Treatment of gastric fundal varices by balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration

N-Butyl-cyanoacrylate-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration (NARTO) for gastric varices

We describe the usefulness of n-butyl-cyanoacrylate (nBCA)-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration (NARTO) for gastric varices in 3 consecutive patients. In all patients, balloon catheters were inserted into the gastrorenal shunt via the left renal vein. After injecting sclerosant into the gastric varix under balloon occlusion, nBCA was injected to the proximal side of the shunt, to completely embolize the shunt. NARTO is a simple technique to achieve stagnation of the injected sclerosant in gastric varices and to occlude a gastrorenal shunt. This procedure is also cost-effective, and may improve procedure time compared with original or modified balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy and gastropancreatic fold division: a less-invasive simplified technique of Hassab's procedure for refractory esophagogastric varices

Some patients with refractory esophagogastric varices require surgery, such as gastric devascularization and splenectomy (Hassab's procedure). However, these patients are at risk of perioperative morbidities when undergoing devascularization to develop collateral vessels. We performed a more simplified procedure, splenectomy, and en bloc gastropancreatic fold division (GPFD) with hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Four patients with refractory esophagogastric varices and portal hypertension underwent splenectomy and GPFD. We reviewed patients' perioperative laboratory and morphological data, operative variables, and postoperative outcomes. Esophagogastric varices improved in 3 (75%) of the 4 patients. In one patient, esophageal varices (F1RC0) were observed 3 years after surgery, but they required no treatment and only received follow-up. Treatment with splenectomy and GPFD is not only less invasive than Hassab's procedure but also provides effective outcomes for refractory esophagogastric varices.

Balloon-occlusion Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration Using Gadoteridol As an Alternative Contrast Agent in a Patient with Iodine Allergy

A 70-year-old woman with liver cirrhosis presented with gastric varices and recurrent hepatic encephalopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a splenorenal shunt, and balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) was indicated but could not be performed due to iodine allergy. We then performed B-RTO using gadoteridol, an MRI contrast medium, instead of iodine contrast and successfully occluded the shunt vessel. After the procedure, hepatic encephalopathy did not recur, and the size of the gastric varices was reduced. This experience may aid in the management of iodine-allergic patients requiring interventional radiological treatment.

Partial splenic embolization improved stomal varices in patient with decompensated liver cirrhosis: a case report

A 63-year-old man with decompensated liver cirrhosis was admitted for treatment of stomal hemorrhage. Eighteen months earlier, he was diagnosed with rectal and sigmoid colon cancer with multiple lymph node metastases, and he underwent colostomy surgery and postoperative chemotherapy. Sixteen months after the surgery, his stoma began to bleed repeatedly, and he required frequent blood transfusions. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed ectopic varices around the stoma. We considered surgical or endoscopic treatment; however, these approaches would have been technically difficult in this patient. The patient was treated with partial splenic embolization to improve thrombocytopenia and portal hypertension. After two-stage partial splenic embolization, the platelet counts increased, and the concentration of the liver fibrosis marker, Mac-2 binding protein, decreased. In addition, blood flow in the stomal varices decreased, with no recurrence of bleeding. This is a case of recurrent hemorrhage from stomal varices that was successfully treated with partial splenic embolization in a patient with liver cirrhosis. There are no guidelines for hemorrhage from ectopic varices. PSE may present potential utility as a treatment for ectopic variceal bleeding, such as stomal varices.

Diagnosis and management of ectopic varices in portal hypertension

Ectopic variceal bleeding is a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding that can occur in settings of cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic portal hypertension and is characterised by its development at locations remote from the oesophagus and stomach. Ectopic varices can be difficult to identify and access, and, although a relatively uncommon cause of portal hypertensive bleeding, can represent a difficult diagnostic and therapeutic challenge associated with considerable mortality. Low incidence and variance in variceal anatomy preclude large randomised controlled trials, and clinical practice is based on experience from case reports, case series, and specialist centre expertise. Optimisation of survival outcomes relies on understanding a patient's portal venous anatomy and functional hepatic reserve to guide timely and targeted endoscopic and endovascular interventions to facilitate the rapid control of ectopic variceal bleeding.

Antecubital vein approach of retrograde transvenous obliteration using a steerable triaxial system for portosystemic encephalopathy

We report a case of portosystemic encephalopathy treated by retrograde transvenous obliteration (RTO) with an antecubital vein approach using a steerable triaxial system. A 77-year-old female was referred to our department complaining of dizziness and tremor. Laboratory data showed hyperammonemia. Contrast-enhanced CT and 3D-CT reconstruction images demonstrated an inferior mesenteric vein (IMV)-left common iliac vein shunt and a splenorenal shunt. The former was treated as a responsible shunt. The spleen volume was 212 mL, and the liver volume was 757 mL; giving a spleen/liver volume ratio of 0.3. Partial splenic artery embolization (PSE) was employed to control portal venous pressure. The hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) changed from 13.2 to 9.6 mm Hg and the spleen/liver volume ratio improved from 0.3 to 0.2 by PSE. Two months after PSE, RTO with an antecubital vein approach using a steerable triaxial system was performed. HVPG changed to 12.5 mm Hg after RTO. Contrast-enhanced CT and 3D-CT reconstruction images 3 days after the procedure demonstrated the thrombus in the IMV-left common iliac vein shunt. We conclude that the antecubital vein approach using a steerable triaxial system is a feasible and minimally invasive technique in RTO for portosystemic shunts.

Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding Associated With Variceal Hemorrhoidal Disease in a Patient With Pan-Colonic Varices

Colonic varices are a rare condition primarily caused by portal hypertension associated with conditions such as cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Idiopathic cases are even rarer, with less than 50 cases with a pan-colonic affection reported in the literature. Males are more commonly affected, with an average age of 41 years. Colonic varices can involve the entire colon in idiopathic cases and are often familial. Gastrointestinal bleeding is the main symptom, ranging from mild to life-threatening. Diagnosis is typically made through colonoscopy, which reveals dilated bluish vascular tracts. Treatment involves fluid IV resuscitation and controlling hemorrhage through various methods such as endoscopic procedures. Correction of the underlying cause is essential in cases of portal hypertension. Recurrent or unstable cases may require colon resection. On this occasion, we present the case of a female patient who experienced profuse lower gastrointestinal bleeding. The patient's colonoscopy revealed the presence of varices throughout the entire length of the colon, with the only recent bleeding site being in the hemorrhoidal tissue. Therefore, a hemorrhoidectomy was performed to carry out an effective and less invasive therapeutic procedure than a colectomy with an excellent postoperative evolution.

Plug-assisted Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration-II for Gastric Varices: A Case Report

We present a case of gastric varices successfully treated with modified plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration. A 45-year-old male patient had isolated fundal gastric varices caused by alcoholic cirrhosis. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed that the gastric varices were drained mainly via the gastro-renal shunt. The gastric varices were treated via plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration using an IMPEDE vascular plug with a modified coil-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration-II procedure. There were no complications during the procedure, and an endoscopic examination 3 months after the procedure revealed that the gastric varices had disappeared. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the application of plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration-II using a newly designed IMPEDE vascular plug to avoid migration of the sclerosant.

