Early Portal Vein Thrombosis Research Articles

Thrombosis and anticoagulation after portal vein reconstruction during pancreatic surgery – A systematic review

ObjectiveTo comprehensively assess thrombotic events and their clinical impact in patients receiving pancreatic surgery with venous resection and reconstruction. BackgroundPortal vein (PV, including the portal vein and superior mesenteric vein) resection and reconstruction enables surgical removal of borderline-resectable and locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Thrombosis of the reconstructed PV represents a major source of early postoperative and long-term morbidity and mortality. No universally accepted standard for anticoagulation exists. Here, we aimed to assess early and late thrombosis rates after PV reconstruction with special regard to type of PV reconstruction as well as anticoagulation regimen. MethodsPRISMA guidelines were followed. Studies reporting on PV resection and reconstruction providing data on thrombosis rates were included. The following parameters were assessed: Study type, year of publication, number of patients, type/number of PV reconstruction, follow-up period, postoperative mortality, rate of thrombosis of reconstructed PV axis, intraoperative blood loss, and anticoagulation. Results23 studies with 2751 patients were included in the final analysis. 670 patients received tangential resection of the PV with venorrhaphy or patch repair, 1505 patients had segmental resection with end-to-end reconstruction, and 576 patients received reconstruction with an interposition graft/conduit. The pooled overall thrombosis rate was 15%. Reconstruction of tangential defects with either venorrhaphy or patch repair as well as end-to-end repair of segmental defects resulted in a thrombosis rate of 12%. Subgroup analysis according to the type of graft reconstruction revealed the highest occlusion rates of 55% in patients with allogeneic grafts, followed by up to 27% in patients with synthetic PV conduits. Autologous conduits had a thrombosis rate of 10%. Early thrombotic events were detected in 5% of patients after venorrhaphy/patch reconstruction and end-to-end reconstruction. Early events were most common in the allogeneic graft subgroup (22%), followed by synthetic conduits (15%). There were fewer early events in the autologous graft group (7%). Early PV thrombosis was associated with relevant mortality of up to 26%. Anticoagulation regimens varied between studies. ConclusionThe overall rate of thrombosis after portal vein resection is low. However, among different reconstruction techniques, allogeneic interposition grafts/conduits had the highest thrombosis rates among the different types of reconstruction after PV resection. No specific anticoagulation strategy can be considered beneficial on the basis of the existing literature. Mini-AbstractThrombosis of the reconstructed portal vein (PV) after PV resection in pancreatic surgery represents a relevant source of major morbidity and mortality. In this systematic review, while we observed an overall low thrombosis rate following PV resection, reconstruction with allogeneic grafts harbors the highest risk of postoperative thrombosis. Early thrombosis was most common after reconstruction with allogeneic grafts and associated with postoperative mortality. Anticoagulation strategies vary greatly among different studies.

Longitudinal portoplasty for hypoplasic portal veins in children with biliary atresia requiring a liver transplant: Our experience

BackgroundPatients with biliary atresia (BA) and portal hypoplasia have a higher risk of developing portal complications. The objective of this work is to analyze the results before and after the implementation of longitudinal portoplasty (LP) during liver transplantation (LT) in our center. MethodsRetrospective cohort study including all pediatric patients transplanted due to BA with portal hypoplasia was conducted. Results were analyzed before and after the introduction of the LP in 2016. Primary endpoints were the occurrence of early portal vein thrombosis and portal vein thrombosis. Secondary endpoints were patient survival and portal complications. Results60 patients were transplanted before the implementation of LP and 60 patients after the new technique was used. Baseline characteristics did not differ among groups. Portal vein thrombosis decreased from 26.7 % in the first period, to 3.3 % in the second (p 0.001), and early portal thrombosis from 20 % to 1.7 % (p 0.002). An association was found between portal vein thrombosis and the period in which LP was implemented (OR 0.095, 95 %CI 0.021 0.43, p=0.002), showing a lower risk in the occurrence of thrombosis in the second period. Patient survival at 12 and 24 months in the first group was 79.6 % and 76.0 %, while in the second group was 93.1 % and 93.1 %, with a log rank test 0.01. ConclusionsThe routine use of LP could possibly minimize the occurrence of portal complications and could be considered in these cases with good results. Level of evidenceII.

