Emerging issues in the use of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for management of portal hypertension: time to update the guidelines?

6-mm shunt transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in patients with severe liver atrophy and variceal bleeding

OBJECTIVES

We proposed a strategy for the creation of a 6-mm transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and to assess its effectiveness compared to a conventional 8-mm shunt for TIPS-induced hepatic encephalopathy (HE).

METHODS

Patients were reviewed retrospectively using propensity score matching (1:1) and divided into 6-mm and 8-mm shunt groups based on shunt diameter. The stent patency, HE incidence, and rebleeding rate between the two groups were then compared.

RESULTS

From January 2018 to June 2021, both 6-mm shunt group and 8-mm shunt group included 58 patients. The 6-mm shunt group had significantly smaller liver volumes (879.3 ± 237.1 vs. 1008.8 ± 293.0; p = 0.010), and the median stent patency times were 30.7 and 33.8 months in the 6-mm and 8-mm groups, respectively (p = 0.124). No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in the 1-year (8.6% vs. 3.4%; p = 0.242) and 2-year (17.2% vs. 12.1%; p = 0.242) rebleeding rates. The 1-year cumulative incidences of overt HE were 12.1% and 27.6% in the 6-mm and 8-mm groups, respectively (p = 0.040), and the 2-year cumulative overt HE incidences in these groups were 19.0% and 36.2%, respectively (p = 0.038). Notably, patients with a 6-mm shunt also experienced less hepatic impairment.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with variceal bleeding and a small liver volume, the 6-mm shunt significantly reduced the incidence of overt HE, protected perioperative liver function, and did not affect stent patency or rebleeding rate.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

For patients with variceal bleeding with small liver volume, the 6-mm transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) significantly reduced the incidence of overt hepatic encephalopathy after TIPS, protected perioperative liver function, and did not affect stent patency and rebleeding rate.

KEY POINTS

• A strategy for the creation of a 6-mm transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for patients with variceal bleeding and a small liver volume was proposed. • The 6-mm transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt significantly reduced the incidence of overt hepatic encephalopathy. • The 6-mm transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt did not affect stent patency or rebleeding rate.

Do the stent blind insertion into the main portal vein (MPV) and stent diameter influence the surgical outcome of the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)?

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) surgery is a clinical intervention to treat portal hypertension (PH) by deploying a covered stent to establish a shunt path for the portal vein (PV) system, and proper surgical strategy is of great importance to balance the shunt effect and the risk of complications. To understand the clinical strategies of the stent blind insertion and stent selection in clinic, this study investigated the effects of varying stent insertion positions and diameters on the PV hemodynamics and the shunt effect by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of five post-TIPS subjects. The results showed that the successful TIPS surgeries of the five PH subjects were confirmed by quantifying their pressure drops. The stent insertion positions at the main portal vein (MPV) slightly affected the clinically concerned hemodynamic indexes (i.e., MPV pressure, stent-outlet velocity) and the shunt index (SI). This indicated that the position of the stent going into the MPV may not need to be deliberately selected. Moreover, the covered stents with 6 mm and 8 mm diameters slightly influenced the hemodynamics as well, but the large-diameter stent better improved the shunt effect compared to the small-diameter one. Despite this, the 6 mm stent was suggested thanks to the higher risk of the hepatic encephalopathy (HE) observed in clinic, which indicated the excessive shunt of the 8 mm stent. The current work revealed the effects of different TIPS strategies on the surgical outcome, and could be useful for potential clinical practices.

Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)-covered stents versus bare stents for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in people with liver cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a widely used procedure for management of uncontrolled upper gastrointestinal bleeding and refractory ascites in people with liver cirrhosis. However, nearly half of the people experience shunt dysfunction and recurrent symptoms within one year of the procedure. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)-covered stents are assumed to decrease shunt dysfunction by approximately 20% to 30%.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the benefits and harms associated with the use of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)-covered stents versus bare stents in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPSs) for managing people with liver cirrhosis.

SEARCH METHODS

We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date was 28 February 2023.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised clinical trials comparing ePTFE-covered stents versus bare stents in TIPS for treatment of people with liver cirrhosis.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were 1. all-cause mortality, 2. procedure-related complications, and 3. health-related quality of life. Our secondary outcomes were 4. upper gastrointestinal bleeding, 5. recurrence of ascites, 6. hepatic encephalopathy, 7. kidney failure, 8. early thrombosis, 9. non-serious adverse events, and 10. shunt dysfunction. We used GRADE to assess certainty of evidence. We analysed outcome data at the maximum follow-up, except for the 'early thrombosis' outcome for which it was within 12 weeks after the TIPS procedure.

