Safety and efficacy of modified endoscopic ultrasound-guided selective N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate injections for gastric variceal hemorrhage in left-sided portal hypertension

BACKGROUND Gastric variceal hemorrhage is one of the primary manifestations of left-sided portal hypertension(LSPH).The hemorrhage is fatal and requires safe and effective interventions.AIM To evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of modified endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)-guided selective N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate(NBC)injections for gastric variceal hemorrhage in LSPH.METHODS A retrospective observational study of patients with LSPH-induced gastric variceal hemorrhage was conducted.Preoperative EUS evaluations were performed.Enrolled patients were divided into modified and conventional groups according to the NBC injection technique.The final selection of NBC injection technique depended on the patients’preferences and clinical status.The technical and clinical success rates,operation time,NBC doses,perioperative complications,postoperative hospital stay,and recurrent bleeding rates were analyzed,respectively.RESULTS A total of 27 patients were enrolled.No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding baseline characteristics.In comparison to patients in the conventional group,patients in the modified group demonstrated significantly reduced NBC doses(2.0±0.6 mL vs 3.1±1.0 mL;P=0.004)and increased endoscopic operation time(71.9±11.9 min vs 22.5±6.7 min;P<0.001).Meanwhile,the two groups had no significant difference in the technical and clinical success rates,perioperative complications,postoperative hospital stay,and recurrent bleeding rates.CONCLUSION Modified EUS-guided selective NBC injections demonstrated safety and efficacy for LSPH-induced gastric variceal hemorrhage,with advantages of reduced injection dose and no radiation risk.Drawbacks were time consumption and technical challenge.

Aluminum phosphate gel reduces early rebleeding in cirrhotic patients with gastric variceal bleeding treated with histoacryl injection therapy

BACKGROUND Esophageal-gastro varices bleeding(EGVB)is the most widely known cause of mortality in individuals with cirrhosis,with an occurrence rate of 5%to 15%.Among them,gastric varices bleeding(GVB)is less frequent than esophageal varices bleeding(EVB),but the former is a more critical illness and has a higher mortality rate.At present,endoscopic variceal histoacryl injection therapy(EVHT)is safe and effective,and it has been recommended by relevant guidelines as the primary method for the treatment of GVB.However,gastric varices after endoscopic treatment still have a high rate of early rebleeding,which is mainly related to complications of its treatment,such as bleeding from drained ulcers,rebleeding of varices etc.Therefore,preventing early postoperative rebleeding is very important to improve the quality of patient survival and outcomes.AIM To assess the efficacy of aluminium phosphate gel(APG)combined with proton pump inhibitor(PPI)in preventing early rebleeding after EVHT in individuals with GVB.METHODS Medical history of 196 individuals with GVB was obtained who were diagnosed using endoscopy and treated with EVHT in Shenzhen People's Hospital from January 2016 to December 2021.Based on the selection criteria,101 patients were sorted into the PPI alone treatment group,and 95 patients were sorted into the PPI combined with the APG treatment group.The incidences of early rebleeding and corresponding complications within 6 wk after treatment were compared between both groups.Statistical methods were performed by two-sample t-test,Wilcoxon rank sum test andχ2 test.RESULTS No major variations were noted between the individuals of the two groups in terms of age,gender,Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score,coagulation function,serum albumin,hemoglobin,type of gastric varices,the dose of tissue glue injection and EV that needed to be treated simultaneously.The early rebleeding rate in PPI+APG group was 3.16%(3/95),which was much lower than that in the PPI group(12.87%,13/101)(P=0.013).Causes of early rebleeding:the incidence of gastric ulcer bleeding in the PPI+APG group was 2.11%(2/95),which was reduced in comparison to that in the PPI group(11.88%,12/101)(P=0.008);the incidence of venous bleeding in PPI+APG group and PPI group was 1.05%(1/95)and 0.99%(1/101),respectively,and there was no significant difference between them(0.999).The early mortality rate was 0 in both groups within 6 wk after the operation,and the low mortality rate was related to the timely hospitalization and active treatment of all patients with rebleeding.The overall incidence of complications in the PPI+APG group was 12.63%(12/95),which was not significantly different from 13.86%(14/101)in the PPI group(P=0.800).of abdominal pain in the PPI+APG group was 3.16%(3/95),which was lower than that in the PPI group(11.88%,12/101)(P=0.022).However,due to aluminum phosphate gel usage,the incidence of constipation in the PPI+APG group was 9.47%(9/95),which was higher than that in the PPI group(1.98%,2/101)(P=0.023),but the health of the patients could be improved by increasing drinking water or oral lactulose.No patients in either group developed spontaneous peritonitis after taking PPI,and none developed hepatic encephalopathy and ectopic embolism within 6 wk of EVHT treatment.CONCLUSION PPI combined with APG can significantly reduce the incidence of early rebleeding and postoperative abdominal pain in cirrhotic patients with GVB after taking EVHT.

