Budd-Chiari syndrome: current management options

Orthotopic Liver Transplantation for Budd-Chiari Syndrome: Observations from a 30-Year Liver Transplant Program

Background and objectives Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) refers to a complete thrombotic obstruction of the venous hepatic outflow tract due to various etiologies and constitutes a rare indication for ortothopic liver transplantation (LT). Few studies investigated long-term outcomes after LT for BCS. The aim of this study was to examine potential risk factors for late mortality and to evaluate long-term outcomes after LT for BCS. Materials and methods: 46 patients received an LT for BCS between 1989 and 2019 at the transplant center of the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin. We analyzed potential effects of disease etiology, vascular events, rejection, and immunosuppression on long-term survival after transplantation using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox logistic regression. Results: Of the 46 patients, 70% were female and 30% were male. Median age at the time of transplantation was 36 years. A total of 41 vascular events, including 26 thrombotic and 17 hemorrhagic incidents, occurred. The 1 year, the 5 year, the 10 year, and the 20 year survival rates were 87%, 83%, 76%, and 60%, respectively. By comparison, survival rates of the liver transplant cohort across all other indications at our center were slightly inferior with 85%, 75%, 65%, and 46%, respectively. In the study population, patients with myeloproliferative disorders showed worse outcomes compared to patients with other causes of BCS. Conclusion: Liver transplantation for BCS showed excellent results, even superior to those for other indications. Vascular events (i.e., thrombotic or hemorrhagic complications) did not have any prognostic value for overall mortality. Patients with myeloproliferative disorders seem to have a disadvantage in survival.

Retrospective comparative study of efficacy, safety and outcome of percutaneous intervention for Budd-Chiari syndrome patients with bilirubin less than 3 and 3-6 mg/dl

OBJECTIVE

Comparing the efficacy, safety and outcome of percutaneous intrervention for Budd-Chiari Syndrome (BCS) patients with bilirubin less than 3 and 3-6 mg dl^-1.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

188 BCS patients having serum bilirubin ≤6 mg dl^-1 and underwent percutaneous interventions were divided into two groups based on bilirubin level: 151 patients having bilirubin <3 mg dl^-1 were included in Group 1; and 37 patients having bilirubin 3-6 mg dl^-1 were included in Group 2. Both group were compare for technical success (successful recanalization of hepatic venous stenosis or creation of portocaval shunt with post-procedure gradient ≤5 mm of Hg), Safety (procedure-related mortality/morbidity or patient required transplantation) and outcome (resolution of clinical symptoms and survival).

RESULTS

Technical success was 94.7% in Group 1-89.1% in Group 2 with overall success rate was 93.6%. No significant differences observed between the two groups in regards to procedure related complication. Overall transplant-free survival at 1 and 5 years after intervention in both groups was 96.3 and 91.2% respectively. 1-year and 5-year survivals in Group 1 was 96.7%, and 93.1%, whereas Group 2 was 94.6 and 90.1% with no statically significantly difference between the two groups (p = 0.59). Percutaneous intervention results are good in patients having bilirubin up to 6 mg dl^-1, i.e. mild to moderate liver dysfunctions.

CONCLUSION

Technical success, survival and outcome of percutaneous intervention in BCS patients having serum bilirubin 3-6 mg dl^-1 was comparable to patients having bilirubin level <3 mg dl^-1.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

Percutaneous intervention treatment is suitable for treatment for symptomatic BCS patients having bilirubin up to 6 mg  dl^-1.

Is There Still a Role for Surgical Shunts in the Treatment of Budd-Chiari Syndrome? A 25-Year Experience

PURPOSE

To investigate the long-term results of shunt surgery in the treatment of Budd-Chiari Syndrome.

METHODS

Medical records of patients treated with Budd-Chiari Syndrome between 1993 and 2006 were reviewed.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients (26 female, 11 male) were identified, with a median age of 30 years (range 14-51). Median duration of symptoms was 3 months (range 1 month to 10 years). Twenty-five patients, all in acute or subacute stages of disease, were treated surgically. Constructed shunts were mesoatrial in 17, portocaval in five (one was converted from a failed portorenal shunt) and mesocaval in three. Median portal pressure decreased from 44 cm H₂O (range 31-55) to 20 cm H₂O (range 5-27). Seven patients (28%) died in the perioperative period. Eighteen patients (72%) were followed up for a median of 186 months (24-241 months). Seven patients died during follow-up, five due to reasons related to the underlying cause and treatment. Remaining 11 patients (61%) were alive at a median of 18 years (13-25 years) with patent shunts. One-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates in patients undergoing shunt surgery were 78%, 72%, and 66%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Portosystemic shunts may still be considered when expertise for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt or liver transplantation is not available.

Surgical Techniques and Long-term Outcomes of Living-donor Liver Transplantation With Inferior Vena Cava Replacement Using Atriocaval Synthetic Interposition Graft for Budd-Chiari Syndrome

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to describe our living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) surgical technique and its long-term patency for patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) and retrohepatic inferior vena cava (IVC) obstruction that extends up to the atrium.

BACKGROUND

From a technical perspective, LDLT for BCS with an IVC obstruction up to the right atrium is one of the most challenging surgical procedures. Consequently, the optimal surgical technique for patients with BCS has not yet been elucidated.

METHODS

A durable LDLT technique without piggy-back hepatectomy was designed using a large-caliber synthetic interposition vascular graft between the right atrium and the infrahepatic IVC for reconstructing the hepatic outflow tract in patients with BCS.

