Partial Splenic Artery Embolization Research Articles

Change of skeletal muscle mass in cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism after partial splenic artery embolization

PurposePartial splenic artery embolization (PSAE) is an effective procedure for cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism. The aim of our study is to evaluate the effect of PSAE on skeletal muscle, and to identify the predictor for an improvement in skeletal muscle index (SMI) in cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism after PSAE. Materials and Methods466 cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism underwent PASE between Dec 2013 and Mar 2022. Medical records and CT images of enrolled patients were analyzed. Results105 cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism were enrolled. Sarcopenia was observed in 60.00 % (63/105) of these patients, 68.25 % (43/63) of male patients, and 31.75 % (20/63) of female patients. In cirrhotic patients, no significant change in the mean SMI at the third lumbar vertebra (L3) level after PSAE. In patients with sarcopenia, the L3 SMI increased from 36.77 cm2/m2 (baseline) to 43.38 cm2/m2 (P < 0.01), the L3 subcutaneous fat area (SFA) increased from 79.16 cm2 (baseline) to 103.52 cm2 (P < 0.01) at 12-month follow-up after PSAE. In patients without sarcopenia, the L3 SMI decreased from 58.38 cm2/m2 (baseline) to 49.44 cm2/m2 (P < 0.05), the L3 SFA increased from 89.63 cm2 (baseline) to 94.77 cm2 (P > 0.05) at 12-month follow-up after PSAE. Univariate and multivariate analysis demonstrated splenic infarction rate (OR: 0.01, P = 0.0032) and SMI (OR: 0.84, P < 0.001) were independent predictors for an improvement in skeletal muscle in patients with sarcopenia. ConclusionsIn cirrhotic patients with sarcopenia, an improvement in skeletal muscle and fat mass was observed after PSAE; splenic infarction rate and the L3 SMI before PSAE predicted an improvement in skeletal muscle index in patients with sarcopenia after PSAE.

THE IMPACT OF PERMANENT STRESS CAUSED BY THE WAR IN UKRAINE ON THE STATE OF PATIENTS WITH PORTAL HYPERTENSION DUE TO LIVER CIRRHOSIS

The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of permanent stress and features of medical care in martial law on the indicators of liver function and quality of life of patients with portal hypertension due to liver cirrhosis.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study included 37 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of liver cirrhosis complicated by portal hypertension and esophageal variceal bleeding. According to performed interventions all patients were divided into 3 groups: Group 1 – endoscopic band ligation and partial splenic artery embolization; Group 2 – endoscopic band ligation; Group 3 – endoscopic band ligation. The difference between Group 2 and Group 3 patients was that Group 2 patients were in a state of permanent stress due to the war. There were 4 visits with an interval of 1 month. At each time point, the levels of laboratory parameters of functional state of the liver and quality of life using RAND SF-36 questionnaire were evaluated.&#x0D; Results. Patients in all three groups during the first month showed an improvement in both laboratory indicators of liver function and integrated quality of life. In patients of Group 1 there was a progressive improvement in both the functional status of the liver and quality of life. In Group 2 the lack of any manipulations and maintenance therapy led to a lack of positive dynamics in patients. Staying in a state of permanent stress led to a progressive deterioration in the condition of patients in Group 3 starting from the second visit. Initially, the deterioration affected only the quality of life, but later it also manifested itself as a violation of the indicators of the functional state of the liver.&#x0D; Conclusions. The cumulative effect of permanent stress in patients with liver cirrhosis complicated by portal hypertension is manifested by an early deterioration in the quality of life with later violations of liver function.

Distribution of Splenic Arterial Flow and Segmental Spleen Volume for Partial Splenic Arterial Embolization.

