Free Portal Pressure Research Articles

Noninvasive Analysis of Portal Pressure by Contrast-Enhanced Sonography in Patients With Cirrhosis

Free portal pressure measurement is a reliable method for assessment of portal pressure in patients with cirrhosis. Intrahepatic circulatory time analysis of a sonographic contrast agent can assess liver fibrosis and its severity. The purposes of this pilot study were to assess the correlation between the intrahepatic circulatory time and free portal pressure and to assess whether intrahepatic circulatory time analysis can be used to predict portal venous pressure severity. The intrahepatic circulatory time and free portal pressure were measured in 31 patients with hepatitis B virus-related liver disease. Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess the correlation between the intrahepatic circulatory time and free portal pressure. The hepatic vein-hepatic artery interval times were significantly shorter in the portal hypertension group than the non-portal hypertension group (mean ± SD, 8.26 ± 1.94 and 13.83 ± 1.17 seconds, respectively; P < .001). The portal vein-hepatic artery interval times were significantly longer in the portal hypertension group than the nonportal hypertension group (13.13 ± 2.25 and 7.25 ± 1.81 seconds; P < .001). Considering the whole patient population, there were statistically significant correlations between free portal pressure and the hepatic vein-hepatic artery interval time (r = -0.900; P < .001) and portal vein-hepatic artery interval time (r = 0.808; P < .001). In patients with portal hypertension, there was a statistically significant correlation between free portal pressure and the hepatic vein-hepatic artery interval time (r = -0.804; P = .009) and a weak correlation between free portal pressure and the portal vein-hepatic artery interval time (r = 0.506; P = .036). Intrahepatic circulatory time measurement is correlated with free portal pressure and has the potential capability to evaluate portal pressure noninvasively in patients with hepatitis B virus-related liver disease.

Long-term results of small-diameter proximal splenorenal venous shunt: A retrospective study

To investigate recurrent variceal hemorrhage and long-term survival rates of patients treated with partial proximal splenorenal venous shunt. Patients with variceal hemorrhage who were treated with small-diameter proximal splenorenal venous shunt in Ruijin Hospital between 1996 and 2009 were included in this study. Shunt diameter was determined before operation using Duplex Doppler ultrasonography. Peri-operative and long-term results in term of rehemorrhage, encephalopathy and mortality were followed up. Ninety-eight patients with Child A and B variceal hemorrhage received small-diameter proximal splenorenal venous shunt with a diameter of 7-10 mm. After operation, the patients' mean free portal pressure (P < 0.01) and the flow rate of main portal vein (P < 0.01) decreased significantly compared with that before operation. The rates of rebleeding and mortality were 6.12% (6 cases) and 2.04% (2 cases), respectively. Ninety-one patients were followed up for 7 mo-14 years (median, 48.57 mo). Long-term rates of rehemorrhage and encephalopathy were 4.40% (4 cases) and 3.30% (3 cases), respectively. Thirteen patients (14.29%) died mainly due to progressive hepatic dysfunction. Five- and ten-year survival rates were 82.12% and 71.24%, respectively. Small-diameter proximal splenorenal venous shunt affords protection against variceal rehemorrhage with a low occurrence of encephalopathy in patients with normal liver function.

Increased expression of urotensin II and GPR14 in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension

Urotensin II (UII) and its receptor (UT or GPR14) are involved in liver fibrosis and portal hypertension. Nevertheless, expression of the UII/UT system in the liver of patients with portal hypertension has not been elucidated. UII and UT gene expression were quantified in liver biopsy samples from patients with hepatitis-B-virus-associated cirrhosis and portal hypertension, and from normal controls by using quantitative real-time PCR. The liver distribution of UT was determined by means of immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Western blot analysis was used to assess liver levels of UT. Simultaneously, we measured intra-operative free portal venous pressure (FPVP) and collected plasma for UII measurement by ELISA. UT expression at the mRNA and protein level was enhanced significantly in the liver of patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension, compared with that in healthy controls. UT protein expression was concentrated mainly in the Kupffer cells and sinusoidal endothelial cells. In cirrhotic tissue, UII gene expression was increased 5-fold in comparison to that in normal liver tissue. Plasma UII level was higher in cirrhotic patients compared with controls and was correlated with FPVP (r=0.807; P<0.001) and UII mRNA in the liver (r=0.802; P<0.001). These findings suggest that the intrahepatic UII/UT system has an important pathophysiological role in cirrhosis and portal hypertension.

Extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO)

Portal hypertension is defined as a free portal vein pressure in excess of the normal 5-10 mmHg. Portal hypertension represents a dynamic and intricate interaction between the compensatory mechanisms of the body and the prevalent pathology. In western countries, cirrhosis of the liver accounts for more than 90% cases of portal hypertension. In India, extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) is responsible for about one third cases of adults and more than half of the cases in children as a cause of portal hypertension.. This article represents a review of this topic

Evaluation of CT perfusion imaging for the hemodynamics on liver ischemia reperfusion injury

Objective To evaluate the value of CT perfusion imaging (CTPI) on liver ischemia reperfusion injury. Methods Twenty-one adult dogs were divided into three groups randomly: CON group, IV group and SMA group, each group consisted of 7 dogs. Under general anesthesia and laparotomy, porta hepatis were occluded for 45 minutes and reperfused 60 minutes later to establish IR injury models. Lipo-PGE1 administration was conducted 5 minutes before porta occlusion and 60 minutes after reperfusion in Ⅳsodium chloride administration was slowly conducted 5 minutes before porta occlusion and 60 minutes after reperfusion in CON group as control, the rate of injection was 2 ml/kg. CTPI free portal pressure measurement (FPP) and pathological sampling were performed in succession and compared before and after IlL Paired-sample t test was used for self control study on parameters of liver perfusion before and after IR in each group, and One-way ANOVA was used for comparison of different values of each parameter of liver perfusion among groups. Results (1) Each liver blood perfusion value decreased in different levels after IR. The different values of hepatic arterial perfusion (HAP), portal vein perfusion (PVP), total liver group , respectively. There were significant difference in each parameter of liver perfusion among groups (F=5.286, 2. 894, 4. 705 ;P 0. 05). (3) Microscopically, the structures of liver were poorly defined with cloudy swelling of hepatocytes, stasis of erythrocytes in hepatic sinusoid, and neutrophilic granulocyte infiltration of portal area in control group. Evidence of liver injury was moderately improved in IV group and markedly improved in SMA group. Conclusion CT perfusion imaging can objectively and quantitatively estimate the alterations on liver hemodynamics on IR injury following administration of medication. Key words: Reperfusion injury; Tomography; X-ray computed; Perfusion

Effect of different portal-azygos devascularization procedures on apoptosis of gastric mucosal cells in portal hypertension canines with cirrhosis

Objective To detect apoptosis of gastric mucosal cells in portal hypertension canines with cirrhosis after different portal-azygos devascularization procedures and investigate their effects on portal hypertension gastropathy(PHG).Methods Portal hypertension was induced in canines by subcutaneous injection of 60% CCI4 emulsion and diet control.Twenty-four portal hypertension model canines were randomly divided 4 groups:group A(traditional paraesophagogastric devascularization group),group B (selective paraesophagogastric devascularization group),group C(selective paracsophagogastric devascularization plus distal esophageal transaction and reanastomosis with stapler group),and group D(control group,sham operation).The changes in free portal pressure(FPP)and apoptosis of gastric mucosa cells were observed during operation and 6 months after operation.Apeptosis index(AI)was measured by TUNEL.and the expression of Caspase-3 was detected by immunohistotehemistry.Results FPP in groups A.B and C were decreased significantly post-operation and at the 6th month post-operation as compared with pre-operation(P＜0.05).FPP in group A(2.05±0.07)kPa was significantly higher than that in groups B(1.28±0.05)kPa and C(1.41±0.04)kPa(P＜0.05),and that in group C hisher than in group B(P＜0.05).At the 6th month pest-operation,AI was increased significantly from(14.68±1.28)% to(20.22±2.20)% (P＜0.05),and the expression of Caspase-3 was also increased from 56.13±11.75 to 113.78±19.80(P＜0.05).In group B,AI was decreased from(13.63±1.19)% to (9.98±2.29)%(P＜0.05),and in group A the expression of Caspase-3 was decreased from 59.13±10.07 to 22.35±4.75(P＜0.05).In groups C and D,AI and the expression of Caspase-3 had no significant difference before and 6 six months post-operation(P＞0.05).Concision In portal hypertension canines with cirrhosis,the apoptosis of gastric mucosa cells is increased,and PHG aggravates after traditional paraesophagogastric devascularization.Selective paraesophagogastric devascularization can ameliorate the apoptosis of gastric mucosa cells and PHG.The apoptosis of gastric mucosa cells and PHG have no significant changes after selective paraesophagogastric devascularization plus distal esophageal transaction and reanastomosis with stapler. Key words: Portal hypertension; Devascularization; Stapler; Apoptosis; Canine

