Portal vein thrombosis in patients with COVID-19: A systematic review

Several studies have proven that COVID-19 is linked to a higher incidence of different thrombotic events. Thrombosis of the portal vein can result in portal hypertension and can extend to the mesenteric vein resulting in intestinal ischemia. A search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for relevant studies revealed an association between PVT and COVID-19. This review is structured according to PRISMA guidelines. Thirty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-nine case studies/series and four cohort/cross-sectional studies were included. Age at diagnosis was lower when compared to PVT due to cirrhosis. In cohort/cross-sectional studies, males comprised 54.83% of subjects, whereas in case reports/series, males comprised 62.1%. Obesity, asthma, hypertension, and diabetes were the most common comorbidities identified. The majority of the thrombotic events occurred within two weeks. The treatment aimed to prevent thrombus progression and improve recanalization. According to the evidence, early intervention prevents the poor prognosis of intestinal ischemia and its propagation.

TIPS for Adults Without Cirrhosis With Chronic Mesenteric Venous Thrombosis and EHPVO Refractory to Standard-of-Care Therapy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Extrahepatic portal vein occlusion (EHPVO) from portal vein thrombosis is a rare condition associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) for the treatment of chronic EHPVO, cavernomatosis, and mesenteric venous thrombosis in adults without cirrhosis who are refractory to standard-of-care therapy.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients with chronic EHPVO received TIPS. Laboratory parameters and follow-up were assessed at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, and every 6 months thereafter. Two hepatologists adjudicated symptom improvement attributable to mesenteric thrombosis and EHPVO before/after TIPS. Kaplan-Meier was used to assess primary and overall TIPS patency, assessing procedural success. Adverse events, radiation exposure, hospital length-of-stay and patency were recorded. Cavernoma was present in 100%, with TIPS being successful in all cases using splenic, mesenteric, and transhepatic approaches. Symptom improvement was noted in 26 of 30 (87%) at 6-month follow-up. Twelve patients (31%) experienced TIPS thrombosis. There were no significant long-term laboratory adverse events or deaths. At 36 months, freedom from primary TIPS thrombosis was 63%; following secondary interventions, overall patency was increased to 81%.

CONCLUSIONS

TIPS in chronic, noncirrhotic EHPVO with cavernomas and mesenteric venous thrombosis is technically feasible and does not adversely affect liver function. Most patients demonstrate subjective and objective benefit from TIPS. Improvement in patency rates are needed with proper timing of adjuvant anticoagulation.

Combination of modified Sugiura technique and proximal splenorenal shunt for the management of portal vein thrombosis in noncirrhotic portal hypertension

Background: Noncirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) is a condition when a high hepatic venous pressure gradient with preserved liver functions and the absence of parenchymal dysfunction. NCPH with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a rare condition. Surgery aims to reduce portal vein flow and alter portal vein circulation. Case: A male, 59 years old, complained of blackish stool in the last 2 weeks and enlarged abdomen. Physical examination revealed anemia and melena with splenomegaly and ascites. Laboratory findings were anemia, normal hepatobiliary function, and no liver infection. Abdominal Doppler ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography scan revealed ascites, splenomegaly, noncirrhotic liver, dilatation of portal vein, low portal vein peak velocity, and PVT. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed esophageal varices grade 3 with a positive red color sign and cardia stomach varices. We performed a modified Sugiura technique through the left subcostal incision and proximal splenorenal shunt. The procedures of the modified Sugiura technique are splenectomy, devascularization, transection, and end-to-end anastomosis of the lower esophagus above the gastroesophageal junction, devascularization of the upper 2/3 of the lesser and greater curvatures of the stomach, and pyloroplasty. Portal circulation alteration used the proximal splenorenal shunt with end-to-side anastomosis of the splenic vein to left renal vein. At the one-year follow-up after surgery, his physical condition was better and there was no sign of complications. Conclusion: Devascularization procedure using a modified Sugiura technique is useful to treat and avoid rupture of esophageal varices. Portal circulation alteration using the proximal splenorenal shunt is a good choice. The treatment in NCPH utilizing the combination of modified Sugiura technique and the proximal splenorenal shunt is proper without complication.

Endovascular Reconstruction of Extrahepatic Portal Vein in Noncirrhotic and Nonmalignant Chronic Portal Vein Thrombosis Secondary to an Iatrogenic Stenotic Lesion

Portal vein (PV) thrombosis (PVT) in the absence of liver disease or thrombophilia is rare. We report a 57-year-old male with a history of stage 3 chronic kidney disease who presented at the emergency department 18 months after abdominal surgery with progressive abdominal pain and distention. Computed tomography revealed PVT with multiple collaterals and moderate ascites. He had undergone partial gastrectomy and gastrojejunal anastomosis at an outside facility for gastrointestinal stromal tumors that caused an iatrogenic stenotic lesion in the PV. The patient underwent balloon angioplasty and endovascular deployment of an 8 mm × 100 mm Viabahn covered stent (W. L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, Arizona) in the extrahepatic PV via a transhepatic approach; the device allowed complete restoration of prograde portal flow with clinical improvement. At 6 months from the intervention, he remains symptom-free with normal liver function tests and patent endoprosthesis on antiplatelet therapy.