RESULTS

Between May 2006 and May 2017, 5 of 17 BCS patients who underwent LDLT required the described technique. All patients with a median follow-up of 10.5 years (range, 9.2-11.5 years) demonstrated the patent IVC grafts and no recurrence of BCS.

CONCLUSIONS

Our refined technique does not require unnecessary and dangerous dissection of the diseased IVC, and eliminates the residual suprahepatic vena cava with the possibility of BCS recurrence by connecting the graft to the healthy atrium.

Thrombotic Storm With Budd-Chiari Syndrome in a Pediatric Patient With Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic phenomena. Thrombotic storm defined by the development of multiple thrombi in multiple locations within a short period of time is a rare condition that is potentially life threatening. We present a 14-year-old adolescent boy with an ulcerative colitis flare complicated by Budd-Chiari syndrome and thrombotic storm.

Long Term Survival of Patients Undergoing TIPS in Budd-Chiari Syndrome

BACKGROUND

There has been significant improvement in understanding the etiology and management of Budd-Chiari Syndrome (BCS). Patients with chronic or acute-on-chronic BCS need radiological interventions in the form of angioplasty, hepatic vein/inferior vena cava stenting or Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS). Data regarding the long term follow up of patients undergoing TIPS is limited. We thus prospectively followed-up BCS patients who underwent TIPS at our center.

METHODS

This study included 42 patients with BCS who underwent TIPS with a covered stent between 2004 and 2014. We analyzed the etiology, symptoms, severity, laboratory parameters and imaging pre and post TIPS. All patients underwent surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma.

RESULTS

Patients demographics included 26 males and 16 females with a mean age of 40.5 years (19-68 years). The mean Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score of the entire cohort was 15.38 (range: 9-25). Thirty-four patients were grouped into Rotterdam Class 2 and remaining into Class 3. There was significant improvement in ascites, gastrointestinal bleed, renal function and transaminase levels post TIPS. There were 11 deaths over the follow-up period - 4 within one month, 2 within six months and the rest after 3 years following TIPS. Median duration from clinical presentation to TIPS was 2.1 weeks and median survival till follow-up was 45.5 months (0-130 months). 33/42 patients underwent TIPS prior to 2013, and their median survival till follow-up was 55 months. Six out of eleven deaths that occurred within six months post-TIPS were before 2006; when the technique of TIPS creation was evolving. The cumulative 1 year, 5 years and 10 years OLT-free survival was 86%, 81% and 76%, respectively. Two patients underwent a liver transplant at 4 and 7 years after TIPS.

CONCLUSION

Our results validate the role of TIPS in the management of patients with BCS. With the accessibility of TIPS, the requirement for liver transplantation has become rare.

Venous thrombosis in unusual sites: A practical review for the hematologist

Thrombosis of unusual venous sites encompasses a large part of consultative hematology and is encountered routinely by practicing hematologists. Contrary to the more commonly encountered lower extremity venous thrombosis and common cardiovascular disorders, the various thromboses outlined in this review have unique presentations, pathophysiology, workup, and treatments that all hematologists should be aware of. This review attempts to outline the most up to date literature on cerebral, retinal, upper extremity, hepatic, portal, splenic, mesenteric, and renal vein thrombosis, focusing on the incidence, pathophysiology, provoking factors, and current recommended treatments for each type of unusual thrombosis to provide a useful and practical review for the hematologist.

Living-Donor Liver Transplantation for Budd-Chiari Syndrome: Case Series

BACKGROUND

Venous reconstruction in living-donor liver transplantation for Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) has challenges because the grafts from living donors lack vena cava, and hepatic venous anastomosis must be performed on an already-thrombosed and/or stenosed inferior vena cava. Several techniques are described to overcome this problem, and we represent our experience with 22 patients.

METHODS

Medical recordings of 22 patients were retrospectively collected, and disease-specific data as well as recordings about surgical technique were analyzed.

RESULTS

Creation of a wide, triangular de novo orifice was the main method used for venous drainage, which was used in 19 patients. The remaining 3 patients had totally thrombosed vena cava; thus, direct anastomosis to the supra-hepatic portion of the vena cava was used in 2 patients and an anastomosis to the right atrium was used in 1 patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Venous reconstruction in BCS can be achieved without the use of patch-plasty, and the inferior vena cava can be safely resected in selected patients. Living-donor liver transplantation is a feasible option for the treatment of BCS, considering the scarcity of cavaderic donors.

Identification of differentially expressed genes in Budd‑Chiari syndrome by RNA‑sequencing

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is an uncommon disease characterized by the occlusion or obstruction of hepatic venous outflow. The mechanism of BCS is still unclear and there are no accurate and effective diagnostic or therapeutic tools. In the present study, blood samples from BCS patients and healthy controls were used for RNA-sequencing. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in BCS patients compared with healthy controls were identified. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis and Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) networks construction were performed for DEGs. A total of 405 DEGs including 317 upregulated and 88 downregulated DEGs were identified. The cytosol was the most significantly enriched GO term and the proteasome was also identified as significant enriched pathway. According to the PPI network of 30 DEGs (18 upregulated and 12 downregulated DEGs), synuclein α, tubulin β-2A class IIa and zinc finger protein Gfi-1b (GFIIB) were the three most significant hub proteins. In conclusion, several DEGs including secreted protein acidic and cysteine rich, lipocalin-2, GFI1B and proteasome-associated DEGs may be associated with the pathological process of BCS. These results can provide novel clues for the pathogenesis and provide novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for BCS.