Long-Term Prognosis and Related Factors in Patients with Cirrhosis Treated with Balloon-Occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration

INTRODUCTION

Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) was developed as an effective treatment for gastric varices in patients with cirrhosis. Because liver fibrosis in these patients is assumed to be advanced, their prognosis is expected to be poor. In this study, we investigated the prognosis and characteristics of the patients.

METHODS

We enrolled 55 consecutive patients with liver cirrhosis treated with BRTO between 2009 and 2021 at our department. To evaluate factors related to variceal recurrence and long-term prognosis, survival analysis was performed on 45 patients, excluding those who died within 1 month, had an unknown prognosis, or whose treatments were converted to other treatments.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up period of 2.3 years, esophageal varices recurred in 10 patients and could be treated endoscopically. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) was related to the variceal recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.27, 95% CI: 1.17-15.5, p = 0.028). The survival rate after the procedure at 1, 3, and 5 years was 94.2%, 74.0%, and 63.5%, respectively, and 10 patients died of hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 6), liver failure (n = 1), sepsis (n = 1), and unknown reasons (n = 2). The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) level was proved to be a significant poor prognostic factor (HR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93-0.99, p = 0.023). The comorbid hypertension (HTN) was the main cause of low eGFR, and HTN was also significantly related to survival (HR = 6.18, 95% CI: 1.57-24.3, p = 0.009). Most of the patients with HTN were treated with calcium channel blocker and/or angiotensin receptor blocker.

CONCLUSION

The clinical course of patients with cirrhosis treated with BRTO was dependent on the metabolic factors including renal function, comorbid HTN, and NASH.

Efficacy and Technical Feasibility of Plug-Assisted Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration of Gastric Varices via Pathways Other than the Gastrorenal Shunt

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and technical feasibility of plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration of gastric varices via pathways different from the typical gastrorenal shunt.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 130 patients who underwent plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration for gastric varices between 2013 and 2022. Eight patients underwent plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration via different pathways. We evaluated the types of portosystemic shunts in these patients, the procedure technical and clinical success rates, and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

In these eight patients (6 males, 2 females; mean age = 60 ± 6 years), the most common type of portosystemic shunt was a gastrocaval shunt (n = 7). Five patients had a gastrocaval shunt only; two had coexisting gastrocaval and gastrorenal shunts. One patient had a pericardiacophrenic shunt without a gastrorenal or gastrocaval shunt. The mean procedure time was 55 min. For patients with a gastrocaval shunt alone (n = 5), the mean procedure time was 40.8 min. The technical and clinical success rates were 100%. No major complication related to the procedure occurred. An initial follow-up computed tomography was performed within 2-3 weeks in all patients and revealed complete thrombosis of the gastric varices. Subsequent follow-up computed tomography (interval: 2-6 months) was performed in seven patients and showed complete disappearance of the gastric varices in all patients. During the follow-up period (range: 42 days-6.25 years), no patients experienced rebleeding or recurrence of gastric varices.

CONCLUSION

Plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration via alternative portosystemic shunts is effective and technically feasible in the treatment of gastric varices.

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.

Use of Balloon Occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (BRTO) for Treatment of Gastric Varices: A Narrative Review

Gastric Varices occur as a result of portal hypertension. Balloon Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (BRTO) is a modality for managing gastric varices. The ultimate goal of this review is to promote the broader adoption of BRTO in managing gastric varices and to promote further research to improve patient outcomes. Before this study, an electronic literature search was undertaken based on identified concepts, keywords, and other pertinent descriptions. Search databases were developed and included "Gastric varices" AND "BRTO" OR "intervention" OR "treatment" OR "procedure" OR "glue" OR "adhesive".  The databases selected and thoroughly searched were PubMed, Cochrane Library and ScienceDirect. Following the first search, 274 articles were found in total. By applying inclusion criteria of full-text articles and a period of fewer than five years, the database was reduced to 37 articles, which was then further filtered to include only articles on adults over 19 years old, leaving a total count of 17 articles. BRTO is a relatively simple procedure to perform once the essential skill is attained and helpful in both emergency and elective management of gastric varices. Its use still needs to be improved by the unavailability and lack of skills. However, there are side effects associated with BRTO as it causes elevation of portal hypertension, recurrent bleeding, hemoglobinuria and pain post procedure. This review emphasizes the need for further research in this field, focusing on refining patient selection criteria, improving the technical aspect of the procedure and enhancing long-term outcomes.

A combination of liver stiffness and international normalized ratio is an ideal prognostic predictor of portosystemic shunt occlusion in patients with portal hypertension

BACKGROUND

We previously reported liver stiffness (LS) as a prognostic predictor of portosystemic shunt (PSS) occlusion. This study aims to reinvestigate the predictive factors of the model for end-stage liver disease-sodium (MELD-Na) score amelioration following balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) and to evaluate the postoperative prognoses of patients with portal hypertension by using newly identified factors.

METHODS

Seventy-five patients who underwent BRTO between 2008 and 2021 were retrospectively enrolled. The MELD-Na scores were calculated preoperatively and one month postoperatively. We monitored long-term outcomes and analyzed postoperative survival.

RESULTS

At one month postoperatively, the MELD-Na score decreased in 46 (61.3%) patients. Univariate analyses revealed a significant association of the score amelioration with nine factors, including lower LS levels and a higher international normalized ratio (INR). A multivariate logistic regression analysis with receiver operating characteristic curve analyses identified preoperative LS levels and INR as significant independent predictors of the postoperative MELD-Na score amelioration, with optimal cutoffs of 28.1 kPa and 1.06, respectively. The combination of LS < 28.1 kPa and INR ≥ 1.06 showed a sensitivity and specificity of 84.8% and 75.9% for the prediction of the score amelioration, respectively. For the propensity score model, we matched 24 patients with similar age, sex, MELD-Na score, and concomitant hepatocellular carcinoma. Kaplan-Meier analysis determined significantly higher cumulative survival rates in patients with LS < 28.1 kPa and INR ≥ 1.06 than in other populations.

CONCLUSIONS

A combination of LS and INR can predict the MELD-Na score amelioration and prognosis improvement following PSS occlusion.

Emergency transileocolic vein obliteration for life-threatening bleeding from gastric varices

We report a case of life-threatening bleeding from gastric varices in a patient with alcoholic cirrhosis, which was treated by emergency transileocolic vein obliteration (TIO). A 46-year-old male with a massive hematemesis was transported to our hospital by ambulance. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography demonstrated large gastric varices. Temporary hemostasis using balloon tamponade was attempted, however, bleeding could not be controlled, and his vital signs were unstable despite massive blood transfusions. First, endoscopic treatment was attempted, but the visual field could not be secured due to massive bleeding. Therefore, emergency TIO under general anesthesia was attempted. After laparotomy, 5 Fr. sheath was inserted into the ileocolic vein. Posterior and left gastric veins, which were the blood supply routes of gastric varices, were identified and embolized using microcoils and a 50% glucose solution. Hemostasis was achieved and vital signs recovered. Three days after TIO, transjugular retrograde obliteration was attempted successfully to embolize the residual gastric varices. After the procedures, his condition improved. We conclude that emergency TIO is a useful rescue option for life-threatening bleeding from gastric varices if endoscopic treatment or balloon tamponade is ineffective.

