Cavernous Transformation Research Articles

Distal splenorenal shunt surgery in the management of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) secondary to cavernous transformation of portal vein (CTPV) in the pediatric population: Experiences from vicente sot

Distal splenorenal shunt surgery in the management of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) secondary to cavernous transformation of portal vein (CTPV) in the pediatric population: Experiences from vicente sot

Extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction leading to portal cavernoma cholangiopathy without liver dysfunction

In adults, EHPVO mainly occurs following thrombosis, while in children it may be related to congenital malformations and/or neonatal umbilical venous catheterization. EHPVO leads to the cavernous transformation of the portal vein in the absence of recanalization. Portal cholangiopathy (also referred to as portal biliopathy) is common in patients with long-standing chronic PVT. It is due to compression of the large bile ducts by the venous collaterals (portal cavernoma) that form in patients with chronic PVT. Typically, symptoms of portal cholangiopathy include jaundice, biliary colic and pruritus.

Efficacy, feasibility and safety of TIPS in the treatment of recurrent portal hypertension with variceal bleeding after open splenectomy and esophagogastric devascularization.

To investigate the efficacy, feasibility, and safety of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) as a treatment for patients with recurrent portal hypertension with variceal bleeding (RPHVB) who have previously undergone open splenectomy and esophagogastric devascularization (OSED). The data were retrospectively retrieved from 39 cirrhotic RPHVB patients who had undergone OSED from August 2015 to December 2020. All patients were treated with TIPS using the Viabahn stent. Out of the 39 patients included in the study, TIPS was successfully performed in 38 patients with a success rate of 97.44%. One patient had a failed attempt due to cavernous transformation of the portal vein (CTPV). Among the 38 patients who underwent TIPS, 33 patients also underwent varicose vein embolization, while the remaining 5 patients only underwent TIPS procedure. A total of 39 Viabahn stents were implanted, with 5 patients receiving stents expanded to their nominal diameter of 8mm and the remaining 33 patients having their shunt maintained at a diameter of 6mm. The postoperative hemostasis rate was 97.37% (37/38). The portal vein pressure (PVP) and portal pressure gradient (PPG) decreased significantly from (31.28 ± 6.24) and (20.61 ± 5.14) mmHg to (19.58 ± 4.69) and (9.24 ± 3.07) mmHg, respectively (P < 0.001). During the follow-up period, the rebleeding rate was 6.09% (2/29), while the incidence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and shunt dysfunction was 13.79% (4/29) for each. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is an effective, feasible and safe treatment for RPHVB patients who have previously undergone OSED. A satisfactory clinical outcome could be achieved with a 6mm-diameter shunt in most patients.

Pregnancy outcomes in patients with portal cavernoma: A case series study.

Non-cirrhotic portal vein cavernoma (PVC) is a cause of portal hypertension (PH) frequently affecting women of childbearing age. Cavernous transformation of the portal vein is frequently associated with prothrombotic disorders and often entails multiple hemodynamic changes, porto-collateral shunt development and thrombopenia, all of which can affect the course of pregnancy. Our aim was to evaluate the risk of PH-related complications and pregnancy outcomes in patients with PVC. Retrospective case series study of patients with PVC undergoing pregnancy in a tertiary care hospital. Eight pregnancies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. All patients had a predisposing factor for PVC. One episode of variceal bleeding was reported at week 28. Six cesarean sections were scheduled to avoid labor while two urgent surgeries were indicated due to fetal distress and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). In all but one case, anticoagulation was prescribed after delivery. No hemorrhagic or thrombotic complications were reported. There were four cases of IUGR with no case of miscarriage or stillbirth. Pregnancy in patients with PVC has an overall favorable outcome albeit a higher risk of PH-derived complications, and IUGR may be expected. Hence, PVC must not be considered a contraindication for pregnancy although larger prospective studies are necessary.