The spleen is a lymphatic organ that manages immune surveillance of the blood, produces blood cells, and helps filter the blood, remove old blood cells, and fight infection. The normal splenic weight is approximately 65-265 g. This study evaluated spleen volume and segmental volume. 121 patients who underwent enhanced CT at our center were analyzed. The spleen was divided into upper, middle, and lower segments according to arterial flow area, and the volume of each segment was measured. Patients were classified into two groups as those with and without liver cirrhosis, and differences in the distribution of the segments in these groups was evaluated. The mean upper, middle, and lower spleen segmental volume ratios were 35.4%, 37.0%, and 27.6%, respectively. In the liver cirrhosis group, the segmental splenic volume ratios for the upper, middle, and lower segments were 34.5%, 38.5%, and 28.0%, respectively, indicating that these ratios remain similar regardless of liver cirrhosis status. The present findings on segmental spleen volume are useful for estimating infarction volume in cases of partial splenic arterial embolization.

Portal venous blood flow velocity is a factor associated with portal venous thrombosis after partial splenic artery embolization in hepatic cirrhosis patients

Objective: To investigate risk factors for portal venous thrombosis (PVT) after partial splenic artery embolization (PSE) in hepatic cirrhosis patients. Methods: The authors retrospectively analyzed 151 hepatic cirrhosis patients with hypersplenism who underwent partial splenic artery embolization between January 2020 and December 2021. The patients were divided into a PVT group and a non-PVT group according to whether they had PVT after PSE. Univariate analyses were performed to select risk factors for PVT after PSE, and multivariate analysis was used to analyze variates with a value of P less than 0.1 in univariate analysis. Results: There were 151 patients enroled in the study, with 22 patients in the PVT group and 129 patients in the non-PVT group. There was no significant difference in terms of age, sex, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, Child–Pugh between two groups. White blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts after PSE were significantly higher than those before PSE in both the PVT group and non-PVT group. Univariate analysis showed that portal venous blood flow velocity, ligation of oesophageal varices and WBC after PSE were found to have a P value less than 0.1. Multivariate analysis showed that portal venous blood flow velocity was a factor associated with PVT after PSE. Conclusion: Portal venous blood flow velocity was a factor associated with PVT after PSE. Portal venous blood flow velocity should be considered before patients undergo PSE.

Clinical implementation of partial splenic artery embolization for the prevention of recurrent bleeding from esophageal varices in portal hypertension.

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of PSAE for secondary prevention of VB episodes in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and CSPH. Materials and Methods: One hundred twenty patients (from 2008 to 2020) were submitted of PSAE as secondary prevention treatment. The results of the treatment of 27 patients between 2008 and 2012 (first period) were compared with those of 93 patients treated with PSAE since 2013 (second period), as procedure and management protocol were modificated. VB recurrence rate and mortality (related and non-related to bleeding episodes) were defined as study end-points in both groups at 12-months follow-up. Results: At 12-months follow-up, 11 (40,7 %) and 54 (58,1 %) patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively, were free from VBs (p=0,129). Overall mortality rate was significantly higher in group 1, as compared to group 2: 10 (37,0 %) versus 6 (6,4 %) patients, respectively (p<0,001), - due to higher frequency of fatal VB events (7 (26,0 %) vs. 3 (3,2 %) patients, respectively; p=0,001). Conclusions: PSAE is an effective treatment for secondary prevention of VB in patients with CLD and CSPS. The management protocol modification resulted in the decrease in overall mortality rate and mortality related to recurrent VB episodes.

Partial splenic artery embolization for painful splenomegaly in non cirrhotic portal fibrosis with evolved early cirrhosis

Partial splenic artery embolization for painful splenomegaly in non cirrhotic portal fibrosis with evolved early cirrhosis

Evaluation of splenic infarction ratio and platelet increase ratio after partial splenic artery embolization.

