title: Recurrent thrombotic occlusion of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt due to activated protein C resistance.
abstract: The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt (TIPS) has successfully been used in the management of refractory variceal bleeding and ascites in patients with portal hypertension. Major drawbacks are the induction of hepatic encephalopathy and shunt dysfunction. We present a 59-year-old woman with alcoholic liver cirrhosis who received a TIPS because of recurrent bleeding from esophageal varices. Stent occlusion occurred 4 mo after placement of the TIPS. Laboratory testing revealed resistance to activated protein C (APC). Combination therapy with low-dose enoxaparin and clopidogrel could not prevent her recurrent stent occlusion. Finally, therapy with high-dose enoxaparin was sufficient to prevent further shunt complications up to now (follow-up period of 1 year). In conclusion, early occlusion of a TIPS warrants testing for thrombophilia. If risk factors are confirmed, anticoagulation should be intensified. There are currently no evidence-based recommendations regarding the best available anticoagulant therapy and surveillance protocol for patients with TIPS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine III, Aachen University, Aachen, Germany. siewert@rwth-aachen.de
authors.forename: Elmar
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Siewert
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Salzmann
authors.forename: Edmund
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Purucker
authors.forename: Karl
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Schürmann
authors.forename: Siegfried
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Matern
mesh_terms: D020016:Activated Protein C Resistance / Q000378:metabolism*; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000378:metabolism; D004932:Esophageal and Gastric Varices / Q000601:surgery*; D005165:Factor V / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006975:Hypertension, Portal / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019168:Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011486:Protein C / Q000378:metabolism; D012008:Recurrence; D015607:Stents; D019851:Thrombophilia / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D011486:Protein C; C095381:factor V Leiden; D005165:Factor V