Thrombolysis treatment of mesenteric and portal venous thrombosis by TIPSS pathway / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of thrombolysis treatment of mesenteric and portal venous thrombosis by TIPSS pathway. Methods Six patients with thrombosis of the PV and SMV were treated by transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS) pathway. All 6 patients presented abdominal pain, distention, and anorexia etc. No clinical signs of peritonitis were seen. The diagnosis was established by Doppler ultrasound scan and contrast enhanced CT. Control PV-SMV venography was performed after access to the PV branch. As soon as the diagnosis was established the thrombus in the PV and SMV was aspirated and fragmented. After the majority of the clot was cleared away with restoration of blood flow in the main trunk, a 4-French catheter with multiple side-holes was passed into the SMV, and urokinase (UK) was continuously infused for 3 to 13 days. Anticoagulants were given for 6 months therefter. Results The majority of the thrombus in PV and SMV was cleared away resulting in flow restoration in all patients after the procedure. Clinical improvement was seen in 5 patients, characterized by progressive alleviation of abdominal pain, distention, and diarrhea. Prior to removal of the infusion catheter from the SMV, venography revealed a complete resolution of the thrombosis in 3 patients, and residual thrombus in the PV branches in 3 cases without showing clinical symptoms. Follow-up Doppler ultrasound scan performed during 4-36 months after the procedure confirmed patency of the PV and SMV. The symptoms did not recur. Conclusions Through the TIPSS pathway, catheter-directed thrombolysis is safe and effective in the treatment of PV and SMV thrombosis.