Function of portal pressure during operation on the choice of surgical approaches in portal hypertension

To investigate the relationship between perioperative free portal pressure (FPP) after devascularization or spleno-renal shunt operation added devascularization and rebleeding or encephalopathy in patients with portal hypertension, and evaluate the relationship between dynamic changes of FPP and surgical approaches. The clinical data of 170 patients with portal hypertension receiving devascularization or devascularization with spleno-renal shunt operation (combination group) from January 2001 to December 2007 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were divided into three groups: low pressure group [L group, after devascularization FPP <or= 22 mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa), n = 43], high pressure group (H group, FPP > 22 mm Hg, n = 60) and combination group (C group, n = 47). There was no significant difference in preoperative Child-Pugh score and pre-operation FPP (P > 0.05) among the three groups. Perioperative FPP, morbidity of rebleeding and encephalopathy were compared with each other. The values of postoperative FPP were (27.1 +/- 1.9) mm Hg, (20.8 +/- 1.8) mm Hg and (21.5 +/- 2.2) mm Hg among the H group, L group and C group respectively. The rebleeding rates were 21.7%, 4.6% and 4.5% among the three groups respectively. All the values in H group were higher than those in L group and C group remarkably. The encephalopathy rate in C group (10.4%) was higher than that in L group (7.0%) or H group (3.3%), but there were no statistical significance (P > 0.05). FPP after splenectomy and devascularization may be a basis of choice of surgical approaches in portal hypertension. The spleno-renal shunt operation should be performed in the patients when FPP is over 22 mm Hg after devascularization.

Effects of combined procedure and devascularization alone on hyperdynamics of the portal venous system in patients with portal hypertension

Shunts and devascularizations have totally different effects on the hemodynamics of the portal venous system. The actual results of pericardial devascularization (PCDV) alone and conventional splenorenal shunt combined with pericardial devascularization (combined procedure, CP) should be determined by more clinical observations. This study aimed to evaluate effects on hemodynamics in the portal venous system after CP and PCDV only. In 20 patients who received CP and 18 who received PCDV, hemodynamic parameters of the portal venous system were studied by magnetic resonance angiography 1 week before and 2 weeks after operation. Free portal pressure (FPP) was continuously detected by a transducer during the operations. Compared to the preoperative data, a decreased flow in the portal vein (PVF) [(563.12 ± 206.42) mL/min vs (1080.63 ± 352.85) mL/min, P 0.05] had no significant decrease, while FPP [(21.50 ± 2.67) mmHg vs (24.40 ± 3.78) mmHg, P < 0.01] had a significant decrease as compared with that in the PCDV group. PVF and FPP could be decreased by both surgical procedures, but the effect of decreasing FPP was much better in the combined procedure than in PCDV alone. Further, there was no significant difference in PVF between the two groups. It is suggested that the combined surgical procedure could integrate the advantages of shunting with those of devascularization, as well as maintaining the normal anatomic structure of hepatic portal system, thus it should be one of the best choices for patients with portal hypertension when surgical interventions are considered.

Analysis of risk factors for selective devascularization in patients with portal hypertension

To investigate the risk factors for selective devascularization in patients with portal hypertension. The clinical data of 160 patients with portal hypertension underwent selective devascularization were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients were divided into high-risk group and low-risk group according to the postoperative complications. Thirty-two clinical factors were analyzed using logistic regression. Single-factor analysis showed that history of jaundice, Child-Turcotte-Pugh classification, total bilirubin (before the operation), prolongation of prothrombin time, pre-operative free portal pressure, ascites, leukocyte count (1 week after the operation) and hemoglobin (1 week after the operation) were significantly different between the high-risk group and low-risk group (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that decrease of free portal pressure, total bilirubin (before the operation), prolongation of prothrombin time, ascites, leukocyte count (1 week after the operation) and hemoglobin (1 week after the operation) were still significantly different between the two groups (chi2 = 53.337, P < 0.01). The risk factors of selective devascularization in patients with portal hypertension are decrease of free portal pressure, pre-operative total bilirubin, prolongation of prothrombin time, ascites, post-operative leukocyte count and hemoglobin.

