Application of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration to gastric varices complicating refractory ascites

Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 2004 Jan-Feb;27(1):64-7. doi: 10.1007/s00270-003-2715-9.

Abstract

We report two cases of gastric varices complicated by massive ascites that disappeared after balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO). The first patient had progressive gastric varices that continued to enlarge even after three episodes of esophagogastric variceal bleeding, and the second patient was admitted to our hospital because of the bleeding from gastric varices. After B-RTO procedures in both patients, significant improvement of the ascites, hepatic function reserve, and hypoalbuminemia was observed. Although further experience is needed, our experience points to the likelihood of the amelioration of ascites after B-RTO.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Ascites / complications*
  • Ascites / diagnostic imaging
  • Ascites / therapy*
  • Balloon Occlusion*
  • Esophageal and Gastric Varices / diagnostic imaging
  • Esophageal and Gastric Varices / etiology*
  • Esophageal and Gastric Varices / therapy*
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / diagnostic imaging
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed