Long-term Outcome of Recoverable stents for Budd-Chiari syndrome Complicated with Inferior Vena Cava Thrombosis

Survival and clinical success of endovascular intervention in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome: A systematic review

Budd-Chiari syndrome is a complex clinical disorder of hepatic venous outflow obstruction, originating from the accessory hepatic vein (HV), large HV, and suprahepatic inferior vena cava (IVC). This disorder includes both HV and IVC obstructions and hepatopathy. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of the survival rate and clinical success of different types of endovascular treatments for Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS). All participant studies were retrieved from four databases and selected according to the eligibility criteria for systematic review of patients with BCS. The survival rate, clinical success of endovascular treatments in BCS, and survival rates at 1 and 5 years of publication year were calculated accordingly. A total of 3398 patients underwent an endovascular operation; among them, 93.6% showed clinical improvement after initial endovascular treatment. The median clinical success rates for recanalization, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), and combined procedures were 51%, 17.50%, and 52.50%, respectively. The median survival rates at 1 and 5 years were 51% and 51% for recanalization, 17.50% and 16% for TIPS, and 52.50% and 49.50% for combined treatment, respectively. Based on the year of publication, the median survival rates at 1 and 5 years were 23.50% and 22.50% before 2000, 41% and 41% in 2000‒2005, 35% and 35% in 2006‒2010, 51% and 48.50% in 2010‒2015, and 56% and 55.50% after 2015, respectively. Our findings indicate that the median survival rate at 1 and 5 years of recanalization treatment is higher than that of TIPS treatment, and recanalization provides better clinical improvement. The publication year findings strongly suggest progressive improvements in interventional endovascular therapy for BCS. Thus, interventional therapy restoring the physiologic hepatic venous outflow of the liver can be considered as the treatment of choice for patients with BCS which is a physiological modification procedure.

Evaluation of outcome from endovascular therapy for Budd-Chiari syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This study was performed to evaluate the outcome of endovascular intervention therapy for Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) and compare recanalization, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)/direct intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (DIPS), and combined procedure treatment. For the meta-analysis, 71 studies were identified by searching four databases. The individual studies’ samples were used to calculate a confidence interval (CI 95%), and data were pooled using a fixed-effect model and random effect model. The pooled measure and an equal-weighted average rate were calculated in all participant studies. Heterogeneity between the studies was assessed with I², and T² tests, and publication bias was estimated using Egger’s regression test. A total of 4,407 BCS patients had undergone an endovascular intervention procedure. The pooled results were 98.9% (95% CI 97.8‒98.9%) for a technical success operation, and 96.9% (95% CI 94.9‒98.9%) for a clinical success operation. The re-intervention rate after the initial intervention procedure was 18.9% (95% CI 14.7‒22.9%), and the survival rates at 1 and 5 years after the initial intervention procedure were 98.9% (95% CI 96.8‒98.9%) and 94.9% (95% CI 92.9‒96.9%), respectively. Patients receiving recanalization treatment (98%) had a better prognosis than those with a combined procedure (95.6%) and TIPS/DIPS treatment (94.5%). The systematic review and meta-analysis further solidify the role of endovascular intervention treatment in BCS as safe and effective. It maintains high technical and clinical success and long-term survival rates. The recanalization treatment had a better prognosis and outcome than the combined procedures and TIPS/DIPS treatment.