Hepatic venous pressure gradient after balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration and liver stiffness measurement predict the prognosis of patients with gastric varices

BACKGROUND

Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) is a treatment option for patients with gastric varices (GVs). This study aimed to clarify the clinical significance of portal hypertension estimated by the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), subsequent exacerbation of esophageal varices (EVs), and prognosis of patients who underwent BRTO for GVs.

METHODS

Thirty-six patients with GVs treated with BRTO were enrolled in this study, and their HVPG was measured before (pre-HVPG) and on the day after BRTO (post-HVPG). After BRTO, patients were followed-up for a median interval of 24.5 (3-140) months. Clinical factors related to EVs exacerbation and prognosis after BRTO were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Post-HVPG increased compared to pre-HVPG in 21 out of 36 patients (58%), and post-HVPG was overall significantly higher compared to pre-HVPG (P = 0.009). During the observation period, 19 patients (53%) developed EVs exacerbation, and the cumulative EVs exacerbation rates at 1, 3 and 5 years after BRTO were 27%, 67%, and 73%, respectively. Pre-HVPG was not related to EVs exacerbation, although elevation of post-HVPG to ≥ 13 mmHg (P < 0.01) and high level of serum aspartate aminotransferase (P < 0.05) were significant independent risk factors for EVs exacerbation after BRTO. Fourteen patients (38.9%) died during the observation period. An elevated value of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) of ≥ 21 kPa was a significant independent risk factor for poor prognosis after BRTO (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

HVPG increases after BRTO. HVPG after BRTO has greater predictive ability for subsequent EVs exacerbation than HVPG before BRTO. LSM is a potential prognostic parameter in patients who undergo BRTO.

Plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration for the treatment of gastric variceal bleeding in absence of gastrorenal or gastrocaval shunt: A case report

RATINALE

Plug-assisted retrograde tansvenous obliteration (PARTO) is commonly used to treat gastric variceal bleeding. PARTO is typically performed via the gastrorenal shunt or gastrocaval shunt and there have been no reports of PARTO performed through the pericardial vein in cases of gastric varices in which there is no gastrorenal or gastrocaval shunt. Herein, we report a case of PARTO was performed to treat gastric variceal bleeding in a patient with a gastric varix without a gastrorenal or gastrocaval shunt.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 54-year-old man with alcoholic liver cirrhosis presented to the emergency room with hematemesis and melena. At presentation, the patient's blood pressure was 130/70 mm Hg and hemoglobin level was 10.1 g/dL.

DIAGNOSES

Computed tomography (CT) scan and endoscopic examination revealed a gastric varix at the gastric fundus.

INTERVENTIONS

PARTO was performed to treatment of gastric variceal bleeding via the pericardial vein.

OUTCOMES

The patient did not show any signs of variceal bleeding after the procedure, and follow-up CT at 3 weeks showed complete resolution of the gastric varix.

LESSONS

Although PARTO is technically difficult to perform through pathways other than the gastrorenal or gastrocaval shunt, it can be a beneficial alternative in cases in which other treatments fail or are not feasible.

Successful treatment of rectal varices with antegrade transvenous sclerotherapy via the splenorenal shunt from the transjugular approach

A 74-year-old patient presented with hematochezia and a history of liver cirrhosis with repeated bleeding from esophageal and rectal varices. Endoscopic examination revealed multiple rectal varices with positive red color signs. Ascites, severe portosystemic thrombosis and a splenorenal shunt were diagnosed on a contrast-enhanced dynamic computed tomography examination. From a transjugular approach, we circumvented thrombosed regions by maneuvering double balloon catheters through the shunt and dilated left colic marginal vein. We managed to successfully obliterate the varices.

Drastic Improvement in Hepatitis B/C Virus-induced Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis Treated by Total Management Consisting of Interventional Radiology, Endoscopy, and Pharmacotherapy

Recent advances in antiviral therapy have enabled control of the hepatitis virus; however, these do not completely eliminate the pathological condition of liver disease, and portal hypertension remains a clinical problem. We herein report a case of hepatitis B virus/hepatitis C virus (HBV/HCV)-induced decompensated liver cirrhosis for which total management consisting of interventional radiology and endoscopy, based on the evidence of our clinical studies, followed by antiviral therapy for co-infection with HBV and HCV was successful. This case clearly indicates the effective timing of total management, suggesting that it prolongs the vital prognosis in addition to improving the hepatic function.

Caution for living donor liver transplantation with congenital portosystemic shunt: a case report

Background

Congenital portosystemic shunt is an infrequent abnormal connection between the portal vascular system and the systemic circulation. Portosystemic shunts are common findings in patients with cirrhosis, causing gastroesophageal varices, hepatic encephalopathy, and others. However, there is no consensus or literature describing how to manage asymptomatic patients with portosystemic shunts and normal liver.

Case presentation

The patient was a 39-year-old female who underwent donor right hepatectomy for living donor liver transplantation. The patient was healthy by nature, however, developed hepatic encephalopathy after the surgery due to a development of portosystemic shunt. Portosystemic shunt stole portal blood flow, and imaging modalities revealed narrowing of the portal trunk, representing prolonged depletion of portal blood flow. Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) was performed for occlusion of the portosystemic shunt. B-RTO increased portal blood flow, and hepatic encephalopathy with hyperammonemia was successfully resolved without the outbreak of any other symptom of portal hypertension.

Conclusions

A congenital portosystemic shunt itself is not a contraindication for donor hepatectomy, but perioperative endovascular shunts occlusion or intraoperative ligature of these shunts should be considered.

Morphometric assessment of the left inferior phrenic vein in patients with portal hypertension

The left inferior phrenic vein (LIPV) is a major drainage vessel of gastric varices and serves as an important conduit in endovascular treatment for gastric varices. The narrowing of LIPV has been empirically demonstrated and sometimes hinders catheter insertion for the treatment of gastric varices. We herein investigated the morphology of narrowed LIPV in patients with portal hypertension. Venograms of LIPV on 25 patients with gastric varices (15 males; 10 females; age range, 45–79 years with a mean of 67 years) were retrospectively reviewed, the following four parameters were measured: the diameter of LIPV, the diameter of narrowed LIPV, the narrowing rate, and the distance to narrowed LIPV from the left renal vein. On all 25 venograms, a narrowing was detected just above the common trunk with the left adrenal vein. The diameter of LIPV was 9.0 ± 4.2 mm, the diameter of narrowed LIPV was 5.1 ± 2.3 mm, the narrowing rate was 40.6 ± 16.0%, and the distance to narrowed LIPV from the left renal vein was 20.0 ± 7.4 mm. This anatomical information about the narrowing of LIPV may contribute to the safe and efficacious treatment of gastric varices.

Efficacy of interventional radiology in the management of portal hypertension: A narrative review

Portal hypertension is associated with numerous adverse effects, including the formation of gastroesophageal varices and a portal vein general circulation shunt. Portal hypertension can lead to portal blood flow into the liver and a subsequent reduction in liver function. Clinical interventions can be hampered by a concurrent reduction in circulating platelets associated with increased splenic activity. Pharmaceutical interventions for the treatment of complications associated with portal hypertension have achieved various degrees of success. However, an effective therapeutic strategy for portal hypertension has not yet been established. A literature search was performed using "PubMed." Database between 1966 and January 2021 using the following keywords: portal hypertension, interventional radiology, balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration, transjugular retrograde obliteration of gastric varices, percutaneous transhepatic obliteration, partial splenic embolization, and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting. In this narrative review, we summarize the application of interventional radiology in patients with portal hypertension, including techniques for embolization of collateral veins and portal pressure reduction. These up-to-date interventional radiology techniques can be used to treat portal hypertension. The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, upon reasonable request.

