Hemodynamic effects of partial splenic artery embolization in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy and therapeutic value of partial splenic artery embolization (PSE) for treating portal hypertension in patients with liver cirrhosis. MethodsTwenty-three patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis of different etiology and with portal hypertension were treated with PSE. Diameter and blood flow velocity of the portal vein (PV) and splenic vein (SV) were measured by color Doppler ultrasound before PSE (baseline) and after PSE (postoperative week 1 and months 1, 3, and 6). Statistical significance of differences was assessed by paired t-test. ResultsBoth the PV and SV blood flow velocities were significantly enhanced after PSE (all postoperative times vs. baseline, P＜0.05). SV diameter was significantly reduced after PSE (all postoperative times vs. baseline, P＜005). PV diameter, however, was not significantly reduced at six months after PSE (vs. baseline, P≥0.05). ConclusionPSE can reduce portal vein pressure in patients with liver cirrhosis.