Combined mechanical and pharmacologic thrombolysis for portal vein thrombosis in liver-graft recipients and in candidates for liver transplantation

Transplantation. 2004 Sep 27;78(6):938-40. doi: 10.1097/01.tp.0000137104.38602.9f.

Abstract

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is an uncommon cause for presinusoidal portal hypertension and can occur even in liver-graft recipients. Interventional radiology by percutaneous approach may represent a valid and less invasive alternative to surgical treatment. We describe three cases of PVT (2 liver-transplant patients and a cirrhotic patient candidate for liver transplantation) treated by combined mechanical and pharmacologic thrombolysis. The Arrow-Trerotola device was used along with the infusion of urokinase by way of a percutaneous-transhepatic approach. In all cases, a recanalization of the portal system was obtained and maintained during the follow-up. The best result was achieved when mechanical thrombectomy was performed before urokinase infusion. The combined locoregional treatment with mechanical thrombectomy and pharmacologic thrombolysis appears to be a promising approach for PVT because of its rapid and durable effect and its ability to reduce the dose of urokinase required to achieve recanalization.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic / surgery
  • Liver Transplantation / methods*
  • Liver Transplantation / physiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Portal Vein*
  • Thrombolytic Therapy / methods*
  • Thrombosis / surgery
  • Thrombosis / therapy*
  • Waiting Lists
  • Warfarin / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Warfarin