Early portal vein thrombosis after hepatectomy for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: Incidence, risk factors, and management

To study the incidence, risk factors and management of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) after hepatectomy for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC). Single-center retrospective analysis of 86 consecutive patients who underwent major hepatectomy for PHCC, between 2012 and 2019, with comparison of the characteristics of the groups with (PVT+) and without (PVT-) postoperative portal vein thrombosis. Seven patients (8%) presented with PVT diagnosed during the first postoperative week. Preoperative portal embolization had been performed in 71% of patients in the PVT+ group versus 34% in the PVT- group (P=0.1). Portal reconstruction was performed in 100% and 38% of PVT+ and PVT- patients, respectively (P=0.002). In view of the gravity of the clinical and/or biochemical picture, five (71%) patients underwent urgent re-operation with portal thrombectomy, one of whom died early (hemorrhagic shock after surgical treatment of PVT). Two patients had exclusively medical treatment. Complete recanalization of the portal vein was achieved in the short and medium term in the six survivors. After a mean follow-up of 21 months, there was no statistically significant difference in overall survival between the two groups. Post-hepatectomy PVT for PHCC is a not-infrequent and potentially lethal event. Rapid management, adapted to the extension of the thrombus and the severity of the thrombosis (hepatic function, signs of portal hypertension) makes it possible to limit the impact on postoperative mortality. We did not identify any modifiable risk factor. However, when it is oncologically and anatomically feasible, left±extended hepatectomy (without portal embolization) may be less risky than extended right hepatectomy, and portal vein resection should only be performed if there is strong suspicion of tumor invasion.

EARLY PORTAL VEIN THROMBOSIS AFTER PEDIATRIC LIVER TRANSPLANTATION: ASSESMENT OF RISK FACTORS

Introduction: Despite advancements in surgical techniques, early portal vein thrombosis (ePVT) continues to be one of the major complications of liver transplantation (LT) in pediatric age group. Possible risk factors are portal vein diameter < 5 mm, infancy, patient body weight < 10 kg and high graft recipient weight ratios (GRWR > 4.0). We retrospectively evaluated our records of pediatric LTs’ in terms of ePVT and possible risk factors determining development of this dreaded complication Study: Between January 2018 and January 2022, 228 LTs were performed for pediatric age (under the age of 18) group at Inonu University, Liver Transplantation Institute. Among these patients, 212 were eligible for the study. Patients with ePVT were defined as Portal Vein Thrombüs Group (PVTG) and patients with no Portal Vein thrombosis were defined in control group (CG). ePVT was described as detection of impeded portal venous outflow with imaging studies either perioperatively or within postoperative 3 days . Demographic, clinical and operative variables were retrospectively evaluated. Results: Among 212 LTs, 24 cases were complicated with ePVTs (11.3 %). Preoperative platelet counts, etiology of Budd-Chiari, postoperative hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) and lower age were significantly higher for early PVT. In multivariate analysis, preoperative platelet levels, etiology of Budd-Chiari and postoperative HAT were significantly higher for PVT. One and 5 years overall survivals (OS) for PVTG and CG were 50.0 % - 50.0 % and 69 % - 63 % respectively. No significant OS difference was observed despite much more patients were died in PVTG. Conclusion: High preoperative platelet counts, Budd-Chiari syndrome and postoperative HAT are predictive factors for ePVT. Anti-thrombotic prophylaxies can be considered in high-risk patients. Venous jump grafts seem to have no effect on ePVT. Despite PVT increases the mortality rates, it cen be resolved easily with immediate reoperation.

