = 1.38, P = .004) predicted larger PPD 30 MELD score increase. Higher increases in ALT level predicted worse 30-day survival (hazard ratio, 1.93; P = .021). ConclusionIVUS resulted in less laboratory evidence of acute liver injury immediately following TIPS creation.