Mesoatrial Shunt for Budd-Chiari Syndrome

BACKGROUND

The long-term efficacy of mesoatrial shunt (MAS) for Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is not well studied. The purpose of our study was to investigate the long-term outcome and efficacy of MAS for BCS.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 11 patients who underwent MAS for BCS from April 1986 to November 1995. Records of patients' clinical presentations, laboratorial investigation, Doppler duplex ultrasonography, radiologic image, and treatment outcomes were all retrieved and analyzed.

RESULTS

Follow-up intervals ranged from 1 year and 2 months to 30 years and 2 months (mean, 17 years and 8 months). Portal pressure decreased significantly from 35.72 ± 3.52 cm H₂O to 27.86 ± 5.83 cm H₂O post-MAS (P = 0.001). The 5-year, 10-year, and 20-year patency were 72.7%, 54.5%, 36.4%, respectively; 63.3% of patients had survived for more than 10 years and 45.5% for more than 20 years. A male has been alive with patent shunt for 28 years and 1 month.

CONCLUSIONS

The MAS with enforced rings is an effective therapeutic modality for BCS with cautious perioperative management.

Etiology and treatment of acute inferior vena cava thrombosis

Inferior vena cava thrombosis (IVCT) is a rare but severe disease that is associated with a high rate of mortality. IVCT can be categorized into primary versus secondary thrombosis dependent upon the underlying pathophysiology. The diagnosis includes both clinical probability assessment as well as the imaging evaluation. The optimal therapeutic strategy remains the target of continued research. Although anticoagulation therapy remains fundamental in treating IVCT, its inherent limitations have led to the use of minimally invasive, endovascular treatment options, including transcatheter thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy or a combination of these techniques. This review focuses on the etiology, diagnostic assessment, and endovascular treatment options for IVCT.

Long-term safety and outcome of percutaneous transhepatic venous balloon angioplasty for Budd-Chiari syndrome

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The restenosis following percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty (PTBA) is high for Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) patients with hepatic venous obstruction (HVO). We aim to evaluate the safety and long-term outcome of PTBA with a large balloon catheter in a large series of patients with HVO.

METHODS

Between January 2005 and December 2013, 93 consecutive BCS patients with HVO were referred for PTBA and subsequently underwent color Doppler ultrasonography or angiography follow-up. Data were retrospectively collected, and follow-up observations were performed at 1-, 2-, 2- to 5-, and 5- to 8-years postoperatively.

RESULTS

Percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty was technically successful in all patients. Ninety-one patients (97.85%) were treated with PTBA and two with PTBA and stent. Major procedure-related complications occurred in six of the 93 patients (6.45%). The cumulative 1-, 2-, 2- to 5-, and 5- to 8-year primary patency rates were 97.5%, 92.9%, 90%, and 86.5%, respectively. Cumulative 1-, 2-, 2- to 5-, and 5- to 8-year secondary patency rates were 100%, 100%, 98.6%, and 97.3%, respectively. Mean and median primary patency rates were 51.50 ± 3.01 months and 55.0 ± 3.63 months, respectively. Cumulative 1-, 2-, 2- to 5-, and 5- to 8-year survival rates were 98.75%, 98.6%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. Mean and median survival times were 53.10 ± 3.04 months and 55.0 ± 3.64 months, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty with a large balloon is a safe and effective treatment that could provide excellent rates of long-term patency and survival for the majority of Chinese patients with BCS and HVO.

Survival and prognostic indicators of Budd-Chiari syndrome: a systematic review of 79 studies

This paper aimed to systematically review the survival of Budd-Chiari syndrome and to identify the most robust prognostic predictors. Overall, 79 studies were included. According to the treatment modalities, the median 1-, 5- and 10-year survival rate was 93, 83 and 73% after interventional radiological treatment; 81, 75 and 72.5% after surgery other than liver transplantation; 82.5, 70.2 and 66.5% after liver transplantation and 68.1, 44.4% and unavailable after medical therapy alone. According to the publication years, the median 1-, 5- and 10-year survival rate was 68.6, 44.4% and unavailable before 1990; 75.1, 69.5 and 57% during the year 1991-1995; 77, 69.6 and 65.6% during the year 1996-2000; 86.5, 74 and 63.5% during the year 2001-2005 and 90, 82.5 and 72% after 2006. Bilirubin, creatinine and ascites were more frequently identified as significant prognostic factors in univariate analyses. But their statistical significance was less frequently achieved in multivariate analyses.

Assessment of surgical portosystemic shunts and associated complications: The diagnostic and therapeutic role of radiologists

Surgical portosystemic shunting, the formation of a vascular connection between the portal and systemic venous circulation, has been used as a treatment to reduce portal venous pressure. Although the use of portosystemic shunt surgery in the management of portal hypertension has declined during the past decade in favour of alternative therapies, and subsequently surgeons and radiologists became less familiar with the procedure, it remains a well-established treatment. Knowledge of different types of surgical portosystemic shunts, their pathophysiology and complications will help radiologists improve communication with surgeons and enhance their understanding of the diagnostic and therapeutic role of radiology in the assessment and management of these shunts. Optimal assessment of the shunt is essential to determine its patency and allow timely intervention. Both non-invasive and invasive imaging modalities complement each other in the evaluation of surgical portosystemic shunts. Interventional radiology plays an important role in the management of complications, such as shunt thrombosis and stenosis. This article describes the various types of surgical portosystemic shunts, explains the anatomy and pathophysiology of these shunts, illustrates the pearls and pitfalls of different imaging modalities in the assessment of these shunts and demonstrates the role of radiologists in the interventional management of complications.

New approach to dilation of stenotic lesions through the accessory hepatic vein in Budd-Chiari syndrome

We investigated a new approach to dilation of stenotic lesions through the femoral vein-accessory hepatic vein-intrahepatic communicating branched vein-hepatic vein-inferior vena cava loop in two cases of Budd-Chiari syndrome. For some selected patients, this approach represents an additional method to increase technical success and to decrease complications.

Budd-Chiari syndrome and liver transplantation

Budd-Chiari syndrome involves obstruction of hepatic venous outflow tracts at various levels from small hepatic veins to the inferior vena cava and is the result of thrombosis or its fibrous sequelae. There is a conspicuous difference in its etiology in the West and the East. Myeloproliferative disease predominates in the West and obstruction of the vena cava predominates in the East. The clinical presentation and clinical manifestations are so varied that it should be suspected in any patient with acute or chronic liver dysfunction. It should be treated with step-wise management. First-line therapy should be anticoagulation with medical treatment of the underlying illness, and interventional revascularization and TIPS are indicated in the event of a lack of response to medical therapy. Liver transplantation may be indicated as a rescue treatment or for fulminant cases with promising results. This step-by-step strategy has achieved a 5-year transplant-free survival rate of 70% and a 5-year overall survival rate of 90%. Living donor liver transplantation can also be used for patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome if deceased donor livers are scarce, but it requires a difficult procedure particularly with regard to venous outflow reconstruction.

An update on the diagnosis and management of Budd-Chiari syndrome

Budd-Chiari syndrome is a rare disorder caused by hepatic venous outflow obstruction and resulting hepatic dysfunction. Despite a lack of prospective randomized trials, much progress has been made in its management over the last 20 years. The main goals of treatment are to ameliorate hepatic congestion and prevent further thrombosis. The selective use of anticoagulation, vascular stents, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt and liver transplant has resulted in a significant increase in survival. The diagnosis, initial management and long-term follow-up of patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome is reviewed. The concept of individualization of treatment and a stepwise approach to invasive procedures is also discussed.

Hepatocellular carcinoma in Budd-Chiari syndrome: A single center experience with long-term follow-up in South Korea

AIM: To evaluate long-term clinical course of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) and predictive factors associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and survival.

METHODS: We analyzed 67 patients with BCS between June 1988 and May 2008. The diagnosis of BCS was confirmed by hepatic venous outflow obstruction shown on abdominal ultrasound sonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or venography. The median follow-up period was 103 ± 156 [interquartile range (IQR)] mo.

RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 47 ± 16 (IQR) years. At diagnosis, 54 patients had cirrhosis, 25 (37.3%) Child-Pugh class A, 23 (34.3%) Child-Pugh class B, and six (9.0%) patients Child-Pugh class C. During the follow-up period, HCC was developed in 17 patients, and the annual incidence of HCC in patients with BCS was 2.8%. Patients in HCC group (n = 17) had higher hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) than those in non-HCC group (n = 50) (21 ± 12 mmHg vs 14 ± 7 mmHg, P = 0.019). The survival rate of BCS patients was 86.2% for 5 years, 73.8% for 10 years, and 61.2% for 15 years. In patients with BCS and HCC, survival was 79% for 5 years, 43.1% for 10 years, and 21.5% for 15 years.

CONCLUSION: The incidence of HCC in patients with BCS was similar to that in patients with other etiologic cirrhosis in South Korea. The HVPG is expected to provide additional information for predicting HCC development in BCS patients.

[Portosystemic shunt surgery between TIPS and liver transplantation]

Portosystemic shunt surgery in addition to transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) insertion must still be regarded as a current treatment option for portomesenteric decompression in patients with pharmacological and endoscopic treatment failure, where liver transplantation is not imminent. This applies to secondary prophylaxis of rebleeding from varices in patients with well preserved liver function, e.g. liver cirrhosis CHILD A or extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis. Even if emergency endoscopy represents the treatment of choice in the acute bleeding situation, latest data from San Diego on emergency portacaval shunt surgery are encouraging. Likewise, portacaval shunt procedures can be an attractive alternative to TIPS or liver transplantation for acute Budd-Chiari syndrome or veno-occlusive disease.This article is an update on the systematics and methodology of portacaval shunt surgery, emphasizing the significance of this treatment option based on latest studies.

Inferior vena cava obstruction: long-term results of endovascular management

BACKGROUND

Hepatic venous outflow obstruction (HVOO) can have acute or chronic presentation. In the chronic variety of inferior vena cava (IVC) obstruction, endovascular management with balloon angioplasty and stent implantation has emerged as a feasible, safe alternative to surgery which has high incidence of mortality and morbidity.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To study the feasibility and long-term follow-up of endovascular management of chronic IVC obstruction.

METHODS

We studied 12 cases of HVOO who underwent endovascular management (balloon dilatation ± stenting). In most of the cases, the cause of obstruction was not obvious, but one case had metastatic hepatic nodules compressing on IVC. Diagnosis was established by clinical examination, venous Doppler and was confirmed by venography and/or computed tomography (CT) angiography. Cases underwent balloon dilatation and/or stenting.

