Clinical Course of Cirrhotic Patients With Portal Vein Thrombosis Treated With TIPS

Follow-up and Survival of Cirrhotic and Non Cirrhotic Patients With Portal Vein Thrombosis Treated With Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is defined as an obstruction of the portal vein. The prevalence of PVT is 10-25% and incidence is about 16% in cirrhotic patients. PVT leads to increased intrahepatic resistance, decreased portal velocities, splanchnic vasodilatation, and stagnant flow.

Portal vein recanalization (PVR) with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is aimed at restoring main portal vein (PV) flow in chronic PVT. In this study, we will review the safety and outcomes of this approach.

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a fairly common complication of liver cirrhosis. Importantly, occlusive PVT might influence the prognosis of patients with cirrhosis. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has been reported to be an effective treatment of PVT in cirrhosis, with the advantage of avoiding the risk of bleeding linked to anticoagulation. In this study, we will evaluate the outcome of TIPS for PVT in patients with and without cirrhosis and determinate survival.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Written informed consent
• Liver cirrosis or non-cirrhotic patients
• Portal vein thrombosis (degree of vessel obstruction > 50%)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Active variceal bleeding
• Prior history of TIPS placement or shunt surgery
• Concomitant renal insufficiency
• Severe cardiopulmonary diseases
• Uncontrolled sepsis Serious medical conditions which may reduce the life expectancy
• Contraindications for TIPS