Intrahepatic arterioportal fistulae: role of transcatheter embolization.
Management of 26 arterioportal fistulae (APFs) is reported. Among 13 hepatoma-induced fistulae (group A), conservative treatment was ineffective in 8 patients, and arterial embolization alleviated portal hypertension in the other 5. Of 10 iatrogenic APFs (group B), the 3 largest were successfully embolized, the remaining lesions resolved spontaneously. Three spontaneous nonmalignant APFs (group C) were embolized. Excellent results were obtained in 2 patients, and the other died of severe postembolization hepatic failure. Because long-standing APFs may cause severe portal hypertension with consequent variceal bleeding they should be treated. Arterial embolization is indicated in most patients.
Tarazov
P G
PG
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Central Research Institute of Roentgenoradiology, St. Petersburg, Russia.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001164:Arteriovenous Fistula / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D005260:Female; D006499:Hepatic Artery; D006801:Humans; D006975:Hypertension, Portal / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011169:Portal Vein; D011859:Radiography