Partial portacaval shunt with H-grafts to treat portal hypertension

Partial portosystemic shunts have been popularized because of a reported low rate of mortality and morbidity (especially encephalopathy, liver failure and occlusion). The results of partial portacaval shunts [small-diameter expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) H-graft portacaval shunt] were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate the clinical efficacy in the treatment of portal hypertension. Forty-three patients with portal hypertension were treated by small-diameter H-graft of ePTFE portacaval shunt from May 1995 to April 2006. Thirty-three had externally ringed grafts and ten had non-ringed ones. Ten had grafts of 10 mm in diameter and 33 had grafts of 8 mm. The left gastric artery and coronary vein were ligated in all the cases. Six had pericardial devascularization and splenectomy was performed in 42. An average decrease of free portal pressure (FPP) from (33.24 ± 4.78) cmH2O before shunting and (13.65 ± 5.65) cmH2O after shunting was observed. The portal blood flow was reduced by one-third of that before shunt. Thirty-eight patients survived and no upper gastro-intestinal rebleeding occurred in the follow-up period (50.5 months in average). Two were out of contact. Color Doppler ultrasonography and/or portography revealed the shunts were patent in 38 cases and were occluded in three cases (3/41, 7.3%). Encephalopathy developed in five cases (5/41, 12.2%). Partial (small-diameter ePTFE H-graft) portacaval shunting can reduce the portal pressure effectively. Majority of the hepatic flow from the portal vein can be maintained adequately. The shunts with reinforced grafts can keep a higher rate of patency. The morbidity of encephalopathy was lower than those with total shunt. The partial portacaval shunt is effective in preventing recurrent variceal bleeding.

Splenectomy with endoscopic variceal ligation is superior to splenectomy with pericardial devascularization in treatment of portal hypertension

To investigate the therapeutic efficacy and complications of splenectomy with endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) and splenectomy with pericardial devascularization (i.e. Hassab's operation) in patients with portal hypertension. A total of 103 patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension were randomly selected to receive either splenectomy with EVL (n = 53, group A) or Hassab's operation (n = 50, group B). The portal blood flow volume, the presence of portal vein thrombosis, gastric emptying time and free portal venous pressure (FPP) before and after the operation were determined. Patients were followed up for up to 64 mo with an average of 45 mo, and the Dagradi classification of variceal veins and the grading of portal hypertension gastropathy (PHG) were evaluated. It was found that all esophageal varices were occluded or decreased to grade II or less in both groups. There was little difference in the recurrence rate of esophageal varices (11.9% vs 13.2%) and the re-bleeding rate (7.1% vs 5.3%) between groups A and B. The incidence of complications and the percentage of patients with severe PHG after the operation were significantly higher in group B (60.0% and 52.0%) than in group A (32.1% and 20.8%, P < 0.05). No patients died of operation-related complications. There was no significant difference in gastric emptying time, FPP and portal blood flow volume between the two groups. The results suggest that splenectomy with EVL achieves similar therapeutic efficacy to that of Hassab's operation in terms of the recurrence rate of esophageal varices and the re-bleeding rate, but the former results in fewer and milder complications.

