Successful treatment with stent angioplasty for Budd-Chiari syndrome in Behçet's disease

Chronic Budd-Chiari syndrome in Behçet's disease successfully managed with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt: a case report and literature review

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is characterized by an obstruction of hepatic venous outflow from small hepatic veins to inferior vena cava, caused by acute thrombosis or its fibrous sequellae. An underlying myeloproliferative neoplasm is present in 50% of cases. Clinical manifestations are widely variable, from asymptomatic to fulminant episodes. Long-term complications range from cirrhosis to hepatocellular carcinoma. Behçet's disease (BD) is a rare recurrent inflammatory multisystemic disorder characterized by recurrent skin-mucosa lesions and systemic involvement. Vascular involvement is observed in up to 40% of the patients with BD, and it is one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity. BCS is a rare complication of BD with a frequency of < 5% among patients with vascular involvement. Immunosuppressive treatment is the cornerstone for the management of vascular involvement in BD, while anticoagulant therapy has been an issue of debate. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in severe cases of BCS-of all causes- improves survival. However, there is scarce evidence about the role of TIPS in the setting of BCS in BD. We present a case of a vascular Behçet's disease associated with chronic Budd-Chiari syndrome with progression of thrombosis despite adequate anticoagulant and immunosuppressive treatment, successfully managed with TIPS.

Budd-Chiari Syndrome in Behçet's Disease successfully managed with immunosuppressive and anticoagulant therapy: A case report and literature review

Behçet's Disease (BD) is a rare, chronic and recurrent inflammatory multisystemic condition of unknown origin that can affect any tissue. The vascular system is involved in 5-40% of cases of BD, including venous and arterial beds and it has a relapsing course. Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a rare complication of BD with a frequency of < 5% among patients with vascular involvement and is more frequent in men (89.5%). Two clinical presentation groups of BCS related to BD have been described: the "symptomatic" form and the "silent" form. We present a case of BD in a young woman presented as symptomatic severe BCS with rapid progression of coagulopathy reaching a spontaneous INR of 1.74 and increased ascites by ultrasound control. BD was confirmed through clinical history. The patient was treated with a high-dose pulse of corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide with a strikingly favorable response in the first forty-eight hours. Although several studies have demonstrated a survival improvement with the use of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in patients with severe BCS, it was discarded due to the lack of evidence of this procedure in patients with BD and the fact that it could trigger a vascular pathergy phenomenon. Vascular BD should be suspected in recurrent venous and/or arterial thrombosis since it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Immunosuppressive treatment is critical for the management of vascular involvement in BD. However, the role of anticoagulation is debatable. We suggest an algorithm for the management of BCS associated with BD.

Recurrent Iliofemoral Venous Thrombosis in the Setting of May-Thurner Syndrome as the Presenting Symptom of Behcet's Disease

BACKGROUND

Vascular manifestations including pulmonary artery aneurysms and venous thrombosis are seen in up to 14% of patients with Behcet's disease. We report a patient who had recurrent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) as the presenting symptom of Behcet's Disease.

METHODS

A 19-year-old male who presented with acute iliofemoral DVT, confirmed by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and venogram. May-Thurner syndrome was also observed. Repeated catheter-based pharmacomechanical thrombolysis, thrombectomy, and subsequent iliac vein stenting were performed. The patient was then discharged on rivaroxaban and aspirin.

RESULTS

Five months later, the patient experienced left calf pain. In the interim, he had been diagnosed with Behcet's disease by a rheumatologist who was consulted due to oral ulcers and skin lesions and accordingly started on prednisone, colchicine, and azathioprine. At this time, IVUS and venogram revealed thrombotic occlusion of the previously placed stent. Tissue plasminogen activator was infused into the stent, and pharmacomechanical thrombectomy restored flow through the left iliac veins. Follow-up laboratory workup revealed that subtherapeutic azathioprine dosing, and after appropriate adjustment, the patient has been asymptomatic for 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute refractory DVT is a possible presenting symptom of Behcet's disease, which may be complicated by May-Thurner syndrome. Such patients should receive therapeutic immunosuppression in addition to anticoagulation.

