Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of endoscopic band ligation in the treatment of bleeding from mild to moderate gastric varices type 1

BACKGROUND According to practice guidelines,endoscopic band ligation(EBL)and endoscopic tissue adhesive injection(TAI)are recommended for treating bleeding from esophagogastric varices.However,EBL and TAI are known to cause serious complications,such as hemorrhage from dislodged ligature rings caused by EBL and hemorrhage from operation-related ulcers resulting from TAI.However,the optimal therapy for mild to moderate type 1 gastric variceal hemorrhage(GOV1)has not been determined.Therefore,the aim of this study was to discover an individualized treatment for mild to moderate GOV1.AIM To compare the efficacy,safety and costs of EBL and TAI for the treatment of mild and moderate GOV1.METHODS A clinical analysis of the data retrieved from patients with mild or moderate GOV1 gastric varices who were treated under endoscopy was also conducted.Patients were allocated to an EBL group or an endoscopic TAI group.The differences in the incidence of varicose relief,operative time,operation success rate,mortality rate within 6 wk,rebleeding rate,6-wk operation-related ulcer healing rate,complication rate and average operation cost were compared between the two groups of patients.RESULTS The total effective rate of the two treatments was similar,but the efficacy of EBL(66.7%)was markedly better than that of TAI(39.2%)(P<0.05).The operation success rate in both groups was 100%,and the 6-wk mortality rate in both groups was 0%.The average operative time(26 min)in the EBL group was significantly shorter than that in the TAI group(46 min)(P<0.01).The rate of delayed postoperative rebleeding in the EBL group was significantly lower than that in the TAI group(11.8%vs 45.1%)(P<0.01).At 6 wk after the operation,the healing rate of operation-related ulcers in the EBL group was 80.4%,which was significantly greater than that in the TAI group(35.3%)(P<0.01).The incidence of postoperative complications in the two groups was similar.The average cost and other related economic factors were greater for the EBL than for the TAI(P<0.01).CONCLUSION For mild to moderate GOV1,patients with EBL had a greater one-time varix eradication rate,a greater 6-wk operation-related ulcer healing rate,a lower delayed rebleeding rate and a lower cost than patients with TAI.

Endoscopic band ligation or endoscopic tissue adhesive injection in the treatment of gastric varices:Which is better?

The combination of endoscopic ultrasound with endoscopic treatment of type 1 gastric variceal hemorrhage may improve the robustness and generalizability of the findings in future studies.Moreover,the esophageal varices should also be included in the evaluation of treatment efficacy in subsequent studies to reach a more convincing conclusion.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided treatment of isolated gastric varices entwined with arteries:A case report

BACKGROUND Interventional endoscopic ultrasound is clinically used for the treatment of isolated gastric varices(IGVs)owing to its precise visualization.CASE SUMMARY A 39-year-old man was diagnosed with a large IGV during a routine physical examination.Endoscopic ultrasonography showed gastric varices entwined with an artery,which greatly increased the difficulty of treatment.We successfully treated the patient with endoscopic ultrasonography-guided coil embolization combined with cyanoacrylate injection.CONCLUSION Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided coil embolization combined with cyanoacrylate injection was safe and effective for the treatment of an IGV entwined with an artery.

Successful endoscopic sclerotherapy for bleeding gastric varices with combined cyanoacrylate and aethoxysklerol

Two patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hyper-tension related to hepatitis infection were admitted to Shanghai Ruijin Hospital due to recurrent melena and hematemesis. Isolated gastric varices were observed in the gastric fundus during the retroflexion of gastroscope. We carried out endoscopic sclerotherapy successfully for bleeding gastric varices with combined cyanoacrylate and aethoxysklerol, which disappeared dramatically several months after two courses of sclerotherapy for each patient. No complication and clinical signs of gastrointestinal re-bleeding were observed during the 6-mo endoscopic follow-up. CT portal angiography (CTPA) has been widely used in the assessment of variceal treatment and improves the results of endoscopic injection therapy.

New methods for the management of gastric varices

Bleeding from gastric varices has been successfully treated by endoscopic modalities. Once the bleeding from the gastric varices is stabilized, endoscopic treatment and/or interventional radiology should be performed to eradicate varices completely. Partial splenic artery embolization is a supplemental treatment to prolong the obliteration of the veins feeding and/or draining the varices. The overall incidence of bleeding from gastric varices is lower than that from esophageal varices. No studies to date have defi nitively characterized the causal factors behind bleeding from gastric varices. The initial episodes of bleeding from esophageal varices or gastric varices without prior treatment may be at least partly triggered by a violation of the mucosal barrier overlying varices. This is especially likely in the case of varices of the fundus. In view of the high rate of hemostasis achieved among bleeding gastric varices, treatment should be administered in selective cases. Among untreated cases, steps to prevent gastric mucosal injury confer very important protection against gastric variceal bleeding.

Prevalence of gastric varices and results of sclerotherapy with N-butyl 2 cyanoacrylate for controlling acute gastric variceal bleeding

AIM： To study the prevalence, predictors and control of bleeding following N-butyl 2 cyanoacrylate （NBC） sclerotherapy of gastric varix （GV）. METHODS： We analyzed case records of 1436 patients with portal hypertension, who underwent endoscopy during the past five years for variceal screening or upper gastrointestinal （GI） bleeding. Fifty patients with bleeding GV underwent sclerotherapy with a mean of 2 mL NBC for control of bleeding. Outcome parameters were primary hemostasis （bleeding control within the first 48 h）, recurrent bleeding （after 48 h of esophagogastro-duodenoscopy） and in-hospital mortality were analyzed. RESULTS： The prevalence of GV in patients with portal hypertension was 15% （220/1436） and the incidence of bleeding was 22.7% （50/220）. Out of the 50 bleeding GV patients, isolated gastric varices （IGV-Ⅰ） were seen in 22 （44%）, gastro-oesophageal varices （GOV） on lesser curvature （GOV-Ⅰ） in 16 （32%）, and GOV on greater curvature （GOV-Ⅱ） in 15 （30%）. IGV-Ⅰ was seen in 44% （22/50） patients who had bleeding as compared to 23% （39/170） who did not have bleeding （P 〈 0.003）. Primary hernostasis was achieved with NBC in all patients. Re-bleeding occurred in 7 （14%） patients after 48 h of initial sclerotherapy. Secondary hemostasis was achieved with repeat NBC sclerotherapy in 4/7 （57%）. Three patients died after repeat sclerotherapy, one during transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stem shunt （TIPSS）, one during surgery and one due to uncontrolled bleeding. Treatment failure-related mortality rate was 6% （3/50）. CONCLUSION： GV can be seen in 15% of patients with portal hypertension and the incidence of bleeding is 22.7%. NBC is highly effective in controlling GV bleeding. In hospital mortality of patients with bleeding GV is 6%.

Ruptured high flow gastric varices with an intratumoral arterioportal shunt treated with balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration during temporary balloon occlusion of a hepatic artery

A patient presented with hematemesis due to gastric variceal bleeding with an intratumoral arterioportal shunt. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed gastric varices and hepatocellular carcinoma with tumor thrombi in the right portal vein. Angiography and angio-CT revealed a marked intratumoral arterioportal shunt accompanied with reflux into the main portal vein and gastric varices. Balloon-occluded retrograde venography from the gastro-renal shunt showed no visualization of gastric varices due to rapid blood flow through the intratumoral arterioportal shunt. The hepatic artery was temporarily occluded with a balloon catheter to reduce the blood flow through the arterioportal shunt, and then concurrent balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration （BRTO） was achieved. Vital signs stabilized immediately thereafter, and contrast-enhanced CT revealed thrombosed gastric varices. Worsening of hepatic function was not recognized. BRTO combined with temporary occlusion of the hepatic artery is a feasible interventional procedure for ruptured high flow gastric varices with an intratumoral arterioportal shunt.

Autoimmune pancreatitis complicated by gastric varices:A report of 3 cases

We present three cases of autoimmune pancreatitis(AIP) complicated by gastric varices.Case 1:A 57-yearold man was diagnosed with AIP complicated by gastric varices and splenic vein obstruction.Splenomegaly was not detected at the time of the diagnosis.The AIP improved using steroid therapy,the splenic vein was reperfused,and the gastric varices disappeared;case 2:A 55-year-old man was diagnosed with AIP complicated by gastric varices,splenic vein obstruction,and splenomegaly.Although the AIP improved using steroid therapy,the gastric varices and splenic vein obstruction did not resolve;case 3:A 68-year-old man was diagnosed with AIP complicated by gastric varices,splenic vein obstruction,and splenomegaly.The gastric varices,splenic vein obstruction,and AIP did not improve using steroid therapy.These three cases suggest that gastric varices or splenic vein obstruction without splenomegaly may be an indication for steroid therapy in patients with AIP because the complications will likely become irreversible over time.

