Gut microbiota shifts in hepatitis B-related portal hypertension after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt:Mechanistic and clinical implications

In this article,we provide commentary on the recent article by Zhao et al.We focus on the shifts in the gut microbiota of patients with hepatitis B virus(HBV)-associated cirrhosis/portal hypertension(PH)following transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)and the implications for understanding the mechanisms,diagnosis,and treatment.By comparing the gut microbiota composition and dynamic changes before and after TIPS in patients with and without hepatic encephalopathy,the authors found an increase in non-probiotic bacteria in those who developed hepatic encephalopathy post-TIPS,with Morganella species present only in the hepatic encephalopathy group.The gut microbiota changes post-TIPS among patients without the occurrence of hepatic encephalopathy suggest potential therapeutic benefits through prophylactic microbiome therapies.Furthermore,the specific gut microbiota alterations may hold promise to predict the risk of hepatic encephalopathy in individuals undergoing TIPS for HBVrelated PH.Despite these promising findings,future studies are needed to address limitations,including a small sample size,a relatively short evaluation period for gut microbiota alterations,the absence of data on dynamic alterations in gut microbiota post-TIPS and their correlation with blood ammonia levels,and the lack of validation in animal models.In conclusion,Zhao et al's study has shed new light on the link of gut microbiota with post-TIPS hepatic encephalopathy,potentially through the intricate gut-liver axis,and has important clinical implications for improving the management of patients with HBV-related PH.

Alterations in the gut microbiome after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in patients with hepatitis B virus-related portal hypertension

BACKGROUND Gut microbiota(GM)affects the progression and response to treatment in liver diseases.The GM composition is diverse and associated with different etiologies of liver diseases.Notably,alterations in GM alterations are observed in patients with portal hypertension(PH)secondary to cirrhosis,with hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection being a major cause of cirrhosis in China.Thus,understanding the role of GM alterations in patients with HBV infection-related PH is essential.AIM To evaluate GM alterations in patients with HBV-related PH after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)placement.METHODS This was a prospective,observational clinical study.There were 30 patients(with a 100%technical success rate)recruited in the present study.Patients with esophagogastric variceal bleeding due to HBV infection-associated PH who underwent TIPS were enrolled.Stool samples were obtained before and one month after TIPS treatment,and GM was analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA amplicon sequencing.RESULTS One month after TIPS placement,8 patients developed hepatic encephalopathy(HE)and were assigned to the HE group;the other 22 patients were assigned to the non-HE group.There was no substantial disparity in the abundance of GM at the phylum level between the two groups,regardless of TIPS treatment(all,P>0.05).However,following TIPS placement,the following results were observed:(1)The abundance of Haemophilus and Eggerthella increased,whereas that of Anaerostipes,Dialister,Butyricicoccus,and Oscillospira declined in the HE group;(2)The richness of Eggerthella,Streptococcus,and Bilophila increased,whereas that of Roseburia and Ruminococcus decreased in the non-HE group;and(3)Members from the pathogenic genus Morganella appeared in the HE group but not in the non-HE group.CONCLUSION Intestinal microbiota-related synergism may predict the risk of HE following TIPS placement in patients with HBVrelated PH.Prophylactic microbiome therapies may be useful for preventing and treating HE after TIPS placement.

Efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts in treating cirrhotic esophageal-gastric variceal bleeding

BACKGROUND Esophageal-gastric variceal bleeding(EGVB)represents a severe complication among patients with cirrhosis and often culminates in fatal outcomes.Interven-tional therapy,a rapidly developing treatment modality over the past few years,has found widespread application in clinical practice due to its minimally inva-sive characteristics.However,whether transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)treatment has an impact on patient prognosis remains controversial.METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on ninety-two patients presenting with cirrhotic EGVB who were admitted to our hospital between September 2020 and September 2022.Based on the different modes of treatment,the patients were assigned to the study group(TIPS received,n=50)or the control group(per-cutaneous transhepatic varices embolization received,n=42).Comparative ana-lyses were performed between the two groups preoperatively and one month postoperatively for the following parameters:Varicosity status;hemodynamic parameters[portal vein flow velocity(PVV)and portal vein diameter(PVD);platelet count(PLT);red blood cell count;white blood cell count(WBC);and hepatic function[albumin(ALB),total bilirubin(TBIL),and aspartate transaminase(AST)].The Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74 was utilized to assess quality of life in the two groups,and the 1-year postoperative rebleeding and survival rates were compared.RESULTS Following surgical intervention,there was an improvement in the incidence of varicosity compared to the preoperative status in both cohorts.Notably,the study group exhibited more pronounced enhancements than did the control group(P<0.05).PVV increased,and PVD decreased compared to the preoperative values,with the study cohort achieving better outcomes(P<0.05).PLT and WBC counts were elevated postoperatively in the two groups,with the study cohort displaying higher PLT and WBC counts(P<0.05).No differences were detected between the two groups in terms of serum ALB,TBIL,or AST levels either preoperatively or postoperatively(P<0.05).Postoperative scores across all dimensions of life quality surpassed preoperative scores,with the study cohort achieving higher scores(P<0.05).At 22.00%,the one-year postoperative rebleeding rate in the study cohort was significantly lower than that in the control group(42.86%;P<0.05);conversely,no marked difference was obser-ved in the 1-year postoperative survival rate between the two cohorts(P>0.05).CONCLUSION TIPS,which has demonstrated robust efficacy in managing cirrhotic EGVB,remarkably alleviates varicosity and improves hemodynamics in patients.This intervention not only results in a safer profile but also contributes significantly to a more favorable prognosis.

Development of a new Cox model for predicting long-term survival in hepatitis cirrhosis patients underwent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts

BACKGROUND Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)placement is a procedure that can effectively treat complications of portal hypertension,such as variceal bleeding and refractory ascites.However,there have been no specific studies on predicting long-term survival after TIPS placement.AIM To establish a model to predict long-term survival in patients with hepatitis cirrhosis after TIPS.METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 224 patients who un-derwent TIPS implantation.Through univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses,various factors were examined for their ability to predict survival at 6 years after TIPS.Consequently,a composite score was formulated,encompassing the indication,shunt reasonability,portal venous pressure gradient(PPG)after TIPS,percentage decrease in portal venous pressure(PVP),indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min(ICGR15)and total bilirubin(Tbil)level.Furthermore,the performance of the newly developed Cox(NDC)model was evaluated in an in-ternal validation cohort and compared with that of a series of existing models.RESULTS The indication(variceal bleeding or ascites),shunt reasonability(reasonable or unreasonable),ICGR15,post-operative PPG,percentage of PVP decrease and Tbil were found to be independent factors affecting long-term survival after TIPS placement.The NDC model incorporated these parameters and successfully identified patients at high risk,exhibiting a notably elevated mortality rate following the TIPS procedure,as observed in both the training and validation cohorts.Additionally,in terms of predicting the long-term survival rate,the performance of the NDC model was significantly better than that of the other four models[Child-Pugh,model for end-stage liver disease(MELD),MELD-sodium and the Freiburg index of post-TIPS survival].CONCLUSION The NDC model can accurately predict long-term survival after the TIPS procedure in patients with hepatitis cirrhosis,help identify high-risk patients and guide follow-up management after TIPS implantation.

Road to recompensation:BavenoⅦcriteria and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in liver cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis has long been considered a point of no return,with limited hope for recovery.However,recent advancements,particularly the Baveno VII criteria and the utilization of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS),have illuminated the concept of hepatic recompensation.In this editorial we comment on the article by Gao et al published in the recent issue.This editorial provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of understanding cirrhosis,the criteria for recompensation,and the efficacy of TIPS in achieving recompensation.We discuss key findings from recent studies,including the promising outcomes observed in patients who achieved recompensation post-TIPS insertion.While further research is needed to validate these findings and elucidate the mechanisms underlying recompensation,the insights presented here offer renewed hope for patients with decompensated cirrhosis and highlight the potential of TIPS as a therapeutic option in their management.