Radiological Interventions In early Portal Vein Thrombosis In Paediatric LDLT (Living Donor Liver Transplant) Recipients

Radiological Interventions In early Portal Vein Thrombosis In Paediatric LDLT (Living Donor Liver Transplant) Recipients

312.1: Implementation of Longitudinal Portoplasty for Hypoplasic Portal Veins in Children With Biliary Atresia in a Liver Transplantation Centre in Argentina

Objective: Biliary atresia (BA) represents the most frequent cause of liver transplantation (LT) in the pediatric population. An association between BA and portal hypoplasia has been previously described, making this group at higher risk of portal complications, which could eventually lead to portal hypertension, graft failure or even graft loss. The main objective of this work is to analyze and compare the results before and after the implementation of longitudinal portoplasty (LP) as the technique of choice during LT for patients with BA and hypoplasic portal vein in our center. Materials and Methods: Retrospective study including all patients transplanted due to BA and a preoperative diagnosis of portal hypoplasia (diameter measured by doppler ultrasound or CT scan less or equal to 5 mm). Results were analyzed before (group 1) and after the introduction of the new reconstruction technique in 2016 (group 2). Primary endpoints were the occurrence of early portal vein thrombosis (within 30 days of transplantation) and patient survival. Secondary endpoints were the occurrence of portal complications. Results: A total of 100 patients (out of 346 transplants, 78.1% of patients with BA) had a preoperative diagnosis of BA with portal hypoplasia and were included (50 patients in each group). Baseline characteristics did not differ among groups. Reduced grafts were used in 96% of the cases, and living donors in 43%. Overall rate of portal early thrombosis was 22% (n=11) in the first group and 2% (n=2) in the second (p= 0.002). An association between early portal early thrombosis and LP was found (p: 0.025 OR: 0.089 95% CI: 0.011-0.74). With regard to the technique used, portal early thrombosis was found in 12.7% (n=6) of end to end anastomosis, in 41.7% (n=5) of graft interposition and in 2.4% (n=1) of LP (p: 0.001). Patient survival at 12 and 24 months in the first group was 79.5% and 77.3%, while in the second group was 92% and 92% (log rank test 0.048). Median follow-up was 2 years. No statistical significant difference between survival and LP was found (p: 0.06 HR: 0.34 95% CI: 0.11-1.05). Overall rate of portal complications was 28%. With the implementation of LP there was a decrease of 24% in portal complications (p: 0.008). No statistical difference was found for stenosis among groups. Conclusion: Since the implementation of LP, a decrease in early portal thrombosis was seen. Limitations of this study are the fact that it is a retrospective and single institution study. Although results showed favorable trends towards LP, survival did not reach statistical significance yet, possibly due to lack of power in this context of limited cases to analyze. Larger sample size and longer follow-up studies are required to confirm these findings in the future. In conclusion, the routine use of LP could possibly minimize the occurrence of portal complications in patients with BA and portal hypoplasia, and could be considered in these cases with good results.

Prospective validation to prevent symptomatic portal vein thrombosis after liver resection.

BACKGROUNDPortal vein thrombosis (PVT) after liver resection is rare but can lead to life-threatening liver failure. This prospective study evaluated patients using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (E-CT) on the first day after liver resection for early PVT detection and management.AIMTo evaluate patients by E-CT on the first day after liver resection for early PVT detection and immediate management.METHODSPatients who underwent liver resection for primary liver cancer from January 2015 were enrolled. E-CT was performed on the first day after surgery in patients undergoing anatomical resection, multiple resections, or with postoperative bile leakage in the high-risk group for PVT. When PVT was detected, anticoagulant therapy including heparin, warfarin, and edoxaban was administered. E-CT was performed monthly until PVT resolved.RESULTSThe overall incidence of PVT was 1.57% (8/508). E-CT was performed on the first day after surgery in 235 consecutive high-risk patients (165 anatomical resections, 74 multiple resections, and 28 bile leakages), with a PVT incidence of 3.4% (8/235). Symptomatic PVT was not observed in the excluded cohort. Multivariate analyses revealed that sectionectomy was the only independent predictor of PVT [odds ratio (OR) = 12.20; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.22-115.97; P = 0.003]. PVT was found in the umbilical portion of 75.0% (6/8) of patients, and sectionectomy on the left side showed the highest risk of PVT (OR = 14.10; 95%CI: 3.17-62.71; P < 0.0001).CONCLUSIONSectionectomy on the left side should be chosen with caution as it showed the highest risk of PVT. E-CT followed by anticoagulant therapy was effective in managing early-phase PVT for 2 mo without adverse events.

