Portal Hypertensive Mayhem: A Case Report of Colonic Variceal Bleeding Treated by Antegrade Embolization

Abstract

In patients with cirrhosis of the liver, acute variceal bleeding can be fatal. Bleeding colonic varices is a very rare cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding that can result in massive hemorrhage in patients with cirrhosis. Here we present the case of a 50-year-old gentleman, having cirrhosis of the liver with chronic portal vein occlusion, who presented with massive bleeding per rectum. Contrast computed tomography (CT) revealed a large shunt arising from the superior mesenteric vein forming submucosal colonic varices and joining the right renal vein. He underwent successful obliteration of the varix by antegrade endovascular embolization via the trans-splenic access. Endovascular embolization could be an effective and life-saving treatment option for colonic variceal bleeding.

Keywords

• ectopic colonic varices
• antegrade embolisation
• portal hypertension