Portal venous gas and necrotizing enterocolitis. Apropos of a case diagnosed by x-ray computed tomography

Hepatic portal vein gas is defined as the presence of gas in the portal system. Its presence is exceptional in adults and indicates severe disease. The prognosis depends on the cause of the pathology and not on the portal vein gas itself. We report the case of a patient with acute abdominal pain associated with vascular and neurological symptoms; abdominal C.T. scan revealed hepatic portal vein gas and supported the diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis.     

门静脉金属内支架置入治疗门静脉海绵样变

目的：探讨经皮肝穿刺和经颈内静脉肝内门体分流术(TIPS)途径门静脉内支架置入治疗门静脉海绵样变(CTPV)的疗效及安全性。方法回顾性分析于本科治疗的8例 CTPV 患者的临床及影像学资料。所有患者均行门静脉金属内支架置入治疗,其中3例经 TIPS 途径放置,5例经经皮肝穿刺途径放置。结果所有患者支架置入均一次性成功,无腹腔内出血等严重并发症发生。术中即刻复查造影显示支架内血流通畅,术后1 d~2周患者腹痛及消化道出血症状均明显减轻或消失。术后所有患者均获得完整随访,随访1个月~3年,1例患者术后1 年复查支架闭塞,再次置入1枚支架后血流通畅,其余患者彩超提示支架内血流通畅,未再发消化道出血或腹痛。结论经皮肝穿刺或经 TIPS 途径门静脉金属内支架置入治疗 CTPV 是一种安全有效方法。     

Embolotherapy of an Arterioportal Fistula

We present a complex case of a splanchnic arterioportal vein fistula in a patient who presented with weight loss, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and pancreatitis. We report successful use of the Guglielmi Detachable Coil (GDC) and N-butyl cyanoacrylate glue for the therapeutic embolization of the fistula between the superior mesenteric artery, the common hepatic artery, and the portal vein. On the day following the procedure, the patient reported total remission of the abdominal pain and diarrhea. These results were maintained at 3 months follow-up.     

Use of Ga-68 DOTATATE PET/CT to confirm portal vein tumor thrombosis in a patient with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor

A 37-year-old man complained of increasing severity and frequency of abdominal pain over a 2-year period. Initial contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen demonstrated diffuse enlargement of the pancreas associated with a filling defect in the portal vein, splenomegaly with wedge-shaped peripheral splenic hypodensities and multiple hepatic hypodensities. Findings were suggestive of a pancreatic malignancy complicated by hepatic metastases, splenic infarcts, and portal vein thrombosis. We describe the use of gallium-68 DOTA-DPhe1, Tyr3-octreotate positron emission tomography/computed tomography (Ga-68 DOTATATE PET/CT) in confirming the diagnosis of a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor with portal vein tumor thrombosis.     

Abernethy malformation with portal vein aneurysm

We present the case of a 24-year-old man who was incidentally diagnosed with congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt with portal vein aneurysm during an investigation for non-specific abdominal pain. These are rare anomalies, and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reported with both anomalies associated together. Ultrasound, including color Doppler, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging were performed which revealed a side-to-side shunt between the extrahepatic portal vein and the inferior vena cava, with aneurysmal fusiform dilatation of the proximal intrahepatic portal vein which ended abruptly. Etiology, clinical significance, and management strategies with regard to these abnormalities are discussed.     

CT finding of VGE in the portal veins and IVC in a diver with abdominal pain: a case report.

The finding of abdominal venous gas emboli (VGE) on computerized tomography (CT) is reported for the first time in a recreational diver. The patient presented 2-3 hours after surfacing from two deep air dives and subsequently complained of visual blurring and abdominal pain. Gas bubbles in the inferior vena cava (IVC) and portal veins were found incidentally by computerized tomography (CT) during his work-up for abdominal pain. The patient was treated for decompression sickness (DCS) with a US Navy Treatment Table 6 and achieved complete resolution of symptoms. The routine use of CT for venous bubble detection in symptomatic divers is not endorsed, but may provide objective evidence of VGE when DCS is in the differential diagnosis and corroborative evidence would alter management.     

