Comparison of three embolic materials at partial splenic artery embolization for hypersplenism: clinical, laboratory, and radiological outcomes

• Main Authors: Mohamed M. A. Zaitoun, Mohammad Abd Alkhalik Basha, Saeed Bakry Elsayed, Dalia Salah El Deen, Nahla A. Zaitoun, Husain Alturkistani, Alaa A. Farag, Hassan Abdelsalam, Hossam A. El-Kenawy, Nader E. M. Mahmoud, Nader Ali Alayouty, Ibrahim M. Eladl, Shahenda Shahin, Mohamed-Karji Almarzooqi, Ali M. Hendi, Ahmad El-Morsy, Ali Hassan Elmokadem
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SpringerOpen 2021-06-01
• Series: Insights into Imaging
• Subjects: Hypersplenism; Embolization (therapeutic); Gelatin sponge (absorbable); Trisacryl gelatin microspheres; Polyvinyl alcohol
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13244-021-01030-5

Abstract Purpose To compare effectiveness of three widely used embolic agents in partial splenic embolization (PSE) by analyzing their clinical, laboratory, and radiological outcomes within one year of follow-up. Materials and methods This retrospective study examined 179 patients who underwent PSE to manage hypersplenism secondary to cirrhosis. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to embolic agent used. Group 1 (gelatin sponge) included 65 patients, group 2 (embospheres) included 58 patients, and group 3 (PVA) included 56 patients. Clinical, laboratory, and radiological outcomes were compared between groups. Results The technical success rate was 100% in all groups. Pain as a major complication was lower in the gelatin sponge group (20%) compared to the embosphere group (31%) and PVA group (32.3%). Major complications other than pain were found in 20.1%; 24.6% in gelatin sponge group, 15.5% in embosphere group and 19.6% in PVA group (p = 0.045). WBCs and platelet counts showed a significant increase after PSE in all groups. Entire splenic volume as measured by computed tomography after PSE showed no significant difference among the 3 groups; however, the volume of infarcted spleen was significantly lower in the gelatin sponge group compared to other two groups (p = 0.001). The splenic span was significantly reduced one-year post-procedure in three groups (p = 0.006), and it was significantly less in embosphere and PVA groups compared to gelatin sponge group (p < 0.05). Recurrent bleeding was higher in gelatin sponge group (p < 0.05). Conclusions Permanent embolic materials achieved better laboratory and radiological outcomes than gelatin sponge particles in PSE of cirrhotic hypersplenism patients. However, permanent particles were associated with greater abdominal pain.