The spleen is part of the lymphatic system and is one of the least understood organs of the human body. It is involved in the production of blood cells and helps filter the blood, remove old blood cells, and fight infection. Partial splenic artery embolization (PSE) is widely used to treat pancytopenia and portal hypertension. The efficacy of PSE for improving thrombocytopenia has been well demonstrated. In this study, we evaluated the splenic infarction ratio and platelet increase ratio after PSE. Forty-five consecutive patients underwent PSE from January 2014 to August 2022. We retrospectively evaluated the splenic infarction volume and ratio after PSE and analyzed the relationship between the splenic infarction ratio and platelet increase ratio after PSE. The platelet increase ratio was correlated with the splenic infarction ratio after PSE. The cutoff value for the splenic infarction ratio with a two-fold platelet increase was 63.0%. We suggest performance of PSE in patients with a splenic infarction ratio of 63% to double the expected platelet count.

Addressing Portal Hypertension: Exploring the Crucial Role of Partial Splenic Embolization in Critical Situations

Background: Esophageal varices are one of the most common symptoms of direct outcomes of portal hypertension besides ascites, hepatorenal syndrome, and hypersplenism. Nonselective beta-blockers or band ligation are currently the effective primary preventive options for variceal hemorrhage. The use of partial splenic arterial embolization for the management of variceal hemorrhage in patients with portal hypertension has been described in a small number of reports. Case Report: A girl, 6 y.o., was hospitalized with hematemesis with hypovolemic shock. Laboratory findings show anemia and thrombocytopenia. Radiology and endoscopy show grade III esophageal varices with hepatosplenomegaly. Because of the high risk of morbidity in surgical procedures, partial splenic embolization was performed to treat portal hypertension. Discussion: The combination of varices and a low platelet count puts these patients at high risk for catastrophic hemorrhage. Partial splenic embolization reduces splenic blood volume, resulting in a decrease in venous drainage and a reduction in portal venous flow and pressure. Conclusion: The use of partial splenic arterial embolization to manage variceal hemorrhage in patients with portal hypertension has been described. Embolization can be used alone or in combination with other therapies, like endoscopic ligation or retrograde transvenous variceal obliteration, to treat a variety of conditions. Keywords: Embolization, esophageal varices, splenomegaly, portal hypertension

Вплив перманентного стресу, обумовленого війною в Україні, на стан пацієнтів після перенесених стравохідних кровотеч портального ґенезу

Purpose - to assess the impact of permanent stress caused by the war in Ukraine on the condition of patients after portal esophageal bleeding. Materials and methods. The study included 37 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of liver cirrhosis complicated by portal hypertension and esophageal variceal bleeding. The Group 1 included patients who underwent endoscopic band ligation of bleeding varices and partial splenic artery embolization 1 month after the bleeding. The Group 2 included patients who underwent only endoscopic band ligation. Patients of the Groups 1 and 2 underwent all stages of the study before the start of the war in Ukraine. The Group 3 included patients who had a bleeding episode within 1 month before the start of the war. In dynamics, the levels of laboratory indicators of the functional state of the liver and the quality of life according to the SF-36 questionnaire of patients were evaluated. Results. In the Group 1, there was a reliable progressive improvement of all studied indicators over time. In the Group 2, there was a reliable improvement of all indicators in the period between the first and second visits, with their subsequent slight negative dynamics, but without statistical reliability. In the Group 3, the dynamics of changes in all studied laboratory indicators on the first four visits generally repeated that in the Group 2. On the fifth visit, the numerical values of almost all studied indicators were higher than the initial values, although the differences were not statistically significant. As for the quality of life, on the second visit there was a significant increase in the indicators of the physical component of health and a decrease in the indicators of the psychological component of health. Subsequently, a decrease in the values of both indicators in comparison with the values on the second visit was observed. On the fifth visit, there was an increase in indicators of the psychological component of health. Conclusions. The stay of patients after portal esophageal bleeding in a state of permanent stress leads to the deterioration of the psychological component of health from the very beginning of the action of stressful factors, followed by a gradual decrease in the physical component of health. The cumulative effect of permanent stress leads to the objectification of changes in the physical condition of such patients, which is manifested by the deterioration of indicators of the functional state of the liver. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the institution mentioned in the paper. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Partial Splenic Artery Embolization in the Management of Acute Immune Thrombocytopenia Refractory to Medical Treatment

