Splenic Arteriovenous Fistula Accompanied by Splenic Artery Aneurysm Associated with Acute-onset Portal Hypertension and Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Case Report and Literature Review

Ann Vasc Surg. 2022 Jan:78:378.e17-378.e22. doi: 10.1016/j.avsg.2021.06.029. Epub 2021 Sep 3.

Abstract

Splenic arteriovenous fistula is an uncommon aetiology of portal hypertension, which has definitive treatment effectiveness and good prognosis. We report a case of portal hypertension and gastrointestinal bleeding in the absence of hepatic parenchymal disease in a 50 year-old woman with multiple pregnancies. Abdominal computed tomography and transabdominal arteriography recorded the presence of tortuous and aneurysmal splenic arteries and the premature filling of enlarged splenic veins, which are highly suggestive of splenic arteriovenous fistula. The above vascular abnormalities were successfully treated by transcatheter embolization. No recurrence or other complications were observed. In addition, a literature review concerning splenic arteriovenous fistula published in recent 30 years was performed to further our understanding of the management strategy on this entity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aneurysm / diagnostic imaging
  • Aneurysm / etiology*
  • Aneurysm / physiopathology
  • Aneurysm / therapy
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / complications*
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / diagnostic imaging
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / physiopathology
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / therapy
  • Embolization, Therapeutic
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Portal / diagnosis
  • Hypertension, Portal / etiology*
  • Hypertension, Portal / physiopathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Portal Pressure
  • Splenic Artery* / diagnostic imaging
  • Splenic Artery* / physiopathology
  • Splenic Vein* / diagnostic imaging
  • Splenic Vein* / physiopathology
  • Treatment Outcome