Percutaneous Transhepatic Thrombectomy and Pharmacologic Thrombolysis of Mesenteric Venous Thrombosis

Mesenteric venous thrombosis in a young adult: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Acute mesenteric vein thrombosis (MVT) accounts for only 2%-10% of all cases of acute mesenteric ischaemia, with an incidence rate of ~0.1% in Europe and the United States. It represents < 10% of mesenteric infarction cases and is seen predominantly in older adults. In younger individuals, MVT is uncommon, with 36% of cases having unidentified mechanisms and causes.

CASE SUMMARY

A 27-year-old man presented to the emergency department on February 29, 2024, with a chief complaint of intermittent abdominal pain for 3 day. He was previously in good health. As the abdominal pain was not alleviated by conventional treatment, an abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan was performed, which showed increased density in the portal and mesenteric veins. Further imaging, including portal vein ultrasound, mesenteric CT angiography, and enhanced abdominal CT, revealed widespread thrombosis of the portal vein system (including the main portal vein, left and right branches, proximal mesenteric vein, and splenic vein). After 10 day of thrombectomy and anticoagulation therapy, the patient's abdominal pain had improved significantly. Follow-up assessments indicated that portal venous blood flow had largely returned to normal. He was discharged on March 9, 2024. During a follow-up exam 2 months later, repeat abdominal enhanced CT showed that the previously detected thrombi were no longer visible.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians should remain vigilant for acute MVT in young patients presenting with abdominal pain, to prevent misdiagnosis of this fatal condition.

Percutaneous Transhepatic AngioJet-assisted Mechanical Thrombectomy for the Treatment of Post-Transplant Portal Vein Thrombosis: A Case Report

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is an uncommon but serious complication after liver transplantation (LT). Treatments for PVT include thrombolysis, surgical treatment or percutaneous intervention. We here report a case of PVT after LT successfully treated by an AngioJet device using the percutaneous transhepatic approach. A 36-year-old male presented with substantial thrombosis of the portal vein/superior mesenteric vein 2 years after a liver transplant. He was managed with an Angiojet thrombectomy and subsequent stent placement. This approach may be a safe and effective treatment for PVT in post-orthotopic LT patients.

t-PA power-pulse spray with rheolytic mechanical thrombectomy using cross-sectional image-guided portal vein access for single setting treatment of subacute superior mesenteric vein thrombosis

Background:

Isolated superior mesenteric vein (SMV) thrombosis is a rare but potentially fatal condition if untreated. Current treatments include transjugular or transhepatic approaches for rheolytic mechanical thrombectomy and subsequent infusions of thrombolytics. Tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) power-pulse spray can provide benefit in a single setting without thrombolytic infusions. Computed tomography (CT) guidance for portal vein access is underutilized in this setting.

Materials and Methods:

Case 1 discusses acute SMV thrombosis treated with rheolytic mechanical thrombectomy alone using ultrasound guidance for portal vein access. Case 2 discusses subacute SMV thrombosis treated with the addition of t-PA power-pulse spray to the rheolytic mechanical thrombectomy, using CT guidance for portal vein access.

Results:

With rheolytic mechanical thrombectomy alone, the patient in Case 1 had significant improvement in abdominal pain. Follow-up CT demonstrated no residual SMV thrombosis and the patient continued to do well in long-term follow-up. With the addition of t-PA power-pulse spray to rheolytic mechanical thrombectomy, the patient in Case 2 with subacute SMV thrombosis dramatically improved postprocedure with resolution of abdominal pain. Follow-up imaging demonstrated patency to the SMV and partial resolution of thrombus. The patient continued to do well at 2-year follow-up.

Conclusions:

Adding t-PA power-pulse spray to rheolytic mechanical thrombectomy can provide benefit in a single setting versus mechanical thrombectomy alone and prevent the need for subsequent infusions of thrombolytic therapy. CT guidance is a useful alternative of localization for portal vein access via the transhepatic route that is nonoperator-dependent and helpful in the case of obese patients.

Advances in diagnosis and treatment of portal venous thrombosis

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is one of the common complications of liver cirrhosis, which can further increase portal vein pressure and aggravate liver function decompensation. However, due to the insidious onset and atypical symptoms, the importance of PVT has been neglected in clinical work for quite a long time. With the development of clinical diagnostic technology, the detection rate of PVT has increased year by year. At present, the well-established treatment methods for PVT include anticoagulant therapy, interventional therapy, and surgical treatment. However, the optimal choice for PVT treatment remains unclear. In this paper, we briefly review the recent progress in the diagnosis and treatment of PVT in order to provide a theoretical reference for the refined clinical management of patients with PVT.