MAIN RESULTS

We included four trials with 565 randomised participants (age range: 18 to 75 years; male range: 63.6% to 75.0%). A total of 527 participants provided data for analyses because of losses to follow-up. Two trials were conducted in China; one in France; and one in France, Spain, and Canada. Participants were classified with cirrhosis Child-Pugh class A, B, or C, and for some, the class was not reported. We used intention-to-treat principle (four trials) and per-protocol analysis (one trial) to meta-analyse the data. One trial compared ePTFE-covered stents versus bare stents of the same diameter and three trials compared ePTFE-covered stents versus stents of different diameters. ePTFE-covered stents versus bare stents of the same diameter One trial with 258 participants compared 8 mm covered stent versus 8 mm bare stent. Mortality in the covered stent group is possibly lower than in the bare stent group (risk ratio (RR) 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.43 to 0.92; low-certainty evidence). Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.84), recurrence of ascites (RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.87), and shunt dysfunction (RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.61) occurred more often in the bare stent group than in the covered stent group (all low-certainty evidence). There was no difference in hepatic encephalopathy between groups (RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.61; very low-certainty evidence). The trial did not report data on procedure-related complications, health-related quality of life, early thrombosis, and segmental liver ischaemia (a non-serious adverse event). ePTFE-covered stents versus bare stents of different stent diameters Three trials compared ePTFE-covered stents versus bare stents of different diameters (10.5 (standard deviation (SD) 0.9) mm versus 11.7 (SD 0.8) mm; 8 mm versus 10 mm; and one trial used 10-mm stents that could be dilated from 8 mm to 10 mm). There was no evidence of a difference between the ePTFE-covered stents versus bare stents groups in mortality (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.48 to 1.16; 3 trials, 269 participants), procedure-related complications (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.05 to 5.57; 1 trial, 80 participants), upper gastrointestinal bleeding (RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.15 to 1.38; 3 trials, 269 participants), hepatic encephalopathy (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.30; 3 trials, 269 participants), and kidney failure (RR 7.59, 95% CI 0.40 to 143.92; 1 trial, 121 participants) (all very low-certainty evidence). Recurrence of ascites (RR 0.30, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.85; 3 trials, 269 participants; low-certainty evidence), shunt dysfunction (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.92; 3 trials, 269 participants; low-certainty evidence), and early thrombosis (RR 0.28, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.82; I2 = 0%; 3 trials, 261 participants; very low-certainty evidence) occurred more often in the bare stents group. There was no evidence of a difference in segmental liver ischaemia (RR 5.25, 95% CI 0.26 to 106.01; 1 trial, 80 participants; very low-certainty evidence). No trial presented data on health-related quality of life. Funding One trial did not clearly report funding sources. The remaining three trials declared that they had no funding with vested interests.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Based on the small number of trials with insufficient sample size and events, and study limitations, we assessed the overall certainty of evidence in the predefined outcomes as low or very low. Therefore, we are uncertain which of the two interventions (ePTFE-covered stents or bare stents of the same diameter and ePTFE-covered stents versus bare stents of different stent diameters) is effective for the evaluated outcomes. None of the four trials reported data on health-related quality of life, and data on complications were either missing or rarely reported. We lack high-quality trials to evaluate the role of ePTFE-covered stents for TIPS for managing people with liver cirrhosis.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) complications: what diagnostic radiologists should know

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an effective therapy for portal hypertension complications and can successfully treat variceal bleeding and refractory ascites. Although TIPS is relatively safe, procedural- or shunt-related morbidity can reach 20%, and procedural complications have a fatality rate of 2%. Delayed recognition and treatment of TIPS complications can lead to life-threatening clinical scenarios. Complications can vary from stent migration or malpositioning to nontarget organ injury, TIPS dysfunction, encephalopathy, or liver failure. This review aims to outline the role of diagnostic radiology in assessing post-TIPS complications.

Prevention of post-tips hepatic encephalopathy: The search of the ideal candidate

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has been used since more than 25 years to treat some of the complications of portal hypertension, especially variceal bleeding and ascites refractory to conventional therapy. TIPS establishes a communication between the portal and hepatic veins, inducing the blood to shift from the splanchnic circulation into the systemic vascular bed with the aim of decompressing the portal venous system, and avoids the major complications of portal hypertension. However, the shunt of the portal blood into the systemic circulation is the cause of one of the major complications of the procedure: the post-TIPS hepatic encephalopathy (HE). To date, few pharmacological treatment has been proven effective to prevent this complication and thus, the identification of patients at high risk of post-TIPS hepatic encephalopathy and the patients' carefully selection is the only way to prevent this frequent complication.

Single Puncture TIPS—A 3D Fusion Image-Guided Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS): An Experimental Study

Background: The use of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has been established as an effective treatment for portal hypertension. Despite the rapid development of this use, serious peri-procedural complications have been reported in over 10% of cases. This has largely been attributed to the access to the portal vein, also referred to as a “blind puncture”, which often requires multiple attempts. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the safety, reproducibility and accuracy of the use of real-time 3D fusion image-guided (3DFIG) single puncture TIPS to minimize the complications that are related to the “blind puncture” of TIPS procedures. Methods: A 3DFIG TIPS approach was utilized on 22 pigs by combining pre-procedural cross-sectional imaging (CT, MR or CBCT) with intra-procedural cone beam CT or angiogram imaging, which allowed for the improved 3D visual spatial orientation of the portal vein and real-time tracking of the needle in 3D. Results: Thirty-five portosystemic shunts were successfully deployed in all 22 subjects without any peri-procedural complications. Overall, 91% (32/35) of the procedures were carried out using a single puncture. In addition, the mean fluoroscopy time in our study was more than 12 times lower than the proposed reference level that has previously been proposed for TIPS procedures. Conclusion: Multi-modality real-time 3DFIG TIPS can be performed safely using a single puncture, without complications, and can potentially be used in both emergency and non-emergency clinical situations.

