Percutaneous portal vein thrombolysis and endovascular stent for management of posttransplant portal venous conduit thrombosis

BACKGROUND: Thrombosis of a portal vein conduit after liver transplant is an uncommon clinical situation. Percutaneous thrombolytic therapy for this condition has not been widely described. METHODS: We describe a case of thrombosis of a portal vein (PV) conduit subsequent to orthotopic liver transplantation that was successfully treated by percutaneous portal vein thrombolysis by using tissue plasminogen activator, angioplasty, and endovascular stent placement. RESULTS: A satisfactory outcome was achieved with a patent portal vein, on ultrasound, at 8-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: A percutaneous transhepatic approach to treatment of thrombosis of a portal vein conduit appears to be a promising technique to use to avoid surgery, with good medium-term results.