Risk Factors for Cardiac Decompensation in Patients Undergoing Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt

Cardiac failure is a rare complication of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), which is routinely done for the treatment of recurrent variceal hemorrhage and refractory ascites. However, little is known about the incidence of cardiac failure in this setting as well as its associated risk factors.

In a single-center prospective cohort study, researchers assessed the incidence of cardiac decompensation requiring admission within 1 year after TIPS in patients with cirrhosis. All patients underwent detailed cardiac testing prior to the procedure.

Among 100 patients included, 79 were men, mean age was 60, cirrhosis etiology was alcohol-related in 74%, and mean model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score was 11.5. TIPS indicatio…