Transjugular intrahepatic collateral-systemic shunt is effective for cavernous transformation of the portal vein with variceal bleeding

BackgroundThe transjugular intrahepatic portal collateral-systemic shunt (transcollateral TIPS) is used to treat portal hypertension-related complications in patients with cavernous transformation of the portal vein (CTPV) and whose main portal vein cannot be recanalized. It is still not clear whether transcollateral TIPS can be as effective as portal vein recanalization–transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (PVR–TIPS). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transcollateral TIPS in the treatment of refractory variceal bleeding with CTPV.MethodsPatients with refractory variceal bleeding caused by CTPV were selected from the database of consecutive patients treated with TIPS in Xijing Hospital from January 2015 to March 2022. They were divided into the transcollateral TIPS group and the PVR–TIPS group. The rebleeding rate, overall survival, shunt dysfunction, overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) and operation-related complications were analyzed.ResultsA total of 192 patients were enrolled, including 21 patients with transcollateral TIPS and 171 patients with PVR–TIPS. Compared with the patients with PVR–TIPS, the patients with transcollateral TIPS had more noncirrhosis (52.4 vs. 19.9%, p = 0.002), underwent fewer splenectomies (14.3 vs. 40.9%, p = 0.018), and had more extensive thromboses (38.1 vs. 15.2%, p = 0.026). There were no differences in rebleeding, survival, shunt dysfunction, or operation-related complication rates between the transcollateral TIPS and PVR–TIPS groups. However, the OHE rate was significantly lower in the transcollateral TIPS group (9.5 vs. 35.1%, p = 0.018).ConclusionTranscollateral TIPS is an effective treatment for CTPV with refractory variceal bleeding.

Computed tomography imaging features to evaluate the severity of portal hypertension and predict the rebleeding risk after endoscopic treatment in cirrhotic patients with variceal hemorrhage

PurposeTo investigate the association of computed tomography (CT) imaging features and severity of portal hypertension (PH) and develop a nomogram to predict high-risk PH in cirrhotic patients with gastroesophageal variceal hemorrhage (GVH). MethodsThe study retrospectively enrolled 158 cirrhotic patients with a history of endoscopic treatment for GVH. Hepatic vein pressure gradient (HVPG) was measured and the patients were classified into high-risk (HVPG > 16 mmHg) or low-risk (HVPG ≤ 16 mmHg) PH group. Pre-treatment CT features, including cavernous transformation of portal vein (CTPV), hilar periportal space (a distance between right portal vein and posterior edge of segment IV of the liver), and depth of right posterior hepatic notch sign (a sharp indentation in the right medial posterior liver surface), were evaluated. Risk factors associated with high-risk PH were analyzed, and a nomogram based on the imaging features was developed. ResultsHigh-risk PH group showed a higher rebleeding rate after treatment than that of the low-risk (P = 0.029). Multivariate analysis indicated that larger hilar periportal space (P < 0.001), less frequencies of CTPV (P = 0.044) and deeper right posterior hepatic notch (P < 0.001) were independent risk factors associated with high-risk PH. A nomogram based on the three CT imaging features was established to predict high-risk PH with an excellent discrimination (c-statistic 0.854). ConclusionThe nomogram based on CT features of hilar periportal space, depth of right posterior hepatic notch and CTPV can help to distinguish cirrhotic patients with high-risk PH, who are more vulnerable of variceal rebleeding after endoscopic treatment.

Combined transjugular/percutaneous intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (cTIPS) for cavernous transformation of the portal vein after conventional transjugular approach TIPS failure.

This study aim was to compare the safety and efficacy of combined transjugular/percutaneous intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (cTIPS) and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in cirrhotic patients with cavernous transformation of the portal vein (CTPV) after conventional transjugular approach TIPS failure. Cirrhotic patients who were diagnosed as CTPV and treated by cTIPS or TIPS between July 2012 and April 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients' characteristics and clinical data were recorded. The clinical outcomes, long-term survival rates and patency rates between the 2 groups were compared. A total of 68 patients with CTPV were enrolled, of whom 23 were treated with TIPS and 45 with cTIPS. The initial technical success was 30.9% in TIPS group and 91.1% in cTIPS group. The hospitalization days increased significantly in the cTIPS group compared with TIPS group (P = .0131). However, the complication rate, patency rates and survival rates were similar between the 2 groups. In conclusion, cTIPS appeared to be safe and effective in cirrhotic patients with CTPV after conventional transjugular approach TIPS failure.

Application of transmesenteric vein extrahepatic portosystemic shunt in treatment of symptomatic portal hypertension with cavernous transformation of portal vein

PurposeTo evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a transmesenteric vein extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TmEPS) for the treatment of cavernous transformation of the portal vein (CTPV). Materials and methodsThe clinical data of 20 patients with CTPV who underwent TmEPS between December 2020 and January 2022 ​at Henan Provincial People's Hospital were retrospectively collected. The superior mesenteric vein (SMV) trunk was patent or partially occluded in these patients. An extrahepatic portosystemic shunt between the inferior vena cava and the SMV was established using a stent graft through an infraumbilical median longitudinal mini-laparotomy. The technical success, efficacy, and complication rates were evaluated, and the pre- and postoperative SMV pressures were compared. Patients' clinical outcomes and shunt patency were assessed. ResultsTmEPS was successfully performed in 20 patients. The initial puncture success rate of the balloon-assisted puncture technique is 95%. The mean SMV pressure decreased from 29.1 ​± ​2.9 ​mmHg to 15.6 ​± ​3.3 ​mmHg (p ​< ​0.001). All symptoms of portal hypertension resolved. No fatal procedural complications occurred. During the follow-up period, hepatic encephalopathy occurred in two patients. The remaining patients remained asymptomatic. All shunts were patent. ConclusionsTmEPS is a feasible, safe, and effective treatment option for patients with CTPV.

Congenital hypothyroidism: a case report of an Egyptian child with congenital heart disease, pelvic kidney and cavernous transformation of portal vein

BackgroundA case of thyroid hormone deficiency which presented at birth. Thyroid hormones are essential for brain development and normal cognitive function. Common symptoms of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) include constipation, decreased activity, increased sleep and feeding difficulty. Common signs include dry skin, macroglossia and umbilical hernia. If congenital hypothyroidism is left untreated after birth, it can lead to permanent intellectual disability and growth failure.Case presentation.Here, we report a 10.5-year-old female with the typical features of CH. She is the sixth in order of birth of consanguineous Egyptian parents. No family history of similar condition. Our patient had primary CH caused by thyroid agenesis. She had congenital heart disease, pelvic kidney, cavernous transformation of portal vein and parenchymatous liver disease.ConclusionsCongenital hypothyroidism is associated with an elevated risk of congenital anomalies. Clinical suspicion of symptoms and signs of congenital hypothyroidism are important for early diagnosis and prevention of serious problems that are related to congenital hypothyroidism.

A133 PORTAL VENOUS STENTING FOR THE TREATMENT OF NON-CIRRHOTIC PORTAL HYPERTENSION-RELATED GASTRIC ANTRAL VASCULAR ECTASIA: A CASE REPORT

Abstract Background Pancreatic and hepatobiliary cancers account for 15-24% of extrahepatic portal hypertension. Treating portal hypertensive bleeding associated with these tumors has been challenging with the delayed effect of chemoradiation and patients with active bleeding being unfit for such therapies. Portal vein stenting has been described in the literature for the treatment of variceal bleeding in such patients. We present the first report of its use for the successful treatment of refractory gastric vascular ectasia (GAVE)-related bleeding. Purpose To review portal vein stenting as a treatment for non-cirrhotic portal hypertension-related GAVE bleeding. Method Chart review was performed with the patient's informed consent. Result(s) A 53-year-old female patient with locally invasive pancreatic cancer presented with one week of melena and presyncope. She had a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Her tumor encased the celiac trunk, hepatic and splenic arteries, and abutted the superior mesenteric artery. She had been treated with chemotherapy and radiation. On examination, she was afebrile, blood pressure was 132/87, pulse 110 beats/min, and oxygen saturation 99% on room air. Her abdomen was soft and non-tender. Her hemoglobin was 63 g/L, which represented a 64-point drop over 4 months, leukocytes 4.5 x109/L, platelets 238 x109/L, INR 1.1 and normal electrolytes and creatitine. Alkaline phosphatase was 399 U/L, aminotransferases normal, albumin 38 g/L and total bilirubin 6 umol/L. She was started on pantoprazole and octreotide. On admission, gastroscopy revealed copious blood in the stomach with no clear source despite gastric lavage; hemospray was applied. Given persistent bleeding, repeat gastroscopy the following day revealed 4 columns of Baveno grade III esophageal varices with no high-risk stigmata, as well as severe portal hypertensive gastropathy and GAVE. Argon plasma coagulation and esophageal banding were performed. Over the next month, she continued to have maroon-colored stools. CT angiogram revealed portal vein occlusion and contrast extravasation within the gastric lumen, in keeping with her known gastric antral bleed, with no evidence of lower gastrointestinal bleeding. She had 5 further gastroscopies where APC and GAVE banding were performed. Despite that, she developed hematemesis. Interventional radiology was consulted and performed transhepatic portal venous recanalization, angioplasty and stenting using a 10mm x 60mm self expandable nitinol stent from the superior mesenteric vein to the main portal vein. After stenting, previously seen collateral veins and cavernous transformation were significantly reduced on angiography. She was started on clopidogrel to maintain stent patency. Two days following stent insertion, she stopped clinically bleeding and her hemoglobin stabilized. She was discharged home one month later. Conclusion(s) In patients with GAVE-related bleeding refractory to standard therapeutics, portal venous stenting is possibly an effective treatment modality. Please acknowledge all funding agencies by checking the applicable boxes below None Disclosure of Interest None Declared