The role of a novel self-expanding metal stent in variceal bleeding: a multicenter Australian and New Zealand experience

Background and study aims  Refractory variceal bleeding is associated with high mortality in patients with chronic liver disease. A fully-covered self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) has been reported to have excellent rates of technical success and initial bleeding control; however, studies to date are small and limited to Europe and Asia. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this SEMS for control of refractory variceal bleeding (VB). Patients and methods  A retrospective analysis was undertaken of all patients who received the SX-ELLA Danis SEMS for management of VB at 9 tertiary centers across Australia and New Zealand. A total of 32 SEMS had been deployed in 30 patients (median age 53.3). Results  Technical success of SEMS placement was achieved in 100 % of cases, resulting in immediate control of bleeding across 31 of 32 cases (96.9 %). Re-bleeding with SEMS in situ occurred in three of 32 cases (9.4 %). Mean SEMS in-dwelling time was 6.4 days. Delayed SEMS migration occurred in 6.3 % of cases. Interventional radiological therapy for management of varices within 6 weeks was performed in 12 of 30 patients (40 %). Death with SEMS in situ occurred in seven of 30 patients (23.3 %). Seven-day bleeding-related mortality was 16.7 %, 14-day mortality 23.3 %, and 6-week mortality 33.3 %. Three of 30 patients (10 %) received orthotopic liver transplantation following SEMS insertion, including two patients within 6 weeks. Conclusions  SX-Danis Ella SEMS is highly effective for immediate control of refractory VB and bridging to definitive therapy because it has excellent technical success rates, appears to be relatively easy to use, and has low rates of serious adverse events.

Comparison of Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt in the Treatment of Cirrhosis With or Without Portal Vein Thrombosis: A Retrospective Study

Aim: The purpose of our study was to conduct a retrospective analysis to compare the effectiveness of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) in the treatment of patients with cirrhosis with or without portal vein thrombosis (PVT).

Methods: We included a total of 203 cirrhosis patients successfully treated with TIPS between January 2015 and January 2018, including 72 cirrhosis patients with PVT (35.5%) and 131 without PVT (64.5%). Our subjects were followed for at least 1 year after treatment with TIPS. Data were collected to estimate the mortality, shunt dysfunction, and complication rates after TIPS creation.

Results: During the mean follow-up time of 19.5 ± 12.8 months, 21 (10.3%) patients died, 15 (7.4%) developed shunt dysfunction, and 44 (21.6%) experienced overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE). No significant differences in mortality (P = 0.134), shunt dysfunction (P = 0.214), or OHE (P = 0.632) were noted between the groups. Age, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, and refractory ascites requiring TIPS were risk factors for mortality. A history of diabetes, percutaneous transhepatic variceal embolization (PTVE), 8-mm diameter stent, and platelet (PLT) increased the risk of shunt dysfunction. The prevalence of variceal bleeding and recurrent ascites was comparable between the two groups (16.7 vs. 16.7% P = 0.998 and 2.7 vs. 3.8% P = 0.678, respectively).

Conclusions: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts are feasible in the management of cirrhosis with PVT. No significant differences in survival or shunt dysfunction were noted between the PVT and no-PVT groups. The risk of recurrent variceal bleeding, recurrent ascites, and OHE in the PVT group was generally similar to that in the no-PVT group. TIPS represents a potentially feasible treatment option in cirrhosis patients with PVT.

Treatment of direct oral anticoagulants in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis

Although patients with cirrhosis are known to be in a state of “rebalance” in that pro- and anticoagulant factors increase the risk for both bleeding and thrombosis, the prevalence of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in patients with cirrhosis can be up to 26%. Therefore, physicians should consider anticoagulation for the prevention and management of PVT in patients with cirrhosis who are at high risk of PVT. Vitamin K antagonist or low molecular weight heparin is suggested as the standard treatment for PVT in cirrhosis. With the advent of new direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs), there is a paradigm shift of switching to DOACs for the treatment of PVT in patients with cirrhosis. However, the safety and efficacy of DOACs in the treatment of PVT was not well-known in patients with cirrhosis. Therefore, this review focused on the current knowledge about the efficacy, safety concerns, and hepatic metabolism of DOACs in patients with cirrhosis and PVT.

Nontumoral Portal Vein Thrombosis: A Challenging Consequence of Liver Cirrhosis

Nontumoral portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is an increasingly recognized complication in patients with cirrhosis. Substantial evidence shows that portal flow stasis, complex thrombophilic disorders, and exogenous factors leading to endothelial dysfunction have emerged as key factors in the pathogenesis of PVT. The contribution of PVT to hepatic decompensation and mortality in cirrhosis is debatable; however, the presence of an advanced PVT increases operative complexity and decreases survival after transplantation. The therapeutic decision for PVT is often determined by the duration and extent of thrombosis, the presence of symptoms, and liver transplant eligibility. Evidence from several cohorts has demonstrated that anticoagulation treatment with vitamin K antagonist or low molecular weight heparin can achieve recanalization of the portal vein, which is associated with a reduction in portal hypertension-related events and improved survival in cirrhotic patients with PVT. Consequently, interest in direct oral anticoagulants for PVT is increasing, but clinical data in cirrhosis are limited. Although the most feared consequence of anticoagulation is bleeding, most studies indicate that anticoagulation therapy for PVT in cirrhosis appears relatively safe. Interestingly, the data showed that transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt represents an effective adjunctive therapy for PVT in cirrhotic patients with symptomatic portal hypertension if anticoagulation is ineffective. Insufficient evidence regarding the optimal timing, modality, and duration of therapy makes nontumoral PVT a challenging consequence of cirrhosis. In this review, we summarize the current literature and provide a potential algorithm for the management of PVT in patients with cirrhosis.

Transjugular intrahepatic portal shunt in the treatment of portal hypertension due to cirrhosis: single center experience

Aim

To investigate clinical efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portal shunt (TIPS) for the treatment of cirrhotic portal hypertension.

Methods

71 cases of patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension and esophageal and gastric variceal bleeding hospitalized from January 2014 to June 2017 were enrolled and treated with TIPS. The change of portal pressure and serum biochemical indexes before and after TIPS were compared, and re-hemorrhage rate, ascites incidence, complications, and survival rate were calculated.

Results

71 patients (male/female 47/24, aged 29–77 years, average 48.9 ± 9.8 years) with cirrhotic portal hypertension received TIPS. The success rate of TIPS was 93% (66/71). During 1–24 months (mean 12.5 ± 7 months) follow-up of 66 patients, 61 cases survived and 5 cases died. The portal pressure decreased significantly from 40.48 ± 3.15 cmH2O to 23.59 ± 4.41 cmH2O after TIPS (P < 0.05). During the follow-up, the incidence of hepatic encephalopathy was 12.1%, the incidence of re-hemorrhage was 18.2%, and there were 4 cases of stent dysfunction, with 1 case of bare stent and 3 cases of dual stent.

Conclusion

TIPS is an effective procedure for the treatment of cirrhotic portal hypertension complications, since it can reduce portal pressure and significantly alleviate ascites. Liver function is impaired in short-term after TIPS, but TIPS has no significant effect on liver function in middle-term.

Predictive value of induced hyperammonaemia and neuropsychiatric profiling in relation to the occurrence of post-TIPS hepatic encephalopathy

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) occurs in 20-50% of patients after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement. Older age, HE history and severe liver failure have all been associated with post-TIPS HE but it remains difficult to identify patients at risk. The aim of the present pathophysiological, pilot study was to assess the role of induced hyperammonaemia and associated neuropsychological and neurophysiological changes as predictors of post-TIPS HE. Eighteen TIPS candidates with no overt HE history (56 ± 8 yrs., MELD 11 ± 3) underwent neurophysiological [Electroencephalography (EEG)], neuropsychological [Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES) and Scan tests], ammonia and sleepiness assessment at baseline and after the induction of hyperammonaemia by an oral amino acid challenge (AAC). Pre-AAC, 17% of patients had abnormal EEG, 5% abnormal PHES, and 33% abnormal Scan performance. Post-AAC, 17% had abnormal EEG, 0% abnormal PHES, and 17% abnormal Scan performance. Pre-AAC, ammonia concentrations were 201 ± 73 μg/dL and subjective sleepiness 2.5 ± 1.2 (1-9 scale). Post-AAC, patients exhibited the expected increase in ammonia/sleepiness. Six months post-TIPS, 3 patients developed an episode of HE requiring hospitalization; these showed significantly lower pre-AAC fasting ammonia concentrations compared to patients who did not develop HE (117 ± 63 vs. 227 ± 57 μg/dL p = 0.015). They also showed worse PHES/Scan performance pre-AAC, and worse Scan performance post-AAC. Findings at 12 months follow-up (n = 5 HE episodes) were comparable. In conclusion, baseline ammonia levels and both pre- and post-AAC neuropsychiatric indices hold promise in defining HE risk in TIPS candidates with no HE history.

Hepatic Encephalopathy Challenges, Burden, and Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cirrhosis. The impact of HE on the health care system is similarly profound. The number of hospital admissions for HE has increased in the last 10-year period. HE is a huge burden to the patients, care givers, and the health care system. HE represents a "revolving door" with readmission, severely affects care givers, and has effects on cognition that can persists after liver transplant. This article reviews the current literature to discuss the challenges and diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to HE.

Eight millimetre covered TIPS does not compromise shunt function but reduces hepatic encephalopathy in preventing variceal rebleeding

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Currently, there are no recommendations in guidelines concerning the preferred diameter of stents for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), owing to the lack of adequate evidence. We therefore compared 8mm stents with 10mm stents, to evaluate whether 8mm stents would achieve similar shunt function, with less hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and better liver function.

METHODS

Cirrhotic patients were randomly assigned to receive TIPS with an 8mm or 10mm covered stent to prevent variceal rebleeding. The primary endpoint was shunt dysfunction. All-cause rebleeding, orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT)-free survival, their composite endpoint, overt HE (overall and spontaneous) and liver function were designated as the secondary endpoints.

RESULTS

From July 2012 to January 2014, 64 and 63 patients were allocated to the 8mm and 10mm groups, respectively. During a median follow-up of 27months in both arms, dysfunction rates (16% vs. 16% at two years, p=0.62), two-year rebleeding (16% vs. 17%, p=0.65), OLT-free survival (95% vs. 86%, p=0.37), and the composite endpoint (p=0.62) were not statistically different between the groups. Despite a marginal decrease in overall overt HE, there were significantly fewer spontaneous overt HE incidents in the 8mm group within two years (27% vs. 43%, p=0.03), with a risk reduction of 47%. Notably, patients receiving 8mm stents also developed less hepatic impairment.

CONCLUSIONS

TIPS with 8mm covered stents showed similar shunt function to TIPS with 10mm stents, but halved the risk of spontaneous overt HE and reduced hepatic impairment. Therefore, 8mm TIPS stents should be preferred for the prevention of variceal rebleeding in cirrhotic patients. Lay summary: The optimal diameter for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) remained uncertain. This study showed that TIPS with 8mm covered stents did not compromise shunt patency, or influence the efficacy of variceal rebleeding prevention compared to TIPS with 10mm stents, but reduced the risk of spontaneous overt hepatic encephalopathy and the incidence of severe encephalopathy. Moreover, liver function reserve was also better in the 8mm stents group, suggesting that 8mm TIPS stents should be preferred for the prevention of variceal rebleeding in cirrhotic patients.

Evaluation and Management of Hepatic Encephalopathy: Current Status and Future Directions

Hepatic encephalopathy is a spectrum of neurocognitive manifestations often seen in patients with liver injury or rarely in patients with portosystemic shunting without liver injury. It can be divided into minimal (covert) hepatic encephalopathy and overt hepatic encephalopathy, depending on the severity. Patients with hepatic encephalopathy have compromised clinical outcomes, decreased quality of life, and increased healthcare utilization, often resulting in a heavy financial and personal burden on caregivers. The diagnosis remains largely clinical, with the exclusion of possible other causes for the altered mental status. Current treatment strategies include nonabsorbable disaccharides and antibiotics. This review will focus on the diagnosis, management and clinical impact of hepatic encephalopathy.

Early initiation of argatroban therapy in the management of acute superior mesenteric venous thrombosis

Acute superior mesenteric venous thrombosis (ASMVT) is an intractable disease with poor prognosis. Argatroban, a direct thrombin inhibitor, may be a novel anticoagulant method in the therapy of ASMVT. The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy and safety of early argatroban therapy in ASMVT patients. The current retrospective study reviewed a consecutive series of ASMVT patients receiving early argatroban therapy during hospitalization between March 2013 and April 2014, with 18 ASMVT patients included in the study. Of these, 16 patients without hepatic dysfunction underwent anticoagulant therapy with argatroban with a mean dose of 1.57±0.34 µg/kg/min and a mean duration of 12.2±3.7 days, while their activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) was elevated to 1.95±0.26 times the baseline value. In addition, 2 hepatic dysfunction patients received therapy with a dose of 0.41 µg/kg/min and 0.46 µg/kg/min, and with aPTT of 1.68 and 1.62 times the baseline value, respectively. Overall, 94% (n=17) of the patients presented clinical improvement, while 88% (n=16) of patients presented partially or completely dissolved thrombus in contrast-enhanced computed tomography images. The incidence of surgery and bowel resection was 6% (excluding 1 case with intestinal necrosis detected on admission). Furthermore, 11% (n=2) of patients experienced a bleeding episode, however no major bleeding or mortality occurred during hospitalization. During the follow-up, the mortality and the recurrence rate were 6% and 11%, respectively. In conclusion, early initiation of argatroban treatment may be an effective and safe therapy in ASMVT, manifesting efficient resolution of the thrombus, rapid improvement of symptoms, low incidence of bowel resection and bleeding complication, and low mortality rate.

Twenty-five years after the first TIPS in Spain

The incorporation, 25 years ago, of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting, better known by the acronym TIPS, represents an indisputable improvement in the treatment and management of patients with symptoms due to portal hypertension. This article discusses the origins of the technique and the technical innovations that have been progressively added through the years. The implantation of coated stents, which protect the stent from processes in the parenchymal track that can lead to stenosis, have helped ensure long-term patency, thus reducing the need for reintervention. Solid evidence from valuable publications has situated TIPS at the forefront of the treatment options in a wide variety of clinical situations associated with portal hypertension.

