title: Hepatic portal venous gas: a report of two cases and a review of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and approach to management.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG) is a rare condition that occurs when intraluminal gas and/or gas produced by intestinal bacteria enters the portal venous circulation. The most common precipitating factors include ischemia, intra-abdominal abscesses and inflammatory bowel disease. However, HPVG has recently been recognized as a rare complication of endoscopic and radiological procedures. Earlier studies advised immediate surgical intervention, but according to current recommendations, in some settings, HPVG can be managed conservatively. The present study reports two cases of HPVG; one that occurred following colonoscopy in a patient with severe Crohn's disease and one in a patient with graft-versus-host disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  The epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of HPVG are reviewed. Two case reports are presented, followed by the development of a management algorithm.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the two patients that developed HPVG, one was an outpatient undergoing a colonoscopy for assessment of Crohn's disease activity and the other was an inpatient with graft-versus-host disease. Once the diagnosis of HPVG was made, both patients were managed conservatively with antibiotic therapy and management of their underlying disease.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  HPVG can occur in the setting of severe gastrointestinal disease states and following endoscopic procedures. It is critical that gastroenterologists are aware of the differential diagnosis, pathogenesis, diagnostic approach and management of HPVG.
authors.affiliation: University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
authors.forename: Saleh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Alqahtani
authors.forename: Carla S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Coffin
authors.forename: Kelly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Burak
authors.forename: Fred
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: MacGregor
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Beck
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000150:complications; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005740:Gases; D006086:Graft vs Host Disease / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011169:Portal Vein; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D005740:Gases