A100 CAVERNOUS TRANSFORMATION OF THE PORTAL VEIN IN A PEDIATRIC PATIENT WITH GOLDENHAR SYNDROME: A CASE REPORT

Abstract Background Goldenhar syndrome is a rare congenital condition thought to arise from the first and second branchial arches and typically asymmetrically affects the eyes, ears, and spine. Portal vein thrombosis/cavernous transformation is one of the main causes of portal hypertension in children. It is often associated with risk factors such as catheterization of the umbilical vein in the neonatal period, omphalitis, intra-abdominal infections in the neonatal period and prothrombotic conditions. This is a challenging clinical scenario as it leads to portal hypertension and variceal bleed with no chronic liver disease stigmata and liver function is essentially normal. While previous European literature from the early-2000s reported associated portal vein anomalies in Goldenhar syndrome, we are not aware of any recent and/or Canadian pediatric cases. Purpose We report a Canadian case of cavernous transformation of the portal vein with resulting gastrointestinal bleeding in a child with Goldenhar syndrome. Method Case report Result(s) A pediatric patient with a postnatal suspicion of Goldenhar syndrome, with confirmation by 6 months of age, presented with an acute 3-day history of melena, on the context of a recent viral illness and ibuprofen use. Laboratory testing showed a normocytic anemia (Hb 68) with a normal INR (1.1). The rest of the workup was unremarkable. There was no history of catheterization of the umbilical vein on the neonatal period nor other hematological complications. To assess for potential duplication cyst as differential diagnosis, a computerized tomography of the chest, abdomen and pelvis was ordered and revealed suspected cavernous transformation of the portal vein with suspected varices near the gastroesophageal junction and within the abdomen, and hepatomegaly with spleen size at the upper limit of normal. Octreotide was started after the CT results. A gastroscopy was done 24h after presentation and found portal hypertensive gastropathy and esophageal varices (2 Grade II and 1 Grade I). Sclerotherapy was performed. Post-gastroscopy ultrasound supported earlier radiographic findings of cavernous portal vein transformation and hepatosplenomegaly. Moreover, the ultrasound noted normal flow direction in the portal and hepatic veins. The patient has not re-presented for further episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding. Conclusion(s) This case report supports the previously reported association between Goldenhar syndrome and portal venous anomalies. Early consideration may lead to prompt diagnosis and management of the potentially life-threatening complications of portal hypertension in this population. Please acknowledge all funding agencies by checking the applicable boxes below None Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Status of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for portal hypertension in China: A national survey analysis