Our case details a 60-year-old man with cirrhosis from hepatitis C referred to hematology for severe thrombocytopenia after right hemiglossectomy in the setting of squamous cell tongue cancer. Acute immune thrombocytopenia was diagnosed. Platelet transfusions, high-dose steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin ×2, romiplostim, and rituximab were administered without adequate platelet response (2000/µL), and patient developed gastrointestinal bleeding. Partial splenic artery embolization was performed urgently for refractory thrombocytopenia resulting in ∼60% splenic infarction. His platelet count increased in the next few days and was sustained. Our case demonstrates partial splenic artery embolization as an underused approach to severe thrombocytopenia in the setting of acute immune thrombocytopenia resistant to steroids and medications.

Endoscopic ultrasound related partial splenic artery embolization: A gifted outcome.

Endoscopic ultrasound related partial splenic artery embolization: A gifted outcome.

Partial splenic artery embolization for treatment of Hypersplenism in portal hypertension: Experience from tertiary referral centre

Partial splenic artery embolization for treatment of Hypersplenism in portal hypertension: Experience from tertiary referral centre

A patient on maintenance hemodialysis with improvement of cytopenia after partial splenic artery embolization for hepatic cirrhosis-associated hypersplenism：A case report

症例は63歳女性．肝硬変や慢性腎不全で当院に通院中であった．貧血と血小板減少を認め，3年前に他院血液内科で精査され，肝硬変に伴う脾機能亢進症と診断された．2年前に血液透析導入となり，貧血に対し赤血球造血刺激因子製剤を投与されたが，効果は不十分であった．頻回の赤血球輸血によっても貧血の是正が困難となったため，当科入院のうえ部分的脾動脈塞栓術（partial splenic embolization：PSE）を施行した．2か月後に脾膿瘍を発症したがドレナージと抗菌薬の投与で軽快し，以後の輸血は不要となった．維持血液透析患者に合併した脾機能亢進症に対しPSEを施行した既報は少なく，その有用性を示唆する症例と考えられ報告する．

Partial Splenic Artery Embolization to Treat Portal Hypertension

AbstractPortal hypertension (PH) commonly occurs in the setting of underlying liver disease and can precipitate variceal bleeding and ascites among other complications. Traditionally, PH is managed with medication or lifestyle changes with refractory cases treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts or splenectomy. Partial splenic artery embolization (PSE) is an alternative treatment which may reduce PH by decreasing splenic vein inflow into the portal vein. In this article, we review the efficacy of PSE and present illustrative cases with a focus on technical and clinical considerations for embolization. We queried the PubMed database from August 1976 to September 2021 for clinical studies of PSE for the treatment of portal hypertension. For each article, the author, year, title, study design, number of patients, age, sex, liver function, technical considerations, adverse effects, and outcomes were recorded. We also review two successful and unsuccessful cases from our institution. A total of 12 studies were identified with 258 patients undergoing 290 PSE treatments. The mean age of patients was 44.1 years (range: 6–77). Most patients had well-compensated liver disease (Child–Pugh (CP) A; 35.1%) or significant functional compromise (CP-B; 44.4%), but a few had decompensated disease (CP-C; 8.9%). The majority (91.7%) of procedures were performed distally within the splenic artery, and on average, 59.5% (20–100) of the spleen underwent infarction. Common complications included symptoms of postembolization syndrome such as abdominal pain (58.5%) and fever (53.2%) as well as atelectasis (9.0%). Five PSE procedures (1.7%) resulted in death secondary to pleuropneumonia, splenic abscess, sepsis, intracranial hemorrhage, and pulmonary embolism, respectively. PSE is an effective but often underutilized treatment for PH. These benefits have risk for minor complications including postembolization syndrome and major complications such as splenic abscess formation. This article will introduce the reader to important technical and clinical considerations regarding PSE.

