EVALUATION OF SPLENIC ARTERY EMBOLIZATION (SAE) FOR PORTAL HYPERTENSION WITH ESOPHAGEAL VARICES

Assessments from Hemodynamic Changes of the Portal Venous System and of Angiographic Findings

Abstract

Hemodynamic changes of the portal venous system was studied after splenic artery embolization (SAE) in patients with esophageal varices due to portal hypertension. After percutaneous transhepatic obliteration (PTO), the portal pressure was increased 31.4cmH₂O to 38.4cmH₂O in group A patients (7 patients with liver cirrhosis, 3 with idiopathic portal hypertension who were simultaneously performed PTO and SAE), and after SAE, it was decreased to 33.1cmH₂O. SAE was done as partial embolization (mean proportion 51%). In group B patients (all 6 patients with liver cirrhosis who were performed follow up angiography more than 10 months later), we observed narrowing the diameter of portal vein and splenic vein. After PTO and SAE, ndoscopic findings of varices were improved and we have had no case of rebleeding.