CT-maximum intensity projection is a clinically useful modality for the detection of gastric varices

AIM： To evaluate the efficacy of CT-maximum intensity projection （CT-MIP） in the detection of gastric varices and their infiowing and outflowing vessels in patients with gastric varices scheduled to undergo balloonoccluded retrograde transvenous obliteration （B-RTO）. METHODS： Sixteen patients with endoscopically confirmed gastric varices were included in this study. All patients were evaluated with CT-MIP using threedimensional reconstructions, before and after B-RTO. RESULTS： CT-MIP clearly depicted gastric varices in 16 patients （100%）, the left gastric vein in 6 （32.5%）, the posterior gastric vein in 12 （75.0%）, the short gastric veins in 13 （81.3%）, gastrorenal shunts in 16 （100%）, the hemiazygos vein （HAZV） in 4 （25.0%）, the pericardiophrenic vein （PCPV） in 9 （56.3%）, and the left inferior phrenic vein in 9 patients （56.3%）. Although flow direction itself cannot be determined from CT-MIP, this modality provided clear images of the inflowing and the outflowing vessels. Moreover, in one patient, short gastric veins were not seen on conventional angiographic portography images of the spleen, but were clearly revealed on CT-MIP. CONCLUSION： We suggest that CT-MIP should be considered as a routine method for detecting and diagnosing collateral veins in patients with gastric varices scheduled for B-RTO. Furthermore, CT-MIP is more useful than endoscopy in verifying the early therapeutic effects of B-RTO.

Three benefits of microcatheters for retrograde transvenous obliteration of gastric varices

AIM： To evaluate the usefulness of the microcatheter techniques in balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration （BRTO） of gastric varices.METHODS： Fifty-six patients with gastric varices underwent BRTOs using microcatheters. A balloon catheter was inserted into gastrorenal or gastrocaval shunts. A microcatheter was navigated close to the varices, and sclerosant was injected into the varices through the microcatheter during balloon occlusion. The next morning, thrombosis of the varices was evaluated by contrast enhanced computed tomography （CE-CT）. In patients with incomplete thrombosis of the varices, a second BRTO was performed the following day. Patients were followed up with CE-CT and endoscopy.RESULTS： In all 56 patients, sclerosant was selectively injected through the microcatheter close to the varices. In 9 patients, microcoil embolization of collateral veinswas performed using a microcatheter. In 12 patients with incomplete thrombosis of the varices, additional injection of sclerosant was performed through the microcatheter that remained inserted overnight. Complete thrombosis of the varices was achieved in 51 of 56 patients, and the remaining 5 patients showed incomplete thrombosis of the varices. No recurrence of the varices was found in the successful 51 patients after a median follow up time of 10.5 too. We experienced one case of liver necrosis, and the other complications were transient.CONCLUSION： The microcatheter techniques are very effective methods for achieving a higher success rate of BRTO procedures,

Treatment of gastric varices with partial splenic embolization in a patient with portal vein thrombosis and a myeloproliferative disorder

Therapeutic options for gastric variceal bleeding in the presence of extensive portal vein thrombosis associated with a myeloproliferative disorder are limited.We report a case of a young woman who presented with gastric variceal bleeding secondary to extensive splanchnic venous thrombosis due to a Janus kinase 2 mutation associated myeloproliferative disorder that was managed effectively with partial splenic embolization.

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.