A case of percutaneous transhepatic stomal varices embolization and partial splenic artery embolization for rectal cancer after CAPOX/BEV chemotherapy: the summary of the stomal varices related to oxaliplatin administration

Capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CAPOX) plus bevacizumab (BEV) therapy (CAPOX/BEV) is a standard treatment recommended as the first-line treatment for colorectal cancer recurrence. Recently, sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) and resulting portal hypertension have been reported as important side effects of oxaliplatin. We herein report a rectal cancer patient who underwent percutaneous transhepatic stoma variceal embolization (PTO) and partial splenic artery embolization (PSE) for stomal variceal bleeding and splenomegaly due to portal hypertension caused by SOS after CAPOX therapy. A 43-year-old man who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection for advanced lower rectal cancer was started on CAPOX/BEV therapy for early recurrence 1 month after surgery. In the sixth course, splenomegaly rapidly worsened, stomal varices appeared, and the stoma began bleeding. At 5 months after the appearance of stomal varices, the splenomegaly worsened, the frequency of stomal bleeding increased, and PTO was performed. Five months later, PSE was performed for splenomegaly and thrombocytopenia. At 5 months since the PSE, the stoma bleeding has not recurred, and the thrombocytopenia has been corrected. The patient has been able to continue chemotherapy. We suggest that staged treatment by PTO and PSE be considered an important treatment option for stomal varices and splenomegaly associated with SOS.

S3117 Partial Splenic Artery Embolization for Patients With Portal Hypertension Undergoing Organ Transplant Evaluation: A Case Series

Introduction: Partial splenic artery embolization (PSAE) is an infrequently utilized approach to reduce portal hypertension (PHT) by reducing splenic arterial inflow and thereby splenic vein flow into the portal vein. We describe three patients who underwent PSAE to address diverse manifestations of PHT due to contraindications to transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS). Case Description/Methods: Case 1: A 50-year-old male with CKD stage 4 and idiopathic PHT had diuretic-refractory ascites and thrombocytopenia, precluding surgery for an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and kidney transplantation. He was not a candidate for TIPS due to extensive portal vein thrombosis but underwent PSAE leading to resolution of ascites and marked improvement in thrombocytopenia (Figure 1). The patient ultimately received an AVF and was placed on the kidney transplant waitlist. He has been followed for 30 months with sustained clinical improvement. Case 2: A 60-year-old male with prior hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) status post right partial hepatectomy and hepatitis C cirrhosis complicated by severe thrombocytopenia and refractory ascites, had two previously aborted TIPS procedures due to unusual hepatic vein anatomy. He underwent PSAE that led to a reduction in frequency of therapeutic paracenteses and improvement of thrombocytopenia (Figure 1). Eight months later, TIPS was reattempted and resulted in complete ascites control for over six years. He is currently on the waitlist for liver transplantation. Case 3: A 60-year-old male had cryptogenic cirrhosis complicated by mild ascites, significant thrombocytopenia, and massive splenomegaly with mass effects. He underwent successful PSAE to alleviate splenic compression of the bladder. One year later, he had a repeat PSAE for diaphragmatic compression secondary to splenic hypertrophy. His thrombocytopenia also mildly improved (Figure 1). The patient was declined for liver transplant due to lack of social support. He expired from advanced HCC after two years of follow-up. Discussion: We report three cases of PSAE in patients with PHT awaiting organ transplantation. All three cases had improvement in ascites, splenomegaly, and thrombocytopenia. Although PSAE is not the primary treatment for PHT, it may have a therapeutic role in advanced cases, particularly in transplant candidates when other interventions like TIPS are not possible. Future studies should be conducted to further evaluate the role of PSAE in patients with PHT awaiting organ transplantation.Figure 1.: *2nd PSAE attempt in case 3 represented at time 0.

Successful Preoperative Partial Splenic Artery and Aneurysm Embolization for Thrombocytopenia Associated with Failed Fontan Circulation.

