Background: Duodenal variceal bleeding is a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding. The most common site is the duodenal bulb. It is usually detected endoscopically but it can be very challenging to diagnose if it is located distal to the second part od duodenum. The pre- transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) presence of spontaneous portosystemic shunt (SPSS) was found to be associated with an increased risk of early morbidity and mortality after TIPS placement.
Case summary: A 43-year-old cirrhotic male presented with melena for three days. Upper endoscopy was performed and showed active blood oozing from the distal duodenum concerning for ectopic duodenal varix. A computed tomography (CT) angiogram was performed and showed an enlarged cluster of venous collaterals around the distal duodenum. He underwent TIPS placement. He had another episode of melena three days later. Push enteroscopy with injection sclerotherapy into the duodenal varices was performed with no success. A repeat CT angiogram showed occluded TIPS shunt. Therefore, a TIPS revision was performed and there was an extensive portal venous thrombosis with a large shunt between the inferior mesenteric vein and left renal vein via the left gonadal vein. Thrombectomy and TIPS shunt balloon angioplasty was performed, followed by embolization of the portosystemic. The melena was resolved, and patient was discharged with arranged hepatology follow up.
Conclusion: It importance to look and embolize the SPSS shunts in patients with early TIPS dysfunction and recurrent duodenal variceal bleeding.
Keywords: Angioplasty; Case report; Duodenum; Endoscopy; Gastrointestinal hemorrhage; Liver cirrhosis; Portasystemic shunt.