Intrahepatic arterioportal fistula and its treatment with detachable balloon and transcatheter embolization with coils and microspheres.
BACKGROUND
Although intrahepatic arterioportal fistula (APF) due to acquired or congenital causes are infrequent, they are listed among the causes of portal hypertension.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to present the results of intrahepatic APF treatment with embolotherapy in six cases.


METHODS
Transarterial detachable balloon and coil embolization was used on six consecutive cases with traumatic intrahepatic APF from 1989 to 2003. Six-month follow-up angiography was obtained in every case.


RESULTS
Successful disconnection of hepatic arterial and portal system was achieved in five cases. At least symptomatic improvement was achieved in one.


CONCLUSIONS
Transcatheter embolization may be the first line of treatment for intrahepatic APF.
Tasar
Mustafa
M
Department of Radiology, Gülhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey. tasarmus@yahoo.com
Gulec
Bulent
B
Bozlar
Ugur
U
Saglam
Mutlu
M
Ugurel
Mehmet Sahin
MS
Ucoz
Taner
T
D000328:Adult; D001164:Arteriovenous Fistula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D021721:Balloon Occlusion; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006499:Hepatic Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008863:Microspheres; D008875:Middle Aged; D011169:Portal Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography