Management of bleeding ectopic varices

Interventional Radiology for Bleeding Ectopic Varices: Individualized Approach Based on Vascular Anatomy

Ectopic varices are rare but potentially life-threatening conditions usually resulting from a combination of global portal hypertension and local occlusive components. As imaging, innovative devices, and interventional radiologic techniques evolve and are more widely adopted, interventional radiology is becoming essential in the management of ectopic varices. The interventional radiologist starts by diagnosing the underlying causes of portal hypertension and evaluating the afferent and efferent veins of ectopic varices with CT. If decompensated portal hypertension is causing ectopic varices, placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is considered the first-line treatment, although this treatment alone may not be effective in managing ectopic variceal bleeding because it may not sufficiently resolve focal mesenteric venous obstruction causing ectopic varices. Therefore, additional variceal embolization should be considered after placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Retrograde transvenous obliteration can serve as a definitive treatment when the efferent vein connected to the systemic vein is accessible. Antegrade transvenous obliteration is a vital component of interventional radiologic management of ectopic varices because ectopic varices often exhibit complex anatomy and commonly lack catheterizable portosystemic shunts. Superficial veins of the portal venous system such as recanalized umbilical veins may provide safe access for antegrade transvenous obliteration. Given the absence of consensus and guidelines, a multidisciplinary team approach is essential for the individualized management of ectopic varices. Interventional radiologists must be knowledgeable about the anatomy and hemodynamic characteristics of ectopic varices based on CT images and be prepared to consider appropriate options for each specific situation. ©RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article.

Management of ectopic variceal bleeding with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt: a systematic review of case reports

Ectopic varices account for 5% of variceal bleedings and occur outside the gastro-esophageal region. This review evaluates the efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for ectopic variceal management. A comprehensive search through PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase was conducted until January 16, 2023, using relevant keywords. Case reports and case series with fewer than 10 patients on TIPS for ectopic variceal management were included. The quality assessment followed the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for case reports. This systematic review evaluated 43 studies involving 50 patients with ectopic varices undergoing TIPS. Patients had a mean age of 54.3 years, half were female, and two were pregnant. Alcoholic liver disease (48%) and hepatitis C infection (26%) were common causes of portal hypertension. Ascites and splenomegaly were reported in 32% and 28% of the patients, respectively. Rectal, oral, and stomal variceal bleeding accounted for 62%, 16%, and 22% of the patients, respectively. Ectopic varices were mainly located in the duodenum (28%) and rectum (26%) regions. Complications affected 42% of the patients, re-bleeding in eleven and hepatic encephalopathy in seven. The follow-up lasted 12 months on average, and finally, 5 received a liver transplant. Mortality post-TIPS was 18%. Despite complications and a notable mortality rate, favorable outcomes were observed in almost half of the patients with ectopic variceal bleeding managed with TIPS. Further research is warranted to refine strategies and improve patient outcomes.

An Unusual Case of Isolated Duodenal Varices With Superior Mesenteric Vein Thrombosis

Duodenal varices usually occur due to portal hypertension and are rare causes of gastrointestinal tract bleeding. We report a unique case of a previously fit patient who presented with melena and was found to have isolated duodenal varices (DV) in the third part on esophagogastroduodenoscopy. No esophageal or gastric varices were noticed. The duodenal varices were successfully managed by endoscopic banding. A computerized tomography scan of the abdomen to further investigate the cause confirmed duodenal varices and revealed superior mesenteric vein thrombosis. The liver was normal with patent hepatic and portal veins. No evidence of thrombophilia was found. Apixaban was prescribed for superior mesenteric vein thrombosis and on follow-up. no further bleeding was reported.

Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration for treatment of portal hypertensive related varices

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) is becoming a more commonly used procedure to manage various complications of liver disease. It is important to understand the technique of the procedure, the indications for its use, and also potential associated complications.

RECENT FINDINGS

BRTO is superior to endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for bleeding gastric varices associated with a portosystemic shunt and should be considered a first line therapy in these patients. In addition, it has been shown to be useful in controlling ectopic variceal bleeding, improving portosystemic encephalopathy, and also in modulating blood flow in the post liver transplant setting. Modified versions of BRTO, plug assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration and coil assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration, have been developed to reduce procedure time and improve complication rates.

SUMMARY

As the use of BRTO expands in clinical practice it will be important for gastroenterologists and hepatologists to better understand the procedure. There are still many research questions left to answer regarding the use of BRTO in specific situations and for specific patient populations.

Endoscopic Cyanoacrylate Glue Injection for Duodenal Varices—A Single-Center Study

Aim/Objectives Duodenal varices (DVs), although rare, can present with massive, potentially fatal upper gastrointestinal bleeding; however, there are no randomized trials regarding management of this relatively uncommon presentation. We aim to report our experience with endoscopic cyanoacrylate glue injection in patients with DVs.

Materials and Methods We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of all patients with portal hypertension at our center between January 2010 and December 2021. Demographic characteristics along with the etiology, location, and effectiveness of cyanoacrylate glue injection for bleeding DVs were collected and analyzed.

Results A total of 5,892 patients with portal hypertension underwent endoscopy during the study period, of whom 41 patients (M:F = 29:12) with mean age of 38 years were noted to have DVs. While extrahepatic portal vein obstruction was the commonest etiology (n = 26), the most common site of DVs was the duodenal bulb (n = 21). Twenty-one (51%) out of these 41 patients presented primarily with DV bleeding and underwent endoscopic cyanoacrylate glue injection with successful hemostasis achieved of the index bleed; however, four of these 21 patients had rebleeding between 2 weeks and 12 months of follow-up requiring repeat endotherapy.. While three patients underwent successful repeat glue injections, one patient had recurrent massive bleedings, not amenable to endotherapy and was subjected to duodenal resection with surgical shunt procedure.

Conclusion While the prevalence of DVs in portal hypertension patients was 0.7% (41/5892), DVs accounted for 0.42% (21/4889) of portal hypertension-related bleedings. Endotherapy with cyanoacrylate glue appears to be a safe and cost-effective treatment for acute DV bleeding in a resource-limited setting.

Massive gastrointestinal bleeding due to ectopic varix in distal duodenum: a case report

Duodenal ectopic varices (DEV) are an uncommon etiology of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and are associated with high mortality. Both the diagnosis and management of DEV are challenging. Multiple treatment modalities exist including endoscopic guided management (ligation and sclerotherapy), surgical resection, transvenous obliteration and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), but management depends on the underlying vascular anatomy and underlying pathology. We present a case of a 41-year-old man with a history of an alcohol use disorder, prior splenic vein thrombosis as a complication of pancreatitis who presented with massive gastrointestinal bleeding, and was ultimately diagnosed with distal duodenal ectopic varix, which contained inflow from a medial branch of the superior mesenteric vein and outflow into the left renal vein. He was successfully treated with transjugular portosystemic shunt and coil embolization.

Effectiveness and safety of endoscopic treatment for duodenal variceal bleeding: a systematic review

Duodenal varix is a rare condition that involves massive bleeding, diagnostic difficulties, and a high rate of rebleeding and mortality. The purpose of this study was to systematically review endoscopic treatment for duodenal variceal bleeding to evaluate its effectiveness and safety. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library up to 21 November 2019. Ninety-two studies containing 156 patients were finally included, and individual data from 101 patients (mean age: 52.67 ± 13.82 years, male: 64.4%) were collected and further analyzed. We used an analysis of variance and χ2 or Fisher's exact tests to analyze individual data from 101 patients. The cause of duodenal variceal bleeding was cirrhosis-related intrahepatic portal hypertension (IPH) in 76.2% of patients. The overall rates of initial hemostasis and treatment success of endoscopic treatment for duodenal variceal bleeding were 89.1 and 81.2%, respectively. The median duration of follow-up was 4.5 (1.0, 12.0) months. The overall rates of rebleeding and mortality were 8.9 and 13.9%, respectively. Among a variety of endoscopic treatments available, only the initial hemostasis rate was significantly different between the endoscopic injection sclerotherapy and endoscopic tissue adhesive (ETA) groups (72.7 vs. 94.7%, P = 0.023); differences in treatment success, rebleeding, mortality, and adverse events were not statistically significant among the four groups. Endoscopic intervention is a feasible, well tolerated, and effective modality for the treatment of duodenal variceal bleeding. Among the variety of endoscopic treatments available, ETA with cyanoacrylate may be preferable for duodenal variceal bleeding.

Clinical characteristics and efficacy of endoscopic treatment of gastrointestinal ectopic varices: A single-center study

BACKGROUND

Ectopic varices (EcVs) may cause massive bleeding, which can be difficult to control, with a high rate of mortality. The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics of EcVs and the efficacy of endoscopic treatment.

METHODS

From January 2008 to July 2017, the clinical data of 150 patients with EcVs in our center were retrospectively collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty patients with EcVs (male 74.7%), with a mean age of: 54.1 ± 14.6 years were included. The prevalence of EcVs was 0.92% in gastrointestinal varices. Cirrhosis was the most common cause of EcVs (67.0%). The rates of bleeding were 57.14%, 4.34%, 30.0%, 33.3%, and 100% in the duodenal varices rectal varices, colonic varices, anastomotic varices, and small bowel varices, respectively. An age under 55 years, varices in the duodenum, and erythema were considered risk factors for EcV bleeding. Endoscopic treatments were performed in 15 patients with EcV bleeding. The follow-up period of the patients who underwent endoscopic treatment ranged from 0.5 to 24 months. The overall rate of treatment success was 73.33% for endoscopic treatment of EcV bleeding. The overall rates of rebleeding and mortality during 2 years were as high as 53.3% and 26.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Age, erythema, and the location of EcVs are considered risk factors for EcV bleeding, and the rate of bleeding is higher in patients with duodenal varices than in those with other EcVs. Endoscopic treatment is safe, effective, and feasible for controlling EcV bleeding.

Management options for rectal variceal bleeding in the setting of hepatic encephalopathy

Bleeding related to rectal varices associated with portal hypertension is rare but life-threatening, and requires prompt treatment. We reviewed the literature for patients with this complex presentation and current recommendations, and commented on a case at our institution of a 68-year-old man with Child-Pugh B alcoholic liver cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy who presented with profuse life-threatening rectal variceal bleeding. Treatment options for rectal varices in patients with hepatic encephalopathy were reviewed and a management algorithm was devised from current knowledge in the literature. We suggest endoscopic management, and if unsuccessful then to proceed to angioembolization and/or balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration, which may be used in conjunction with surgical management. The chosen therapeutic option may depend on the clinical condition of the patient, the cause of portal hypertension and clinical expertise or facilities available. Given that transjugular intra-hepatic portosystemic shunting is contraindicated in patients with hepatic encephalopathy, management of life-threatening rectal variceal bleeding should be multimodal.

Update on the management of gastrointestinal varices

Cirrhosis of liver is a major problem in the western world. Portal hypertension is a complication of cirrhosis and can lead to a myriad of pathology of which include the development of porto-systemic collaterals. Gastrointestinal varices are dilated submucosal veins, which often develop at sites near the formation of gastroesophageal collateral circulation. The incidence of varices is on the rise due to alcohol and obesity. The most significant complication of portal hypertension is life-threatening bleeding from gastrointestinal varices, which is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. In addition, this can cause a significant burden on the health care facility. Gastrointestinal varices can happen in esophagus, stomach or ectopic varices. There has been considerable progress made in the understanding of the natural history, pathophysiology and etiology of portal hypertension. Despite the development of endoscopic and medical treatments, early mortality due to variceal bleeding remains high due to significant illness of the patient. Recurrent variceal bleed is common and in some cases, there is refractory variceal bleed. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the management of gastrointestinal varices with an emphasis on endoscopic interventions, strategies to handle refractory variceal bleed and newer endoscopic treatment modalities. Early treatment and improved endoscopic techniques can help in improving morbidity and mortality.