Aneurysm of the superior mesenteric vein]

Aneurysms originating in the superior mesenteric vein are extremely rare: 4 cases have been reported in the international literature. The authors describe a case of a female patient admitted to hospital for vague abdominal pain. The CT findings revealed a cyst-like neoformation. By means of angiography it was then identified as a dilatation of the superior mesenteric vein. The causes of such dilatations are not altogether clear. Current interpretations refer to possible congenital and acquired factors, as well as trauma. The accompanying symptoms are abdominal pain, icterus, gastrointestinal haemorrhage or portal hypertension, but occasionally patients may present no symptoms whatsoever.     

Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt,Mechanical Aspiration Thrombectomy,and Direct Thrombolysis in the Treatment of Acute Portal and Superior Mesenteric Vein Thrombosis

A patient was admitted because of severe abdominal pain, anorexia, and intestinal bleeding. Contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography demonstrated acute portal and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis (PSMVT). The patient was treated percutaneously with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), mechanical aspiration thrombectomy, and direct thrombolysis, and 1 week after the procedure, complete patency of the portal and superior mesenteric veins was demonstrated. TIPS, mechanical aspiration thrombectomy, and direct thrombolysis together are promising endovascular techniques for the treatment of symptomatic acute PSMVT.     

直接法CO2门静脉造影术对肝脏肿瘤的诊断价值

目的探讨经皮脾穿刺门静脉CO2鄄DSA造影效果及其对肝脏肿瘤侵犯门静脉的评估价值。方法21例患者,原发性肝癌15例,转移性肝癌6例。以26G超细针在B超引导或透视定位下经皮穿刺至脾内,行CO2鄄DSA。结果19例清晰显示门静脉4级以上分支,图像质量优,门静脉分流显示清晰。9例门静脉分支受压移位,2例门静脉主干阻塞,2例肝内门静脉左支主干阻塞,1例门静脉左支主干严重狭窄,3例胃底静脉曲张,1例失败。术中8例患者无任何不适,10例患者有轻度腹部不适,2例有恶心感,1例腹痛,B超示脾包膜下血肿。结论经皮细针穿刺脾实质CO2鄄DSA可以清晰地显示门静脉及分支结构,显示肿瘤对门静脉分支的压迫或门静脉内癌栓,手术简单、快捷、创伤小,熟练的操作可避免风险。     

Congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt type II occluded with cardiac closure device

Congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts are a rare cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in children. They result from the connection of a systemic vessel with the portomesenteric vasculature before the division of the main portal vein. Herein, we report a case of a congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts type II in a 4-year-old male diagnosed by Doppler ultrasonography during the investigation of abdominal pain and recurrent hematochezia, later confirmed by computed tomography. Conventional angiography with a balloon occlusion test revealed patent intrahepatic portal branches not depicted by previous imaging techniques. Successful shunt closure was achieved by endovascular approach with an Amplatzer Septal Occluder without complications.     

Detachable balloon embolization of an aneurysmal gastroduodenal arterioportal fistula

Extrahepatic arteriovenous fistulas involving the gastroduodenal artery and the portal venous system are rare and almost always a late complication of gastric surgery. Secondary portal hypertension and mesenteric ischemia may provoke abdominal pain, upper and lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage, diarrhea, and weight loss. Until recently, surgical excision has been the therapy of choice with excellent results. The authors report a case of gastroduodenal arterioportal fistula with a rare large interpositioned aneurysm in a cardiopulmonary-compromised patient who was considered a non-surgical candidate. The gastroduodenal arterioportal fistula was occluded endovascularly by means of a detachable balloon. A survey of the literature of this rare type of arterioportal fistula is included.     

Acute portal vein thrombosis

The findings in acute portal vein thrombosis in a patient with chronic calcific pancreatitis and two episodes of pancreatic surgery are described. The diagnosis was made by ultrasound, which showed a dilated portal vein filled with low-level echoes, surrounding hepatic oedema, hypertrophy of the hepatic artery, splenomegaly, collateral vessels and ascites. This was confirmed by computed tomography. The ultrasonic differences in appearance between acute and chronic portal vein thrombosis are discussed, in the context of portal hypertension. The diagnosis of acute portal vein thrombosis should be considered in patients in the appropriate situation who suffer a sudden clinical deterioration with right upper quadrant or abdominal pain. Ultrasound is recommended as the imaging modality of first choice because of the flexibility of its scanning plane and its real time and Doppler capabilities. Computed tomography is valuable in patients with an ileus or heavy pancreatic calcification and for its ability to demonstrate patent vessels on intravenous injection of contrast medium.     

Portal vein aneurysms: imaging manifestations and clinical significance

This article will review the computed tomography (CT) findings in patients with portal vein aneurysms (including presentation of several case examples) and discuss imaging criteria and management options. Given the extreme rarity of portal vein aneurysms, as well as a lack of familiarity with the entity on the part of radiologists, the diagnosis can often be overlooked. Appreciation of the most commonly used diagnostic criteria, as well as the role of CT in the appropriate follow-up of these patients, is critical in ensuring appropriate management. In particular, the significance of these aneurysms must be appreciated in the emergency setting, as portal vein aneurysms can rarely present with symptoms of abdominal pain and other complications (such as thrombosis, portal hypertension, rupture, embolism, and compression of the duodenum and inferior vena cava) making surgical repair necessary.     

CT features of abdominal manifestations of primary antiphospholipid syndrome.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this work was to evaluate the CT features of the abdominal manifestations of primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS). METHOD: Of the 32 patients who were confirmed to have PAPS among 751 patients with elevated antiphospholipid antibodies during a 2 year period, we retrospectively reviewed the 14 patients who underwent abdominal CT. The clinical indications for abdominal CT included abdominal pain, abdominal distension, or lower leg swelling. CT findings were analyzed with regard to the abdominal vascular system and abdominal organ involvement patterns as well as ancillary findings. RESULTS: Of the 14 patients with PAPS, 10 had involvement of the venous system (72%), 2 of the arterial system (14%), and 2 of both systems (14%). Of the 12 patients who had venous system involvement, 4 had thrombosis in the inferior vena cava (IVC), 2 in both the IVC and the hepatic vein, 1 in the IVC and splenic and portal veins, 1 in the IVC and hepatic and adrenal veins, 1 in the hepatic, portal, and renal veins, and 3 in the portal and superior mesenteric veins. Budd-Chiari syndrome developed in five of the nine patients who had thrombosis of the IVC or hepatic vein. Arterial thrombosis was noted in four patients, hepatic artery in two, aorta in one, renal artery in one, pancreatic arcade in one, and splenic artery in one, with infarct of multiple organs including the liver, jejunum, colon, kidney, and adrenal gland. Seven of the 14 patients (50%) manifested thrombosis or infarct of multiple extra-abdominal organs. CONCLUSION: PAPS should be included in the differential diagnosis when CT demonstrates infarcts in multiple organs or patients have recurrent episodes of venous or arterial thrombosis.     

症状性门静脉阻塞的介入治疗

目的　评价介入技术治疗症状性门静脉 (PV)阻塞的安全性和疗效。方法　对 9例PV阻塞患者进行了介入治疗 ,5例以门静脉高压症、食管 胃静脉曲张破裂出血就诊 (2例继发于肝移植后 ,3例HCC合并PV癌栓 ) ,3例为PV血栓形成 ,另 1例继发于腹部外科手术。 4例采取经皮经肝途径穿刺PV分支 ,5例用TIPS途径。支架置入 4例、球囊扩张成型 6例次、局部溶栓和血栓清除 7例次。结果　治疗技术均成功 ,无重要并发症。介入治疗后复查PV造影显示PV主干血流通畅。 3例腹部症状较明显的PV血栓形成患者 ,术后腹痛、腹胀和腹泻等症状逐渐减轻。随访时间 4～ 36个月 ,1例HCC患者于术后 11个月死于多器官转移 ;1例继发于腹部外科术后患者 ,虽然PV主干恢复血流、临床症状曾一度改善 ,但于 12d后死于腹腔脓肿、多器官衰竭。其余 7例生存 ,Doppler超声复查证实PV主干血流通畅 ,患者未再发生静脉曲张破裂出血或PV血栓相关症状。结论　介入微创技术 ,包括球囊扩张、支架置入、局部溶栓和机械性血栓清除术 ,是治疗症状性PV阻塞的的安全、有效方法     