Update on the management of gastric varices

Gastro-oesophageal varices are the major clinical manifestations of cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Although less frequent than oesophageal varices (EV), bleeding from gastric varices (GV) is generally more severe and associated with higher mortality and a greater risk to rebleed. According to Sarin's classification, GVs are categorized into four types based on their location within the stomach and relationship with EV. Currently, treatment options for the management of GV include beta-blockers, endoscopic band ligation, endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection, EUS-guided coil/cyanoacrylate injection, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts and balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration. The best treatment strategy of GV remains controversial because of the heterogeneity of GV, lack of high-quality data and suboptimal trial design of the studies available. The proper treatment algorithm may require adequate endoscopic and imaging evaluation by a multidisciplinary team with multiple treatment options available. This review describes the hemodynamic features of GV, pharmacological, endoscopic and interventional radiological treatment options for GV.

The skill qualification system for portal hypertension in Japan

Objectives

The diverse treatments available for portal hypertension require specialized knowledge of hemodynamics and include endoscopic treatments, interventional radiology (IVR), and surgery. The Japan Society for Portal Hypertension has developed the skill qualification system (SQS) for portal hypertension and began examination in 2014. Here, the status and validity of the judgment of the SQS examination were evaluated.

Methods

From 2014 to 2020, 79 applicants were evaluated by the SQS for portal hypertension. Each unedited video submitted as a candidate procedure was evaluated by two judges, and a grade of greater than 70% for the scoring items assessed by the judges was required to pass the examination. Inter‐rater agreement of success/failure between the two judges was investigated by the AC₁ coefficient.

Results

The results of two judges differed for 11 of the 79 videos (13.9%), and five applicants (6.3%) ultimately failed the examination. The percentages of total points received by the applicants with endoscopic treatments, IVR, and surgery were 87.3%, 79.4%, and 80.8%, respectively. There were significant differences in the percentages between endoscopic treatments and IVR (P = 0.0015). The AC₁ coefficients were 0.84 for the applicants overall, 0.93 for endoscopic treatments, 0.66 for IVR, and 0.72 for surgery. Similarly, there were significant differences in the AC₁ coefficient between endoscopic treatments and IVR (P = 0.021).

Conclusions

The SQS for portal hypertension of the Japan Society for Portal Hypertension showed high reliability for video assessments by the judges. This system may contribute to the spread and further development of safe and effective treatments for portal hypertension in Japan.

Liver and spleen stiffness on ultrasound elastography are predictors of the occurrence of esophagogastric varices after balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration

BACKGROUND

Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) is an effective treatment for gastric varices, but predictors associated with overall survival rate (OS) and occurrence of esophagogastric varices (EGV) have not yet been clarified. In this study, we clarified these predictors by performing ultrasound elastography and blood tests at various time points.

METHODS

A total of 34 patients were enrolled. The primary endpoint was to identify predictors associated with OS and EGV occurrence by univariate and multivariate analyses. Secondary endpoints were to extract the cutoff values for OS and EGV occurrence, and to clarify chronological changes in liver stiffness (LS), spleen stiffness (SS), spleen index (SI), and portal vein flow volume (PVF). Time points were set as before BRTO (Bf), and 1 day (D1), 7 days (D7), 1 month (1M), 3 months (3M), and 6 months (6M) after BRTO.

RESULTS

Albumin-bilirubin score Bf, fibrin-4 index change 6M, and branched chain amino acids tyrosine molar ratio (BTR) 1M were predictors of OS on univariate analysis (p = 0.021, 0.033, and 0.019, respectively) but were not extracted by multivariate analysis. The factors of LS 6M > 19.9 kPa and SS D7 > 21.7 kPa were predictors of the occurrence of EGV on multivariate analysis (p = 0.029 and 0.025, respectively). PVF significantly increased with time after BRTO.

CONCLUSION

Albumin-bilirubin score and BTR had the possibility to associated with OS, and the predictors of reduced occurrence of EGV were LS < 19.9 and SS < 21.7.

Long-term outcomes of patients with cirrhosis presenting with bleeding gastric varices

Aim

To establish a therapeutic strategy for cirrhosis patients with gastric variceal bleeding.

Methods

The outcomes of 137 patients with bleeding gastric varices were evaluated.

Results

The bleeding source was gastroesophageal varices (GOV) in 86 patients, and gastric fundal varices (FV) in 51 patients. The Child-Turcotte-Pugh classes were A, B, and C in 26, 79, and 32 patients, respectively; 34 patients (24.8%) had hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), of which 11 also had complicating portal venous tumor thrombosis (PVTT). Patients with GOV were treated by endoscopic variceal ligation or endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) with ethanolamine oleate, while those with FV were treated by EIS with cyanoacrylate; 29 patients with FV also underwent additional balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO). Hemostasis was successfully achieved in 136 patients (99.3%), and the cumulative 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year rebleeding rates were 18.1%, 30.8%, and 30.8%, respectively, in the patients with GOV, and 2.2%, 12.5% and 12.5%, respectively, in the patients with FV. The overall 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates were 79.7%, 71.5% and 64.4%, respectively, in the patients with GOV, and 91.0%, 76.9% and 59.5%, respectively, in the patients with FV. Multivariable analysis identified PVTT and alcoholic cirrhosis as a significant risk factor associated with rebleeding, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score and PVTT as significant factors associated with survival.

Conclusions

Endoscopic therapies with or without BRTO appeared to be useful therapeutic strategies to prevent rebleeding in patients with gastric variceal bleeding, and favorable outcomes were obtained, except in patients with underlying HCC associated with PVTT and/or severe liver damage.

Spontaneous portosystemic shunt diameter predicts liver function after balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration

Background and Aim

Recently, balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO), performed for spontaneous portosystemic shunts (SPSS), has been receiving attention as a measure to improve liver function in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension. However, it is unclear whether SPSS diameter is associated with changes in hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and liver function after BRTO.

Methods

In 34 cirrhotic patients receiving BRTO for hepatic encephalopathy/gastric varices, the association of SPSS diameter with liver function at baseline and 6 months after BRTO and the accompanying changes in HVPG were investigated.

Results

Patients had Child–Pugh (CP) scores of A/B/C (7/19/8), SPSS diameters of ≤10 mm/11–20 mm/<20 mm (8/21/5), and an average observation period of 3.2 (0.3–8.5) years. SPSS diameter was significantly associated with male sex, alcohol use, and values of albumin, prothrombin time (PT%), and NH₃ at baseline. Moreover, the SPSS diameter was significantly correlated with the changes in HVPG observed upon BRTO (r = 0.55, P = 0.005), and a large shunt diameter was significantly associated with a greater increase in HVPG. At 6 months, significant improvements in albumin, PT%, bilirubin, and NH₃ were observed overall, but the improvement was marked in those with larger shunt diameters if they had CP A/B.