Portomesenteric Venous Complications after Pancreatic Surgery with Venous Reconstruction: Imaging and Intervention

Pancreatic surgery with en bloc venous resection and reconstruction is becoming increasingly common in the current era of expanding neoadjuvant oncologic therapies and advanced surgical techniques for patients with more anatomically complex tumors. However, patients who have alterations in their venous outflow are at increased risk for postoperative portomesenteric venous stenosis and/or thrombosis. Cross-sectional imaging for postoperative surveillance, including multiphase CT or MRI, is critical for recognizing portomesenteric venous complications and thus implementing early intervention and preventing complications related to portomesenteric venous hypertension. Hypertension-related complications include ascites, variceal or gastrointestinal bleeding, postprandial abdominal pain, intestinal edema, protein-losing enteropathy, malabsorptive diarrhea, and splenomegaly. Percutaneous transhepatic, transsplenic, and transjugular portomesenteric interventions, including venoplasty, stent placement, and thrombectomy or thrombolysis, are safe and effective options for restoring patency to the portomesenteric venous system. Preintervention CT or MRI and diagnostic catheter venography are important for procedural planning, while postintervention CT or MRI surveillance is critical for detecting recurrent stenosis or thrombosis, or de novo portomesenteric venous disease. Online supplemental material is available for this article. ^©RSNA, 2020.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in superior mesenteric vein thrombosis

Superior mesenteric vein thrombosis (SMVT) is an uncommon disorder with non-specific signs and symptoms, where missed catastrophic consequences often follow secondary to disease progression. This case report highlights an unusual complication of SMVT and presented alongside with literature review.

Percutaneous Pharmaco-Mechanical Thrombectomy of Acute Symptomatic Superior Mesenteric Vein Thrombosis

Purpose

To evaluate the safety and the efficacy of percutaneous pharmaco-mechanical thrombectomy (PPMT) of acute superior mesenteric vein (SMV) thrombosis.

Methods

A database of patients treated between 2011 and 2018 with acute venous mesenteric ischemia (VMI) was reviewed. VMI was diagnosed in the presence of SMV thrombosis and CT evidence of jejunal thickening. All patients presented with mild to moderate peritonism, which allowed surgery to be postponed. Initial treatment consisted of heparinization. PPMT was indicated in case of worsening abdominal pain despite anticoagulation and was performed via a transjugular or transhepatic approach, using a rotational aspiration thrombectomy catheter, followed by transcatheter thrombolysis. Clinical success was defined as symptoms resolution. Technical success was defined as patency of > 50% of SMV at venography and resolution of jejunal thickening. Patients were discharged on lifelong oral anticoagulation (INR 2.5–3.5). Follow-ups were performed using CT and color Doppler ultrasound.

Results

Population consisted of eight males, aged 37–81 (mean 56.5 years). Causes for thrombosis were investigated. Urokinase infusion time ranged from 48 to 72 h (3,840,000–5,760,000 IU). Clinical and technical success was obtained in all cases. One patient experienced bleeding from the superior epigastric artery and was treated with embolization. One patient died of multi-organ failure after 35 days, despite resolution of SMV thrombosis. In no case was surgery required after PPMT; mean hospitalization was 14.1 days (9–24). Mean follow-up of remaining seven patients was 37.7 months (12–84 months).

Conclusion

PPMT of acute SMV thrombosis seems safe and effective, with an 87.5% long-term survival rate and a 12.5% major complication rate.

Rescue from liver transplantation: TIPSS and thrombectomy successfully treat a case of acute Budd-Chiari syndrome complicated by portal vein thrombosis

We report the rare case of a female who presented with fulminant liver failure secondary to acute Budd-Chiari syndrome and complete portal vein thrombosis. She met the criterion for liver transplant and was transferred to our care for assessment and further management. Transplant was deemed a too-high risk and so rescue therapy was undertaken using mechanical thrombectomy and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt insertion to decompress the portal system. The patient made a full recovery. This is a rare case report of a patient meeting liver transplant criteria secondary to acute Budd-Chiari syndrome and complete portal vein thrombosis, which was managed successfully entirely by radiological means; this technique could be used to avoid or act as a bridge to liver transplantation in the future.