Study of glue extrusion after endoscopic N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate injection on gastric variceal bleeding

AIM:To investigate glue extrusion after endoscopic N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate injection on gastric variceal bleeding and to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of this therapy.METHODS:A total of 148 cirrhotic patients in our hospital with esophagogastric variceal bleeding(EGVB) were included in this study.N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate was mixed with lipiodol in a 1:1 ratio and injected as a bolus of 1-3 mL according to variceal size.Patients underwent endoscopic follow-up the next week,fourth week,second month,fourth month,and seventh month after injection and then every 6 mo to determine the cast shape.An abdominal X-ray fi lm and ultrasound or computed tomographic scan were also carried out in order to evaluate the time of variceal disappearance and complete extrusion of the cast.The average follow-up time was 13.1 mo.RESULTS:The instantaneous hemostatic rate was 96.2%.Early re-bleeding after injection in 9 cases(6.2%) was estimated from rejection of adhesive.Late re-bleeding occurred in 12 patients(8.1%) at 2-18 mo.The glue cast was extruded into the lumen within one month in 86.1% of patients and eliminated within one year.Light erosion was seen at the injection position and mucosa edema in the second week.The glue casts were extruded in 18 patients(12.1%) after one week and in 64 patients(42.8%) after two weeks.All kinds of glue clumping shapes and colors on endoscopic examination were observed in 127 patients(86.1%) within one month,including punctiform,globular,pillar and variform.Forty one patients(27.9%) had glue extrusion after 3 mo and 28 patients(28.9%) after six months.The extrusion time was not related to the injection volume of histoacryl.Obliteration was seen in 70.2%(104 cases) endoscopically.The main complication was re-bleeding resulting from extrusion.The prognosis of the patients depended on the severity of the underlying liver disease.CONCLUSION:Endoscopic injection of cyanoacrylate is highly effective for gastric varices bleeding.The glue clump shape is correlated with anatomic structure of vessels.The time of extrusion was not related to dosage of the glue.

Procedure-related complications in gastric variceal obturation with tissue glue

AIM To focus on procedure-related complications,evaluate their incidence,analyze the reasons and discuss the solutions.METHODS Overall,628 endoscopic gastric variceal obturation(EGVO) procedures(case-times) with NBC were performed in 519 patients in the Department of Endoscopy of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University from January 2011 to December 2016. The clinical data of patients and procedure-related complications of EGVO were retrospectively analyzed.RESULTS In the 628 EGVO procedures,sticking of the needle to the varix occurred in 9 cases(1.43%),including 1 case that used lipiodol-diluted NBC and 8 cases that used undiluted NBC(P = 0.000). The needle was successfully withdrawn in 8 cases. Large spurt bleeding occurred in one case,and hemostasis was achieved by two other injections of undiluted glue. The injection catheter became blocked in 17 cases(2.71%) just during the injection,and 4 cases were complicated with the needle sticking to the varix. Large glue adhesion to the endoscope resulted in difficulty withdrawing the endoscope in 1 case. Bleeding from multiple sites was observed in the esophagus and gastric cardia after the endoscope was withdrawn. Hemostasis was achieved by 1% aethoxysklerol injection and intravenous somatostatin. The ligation device stuck to the varices in two cases during the subsequent endoscopic variceal ligation. In one case,the ligation device was successfully separated from the esophageal varix after all bands were released. In another case,a laceration of the vein and massive bleeding were observed. The bleeding ceased after 1% aethoxysklerol injection.CONCLUSION Although EGVO with tissue glue is usually safe and effective,a series of complications can occur during the procedure that may puzzle endoscopists. There is no standard operating procedure for addressing these complications. The cases described in the current study can provide some reference for others.

