Plug-Assisted Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration for the Treatment of Gastric Variceal Hemorrhage

• Published in: Korean journal of radiology 2016, 17(2), , pp.230-238
• Main Authors: Chang, Min-Yung, Kim, Man-Deuk, Kim, Taehwan, Shin, Wonseon, Shin, Minwoo, Kim, Gyoung Min, Won, Jong Yun, Park, Sung Il, Lee, Do Yun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Ascites; Balloon Occlusion; Blood clots; Blood pressure; Catheters; Contrast agents; Embolization; Embolization, Therapeutic; Endoscopy; Endoscopy, Digestive System; Esophageal and Gastric Varices - complications; Esophageal and Gastric Varices - diagnostic imaging; Esophageal and Gastric Varices - therapy; Esophagus; Female; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage - therapy; Gelatin Sponge, Absorbable - chemistry; Hemorrhage; Humans; Hypertension; Hypertension, Portal - complications; Laboratories; Liver cirrhosis; Male; Medical imaging; Medical records; Middle Aged; Patients; Performance evaluation; Retrospective Studies; Statistical analysis; Thrombosis; Tomography; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Veins & arteries; 방사선과학
• ISSN: 1229-6929; 2005-8330
• DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2016.17.2.230

To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and clinical outcomes of plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration (PARTO) to treat gastric variceal hemorrhage in patients with portal hypertension. From May 2012 to June 2014, 19 patients (11 men and 8 women, median age; 61, with history of gastric variceal hemorrhage; 17, active bleeding; 2) who underwent PARTO using a vascular plug and a gelfoam pledget were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical and laboratory data were examined to evaluate primary (technical and clinical success, complications) and secondary (worsening of esophageal varix [EV], change in liver function) end points. Median follow-up duration was 11 months, from 6.5 to 18 months. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare laboratory data before and after the procedure. Technical success (complete occlusion of the efferent shunt and complete filling of gastric varix [GV] with a gelfoam slurry) was achieved in 18 of 19 (94.7%) patients. The embolic materials could not reach the GV in 1 patient who had endoscopic glue injection before our procedure. The clinical success rate (no recurrence of gastric variceal bleeding) was the same because the technically failed patient showed recurrent bleeding later. Acute complications included fever (n = 2), fever and hypotension (n = 2; one diagnosed adrenal insufficiency), and transient microscopic hematuria (n = 3). Ten patients underwent follow-up endoscopy; all exhibited GV improvement, except 2 without endoscopic change. Five patients exhibited aggravated EV, and 2 of them had a bleeding event. Laboratory findings were significantly improved after PARTO. PARTO is technically feasible, safe, and effective for gastric variceal hemorrhage in patients with portal hypertension.