RESULTS

Out of 12 cases, six had membranous obstruction (four complete and two incomplete), five cases had segmental stenosis and one case had tumour compression. The lesion was crossed with either guide wire or Brockenbrough needle with Mullins sheath assembly and balloon dilatation was done with Inoue or Mansfield balloon. Seven cases underwent balloon dilatation alone while five cases underwent stenting. There was procedural success in all cases with reduction of gradient by 84%, disappearance of collaterals and clinical improvement. During the follow-up of 13 years, one case had restenosis, which was managed by stenting.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular management of IVC obstruction is safe with good long-term patency rates.

Epidemiology of liver failure

The etiology of fulminant hepatitis varies in different countries and at different times. The main causes of fulminant hepatitis are viruses, paracetamol, drugs (other than paracetamol), poisons and 15-30% remained of undetermined origin. The prevalence of these etiologies varies according to the geographic region and has changed over the past 10 years. Paracetamol has now overtaken viruses (particularly hepatitis B virus) as the leading cause of fulminant hepatitis. Establishing the cause of fulminant hepatitis is an important step in the management of acute liver failure, so that specific therapy can be initiated and any contraindications to liver transplantation be eliminated.

Budd--Chiari syndrome caused by multiple membranous obstruction of the inferior vena cava in a young man

Membranous obstruction of the inferior vena cava is a frequent cause of Budd--Chiari syndrome in Eastern countries. The study reports the case of a young male patient with Budd--Chiari syndrome caused by extremely rare multiple membranous obstruction of inferior vena cava. A percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with stent placement was performed successfully, accompanied with satisfactory resolution of clinical symptoms and signs. The graft was reported to be patent 2 years postoperatively.

Surgical treatment of Budd-Chiari syndrome: analysis of 221 cases

BACKGROUND

Budd-Chiari syndrome (B-CS) refers to post-hepatic portal hypertension and/or inferior vena cava hypertension caused by obstruction of blood flow at the portal cardinal hepatic vein. The treatments of B-CS include operations on pathological membrane lesions, shunting and combined operations. Studies have shown that China, Japan, India and South Africa have a high incidence of B-CS. In China, the Yellow River Basin in Henan, Shandong, Jiangsu and Anhui Provinces also have a high incidence, around 10 per 100 000.

METHODS

The clinical data of 221 B-CS patients were analyzed retrospectively. We focused on pathological types, surgical methods, effectiveness and complications of treatment, and follow-up.

RESULTS

Based on imaging findings such as color ultrasonography, angiography or magnetic resonance angiography, the 221 patients were divided into 3 types (five subtypes): type Ia (72 patients), type Ib (20), type II (72), type IIIa (33), and type IIIb (24). Surgical procedures included balloon membranotomy with or without stent (65 patients), improved splenopneumopexy (18), radical resection of membrane and thrombus (17), inferior vena cava bypass [29, with cavocaval transflow (13) and cavoatrial transflow (16)], mesocaval shunt (41), splenocaval shunt (25), splenoatrial shunt (12), splenojugular shunt (6), and combined methods (8). The complication rate was 9.05% (20/221) and the perioperative death rate was 2.26% (5/221). All of the patients were followed up from 6 months to 5 years. The success rate was 84.6% (187/221), and the recurrence rate was 8.9% (9/101) and 13.5% (13/96) after 1- and 5-year follow-up, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The rational choice of surgical treatment based on B-CS pathological typing may increase the success rate and decrease the recurrence.

Vascular disorders of the liver: recommendations from the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver (AISF) ad hoc committee

This review summarizes the document elaborated by the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver (AISF) ad hoc committee "Vascular disorders of the liver" on the primary circulatory liver diseases, which include Budd-Chiari syndrome, obstruction of the hepatic portion of the inferior vena cava, portal vein thrombosis, sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (veno-occlusive disease) and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. A characteristic of the primary circulatory liver diseases is that portal hypertension usually precedes liver dysfunction. Significant overlap exists amongst the diseases and risk factors that predispose patients to the primary circulatory liver diseases, though the pathogenesis of individual diseases varies. Management of the different vascular disorders is very peculiar and often multidisciplinary and patients should be referred to a tertiary referral centre for optimal care.

Liver disease in pregnancy

This article briefly discusses gestational physiologic changes and thereafter reviews liver diseases during pregnancy, which are divided into 3 main categories. The first category includes conditions that are unique to pregnancy and generally resolve with the termination of pregnancy, the second category includes liver diseases that are not unique to the pregnant population but occur commonly or are severely affected by pregnancy, and the third category includes diseases that occur coincidentally with pregnancy and in patients with underlying chronic liver disease, with cirrhosis, or after liver transplant who become pregnant.

Outcome of non surgical hepatic decompression procedures in Egyptian patients with Budd-Chiari

AIM: To evaluate outcome of patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome after balloon angioplasty ± stenting or transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS).

METHODS: Twenty five patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome admitted to Ain Shams University Hospitals, Tropical Medicine Department were included. Twelve patients (48%) with short segment occlusion were candidates for angioplasty; with stenting in ten cases and without stenting in two. Thirteen patients (52%) had Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt. Patients were followed up for 12-32 mo.

RESULTS: Patency rate in patients who underwent angioplasty ± stenting was 83.3% at one year and at end of follow up. The need of revision was 41.6% with one year survival of 100%, dropped to 91.6% at end of follow up. In patients who had Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt, patency rate was 92.3% at one year, dropped to 84.6% at end of follow up. The need of revision was 38.4% with one year and end of follow up survival of 100%. Patients with patent shunts showed marked improvement compared to those with occluded shunts.