64-row multidetector computed tomography portal venography of gastric variceal collateral circulation

AIM:To study characteristics of collateral circulation of gastric varices (GVs) with 64-row multidetector computer tomography portal venography (MDCTPV).METHODS:64-row MDCTPV with a slice thickness of 0.625 mm and a scanning field from 2 cm above the tracheal bifurcation to the lower edge of the kidney was performed in 86 patients with GVS diagnosed by endoscopy. The computed tomography protocol included unenhanced,arterial and portal vein phases. The MDCTPV was performed on an AW4.3 workstation. GVs were classified into three types according to Sarin's Classification. The afferent and efferent veins of each type of GV were observed.RESULTS:The afferent venous drainage originated mostly from the left gastric vein alone (LGV) (28/86,32.59%),or the LGV more than the posterior gastric vein/short gastric vein [LGV > posterior gastric vein/short gastric vein (PGV/SGV)] (22/86,25.58%),as seen by MDCTPV. The most common efferent venousdrainage was via the azygos vein to the superior vena cava (53/86,61.63%),or via the gastric/splenorenal shunt (37/86,43.02%) or inferior phrenic vein (8/86,9.30%) to the inferior vena cava. In patients with gastroesophageal varices type 1,the afferent venous drainage of GV mainly originated from the LGV or LGV > PGV/SGV (43/48,89.58%),and the efferent venous drainage was mainly via the azygos vein to the super vena cava (43/48,89.58%),as well as via the gastric/splenorenal shunt (8/48,16.67%) or inferior phrenic vein (3/48,6.25%) to the inferior vena cava. In patients with gastroesophageal varices type 2,the afferent venous drainage of the GV mostly came from the PGV/SGV more than the LGV (PGV/SGV > LGV) (8/16,50%),and the efferent venous drainage was via the azygos vein (10/16,62.50%) and gastric/splenorenal shunt (9/16,56.25%). In patients with isolated gastric varices,the main afferent venous drainage was via the PGV/SGV alone (16/22,72.73%),and the efferent venous drainage was mainly via the gastric/splenorenal shunt (20/22,90.91%),as well as the inferior phrenic vein (3/23) to the inferior vena cava. CONCLUSION:MDCTPV can clearly display the afferent and efferent veins of all types of GV,and it could provide useful reference information for the clinical management of GV 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%.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt combined with esophagogastric variceal embolization in the treatment of a large gastrorenal shunt

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS) combined with stomach and esophageal variceal embolization(SEVE) in cirrhotic patients with a large gastrorenal vessel shunt(GRVS).METHODS: Eighty-one cirrhotic patients with gastric variceal bleeding(GVB) associated with a GRVS were enrolled in the study and accepted TIPS combined with SEVE(TIPS + SEVE), by which portosystemic pressuregradient(PPG), biochemical, TIPS-related complications, shunt dysfunction, rebleeding, and death were evaluated. RESULTS: The PPGs before TIPS were greater than 12 mmH g in 81 patients. TIPS + SEVE treatment caused a significant decrease in PPG(from 37.97 ± 6.36 mmH g to 28.15 ± 6.52 mm Hg, t = 19.22, P < 0.001). The percentage of reduction in PPG was greater than 20%from baseline. There were no significant differences in albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin, prothrombin time, or Child-Pugh score before and after operation. In all patients, rebleeding rates were 3%, 6%, 12%, 18%, and 18% at 1,3, 6, 12, and 18 mo, respectively. Five patients(6.2%)were diagnosed as having hepatic encephalopathy. The rates of shunt dysfunction were 0%, 4%, 9%, 26%,and 26%, at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 mo, respectively. The cumulative survival rates in 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 mo were100%, 100%, 95%, 90%, and 90%, respectively.CONCLUSION: Our preliminary results indicated that the efficacy and safety of TIPS + SEVE were satisfactory in cirrhotic patients with GVB associated with a GRVS(GVB + GRVS).