Gastrointestinal aspects of vasculitides

Systemic vasculitides are caused by inflammation of blood vessels and can affect any organ and any part of the gastrointestinal tract, hepatic and biliary system, as well as the pancreas. These disorders can cause a wide array of gastrointestinal manifestations, from asymptomatic elevated transaminase levels and mild abdominal pain to potentially life-threatening bowel perforations and peritonitis. A diagnosis based solely on gastrointestinal symptoms is challenging as these manifestations are not specific. Conversely, diagnostic and therapeutic delays can be rapidly detrimental. In this article, we review the epidemiology, characteristics and management of the main gastrointestinal manifestations of systemic vasculitides, including polyarteritis nodosa and antineutrophil cytoplasm antibody-associated vasculitides, as well as isolated vasculitides limited to the gastrointestinal tract.

Gastrointestinal Behçet's disease: A review

Behçet’s disease (BD) is an idiopathic, chronic, relapsing, multi-systemic vasculitis characterized by recurrent oral and genital aphthous ulcers, ocular disease and skin lesions. Prevalence of BD is highest in countries along the ancient silk road from the Mediterranean basin to East Asia. By comparison, the prevalence in North American and Northern European countries is low. Gastrointestinal manifestations of Behçet’s disease are of particular importance as they are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although ileocecal involvement is most commonly described, BD may involve any segment of the intestinal tract as well as the various organs within the gastrointestinal system. Diagnosis is based on clinical criteria - there are no pathognomonic laboratory tests. Methods for monitoring disease activity on therapy are available but imperfect. Evidence-based treatment strategies are lacking. Different classes of medications have been successfully used for the treatment of intestinal BD which include 5-aminosalicylic acid, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha monoclonal antibody therapy. Like inflammatory bowel disease, surgery is reserved for those who are resistant to medical therapy. A subset of patients have a poor disease course. Accurate methods to detect these patients and the optimal strategy for their treatment are not known at this time.

Behcet's disease in Budd-Chiari syndrome

Background

Behcet’s disease (BD) is a well-known cause of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS). Data are lacking on the presentation and outcome of BCS related to BD.

Methods

We investigated the relationship between BD and BCS in 14 patients with both diseases and compared the results to 92 BCS patients without BD.

Results

Male gender (p = 0.003), North African origin (P = 0.007) and inferior vena cava obstruction (P < 0.0001) were more frequent in patients with BD and BCS than in those with BCS alone and the plasma C-reactive protein level was higher (p = 0.003). Two of the patients with the combined diseases underwent recanalization of the vena cava and the hepatic veins, none received transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS), one received a surgical shunt and one underwent liver transplantation. TIPS were less frequent in patients with BD and BCS than in those with BCS alone (P = 0.019). Eighty six per cent of patients with BCS and BD received corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy. The 5-year transplantation-free survival rate was 63% in patients with BCS alone and 91% in those without BD (P = 0.11). In our series and in the literature, a high number of patients [12 (61.5%) and 11 (64.7%) respectively] treated with anticoagulation and corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressants did not require invasive treatment.

Conclusion

This study shows a higher frequency of IVC obstruction in patients with BCS and BD. Medical treatment with anticoagulation and immunosuppressive agents may improve the symptoms of BCS. Therefore early management with immunosuppressive and anticoagulation therapy appears to be the treatment of choice in patients with BCS and BD.

