Intrahepatic portal venous systems in adult patients with cavernous transformation of portal vein: Imaging features and a new classification

Background: Cavernous transformation of the portal vein(CTPV) due to portal vein obstruction is a rare vascular anomaly defined as the formation of multiple collateral vessels in the hepatic hilum. This study aimed to investigate the imaging features of intrahepatic portal vein in adult patients with CTPV and establish the relationship between the manifestations of intrahepatic portal vein and the progression of CTPV. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 14 CTPV patients in Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital. All patients underwent both direct portal venography(DPV) and computed tomography angiography(CTA) to reveal the manifestations of the portal venous system. The vessels measured included the left portal vein(LPV), right portal vein(RPV), main portal vein(MPV) and the portal vein bifurcation(PVB). Results: Nine males and 5 females, with a median age of 40.5 years, were included in the study. No significant difference was found in the diameters of the LPV or RPV measured by DPV and CTA. The visualization in terms of LPV, RPV and PVB measured by DPV was higher than that by CTA. There was a significant association between LPV/RPV and PVB/MPV in term of visibility revealed with DPV( P = 0.01), while this association was not observed with CTA. According to the imaging features of the portal vein measured by DPV, CTPV was classified into three categories to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment. Conclusions: DPV was more accurate than CTA for revealing the course of the intrahepatic portal vein in patients with CTPV. The classification of CTPV, that originated from the imaging features of the portal vein revealed by DPV, may provide a new perspective for the diagnosis and treatment of CTPV.

Sonographic features of umbilical vein recanalization for a Rex shunt on cavernous transformation of portal vein in children

BACKGROUND The Rex shunt was widely used as the preferred surgical approach for cavernous transformation of the portal vein(CTPV)in children that creates a bypass between the superior mesenteric vein and the intrahepatic left portal vein(LPV).This procedure can relieve portal hypertension and restore physiological hepatopetal flow.However,the modified procedure is technically demanding because it is difficult to make an end-to-end anastomosis of a bypass to a hypoplastic LPV.Many studies reported using a recanalized umbilical vein as a conduit to resolve this problem.However,the feasibility of umbilical vein recanalization for a Rex shunt has not been fully investigated.AIM To investigate the efficacy of a recanalized umbilical vein as a conduit for a Rex shunt on CTPV in children by ultrasonography.METHODS A total of 47 children who were diagnosed with CTPV with prehepatic portal hypertension in the Second Hospital,Cheeloo College of Medicine,Shandong University,were enrolled in this study.Fifteen children received a recanalized umbilical vein as a conduit for a Rex shunt surgery and were enrolled in group I.Thirty-two children received the classic Rex shunt surgery and were enrolled in group II.The sonographic features of the two groups related to intraoperative and postoperative variation in terms of bypass vessel and the LPV were compared.RESULTS The patency rate of group I(60.0%,9/15)was significantly lower than that of group II(87.5%,28/32)7 d after(on the 8th d)operation(P<0.05).After clinical anticoagulation treatment for 3 mo,there was no significant difference in the patency rate between group I(86.7%,13/15)and group II(90.6%,29/32)(P>0.05).Moreover,3 mo after(at the beginning of the 4th mo)surgery,the inner diameter significantly widened and flow velocity notably increased for the bypass vessels and the sagittal part of the LPV compared to intraoperative values in both shunt groups(P<0.05).However,there was no significant difference between the two surgical groups 3 mo after surgery(P>0.05).CONCLUSION For children with hypoplastic LPV in the Rex recessus,using a recanalized umbilical vein as a conduit for a Rex shunt may be an effective procedure for CTPV treatment.

