Spontaneous portosystemic shunts in noncirrhotic p

Authors: Rajiv N Srinivasa Patrick D Sutphin Matthew E Anderson Sanjeeva P Kalva

Publish Date: 2015/06/02

Volume: 34, Issue: 3, Pages: 256-260

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Abstract

Portosystemic shunts PSS are common in patients with chronic liver disease and portal hypertension however their occurrence in noncirrhotic individuals is likely under appreciated Patients may present with symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy and/or gastrointestinal bleeding and undergo extensive work up for liver disease to no avail Often these patients suffer for years with accruing medical expenses and numerous hospitalizations related to repeated episodes of encephalopathy The underlying cause may go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as occult hepatic dysfunction or even a neuropsychological disorder In many cases abdominal CT imaging demonstrates the abnormal portosystemic connection well before it is recognized as the cause of symptoms In this brief report we discuss three cases presenting with symptoms of encephalopathy and report successful management with endovascular occlusion of the portosystemic shuntsThe authors declare that the study was performed in a manner to conform with the Helsinki Declaration of 1975 as revised in 2000 and 2008 concerning Human and Animal Rights and the authors followed the policy concerning informed consent as shown on Springercom

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