Post-Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Follow-Up and Management in the VIATORR Era

The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a non-selective portosystemic shunt created using endovascular techniques. The first TIPS was performed in Germany in 1988. The VIATORR self-expandable PTFE covered stent-graft (WL Gore, Flagstaff AZ) was approved by the FDA for a TIPS application in December of 2004. This stent-graft offers excellent shunt patency rates and it is possible that it has a beneficial effect on patient survival. Patient surveillance and post-procedural management have changed after the introduction of this stent-graft. This article presents the current management strategies that are followed at our Institution for patients who have undergone a TIPS procedure with a VIATORR stent graft including imaging follow-up, management of encephalopathy, medical management and nutritional aspects.

Role of self-expanding metal stents in the management of variceal haemorrhage: Hype or hope?

Despite the advances of medical, endoscopic and radiological therapy over recent years the mortality rates of acute variceal haemorrhage are still 16%-20% and the medium term outcome has not improved in the last 25 years. Early transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt has proved to be an effective therapy for selected groups of patients with a high risk of re-bleeding and moderate liver disease. However, there is an unmet need for a therapy that can be applied in patients with a high risk of re-bleeding and advanced liver disease either as definitive therapy or as a bridge to permanent therapy. Self-expanding metal stents can be placed without the need for endoscopic or fluoroscopic control and, once in place, will provide effective haemostasis and allow a route for oral fluids and nutrition. They can remain in place whilst liver function recovers and secondary prophylaxis is initiated. We review the results of 6 case series including a total of 83 patients and the first randomised controlled trial of self-expanding metal stents vs balloon tamponade (BT) in the management of refractory variceal haemorrhage. We report that self-expanding metal stents provide effective haemostasis and perform better than BT in refractory bleeding, where they are associated with fewer complications. Whilst the most effective place for self-expanding metal stents in the management algorithm needs to be determined by further randomised controlled trials, currently they provide an effective alternative to BT in selected patients.

The outcomes of interventional treatment for Budd-Chiari syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis

The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis quantitatively assesses the outcomes of interventional treatment for Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS). We evaluated the published studies on interventional treatment for BCS and reviewed reference lists from retrieved articles. Meta-analysis was applied to calculate the combined rates and their 95% confidence intervals. The risk of bias was assessed by the Egger test. As many as 29 articles on interventional treatment with BCS were selected according to the eligibility criteria and included in the meta-analysis, for a total of 2,255 BCS patients. The pooled results (95 % CI) were 93.7 % (92.6-4.8 %) for successful rate of interventional operation, 6.5 % (5.3-7.7 %) for restenosis rate of interventional treatment, and 92.0 % (89.8-94.3 %) and 76.4 % (72.5-80.4 %) for the survival rate at 1 and 5 years, respectively. The interventional therapy of major BCS patients is safe with successful operation, good patency, and long-term survival. Moreover, a step-wise management of BCS is proposed to manage and cure all BCS patients with personalized treatment.

Management of portal vein thrombosis in liver cirrhosis

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a fairly common complication of liver cirrhosis. Importantly, occlusive PVT might influence the prognosis of patients with cirrhosis. Evidence from a randomized controlled trial has shown that anticoagulation can prevent the occurrence of PVT in patients with cirrhosis without prior PVT. Evidence from several case series has also demonstrated that anticoagulation can achieve portal vein recanalization in patients with cirrhosis and PVT. Early initiation of anticoagulation therapy and absence of previous portal hypertensive bleeding might be positively associated with a high rate of portal vein recanalization after anticoagulation. However, the possibility of spontaneous resolution of partial PVT questions the necessity of anticoagulation for the treatment of partial PVT. In addition, a relatively low recanalization rate of complete PVT after anticoagulation therapy suggests its limited usefulness in patients with complete PVT. Successful insertion of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) not only recanalizes the thrombosed portal vein, but also relieves the symptomatic portal hypertension. However, the technical difficulty of TIPS potentially limits its widespread application, and the risk and benefits should be fully balanced. Notably, current recommendations regarding the management of PVT in liver cirrhosis are insufficient owing to low-quality evidence.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in combination with or without variceal embolization for the prevention of variceal rebleeding: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is the mainstay treatment option for the complications of portal hypertension. Whether or not variceal embolization should be performed during TIPS procedures remains controversial. A meta-analysis to compare the incidence of shunt dysfunction, variceal rebleeding, encephalopathy, and death between patients treated with TIPS alone and those treated with TIPS combined with variceal embolization was conducted.

METHODS

All relevant studies were searched via PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled. Heterogeneity among studies and publication bias were assessed.

RESULTS

Six articles were included in our study. Type of stents was covered (n = 2), bare (n = 2), mixed (n = 1), and unknown (n = 1). Varices were angiographically embolized by coils in six studies. Additional liquids agents were employed in three studies. Compared with TIPS alone group, TIPS combined with variceal embolization group had a significantly lower incidence of variceal rebleeding (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.29-3.17, P = 0.002), but a similar incidence of shunt dysfunction (OR 1.26, 95% CI 0.76-2.08, P = 0.38), encephalopathy (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.46-1.43, P = 0.47), and death (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.55-1.47, P = 0.68). Neither any significant heterogeneity nor proof of publication bias among studies was found in all meta-analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Adjunctive variceal embolization during TIPS procedures might be beneficial in the prevention of variceal rebleeding. However, given the heterogeneity of type of stents, embolic agents, type of varices, and indications of variceal embolization among studies, additional well-designed randomized, controlled trials with larger sample size and use of covered stents should be warranted to confirm these findings.

Stroke after percutaneous transhepatic variceal obliteration of esophageal varix in Caroli syndrome

Here we present the case of an 11-year-old female patient diagnosed with Caroli syndrome, who had refractory esophageal varices. The patient had a history of recurrent bleeding from esophageal varices, which was treated with endoscopic variceal ligation thrice over a period of 2 years. However, the bleeding was not controlled. When the patient finally visited the Emergency Department, the hemoglobin level was 4.4 g/dL. Transhepatic intrajugular portosystemic shunt was unsuccessful. Subsequently, the patient underwent percutaneous transhepatic variceal obliteration. Twenty hours after this procedure, the patient complained of aphasia, dizziness, headache, and general weakness. Six hours later, the patient became drowsy and unresponsive to painful stimuli. Lipiodol particles used to embolize the coronary and posterior gastric veins might have passed into the systemic arterial circulation, and they were found to be lodged in the brain, kidney, lung, and stomach. There was no abnormality of the portal vein on portal venography, and blood flow to the azygos vein through the paravertebral and hemiazygos systems was found to drain to the systemic circulation on coronary venography. Contrast echocardiography showed no pulmonary arteriovenous fistula. Symptoms improved with conservative management, and the esophageal varices were found to have improved on esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

Diagnostic radiology of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) are an effective method for treating the complications of portal hypertension. Specific indications for TIPS include secondary prevention of variceal bleeding and refractory ascites. The purpose of this review is to summarize the role of diagnostic radiology in the creation and assessment of TIPS, to highlight the complications that can occur post-TIPS, and to critically evaluate the literature regarding ultrasound evaluation of TIPS.

Effect of antithrombin, protein C and protein S on portal vein thrombosis in liver cirrhosis: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The effects of antithrombin (AT), protein C (PC) and protein S (PS) on the pathogenesis of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in liver cirrhosis remain controversial in different studies. In this study, a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine this issue were performed.

METHODS

PubMed database was employed to identify all studies in which AT, PC and PS concentrations were measured in both cirrhotic patients with and without PVT. A standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to evaluate the effect of AT, PC and PS on PVT. Data were pooled using both fixed-effect and random-effect models. Only the pooled data using random-effect model were considered appropriate, when significant heterogeneity was observed.

RESULTS

Nine studies involving 160 cirrhotic patients with PVT and 428 cirrhotic patients without PVT were eligible. AT and PC concentrations were similar between PVT and non-PVT groups (AT: SMD = -0.21, 95% CI = -0.56 to 0.14, P = 0.24; PC: SMD = -0.23, 95% CI = -0.55 to 0.09, P = 0.16). But PS concentration was significantly lower in the PVT group than in the non-PVT group (SMD = -0.29, 95% CI = -0.49 to -0.08, P = 0.006). Subgroup analyses were further conducted in 4 studies in which baseline liver function was similar between cirrhotic patients with and without PVT, showing similar AT, PC and PS concentrations between the 2 groups (AT: SMD = -0.10, 95% CI = -0.36 to 0.16, P = 0.57; PC: SMD = -0.18, 95% CI = -0.62 to 0.25, P = 0.41; PS: SMD = -0.10, 95% CI = -0.59 to 0.39, P = 0.69).

CONCLUSIONS

AT, PC and PS concentrations might not be associated with the pathogenesis of PVT in liver cirrhosis, especially when the impact of liver function was excluded.

Delayed liver laceration following transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for portal hypertension

The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an acceptable procedure that has proven benefits in the treatment of patients who have complications from portal hypertension due to liver cirrhosis. Delayed liver laceration is a rare complication of the TIPS procedure. We describe a patient with portal hypertension due to liver cirrhosis, who suddenly presented with abdominal hemorrhage and liver laceration 8 d after TIPS. Few reports have described complications after TIPS placement. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing delayed liver laceration. This potential and serious complication appears to be specific and fatal for TIPS in portal hypertension. We advocate careful attention to the technique to avoid this complication, and timely treatment is extremely important.

Clinical outcome and predictors of survival after TIPS insertion in patients with liver cirrhosis

AIM: To determine the clinical outcome and predictors of survival after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt (TIPS) implantation in cirrhotic patients.

METHODS: Eighty-one patients with liver cirrhosis and consequential portal hypertension had TIPS implantation (bare metal) for either refractory ascites (RA) (n = 27) or variceal bleeding (VB) (n = 54). Endpoints for the study were: technical success, stent occlusion and stent stenosis, rebleeding, RA and mortality. Clinical records of patients were collected and analysed. Baseline characteristics [e.g., age, sex, CHILD score and the model for end-stage liver disease score (MELD score), underlying disease] were retrieved. The Kaplan-Meier method was employed to calculate survival from the time of TIPS implantation and comparisons were made by log rank test. A multivariate analysis of factors influencing survival was carried out using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. Results were expressed as medians and ranges. Comparisons between groups were performed by using the Mann-Whitney U-test and the χ² test as appropriate.

RESULTS: No difference could be seen in terms of age, sex, underlying disease or degree of portal pressure gradient (PPG) reduction between the ascites and the bleeding group. The PPG significantly decreased from 23.4 ± 5.3 mmHg (VB) vs 22.1 ± 5.5 mmHg (RA) before TIPS to 11.8 ± 4.0 vs 11.7 ± 4.2 after TIPS implantation (P = 0.001 within each group). There was a tendency towards more patients with stage CHILD A in the bleeding group compared to the ascites group (24 vs 6, P = 0.052). The median survival for the ascites group was 29 mo compared to > 60 mo for the bleeding group (P = 0.009). The number of radiological controls for stent patency was 6.3 for bleeders and 3.8 for ascites patients (P = 0.029). Kaplan-Meier calculation indicated that stent occlusion at first control (P = 0.027), ascites prior to TIPS implantation (P = 0.009), CHILD stage (P = 0.013), MELD score (P = 0.001) and those patients not having undergone liver transplantation (P = 0.024) were significant predictors of survival. In the Cox regression model, stent occlusion (P = 0.022), RA (P = 0.043), CHILD stage (P = 0.015) and MELD score (P = 0.004) turned out to be independent prognostic factors of survival. The anticoagulation management (P = 0.097), the porto-systemic pressure gradient (P = 0.460) and rebleeding episodes (P = 0.765) had no significant effect on the overall survival.

CONCLUSION: RA, stent occlusion, initial CHILD stage and MELD score are independent predictors of survival in patients with TIPS, speaking for a close follow-up in these circumstances.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in the treatment of portal vein thrombosis: a critical review of literature

Reports of successful transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) surgery in patients with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) are considered anecdotal owing to the technical difficulty of the procedure and potential procedure-related complications. A literature review was undertaken to determine the feasibility and safety of TIPS in the treatment of PVT. All studies in which TIPS was attempted in patients with PVT were identified by searching through the PUBMED and MEDLINE databases. A total of 424 PVT patients undergoing TIPS were reported in 54 articles. The success rate of TIPS insertion was 67-100% in 19 case series. Further, 85 patients with portal cavernoma underwent successful TIPS insertions. Three therapeutic strategies of TIPS placement were used: (1) TIPS placement followed by portal vein recanalization via the shunt, (2) portal vein recanalization via percutaneous approaches followed by TIPS placement, and (3) TIPS insertion between a hepatic vein and a large collateral vessel without portal vein recanalization. Four approaches were used to access the portal vein: transjugular, transhepatic, transsplenic, and transmesenteric. Intra-abdominal hemorrhage secondary to hepatic capsule perforation was lethal in only three patients. No episode of pulmonary embolism was reported. Other procedure-related complications were reversible. The overall incidence of shunt dysfunction and hepatic encephalopathy was 8-33% and 0-50%, respectively. In conclusion, the reviewed studies uniformly support the feasibility and safety of TIPS for PVT even in the presence of portal cavernoma. Further, several major issues that remain unresolved are discussed.

Hepatic encephalopathy after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has been used for more than 20 years to treat some of the complications of portal hypertension. When TIPS was initially proposed, it was claimed that the optimal calibration of the shunt could allow an adequate reduction of portal hypertension, avoiding, at the same time, the occurrence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a neurologic syndrome. However, several clinical observations have shown that HE occurred rather frequently after TIPS, and HE has become an important issue to be taken into consideration in TIPS candidates and a problem to be faced after the procedure.

The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in the treatment of portal hypertension: current status

The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) represents a major advance in the treatment of complications of portal hypertension. Technical improvements and increased experience over the past 24 years led to improved clinical results and a better definition of the indications for TIPS. Randomized clinical trials indicate that the TIPS procedure is not a first-line therapy for variceal bleeding, but can be used when medical treatment fails, both in the acute situation or to prevent variceal rebleeding. The role of TIPS to treat refractory ascites is probably more justified to improve the quality of life rather than to improve survival, except for patients with preserved liver function. It can be helpful for hepatic hydrothorax and can reverse hepatorenal syndrome in selected cases. It is a good treatment for Budd Chiari syndrome uncontrollable by medical treatment. Careful selection of patients is mandatory before TIPS, and clinical followup is essential to detect and treat complications that may result from TIPS stenosis (which can be prevented by using covered stents) and chronic encephalopathy (which may in severe cases justify reduction or occlusion of the shunt). A multidisciplinary approach, including the resources for liver transplantation, is always required to treat these patients.