Establishing a jugular-femoral venous route for recanalization of complicated inferior vena cava in Budd-Chiari Syndrome after transfemoral access failure

Recanalization of inferior vena cava (IVC) with complete obstruction, old thrombosis or long segmental stenosis/obstruction (complicated IVC) via transfemoral access may fail in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS). In this study, 34 consecutive patients with BCS underwent recanalization of complicated IVC occlusion via jugular-femoral venous (JFV) route establishment. BCS with complicated IVC was detected by reviewing preoperative color Doppler ultrasonography or computed tomography (CT) venography, and confirmed by intraoperative venography. Clinical data on technical success, complications, and follow-up outcomes were analyzed. Except for one patient received surgical repair of rupture IVC after recanalization, technical success of IVC recanalization was achieved in remaining 33 (97.1%) patients. No perioperative deaths was found. Three complications were observed during recanalization, for a complication rate of 8.8%. Bleeding of the femoral vein was observed in one patient, and two patients showed bleeding of IVC. The IVC lesion diameter and blood flow of the distal IVC increased significantly after the procedure. Twenty-four patients (77.4%) were clinically cured, and four patients (12.9%) showed clinical improvement. The 1-year, 3-year, 5-year primary patency rates were 85.9%, 76.4% and 70.0%, respectively. The 5-year secondary patency rate was 96.8%. There were three deaths during follow up, and the 5-year survival rate was 90.0%. In conclusion, JFV route establishment and angioplasty for complicated IVC is safe and effective for patients with BCS after transfemoral access failure.

Long-term outcomes of individualized interventional treatment for primary Budd-Chiari syndrome complicated by inferior vena cava thrombosis

BACKGROUND

Various endovascular treatments were used for Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) patients complicated by inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis. The best treatment for this disease remains unknown. To evaluate safety and efficacy of individualized interventional treatment for primary BCS with IVC thrombosis.

METHODS

Forty-seven consecutive patients with IVC involvement BCS complicated by IVC thrombosis between June 2002 and August 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. They were treated with individualized interventional treatment based on thrombus type and size. Agitation thrombolysis, transcatheter thrombus aspiration, and catheter-directed thrombolysis were initially used for fresh and mixed thrombus (n = 20), then stent implantation for compressing thrombus and IVC recanalization were performed according to the size of the residual thrombus. Direct balloon angioplasty was used for old thrombus (n = 27).

RESULTS

Median follow-up duration was 109 (5-223) months (average 114 ± 60 months). IVC recanalization were attempted in forty patients and failed in one. The technical successful rate of IVC recanalization was 97.5%. Thrombus was completely lysed in eight patients with fresh thrombus (40%, 8/20), partially lysed in 11 patients with mixed thrombus (55%, 11/20), and no response in one patient with mixed thrombus (5%, 1/20). Thrombolytic-related complications occurred in one patient (5%, 1/20). No symptomatic pulmonary embolism occurred. Among the 11 patients with thrombus partially lysed, five patients underwent stent implantation for compressing thrombus, six patients received conservative treatment. Old thrombus was completely lysed in 15 patients (55.6%, 15/27) during follow-up. Restenosis occurred in six patients (15.4%, 6/39). Primary patency rates at 1, 5, 10 and 15 years were 92, 92, 86 and 80%, respectively. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurred in four patients (8.5%, 4/47). One patient died of HCC. The survival rate was 97.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

The individualized interventional treatment based on thrombus type and size for primary BCS complicated by IVC thrombosis patients is safe and effective with long-term patency and survival.

Transcatheter stent implantation in a child with severe stenosis of the inferior caval vein secondary to injury

Stenosis of the Inferior Caval Vein is rarely encountered in the paediatric setting. A 5-year-old male sustained severe injuries secondary to a fall from a three story balcony and was subsequently found to have severe stenosis of the inferior caval vein resulting in extensive lymphatic drainage with chylothorax, chyloperitoneum, and severe abdominal ascites. This was successfully treated with transcatheter stent placement resulting in complete resolution of the stenosis and significant clinical improvement allowing for transfer to a rehabilitation centre and eventual discharge home.

Clinical outcomes of large diameter balloon angioplasty for Budd-Chiari syndrome with inferior vena cava involvement

OBJECTIVE

We compared the long-term outcomes of small and large diameter balloon angioplasty for Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) with inferior vena cava (IVC) involvement in a retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

Of 119 patients with BCS and IVC involvement, 23 had undergone small diameter balloon angioplasty (diameter, 14-20 mm; group A) and 96 had undergone large diameter balloon angioplasty (diameter, 24-30 mm; group B). The patients were considered cured clinically if the IVC was patent with no symptom or signs evident.