Clinical analysis of surgical treatment of portal hypertension

To review the experience in surgery for 508 patients with portal hypertension and to explore the selection of reasonable operation under different conditions. The data of 508 patients with portal hypertension treated surgically in 1991-2001 in our centers were analyzed. Of the 508 patients, 256 were treated with portaazygous devascularization (PAD), 167 with portasystemic shunt (PSS), 62 with selective shunt (SS), 11 with combined portasystemic shunt and portaazygous devascularization (PSS+PAD), 9 with liver transplantation (LT), 3 with union operation for hepatic carcinoma and portal hypertension (HCC+PH). In the 167 patients treated with PSS, free portal pressure (FPP) was significantly higher in the patients with a longer diameter of the anastomotic stoma than in those with a shorter diameter before the operation (P < 0.01). After the operation, FPP in the former patients markedly decreased compared to the latter ones (P < 0.01). The incidence rate of hemorrhage in patients treated with PAD, PSS, SS, PSS+PAD, and HCC+PH was 21.09% (54/256), 13.77 (23/167), 11.29 (7/62), 36.36% (4/11), and 100% (3/3), respectively. The incidence rate of hepatic encephalopathy was 3.91% (10/256), 9.58% (16/167), 4.84% (3/62), 9.09% (1/11), and 100% (3/3), respectively while the operative mortality was 5.49% (15/256), 4.22% (7/167), 4.84% (3/62), 9.09% (1/11), and 66.67% (2/3) respectively. The operative mortality of liver transplantation was 22.22% (2/9). Five kinds of operation in surgical treatment of portal hypertension have their advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, the selection of operation should be based on the actual needs of the patients.

Combined devascularization and proximal splenorenal shunt: is this a better option than either procedure alone?

We aimed to determine the rationality of pericardial devascularization (PCDV) plus proximal splenorenal shunt (PSRS) for cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension with variceal bleeding, using a duplex sonography study of the effects of the different surgical procedures (PCDV, PSRS, and PCDV + PSRS) on the hemodynamics of the portal system. Ninety-nine patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension and a history of bleeding esophageal varices were studied. These patients were divided into three groups (PSRS group, PCDV group, and PCDV + PSRS group). The hemodynamic parameters of the portal systems of all patients were measured by Doppler color-flow imaging perioperatively. In the PSRS group, the postoperative portal venous flow (PVF) and free portal pressure (FPP) decreased by 57 +/- 9% and 52 +/- 5%, respectively (P < 0.01). In the PCDV group, the postoperative PVF lessened by 8 +/- 5% (P > 0.05), and the postoperative FPP was reduced by 19 +/- 7% (P < 0.05). In the PCDV + PSRS group, the postoperative PVF and FPP were lowered by 36 +/- 8% and 34 +/- 10%, respectively (P < 0.05). The postoperative decreases of PVF and FPP in the PCDV + PSRS group were between those of the PSRS and PCDV groups. The differences among these groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Combined devascularization and splenorenal shunt (PCDV + PSRS) significantly decreases portal venous flow and portal pressure, as well as maintaining hepatopedal flow, thus entailing fewer complications compared to either PCDV or PSRS. We aimed to determine the rationality of pericardial devascularization (PCDV) plus proximal splenorenal shunt (PSRS) for cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension with variceal bleeding, using a duplex sonography study of the effects of the different surgical procedures (PCDV, PSRS, and PCDV + PSRS) on the hemodynamics of the portal system.

Effects of somatostatin analog on splanchnic hemodynamics and plasma glucagon level in portal hypertensive rats.

To investigate the effects of somatostatin analog on splanchnic hemodynamics and plasma glucagon level in portal hypertensive rats. Twenty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into a intrahepatic portal hypertension (IHPH) model group (n = 14, established by injection of CCl4) and a prehepatic portal hypertension (PHPH) model group (n = 14, established by stenosis of the portal vein). Animals in each group were subdivided into an octreotide treatment (injection) group and a control (normal saline injection) group. Seven age-matched unmodeled/untreated normal rats served as controls. The mean systemic arterial pressure (MSAP) and free portal venous pressure (FPP) were measured. The splanchnic blood flow was detected by injection of toad blood red cell labelled with (51)Cr and (125)I·T3. The concentration of plasma glucagon was determined by radioimmunoassay. All rats with portal hypertension showed significantly decreased splanchnic blood flow and FPP in response to octreotide treatment, as well as markedly increased splanchnic vascular and portal venous resistance. The octreotide treatment did not appear to significantly lower the plasma glucagon levels in either the peripheral or the portal veins. Octreotide induces a decrease in splanchnic blood flow in rats with portal hypertension, and this effect results primarily from direct vasoconstriction and to a lesser extent from decreased plasma glucagon level.

Application of CDFI and portal system pressure measurement in the study of portal hypertension hemodynamics.

