title: Safety and efficacy of splenic artery coil embolization for hypersplenism in liver cirrhosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Partial splenic artery embolization is an effective treatment for hypersplenism but often lacks long-term benefits.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the long-term effects of coil embolization of the splenic artery in patients with liver cirrhosis and hypersplenism.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-nine patients with liver cirrhosis and hypersplenism underwent coil embolization of the main splenic artery. The coils were deployed in the mid- or distal segment of the splenic artery to allow collateral blood flow to the spleen. The following data were collected from 2 weeks to 4 years after the embolization: technical success, length of hospital stay, white blood cell count, platelet count, splenic volume, and complication.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The technical success rate of splenic artery coil embolization was 100%. The post embolization syndrome rate was 75% (36/49) with no incidence of major complications. The mean length of hospital stay was 9 days. After embolization, the patient's white blood and platelet counts increased significantly, peaked at 2 weeks, and gradually decreased during the 4-year follow-up period, but remained at significantly higher levels than pre-embolization levels. Follow-up CT scans demonstrated a gradual increase in the volume of the enhanced portions of the spleens with a decrease in the volume of unenhanced portion. No significant changes occurred in the red blood cell count and liver function after the embolization.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Embolization of the mid-and distal main splenic artery with coils is a safe and effective treatment of hypersplenism in cirrhosis with long-term hematologic benefits.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology, People's Hospital of Tongzhou District, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China.
authors.forename: Jian-Jian
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Gu
authors.forename: Xin-Hong
authors.initials: XH
authors.lastname: He
authors.forename: Wen-Tao
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ji
authors.forename: Wei-Jun
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Peng
authors.forename: Guo-Dong
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Sheng-Ping
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Li-Chao
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Xu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006971:Hypersplenism / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006975:Hypertension, Portal / Q000150:complications; D007902:Length of Stay; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000150:complications*; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009929:Organ Size; D010976:Platelet Count; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D013154:Spleen / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013157:Splenic Artery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000209:etiology