Research status and hotspots in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts based on CiteSpace bibliometric analysis

BACKGROUND The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)is an important technique for treating complications related to portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis,and the number of publications in the TIPS field continues to rise.AIM To facilitate an understanding of the research status and hotspots in the field of TIPS using CiteSpace bibliometric analysis.METHODS CiteSpace is a software that depicts the strength of relationships through graphics and connections with diverse functionalities and can be used to analyze the status and hotspots of areas of research.Articles on TIPS in the Web of Science Core Collection were retrieved,and CiteSpace software was used to visualize and analyze the number of publications,journals,countries,institutions,authors,keywords,and citations.RESULTS A total of 985 relevant documents were included in the analysis.From January 2013 to December 2022,the number of publications increased annually.The journal,institution,and author with the greatest number of publications in the field of TIPS are the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology,the University of Bonn,and Jonel Trebicka,respectively.The main keywords used in this field are“transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt”,“portal hypertension”,“cirrhosis”,“management”,“stent”,“hepatic encephalopathy”,“refractory ascite”,“survival”,“risk”,and“variceal bleeding”.The greatest obstacle to TIPS placement is currently the occurrence of hepatic encephalopathy.The research hotspots are the mechanism,risk factors,management,and control of hepatic encephalopathy.CONCLUSION This bibliometric analysis reported the research status and hotspots of TIPS.Research on postoperative hepatic encephalopathy is the research hotspot in this field.

Spleen volume is associated with overt hepatic encephalopathy after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in patients with portal hypertension

BACKGROUND Portal shunt and immune status related to the spleen are related to the occurrence of hepatic encephalopathy(HE).It is unknown whether spleen volume before transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)is related to postoperative HE.AIM To investigate the relationship between spleen volume and the occurrence of HE.METHODS This study included 135 patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent TIPS,and liver and spleen volumes were elevated upon computed tomography imaging.The Kaplan-Meier curve was used to compare the difference in the incidence rate of HE among patients with different spleen volumes.Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify the factors affecting overt HE(OHE).Restricted cubic spline was used to examine the shapes of the dose-response association between spleen volumes and OHE risk.RESULTS The results showed that 37(27.2%)of 135 patients experienced OHE during a 1-year follow-up period.Compared with preoperative spleen volume(901.30±471.90 cm3),there was a significant decrease in spleen volume after TIPS(697.60±281.0 cm^(3))in OHE patients.As the severity of OHE increased,the spleen volume significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with patients with a spleen volume≥782.4 cm^(3),those with a spleen volume<782.4 cm^(3) had a higher incidence of HE(P<0.05).Cox regression analysis showed that spleen volume was an independent risk factor for post-TIPS OHE(hazard ratio=0.494,P<0.05).Restricted cubic spline model showed that with an increasing spleen volume,OHE risk showed an initial increase and then decrease(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Spleen volume is related to the occurrence of OHE after TIPS.Preoperative spleen volume is an independent risk factor for post-TIPS OHE.

Hepatic recompensation according to the Baveno VII criteria via a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt: Is this true?

Hepatic recompensation is firstly described in the Baveno VII criteria,which requires the fulfillment of strict criteria.First,a primary cause of cirrhosis must be addressed,suppressed,or cured.Second,complications of liver cirrhosis,inclu-ding ascites,encephalopathy,and variceal hemorrhage,must disappear without any intervention.Finally,liver function indicators must be improved.Moreover,without addressing/suppressing/curing cirrhosis and improvement in liver syn-thetic function,complications,including ascites and variceal hemorrhage can be improved by a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS),which is not evidence of hepatic recompensation.Therefore,on the basis of the definition of hepatic recompensation,TIPS does not achieve hepatic recompensation.

