Transcatheter arterial embolization with N-butyl cyanoacrylate for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding in hemodynamically unstable patients: results and predictors of clinical outcomes

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the safety, efficacy, clinical outcomes, and prognostic factors associated with transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) with N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage in hemodynamically unstable patients.

Materials and methods: Between January 2008 and December 2012, 49 hemodynamically unstable patients (systolic blood pressure < 90 mm Hg and ongoing transfusion requirement) underwent emergency TAE with NBCA for nonvariceal upper GI bleeding and were included in the study. The technical (cessation of extravasation) and clinical (no residual bleeding within 7 d) success rates, incidence of ischemic complications, and clinical and technical predictors of recurrent bleeding within 30 days were analyzed.

Results: The technical and clinical success rates were 98% and 71%, respectively. There were no ischemic bowel complications; one patient experienced hepatic infarction with elevated liver enzymes. The incidence of major complications was 2%. The incidence of rebleeding within 30 days was 39%. Hematologic malignancies (P = .017), coagulopathy (P = .003), steroid pulse therapy (P = .025), and the absence of NBCA in the target lesions (P = .003) were associated with recurrent bleeding.

Conclusions: NBCA embolization can be safely performed in hemodynamically unstable patients with active nonvariceal upper GI bleeding. The clinical factors associated with rebleeding might influence the clinical outcome.