RESULTS

From January 2010 to December 2016, 119 BCS patients with IVC involvement had undergone balloon angioplasty, with angioplasty successful in all 119 patients. One patient died of pulmonary embolism after dilation in group A. Abdominal pain was the most common complication during dilation and was experienced by significantly more patients in group B (77.1%) than in group A (47.8%; P = .009). Of the 119 patients, 91 (76.5%) were considered cured, with significantly more patients in group B (82.3%) than in group A (52.2%; P = .005). The mean follow-up period was 41.3 ± 2.2 months. In group B, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year primary and secondary patency rates were 82.2% ± 4.2%, 69.8% ± 5.4%, and 54.0% ± 7.0% and 97.5% ± 1.7%, 92.5% ± 3.3%, and 90.2% ± 3.9%, respectively. The patency rates at all follow-up intervals were lower in group A than in group B. The clinical response rate in group B was also significantly greater than that in group A (96.9% vs 78.3%; P = .007). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 100%, 88.7% ± 7.6%, and 88.7% ± 7.6% and 96.5% ± 2.0%, 92.5% ± 3.0%, and 86.0% ± 5.4% in groups A and B, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Large diameter balloon angioplasty is safe and effective for BCS patients with IVC involvement, yielding better patency rates and long-term outcomes compared with small diameter balloon angioplasty.

Sequential interventional therapy for Budd-Chiari syndrome associated with fresh inferior vena cava thrombosis

OBJECTIVE

Our study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of sequential interventional therapy for Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) caused by obstruction of the inferior vena cava (IVC) with fresh thrombus in the IVC.

METHODS

Full medical records were obtained for 20 patients with BCS associated with fresh IVC thrombus who received sequential interventional therapy from 2014 to 2019 at our hospital. All patients underwent small-diameter percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) balloon catheter predilation combined with sequential catheter-directed thrombolysis and large-diameter PTA balloon dilation. Ultrasound examinations were performed at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and every 6 months thereafter. Therapeutic effects and perioperative and postoperative adverse effects were recorded to assess the safety of the treatment.

RESULTS

All 20 patients were treated with small PTA balloon catheters (diameter, 10-14 mm) to predilate the occlusive segment of the IVC. Urokinase 400,000 to 600,000 (465,000 ± 93,000) units was administered to patients through the catheter for 6 to 20 (9.7 ± 4.2) consecutive days postoperatively. Ultrasound re-examination showed that the IVC thrombus disappeared completely in 14 patients (70.0%), and a small amount of the old thrombus remained in 6 patients (30.0%). After thrombolysis, all 20 patients received PTA balloon dilation (diameter, 26-30 mm) in the stenosed IVC segment, and blood flow recovered subsequently. No pulmonary embolism or death occurred in the perioperative course. The perioperative survival rate was 100.0%.

CONCLUSIONS

Sequential interventional therapy for BCS associated with fresh IVC thrombus is safe and effective.

Inferior Vena Cava Reconstruction in Symptomatic Patients Using Palmaz Stents: A Retrospective Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND

The use of stents for treating central venous occlusion is well described. Limited evidence exists related to Palmaz balloon-expandable stent use in inferior vena cava (IVC) reconstruction. We analyzed patency and complication rates after IVC reconstruction using Palmaz stents.

METHODS

From 2002 to 2019, 37 patients (mean age: 51 year) underwent IVC reconstruction with 68 Palmaz stents. Indications were symptomatic chronic venous obstruction in the infrarenal (n = 25) and intrahepatic (n = 12) IVC. Demographic, operative, and imaging data were evaluated. Clinical data, abdominal CT, and/or duplex ultrasound were used to determine patency at follow-up.