Application of transmesenteric vein extrahepatic portosystemic shunt in treatment of symptomatic portal hypertension with cavernous transformation of portal vein

Purpose:To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a transmesenteric vein extrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TmEPS)for the treatment of cavernous transformation of the portal vein(CTPV).Materials and methods:The clinical data of 20 patients with CTPV who underwent TmEPS between December 2020and January 2022 at Henan Provincial People’s Hospital were retrospectively collected.The superior mesenteric vein(SMV)trunk was patent or partially occluded in these patients.An extrahepatic portosystemic shunt between the inferior vena cava and the SMV was established using a stent graft through an infraumbilical median longitudinal mini-laparotomy.The technical success,efficacy,and complication rates were evaluated,and the preand postoperative SMV pressures were compared.Patients’clinical outcomes and shunt patency were assessed.Results:TmEPS was successfully performed in 20 patients.The initial puncture success rate of the balloon-assisted puncture technique is 95%.The mean SMV pressure decreased from 29.1±2.9 mmHg to 15.6±3.3 mmHg(p<0.001).All symptoms of portal hypertension resolved.No fatal procedural complications occurred.During the follow-up period,hepatic encephalopathy occurred in two patients.The remaining patients remained asymptomatic.All shunts were patent.Conclusions:TmEPS is a feasible,safe,and effective treatment option for patients with CTPV.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for the prevention of recurrent esophageal variceal bleeding in patients with cavernous transformation of portal vein

Background: Treatment options for patients with cavernous transformation of portal vein(CTPV) are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS) to prevent recurrent esophageal variceal bleeding in patients with CTPV. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 67 consecutive patients undergone TIPS from January 2011 to December 2016. All patients were diagnosed with CTPV. The indication for TIPS was a previous episode of variceal bleeding. The data on recurrent bleeding, stent patency, hepatic encephalopathy and survival were retrieved and analyzed. Results: TIPS procedure was successfully performed in 56 out of 67(83.6%) patients with CTPV. TIPS was performed via a transjugular approach alone( n = 15), a combined transjugular/transhepatic approach( n = 33) and a combined transjugular/transsplenic approach( n = 8). Mean portosystemic pressure gradient(PSG) decreased from 28.09 ± 7.28 mmHg to 17.53 ± 6.12 mmHg after TIPS( P < 0.01). The probability of the remaining free recurrent variceal bleeding was 87.0%. The probability of TIPS patency reached 81.5%. Hepatic encephalopathy occurrence was 27.8%, and survival rate was 88.9% until the end of follow-up. Four out of 11 patients who failed TIPS died, and 4 had recurrent bleeding. Conclusions: TIPS should be considered a safe and feasible alternative therapy to prevent recurrent esophageal variceal bleeding in patients with CTPV, and to achieve clinical improvement.

How can portal vein cavernous transformation cause chronic incomplete biliary obstruction?

Biliary disease in the setting of non-cirrhotic portal vein thrombosis(and similarly in portal vein cavernous transformation) can become a serious problem during the evolution of disease.This is mostly due to portal biliary ductopathy.There are several mechanisms that play a role in the development of portal biliary ductopathy,such as induction of fibrosis in the biliary tract(due to direct action of dilated peribiliary collaterals and/or recurrent cholangitis),loss of biliary motility,chronic cholestasis(due to fibrosis or choledocholithiasis) and increased formation of cholelithiasis(due to various factors).The management of cholelithiasis in cases with portal vein cavernous transformation merits special attention.Because of a heterogeneous clinical presentation and concomitant pathophysiological changes that take place in biliary anatomy,diagnosis and therapy can become very complicated.Due to increased incidence and complications of cholelithiasis,standard treatment modalities like sphincterotomy or balloon sweeping of bile ducts can cause serious problems.Cholangitis,biliary strictures and hemobilia are the most common complications that occur during management of these patients.In this review,we specifically discuss important issues about bile stones related to bile duct obstruction in non-cirrhotic portal vein thrombosis and present evidence in the current literature.

Sixty-four-slice computed tomography in surgical strategy of portal vein cavernous transformation

AIM:To investigate the role of 64-slice computed tomography(CT) in portal vein cavernous transformation to determine surgical strategy.METHODS:The site of lesions and extent of collateral circulation in 12 pediatric cases of cavernous transformation of the portal vein with surgical treatment were analyzed.RESULTS:Eleven of 12 children had esophageal varices and were treated with lower esophageal and gastric devascularization and splenectomy,and the other case was only treated with splenectomy.There were eight cases with spontaneous spleen/stomach-renal shunt,four with Retzius vein opening,which was reserved during surgery.Three cases of lesions involving the intrahepatic portal vein(PV) were treated with living donor liver transplantation.One patient died from PV thrombosis after liver transplantation,and the rest had no significant complications.CONCLUSION:The PV,its branches and collateral circulation were clearly seen by 64-slice spiral CT angiography,which helped with preoperative surgical planning.

