Endovascular shunt reduction in the management of transjugular portosystemic shunt-induced hepatic encephalopathy: preliminary experience with reduction stents and stent-grafts.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the safety, feasibility, and midterm clinical outcome of the use of three types of reduction stents inserted to manage transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)-induced hepatic encephalopathy refractory to medical treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of a covered reduction stent-graft results in a greater increase in portosystemic gradient immediately after reduction than does use of a bare reduction stent. Relief of TIPS-induced hepatic encephalopathy tends to be greater in patients with reduction stent-grafts than in those with bare reduction stents.
Maleux
Geert
G
Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, Leuven, Belgium, B/3000. geert.maleux@uz.kuleuven.ac.be
Verslype
Chris
C
Heye
Sam
S
Wilms
Guido
G
Marchal
Guy
G
Nevens
Frederik
F
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006501:Hepatic Encephalopathy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D019168:Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015607:Stents; D016896:Treatment Outcome