Changes of portal hemodynamics and serum albumin levels in patients undergoing partial splenic embolization

Abstract

Blood flows in the splenic and portal veins were measured by an ultrasound-Doppler method in 43 patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent partial splenic embolization (PSE). The change of digestive tract blood flow due to PSE was calculated from the differences between splenic vein and portal vein flows, and the results were compared with the changes of serum albumin levels. The change of the portal/splenic blood flow ratio by PSE showed a positive correlation with the change of albumin levels. The change of albumin levels by PSE might be influenced by the hepatic functional reserve, collateral circulation, varices, and/or postoperative interferon treatment. But the increase of portal and splenic vein blood flow (considered to be digestive tract blood flow) appeared to be the most relevant factor for the increase of albumin. The decrease of splenic vein blood flow due to PSE may result in a favorable influence on albumin synthesis by the liver, through an increase of blood flow from the digestive tract to the liver via portal vein.