Milestones to optimize of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt technique as a method for the treatment of portal hypertension complications

This editorial describes the milestones to optimize of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)technique,which have made it one of the main methods for the treatment of portal hypertension complications worldwide.Innovative ideas,subsequent experimental studies and preliminary experience of use in cirrhotic patients contributed to the introduction of TIPS into clinical practice.At the moment,the main achievement in optimize of TIPS technique is progress in the qualitative characteristics of stents.The transition from bare metal stents to extended polytetrafluoroethylene–covered stent grafts made it possible to significantly prevent shunt dysfunction.However,the question of its preferred diameter,which contributes to an optimal reduction of portal pressure without the risk of developing post-TIPS hepatic encephalopathy,remains relevant.Currently,hepatic encephalopathy is one of the most common complications of TIPS,significantly affecting its effectiveness and prognosis.Careful selection of patients based on cognitive indicators,nutritional status,assessment of liver function,etc.,will reduce the incidence of post-TIPS hepatic encephalopathy and improve treatment results.Optimize of TIPS technique has significantly expanded the indications for its use and made it one of the main methods for the treatment of portal hypertension complications.At the same time,there are a number of limitations and unresolved issues that require further randomized controlled trials involving a large cohort of patients.

Correlation between serum markers and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt prognosis in patients with cirrhotic ascites

BACKGROUND Individuals with refractory ascites in the context of liver cirrhosis typically face an adverse prognosis.The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)is an efficacious intervention,but there is a lack of reliable tools for postoperative pro-gnosis assessment.Previously utilized clinical biochemical markers,such as the serum albumin concentration(Alb),sodium(Na+)concentration,and serum creatinine(Scr),have limited predictive value.Therefore,the quest for novel,specific biomarkers to evaluate the post-TIPS prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis and refractory ascites holds significant practical importance.A retrospective analysis was conducted on 75 patients with liver cirrhosis and refractory ascites who underwent TIPS at our institution from August 2019 to August 2021.These patients were followed up regularly for two years,and the death toll was meticulously documented.The patients were allocated into a survival group(n=45 patients)or a deceased group(n=30 patients)based on their prognosis status.The clinical data of the two groups were collected,and Child-Pugh scores and MELD scores were calculated for analysis.Spearman correlation analysis was carried out to evaluate the correlation of prognosis with Child-Pugh grade,MELD score,and Cys C level.Additionally,a multiple-factor analysis utilizing the Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify independent risk factors affecting the post-TIPS prognosis of patients with liver cirrhosis and refractory ascites.The receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC)ascertained the predictive value of the Cys C concen-tration,Child-Pugh grade,and MELD score for the prognosis of liver cirrhosis with refractory ascites in post-TIPS patients.RESULTS During a 2-year follow-up period,among 75 patients with liver cirrhosis and refractory ascites who underwent TIPS treatment,30 patients(40.00%)passed away.The deceased cohort exhibited heightened aspartate aminotrans-ferase,alanine aminotransferase,total bilirubin,Scr,prothrombin time,Cys C,international normalized ratio,Child-Pugh,and MELD scores compared to those of the survival cohort,while Alb and Na+levels were attenuated in the deceased group(P<0.05).Spearman analysis revealed moderate to high positive correlations between prognosis and Child-Pugh score,MELD score,and Cys C level(r=0.709,0.749,0.671,P<0.05).Multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazard model demonstrated that the independent risk factors for post-TIPS prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis and refractory ascites were Cys C(HR=3.802;95%CI:1.313-11.015),Child-Pugh(HR=3.030;95%CI:1.858-4.943),and MELD(HR=1.222;95%CI:1.073-1.393)scores.ROC analysis confirmed that,compared to those of the classic prognostic models for Child-Pugh and MELD scores,the predictive accuracy of Cys C for post-TIPS prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis and refractory ascites was slightly lower.This analysis yielded sensitivity and specificity values of 83.33%and 82.22%,respectively.The area under the curve value at this juncture was 0.883,with an optimal cutoff value set at 1.95 mg/L.CONCLUSION Monitoring the serum Cys C concentration is valuable for assessing the post-TIPS prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis and refractory ascites.Predictive models based on serum Cys C levels,as opposed to Scr levels,are more beneficial for evaluating the condition and prognosis of patients with ascites due to cirrhosis.