Conclusion

SPSS diameter was strongly associated with liver function at baseline and after BRTO and also with changes in HVPG, indicating that SPSS diameter is an important predictor of BRTO outcome.

Left Gastric Vein Width Is an Important Risk Factor for Exacerbation of Esophageal Varices Post Balloon-Occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration for Gastric Varices in Cirrhotic Patients

Background and Objectives: Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) could be currently one of the best therapies for patients with gastric varices. This study examined the exacerbation rates for esophageal varices following BRTO for gastric varices in patients with hepatic cirrhosis. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 91 cirrhotic patients who underwent BRTO for gastric varices. In total, 50 patients were examined for exacerbation rates of esophageal varices following BRTO. Esophageal varices and their associated exacerbation were evaluated by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Patients were allocated into two groups according to the main inflow tract for gastric varices: (1) 36 patients in the left gastric vein (LGV) group with an LGV width of more than 3.55 mm, and (2) 14 patients in the non-LGV group who had short gastric vein or posterior gastric vein. Moreover, treatment outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. Results: LGV width (p < 0.01) was the major risk factor for the deterioration of esophageal varices post BRTO. In addition, LGV was the most common inflow tract, and the LGV group contained 74% (37/50) of patients. The exacerbation rates of esophageal varices at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years post BRTO were 40%, 62%, 65%, and 68%, respectively. The comparison of the exacerbation rates for esophageal varices following BRTO according to inflow tract showed that the exacerbation rates were significantly higher in the LGV group than those of the non-LGV group (p = 0.03). In more than half of the subjects, LGV was the main inflow tract for gastric varices, and this group experienced more frequent exacerbations of esophageal varices following BRTO compared to patients with different inflow tract sources. Conclusion: Careful attention should be paid to the LGV width when BRTO is performed for gastric varices.

Long-term outcomes of hemostatic therapy for variceal bleeding and the challenge pending in the post-direct-acting antivirals era

Background and study aims

This study evaluated the longterm outcomes of mainly endoscopic hemostatic therapy for gastrointestinal variceal bleeding and of the transition of hemostatic therapy.

Patients and methods

Among 1,163 patients treated for gastrointestinal varices between April 2006 and June 2020, a total of 125 patients who underwent emergency hemostatic therapy were enrolled. Survival rates and secondary evaluation points were analyzed. Additionally, patients were classified into two groups: the previous and latter term. Patients' background, therapeutic method, and treatment results were compared between the groups.

Results

94.4% had cirrhosis. The average Child-Pugh score was 8.90. Successful primary hemostasis rate was 98.4%, and 5.6% died within 2 weeks, all with a Child-Pugh score ≥9. The respective 1- and 5-year survival rates for Child-Pugh grade A/B were 81.3% and 55.4%, while those for Child-Pugh grade C were 58.1% and 17.8%. Child-Pugh grade C or hepatocellular carcinoma was significantly associated with poor prognosis. In total, 21.6% experienced variceal re-bleeding; 62.9% of these cases were triggered by continued alcohol consumption. There was no significant difference in survival between patients with and without variceal re-bleeding and in post-treatment survival between the previous and latter terms. In the latter term, the number of cases caused by continued alcohol consumption significantly increased.

Conclusions

Multidisciplinary treatment and continuation of proper management after hemostatic therapy for variceal bleeding are crucial. Continued alcohol consumption leads to variceal bleeding and re-bleeding; its proper management, including alcohol abstinence, is one of the major challenges left in the post-directacting antivirals era.

Plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration via gastrocaval shunt for the gastric variceal bleeding: A case report

RATIONALE

Most gastric varices at the fundus drain into the left renal vein via the gastrorenal shunt (80-85% of cases) or the inferior vena cava via the gastrocaval shunt (10-15%). Therefore, plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration (PARTO) is usually performed via a gastrorenal shunt. Here, we report a case of gastric varix treated with PARTO via a gastrocaval shunt.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 46-year-old woman with hepatitis B virus and liver cirrhosis visited the emergency room in our hospital with the main symptom of hematemesis and hematochezia.

DIAGNOSES

Endoscopy and computed tomography (CT) revealed a gastric varix and thrombotic-occluded transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) stent.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent PARTO via a gastrocaval shunt to manage gastric variceal bleeding after failed TIPS revision.

OUTCOMES

On CT, the gastric varix completely disappeared. The patient did not experience any additional bleeding events.

LESSONS

PARTO via a gastrocaval shunt is safe and effective.

Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration for gastric varices improves hepatic functional reserve in long-term follow-up

Background and Aim

Balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) has been widely adopted for the management of gastric fundal varices (GVs). There are a few reports that BRTO leads to the improvement of mid‐term and long‐term hepatic functional reserve (HFR). We retrospectively investigated the long‐term effect on HFR and prognosis among patients who had undergone BRTO for GVs.

Methods

This single‐center, retrospective study included 57successful patients out of 60 patients who underwent BRTO for GVs from December 2005 to September 2018. We examined the indicators of HFR (e.g., encephalopathy and ascites statuses, serum total bilirubin and albumin levels, % prothrombin time, and Child–Pugh and albumin–bilirubin [ALBI] scores) during 3 years of follow‐up after BRTO. We analyzed survival using the Kaplan–Meier method and identified the independent prognostic factors via multivariate analyses.

Results

GVs disappeared in all patients who were successfully treated by BRTO. At 3 years after BRTO, serum albumin levels were significantly elevated (from 3.3 to 4.0 g/dL, P = 0.008), while Child–Pugh and ALBI scores were significantly decreased (from 7.0 to 5.7, P = 0.043, and from −1.94 to −2.60, P = 0.006, respectively). The median survival time among all patients was 2207 days; the survival rates after BRTO were 87.0% at 1 year, 81.8% at 3 years, 67.3% at 5 years, and 44.1% at 10 years. Multivariate analyses revealed that ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and malignant neoplasms were independently associated with poor prognosis.

Conclusion

BRTO for GVs has a favorable effect on long‐term HFR.

Percutaneous transhepatic obliteration-related procedures for isolated gastric varices: experience of three cases

Percutaneous transhepatic obliteration (PTO) can facilitate antegrade embolization of variceal veins. We herein report three patients who underwent percutaneous transhepatic sclerotherapy (PTS) or percutaneous transportal outflow-vessel-occluded sclerotherapy (PTOS) for isolated gastric varices. PTS was performed in Cases 1 and 2, and PTOS was performed in Case 3. Technical success was achieved in all patients without a decline in liver function; however, lack of a therapeutic benefit with rupture of esophageal varices occurred in Case 3. Case 3 had a history of pylorus gastrectomy plus Billroth-I reconstruction for gastric cancer and multiple feeding veins existed. PTO-related procedures are good treatment options for isolated gastric varices, but clinicians should be aware of the risk of treatment failure, especially the cases which have multiple feeding veins.

