Portal venous gas complication following coronary angiography: A case report

Background: Portal vein gas (PVG) is an abnormal accumulation of gas within the portal and intrahepatic portal veins. It is associated with various abdominal diseases, ranging from benign conditions to life-threatening ones that require immediate surgical intervention. Coronary angiography is the standard diagnostic procedure for coronary artery disease. There were no prior reports are available of PVG as a complication of coronary angiography.

Case summary: In the specific case described here, the patient did not show signs of peritoneal irritation; however, computed tomography scans findings revealed pneumatosis in the wall of the small intestine, hepatic portal vein, and mesenteric vein, along with acute enteritis (etiology pending classification). A cesarean section was not performed, and the patient received treatment with fasting, rehydration, and anti-infection therapy. Subsequently, the patient's symptoms of abdominal distension and pain improved, and follow-up computed tomography scans indicated resolution of the portal system pneumatosis and intestinal wall edema, resulting in a favorable clinical outcome.

Conclusion: Portal venous gas complication following coronary angiography was a complication of coronary angiography.