Budd-Chiari syndrome treated with direct intrahepatic portocaval shunt: A case report

Abstract

Budd-Chiari syndrome is an uncommon disorder characterized by occlusion of hepatic veins. It can lead to portal hypertension. Most common causes of this syndrome are hypercoagulability states. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is often not possible given the portal venous thrombosis. In these cases, direct intrahepatic portocaval shunt, involving the creation of an access between the portal vein and the systemic circulation via the intrahepatic inferior vena cava has proven to be a feasible alternative, and can improve portal hypertension in these patients. Herein, we present a case of a 37-year-old woman diagnosed with Budd-Chiari syndrome that was successfully treated with percutaneous ultrasound (US)-guided direct intrahepatic portocaval shunt.

Keywords

• Budd-Chiari syndrome
• Portal hypertension
• Ascites
• Portosystemic shunt creation
• Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
• Direct intrahepatic portosystemic shunt