Prognosis of hepatic cirrhosis patients with esophageal or gastric variceal hemorrhage: multivariate analysis

Objective: To study the effect of bacterial infection, use of antibiotics, active bleeding at endoscopy, and the severity of liver disease as prognostic factors in hepatic cirrhotic patients during the first 5 days after the episode of esophageal or gastric variceal hemor- rhage. Methods: Seventy-six hepatic cirrhosis patients with esophageal or gastric variceal bleeding were enrolled. Bleeding was managed in a standardized protocol u- sing octreotide and vasopressin in sclerotherapy or band ligation for active bleeding at endoscopy. The screening protocol for bacterial infection consisted of chest radiograph; blood, urine and ascitic fluid cul- tures; the severity of liver disease shown by Child- Pugh score. Results: Active bleeding was observed at endoscopy in 40 patients (53%). Failure to control bleeding Within 5 days occurred in 36 patients (45%). Empir- ical antibiotic treatment was used in 53 patients (67%), whereas bacterial infections were documen- ted in 43 patients (57%). Multivariate analysis showed that proven bacterial infection (P<0.01) or antibiotic use (P<0.05) as well as active bleeding at endoscopy (P<0.01) and Child-Pugh score (P< 0.01) were independent prognostic factors of failure to control bleeding. Conclusion: Bacterial infection is associated with fai- lure to control esophageal or gastric variceal bleeding in hepatic cirrhotic patients.

Isolated gastric variceal bleeding related to non-cirrhotic portal hypertension following oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy:A case report

BACKGROUND Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome has been reported after oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy,but liver fibrosis and non-cirrhotic portal hypertension(NCPH)are rarely reported.CASE SUMMARY Here,we describe the case of a 64-year-old woman who developed isolated gastric variceal bleeding 16 mo after completing eight cycles of oxaliplatin combined with capecitabine chemotherapy after colon cancer resection.Surprisingly,splenomegaly and thrombocytopenia were not accompanied by variceal bleeding,which has been reported to have predictive value for gastric variceal formation.However,a liver biopsy showed fibrosis in the portal area,suggesting NCPH.The patient underwent endoscopic treatment and experienced no further symptoms.CONCLUSION It is necessary to guard against long-term complications after oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy.Sometimes splenic size and platelet level may not always accurately predict the occurrence of portal hypertension.

Modified endoscopic ultrasound-guided selective N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate injections for gastric variceal hemorrhage in left-sided portal hypertension:A case report

BACKGROUND Left-sided portal hypertension(LSPH),also known as sinistral portal hypertension or regional portal hypertension,refers to extrahepatic portal hypertension caused by splenic vein obstruction or stenosis.N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate(NBC)has been widely used in the endoscopic hemostasis of portal hypertension,but adverse events including renal or pulmonary thromboembolism,mucosal necrosis and gastrointestinal(GI)bleeding may occur after treatment.Herein,we report successfully managing gastric variceal(GV)hemorrhage secondary to LSPH using modified endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)-guided selective NBC injections.CASE SUMMARY A 35-year-old man was referred to our hospital due to an upper GI hemorrhage.Gastroscopy revealed GV hemorrhage and computed tomography venography(CTV)confirmed LSPH.The patient requested endoscopic procedures and rejected surgical therapies including splenectomy.EUS-guided selective NBC injections were performed and confluences of gastric varices were selected as the injection sites to reduce the injection dose.The“sandwich”method using undiluted NBC and hypertonic glucose was applied.No complications occurred.The patient was followed up regularly after discharge.Three months later,the follow-up gastroscopy revealed firm gastric submucosa with no sign of NBC expulsion and the follow-up CTV showed improvements in LSPH.No recurrent GI hemorrhage was reported during this follow-up period.CONCLUSION EUS-guided selective NBC injection may represent an effective and economical treatment for GV hemorrhage in patients with LSPH.

