Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in refractory ascites: clinical impact of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction

Background and aims Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) in cirrhotics are associated with circulatory dysfunction, hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) and heart failure in stressful conditions. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) exacerbates the hyperdynamic circulation and challenges cardiac function. We evaluated the incidence and the impact of LVDD in cirrhotic candidates to TIPS for refractory ascites. Methods Among 135 patients who underwent TIPS for refractory ascites, 63 cases (child B/C 53/10, Na-model for end-stage liver disease 16.5 ± 0.9) who had 2D-transthoracic-echocardiography with tissue-Doppler-imaging pre-TIPS were retrospectively analysed (group A); in 23 cases cardiac and hormonal assessment before and after TIPS was available. 41 cirrhotics without refractory ascites treated by banding ligation for variceal re-bleeding were used as controls (group B). Results The prevalence of LVDD was higher in group A (59%; 22% with grade ≥2) as compared to group B (35%; 7% with grade ≥2) ( P < 0.01 and P < 0.03). A lack of clinical response to TIPS occurred in 10 patients, all with LVDD ( P < 0.03 vs. no LVDD) and in patients with grade ≥2 LVDD mostly ( P < 0.02 vs. grade 1). Central venous pressure >20 mmHg after TIPS and left ventricular end-diastolic volume at basal were predictors of no response to TIPS ( P = 0.01 and P = 0.004, respectively), which was an independent predictor of death. Elevated levels of NT-proBNP 3 days after TIPS were associated with advanced cardiac dysfunction ( P = 0.005). Conclusion NT-proBNP and careful LVDD investigation are useful to better select patients and to predict clinical response and mortality after TIPS.