Acute superior mesenteric venous thrombosis: transcatheter thrombolysis and aspiration thrombectomy therapy by combined route of superior mesenteric vein and artery in eight patients

PURPOSE

To assess the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of catheter-directed thrombolysis and aspiration thrombectomy therapy by combined route of superior mesenteric vein and artery (SMV+SMA) for acute superior mesenteric venous thrombosis (ASMVT).

METHODS

This retrospective study reviewed eight ASMVT patients with transcatheter direct thrombolysis and aspiration thrombectomy therapy via SMV and indirect thrombolysis via SMA during a period of 14 months. The demographics, etiology, risk factors, therapeutic effect, complications, mortality, and follow-up of the study population were assessed. Anatomic and imaging classification of location and extent of thrombus at diagnosis and degree of thrombus lysis were described.

RESULTS

Technical success was achieved with substantial improvement in symptoms and thrombus resolution after thrombolytic therapy in all patients. The local urokinase infusion by SMA and SMV was performed for 5-7 (6.13 ± 0.83) and 7-15 (12 ± 2.51) days. Anticoagulation was performed catheter-directed and then orally throughout hospitalization and after discharge. Four patients required delayed localized bowel resection after thrombolytic therapy with no death. Thrombolytic therapy was not interrupted despite minor bleeding at the puncture site in two patients and sepsis in another two postoperatively. Nearly complete removal of thrombus was demonstrated by contrast-enhanced CT scan and portography before discharge. Patients were discharged in 10-27 (19.25 ± 4.89) days after admission. No recurrence developed during the follow-up of 10-13 (12.13 ± 0.99) months.

CONCLUSIONS

Catheter-directed thrombolytic and aspiration therapy via SMV+SMA is beneficial for ASMVT in avoiding patient death, efficient resolving thrombus, rapid improving symptoms, reversing extensive intestinal ischemia, averting bowel resection, or localizing infarcted bowel segment and preventing short bowel syndrome.

Mechanical thrombectomy-assisted thrombolysis for acute symptomatic portal and superior mesenteric venous thrombosis

Acute portal vein and mesenteric vein thrombosis (PVMVT) can cause acute mesenteric ischemia and be fatal with mortality rate of 37%-76%. Therefore, early diagnosis and prompt venous revascularization are warranted in patients with acute symptomatic PVMVT. Due to advances in catheter-directed treatment, endovascular treatment has been used for revascularization of affected vessels in PVMVT. We report two cases of symptomatic PVMVT treated successfully by transhepatic percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy-assisted thrombolysis.

Modern treatment of acute mesenteric ischaemia

BACKGROUND

Diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischaemia in the early stages is now possible with modern computed tomography (CT), using intravenous contrast enhancement and imaging in the arterial and/or portal venous phase. The availability of CT around the clock means that more patients with acute mesenteric ischaemia may be treated with urgent intestinal revascularization.

METHODS

This was a review of modern treatment strategies for acute mesenteric ischaemia.

RESULTS

Endovascular therapy has become an important alternative, especially in patients with acute thrombotic superior mesenteric artery (SMA) occlusion, where the occlusive lesion can be recanalized either antegradely from the femoral or brachial artery, or retrogradely from an exposed SMA after laparotomy, and stented. Aspiration embolectomy, thrombolysis and open surgical embolectomy, followed by on-table angiography, are the treatment options for embolic SMA occlusion. Endovascular therapy may be an option in the few patients with mesenteric venous thrombosis who do not respond to anticoagulation therapy. Laparotomy is needed to evaluate the extent and severity of visceral organ ischaemia, which is treated according to the principles of damage control surgery.

CONCLUSION

Modern treatment of acute mesenteric ischaemia involves a specialized approach that considers surgical and, increasingly, endovascular options for best outcomes.

Mesenteric ischemia

This article reviews the presentation, diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of the various forms of mesenteric ischemia, including acute and chronic ischemia. In addition, nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia and median arcuate ligament compressive syndrome are covered. The goals are to provide a structured and evidence-based framework for the evaluation and management of patients with these intestinal ischemia syndromes. Special attention is given to avoiding typical pitfalls in the diagnostic and treatment pathways. Operative techniques are also briefly discussed, including an evidence-based review of newer endovascular techniques.