Enhancing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedure efficiency with digital subtraction angiography image overlay technology in esophagogastric variceal bleeding

BACKGROUND Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)is a pivotal intervention for managing esophagogastric variceal bleeding in patients with chronic hepatic schistosomiasis.AIM To evaluate the efficacy of digital subtraction angiography image overlay tech-nology(DIT)in guiding the TIPS procedure.METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent TIPS at our hospital,comparing outcomes between an ultrasound-guided group and a DIT-guided group.Our analysis focused on the duration of the portosystemic shunt puncture,the number of punctures needed,the total surgical time,and various clinical indicators related to the surgery.RESULTS The study included 52 patients with esophagogastric varices due to chronic hepatic schistosomiasis.Results demonstrated that the DIT-guided group expe-rienced significantly shorter puncture times(P<0.001)and surgical durations(P=0.022)compared to the ultrasound-guided group.Additionally,postoperative assessments showed significant reductions in aspartate aminotransferase,B-type natriuretic peptide,and portal vein pressure in both groups.Notably,the DIT-guided group also showed significant reductions in total bilirubin(P=0.001)and alanine aminotransferase(P=0.023).CONCLUSION The use of DIT for guiding TIPS procedures highlights its potential to enhance procedural efficiency and reduce surgical times in the treatment of esophagogastric variceal bleeding in patients with chronic hepatic schistoso-miasis.

Development and validation of a predictive model for acute-onchronic liver failure after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

BACKGROUND Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)is a cause of acute-onchronic liver failure(ACLF).AIM To investigate the risk factors of ACLF within 1 year after TIPS in patients with cirrhosis and construct a prediction model.METHODS In total,379 patients with decompensated cirrhosis treated with TIPS at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from 2017 to 2020 were selected as the training cohort,and 123 patients from Nanfang Hospital were included in the external validation cohort.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors.The prediction model was established based on the Akaike information criterion.Internal and external validation were conducted to assess the performance of the model.RESULTS Age and total bilirubin(TBil)were independent risk factors for the incidence of ACLF within 1 year after TIPS.We developed a prediction model comprising age,TBil,and serum sodium,which demonstrated good discrimination and calibration in both the training cohort and the external validation cohort.CONCLUSION Age and TBil are independent risk factors for the incidence of ACLF within 1 year after TIPS in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.Our model showed satisfying predictive value.

Comparison of a new stent and Wallstent for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in a porcine model

AIM: To evaluate a new balloon-expandable stainless steel stent (Cordis stent) in a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) porcine model and compared with Wallstent. METHODS: TIPS was performed in 26 normal domestic pigs weighing 20 kg-30 kg using a Cordis stent or Wallstent (13 pigs in each stent). All pigs were sacrificed at the 14th day after TIPS. The stent deployment delivery system, stent patency, and stent recoil after placement were evaluated.Proliferative response in representative histological sections from the center,hepatic and portal regions of the two stent designs were quantified. RESULTS: The shunt was widely patent in 4 pigs in the Cordis stent group (4/12, premature dead in 1 pig), and in 5 pigs in the Wallstent group (5/13). All remaining stents of both designs were occluded or stenotic. The mean quantified proliferation including thickness of the proliferation and the ratio of proliferation: total area in three assayed regions in Cordis stent and Wallstent was 2.18 mm:2.00 mm, and 59.18 mm2:51.66 mm2, respectively (P 】 0.05). The delivery system and mechanical properties of the Cordis stent functioned well. CONCLUSION: The new Cordis stent is appropriate for TIPS procedure.

