Comparison of Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt in the Treatment of Cirrhosis With or Without Portal Vein Thrombosis: A Retrospective Study

Portal vein thrombosis in cirrhosis: A literature review

Portal Vein Thrombosis (PVT), a common complication of advanced liver disease, is defined as an obstruction of the portal vein due to thrombus formation that can extend to the superior mesenteric and splenic veins. It was believed that PVT occurred predominantly due to prothrombotic potential. However, recent studies have shown that decreased blood flow related to portal hypertension appears to increase PVT risk as per Virchow's triad. It is well known that there is a higher incidence of PVTs in cirrhosis with a higher MELD and Child Pugh score. The controversy for management of PVTs in cirrhotics lies in the individualized assessment of risks versus benefits of anticoagulation, since these patients have a complex hemostatic profile with both bleeding and procoagulant propensities. In this review, we will systematically compile the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, and management of portal vein thrombosis in cirrhosis.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for portal hypertension: 30 years experience from China

Liver diseases are a major cause of illness and death worldwide. In China, liver diseases, primarily viral hepatitis, affect approximately 300 million people, thus having a major impact on the global burden of liver diseases. Portal hypertension is the most severe complication of chronic liver diseases, including ascites, hepatic encephalopathy and bleeding from gastroesophageal varices. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) represents a very effective treatment of these complications. Since its introduction 30 years ago in China, the use of TIPS has evolved and has played an increasingly important role in the management of the complications of portal hypertension. This review will focus on the history, current application and management of complications of TIPS in China.

Efficacy and safety of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for the treatment of schistosomiasis-induced portal hypertension: a retrospective case series

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in the treatment of portal hypertension caused by schistosomiasis.

METHODS

This study included 43 patients with schistosomiasis-induced portal hypertension treated with TIPS in our institution from December 2015 to May 2021. The demographic, imaging, clinical and follow-up data of patients were recorded retrospectively to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the procedure.

RESULTS

All patients were successfully implanted with stents to establish shunt, and 90.7% of the patients were in good postoperative condition with no complications. After TIPS, the Yerdel grade of portal vein thrombosis decreased, and the portal pressure gradient decreased from 27.0 ± 4.9 mmHg to 11.3 ± 3.8 mmHg (P < 0.001). Bleeding was effectively controlled, with a postoperative rebleeding rate of 9.3%, which was an 87.9% reduction from the preoperative rate. The cumulative incidence of postoperative refractory ascites, shunt dysfunction, overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) and death were all similar to those of TIPS for nonschistosomiasis portal hypertension. There were no differences in liver and kidney function and blood coagulation indexes before and 3 months after TIPS. Albumin was identified as an independent risk factor for mortality after TIPS for schistosomal liver fibrosis.

CONCLUSION

TIPS can be used as a well-tolerated and effective treatment for schistosomiasis-induced portal hypertension, effectively reduce portal pressure gradient and improve portal vein thrombosis.

Progress in Endoscopic and Interventional Treatment of Esophagogastric Variceal Bleeding

Esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EGVB) is one of the main complications of portal hypertension, especially in patients with liver cirrhosis, and has a very high fatality rate. At present, the treatment methods for rupture and bleeding of gastroesophageal varices (GV) include drug therapy, compression hemostasis with three-lumen and two-balloon tube, endoscopic therapy, and interventional and surgical operations. Endoscopy and intervention or their combined application is the mainstream treatment modes in clinical practice, especially their combined application has been increasingly recognized by front-line clinicians. This article intends to discuss the application characteristics of the two treatment methods.