CONCLUSION: Morbidity and mortality following angioplasty ± stenting and TIPS are low with satisfactory outcome. Proper patient selection and management of shunt dysfunction are crucial in improvement.

Budd-Chiari syndrome: long term success via hepatic decompression using transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunt

Background

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) generally implies thrombosis of the hepatic veins and/or the intrahepatic or suprahepatic inferior vena cava. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, the anatomic location, the extent of the thrombotic process and the functional capacity of the liver. It can be divided into medical treatment including anticoagulation and thrombolysis, radiological procedures such as angioplasty and transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunt (TIPS) and surgical interventions including orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Controlled trials or reports on larger cohorts are limited due to rare disease frequency. The aim of this study was to report our single centre long term results of patients with BCS receiving one of three treatment options i.e. medication only, TIPS or OLT on an individually based decision of our local expert group.

Methods

20 patients with acute, subacute or chronic BCS were treated between 1988 and 2008. Clinical records were analysed with respect to underlying disease, therapeutic interventions, complications and overall outcome.

Results

16 women and 4 men with a mean age of 34 ± 12 years (range: 14-60 years) at time of diagnosis were included. Myeloproliferative disorders or a plasmatic coagulopathy were identified as underlying disease in 13 patients, in the other patients the cause of BCS remained unclear. 12 patients presented with an acute BCS, 8 with a subacute or chronic disease. 13 patients underwent TIPS, 4 patients OLT as initial therapy, 2 patients required only symptomatic therapy, and one patient died from liver failure before any specific treatment could be initiated. Eleven of 13 TIPS patients required 2.5 ± 2.4 revisions (range: 0-8). One patient died from his underlying hematologic disease. The residual 12 patients still have stable liver function not requiring OLT. All 4 patients who underwent OLT as initial treatment, required re-OLT due to thrombembolic complications of the graft. Survival in the TIPS group was 92.3% and in the OLT group 75% during a median follow-up of 4 and 11.5 years, respectively.

Conclusion

Our results confirm the role of TIPS in the management of patients with acute, subacute and chronic BCS. The limited number of patients with OLT does not allow to draw a meaningful conclusion. However, the underlying disease may generate major complications, a reason why OLT should be limited to patients who cannot be managed by TIPS.

Cancer emergencies: the acute abdomen

The most common complaints among patients with cancer who present to the emergency department are related to the gastrointestinal system, and 40% of these patients complain of abdominal pain. These presentations can stem from the underlying malignancy itself, treatment directed toward the disease, or the full range of pathologies present in a healthy population. Immunosuppression may blunt many of the findings one expects in a healthy population of patients, thus rendering the clinical exam less reliable in many patients with cancer. Moreover, the degree of immunosuppression shapes both the types of pathologies the clinician should consider and the rate at which the disease may progress. Understanding the limitations of physical examination, pathophysiology of disease, and the methods by which these diagnoses are established is of critical importance in this population. This article focuses specifically on patients with cancer who present with an acute abdomen, and it discusses how a concurrent malignancy can shape the differential diagnosis in these cases.

Diagnostic and interventional radiology for Budd-Chiari syndrome

Budd-Chiari syndrome is a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by hepatic venous outflow obstruction that involves one or more draining hepatic veins. Its occurrence in populations in the western hemisphere is commonly associated with hypercoagulative states. Clinical manifestations in many cases are nonspecific, and imaging may be critical for early diagnosis of venous obstruction and accurate assessment of the extent of disease. If Budd-Chiari syndrome is not treated promptly and appropriately, the outcome may be dismal. Comprehensive imaging evaluations, in combination with pathologic analyses and clinical testing, are essential for determining the severity of disease, stratifying risk, selecting the appropriate therapy, and objectively assessing the response. The main goal of treatment is to alleviate hepatic congestion, thereby improving hepatocyte function and allowing resolution of portal hypertension. Various medical, endovascular, and surgical treatment options are available. Percutaneous and endovascular procedures, when performed in properly selected patients, may be more effective than medical treatment methods for preserving liver function and arresting disease progression in the long term. In addition, such procedures are associated with lower morbidity and mortality than are open surgical techniques.

MDCT venography in the evaluation of inferior vena cava in Budd-Chiari syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To assess the role of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) venography in the evaluation of the inferior vena cava (IVC) in Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS), its accuracy as compared to digital subtraction venography (DSV) and the potential of this technique to replace venography for the definitive diagnosis of BCS.

METHODS

Twenty-five suspected cases of BCS were prospectively enrolled in this study and underwent both MDCT venography and DSV. Two observers independently evaluated and graded both the axial and reformatted MDCT images for the presence, site, degree and length of IVC narrowing. The collateral pathways and the hepatic veins were also assessed in all cases. The degree of correlation between MDCT venography and DSV was expressed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (Rs).

RESULTS

There was excellent correlation between MDCT venography and DSV in predicting the presence of stenosis and in grading the degree and length of IVC stenosis (Rs=0.58, p<0.05). Four patients had presence of a web within the IVC and the reconstructed MDCT venography images detected the flap of the membrane in all of them. In three cases of complete obstruction the cranial extent of the obstruction could be determined on the reconstructed MDCT venography images, while double catheter access through the femoral and jugular routes was needed to determine the same on DSV. MDCT venography was significantly more informative in depicting the presence and site of both intrahepatic and extrahepatic collaterals as compared to DSV.