Endoscopic Cyanoacrylate Injection Versus Balloon-Occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration for Prevention of Gastric Variceal Bleeding: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The optimal treatment for gastric varices (GVs) is a topic that remains open for study. This study compared the efficacy and safety of endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection and balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) to prevent rebleeding in patients with cirrhosis and GVs after primary hemostasis.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Patients with cirrhosis and history of bleeding from gastroesophageal varices type 2 or isolated gastric varices type 1 were randomized to cyanoacrylate injection (n = 32) or BRTO treatment (n = 32). Primary outcomes were gastric variceal rebleeding or all-cause rebleeding. Patient characteristics were well balanced between two groups. Mean follow-up time was 27.1 ± 12.0 months in a cyanoacrylate injection group and 27.6 ± 14.3 months in a BRTO group. Probability of gastric variceal rebleeding was higher in the cyanoacrylate injection group than in the BRTO group (P = 0.024). Probability of remaining free of all-cause rebleeding at 1 and 2 years for cyanoacrylate injection versus BRTO was 77% versus 96.3% and 65.2% versus 92.6% (P = 0.004). Survival rates, frequency of complications, and worsening of esophageal varices were similar in both groups. BRTO resulted in fewer hospitalizations, inpatient stays, and lower medical costs.

CONCLUSIONS

BRTO is more effective than cyanoacrylate injection in preventing rebleeding from GVs, with similar frequencies of complications and mortalities.

Anorectal emergencies: WSES-AAST guidelines

Anorectal emergencies comprise a wide variety of diseases that share common symptoms, i.e., anorectal pain or bleeding and might require immediate management. While most of the underlying conditions do not need inpatient management, some of them could be life-threatening and need prompt recognition and treatment. It is well known that an incorrect diagnosis is frequent for anorectal diseases and that a delayed diagnosis is related to an impaired outcome. This paper aims to improve the knowledge and the awareness on this specific topic and to provide a useful tool for every physician dealing with anorectal emergencies.The present guidelines have been developed according to the GRADE methodology. To create these guidelines, a panel of experts was designed and charged by the boards of the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) and American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) to perform a systematic review of the available literature and to provide evidence-based statements with immediate practical application. All the statements were presented and discussed during the WSES-AAST-WJES Consensus Conference on Anorectal Emergencies, and for each statement, a consensus among the WSES-AAST panel of experts was reached. We structured our work into seven main topics to cover the entire management of patients with anorectal emergencies and to provide an up-to-date, easy-to-use tool that can help physicians and surgeons during the decision-making process.

Portal Hypertension and Ascites: Patient-and Population-centered Clinical Practice Guidelines by the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver (AISF)

Portal hypertension and ascites are two crucial events in the natural history of liver cirrhosis, whose appearance marks a downward shift in the prognosis of the disease. Over the years, several international and national societies have issued clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of portal hypertension and ascites. The present document addresses the needs of an updated guidance on the clinical management of these conditions. Accordingly, the AISF Governing Board appointed a multi-disciplinary committee of experts for drafting an update of the most recent EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines. The aim of this work was to adapt the EASL recommendations to national regulations and resources, local circumstances and settings, infrastructure, and cost/benefit strategies to avoid duplication of efforts and optimize resource utilization. The committee defined the objectives, the key issues and retrieved the relevant evidence by performing a systematic review of the literature. Finally, the committee members (chosen on the basis of their specific expertise) identified the guidelines' key questions and developed them following the PICO format (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes). For each of the PICO questions, the systematic review of the literature was made on the most important scientific databases (Pubmed, Scopus, Embase).

Safety and efficacy of endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection in the management of gastric varices: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Bleeding from gastric varices is a catastrophic event and poses difficulty in management. The efficacy and safety of cyanoacrylate injection remain unclear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection in the management of gastric varices.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus databases, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews through November 2020 and manually reviewed the literature. Trial-specific risk ratios (RRs) were estimated and pooled using random-effect model meta-analysis.

RESULTS

We included seven randomized controlled trials (six for secondary prophylaxis and one for primary prophylaxis) at low risk of bias in which 126 deaths were reported among 583 patients with gastric varices. All studies reported the use of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate glue. Cyanoacrylate use was associated with significantly lower all-cause mortality (RR, 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.36-0.98; I2 = 41%) and rebleeding rate after hemostasis (RR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.35-0.68, I2 = 0%) compared with any other treatment approach not involving cyanoacrylate. When cyanoacrylate was compared with each individual treatment approach (propranolol only, band ligation, sclerotherapy with alcohol or ethanolamine), data comprised sparse limited comparative conclusions. The use of cyanoacrylate injection was not associated with an increase in serious adverse events. The quality of evidence is moderate, graded down due to the small number of events and wide CIs.

CONCLUSION

The use of endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection therapy for gastric varices may be associated with lower all-cause mortality and better hemostasis compared with other therapies.

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for Liver Cirrhosis 2020

The first edition of the clinical practice guidelines for liver cirrhosis was published in 2010, and the second edition was published in 2015 by the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology (JSGE). The revised third edition was recently published in 2020. This version has become a joint guideline by the JSGE and the Japan Society of Hepatology (JSH). In addition to the clinical questions (CQs), background questions (BQs) are new items for basic clinical knowledge, and future research questions (FRQs) are newly added clinically important items. Concerning the clinical treatment of liver cirrhosis, new findings have been reported over the past 5 years since the second edition. In this revision, we decided to match the international standards as much as possible by referring to the latest international guidelines. Newly developed agents for various complications have also made great progress. In comparison with the latest global guidelines, such as the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) and American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), we are introducing data based on the evidence for clinical practice in Japan. The flowchart for nutrition therapy was reviewed to be useful for daily medical care by referring to overseas guidelines. We also explain several clinically important items that have recently received focus and were not mentioned in the last editions. This digest version describes the issues related to the management of liver cirrhosis and several complications in clinical practice. The content begins with a diagnostic algorithm, the revised flowchart for nutritional therapy, and refracted ascites, which are of great importance to patients with cirrhosis. In addition to the updated antiviral therapy for hepatitis B and C liver cirrhosis, the latest treatments for non-viral cirrhosis, such as alcoholic steatohepatitis/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH/NASH) and autoimmune-related cirrhosis, are also described. It also covers the latest evidence regarding the diagnosis and treatment of liver cirrhosis complications, namely gastrointestinal bleeding, ascites, hepatorenal syndrome and acute kidney injury, hepatic encephalopathy, portal thrombus, sarcopenia, muscle cramp, thrombocytopenia, pruritus, hepatopulmonary syndrome, portopulmonary hypertension, and vitamin D deficiency, including BQ, CQ and FRQ. Finally, this guideline covers prognosis prediction and liver transplantation, especially focusing on several new findings since the last version. Since this revision is a joint guideline by both societies, the same content is published simultaneously in the official English journal of JSGE and JSH.