AbstractAimThe transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure has been performed in China for 30 years, but our understanding of the status and difficulties associated with the use of TIPS for portal hypertension is incomplete. This study aims to investigate the current situation of the use of TIPS for portal hypertension, which should aid the development of TIPS in China.MethodsThis study involved a questionnaire survey, initiated by the China Portal Hypertension Alliance (CHESS) to investigate the use of TIPS for portal hypertension in China. Questionnaires were released on the Internet between August 16, 2022 and September 16, 2022. Detailed information was collected from 545 hospitals contracted by the CHESS in China, which performed TIPS surgery in 2021.ResultsThe 545 hospitals covers the majority of hospitals in China that conduct TIPS intervention. In the survey, a total of 13,527 TIPS interventions were carried out with 94.1% (498/545) of them had a system of routine follow‐up after TIPS. The majority (42.6% [232/545]) believed that the main indication of TIPS was the control of acute bleeding. Overall, 48.1% (262/545) carried out early or pre‐emptive TIPS, 53.0% (289/545) carried out TIPS for cavernous transformation of the portal vein, and 81.0% (441/545) chose routine embolization of collateral circulation during operation. Most used coils (97.0% [475/490]) and biological glue (72.0% [353/490]) as embolic materials, and 78.5% (428/545) routinely performed intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurements. When selecting TIPS stents, 57.1% (311/545) chose viator‐specific stents, and 57.2% (312/545) chose conventional anticoagulation after TIPS. Conventional anticoagulation after TIPS is over a time interval of 3–6 months (55.4% [173/312]). The limitation of TIPS surgery is mainly its cost (72.3% [394/545]) and insufficient understanding of the procedure by doctors in other related departments (77.4% [422/545]). Most of the hospital teams accept the use of domestic instruments in TIPS surgery (92.7% [505/545]).ConclusionsThis survey shows that TIPS is an essential part of the treatment of portal hypertension in China. TIPS is widely used in Chinese patients with portal hypertension, and this survey presents a more comprehensive picture of the options and difficulties encountered in the implementation of TIPS. In the future, it is necessary to promote TIPS technology and further standardize surgical indications, routine operations, and instrument application.

PORTAL VEIN THROMBOSIS – A STUDY OF RISK FACTORS, CLINICAL PROFILE, COMPLICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT

Background: The portal vein is formed by the conuence of the splenic and superior mesenteric veins. Occlusion of the portal vein by thrombus (portal vein thrombosis [PVT]) typically occurs in patients with cirrhosis and/or prothrombotic disorders/ pancreatitis. Patients with acute PVT have the sudden onset of portal venous occlusion due to thrombus. Patients with acute PVT have not yet developed features of chronic PVT, such as collateral circulation (e.g., cavernous portal transformation) or portal hypertension. Chronic PVT develops when acute doesn't resolve with formation of collaterals. In patients with suspected acute PVT, we typically obtain a contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CECT) to conrm the diagnosis, evaluate for predisposing conditions (eg, intra-abdominal infection), assess the extent of the thrombosis and the anatomy of collaterals, and detect evidence of intestinal infarction. Doppler and MRI are other alternative imaging modalities. The primary management of acute portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is anticoagulation and, when possible, treatment of predisposing condition. The goal of anticoagulation is to prevent extension of the clot and to allow for recanalization, so that intestinal infarction and portal hypertension do not develop. Unlike chronic PVT, where the role of anticoagulation in patients with cirrhosis is unclear, studies suggest anticoagulation for acute PVT is benecial for patients with cirrhosis. However, because patients with cirrhosis may have esophageal varices, we typically screen for varices prior to initiating anticoagulation. 60 cases of extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis or intrahepatic Methods: portal vein thrombosis were included. All registered diagnoses were based on either ultrasound with Doppler, CT-angiography or MRI. In our study, Ris Results: k factors were established in 24 cases (80%). When including all risk factors, 16 cases (53.3%) had local risk factor, and 8 cases (26.6%) had a systemic risk factor. Anatomical location was in 26 cases (86%)extrahepatic, (14%) intrahepatic. In addition, patients with extrahepatic PVT also had intrahepatic thrombosis (38%) and/or in the splenic vein (23%). 66% had oesophageal varices, 53% gastric varices, 46% portal hypertensive gastropathy, 26% variceal haemorrhage, and 40% ascites. Most patients had a combination of local and systemic risk Conclusion: factors for PVT. Partial/ complete recanalization is more in patients treated with anticoagulation therapy, and that regression of varices was more in patients who were treated with active endoscopy combined with beta blockers.

Efficacy of endovascular treatment for completely occlusive acute–subacute portal and mesenteric vein thrombosis with severe complications in patients without cirrhosis

PurposeCompletely occlusive acute–subacute portal and mesenteric vein thrombosis (PVMVT) with severe complications is fatal. Endovascular treatments (EVTs) of acute–subacute PVMVT are not standardized. Thrombectomy combined with continuous catheter-directed thrombolysis is considered an effective treatment. Here, we aimed to evaluate the outcome of EVTs of completely occlusive acute–subacute PVMVT with severe complications in patients without cirrhosis.Materials and methodsNineteen patients (nine men and 10 women; age, 60.1 ± 16.8 years) with completely occlusive acute–subacute PVMVT were retrospectively assessed. Acute–subacute PVMVT was defined as symptom onset within 40 days, with no cavernous transformation observed on contrast-enhanced computed tomography. The patients were treated with EVTs, a combination of thrombectomy (including aspiration thrombectomy, plain old balloon angioplasty, single injection of thrombolytic agents, and stent placement) and continuous catheter-directed thrombolysis. Kaplan–Meier analyses were performed to assess all-cause mortality, acute–subacute PVMVT-related mortality, and portal vein (PV) patency. The degree of recanalization and patency of PV, complications, factors related to acute–subacute PVMVT-related mortality, and factors related to patency of PV were also evaluated.ResultsThe all-cause and acute–subacute PVMVT-related mortality rates were 36.8% (7/19) and 31.6% (6/19), respectively. Seven (36.8%) and 11 (57.9%) patients achieved complete and partial recanalization, respectively. Among the 18 patients who achieved recanalization, follow-up images after 608.7 ± 889.5 days confirmed recanalization in 83.3% (15/18) patients, and 53.3% (8/15) of these patients achieved patency of PV. Seven patients (36.8%) developed complications, and two (10.5%) required interventional treatment for complications. Deterioration of liver function significantly worsened the prognosis (P = 0.046), while anticoagulation therapy significantly maintained portal patency (P = 0.03).ConclusionThis endovascular method for acute–subacute PVMVT, which combines thrombectomy and continuous catheter-directed thrombolysis EVT approach was effective for thrombus resolution. However, further studies must define conditions that improve patient prognosis.

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

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.

Long-term efficacy and safety of anticoagulant for cavernous transformation of the portal vein cirrhotic patient with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction

Background/aimsCavernous transformation of the portal vein (CTPV) in cirrhotic patients with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) was a relatively rare disease and had no consensus on the treatment. Our study aimed to explore the value of anticoagulation with warfarin treatment for CTPV cirrhotic patients with EHPVO.Methods: From January 2015 to December 2019, the clinical characteristics of cirrhotic patients who were diagnosed as CTPV with EHPVO were retrospectively analyzed. Eligible patients were distributed into the anticoagulation group (n = 46) and control group (n = 38). The change of portal vein thrombosis, hepatic decompensation, survival and adverse events were evaluated between the two groups.ResultsThe median follow-up of our patients was 51 months in the anticoagulation group and 44 months in the control group. The progress rate of the portal vein was higher in patients from the control groups (n = 12) than in patients from the anticoagulation group (n = 4, p = 0.008). There was no significant difference between the partial recanalization rate and stable rate between the two groups. Patients in anticoagulation group developed less hepatic decompensation than those in control group (13.0% vs 34.2%, p = 0.021). The Kaplan-Meier curve showed that patients in the anticoagulation group had a better prognosis than patients in the control group (P < 0.022). There were no serious complications due to warfarin treatment.ConclusionFor CTPV cirrhotic patients with EHPVO, anticoagulation with warfarin treatment was effective and safe. Anticoagulants could prevent portal vein thrombosis progression, hepatic decompensation and death. In addition, our results showed little benefit of anticoagulants on thrombosis recanalization.

Esophagogastric varix caused by extrahepatic portal vein obstruction with essential thrombocythemia: A case report.

Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) is a very rare disease-causing portal hypertension. Myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) including essential thrombocythemia (ET) is reported as a risk factor for EHPVO due to underlying persistent thrombophilia.A Japanese woman in her 40s was referred to our hospital with a one-month history of gastric variceal bleeding due to EHPVO. Laboratory investigation demonstrated thrombocytosis despite portal hypertension. She had a mutation of clonal marker JAK2V617F with EHPVO, which prompted us to consult a hematologist. Bone marrow biopsy revealed megakaryocyte lineage proliferation, leading to a diagnosis of ET.Esophagogastroduodenoscopy indicated esophagogastric varices (LsF2CbRC2, Lg-cF1RC1). Abdominal Computed Tomography and angiography revealed splenomegaly and portal vein thrombosis with cavernous transformation. These radiologic findings suggested EHPVO.The patient had a history of ruptured esophagogastric varices and required prophylaxis against further variceal bleeding prior to anti-thrombotic therapy for EHPVO with ET. We performed laparoscopic Hassab's operation followed by endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) and hematological cytoreduction therapy.Laparoscopic Hassab's operation and three bi-monthly EVL improved the esophagogastric varix (LmF0RC0, Lg-f F0RC0) at 6 months after surgery. Platelet count decreased to 60.1 x104 /uL by cytoreduction therapy. She was very healthy at 7 months after surgery.Patients with EHPVO are traditionally referred to the gastroenterologist for abdominal pain, intestinal bleeding, or refractory ascites; however, hypercoagulative disease may be occult in such patients and require the attention of a hematologist. When encountering the patients with splanchnic thrombosis caused by EHPVO, the gastroenterologists should screen for hematological disease, including MPN.

Intrahepatic portal venous systems in adult patients with cavernous transformation of portal vein: Imaging features and a new classification

BackgroundCavernous transformation of the portal vein (CTPV) due to portal vein obstruction is a rare vascular anomaly defined as the formation of multiple collateral vessels in the hepatic hilum. This study aimed to investigate the imaging features of intrahepatic portal vein in adult patients with CTPV and establish the relationship between the manifestations of intrahepatic portal vein and the progression of CTPV. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 14 CTPV patients in Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital. All patients underwent both direct portal venography (DPV) and computed tomography angiography (CTA) to reveal the manifestations of the portal venous system. The vessels measured included the left portal vein (LPV), right portal vein (RPV), main portal vein (MPV) and the portal vein bifurcation (PVB). ResultsNine males and 5 females, with a median age of 40.5 years, were included in the study. No significant difference was found in the diameters of the LPV or RPV measured by DPV and CTA. The visualization in terms of LPV, RPV and PVB measured by DPV was higher than that by CTA. There was a significant association between LPV/RPV and PVB/MPV in term of visibility revealed with DPV (P = 0.01), while this association was not observed with CTA. According to the imaging features of the portal vein measured by DPV, CTPV was classified into three categories to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment. ConclusionsDPV was more accurate than CTA for revealing the course of the intrahepatic portal vein in patients with CTPV. The classification of CTPV, that originated from the imaging features of the portal vein revealed by DPV, may provide a new perspective for the diagnosis and treatment of CTPV.

Diverting portomesenteric hypertension during pancreatic resection with a mesocaval shunt

Background: Portomesenteric occlusions result from tumor compression, invasion or tumor thrombus extending through the portal and/or superior mesenteric vein (PV/SMV), often leading to cavernous transformation and portomesenteric hypertension. Portomesenteric hypertension is associated with an extremely high risk of variceal bleeding that often can preclude surgery. Mesocaval shunting can decompress the portomesenteric varices, necessitating safe pancreatic dissection and resection.

Simulation of prehepatic portal hypertension and impact of hepatic deportalization on its tissue

Objective. On the prehepatic portal hypertension pattern, created by partial ligature of venae portae in rats, to estimate the impact of partial hepatic deportalization on its tissue.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The investigation was conducted on 35 male rats of a Wistar line, aged 4–6 weeks. In 15 laboratory animals the partial ligature of vena porta with formation of stenosis was conducted, and in 15 –false ligature, while the control group consisted of 5 intact laboratory animals.&#x0D; Results. There were revealed certain connections between conduction of partial ligature of vena porta and critical (lethal) lowering of portohepatic perfusion.&#x0D; The model of prehepatic portal hypertension, using partial ligature of vena porta, leading to partial lowering of portohepatic perfusion with development of cavernous transformation of vena porta and dystrophic changes in hepatocytes with further fibrous changes in hepatic parenchyma, was applied.&#x0D; Conclusion. The portal vein narrowing grade in range 52 – 59% constitutes the optimal one for the prehepatic portal hypertension formation with development of zonal adipose parenchymatous hepatic dystrophy and the balloon degeneration of hepatocytes with further development of fibroses in rats of a Wistar line aged 4 – 6 weeks.