Early Hepatic Encephalopathy after a Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Procedure: Case Report

Patients with decompensated hepatic cirrhosis may present systemic alterations and dysfunction of multiple organs. Ascites, portal hypertension, esophageal varices, and hepatic encephalopathy are common complications arising from cirrhosis. The aim of this paper is to report a case of a patient with liver cirrhosis and the complications of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Male, elderly, and ex-alcoholic, diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, ascites, and esophageal varices. He underwent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt due to portal hypertension and returned to the hospital after 24 hours with agitation and mental confusion. He had a bowel movement stop, neurological worsening, loss of renal function, hepatic hydrothorax, hepatic encephalopathy, hypernatremia, hypocalcemia, and hypophosphatemia. He underwent a new procedure to occlude the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, showing improvement of the mental status and ascites. However, continued with decompensation and hydro-electrolytic disorders. He evolved with worsening of the ventilatory pattern, and neurological and renal function, with a fatal outcome. Esophageal varices due to portal hypertension can be corrected with the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. However, complications such as hypernatremia, hepatic hydrothorax, and hepatic encephalopathy may occur. Therefore, there is a need for reintervention to shunt or reduce its caliber. Thus, for patients with advanced age and decompensated cirrhosis, the potential risks and benefits of this procedure should be carefully evaluated due to the risk of complications and death.

Targeted puncture of left branch of intrahepatic portal vein in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt to reduce hepatic encephalopathy

BACKGROUND Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS) is currently used for the treatment of complications of portal hypertension. The incidence of hepatic encephalopathy(HE) remains a problem in TIPS placement. It has been reported that the right branch mainly receives superior mesenteric venous blood while the left branch mainly receives blood from the splenic vein. We hypothesized that targeted puncture of the left portal vein would divert the non-nutritive blood from the splenic vein into the TIPS shunt; therefore, targeted puncture of the left branch of the intrahepatic portal vein during TIPS may reduce the risk of HE.AIM To evaluate the influence of targeted puncture of left branch of portal vein in TIPS on HE.METHODS A retrospective analysis of 1244 patients with portal-hypertension-related complications of refractory ascites or variceal bleeding who underwent TIPS from January 2000 to January 2013 was performed. Patients were divided into group A(targeting left branch of portal vein, n = 937) and group B(targeting right branch of portal vein, n = 307). TIPS-related HE and clinical outcomes were analyzed.RESULTS The symptoms of ascites and variceal bleeding disappeared within a short time.By the endpoint of follow-up, recurrent bleeding and ascites did not differ significantly between groups A and B(P = 0.278, P = 0.561, respectively).Incidence of HE differed significantly between groups A and B at 1 mo(14.94% vs36.80%, χ~2 = 4.839, P = 0.028), 3 mo(12.48% vs 34.20%, χ~2 = 5.054, P = 0.025), 6 mo(10.03% vs 32.24%, χ~2 = 6.560, P = 0.010), 9 mo(9.17% vs 31.27%, χ~2 = 5.357, P =0.021), and 12 mo(8.21% vs 28.01, χ~2 = 3.848, P = 0.051). There were no significant differences between groups A and B at 3 years(6.61% vs 7.16%, χ~2 = 1.204, P =0.272) and 5 years(5.01% vs 6.18%, χ~2 = 0.072, P = 0.562). The total survival rate did not differ between groups A and B(χ~2 = 0.226, P = 0.634, log-rank test).CONCLUSION Targeted puncture of the left branch of the intrahepatic portal vein during TIPS may reduce the risk of HE but has no direct influence on prognosis of portalhypertension-related complications.

contrast enhanced computed tomography and reconstruction of hepatic vascular system for transjugular intrahepatic portal systemic shunt puncture path planning

