Utility of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for the evaluation of partial splenic embolization

Background: Abdominal ultrasonography (US) is often used to evaluate hepatic fibrosis and splenomegaly. Partial splenic embolization (PSE) is performed to improve thrombocytopenia associated with portal hypertension in liver cirrhosis. In general, the spleen infarction rate (SIR) after PSE is assessed using contrastenhanced computed tomography (CT-SIR). We evaluated the SIR using contrastenhanced US (US-SIR) owing to its non-invasive nature. Methods: Eighteen patients with portal hypertension who underwent PSE were included in this study. One week after PSE, the CT-SIR and US-SIR were calculated, respectively. Results: The mean platelet count was 4.6, 11.4, and 10.2 (×10^4 /μl) at one week before PSE, at one month, and at six months after PSE, respectively. One week after PSE, the CT-SIR and USSIR were 74.9% and 77.4%, respectively, and the SIR showed significant correlation between CT-SIR and US-SIR (p < 0.001, R = 0.901). The increased platelet count at six months after PSE showed a correlation with CT-SIR (p = 0.004, R = 0.650) and US-SIR (p = 0.009, R = 0.599). Conclusions: We verified the usefulness of contrastenhanced US assessment in SIR for patients with PSE.

partial splenic embolization

spleen infarction rate

contrast-enhanced ultrasonography