Comparative study for predictability of type 1 gastric variceal rebleeding after endoscopic variceal ligation:High-frequency intraluminal ultrasound study

BACKGROUND The efficacy of endoscopic ultrasonography for the follow-up of gastric varices treated with endoscopic variceal ligation(EVL)has not been established.AIM To evaluate the diagnostic correlation of esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD)and high-frequency intraluminal ultrasound(HFIUS)for type 1 gastric varices(GOV1)after EVL and to identify the predictability for rebleeding of EGD and HFIUS.METHODS In liver cirrhosis patients with GOV1,we performed endoscopic follow-up using EGD and HFIUS synchronously after EVL for hemorrhage from GOV1.Endoscopic grading and red color signs were analyzed using EGD,and the largest variceal cross-sectional areas were measured using HFIUS.In addition,1-year follow-up was performed.Variceal rebleeding was defined as the presence of hematemesis,hematochezia,or melena without other evidence of bleeding on endoscopic follow-up.RESULTS In 26 patients with GOV1,variceal cross-sectional areas on HFIUS of GOV1 was poorly correlated with EGD grading of GOV1(r=0.36).In 17 patients who completed the 1-year follow-up,variceal cross-sectional areas on HFIUS was a good predictor of subsequent rebleeding,whereas EGD grading was not a predictor of subsequent rebleeding.CONCLUSION HFIUS measurement is more predictive of GOV1 rebleeding than EGD grading,so HFIUS measurement may be necessary for endoscopic follow-up after EVL in patients with GOV1.

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.

Reinforcing the management of type 1 gastric esophageal varices

Variceal bleed represents an important complication of cirrhosis,with its presence reflecting the severity of liver disease.Gastric varices,though less frequently seen than esophageal varices,present a distinct clinical challenge due to its higher intensity of bleeding and associated mortality.Based upon the Sarin classification,GOV1 is the most common subtype of gastric varices seen in clinical practice.

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.

Comparative study of endoscopy vs.transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in the management of gastric variceal bleeding

Background and Aim:Gastric varices are associated with high mortality.There have been conflicting reports on whether endoscopic treatment with cyanoacrylate or the placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)is more effective in the treatment of gastric varices.We compared the outcomes of patients treated with cyanoacrylate glue or TIPS for the management of acute gastric variceal bleeding.Methods:The study was designed as a retrospective cohort analysis of patients undergoing either TIPS or endoscopic treatment with cyanoacrylate for acute gastric variceal bleeding at our institution from 2001 to 2011.Primary compared to studied between the two treatment modalities were the short-term treatment outcomes,including re-bleeding within 30 days,length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality.Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to assess factors associated with in-hospital mortality.Results:A total of 169 patients were included in the analysis.The TIPS arm contained 140 patients and the cyanoacrylate arm contained 29 patients.There was no evidence to suggest any significant differences in demographics or disease severity.There were no differences between the TIPS arm and the cyanoacrylate armtwo groups in treatment outcomes including re-bleeding within 30 days(17.4%vs.17.2%;P=0.98),median length of stay in the hospital(4.5 days vs.6.0 days;P紏0.35)or in-hospital mortality(9.0%vs.11.1%;P=0.74).In-hospital mortality was evaluated for 149 patients and lower albumin(P=0.015),higher MELD score(P<0.001),higher CTP score(P=0.005)and bleeding(P=0.008)were all significantly associated with in-hospital death.Conclusion:These findings suggest that both treatments are equally effective.Cyanoacrylate offers a safe,effective alternative to TIPS for gastric varices,and physician may choose the best therapy for each patient,factoring in the availability of TIPS or cyanoacrylate,the individual patient’s presentation,and cost.

Acute-on-chronic liver failure is independently associated with higher mortality for cirrhotic patients with acute esophageal variceal hemorrhage:Retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND Acute esophageal variceal hemorrhage(AEVH)is a common complication of cirrhosis and might precipitate multi-organ failure,causing acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF).AIM To analyze if the presence and grading of ACLF as defined by European Society for the Study of the Liver-Chronic Liver Failure(EASL-CLIF)is able to predict mortality in cirrhotic patients presenting AEVH.METHODS Retrospective cohort study executed in Hospital Geral de Caxias do Sul.Data from medical records from 2010 to 2016 were obtained by searching the hospital electronic database for patients who received terlipressin.Medical records were reviewed in order to determine the diagnosis of cirrhosis and AEVH,including 97 patients.Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used for univariate analysis and a stepwise approach to the Cox regression for multivariate analysis.RESULTS All-cause mortality for AEVH patients was 36%,40.2%and 49.4%for 30-,90-and 365-day,respectively.The prevalence of ACLF was 41.3%.Of these,35%grade 1,50%grade 2 and 15%grade 3.In multivariate analysis,the non-use of non-selective beta-blockers,presence and higher grading of ACLF and higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores were independently associated with higher mortality for 30-day with the addition of higher Child-Pugh scores for 90-day period.CONCLUSION Presence and grading of ACLF according to the EASL-CLIF criteria was independently associated with higher 30-and 90-day mortality in cirrhotic patients admitted due to AEVH.