Bleeding gastric varices: Results of endoscopic injection with cyanoacrylate at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

AIM： To evaluate the efficacy and safety of gastric varices injection with cyanoacrylate in patients with gastric variceal bleeding. METHODS： Twenty-four patients （15 males, 9 females） with gastric variceal bleeding underwent endoscopic treatment with cyanoacrylate injection. Successful hemostasis, rebleeding rate, and complications were retrospectively reviewed. Followed up endoscopy was performed and repeat cyanoacrylate injection was given until gastric varices were obliterated. RESULTS： Seventeen patients achieved definite hemostasis. Of these, 14 patients had primary success after initial endoscopic therapy. Ten patients developed recurrent bleeding. Repeated cyanoacrylate injection stopped rebleeding in three patients. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt （TIPS） was performed to control rebleeding in one patient which occured after repeat endoscopic therapy. Six patients died （three from uncontrolled bleeding, two from sepsis, and one from mesenteric vein thrombosis）. Minor complications occurred in 11 patients （six epigastric discomfort and five post injection ulcers）. Cyanoacrylate embolism developed in two patients. One of these patients died from mesenteric vein thrombosis. The other had pulmonary embolism which resolved spontaneously. Advanced drrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） were major risk factors for uncontrolled bleeding. CONCLUSION： Endoscopic treatment for bleeding gastric varices with cyanoacrylate injection is effective for immediate hemostasis. Repeat cyanoacrylate injection has a lower success rate than the initial injection. Cyanoacrylate embolism is not a common serious complication.

Cost-effectiveness of endoscopic ultrasound-guided coils plus cyanoacrylate injection compared to endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection in the management of gastric varices

BACKGROUND Cyanoacrylate(CYA)injection can be performed using a standard upper endoscopy technique or under endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)guidance alone or in combination with coils.There is little information available on the economic impact of these treatment methods.AIM To compare the cost-effectiveness of treating gastric varices by CYA injection via upper endoscopy vs coils plus CYA guided by EUS.METHODS This was an observational,descriptive,and retrospective study.Patients were allocated into two groups:A CYA group and coils plus CYA group.The baseline characteristics were compared,and a cost analysis was performed.RESULTS Overall,36 patients were included(19 in the CYA group and 17 in the coils+CYA group).All patients in the CYA group had acute bleeding.They underwent a higher mean number of procedures(1.47 vs 1,P=0.025),and the mean volume of glue used was 2.15 vs 1.65 mL,P=0.133.The coils+CYA group showed a higher technical success rate(100%vs 84.2%),with a complication rate similar to the CYA group.The majority of CYA patients required hospitalization,and although the mean total per procedure cost was lower(United States$1350.29 vs United States$2978),the mean total treatment cost was significantly different(United States$11060.89 for CYA vs United States$3007.13 for coils+CYA,P=0.03).CONCLUSION The use of EUS-guided coils plus cyanoacrylate is more cost-effective than cyanoacrylate injection when the total costs are evaluated.Larger,randomized trials are needed to validate the cost-effectiveness of the EUS-guided approach to treat gastric varices.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic prophylactic treatment with undiluted cyanoacrylate for gastric varices

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of undiluted N-butyl-2 cyanoacrylate plus methacryloxysulfolane(NBCM)as a prophylactic treatment for gastric varices(GV)bleeding.METHODS:This prospective study was conducted at a single tertiary-care teaching hospital between October 2009 and March 2013.Patients with portal hypertension(PH)and GV,with no active gastrointestinal bleeding,were enrolled in primary prophylactic treatment with NBCM injection without lipiodol dilution.Initial diagnosis of GV was based on endoscopy and confirmed with endosonography(EUS); the same procedure was used after treatment to confirm eradication of GV.After puncturing the GV with a regular injection needle,1 mL of undiluted NBCM was injected intranasally into GV.The injection was repeated as necessary to achieve eradication or until a maximum total volume of 3 mL of NBCM had been injected.Patients were followed clinically and evaluated with endoscopy at 3,6 and 12 mo.Later follow-ups were performed yearly.The main outcome measures were efficacy(GV eradication),safety(adverse events related to cyanoacrylate injection),recurrence,bleeding from GV and mortality related to GV treatment.RESULTS:A total of 20 patients(15 male)with PH and GV were enrolled in the study and treated with undiluted NBCM injection.Only 2(10%)patients had no esophageal varices(EV); 18(90%)patients were treated with endoscopic band ligation to eradicate EV before inclusion in the study.The patients were followed clinically and endoscopically for a median of 31 mo(range:6-40 mo).Eradication of GV was observed in all patients(13 patients were treated with 1 session and 7 patients with 2 sessions),with a maximum injected volume of 2 mL NBCM.One patient had GV recurrence,confirmed by EUS,at 6-mo follow-up,and another had late recurrence with GV bleeding after 35 mo of follow-up; overall,GV recurrence was observed in 2 patients(10%),after 6 and 35 mo of follow-up,and GV bleeding rate was 5%(1 patient).Mild epigastric pain was reported by 3 patients(15%).No mortality or major complications,including embolism,or damage to equipment were observed.CONCLUSION:Endoscopic injection with NBCM,without lipiodol,may be a safe and effective treatment for primary prophylaxis of gastric variceal bleeding.

