Partial splenic embolization in the treatment of patients with portal hypertension: a review of the english language literature.
This article reviews the existing literature on the use of partial splenic embolization in patients with portal hypertension. All articles published in the English language on splenic embolization or partial splenic embolization as a treatment for portal hypertension were identified with a PubMed search from 1973 through 2005. Partial splenic embolization appears to be efficacious in reducing episodes of variceal bleeding, improving hematologic parameters, enhancing hepatic protein synthesis, and reducing the severity of hepatic encephalopathy. Associated morbidity and mortality appear to be acceptable. The literature, however, is limited in quality. Given the potential benefits of partial splenic embolization, further investigation is warranted to allow evidence-based evaluation of its use.
Koconis
Kristen Gledhill
KG
Department of Radiology, Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, Pennsylvania State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
Singh
Harjit
H
Soares
Gregory
G
D001772:Blood Cell Count; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000266:history / Q000379:methods; D004932:Esophageal and Gastric Varices / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D006501:Hepatic Encephalopathy / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D006971:Hypersplenism / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006975:Hypertension, Portal / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D011170:Portasystemic Shunt, Surgical; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D012008:Recurrence; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013157:Splenic Artery; D016896:Treatment Outcome