Duodenal Variceal Rupture during Atezolizumab and Bevacizumab Treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Intern Med. 2023 May 15;62(10):1467-1472. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.0629-22. Epub 2022 Oct 5.

Abstract

Duodenal varices are detected infrequently, and their rupture is very rare. We encountered an 87-year-old man who developed duodenal varices rupture during chemotherapy with atezolizumab and bevacizumab (ATZ/BV) for hepatocellular carcinoma. We identified massive bleeding of a ruptured varix in the horizontal portion of the duodenum with emergency esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Successful hemostasis was achieved by endoscopic injection sclerotherapy with Histoacryl. Although ATZ/BV can cause esophageal varices rupture, there have been no cases of duodenal varices rupture. We should take care to check the duodenal varices as well as esophagogastric varices before ATZ/BV treatment.

Keywords: HCC; atezolizumab and bevacizumab; duodenal varix; endoscopic injection sclerotherapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Bevacizumab / adverse effects
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / complications
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / drug therapy
  • Duodenal Diseases* / complications
  • Esophageal and Gastric Varices* / complications
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / chemically induced
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / complications
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms* / complications
  • Liver Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Rupture
  • Sclerotherapy
  • Varicose Veins* / etiology

Substances

  • atezolizumab
  • Bevacizumab

Supplementary concepts

  • Megaduodenum