Acute symptomatic mesenteric venous thrombosis: treatment by catheter-directed thrombolysis with transjugular intrahepatic route

Objective: To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of transjugular intrahepatic route aspiration thrombectomy and catheter-directed thrombolytic therapy in patients with acute superior mesenteric venous thrombosis. Materials and methods: During a period of 8 years, 12 patients with acute thrombosis of the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) were treated by transjugular intrahepatic approach. The mean age was 41.2 years. After access to the portal system via the transjugular approach, the pigtail catheter fragmentation of the thrombus, local urokinase injection, and manual aspiration thrombectomy were used for treatment of the SMV thrombosis initially, followed by continuous thrombolytic therapy via an indwelling infusion catheter in the SMV, which was performed for 2 to 6 days (4.2 ± 1.8 days). The adequacy of anticoagulation was performed during treatment, throughout hospitalization, and after discharge. Results: Technical success was achieved in all 12 patients. Substantial clinical improvement was seen in these patients after the procedure. Minor complications at the jugular puncture site were observed in 4 patients, but the thrombolytic therapy was not interrupted. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan before discharge demonstrated nearly complete disappearance of SMV thrombosis in all patients. The 12 patients were discharged 5–10 days (7.6 ± 2.0) after admission. Mean duration of follow-up after hospital discharge was 37.7 months, and no recurrent episodes of SMV thrombosis developed during that time period. Conclusion: Catheter-directed thrombus aspiration, mechanical fragmentation, and local thrombolytic infusion via the transjugular intrahepatic route is a safe and effective therapy for the management of patients with acute symptomatic SMV thrombosis.

Treatment of mesenteric vein thrombosis

Mesenteric vein thrombosis has a similar clinical course as arterial, although more prolonged. In the majority of cases conventional anticoagulant treatment should be used and is often successful. The duration should be at least 6 months. Thrombolysis has been used, both systemic and local, although only in small series. Surgery is indicated when there is peritonitis, when often bowel resection is necessary. Thrombectomy has been used infrequently.

Current status of organ transplantation in Japan and worldwide

Recent advances in immunosuppressant therapy have dramatically reduced the frequency of acute rejection of organ transplants. Subsequently, the short-term graft survival rate has been improved, and ABO blood type-incompatible and existing anti-HLA antibody-positive kidney transplantation has been enabled, which has increased the availability of living kidney donors. Japan has a unique history and strategies of liver transplantation (LT) for various liver diseases. The outcomes of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in Japan is comparable to that of deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) in Western countries despite the relatively short history of LT. The main disadvantage of LT in Japan is donor shortage mainly due to the small number of available deceased donors. There are some disadvantages with LDLT in autoimmune liver diseases because of the dependence on blood relative donors. The first brain-dead pancreas transplantation (PTx) was performed in 2000. Since that time, 42 brain-dead PTx, 2 non-heart beating PTx, and 14 living donor PTx had been performed by the end of 2007. One of the 44 recipients of deceased donor PTx died of unknown causes 11 months after transplantation. Although most of the deceased donors in Japan were marginal and their condition was not favorable, the results of these cases were comparable to those of Western countries. Fourteen intestinal transplantations (ITx) had been performed by the end of 2007 in four transplant centers. There were 3 deceased donor and 11 live donor transplants. The original diseases included short bowel syndrome (n = 6), intestinal function disorder (n = 6), and retransplantation (n = 2). The graft and patient survival rate are 60% and 69%, respectively. Eight recipients survived and stopped parenteral nutrition with full-functioning grafts. Amendment of the Japanese law for the utilization of deceased donors should increase the number available donors in the future.

Anesthetic management of acute mesenteric ischemia in elderly patients

Ischemic insult to the splanchnic vasculature can jeopardize bowel viability and lead to devastating consequences, including bowel necrosis and gangrene. Although acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) may occur at any age, the elderly are most commonly affected due to their higher incidence of underlying systemic pathology, most notably atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Treatment options include pharmacology-based actions, endovascular, and surgical interventions. AMI remains a life-threatening condition with a mortality rate of 60% to 80%, especially if intestinal infarction has occurred and surgical intervention becomes emergent. Early recognition and an aggressive therapeutic approach are essential if the usually poor outcome is to be improved. Anesthetic management is complex and must account for comorbid disease as well as the patient's presumptive acute deterioration. Blood pressure support typically involves careful, but often massive, fluid resuscitation and may also additionally require pharmacologic support.

