S2107 Successful Management of Refractory Esophageal Variceal Bleeding Secondary to Chronic Portal Vein Thrombosis by Transsplenic Portal Vein Recanalization and Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Trans-jugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) becomes challenging in the presence of portal vein thrombus (PVT). We describe a case of successful management of refractory esophageal variceal bleeding secondary to chronic PVT and splenic vein thrombosis (SVT) by portal vein recanalization – TIPS through transsplenic and transhepatic approach. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 29-year-old male with a history of homozygous methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase mutation with normal homocysteine levels on warfarin presented with acute hematemesis. He underwent emergent endoscopic band ligation of esophageal and GOV1 gastric varices. He had a history of chronic PVT with prior mechanical thrombectomy and thrombolysis two years ago, and received band ligation for bleeding esophageal varices in the last year, but did not follow up for surveillance. MRI of abdomen and pelvis revealed chronic PVT with cavernous transformation (Fig A) and chronic SVT. No further bleeding was reported after endoscopy. Liver biopsy one year ago showed benign liver tissue with focal mild congestion and sinusoidal dilation. There was a normal hepatic venous pressure gradient. Given concerns about his compliance and risk of re-bleeding, multidisciplinary team discussion led to consideration of a high-risk TIPS with splenic vein recanalization and stenting. Under ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance, TIPS was placed using two snare targets. One snare was placed in the occluded portal vein via splenic vein access, and another was placed in the middle hepatic vein via internal jugular vein access. Using the gun-sight technique, a 21-gauge Chiba needle was advanced transhepatically through both the loop snares and then a guidewire was advanced until it could be captured by both the above snares (Fig B). With this newly obtained access, TIPS and splenic stents were successfully deployed (Fig C). Pressure gradient across TIPS was lowered to 6 mm Hg from 16 mm Hg. As varices did not fill on post TIPS portogram, embolization was not performed. He was started on aspirin in addition to his warfarin. Repeat CTA at 3 months demonstrated patent TIPS and splenic stent, and no further episodes of hematemesis were reported. DISCUSSION: In our patient, the gunsight TIPS approach helped decompress portal hypertension and prevent recurrent variceal bleeding when other alternatives including Sugiura surgery carried high morbidity and were not amenable. Post TIPS re-stenosis is a known complication, and may be prevented by aspirin and warfarin use.Figure 1.: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen and pelvis showing chronic portal vein thrombosis with cavernous transformation.Figure 2.: Fluoroscopic image showing gun-sight technique: Guide-wire is captured by the first snare in the presumed right portal vein and second snare in the middle hepatic vein.Figure 3.: Fluoroscopic image showing successful deployment of TIPS.