Massive spontaneous portosystemic shunt is a solid, easily identifiable prognostic factor in patients with cirrhosis

Spontaneous portosystemic shunts (SPSSs) are associated with complications and death in cirrhosis. We evaluated chronic portosystemic encephalopathy (CPSE) and survival in cirrhotic patients with massive (>10 mm diameter) SPSS (MSPSS).

We have retrospectively compared 77 cirrhotic patients with MSPSS and 77 paired-matched patients without SPSS.

More patients with MSPSS presented with CPSE (40.3% vs. 20.8%, P = 0.010) or died (33.8% vs. 18.2%, P = 0.039). Model for Endstage Liver Disease (MELD) score [hazard ratio (HR) 1.146, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.099-1.195], follow-up (FU) ascites (HR 5.128, 95% CI 2.396-10.973) and age (HR 1.048, 95% CI 1.017-1.080) were associated with CPSE; and MELD score (HR 1.082, 95% CI 1.035-1.131), FU renal failure (HR 9.319, 95% CI 3.595-24.158), and FU ascites (HR 4.320, 95% CI 1.615-11.555) were associated with death. Liver function worsened faster in the MSPSS group. Among patients with better liver function (MELD < 11.5), MSPSS patients presented worse survival (P = 0.048, Breslow test). Comparing patients by the Child-Pugh group, we did not find differences in survival; in patients from Child-Pugh group B + C, the MSPSS group presented less time free of CPSE (P < 0.05, log-rank test). Patients with splenorenal MSPSS presented better survival (P = 0.04, log-rank test), and patients with umbilical MSPSS had shorter time free of CPSE (P < 0.016, log-rank test).

MSPSS increased CPSE and death risks during long FU. Even with better liver function (MELD < 11.5), MSPSS was associated with lower survival. Splenorenal MSPSS presented better survival and the umbilical type was associated with shorter time free of CPSE.