Interventional treatment for symptomatic acute-subacute portal and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis

AIM: To summarize our methods and experience with interventional treatment for symptomatic acute-subacute portal vein and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis (PV-SMV) thrombosis.

METHODS: Forty-six patients (30 males, 16 females, aged 17-68 years) with symptomatic acute-subacute portal and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis were accurately diagnosed with Doppler ultrasound scans, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. They were treated with interventional therapy, including direct thrombolysis (26 cases through a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt; 6 through percutaneous transhepatic portal vein cannulation) and indirect thrombolysis (10 through the femoral artery to superior mesenteric artery catheterization; 4 through the radial artery to superior mesenteric artery catheterization).

RESULTS: The blood reperfusion of PV-SMV was achieved completely or partially in 34 patients 3-13 d after thrombolysis. In 11 patients there was no PV-SMV blood reperfusion but the number of collateral vessels increased significantly. Symptoms in these 45 patients were improved dramatically without severe operational complications. In 1 patient, the thrombi did not respond to the interventional treatment and resulted in intestinal necrosis, which required surgical treatment. In 3 patients with interventional treatment, thrombi re-formed 1, 3 and 4 mo after treatment. In these 3 patients, indirect PV-SMV thrombolysis was performed again and was successful.

CONCLUSION: Interventional treatment, including direct or indirect PV-SMV thrombolysis, is a safe and effective method for patients with symptomatic acute-subacute PV-SMV thrombosis.

Epidemiology, risk and prognostic factors in mesenteric venous thrombosis

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological reports on risk and prognostic factors in patients with mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT) are scarce.

METHODS

Patients with MVT were identified through the inpatient and autopsy registry between 2000 and 2006 at Malmö University Hospital.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients had MVT, diagnosed at autopsy in six. The highest incidence (11.3 per 100,000 person-years) was in the age category 70-79 years. Activated protein C resistance was present in 13 of 29 patients tested. D-dimer at admission was raised in all five patients tested. Multidetector row computed tomography (CT) in the portal venous phase was diagnostic in all 20 patients investigated, of whom 19 were managed conservatively. The median length of resected bowel in 12 patients who had surgery was 0.6 (range 0.1-2.2) m. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 20 percent; intestinal infarction (P = 0.046), treatment on a non-surgical ward (P = 0.001) and CT not done (P = 0.022) were associated with increased mortality. Cancer was independently associated with long-term mortality: hazard ratio 4.03, 95 percent confidence interval 1.03 to 15.85; P = 0.046.

CONCLUSION

Portal venous phase CT appeared sensitive in diagnosing MVT. As activated protein C resistance was a strong risk factor, lifelong anticoagulation should be considered.

Prognostic factors and treatment outcome in mesenteric vein thrombosis

BACKGROUND

Mesenteric vein thrombosis (MVT) can result in intestinal ischemia and is associated with high morbidity and mortality due in part to its frequent delay in diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment outcome of MVT.

METHODS

Hospital records and clinical data of all patients treated for MVT were reviewed during a recent 14-year period. Clinical outcome and factors affecting survival were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 68 patients were included in the study. Abdominal exploration was performed in 23 patients (34%), and second-look operation was necessary in 18 patients (26%). Three patients (4%) underwent unsuccessful operative mesenteric vein thrombectomy, whereas percutaneous transhepatic mesenteric thrombectomy was performed successfully in 3 patients (4%). The 30-day mortality rate was 20%. Forty-six of the 54 survivors were treated with long-term oral anticoagulation therapy. Actuarial survival at 2, 4, 6, and 10 years was 68%, 57%, 43%, and 22%, respectively. Risk factor analysis showed malignancy (P < .002), age >60 years (P < .005), cirrhosis (P < .02), symptom duration (P < .005), and bowel resection (P < .03) were associated with mortality. Logistic regression analysis showed age >60 years (odds ratio [OR], 3.64; P = .03), malignancy (OR, 3.88; P = .02), and prolonged symptom duration (OR, 5.62; P = .01) were independent predictors of mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

MVT is associated with significant mortality. Prompt diagnostic evaluation with computed tomography may reduce potential treatment delay. Underlying malignancy, advanced age, and prolonged symptom duration are predictive of poor outcome.