Long-term complications after the Fontan procedure are important concerns for patients with pediatric and adult congenital heart disease. Although thrombocytopenia due to portal hypertension and hypersplenism is a well-known complication of the Fontan circulation, few studies have reported on its management. Herein we describe a young adult Fontan patient with thrombocytopenia and a splenic artery aneurysm caused by conduit stenosis. The patient required conduit replacement due to high venous pressure. We performed partial splenic artery embolization (PSE) and embolization of the aneurysm preoperatively to reduce the risk of bleeding, resulting in successful subsequent cardiac surgery. Preoperative evaluation of the splenic artery aneurysm was informative, and PSE was a safe and effective treatment option for thrombocytopenia to avoid bleeding during open-heart surgery in this patient.

Emergent Management of Gastric Variceal Bleed in the Setting of Acute Pancreatitis-Related Sinistral Hypertension With Partial Splenic Embolization: A Series of Two Cases

Sinistral portal hypertension in the setting of acute pancreatitis is a known complication owing to splenic vein thrombosis. It can lead to upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to the development of fundal gastric varices due to the shunting of blood via short gastric veins. However, in the setting of acute pancreatitis, surgical procedures can have high post-operative morbidity. Emergent management of cases with absent gastro-renal shunt can be done by partial splenic arterial embolization, as it is minimally invasive and can provide similar results. Herein, we report a case series of two cases of acute pancreatitis complicated with splenic vein thrombosis and gastric varices, which were managed by partial splenic artery embolization.

Partial splenic artery embolization is effective for bleeding gastric varices due to sinistral portal hypertension associated with pancreatic tail cancer

Partial splenic artery embolization is effective for bleeding gastric varices due to sinistral portal hypertension associated with pancreatic tail cancer

A Sri Lankan child with hypersplenism secondary to pre-hepatic portal hypertension, successfully managed with partial splenic artery embolization: a case report and review of the literature

BackgroundHypersplenism, one of the major complications of portal hypertension, is traditionally treated by splenectomy. However, partial splenic artery embolization is an evolving minimally invasive intervention to treat these patients effectively.Case presentationA 13-year-old girl was referred for further evaluation of isolated splenomegaly with pancytopenia. She did not have bleeding manifestations or features of anemia. She never had hematemesis or melena. On examination, she was pale. Abdominal examination revealed massive splenomegaly of 10 cm below the costal margin without hepatomegaly. Rest of the examination was unremarkable. Her investigations revealed a white cell count of 1700/mm3 (neutrophils 9.8% and lymphocytes 88.7%), hemoglobin 9.5 g/dL and platelet count 42,000/mm3. Blood picture showed pancytopenia without abnormal cells. Her reticulocyte count was 1.9%. Complete liver profile was normal. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed massive splenomegaly with the oblique length of 17 cm and normal echogenic liver with normal size. Cavernous transformation of portal vein with portal hypertension was evident. Mesenteric angiogram showed portal vein thrombosis and markedly tortuous splenic artery. Anti-nuclear antibodies and double-stranded DNA were negative. Ham test and urine for hemosiderin were negative. Clauss fibrinogen assay was normal. Hemoglobin high performance liquid chromatography for hemoglobin subtypes was normal. Anti-phospholipid antibodies were negative. JAK2 V617F mutation was not identified. Diagnosis of pre hepatic portal hypertension was made. Her upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was normal. Partial splenic artery coil embolization was done by interventional radiology team. Vaccines against capsulated organisms were given. Post-procedure contrast abdominal computed tomography revealed infarction of approximately 70% of the spleen and blood counts were improved. Index case is in the follow up for 3 years. She is on penicillin prophylaxis with regular blood count and annual upper gastrointestinal endoscopy monitoring.ConclusionsMinimally invasive interventions such as partial splenic artery embolization should be considered in managing the patients with hypersplenism secondary to portal hypertension.