A Rare Case of Jejunal Arterio-Venous Fistula: Treatment with Superselective Catheter Embolization with a Tracker-18 Catheter and Microcoils

Arterio-venous fistulas may develop spontaneously, following trauma or infection, or be iatrogenic in nature. We present a rare case of a jejunal arterio- venous fistula in a 35-year-old man with a history of pancreatic head resection that had been performed two years previously because of chronic pancreatitis. The patient was admitted with acute upper abdominal pain, vomiting and an abdominal machinery-type bruit. The diagnosis of a jejunal arterio-venous fistula was established by MR imaging. Transfemoral angiography was performed to assess the possibility of catheter embolization. The angiographic study revealed a small aneurysm of the third jejunal artery, abnormal early filling of dilated jejunal veins and marked filling of the slightly dilated portal vein (13–14 mm). We considered the presence of segmental portal hypertension. The patient was treated with coil embolization in the same angiographic session. This case report demonstrates the importance of auscultation of the abdomen in the initial clinical examination. MR imaging and color Doppler ultrasound are excellent noninvasive tools in establishing the diagnosis. The role of interventional radiological techniques in the treatment of early portal hypertension secondary to jejunal arterio-venous fistula is discussed at a time when this condition is still asymptomatic. A review of the current literature is included.Fax 0041 31 6324874     

Haemorrhagic complication of acute necrotizing pancreatitis presenting with sudden death

Certain complications of acute pancreatitis may lead to death, and of these, haemorrhage caused by rupture of a peri-pancreatic vessel is among the most dangerous. The case reported here was remarkable because the onset of acute necrotizing pancreatitis was completely asymptomatic and the severe haemorrhage of the portal vein that caused the patient's death was only discovered at autopsy. The onset of abdominal pain was immediately followed by death.     

Thrombosis of a Superior Mesenteric Vein Aneurysm: Transarterial Thrombolysis and Transhepatic Aspiration Thrombectomy

We report the case of a 31-year-old woman presenting with abdominal pain due to acute thrombosis of a superior and inferior mesenteric vein aneurysm, which was treated by a combination of arterial thrombolysis and transhepatic thrombus aspiration. At the last follow-up CT, 21 months following this procedure, there was no evidence of rethrombosis, and the patient continues to do well under oral anticoagulation. The literature regarding these uncommon mesenteric vein aneurysms without portal vein involvement, as well as their treatment options, is reviewed.     

经皮穿脾门静脉插管技术及其在肝癌介入治疗中的应用

目的 探讨经皮穿脾门静脉插管的可行性、操作技术及其在肝癌介入治疗中的应用价值。材料与方法 选用微创穿刺器械,对23例需行门静脉插管介入治疗而不适合采用经皮穿肝或手术置管等方法的肝癌患者,在X线导引下采用经皮穿脾的方法行门静脉插管。结果 20例（86.96％）患者经皮穿脾门静脉插管获得成功,3例（13.04％）失败（均因脾静脉穿刺失败）。1例（4.35％）患者术后出现急笥腹痛伴腹腔内出血,其余患者无严重并发症。结论 采用经皮穿脾途径行门静脉插管是一种可供选择的门静脉插管方法。     

Computed tomography of bowel infarction

Bowel infarction is a potentially lethal disorder that is notoriously difficult to diagnose clinically and radiographically. Computed tomography is often used in the early radiographic evaluation of patients with severe abdominal pain of unknown etiology. This study defines the CT findings in patients with bowel infarction. The findings in 22 patients with mesenteric infarction were reviewed. Seven were due to mesenteric arterial occlusion, six due to mesenteric venous occlusion, and nine were nonocclusive. The CT abnormalities were diffuse or focal bowel wall thickening (19 patients), bowel dilatation without mural thickening (three patients), intramural low attenuation zones of edema (eight patients), intramural gas (11 patients), mesenteric gas (five patients), portal or mesenteric venous gas (one patient), mesenteric vascular occlusion (eight patients), and peritoneal gas or fluid (12 patients). The diagnosis of bowel infarction must be considered when performing CT in patients with abdominal pain of unknown etiology.