Platelet Changes Following Partial Splenic Artery Embolization in Cirrhotic Patients with Hypersplenism

Abstract

This study was conducted on 15 patients with thrombocytopenia as a complication to hypersplenism in Liver cirrhosis, to investigate the effect of partial splenic artery embolization on platelet count. In follow up visit after one month, a full clinical assessment was done, CBC, liver and kidney function tests as well as abdominal ultrasound or CT. The cause of chronic liver disease in our study is HCV infection 8 patients (53%), bilharzial disease only with no viral hepatitis in 1 patient (7%) and both HCV and bilharzial infection in 6 patients (40%). Partial splenic artery embolization can be done by one of two methods selective or non-selective and about 40-60 %of the vascular bed is occluded with Gelfoam or Ebosphere. Regarding the complications after the Procedure, Postembolization syndrome was the most common complication and reported in 14 patients (93.3%). Ascites developed in 3 patients (16%). Portal vein thrombosis was developed in 2 patient (13.3%) left sided pleural effusion reported in 1 patient (6%). No other complications have been reported.