Endovascular treatment of acute and chronic portal vein thrombosis in patients with cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic liver

Background Treatment of patients with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) differs due to different etiology and wide range of symptoms but certain patients seems to benefit from endovascular intervention. Purpose To assess the safety and efficiency of endovascular treatment of acute and chronic PVT in patients with cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic liver. Material and Methods Twenty-one patients with PVT treated with an endovascular procedure in 2002-2013 were studied retrospectively. Data on etiology, onset and extension of thrombus, presenting symptoms, methods of intervention, portal pressure gradients, complications, recurrence of symptoms, re-interventions, clinical status at latest follow-up, and survival were collected. Results Four non-cirrhotic patients with acute extensive PVT and bowel ischemia were treated with local thrombolysis, in three combined with placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement. Three recovered and have survived more than 6 years. In six non-cirrhotic patients with chronic PVT and acute or threatening variceal bleeding recanalization and TIPS were successful in three and failed in three. Eleven cirrhotic patients with PVT and variceal bleeding or refractory ascites were successfully treated with recanalization and TIPS. Re-intervention was performed in five of these patients and five patients died, three within 12 months of intervention. Four cirrhotic patients had episodes of shunt-related encephalopathy and three had variceal re-bleeding. Conclusion TIPS was found to be effective in reducing portal hypertension in patients with PVT. In patients with extensive PVT and bowel ischemia treatment with TIPS combined with thrombolysis should be considered.