AIM: To describe a method for the transjugular intrahepatic portal systemic shunt(TIPS) placement performed with the aid of contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CECT) and three-dimensional reconstructed vascular images(3D RVIs), and to assess its safety and effectiveness. METHODS: Four hundred and ninety patients were treated with TIPS between January 2005 and December 2012. All patients underwent liver CECT and reconstruction of 3D RVIs of the right hepatic vein to portal vein(PV) prior to the operation. The 3D RVIs were carefully reviewed to plan the puncture path fromthe start to target points for needle pass through the PV in the TIPS procedure. R E S U LTS :The improved TIPS procedure was successful in 483(98.6%) of the 490 patients. The number of punctures attempted was one in 294(60%) patients, 2 to 3 in 147(30%) patients, 4 to 6 in 25(5.1%) patients and more than 6 in 17(3.5%) patients. Seven patients failed. Of the 490 patients, 12 had punctures into the artery, 15 into the bile duct, eight into the gallbladder, and 18 through the liver capsule. Analysis of the portograms from the 483 successful cases indicated that the puncture points were all located distally to the PV bifurcation on anteroposterior images, while the points were located proximally to the bifurcation in the three cases with intraabdominal bleeding. The complications included three cases of bleeding, of whom one died and two needed surgery. CONCLUSION: Use of CECT and 3D RVIs to plan the puncture path for TIPS procedure is safe, simple and effective for clinical use.

Shunting branch of portal vein and stent position predict survival after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

AIM: To evaluate the effect of the shunting branch of the portal vein (PV) (left or right) and the initial stent position (optimal or suboptimal) of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS).

Combined transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt and other interventions for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal hypertension

AIM: To evaluate combination transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS) and other interventions for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and portal hypertension.METHODS: Two hundred and sixty-one patients with HCC and portal hypertension underwent TIPS combined with other interventional treatments(transarterial chemoembolization/transarterial embolization,radiofrequency ablation,hepatic arterio-portal fistulas embolization,and splenic artery embolization) from January 1997 to January 2010 at Beijing Shijitan Hospital. Two hundred and nine patients(121 male and 88 female,aged 25-69 years,mean 48.3 ± 12.5 years) with complete clinical data were recruited. We evaluated the safety of the procedure(procedurerelated death and serious complications),change of portal vein pressure before and after TIPS,symptom relief [e.g.,ascites,hydrothorax,esophageal gastricfundus variceal bleeding(EGVB)],cumulative rates of survival,and distributary channel restenosis. The characteristics of the patients surviving ≥ 5 and < 5 years were also analyzed.RESULTS: The portosystemic pressure was decreased from 29.0 ± 4.1 mm Hg before TIPS to 18.1 ± 2.9 mm Hg after TIPS(t = 69.32,P < 0.05). Portosystemic pressure was decreased and portal hypertension symptoms were ameliorated. During the 5 year followup,the total recurrence rate of resistant ascites or hydrothorax was 7.2%(15/209); 36.8%(77/209) for EGVB; and 39.2%(82/209) for hepatic encephalopathy. The cumulative rates of distributary channel restenosis at 1,2,3,4,and 5 years were 17.2%(36/209),29.7%(62/209),36.8%(77/209),45.5%(95/209) and 58.4%(122/209),respectively. No procedure-related deaths and serious complications(e.g.,abdominal bleeding,hepatic failure,and distant metastasis) occurred. Moreover,Child-Pugh score,portal vein tumor thrombosis,lesion diameter,hepatic arterio-portal fistulas,HCC diagnosed before or after TIPS,stent type,hepatic encephalopathy,and type of other interventional treatments were related to 5 year survival after comparing patient characteristics.CONCLUSION: TIPS combined with other interventional treatments seems to be safe and efficacious in patients with HCC and portal hypertension.

