Transhepatic portal vein stenting for treatment of ruptured duodenopancreatic varices in a patient with chronic pancreatitis.
BACKGROUND
Portal vein obstruction with secondary variceal bleeding in the setting of chronic pancreatitis has not been recognized as frequently as splenic vein occlusion. This condition can be difficult to diagnose and treat.


METHODS
A 54-year old man was referred for massive recurrent endoscopy-negative upper-gastrointestinal bleeding. The diagnosis of duodenopancreatic varices was finally made. Direct portography showed a high-grade stenosis of the proximal portal vein that was dilated and stented with a balloon expandable prosthesis.


RESULTS
The gradient across the stenosis fell from 9 to 2 mm Hg. Bleeding stopped. After 7 months of follow-up, the patient has experienced no rebleeding, and a Doppler examination is normal.


CONCLUSIONS
In patients with chronic pancreatitis and upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding of unknown origin, obstruction of one of the major splanchnic veins must be excluded. Portal vein dilatation and stenting appears to be a safe procedure with good short-term results.
Dagenais
M
M
Department of Surgery, Hôpital Saint-Luc-Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada.
Pomier-Layrargues
G
G
Dufresne
M P
MP
Lapointe
R
R
Roy
A
A
Fenyves
D
D
D000800:Angioplasty, Balloon; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D004386:Duodenum / Q000098:blood supply*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010179:Pancreas / Q000098:blood supply*; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000150:complications*; D011169:Portal Vein / Q000601:surgery*; D011172:Portography; D012008:Recurrence; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous; D015607:Stents; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*