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Treatment of chronic portosystemic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients by embolization of portosystemic shunts
Author(s) -
Zidi Sémia H.,
Zanditenas David,
GeluSiméon Moana,
Rangheard AnneSophie,
Valla Dominique C.,
Vilgrain Valérie,
Pelletier Gilles M.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
liver international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.873
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1478-3231
pISSN - 1478-3223
DOI - 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2007.01602.x
Subject(s) - medicine , portosystemic shunt , hepatic encephalopathy , embolization , encephalopathy , portal hypertension , liver transplantation , shunt (medical) , radiology , chronic liver disease , clinical significance , surgery , transplantation , cirrhosis , gastroenterology
Aims/Backgrounds: Large spontaneous portal‐systemic shunts can occasionally be the cause of chronic and disabling encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients. Shunt embolization has been proposed, however the clinical relevance of this technique remains uncertain. Methods/Results: We report our results in seven patients treated by shunt embolization. Although the procedure was achieved and technically successful in all patients, the clinical results were poor as long‐term improvement was obtained in only one patient. Three patients died within 3 months after the procedure from cirrhoses' end stage complications. Conclusion: We believe that optimal management of these patients with chronic spontaneous encephalopathy is liver transplantation.