It has been discovered in portal system hemodynamics research using CDFI and pressure measurement, that among 40 portal hypertension patients the demonstrating rate of left gastric vein (LGV) was 77.5%, and all were hepatofugal. The demonstrating rates of spontaneous splenorenal vein shunt collaterals and of patency umbilical vein (UV) with blood signal were 85%, 12.5% respectively, and the thrombosis rate of portal system was 10%. Blood flow direction of main portal vein (MPV) in all patients was hepatopetal, and one case of superior mesenteric vein (SMV) and another one of splenic vein (SV) were hepatofugal. The patients with MPV thrombosis or portal system hepatofugal should be operated on by shunt. Shunt capacity of portal vein in gastroplenic region was 34.07% on average. This demonstrated that devascularization was applicable. Internal diameter, blood capacity and time average velocity (TAV) of the left portal vein (LPV) and right portal vein (RPV) with portal hypertension were almost equal, their difference being not significant (P > 0.2). This should be a basis for the diagnosis of portal hypertension. Free portal pressure (FPP) and internal diameter, blood capacity and TAV of MPV, SV, SMV, LGV were not correlative with each other.

Effects of vasopressin and nicardipine on hemodynamics and liver function in patients with cirrhosis: comparison with vasopressin alone

The effects of a combination of vasopressin and a calcium channel blocker (nicardipine) on portohepatic hemodynamics and liver function were compared with the effects of vasopressin alone in 18 patients with portal hypertension. Nine patients received 0.4 units/min of vasopressin and 9 patients received the same dose of vasopressin plus 0.3 mg/min of nicardipine for 40 min. Vasopressin plus nicardipine induced a significant reduction in both free portal venous pressure and the portal venous pressure gradient. These effects were similar to the changes with vasopressin alone (-14% vs. -16% in free portal venous pressure; -29% vs. -31% in portal venous pressure gradient). Vasopressin decreased both hepatic blood flow (-34%, P < 0.01) and intrinsic clearance of indocyanine green (-22%, P < 0.05). In contrast, these two parameters did not significantly change after vasopressin plus nicardipine (-8% and -3%, respectively). These results suggest that the addition of nicardipine improves hepatic impairment induced by vasopressin but causes no further reduction on portal pressure.

Is portal-systemic shunt worthwhile in Child's class C cirrhosis? Long-term results of emergency shunt in 94 patients with bleeding varices.

A prospective evaluation was conducted of 94 unselected patients ("all comers") with biopsy-proven Child's class C cirrhosis (93% alcoholic) and endoscopically proven acutely bleeding esophageal varices who underwent emergency portacaval shunt (EPCS) (85% side-to-side, 15% end-to-side) within 8 hours of initial contact (mean, 6.1 hours) during the past 12 years. Follow-up has been 100% and includes all patients for at least 1 year, and 61 patients (65%) for 5 to 12 years. Incidence of serious risk factors on initial contact was: ascites, 97%; jaundice, 86%; portal-systemic encephalopathy including past history, 71%; severe muscle wasting, 96%; alcohol ingestion within 7 days, 66%; delirium tremens, 16%; serum albumin, less than or equal to 2.5 g/dL 76%; indocyanine green dye retention greater than or equal to 50% in 45 minutes, 66%; serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase greater than or equal to 100 units/L, 60%; hyperdynamic cardiac output greater than or equal to 6 L/minute, 98%. Mean Child's point score was 13.7 out of a maximum of 15. EPCS reduced mean corrected free portal pressure from 286 to 23 mm saline, and permanently controlled variceal bleeding in every patient. Of the 94 patients, 74 (80%) left the hospital alive and 68 (72%) survived 1 year. Five-year actuarial survival rate is 64%. Hepatic failure was the main cause of death during initial hospitalization as well as during follow-up, when it was related to continued alcoholism. Portal-systemic encephalopathy, which was present on initial contact in 55% of patients, occurred at some time during follow-up in 18.7%, but was recurrent and required dietary protein restriction in only 9%, all of whom had resumed alcoholism. The low incidence of portal-systemic encephalopathy was attributable to the lifelong program of follow-up with regular dietary counseling and continued emphasis on both protein restriction to 60 g/day and abstinence from alcohol. Abstinence was sustained in 69%, liver function improved in 82%, general health was judged excellent or good in 73%, and Child's risk class converted to class B in 73% and class A in 21%. Excluding retirees because of age, 42% were gainfully employed or engaged in full-time housekeeping. Long-term shunt patency was documented in 100% of survivors by yearly angiography or Doppler ultrasonography. It is concluded that EPCS within 8 hours of initial contact permanently controls variceal hemorrhage and results in prolonged survival and a life of acceptable quality in many alcoholic cirrhotic patients in Child's class C.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Percutaneous transhepatic catheterization of the portal venous system