Clinical outcomes of transcatheter selective superior mesenteric artery urokinase infusion therapy vs transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in patients with cirrhosis and acute portal vein thrombosis

AIM To compare the outcomes of transcatheter superior mesenteric artery(SMA) urokinase infusion and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS) for acute portal vein thrombosis(PVT) in cirrhosis.METHODS From January 2013 to December 2014, patients with liver cirrhosis and acute symptomatic PVT who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either an SMA group or a TIPS group. The two groups accepted transcatheter selective SMA urokinase infusion therapyand TIPS, respectively. The total follow-up time was24 mo. The primary outcome measure was the change in portal vein patency status which was evaluated by angio-computed tomography or Doppler ultrasound.Secondary outcomes were rebleeding and hepatic encephalopathy.RESULTS A total of 40 patients were enrolled, with 20 assigned to the SMA group and 20 to the TIPS group. The symptoms of all patients in the two groups improved within 48 h. PVT was improved in 17(85%) patients in the SMA group and 14(70%) patients in the TIPS group. The main portal vein(MPV) thrombosis was significantly reduced in both groups(P < 0.001), and there was no significant difference between them(P= 0.304). In the SMA group, superior mesenteric vein(SMV) thrombosis and splenic vein(SV) thrombosis were significantly reduced(P = 0.048 and P = 0.02),which did not occur in the TIPS group. At 6-, 12-,and 24-mo follow-up, in the SMA group and the TIPS group, the cumulative rates free of the first episode of rebleeding were 80%, 65%, and 45% vs 90%, 80%,and 60%, respectively(P = 0.320); the cumulative rates free of the first episode of hepatic encephalopathy were 85%, 80%, and 65% vs 50%, 40%, and 35%,respectively(P = 0.022).CONCLUSION Transcatheter selective SMA urokinase infusion and TIPS are safe and effective for acute symptomatic PVT in cirrhosis.

Safety and efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt combined with palliative treatment in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND There is a close relationship between cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)has good clinical effect in treating the complication of portal hypertension.However,because of the risk of postoperative liver failure,severe complications,and low survival rate for HCC,TIPS is contraindicated in patients with portal hypertension and liver cancer.We studied a large cohort of patients with cirrhosis and HCC who underwent TIPS for recurrent variceal bleeding and/or ascites.AIM To assess the safety,efficacy,and survival rate in patients with HCC who underwent TIPS.ME THODS Group A comprised 217 patients with HCC and portal hypertension who underwent the TIPS procedure between 1999 and 2014.After TIPS deployment,these patients received palliative treatment for HCC.Group B comprised a cohort of 136 HCC patients with portal hypertension who did not undergo TIPS placement.Group B received palliative treatment for HCC plus medical therapy for portal hypertension.The clinical outcomes and survival rate were assessed.RES UL TS In Group A,the primary technical success rate was 97.69%for TIPS placement,and no severe procedure-related complications of TIPS placement were reported.The control of variceal bleeding(VB)within 1 mo did not differ significantly between the groups(P=0.261).Absorption of refractory ascites within 1 mo,recurrence of VB,and recurrence of refractory ascites differed significantly between the groups(P=0.017,0.023,and 0.009,respectively).By comparison,the rate of hepatic encephalopathy in Group B was lower than that in Group A(P=0.036).The 1-,2-,3-,4-,and 5-year survival rates were significantly different between Groups A and B(X2=12.227,P=0.018;X2=12.457,P=0.014;X2=26.490,P=0.013;X2=21.956,P=0.009,and X2=24.596,P=0.006,respectively).The mean survival time was 43.7 mo in Group A and 31.8 mo in Group B.Median survival time was 50.0 mo in Group A and 33.0 mo in Group B.Mean and median survival differed significantly between the two groups(P=0.000,X2=35.605,log-rank test).The mortality rate from VB in Group A was higher than that in Group B(P=0.006),but the rates of hepatic tumor,hepatic failure,and multiorgan failure did not differ significantly between the two groups(P=0.173,0.246 and 0.257,respectively).CONCLUSION TIPS combined with palliative treatment is safe and effective for portal hypertension in patients with HCC.