CONCLUSION

MDCT venography, in the present study, accurately provided information of both conventional CT and IVCgraphy, in the evaluation of the IVC in a non-invasive way. It helped overcome the shortcomings of CT in the evaluation of IVC and was better than DSV for the evaluation of collaterals, calcification and complete IVC obstruction. We suggest that CT venography can be used as a frontline investigation for the diagnosis of IVC obstruction and for planning surgery or percutaneous endovascular intervention.

Vascular disorders of the liver

This guideline has been approved by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and represents the position of the association.

ABO-blood type incompatible living donor liver transplantation in a patient with Budd-Chiari Syndrome secondary to essential thrombocythemia

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) results from diverse causative factors. Myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs) including essential thrombocythemia (ET) account for a minority of BCS cases in Japan. ABO-blood-type incompatible living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in adults has become an acceptable procedure owing to the development of new strategies for preventing antibody-mediated rejection. This report presents a rare case of BCS secondary to ET, which was cured by an ABO-incompatible (AB to A) LDLT. In this case, prostaglandin E(1) and gabexate mesilate were administered into portal vein and rituximab prophylaxis was applied. No splenectomy was performed as it is in most ABO-incompatible cases, since a flow cytometry showed no anti-B antibodies in the splenocytes collected by a wedge biopsy during the LDLT. The postoperative course was uneventful. Anti-coagulation therapy was initiated with aspirin and warfarin instead of hydroxyurea. This report describes an ABO-incompatible LDLT without a splenectomy for BCS secondary to ET.

Mesoatrial shunt in Budd-Chiari syndrome

Background. Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) represents partial or total occlusion of the hepatic veins with or without simultaneous obstruction of vena cava inferior (VCI). The symptoms of BCS are abdominal pain, hepatomegaly, ascites, varices of the abdominal wall, sometimes bleeding from the upper part of gastointestinal tract (GIT), lower limbs swelling and jaundice. Primary BSC is a relatively rare condition occurring in one per 100 000 of the population worldwide. Case report. A male patient, 25-year-old, facing tooth postextraction complications, was presented with acute BCS. On admission, physical examination revealed pale-grayish complexion, more pronounced veins over the thorax and abdomen, ascites, enlarged liver rising 8 cm below the right costal arch and having a minor pleural effusion by the right side. The patient was submitted to Doppler sonography and computed tomography (CT) that verified the right leg deep veins thrombosis, as well as the presence of a thrombus in the intrahepatic portion of the VCI. Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) showed occlusion of hepatic veins (Budd-Chiari syndrome) and thrombosis of the VCI in the retrohepatic part 6 cm long. Also, increased values of transaminases and gamma GT and reduced values of albumines and serum ferrum were registered. Molecular examination revealed Factor V Leiden mutation - heterozygote. After preoperative preparations a mesocaval shunt was made using Gore- Tex ring graft of 12 mm. Intraoperatively, the blue enlarged liver was found with almost black zones of tense capsule. After a graft making, liver congestion decreased followed by the change of colour and volume. Within postoperative course metabolic and synthetic liver functions were obvious. Conclusion. In patients with BCS medicamentous treatment does not yield adequate results, but even causes worsening of general condition. Surgical therapy in the presented patient was performed timely regarding the stage of the disease due to which irreversible liver changes were prevented while decompression of the portal system provided time overbridging up to liver transplantation.

Liver transplantation with reconstruction of the inferior vena cava for hepatocarcinoma on chronic Budd-Chiari: a case report

Management of Budd-Chiari syndrome, from simple medical treatment to liver transplantation, depends on the acute and chronic evolution of the disease and on the degree of hepatic insufficiency. Herein we have reported the case of a man who underwent transplantation after evolution of a Budd-Chiari syndrome with membranous obstruction of the vena cava and developed 2 lesions of hepatocellular carcinoma. Surgery was difficult due to previous procedures requiring reconstruction of the supra-hepatic vena cava. This case emphasized the timing of liver transplantation versus other treatments to decrease the operative risk.

Celiac disease and myointimal proliferation: a possible correlation?

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder of the small bowel that occurs in genetically predisposed people of all ages, from middle infancy, and is caused by a reaction to gliadin, a gluten protein. Some patients are diagnosed with symptoms related to the decreased absorption of nutrients or with various symptoms which, although statistically linked, have no clear relationship with the malfunctioning bowel. Classic symptoms of CD include diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue; bowel symptoms may be limited or even absent. In this article we describe the case of a young woman with CD who presents with myointimal proliferation. However multiple cases of vessel thrombosis have been reported in patients with CD. Despite the fact that no definitive relationship between these diseases could be explained, we think this association must be remembered especially in cases of young and tenuous women with these vascular abnormalities.

Etiology and prognosis of fulminant hepatitis in adults

1. Establishing the cause of fulminant hepatitis is an important step in the management of acute liver failure, so that specific therapy can be initiated and any contraindications to liver transplantation can be eliminated. 2. The etiology of fulminant hepatitis varies in different countries and at different times. A viral etiology (in particular hepatitis B virus) is now less frequent, and paracetamol-induced fulminant hepatic failure is more common. 3. Many patients have miscellaneous causes of fulminant hepatitis. It is important to establish the main clinical and biological characteristics for specific management. 4. Assessment of the prognosis of fulminant hepatitis is important for distinguishing patients requiring liver transplantation from those whose will improve spontaneously. Prognosis depends on several factors, including the gold standard, the King's College Hospital criteria and Clichy's criteria.