AbstractDuring recent years, percutaneous transhepatic catheterization of the portal venous system has become the most accurate procedure for investigation of the portal system. The procedure can be performed under local analgesia, is relatively simple, and complications are rare. The success rate is high, approximately 90%, especially when the liver hilum is localized by ultrasonography prior to catheterization. The free portal pressure can be measured. Selective catheterization of all portal tributaries can be performed. The indications are: portography in patients with cirrhosis of the liver and portal hypertension for delineation of collateral vein systems including gastro‐oesophageal varices; visualization of veins that may be used for portosystemic shunt operations; postoperative control of shunt patency; diagnosis of portal and hepatic vein thrombosis; localization of stenosis in the portal vein system; pre‐operative evaluation of patients with tumours in the biliary tract and pancreas; obliteration of bleeding oesophageal varices; and verification and localization of endocrine pancreatic tumours making curative resection possible. Further, transhepatic catheterization of the portal system may be used in research on the development of portal hypertension, collateral veins, variceal bleeding, and for haemodynamic, metabolic and pharmacologic studies in the gastrointestinal tract.

Comparison of splenoportography and transhepatic portography in the diagnosis of portal vein thrombosis

Accurate diagnosis and localization of thrombosis in the portal venous system is essential for proper surgical treatment. We compared the results of percutaneous transhepatic portography and splenoportography in 66 patients with cirrhosis of the liver. The two methods agreed on absence of thrombosis in 48, and in presence of thrombosis (verified later by surgery/autopsy) in four patients. In 12 patients an apparent thrombosis diagnosed by splenoportography was disproved by transhepatic portography, and vice versa in two patients. Free portal pressure and splenic pulp pressure did not differ significantly irrespective of the 'diagnosis' of thrombosis. We conclude, that transhepatic portography is better than splenoportography in making the diagnosis of thrombosis in the portal venous system although failure to visualize the splenic vein may indicate splenoportography.

Long-term survival after emergency portacaval shunting for bleeding varices in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis

Since 1963, a prospective evaluation of the emergency portacaval shunt procedure has been conducted in 264 unselected patients with cirrhosis and bleeding varices who underwent operation within 8 hours of admission to the emergency department. Of 153 patients who underwent operation 10 or more years ago, 45 (29 percent) have survived from 10 to 22 years and their current status is known. On admission, 40 percent of the long-term survivors had jaundice, 44 percent had ascites, 13 percent had encephalopathy (with an additional 9 percent with a history of encephalopathy), 29 percent had severe muscle wasting, and 82 percent had a hyperdynamic state. There were 9 Child's class A patients, 33 Child's class B patients, and 3 Child's class C patients. At operation, all patients had portal hypertension which was reduced by the shunt to a mean corrected free portal pressure of 18 mm saline solution. The emergency portacaval shunt procedure permanently controlled variceal bleeding. None of the patients bled again from varices, and the shunt remained patent throughout life in every patient. Encephalopathy did not affect 91 percent of the patients, but was a recurrent problem in 9 percent, usually related to the use of alcohol. Lifelong abstinence from alcohol occurred in 58 percent of the long-term survivors, but 11 percent resumed regular drinking and 31 percent consumed alcohol occasionally. Liver function declined compared with preoperative function in only 18 percent of the patients, almost always because of alcohol use. Ten years after operation, 73 percent of the patients were in excellent or good condition, and 68 percent were gainfully employed or engaged in full-time housework. Comparison of the 10 to 22 year survivors with our early group of 180 patients reported previously and our recent group of 84 patients showed no significant differences in preoperative or operative data. The single factor that appeared to influence long-term survival was resumption of regular use of alcohol. We conclude that the emergency portacaval shunt procedure, by preventing hemorrhage from varices, results in prolonged survival and an acceptable quality of life for a substantial number of patients with advanced alcoholic cirrhosis.