Unpacking the challenge of gastric varices: A review on indication, timing and modality of therapy

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding from oesophageal or gastric varices is an important medical condition in patients with portal hypertension.Despite the emergence of a number of novel endoscopic and radiologic therapies for oesophagogastric varices,controversy exists regarding the indication,timing and modality of therapy.The aim of this review is to provide a concise and practical evidence-based overview of these issues.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided diagnosis and treatment of gastric varices

Gastric varices(GV)represent a common and severe complication in patients with portal hypertension,commonly seen in patients with cirrhosis and severe pancreatic disease.Endoscopic ultrasonography is a safe and efficacious approach that can perform real-time ultrasonic scanning and intervention for the gastrointestinal submucosa,portal vein and its tributaries,and collateral circulations during direct endoscopic observation.Recently,various studies have been published about endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)-guided management of GV,mainly including diagnosis,treatment,and prognostic analysis.This article reviews published articles and guidelines to present the development process and current management of EUS-guided GV procedures.

Steriod for Autoimmune pancreatitis complicating by gastric varices: A case report

BACKGROUND Both autoimmune pancreatitis(AIP)and gastric varices are related to various diseases.However,AIP complicated by gastric varices is extremely rare,and has only been reported in a few studies.Here,we report a case of AIP complicated by gastric varices in a female Chinese patient.CASE SUMMARY A 59-year-old Chinese woman was admitted to our hospital with mild abdominal pain.Computed tomography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed a diffusely enlarged pancreas,an obstructed splenic vein and slight splenomegaly.Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed gastric varices in the partial gastric fundus and the red-color sign was positive.Blood chemistry showed that IgG4 was notablely elevated.The patient was diagnosed with AIP complicated by gastric varices.Steroid therapy was administered to this patient with the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.After one year of therapy,the pancreas,spleen and splenic vein recovered to the normal states,and the gastric varices had disappeared.CONCLUSION We present this case together with evidence from the literature to demonstrate the effectiveness of steroid therapy in the treatment of AIP complicated by gastric varices.

Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration with lauromacrogol sclerosant foam for gastric varices

Objectives:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration(BRTO)using lauromacrogol sclerosant foam for gastric varices(GVs)with gastrorenal venous shunts.Methods:Data of GV patients treated with BRTO using lauromacrogol sclerosant foam in 2016–2020 were retrospectively analyzed along with procedural success rate,complications,and follow-up efficacy.Results:A total of 31 patients were treated with BRTO.The sclerosant foam was prepared by mixing iodinated oil,lauromacrogol,and air at a 1:2:3 ratio.The BRTO procedure was successfully completed in 93.5%of patients.One patient was allergic to the lauromacrogol injection.A mild postoperative fever occurred in three patients.One patient experienced grand mal seizures after the procedure.There was no significant difference in the median Child-Turcotte-Pugh scores before versus after BRTO.Complete GV resolution was observed in 93.1%of patients.One patient underwent endoscopic treatment for the development of high-risk esophageal varices.Another patient underwent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement for the aggravation of ascites.Conclusions:Lauromacrogol sclerosant foam is safe and effective in patients undergoing BRTO for GV.

Is there an alternative therapy to cyanoacrylate injection for safe and effective obliteration of bleeding gastric varices?

TO THE EDITORWe read with interest the article entitled ＂Bleeding gastric varices： Results of endoscopic injection with cyanoacrylate at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital＂ by Noophun et al. They performed n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate （CA） injection therapy for bleeding gastric varices in twentyfour patients, and hemostasis was achieved in seventeen （71%） patients. They concluded that CA injection therapy was effective and safe for bleeding gastric varices. However, we disagreed with the author＇s conclusion.