Early portal vein thrombosis after pediatric living donor liver transplantation: A single center experience

Early portal vein thrombosis after pediatric living donor liver transplantation: A single center experience

Rex Shunt for Portal Vein Thrombosis After Pediatric Living Donor Liver Transplantation

BackgroundPortal vein thrombosis (PVT) after pediatric liver transplantation (LT) is a common but grave complication which could eventually result in life-threatening portal hypertension. A “Rex” shunt between the superior mesenteric vein and the Rex recess of the liver has been reported to be a treatment option for extrahepatic portal vein obstruction; however, its application to living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is limited due to the availability of appropriate vein grafts. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the effectiveness of Rex shunt as an option for the treatment of PVT after pediatric LDLT.Case ReportThree children underwent the Rex shunt for early (n=2) and late (n=1) PVT after LDLT using the greater saphenous vein (n=2) and the external iliac vein (n=1) from the parents who previously donated their livers.Two of the 3 children are free from symptoms with patent shunt grafts at 14 years after the procedures. One child died at 30 days after LDLT due to repeated episodes of PVT, which finally led to hepatic infarction.ConclusionsThe Rex shunt is feasible to treat PVT after LDLT. However, additional surgical insults to the living donor need further discussion.

Portal vein reconstruction with cryopreserved vascular grafts: A two-edged sword.

Portal vein anastomotic complications related to size discrepancy are important causes of morbidity and mortality in pediatric liver transplantation. Interposed vascular grafts in portal vein anastomosis can solve this problem. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of pediatric liver transplantations performed using cryopreserved interposed vascular grafts between graft portal vein and superior mesenteric vein (SMV)-splenic vein (SpV) confluence. Twenty-nine pediatric patients received liver transplantation using cryopreserved venous grafts in our Liver Transplant Institute between 2013 and 2020 were included in this study. Demographic, clinical, and operative characteristics and postoperative follow-up were analyzed. Sixteen patients (55.2%) had portal hypoplasia and five patients (17.2%) had portal vein thrombosis. In total, six patients (20.6%) suffered portal vein thrombosis in the early postoperative period. Three patients (10.3%) experienced portal vein thrombosis in the late postoperative period. Late portal vein thrombosis rate was significantly higher in patients with early portal vein thrombosis (3/6 patients [50%] versus 0/23 patients [0%]; p=.034). Lack of portal flow was significantly higher in patients with both early (50% versus 0%; p=.002) and late portal vein thrombosis (66.7% versus 6.7%; p=.03). Preoperative portal vein thrombosis and insufficient flow are important factors affecting success of liver transplant in children. The use of interposed vein grafts in problematic portal anastomoses can overcome portal flow problems.

Technical Choices in Pediatric Living Donor Liver Transplantation: The Path to Reduce Vascular Complications and Improve Survival.

Pediatric living donor liver transplantation (PLDLT) is a successful therapeutic option for children with chronic and acute liver disease. After early transplant results, many technical advancements were introduced in the field to reduce the rate of complications and improve survival. The aim of this study is to present the outcomes of 975 primary PLDLTs in 3 periods: initial practice (period 1, 29 patients, January 1995 to December 1999), second period (period 2, 331 patients, January 2000 to December 2009), and third period (period 3 [P3], 615 patients, January 2010 to September 2019). Among the technical refinements introduced in P3 are the use of hyperreduced left lateral segment grafts, abdominal wall prosthetic mesh closure, double hepatic artery anastomosis, and increased use of vascular grafts for portal vein reconstruction. The outcomes included significant reductions of hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT), early portal vein thrombosis (EPVT), and retransplantation, with better patient and graft survival in P3. Additional analyses showed that the factors independently associated with worse 90-day patient survival were HAT, EPVT, and increasing Pediatric End-Stage Liver Disease score. In conclusion, the introduction of technical refinements in P3, in addition to improvements in patient care, determined a reduction in EPVT, HAT, and retransplantation. Consequently, patient and graft survival rates increased in all time points studied.

