Spontaneous closure of intrahepatic portovenous shunt in a noncirrhotic patient with recurrent encephalopathy

Dig Dis Sci. 2003 Mar;48(3):551-5. doi: 10.1023/a:1022596901969.

Abstract

A 70-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with recurrent encephalopathy. Liver function tests, abdominal computerized tomography, ultrasonography, angiography, and laparoscopy revealed an intrahepatic portovenous shunt in a noncirrhotic liver. During follow-up, the intrahepatic portovenous shunt closed spontaneously. Subsequent liver function tests were markedly improved, with resolution of the patient's previously disturbed consciousness. In the elderly, intrahepatic portovenous shunt that can be managed with conservative therapy may spontaneously close, suggesting that management options should include watchful waiting.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Angiography
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / complications*
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / diagnostic imaging
  • Hepatic Encephalopathy / etiology*
  • Hepatic Encephalopathy / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Laparoscopy
  • Liver / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver / pathology*
  • Liver Function Tests
  • Male
  • Portal System / diagnostic imaging
  • Portal System / pathology*
  • Recurrence
  • Thrombosis / complications*
  • Thrombosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods
  • Ultrasonography