Diagnostic and therapeutic role of endoscopic ultrasound in liver diseases:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND In hepatology,the clinical use of endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)has experienced a notable increase in recent times.These applications range from the diagnosis to the treatment of various liver diseases.Therefore,this systematic review summarizes the evidence for the diagnostic and therapeutic roles of EUS in liver diseases.AIM To examine and summarize the current available evidence of the possible roles of the EUS in making a suitable diagnosis in liver diseases as well as the therapeutic accuracy and efficacy.METHODS PubMed,Medline,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,and Google Scholar databases were extensively searched until October 2023.The methodological quality of the eligible articles was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale or Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.In addition,statistical analyses were performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software.RESULTS Overall,45 articles on EUS were included(28 on diagnostic role and 17 on therapeutic role).Pooled analysis demonstrated that EUS diagnostic tests had an accuracy of 92.4%for focal liver lesions(FLL)and 96.6%for parenchymal liver diseases.EUS-guided liver biopsies with either fine needle aspiration or fine needle biopsy had low complication rates when sampling FLL and parenchymal liver diseases(3.1%and 8.7%,respectively).Analysis of data from four studies showed that EUS-guided liver abscess had high clinical(90.7%)and technical success(90.7%)without significant complications.Similarly,EUS-guided interventions for the treatment of gastric varices(GV)have high technical success(98%)and GV obliteration rate(84%)with few complications(15%)and rebleeding events(17%).CONCLUSION EUS in liver diseases is a promising technique with the potential to be considered a first-line therapeutic and diagnostic option in selected cases.

Glucocorticoid therapy in pancreatic portal hypertension associated with autoimmune pancreatitis:A case report

BACKGROUND Autoimmune pancreatitis(AIP)is a chronic form of pancreatitis characterized by diffused enlargement of the pancreas and irregular stenosis of the main pancreatic duct.Some studies have reported that AIP can cause hemorrhage of gastric varices(GV)related to portal hypertension(PH).However,such cases are rare.In addition,the association of PH with AIP is unclear.At the same time,the efficacy and duration of glucocorticoid therapy is also controversial.CASE SUMMARY In this case,we reported a case of GV in pancreatic PH associated with AIP.Enhanced abdominal computed tomography(CT)suggested splenic vein(SV)and superior mesenteric vein(SMV)thromboses.The patient received a long-term glucocorticoid therapy,that the initial dose of 40 mg is reduced weekly by 5 mg,and then reduced to 5 mg for long-term maintenance.CT and gastroscopic examination after 8 mo of treatment indicated that SV and SMV were recanalized,pancreatic stiffness and swelling were ameliorated,and the GV almost completely disappeared.CONCLUSION Long-term glucocorticoid therapy can alleviate the development of GV in patients with AIP and has potential reversibility.

Coil-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration for gastric varices in a Chinese case

Gastric varices are a major complication of portal hypertension in patients with liver cirrhosis and are associated with more massive bleeding events and higher mortality rate.Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)and balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration(BRTO)have been well documented as effective therapies for portal hypertensive gastric variceal bleeding.In China,TIPS are well accepted but BRTO is not well recieved due to the increase risk of complications associated with traditional BRTO.However,modified-BRTO,known as coil-assisted and plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration(CARTO and PARTO,respectively),is receiving increased attention due to devoid of BRTO’s shortcomings.No CARTO case from China has been reported in literature thus far.Here,we present a Chinese case of CARTO to treat gastric varices bleeding.