Risk for hemorrhage after pancreatoduodenectomy with venous resection.

No consensus exists on the optimal anticoagulation therapy after pancreatoduodenectomy with venous resection (PDVR). The aim of the study was to analyze perioperative outcomes of patients receiving low- vs high-dose anticoagulation therapy and to identify risk factors for postpancreatectomy hemorrhage in patients undergoing PDVR. Retrospective study of patients undergoing PDVR at a tertiary referral center between January 2006 and April 2017. Patients were investigated according to the dose of postoperative anticoagulation given (low- or high-dose low-molecular-weight heparin). Uni- and multivariate analysis were performed to assess risk factors for postpancreatectomy hemorrhage. A total of 141 patients underwent PDVR. Low-dose anticoagulation was given to 45 (31.9%) patients. Operative time (428min vs 398min, p = 0.025) and the use of interposition grafts (27% vs 11%, P = 0.033) were significantly higher in the high-dose group. There was no difference in the rate of early portal vein thrombosis (4.4% vs 4.2%, p = 0.939) or postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (13.3% vs 16.7%, p = 0.611) between the low- and high-dose groups. On multivariate analysis, serum bilirubin ≥ 200μmol/L and clinically relevant postoperative fistula were the only factors associated with postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (OR 10.28, 95% CI 3.51-30.07, P < 0.001, and OR 6.39, 95% CI 1.59-25.74, P = 0.009). Preoperative hyperbilirubinemia and clinically relevant postoperative fistula are risk factors for postpancreatectomy hemorrhage after PDVR. Rates of postpancreatectomy hemorrhage did not differ between patients receiving high- vs low-dose low-molecular-weight heparin.

Splenectomy as Flow Modulation Strategy and Risk Factors of De Novo Portal Vein Thrombosis in Adult-to-Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation.

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a severe complication after liver transplantation that can result in increased morbidity and mortality. Few data are available regarding risk factors, classification, and treatment of PVT after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Between January 2004 and November 2014, 421 adult-to-adult LDLTs were performed at our institution, and they were included in the analysis. Perioperative characteristics and outcomes from patients with no-PVT (n = 393) were compared with those with de novo PVT (total portal vein thrombosis [t-PVT]; n = 28). Ten patients had early portal vein thrombosis (e-PVT) occurring within 1 month, and 18 patients had late portal vein thrombosis (l-PVT) appearing later than 1 month after LDLT. Analysis of perioperative variables determined that splenectomy was associated with t-PVT (hazard ratio [HR], 3.55; P = 0.01), e-PVT (HR, 4.96; P = 0.04), and l-PVT (HR, 3.84; P = 0.03). In contrast, donor age was only found as a risk factor for l-PVT (HR, 1.05; P = 0.01). Salvage rate for treatment in e-PVT and l-PVT was 100% and 50%, respectively, without having an early event of rethrombosis. Mortality within 30 days did not show a significant difference between groups (no-PVT, 2% versus e-PVT, 10%; P = 0.15). No significant differences were found regarding 1-year (89% versus 92%), 5-year (79% versus 82%), and 10-year (69% versus 79%) graft survival between the t-PVT and no-PVT groups, respectively (P = 0.24). The 1-year (89% versus 96%), 5-year (82% versus 86%), and 10-year (79% versus 83%) patient survival was similar for the patients in the no-PVT and t-PVT groups, respectively (P = 0.70). No cases of graft loss occurred as a direct consequence of PVT. In conclusion, the early diagnosis and management of PVT after LDLT can lead to acceptable early and longterm results without affecting patient and graft survival.