Recanalization and stenting of a post-thrombotic iliac vein in a patient with Behçet's disease

Vascular lesions are frequent in Behçet's disease, and among them, deep venous thrombosis may occur in up to one-third of patients. Treatment is based on immunosuppressive drugs in addition to anticoagulants. We report the case of a young woman who presented with an acute iliofemoral venous thrombosis. Acute treatment with endovascular thrombectomy and catheter-directed fibrinolysis failed, probably because of the inflammatory status of the vessel wall. Recanalization with stenting of the obstructed common femoral and iliac veins 1 year later was successful under immunosuppressive therapy. This case suggests that endovascular treatment of venous thrombosis in Behçet's disease may be conducted successfully in nonactive venous lesions under immunosuppressive therapy.

[Cardiovascular involvement in Behçet's disease]

Vascular involvement is a common complication of Behçet's disease (BD) and affects up to 40% of BD patients. These complications worsen the prognosis of BD. The concept of vasculo-Behçet has been adopted for cases in which vascular complications dominate the clinical features. Vascular manifestations affect particularly young men, during the first years following onset of the disease. Venous complications are the most frequent vascular complications, affecting 14 to 40% of BD patients. Superficial and deep lower limb thrombosis is the most frequent venous complications but one third of venous thrombosis concern large vessels (such as cerebral venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and inferior or superior vena cava, etc.). Budd-Chiari syndrome is the worst prognostic factor increasing mortality by 9 times. Arterial complications (2 to 17% of BD patients) include aneurysms and occlusions/stenosis. Main locations of arterial lesions are aortic (abdominal and thoracic), femoral, pulmonary and iliac arteries. Aneurysms are the most severe arterial complications, particularly pulmonary aneurysms associated with a high risk of massive bleeding. Cardiac complications (up to 6% of BD patients) include pericarditis, endocardial lesions (aortic regurgitation and less often mitral insufficiency), myocardial lesions (myocardial infarction, myocarditis and endomyocardial fibrosis) and intracardiac thrombosis (right ventricle and atrium). Coronary lesions complicated to myocardial infarction are the most severe cardiac complications. Treatment is based on corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs. The use of anticoagulation in venous thrombosis is still controversial.

Behcet's Disease: New Concepts in Cardiovascular Involvements and Future Direction for Treatment

Behcet's disease (BD) is the only systemic vasculitis involving both arteries and vein in any sizes. It frequently encounters in rheumatology clinics. It has some major morbidities and even fatal outcomes in some cases. The aim of this paper is to analyze the main concepts on pathophysiology and treatment options in BD, focusing on cardiovascular aspects, thrombosis, and potential future treatment.

Ocular Behçet disease: current therapeutic approaches

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To alert physician to timely recognition and current treatment of recurrent hypopyon iridocyclitis or panuveitis in ocular Behçet disease (OBD).

RECENT FINDINGS

Interferon-α, rituximab, intravitreal triamcinolone, and biological response modifiers by tumor necrosis factor inhibitors such as infliximab and adalimumab are being used increasingly for the treatment of severe sight-threatening ocular inflammation including retinal vasculitis and cystoid macular edema (CME).

SUMMARY

Biological agents offer tremendous potential in the treatment of OBD. Given that OBD predominantly afflicts the younger adults in their most productive years, dermatologist, rheumatologist, internist, or general practitioners supervising patients with oculo-articulo-oromucocutaneous syndromes should be aware of systemic Behçet disease. Early recognition of ocular involvement is important and such patients should strongly be instructed to visit immediately an ophthalmologist, as uveitis management differs from extraocular involvements with high ocular morbidity from sight-threatening complications due to relapsing inflammatory attacks in the posterior segment of the eye. A single infliximab infusion should be considered for the control of acute panuveitis, whereas repeated long-term infliximab infusions were proved to be more effective in reducing the number of episodes in refractory uveoretinitis with faster regression and complete remission of CME.

Budd-Chiari syndrome in association with Behçet's disease: review of the literature

The risk that patients with Behçet's disease may develop various thrombotic complications has been previously described. Although vascular complications from Budd-Chiari syndrome associated with Behçet's disease have been described, the pathogenic mechanisms are still unknown. Severe vascular complications present in Budd-Chiari syndrome associated with Behçet's disease are very common among young male adults. The objective of this study was to review the literature and present the association of Budd-Chiari syndrome with Behçet's disease.

