Partial radiofrequency ablation of the spleen in thalassemia

Diagn Interv Radiol. 2012 Jul-Aug;18(4):397-402. doi: 10.4261/1305-3825.DIR.4537-11.1. Epub 2012 Feb 13.

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the efficiency of partial radiofrequency ablation of the spleen in patients with thalassemia major and intermedia.

Materials and methods: Partial radiofrequency ablation of the spleen was performed in 19 thalassemic patients (10 females, nine males) with a mean age of 12.7 years (age range, 7-30 years). This group of patients consisted of 11 patients with thalassemia major and nine with thalassemia intermedia. The procedure was performed under intravenous sedation and was complete in 29-35 min.

Results: The ratio of the ablated volume to the whole spleen ranged from 5.3% to 23% (mean, 9.83 ± 5.56%). A significant increase was found in the platelet count after radiofrequency ablation of the spleen (P = 0.002). No statistically significant difference was found in hemoglobin levels (P = 0.171) or transfusion intervals (P = 0.054) before and after radiofrequency ablation. Additionally, no statistically significant relationship was observed between the ablation ratio and hemoglobin levels (P = 0.233) and between the ablation ratio and transfusion interval (P = 0.822). No major complication occurred due to this interventional procedure.

Conclusion: A single percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of the spleen reduces thrombocytopenia in thalassemic patients with splenomegaly but does not change the hemoglobin levels or transfusion intervals.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Catheter Ablation / methods*
  • Child
  • Cohort Studies
  • Contrast Media
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnostic imaging
  • Postoperative Complications / physiopathology
  • Prospective Studies
  • Radiographic Image Enhancement*
  • Radiography, Interventional / methods
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Splenectomy / methods*
  • Time Factors
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler
  • Young Adult
  • beta-Thalassemia / diagnostic imaging*
  • beta-Thalassemia / surgery*

Substances

  • Contrast Media