Successful minimally invasive management of late portal vein thrombosis after splenectomy due to splenic artery steal syndrome following liver transplantation: a case report

Transplant Proc. 2004 Apr;36(3):558-9. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2004.02.040.

Abstract

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) after liver transplantation (OLT), which occurs in 1% to 2.7% of cases, can compromise patient and graft survival. Percutaneous transhepatic portal vein angioplasty offers an option to treat PVT, diminishing surgically related morbidity and the need for retransplantation. We describe a case of late PVT after OLT, which was successfully treated by a minimally invasive percutaneous transhepatic approach using both mechanical fragmentation and pharmacologic lysis of the thrombus followed by anticoagulation. The patient has had a good clinical course with normal graft function and patent portal blood flow at 6-month follow-up. This case report confirms the possibility of successful recanalization of the portal vein in a patient with late PVT after liver transplantation. Sustained anticoagulation/antiaggregation therapy for at least 6 months after the procedure is advisable.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arterial Occlusive Diseases / surgery*
  • Female
  • Hepatitis B / complications
  • Hepatitis B / surgery*
  • Hepatitis D / complications
  • Hepatitis D / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Liver Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Portal Vein*
  • Splenectomy*
  • Splenic Artery*
  • Thrombosis / etiology
  • Thrombosis / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome