A case of agnogenic intrahepatic arterioportal fistula complicated by gastric ulcer bleeding and progressive portal thrombosis

Abstract

Abstract Arterioportal fistulas (APFs) are defined as vascular communications between the systemic arteries and portal circulation. APFs are classified as congenital or acquired, large or small, intrahepatic or extrahepatic, and traumatic or spontaneous. The consistent abnormal connection may result in severe presinusoidal portal hypertension, leading to gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), ascites, elevated liver function enzymes, heart failure, diarrhea, and even pancreatitis or hematobilia in some unusual cases. Indeed, less than half reported cases have GIB, predominately caused by variceal rupture. Peptic ulcer bleeding has rarely been reported in the setting of APFs. Herein, we describe a case in which intrahepatic APF manifested as gastric ulcer bleeding, progressive portal thrombosis, and massive ascites, with these symptoms successfully relieved by endovascular treatment.

Keywords

• arterial bleeding
• arterial embolization
• arterioportal fistula
• portal hypertension
• portal thrombosis