Treatment of Budd-Chiari syndrome with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)

PURPOSE

This study was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in the treatment of patients affected by Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 1999 to December 2006, 15 patients (seven male and eight female subjects, age range 7-52 years) with BCS uncontrolled by medical therapy were treated with TIPS placement. In seven cases BCS was idiopathic, in four it was caused by myeloproliferative disorders and in four by other disorders. One patient also had portal vein thrombosis. In 5/15 cases TIPS was created through a transcaval approach. Eight patients (53.4%) received a bare stent, and seven (46.6%) received a stent graft. The follow-up lasted a median of 29.4 (range 3.2-68) months.

RESULTS

Technical success was achieved in all patients without major complications. TIPS was very effective in decreasing the portosystemic pressure gradient from 26.2+/-5.8 to 10+/-6.2 mmHg. All patients but two were alive at the time of writing. Acute leukaemia was the cause of the single early death and was unrelated to the procedure. The patient with portal vein thrombosis underwent thrombolysis before TIPS, but the vein occluded again after 3 weeks, and the patient died 6 months later. The other patients showed significant improvements in liver function, ascites and symptoms related to portal hypertension. Primary patency was 53.3%, and primary assisted patency was 93.3%. No patient required or was scheduled for liver transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

TIPS is an effective and safe treatment for BCS and may be considered a valuable alternative to traditional surgical portosystemic shunting or liver transplantation.

Hepatic disorders severely affected by pregnancy: medical and obstetric management

Hepatic disorders severely affected by pregnancy include choledochal cysts that can be compressed by the gravid uterus and potentially rupture; hepatic adenomas that exhibit accelerated growth because of hyperestrogenemia during pregnancy; acute intermittent porphyria that is exacerbated by increased female sex hormones during pregnancy; splenic artery aneurysms that can rupture during pregnancy because of compression by the gravid uterus; Budd-Chiari syndrome that is promoted by hyperestrogenemia; and hepatitis E and herpes simplex hepatitis that are particularly severe during pregnancy. Hepatic disorders unique to pregnancy include intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy; acute fatty liver of pregnancy; preeclampsia and eclampsia; and hemolysis, elevated liver function tests, and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome. Most disorders uniquely related to pregnancy are treated by prompt fetal delivery as soon as the fetus is sufficiently mature.

Eighteen years of liver transplantation experience in patients with advanced Budd-Chiari syndrome

The long-term results of liver transplantation for Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) and timely indication for the procedure are still under debate. Innovations in interventional therapy and better understanding of underlying diseases have improved therapy strategies. The aim of this study was the analysis of patient and disease characteristics, outcome, and specific complications. Between September 1988 and December 2006 we performed 42 orthotopic liver transplantations (OLTs) in 39 patients with BCS. A total of 29 (74%) women and 10 men (26%) had a median age of 35 years; the median follow-up period was 96 months. Etiologically, 27 patients had a preoperative diagnosis of hematologic disease, including myeloproliferative disorders (MPD), followed by factor V Leiden mutation and antiphospholipid syndrome. The actuarial 5-year and 10-year survival rates were 89.4% and 83.5%, respectively, compared to 80.7% and 71.4%, respectively, for other indications (n = 1742). Retransplantation was necessary in 3 patients (7.1%) with portal vein thrombosis or recurrent BCS. Although the number of bleeding events was similar, incidence of vascular complications was significantly higher in patients with BCS. Thrombosis of the portal vein was observed in 4.8% versus 0.8% of the patients, whereas liver veins were affected in 7.1% versus 0.2%. Our data shows that severe acute or chronic forms of BCS with liver failure can be successfully treated by OLT. Despite higher rates of vascular complications, patient and graft survival are similar or even better compared to other indication groups. In conclusion, patients with reversible hepatic damage should be treated by combined strategies, including medical therapy and surgical or interventional shunting.

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.

Changing spectrum of Budd-Chiari syndrome in India with special reference to non-surgical treatment

AIM: To evaluate patterns of obstruction, etiological spectrum and non-surgical treatment in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome in India.

METHODS: Forty-nine consecutive cases of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) were prospectively evaluated. All patients with refractory ascites or deteriorating liver function were, depending on morphology of inferior vena cava (IVC) and/or hepatic vein (HV) obstruction, triaged for radiological intervention, in addition to anticoagulation therapy. Asymptomatic patients, patients with diuretic-responsive ascites and stable liver function, and patients unwilling for surgical intervention were treated symptomatically with anticoagulation.

RESULTS: Mean duration of symptoms was 41.5 ± 11.2 (range = 1-240) mo. HV thrombosis (HVT) was present in 29 (59.1%), IVC thrombosis in eight (16.3%), membranous obstruction of IVC in two (4%) and both IVC-HV thrombosis in 10 (20.4%) cases. Of 35 cases tested for hypercoagulability, 27 (77.1%) were positive for one or more hypercoagulable states. Radiological intervention was technically successful in 37/38 (97.3%): IVC stenting in seven (18.9%), IVC balloon angioplasty in two (5.4%), combined IVC-HV stenting in two (5.4%), HV stenting in 11 (29.7%), transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in 13 (35.1%) and combined TIPS-IVC stenting in two (5.4%). Complications encountered in follow-up: death in five, re-stenosis of the stent in five (17.1%), hepatic encephalopathy in two and hepatocellular carcinoma in one patient. Of nine patients treated medically, two showed complete resolution of HVT.

CONCLUSION: In our series, HVT was the predominant cause of BCS. In the last five years with the availability of sophisticated tests for hypercoagulability, etiologies were defined in 85.7% of cases. Non-surgical management was successful in most cases.