Recurrent Ectopic Variceal Bleed After Pancreas Transplantation With No Portal Hypertension: Case Report and Outcomes of Endovascular Onyx Embolization

Vasc Endovascular Surg. 2019 Jul;53(5):415-419. doi: 10.1177/1538574419839255. Epub 2019 Mar 31.

Abstract

A 57-year-old male presented with intermittent gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) 1 year after a successful simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant. No source could be found after 5 tagged red blood cell studies, 3 computed tomographies (CTs), 7 endoscopies, and 4 catheter angiograms. Review of CTs showed pathologically enlarged superior mesenteric vein branches near a jejunal segment near pancreas graft. Transhepatic superior mesenteric venogram showed varicosities near jejunum, which were obliterated with ethylene vinyl alcohol (Onyx). Follow-up CTs confirmed complete obliteration, but he had more GIBs and eventually underwent native jejunal and donor duodenal resection. He has remained GIB-free for 12 months.

Keywords: ectopic varicosis; gastrointestinal bleeding; jejunal varices; onyx; pancreas transplant.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Angiography, Digital Subtraction
  • Biopsy
  • Capsule Endoscopy
  • Computed Tomography Angiography
  • Digestive System Surgical Procedures
  • Drug Combinations
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / methods*
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Humans
  • Jejunum / blood supply*
  • Kidney Transplantation
  • Male
  • Mesenteric Veins* / diagnostic imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Pancreas Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Phlebography / methods
  • Polyvinyls / administration & dosage*
  • Recurrence
  • Tantalum / administration & dosage*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Varicose Veins / diagnostic imaging
  • Varicose Veins / etiology
  • Varicose Veins / surgery
  • Varicose Veins / therapy*

Substances

  • Drug Combinations
  • Onyx 18
  • Polyvinyls
  • Tantalum