Vein resection during pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma: Patency rates and outcomes associated with thrombosis

Venous patency rates after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) with portal vein (PV) resection are not well established, and the oncologic impact of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is unknown. The primary aim of this study was to determine rates and predictors of PVT after PD with PV resection for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). A retrospective cohort study was performed on PDAC patients treated with preoperative therapy and PD with PV resection at a high-volume institution (2008-15). Primary outcomes were early and late PVT (≤ or >90 days of surgery). Secondary outcomes included major complications and OS. Patients undergoing vein resection (N = 120) included 41.7% (N = 50) primary repair or patch venoplasty, 29.2% (N = 35) primary anastomosis, and 29.2% (N = 35) interposition graft. Thirty-four (28.3%) patients developed PVT (early 7.5% [N = 9]; late 20.8% [N = 25]). Late PVT was often detected concurrently with local recurrence (76.0%; N = 19). There was no association of PVT with vascular resection extent or complications (P > 0.05). On multivariable analysis, PVT was associated with worse OS (HR 2.2 [95% CI 1.34-3.5], P < 0.001). Overall postoperative patency rates following PV resection PDAC were high. PVT is associated with worse OS, which appears less likely related to technical issues, but rather representative of disease biology.

Liver transplantation in adults with portal vein thrombosis: Data from the China Liver Transplant Registry

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common complication in patients with liver cirrhosis. During liver transplantation (LT), PVT may complicate the procedure and lead to a poor prognosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate patients enrolled in the China Liver Transplant Registry, to understand the influence of PVT to the LT recipients. We collected data from patients who underwent LT and were entered into the China Liver Transplant Registry. All data of medical records and follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. The preoperative condition, duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative early and late PVT, and survival rates were compared between patients with PVT and those without PVT. Multivariate Cox analysis and survival analysis were used to determine the influence of PVT. A total of 20,524cases were recruited into the study. In all, 1810 (8.82%) patients were diagnosed with preoperative PVT of various severities. All patients were followed up for an average of 30.25±33.25months (up to a maximum of 171.68months). Patients with PVT had a significantly longer operating time, more intraoperative blood loss and a higher rate of post-LT PVT (P<0.001). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that PVT did not reduce the recipients' survival rate (HR=0.89, 95%CI: 0.774-1.024, P=0.103). There was no significant difference in cumulative survival rate (P=0.059) between patients without PVT, and patients with PVT. PVT increases the difficulty of LT, but doesn't reduce the survival rate. Therefore, PVT is not an absolute contraindication for LT in experienced transplantation centers.

Preoperative hepatic hemodynamics in the prediction of early portal vein thrombosis after liver transplantation in pediatric patients with biliary atresia

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is one of the main vascular complications after liver transplantation (LT), especially in pediatric patients with biliary atresia (BA). This study aimed to assess the preoperative hepatic hemodynamics in pediatric patients with BA using Doppler ultrasound and determine whether ultrasonographic parameters may predict early PVT after LT. One hundred and twenty-eight pediatric patients with BA younger than 3 years of age underwent Doppler ultrasound within seven days before LT, between October 2006 and June 2013. The preoperative hepatic hemodynamic parameters were then compared between patients with early PVT (within 1 month following LT) and those without PVT. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to determine the optimal cutoff value for predicting early PVT. Of the 128 transplant recipients, 41 (32.03%) had a hypoplastic portal vein (PV), 52 (40.63%) had hepatofugal PV flow and 40 (31.25%) had a high hepatic artery resistance index (HARI) of ≥1. Nine cases (7.03%) experienced early PVT. A PV diameter ≤4 mm (sensitivity 88.89%, specificity 72.27%), and a hepatofugal PV flow (sensitivity 77.78%, specificity 62.18%) with a high HARI ≥1 (sensitivity 77.78%, specificity 72.27%) were hepatic hemodynamic risk factors for early PVT. Hepatic hemodynamic disturbances in pediatric recipients with BA were more common. Small PV diameter (≤4 mm) and hepatofugal PV flow combined with high HARI (≥1) are strong warning signs of early PVT after LT in pediatric patients with BA. Intense monitoring of vascular patency and prophylactic thrombolytic therapy should be considered in pediatric patients undergoing LT for BA.

Cause analysis of early portal vein thrombosis after esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension

Cause analysis of early portal vein thrombosis after esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension

Analysis of factors associated with portal vein thrombosis in pediatric living donor liver transplant recipients.