CT diagnosis of cavernous transformation of portal vein

Objective: To study the CT features of cavernous transformation of the portal vein (CTPV) and to evaluate the diagnostic reliability of CT. Methods: Ten patients with CTPV underwent abdominal precontrast and contrast CT. The CT findings were compared with DSA and surgical findings. Results: Characteristic features included loss of the normal structure of the portal system and the presence of multiple, sinuous, periportal vascular structures which were enhanced during the portal phase. Transient abnormality of hepatic perfusion, characterized by the image of homogeneous bands, can be observed in arterial phase, which is not detectable in venous phase. Conclusion: CT proved to be reliable for the diagnosis of CTPV, and provides essential information for clinical treatment planning. Additional DSA examination and US were indicated for atypical patients for a more reliable diagnosis.

A case of portal vein thrombosis associated with acute cholecystitis/pancreatitis or coincidence

BACKGROUND: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is complex and risk factors include local precipitating factors and acquired and inherited factors. It occurs secondary to abdominal malignancy, infection or surgical intervention. PVT is commonly forgotten as a possible cause of abdominal pain. The clinical picture may vary but abdominal pain and low grade fever are the most characteristic picture. METHODS: A 58-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital complaining of abdominal pain for three days. CT scan revealed an edematous area around the portal vein. Doppler ultrasonography showed evidence of a portal vein thrombosis. RESULTS: PVT can be diagnosed with CT and Doppler ultrasonography. Fresh thrombus can be undetected by sonography because of the low echogenity but can be recognised by color Doppler ultrasonography. Treatment ranges from observation and bowel rest to surgical resection of bowel. CONCLUSIONS: When we suspect a case of PVT, it should be treated at an early stage to prevent being lost in a diagnostic dilemma. The immediate use of anticoagulant could be important in preventing serious consequences of PVT.

Portal ductopathy:Clinical importance and nomenclature

Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension(PHT)accounts for about 20%of all PHT cases,portal vein thrombosis(PVT) resulting in cavernous transformation being the most common cause.All known complications of PHT may be encountered in patients with chronic PVT.However,the effect of this entity on the biliary tree and pancreatic duct has not yet been fully established.Additionally,a dispute remains regarding the nomenclature of common bile duct abnormalities which occur as a result of chronic PVT.Although many clinical reports have focused on biliary abnormalities,only a few have evaluated both the biliary and pancreatic ductal systems.In this review the relevant literature evaluating the effect of PVT on both ductal systems is discussed,and findings are considered with reference to results of a prominent center in Turkey,from which the term"portal ductopathy"has been put forth to replace"portal biliopathy".

Successful liver allograft inflow reconstruction with the right gastroepiploic vein

Portal vein thrombosis is a common complica- tion in cirrhotic patients. When portal vein thrombectomy is not a suitable option, a large collateral vessel can be used for allograft venous inflow reconstruction. We describe an unusu- al case of successful portal revascularization using the right gastroepiploic vein. The patient underwent a cadaveric or- thotropic liver transplantation with end-to-end anastomosis of the portal vein to the right gastroepiploic vein. Six months after liver transplantation the patient is well with good liver function. The use of the right gastroepiploic vein for allograft venous reconstruction is feasible and safe, with a great advan- tage of avoiding the need of venous jump graft.

