Combined Pharmacomechanical Thrombolysis of Complete Portomesenteric Thrombosis in a Liver Transplant Recipient

The Application of Interventional Radiology in Living-Donor Liver Transplantation

Owing to improvements in surgical techniques and medical care, living-donor liver transplantation has become an established treatment modality in patients with end-stage liver disease. However, various vascular or non-vascular complications may occur during or after transplantation. Herein, we review how interventional radiologic techniques can be used to treat these complications.

Percutaneous Pharmaco-Mechanical Thrombectomy of Acute Symptomatic Superior Mesenteric Vein Thrombosis

Purpose

To evaluate the safety and the efficacy of percutaneous pharmaco-mechanical thrombectomy (PPMT) of acute superior mesenteric vein (SMV) thrombosis.

Methods

A database of patients treated between 2011 and 2018 with acute venous mesenteric ischemia (VMI) was reviewed. VMI was diagnosed in the presence of SMV thrombosis and CT evidence of jejunal thickening. All patients presented with mild to moderate peritonism, which allowed surgery to be postponed. Initial treatment consisted of heparinization. PPMT was indicated in case of worsening abdominal pain despite anticoagulation and was performed via a transjugular or transhepatic approach, using a rotational aspiration thrombectomy catheter, followed by transcatheter thrombolysis. Clinical success was defined as symptoms resolution. Technical success was defined as patency of > 50% of SMV at venography and resolution of jejunal thickening. Patients were discharged on lifelong oral anticoagulation (INR 2.5–3.5). Follow-ups were performed using CT and color Doppler ultrasound.

Results

Population consisted of eight males, aged 37–81 (mean 56.5 years). Causes for thrombosis were investigated. Urokinase infusion time ranged from 48 to 72 h (3,840,000–5,760,000 IU). Clinical and technical success was obtained in all cases. One patient experienced bleeding from the superior epigastric artery and was treated with embolization. One patient died of multi-organ failure after 35 days, despite resolution of SMV thrombosis. In no case was surgery required after PPMT; mean hospitalization was 14.1 days (9–24). Mean follow-up of remaining seven patients was 37.7 months (12–84 months).

Conclusion

PPMT of acute SMV thrombosis seems safe and effective, with an 87.5% long-term survival rate and a 12.5% major complication rate.

Left branch of portal vein thrombosis in a liver transplant recipient with donation after cardiac death donor: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is one of the most severe complications after liver transplantation, which usually causes graft loss and recipient mortality. The founding of the embolic branch of portal system and its result are not well described in the literature.

CLINICAL FINDINGS AND DIAGNOSES

We report here an unusual case of complete right branch thrombosis of portal vein after orthotopic liver transplantation from a donation after cardiac death donor, without obvious malaise.

THE INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES

The branch thrombosis of portal vein was detected by Doppler ultrasound 11 days after transplantation, followed by angiography for further verification. After treatment with urgent indwelling catheter thrombolysis with urokinase, results improved and the patient showed stable liver function. The patient has been in remission for 22 months with normal graft function.

CONCLUSION

In this case report, we show that frequent ultrasound inspection should be adopted to detect the unobstructed vessel in the early stage of liver transplantation, and local thrombolytic therapy can be used to prevent liver injury and keep the vessel open.

[Recent thrombosis of splanchnic veins : Two case reports of catheter-assisted local thrombolysis and thrombus aspiration]

Recent non-cirrhotic and non-malignant splanchnic vein thrombosis is now defined as extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis with or without involvement of the mesenteric vein according to the Baveno VI consensus from 2015. An early diagnosis is often challenging due to unspecific symptoms with abdominal pain or diarrhea but extremely important because of the potential acute and chronic complications, such as mesenteric ischemia and portal hypertension; therefore, rapid treatment is crucial. We present two cases of severe splanchnic vein thrombosis, which were treated with catheter-directed local thrombolysis and thrombus aspiration. These minimally invasive catheter-directed techniques have recently been successfully used in selected patients. A review of the literature is provided in this article. In summary, the management of splanchnic vein thrombosis must be individually planned for each patient and should be performed at experienced centers, which can provide all therapeutic options. In selected cases with the correct indications transjugular transhepatic catheter-directed local thrombolysis is a safe option with a good outcome.

Thrombolysis and Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Creation for Acute and Subacute Portal Vein Thrombosis

Catheter-based interventional therapy offers a safe and effective option for treatment of symptomatic portomesenteric venous thrombosis refractory to medical therapy. Various techniques and approaches have been described for thrombolysis and thrombectomy and re-establishing the portal venous flow for select populations. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment based on clinical presentation, imaging, and underlying anatomy are necessary to prevent long-term complications. This article describes various catheter-based approaches for treatment of acute and subacute portal vein thrombosis.