The technique of vascular reconstruction plays a major role in the outcome of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). An increased use of vascular grafts (VGs) as replacements for sclerotic portal veins has become a standard technique for our group. The aim of this study was to analyze the factors associated with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in pediatric LDLT. We performed a retrospective analysis of 486 primary pediatric LDLT procedures performed between October 1995 and May 2013. VGs used for portal reconstruction included living donor inferior mesenteric veins, living donor ovarian veins, recipient internal jugular veins, deceased donor iliac arteries, and deceased donor iliac veins. Thirty-four patients (7.0%) developed PVT. The incidence of PVT dropped from 10.1% to 2%; the overall utilization of VGs increased from 3.5% to 37.1%. In a multivariate analysis, only the use of VGs remained an independent risk factor for the occurrence of PVT (hazard ratio = 7.2, 95% confidence interval = 2.8-18.7, P < 0.001). There was no difference in survival rates between patients with PVT and patients without PVT. No patient with PVT underwent retransplantation. In conclusion, the use of VGs was independently associated with the development of PVT. Over time, there was a reduction in the incidence of early PVT in this cohort, and there was a trend toward a reduction in total PVT. The occurrence of isolated PVT in this study was not associated with decreased patient or graft survival.

Management and long-term consequences of portal vein thrombosis after liver transplantation in children

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) occurs in ≤12% of pediatric recipients of liver transplantation (LT). Known complications of PVT include portal hypertension, allograft loss, and mortality. The management of PVT is varied. A single-center, case-control study of pediatric LT recipients with portal vein (PV) changes after LT was performed. Cases were categorized as early PVT (if PVT was detected within 30 days of transplantation) or late PVT (if PVT was detected more than 30 days after transplantation or if early PVT persisted beyond 30 days). Two non-PVT control patients were matched on the basis of the recipient weight, transplant indication, and allograft type to each patient with PVT. Thirty-two of the 415 LT recipients (7.7%) received 37 allografts and developed PVT. In comparison with control patients, a higher proportion of patients with PVT had PVT present before LT (13.3% versus 0%, P = 0.01). Patients with early PVT usually returned to the operating room, and 9 of 15 patients (60%) had PV flow restored. Patients with late PVT had lower white blood cell (4.9 [1000/μL] versus 6.8 [1000/μL], P < 0.01) and platelet counts (140 [1000/μL] versus 259 [1000/μL], P < 0.01), an elevated international normalized ratio (1.2 versus 1.0, P < 0.001), and more gastrointestinal bleeding (25% versus 8.3%, P = 0.03) compared to controls. Patients with PVT were also less frequently at the expected grade level (52% versus 88%, P < 0.001). The patient survival rates were 84%, 78%, and 78% and 91%, 84%, and 79% for cases and controls at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. The allograft survival rates were 90%, 80%, and 80% for cases and 94%, 89%, and 87% for controls at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. In conclusion, patients with early and late PVT had preserved allograft function, and there was no impact on mortality. Patients diagnosed with early PVT often underwent operative interventions with successful restoration of flow. Patients diagnosed with late PVT experienced variceal bleeding, and some required portosystemic shunting procedures. Academic delays were also more common. In late PVT, the clinical presentation dictates care because the optimal management algorithm has not yet been determined. Multi-institutional studies are needed to confirm these findings and improve patient outcomes.

Akute Pfortaderthrombose bei einem 5-jährigen Kind: Rekanalisierung mittels perkutaner Thrombenaspiration und Thrombolyse

Early portal vein thrombosis is a frequent and severe complication following pediatric liver transplantation. The clinical presentation is characterized by signs and symptoms of portal hypertension such as ascites and digestive hemorrhage. Primary treatment consists of heparin therapy. In the case of persistent or progressive thrombosis or symptoms, surgical thrombectomy or retransplantation should be considered. However, surgical intervention is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We report on successful minimally invasive percutaneous thrombus aspiration and thrombolysis for the treatment of acute portal vein thrombosis in a 5-year-old child post liver transplantation.