Portal Biliopathy: A Review of Imaging Features of Nine Patients

Aim: To discuss the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of PB, supported by a series of 9 cases from a personal series. Methods: Radiological images of 9 cases of PB were retrieved from different hospitals and studied and information relating to PB was obtained from various internet databases including PUB Med, Google, Google Scholar and Educus. Results: Portal biliopathy (PB) is a rare complication of extra-portal venous obstruction. Most patients remain asymptomatic, but some may present with raised alkaline phosphatase level, abdominal pain, fever, and cholangitis. It tends to be associated with gallbladder (GB) wall abnormalities, a cavernous transformation of the portal vein and choledochal varices. Extrinsic compression of the common bile duct, (CBD), by dilated venous collaterals together with pericholedochal fibrosis from the inflammatory process can cause portal thrombosis, which may lead to biliary stricture and dilatation of the proximal biliary tree. These strictures set the scene for formation biliary stones and cholangitis. Liver function test abnormalities are common but remain non-specific. Imaging features are instrumental in the diagnosis of PB. This paper presents 9 of such cases of portal biliopathy, with discussions on their causation, the course of the disease process and management particularly minimally invasive procedure. The role of ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and direct puncture cholangiography is discussed. Surgical management is evaluated. An imaging atlas is provided. Conclusions: PB is a rare but significant complication of portal venous obstruction that has an insidious onset and may remain asymptomatic until late. PB has associated coagulopathies, and a variety of other disorders, which are discussed, illustrated and the diagnosis-elaborated. The role of MRI as a non-invasive imaging tool is emphasized.

Progress of transformational therapy in colorectal liver metastases

Colorectal cancer liver metastases （CLM） treatment is very important given the high incidence of colorectal cancer with liver metastases, which are primarily treated by surgical resection. Transformational therapy such as systemic chemotherapy, hepatic arterial infusion （HAl）, portal vein embolization （PVE）, ablation therapy, and targeted therapy, should be applied to CLM patients who are unable to undergo immediate surgery to improve patients＇ survival and quality of life.

经颈静脉肝内门体分流术治疗门静脉高压伴门静脉血栓的疗效与安全性

目的探讨经颈静脉肝内门体静脉分流术(transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt,TIPS)治疗门静脉高压伴门静脉血栓(portal vein thrombosis,PVT)的疗效及安全性。方法纳入2017年12月至2022年10月中国人民解放军总医院收治的符合TIPS治疗指征的31例门静脉高压伴PVT患者。收集患者临床资料,包括术前实验室检查、术式选择、术中门静脉压力(portal vein pressure,PVP)、术后随访超声或增强CT检查及有无肝性脑病(hepatic encephalopathy,HE)等。采用配对t检验比较支架植入前后PVP差异,Kaplan-Meier曲线分析患者术后分流道通畅率、再出血率、HE发生率及生存率。Log-rank检验分析伴或不伴有门静脉海绵样变性(cavernous transformation of portal vein,CTPV)患者的随访结果差异。结果TIPS成功率为93.55%(29/31)。手术成功的29例患者支架植入前后PVP由(30.15±4.61)mmHg降至(20.84±5.57)mmHg,差异有统计学意义(t=8.975,P<0.05)。术后随访时间为22.90(4.50,61.80)个月。随访期间,24.14%(7/29)的患者出现分流道功能障碍,17.24%(5/29)的患者出现再出血,17.24%(5/29)的患者出现HE,17.24%(5/29)的患者死亡。10例PVT患者伴有CTPV,伴有CTPV患者的分流道功能障碍5例、再出血3例、HE 1例、死亡3例,不伴有CTPV患者的分流道功能障碍2例、再出血2例、HE 4例、死亡2例。伴有CTPV的PVT患者的分流道功能障碍及再出血发生率高于不伴CTPV的患者(均P<0.05),而两组间HE发生率及术后病死率差异无统计学意义(均P>0.05)。结论TIPS可有效降低伴有PVT患者的PVP,PVT伴CTPV的患者TIPS后分流道功能障碍及再出血发生率高于不伴CTPV的患者。

40例儿童门静脉海绵样变性的临床表现、手术选择及其转归评价

目的分析40例门静脉海绵样变性患儿的临床特征、手术选择及预后转归。方法2017年6月-2022年6月蚌埠医学院第一附属医院收治的40例门静脉海绵样变性患儿,分析其临床表现,总结手术治疗,并评价转归结局。结果儿童门静脉海绵样变性常以腹痛、腹胀、脾脏肿大为临床症状表现,伴随多项肝功能指标改变,影像学检查可见食管静脉曲张。40例门静脉海绵样变性患儿均行手术治疗,其中实施Rex手术28例(70.0%),实施脾肾分流手术8例(20.0%),实施肝移植手术4例(10.0%)。40例门静脉海绵样变性患儿术后均存活,随访结果显示,28例接受Rex手术患儿中,25例(62.5%)搭桥血管通畅,血流速度正常,无血管狭窄,剩余3例(7.5%)术后出现血管闭塞;8例接受脾肾分流手术患儿中,3例(7.5%)术后未见脾脏缩小,食管静脉曲张未缓解,但未发生呕血、黑便;4例接受肝移植手术患儿中,1例(2.5%)术后早期发生肝动脉血栓,经抗凝治疗后再通。结论儿童门静脉海绵样变性的临床表现具有一定特征,临床可根据患儿肝内外门静脉发育情况进行术式选择,其中Rex手术能够恢复门静脉系统正常解剖和生理功能,改善肝脏灌注情况,避免术后不良情形的发生。

肝移植治疗小儿先天性门静脉海绵样变

目的探讨肝移植治疗小儿先天性门静脉海绵样变的临床效果。方法2例患儿经CT和CTA检查诊断为肝内门静脉系统海绵样变,并伴有严重的门静脉高压症,分别于2004年12月和2005年6月施行肝移植术治疗。从临床症状、血液学指标和影像学检查方面对手术疗效进行评价。结果2例患儿术后消化道出血症状均消失,且无复发;血红蛋白、血球压积、血小板水平等均接近或恢复正常;脾脏亦有一定程度缩小;1例患儿随访至今,情况良好;另1例患儿术后失访2月,3月后超声复查发现大量腹水,门静脉吻合口明显狭窄,再次手术重新植入另一供体门静脉,手术过程顺利,因术后出现严重肺部感染,同时合并肝、肾功能损害,于术后2周死亡。结论肝移植术可成为先天性门静脉海绵样变的有效治疗方法之一,其近期疗效良好。对肝移植的远期效果和并发症,尚需进一步积累病例和随访研究加以评价。

肝细胞癌门静脉癌栓致门静脉海绵样变性侧支循环的螺旋CT研究

目的 探讨肝细胞癌门静脉癌栓所致门静脉海绵样变性 (cavernoustransformationoftheportalvein ,CaTPV)侧支循环血管的构成及螺旋CT特征。资料与方法 搜集经组织病理学证实的肝细胞癌伴门静脉主干癌栓 5 7例进行回顾性分析 ,根据病理所见有无肝硬化背景分为肝硬化阳性组 (n =2 6 )和肝硬化阴性组 (n =31) ;另选择 15例肝硬化合并门静脉高压而无肝细胞癌和CaTPV的病例作为对照组。所有病例均行标准化上腹部螺旋CT双期增强扫描。观察CaTPV侧支血管的CT表现 ,对比分析各组螺旋CT对CaTPV侧支血管的显示率。结果 门静脉胆支(胆囊静脉和胆管周围静脉丛 )和胃支 (胃左、胃右静脉及属支 )是CaTPV最常显示的侧支血管。门静脉胆支的出现与CaTPV有关 ,而与肝硬化、门静脉高压无关 (CT显示率 81%～ 94%比 0 ) ;门静脉胃支的CT显示率 3组之间无差别 (胃左静脉 77%～ 87% ,胃右静脉 5 8%～ 6 0 % )。结论 门静脉胆支和胃支是构成CaTPV侧支循环的最主要的血管 ;胆支开放仅见于CaTPV ,而胃支开放与肝硬化并发门静脉高压以及CaTPV均有关系。

儿童门静脉海绵样变间接门静脉造影特点

目的探讨儿童门静脉海绵样变(CTPV)的间接门脉造影表现及其临床意义。方法回顾性分析了8例经超声诊断及造影证实的门静脉海绵样变患儿的间接门脉造影血管造影图像,观察其特征性的血管造影表现,并对其指导临床治疗的意义进行了评价。结果8例中6例清楚显示门脉主要分支近肝门处阻塞,2例门静脉主干阻塞,代之以肿块样纡曲血管并在其周围形成向肝内放射状的侧支血管影像,以及离肝性侧支循环静脉。8例血管造影均能对与分流或断流手术有关的血管解剖提供准确信息。结论儿童CTPV具有特征性的血管造影表现,间接门脉造影对CTPV的诊断和治疗有重要价值。

64层螺旋CT门静脉成像诊断门静脉海绵样变性

目的探讨64层螺旋CT门静脉成像在门静脉海绵样变性(CTPV)诊断中的价值。方法收集并分析42例经证实的CTPV患者的64层螺旋CT门静脉成像资料。结果全部病例门静脉主干和(或)其分支闭塞和(或)狭窄。本组门静脉异常表现为门静脉主干和(或)其分支因栓子闭塞和(或)狭窄34例;门静脉受侵闭塞和(或)狭窄5例;门静脉原因不明的狭窄或闭锁3例。门静脉周围形成增粗、扭曲的侧支血管即门-门侧支血管:胆管周围静脉丛曲张39例;胆囊静脉丛曲张31例,有分支向肝内门静脉左支供血的胃左静脉曲张6例;并清楚显示多种门-体侧支血管;肝脏灌注异常18例;胆囊、胆管壁增厚28例。结论64层螺旋CT门静脉成像能很好地显示CTPV的特征,是很有效的诊断方法。

螺旋CT评价门静脉海绵样变性及其侧支循环的特点

目的探讨门静脉海绵样变性(CTPV)不同CT分型及门静脉病变范围的侧支循环特征。方法收集门静脉海绵样变性83例进行回顾性分析,所有病例均行标准化上腹部螺旋CT双期增强扫描,其中40例原始数据进行重建,分别行VR、MIP和MPR重组。Ⅰ型:门静脉原因不明的管腔狭窄或消失;Ⅱ型:门静脉管腔正常或增粗,内可见栓子形成;Ⅲ型:门静脉走行区病变推挤侵犯门静脉,门静脉管腔狭窄或闭塞。观察CTPV侧支血管的CT表现,对比分析不同CT分型的年龄及门静脉不同病变范围侧支血管的特点。结果Ⅰ型与Ⅱ型和Ⅲ型的年龄间统计学差异有显著性(P<0.05)。与肝内门静脉病变比较,肝内外门静脉病变的胰十二指肠后上静脉的显示率高(P<0.05)。CTPV中的胆支、胃支是参与门-门短路和门体分流的最常见的侧支血管,显示率分别为100%、81.9%。73.5%胆支、8.4%胃支、18.1%胆支和胃支共同参与门-门短路的侧支循环。结论不同CT分型的CTPV,Ⅰ型患者年龄小于Ⅱ型和Ⅲ型。门静脉病变范围广的CTPV中,胰十二指肠后上静脉的显示率高。胆支是构成CTPV门-门短路的主要侧支血管,部分胃支也形成侧支参与门-门短路侧支循环。

经皮脾静脉途径联合TIPS治疗伴海绵样变性的门静脉血栓

目的探讨经皮脾静脉途径联合TIPS治疗伴海绵样变性的门静脉血栓的可行性、安全性和疗效。方法对3例门静脉血栓伴门脉海绵样变性患者行经皮脾穿脾静脉途径开通门静脉,联合TIPS重建门静脉分流道。随访22～40个月,观察治疗效果、支架通畅情况、肝功能变化和并发症。结果3例均成功。其中1例支架经由显著扩张的海绵样变性的侧支放置,术后7个月内出现2次肝性脑病前期症状,药物治疗后症状消失。1例患者于术后6个月内出现持续性的胆红素增高,最高总胆红素为88.2μmol/L,直接胆红素68.7μmol/L。予以保肝、降黄治疗后总胆红素维持在(44.4±11.6)μmol/L,直接胆红素(29.7±12.8)μmol/L。较术前无显著变化。第3例术后恢复良好。3例无术中并发症,术后随访22～40个月,支架血流通畅,未再发静脉曲张出血。结论在有限的治疗伴有海绵样变性的门静脉血栓的方法选择中,经皮脾穿刺脾静脉途径开通门静脉,联合TIPS是安全可行和有效的,虽然技术要求上更困难和更具挑战性。