Budd-Chiari syndrome associated with Behçet's disease

OBJECTIVES

Budd-Chiari syndrome is a rare and serious complication of Behçet's disease, and is the result of occlusion of the major hepatic veins, the adjacent inferior vena cava, or both. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, clinical and laboratory findings, and treatment and clinical course of Budd-Chiari syndrome associated with Behçet's disease.

METHODS

We analyzed retrospectively the charts of 220 patients fulfilling the international diagnostic criteria of Behçet's disease. From them, we selected those with Budd-Chiari syndrome, and analyzed their epidemiological and clinical imaging features and outcomes.

RESULTS

Seven male patients, mean age 29 years and already diagnosed with Behçet's disease, had Budd-Chiari syndrome. The clinical course was from subacute to chronic in all cases. Thrombosis of hepatic veins was associated with inferior vena cava thrombosis in six cases. Four patients had other venous thromboses (superior vena cava and lower limbs) and one also had pulmonary emboli. One patient was positive for anticardiolipin antibodies. All patients had anticoagulation therapy, and six had high-dose corticotherapy associated, in two cases, with monthly cyclophosphamid intravenous pulses. Clinical outcome was favourable in six cases, and one patient died of hepatic failure.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of Budd-Chiari syndrome in patients with Behçet's disease is 3.2%, confirming that this syndrome is not uncommon in Behçet's patients. The inferior vena cava is frequently involved in combination with hepatic veins and often associated with other venous thrombosis. The prognosis may be favorable with medical interventions, including anticoagulation, treatment of the vasculitis and the use of diuretics when required.

Interventional radiology in the management of Budd Chiari syndrome

Budd Chiari syndrome is an uncommon condition in the Western world but interventional radiology can contribute significantly to the management of the majority of patients. This review examines the role and technique of interventions including hepatic vein dilatation and stent insertion as well as thrombolysis and TIPS. Liver transplantation and surgical shunt surgery are discussed in relation to radiological interventions. With appropriate selection and technique, surgery is only required in a minority of patients.

Budd-Chiari syndrome in the course of Behcet's disease: clinical and laboratory analysis of four cases

OBJECTIVES

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is an uncommon manifestation of Behcet's disease (BD) characterized by hepatic venous outflow obstruction either within the liver or in the inferior vena cava (IVC). Clinical and laboratory findings, as well as treatment options and prognosis of four BD patients with BCS, were analyzed retrospectively.

METHODS

Four male patients with BCS due to BD, ranging in age from 22 to 46 (median 24 years), were included in the present study. The presence of BCS was confirmed by Doppler ultrasonography and computed tomography and/or venography. Levels of protein C, protein S, antithrombin III, anticardiolipin antibodies and lupus anticoagulants were evaluated in all patients during the acute stage of BCS and both 6 months and 1 year after. Activated protein C resistance and prothrombin gene mutation were also determined in three patients.

RESULTS

Two of the four patients with BCS had already been diagnosed with BD, while the other two were diagnosed with concurrent BD and BCS upon their admission to our clinic. All patients had deep venous thrombosis and superficial migratory thrombophlebitis prior to development of BCS. Case 1 died due to hepatic failure 1 month after his admission. The overall health state of the other three patients has remained good thanks to anticoagulation and immunosuppressive treatments. Three of these patients had one or more than one factor predisposing to thrombosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The number of occluded hepatic veins and right hepatic vein involvement, as well as inferior vena cava thrombosis, can be deemed as a major determinant of prognosis. Although the presence of a thrombophilic condition may not be a factor for the clinical prognosis of BCS on its own, it may still necessitate a long-term anticoagulation for prevention of further thrombotic events.