RESULTS

Restoration of caval patency was achieved in all patients, with complications in 2/37 (5.4%) patients (thrombus formation within the stent; stent embolization eight days after placement). Follow-up data were available for 27 patients. Primary patency was maintained through last follow-up in 19/27 (70%) patients (mean: 1.1 year), with successful stent redilation performed in 6 patients. Mean duration of primary-assisted patency (n = 5) was 1.2 year. Late lumen loss was (n = 13) was 40% during a mean time to follow-up of 2.0 years. Primary patency in patients with occlusion secondary to malignancy was 109 day (range: 1 day-1.0 year), whereas primary patency in patients with occlusion from other etiologies was 1.1 year (range: 2 day-5.9 year). The Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated primary and primary-assisted patency of 66% and 84%, respectively, at 24 and 48 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Palmaz balloon-expandable stents for IVC reconstruction is feasible and effective for symptomatic IVC occlusion. Risk of stent migration was low.

Effectiveness and Postoperative Prognosis of Using Preopening and Staged Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty of the Inferior Vena Cava in Treating Budd-Chiari Syndrome Accompanied with Inferior Vena Cava Thrombosis

BACKGROUND

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a rare disorder that has relatively high prevalence in the Huang-Huai area of China. Effective treatment of BCS accompanied with inferior vena cava thrombosis is challenging.

OBJECTIVE

This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical effectiveness and safety of traditional open operations versus preopening and staged percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of the inferior vena cava in treating BCS accompanied with inferior vena cava thrombosis.

METHODS

Data from patients hospitalized and treated for BCS accompanied with inferior vena cava thrombosis between January 1997 and December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Thirty-two patients received traditional open operation (open group). Fifty-six patients received preopening and staged PTA of the inferior vena cava (PTA group). Baseline and clinical data were compared between groups. The patients were followed for up to 60 months. Postoperative recurrence rates and restenosis degree were recorded.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight patients were included (47 males and 41 females), aged 41.82 ± 10.12 years (range 29-65). In the open group, no pulmonary arterial embolism was found during and after the operation, and the technique success rate was 100%. One patient died of intrathoracic bleeding. In the PTA group, 2 patients had shifting of thrombus in the inferior vena cava that blocked the blood flow restored by the preopening, one resulted in treatment failure, while the other had blood flow restored by dilation with a 12-mm balloon; the success rate was 55/56 (98.21%). The median follow-up time was 32 months (range 3-60). Two patients in the open group developed restenosis 2 years after operation (recurrence rate: 6.25%), and were successfully treated by balloon PTA. Seven patients in the PTA group had severe restenosis 18-42 months after operation (recurrence rate: 12.96%). No thrombosis was found in these 7 patients, and normal blood flow was restored in the inferior vena cava after balloon PTA.

CONCLUSIONS

Preopening and staged PTA of the inferior vena cava is a safe and simple method for the treatment of BCS accompanied with inferior vena cava thrombosis, with satisfactory treatment effectiveness that could be applied in clinical practice.

Treatment of aortic thrombosis with retrievable stent filter and thrombolysis: a case report

Background

The retrievable stent filter (RSF) has been previously used for the treatment of vena cava thrombosis. In this study, the RSF was implanted to treat aortic thrombosis and then withdrawn.

Case presentation

A 47-years-old woman presented with severe abdominal pain and fever. Computed tomography showed massive mural thrombosis in the thoracic and abdominal aorta complicated by portal venous thrombosis. The RSF was implanted, a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt was established and a thrombolytic catheter was inserted for portal vein thrombolysis. The aortic thrombus was successfully compressed and fixed without thrombosis. After 15 days, abdominal pain had ceased, the abdominal aortic thrombus was mostly dissolved and the RSF was retrieved. Catheter angiography confirmed the recovery of portal vein thrombosis.

Conclusions

The RSF was able to compress and fix aortic thrombus without the usual complications of stenting after removal.