Isolated Gastric Varix Bleeding Caused by Splenic Vein Obstruction: Two Case Reports

Abstract

Isolated left-sided portal hypertension is a rare clinical syndrome caused by splenic veno-occlusive disease. Splenic vein thrombosis and extrinsic compression causes proximal splenic vein hypertension, and the splenic blood flows into the superior mesenteric or portal vein through the upper stomach’s collateral vessels, such as the short gastric, coronary, and gastroepiploic veins. Open splenectomy is recommended to treat gastrointestinal bleeding caused by isolated left-sided portal hypertension. Interventional management could be a clinically useful option for selected patients who want to avoid surgical corrections. The report presents two cases of left-sided portal hypertension with gastric variceal bleeding.

Keywords

• esophageal and gastric varices
• splenic vein
• hemorrhage
• angioplasty
• therapeutic embolization