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for liver cirrhosis 2020

The first edition of the clinical practice guidelines for liver cirrhosis was published in 2010, and the second edition was published in 2015 by the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology (JSGE). The revised third edition was recently published in 2020. This version has become a joint guideline by the JSGE and the Japanese Society of Hepatology (JSH). In addition to the clinical questions (CQs), background questions (BQs) are new items for basic clinical knowledge, and future research questions (FRQs) are newly added clinically important items. Concerning the clinical treatment of liver cirrhosis, new findings have been reported over the past 5 years since the second edition. In this revision, we decided to match the international standards as much as possible by referring to the latest international guidelines. Newly developed agents for various complications have also made great progress. In comparison with the latest global guidelines, such as the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) and American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), we are introducing data based on the evidence for clinical practice in Japan. The flowchart for nutrition therapy was reviewed to be useful for daily medical care by referring to overseas guidelines. We also explain several clinically important items that have recently received focus and were not mentioned in the last editions. This digest version describes the issues related to the management of liver cirrhosis and several complications in clinical practice. The content begins with a diagnostic algorithm, the revised flowchart for nutritional therapy, and refracted ascites, which are of great importance to patients with cirrhosis. In addition to the updated antiviral therapy for hepatitis B and C liver cirrhosis, the latest treatments for non-viral cirrhosis, such as alcoholic steatohepatitis/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH/NASH) and autoimmune-related cirrhosis, are also described. It also covers the latest evidence regarding the diagnosis and treatment of liver cirrhosis complications, namely gastrointestinal bleeding, ascites, hepatorenal syndrome and acute kidney injury, hepatic encephalopathy, portal thrombus, sarcopenia, muscle cramp, thrombocytopenia, pruritus, hepatopulmonary syndrome, portopulmonary hypertension, and vitamin D deficiency, including BQ, CQ and FRQ. Finally, this guideline covers prognosis prediction and liver transplantation, especially focusing on several new findings since the last version. Since this revision is a joint guideline by both societies, the same content is published simultaneously in the official English journal of JSGE and JSH.

Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration for treatment of gastric varices

Rupture of gastric varices (GVs) can be fatal. Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO), as known as retrograde sclerotherapy, has been widely adopted for treatment of GVs because of its effectiveness, ability to cure, and utility in emergency and prophylactic treatment. Simplifying the route of blood flow from GVs to the gastrorenal shunt is important for the successful BRTO. This review outlines BRTO indications and contraindications, describes basic BRTO procedures and modifications, compares BRTO with other GVs treatments, and discusses various combination therapies. Combined BRTO and partial splenic embolization may prevent exacerbation of esophageal varices and shows promise as a treatment option.

Successful endoscopic submucosal dissection of early gastric cancer located on gastric varices after treatment with balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration

Gastric varices occur in patients with liver cirrhosis and cause major bleeding when they rupture. We report a case of an 80-year-old man with liver cirrhosis and chronic renal failure who was diagnosed with a gastric tumor located on gastric varices that had increased in size. The patient underwent balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) to control bleeding, and the gastric varices were eradicated. Two months after BRTO, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was performed, and en bloc resection was accomplished without severe intraoperative bleeding or complications during or after ESD. To our knowledge, this is the first report of successful treatment of early gastric cancer located on gastric varices by ESD in a patient with liver cirrhosis. Early gastric cancer located on gastric varices can be safely resected by performing BRTO prior to ESD.

Anatomy of Left Inferior Phrenic Vein in Patients Without Portal Hypertension

OBJECTIVE. The left inferior phrenic vein (LIPV) can be an origin of a gastrorenal shunt from gastric varices. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the angiographic anatomy of the LIPV, particularly anastomoses of the LIPV with the portal vein (PV). SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Of 240 patients with primary aldosteronism who underwent adrenal venous sampling from April 2011 to July 2019, 236 had normal liver and renal function and were included in this study. Of those patients, 214 had evaluable LIPV venography. The angiographic anatomy of the LIPV was classified as type 1 when the subdiaphragmatic transverse part of the LIPV could be visualized or as type 2 when it could not. Type 1 was subclassified into type 1a, which was defined as the transverse part of the LIPV connected with a single vein, or type 1b, which was defined as the transverse part of the LIPV connected with several veins via anastomoses. Type 2 LIPVs were subclassified into type 2a, in which the LIPV had an undeveloped vertical part; type 2b, in which the LIPV had backflow into systemic veins; or type 2c, in which the LIPV had a connection to the PV. The presence of an anastomosis with the PV was defined as the PV being visualizable on LIPV venography. RESULTS. Assessment of LIPV venography revealed type 1 in 71.5% (153/214) of patients, including type 1a (22.4%, 48/214) and type 1b (49.1%, 105/214). Type 2 LIPVs were observed in 28.5% (61/214) of patients, including types 2a (6.5%, 14/214), 2b (11.2%, 24/214), and 2c (10.7%, 23/214). An anastomosis of the LIPV with the PV was found in 28.0% (60/214) of patients, including 10.7% (23/214) with type 2c and 17.3% (37/214) with type 1 with a visible PV. The anastomoses of the LIPV with the PV were of various sizes. CONCLUSION. The angiographic anatomy of the LIPV varied and was commonly formed from several veins connected by anastomoses. An anastomosis between the LIPV and PV, which might be the origin of gastric varices, was found in 28.0% of patients.

AGA Clinical Practice Update on Management of Bleeding Gastric Varices: Expert Review

Management of bleeding gastric varices (GV) presents a unique challenge for patients with portal hypertension. Despite over thirty years of diagnostic and treatment advances standardized practices for bleeding GV are lacking and unsupported by adequate evidence. There are no definitive natural history studies to help with risk assessment or prospective clinical trials to guide clinical decision making. Available literature on the natural history and management of gastric varices consists of case series, restricted cohort studies, and a few small randomized trials, all of which have significant selection biases. This review summarizes the available data and recommendations based on expert opinion on how best to diagnose and manage bleeding from gastric varices. Table 1 summarizes our recommendations.

Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration of Gastric Varices using Sodium Tetradecyl Sulphate: Technical Considerations and Results from a Single Institution Retrospective Study

Introduction Retrograde transvenous obliteration (RTO) with the assistance of a balloon (BRTO) or a vascular plug (PARTO) is an established method for treating gastric varices (GVs) secondary to portal hypertension. Most of the available studies on RTO have used lipiodol along with sclerosing agents like ethanolamine oleate or sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS). We evaluated the safety and efficacy of RTO for treating GVs using STS as a sclerosant without lipiodol.

Materials and Methods Sixteen patients (nine men, age range 16–74 years) were included in this retrospective study. Twelve patients presented with acute bleeding, two with chronic bleeding, one with large varices without bleeding, and one with refractory hepatic encephalopathy (HE). BRTO was attempted in 14 patients and PARTO in 2 patients. The technical and clinical success and complications of RTO were studied.

Results The RTO procedure was technically successful in 14 (14/16, 87.5%) patients, with 13 (13/14, 93%) obtaining clinical success. One patient died due to the early recurrence of bleeding. Three patients had minor intraprocedural complications.

Conclusion Retrograde gastric variceal obliteration using STS is safe and technically feasible with high technical and clinical success and low complication rate.

Combined approach for embolization of otherwise unmanageable gastric varices

Background

This study aimed to determine the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of combined percutaneous transhepatic obliteration (PTO) and balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) therapy for the treatment of patients with high-risk bleeding gastric varices.

Methods

Ten patients were retrospectively reviewed. All the patients presented gastric varices, according to the Sarin classification, at high risk of bleeding, and not otherwise manageable. Patients with portal vein thrombosis were excluded. All patients were treated with a combination of PTO and BRTO. In all cases the gastric varices were embolized with glue, combined with coils or not, with an occlusion balloon inflated into the shunt. In 7 cases, embolization was immediate; in the remaining 3 the balloon remained inflated for 4 h and in 2 of them embolization of the shunt was required. Technical success was defined as complete obliteration of the gastric varices observed during a contrast-enhanced computed tomography study and endoscopy within 1 month following treatment. Clinical success was defined as absence of bleeding of gastric varices during the follow-up period. Major and minor complications during the follow up were recorded.

Results

Twelve sessions of combined PTO and BRTO procedures were performed in 10 patients; in 2 patients a new combined treatment was required during the follow up. Technical and clinical success was 100%. Neither major nor minor procedure-related complications were observed.

Conclusion

Combined PTO and BRTO therapy is safe and effective for the treatment of gastric varices that cannot be managed otherwise.

Successful retrograde transvenous obliteration for splenorenal shunts after liver ransplantation: Midterm results

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of Amplatzer-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration (RTO) in patients with splenorenal shunts (SRSs) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From August 2015 to March 2017, 5 patients received RTO at our center because of SRSs after OLT. The clinical features of the patients with SRSs included demographics, donor type, new-onset symptoms, liver function tests, imaging examinations, interventional examinations and treatments, and outcomes. The patients who received RTO were regularly monitored, and data were gathered before and after the procedures and compared using the paired-sample t test.

RESULTS

Percutaneous interventional management was successfully undertaken in all patients, and 5 Amplatzers and 2 stents were also implanted successfully in patients owing to portal vein (PV) stenosis. There were no procedure-related complications in these patients. In all 5 patients with SRSs, 2 weeks after the interventional therapy, the computed tomography findings showed that the splenic renal shunt vein was completely blocked. The mean blood pressure in the donor lateral PV and the mean blood flow velocity of the donor lateral PV after RTO were all improved significantly (p<0.05). It also suggested that all 5 patients with SRSs survived, with the primary graft functioning normally at the final follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Amplatzer-assisted RTO is a safe and effective treatment for SRSs after OLT. Considering the complexity of the diagnosis and treatment of SRSs in liver transplantation, this complication should be taken seriously.

Relevance of Spontaneous Portosystemic Shunts Detected with CT in Patients with Cirrhosis

Background Cirrhosis leads to portal hypertension and to the consequent formation of spontaneous portosystemic shunts (SPSSs), leading to complications related to the diversion of portal blood into the systemic circulation, which is called portosystemic shunt syndrome. Purpose To investigate the characteristics of patients with cirrhosis and an SPSS and secondarily to assess the prognostic impact of SPSSs on portal hypertension-related complications and transplant-free survival. Materials and Methods A retrospective database review of patients with cirrhosis (observed from March 2015 to July 2019) was performed to identify patients with CT imaging and outcomes data. For each patient, clinical and biochemical data were collected, and the presence, types, and sizes of SPSSs were investigated with CT. Patients were followed for a mean of 27.5 months ± 22.8. Multivariable logistic analysis was used to identify the clinical characteristics associated with the presence of SPSSs (any size) and presence of SPSSs 1 cm or larger. Competitive risk analysis (Fine and Gray model) was used to identify the association between SPSSs and complications and mortality. Results Two hundred twenty-two patients with cirrhosis (157 male, 65 female; mean age, 62 years ± 12 [standard deviation]) were evaluated. An SPSS was found in 141 of 222 patients (63.5%), and 40 of 222 (18%) had a shunt diameter of at least 1 cm. At presentation, variables independently associated with the presence of SPSSs (any size) were portal vein thrombosis (odds ratio, 5.5; P = .008) and Child-Pugh class C (odds ratio, 3.0; P = .03). Previous hepatic encephalopathy (odds ratio, 4.4; P = .001) and portal vein thrombosis (odds ratio, 5.3; P = .001) were the only variables associated with SPSSs larger than 1 cm. Patients with SPSSs of any size had higher mortality (subdistribution hazard ratio, 1.9; P < .001) and higher frequency of hepatic encephalopathy (subdistribution hazard ratio, 2.3; P = .023), gastrointestinal bleeding (subdistribution hazard ratio, 2.9; P = .039), and portal vein thrombosis (subdistribution hazard ratio, 7.6; P = .005). Conclusion The presence of spontaneous portosystemic shunts on CT images in patients with cirrhosis was associated with higher mortality and complications, including portal vein thrombosis, hepatic encephalopathy, and gastrointestinal bleeding. © RSNA, 2021 See also the editorial by Reeder in this issue.

The Promise of Percutaneous Transhepatic Variceal Embolization for Both Gastroesophageal and Ectopic Varices—An Australian Case Series

Purpose This article aims to report Australian experience of percutaneous transhepatic embolization of gastroesophageal and ectopic varices.

Method Eight consecutive patients (mean age 61.8 years, 7 men) who had undergone percutaneous transhepatic variceal embolization (PTVE) for variceal bleeding between October 2013 and February 2020 were analyzed. All patients were admitted from the emergency department. The following embolic materials were used—coils, Onyx 18 (Medtronic), and n-butyl cyanoacrylate plus lipiodol.

Results Post-PTVE, all eight patients demonstrated clinical and radiological improvement in the immediate postprocedure period (< 24 hours). Patients were followed for a mean of 44 ± 24 days postprocedure. Two patients were lost to follow-up. The postprocedure complications included rebleeding (n = 1), hepatic encephalopathy (n = 1), hemoperitoneum (n = 1), ileus (n = 1), and abdominal pain (n = 3).

Conclusion PTVE is an effective treatment option for patients with uncontrolled variceal bleeding (ectopic as well as gastroesophageal) especially when the traditional therapies such as transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts, endoscopic variceal ligation, and balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration are contraindicated or ineffective.

Efficacy and safety of combined endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection and balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous occlusion (BRTOcc) of gastrorenal shunts in patients with bleeding gastric fundal varices

Background

Endoscopic cyanoacrylate (glue) injection of fundal varices may result in life-threatening embolic adverse events through spontaneous gastrorenal shunts (GRSs). Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous occlusion (BRTOcc) of GRSs during cyanoacrylate injection may prevent serious systemic glue embolization through the shunt. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combined endoscopic–interventional radiologic (BRTOcc) approach for the treatment of bleeding fundal varices.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed the data of patients who underwent the combined procedure for acutely bleeding fundal varices between January 2010 and April 2018. Data were extracted for patient demographics, clinical and endoscopic findings, technical details, and adverse events of the endoscopic–BRTOcc approach and patient outcomes.

Results

We identified 30 patients (13 [43.3%] women; median age 58 [range, 25–92] years) with gastroesophageal varices type 2 (53.3%, 16/30) and isolated gastric varices type 1 (46.7%, 14/30) per Sarin classification, and median clinical and endoscopic follow-up of 151 (range, 4–2,513) days and 98 (range, 3–2,373) days, respectively. The median volume of octyl-cyanoacrylate: Lipiodol injected was 7 (range, 4–22) mL. Procedure-related adverse events occurred in three (10.0%) patients, including transient fever, non-life-threatening pulmonary glue embolism, and an injection-site ulcer bleed. Complete gastric variceal obturation was achieved in 18 of 21 patients (85.7%) at endoscopic follow-up. Delayed variceal rebleeding was confirmed in one patient (3.3%) and suspected in two patients (6.7%). Although no procedure-related deaths occurred, the overall mortality rate was 46.7%, primarily from liver-disease progression and co-morbidities.

Conclusion

The combined endoscopic–BRTOcc procedure is a relatively safe and effective technique for bleeding fundal varices, with a high rate of variceal obturation and a low rate of serious adverse events.