title: Extrahepatic aneurysm of the portal venous system and portal hypertension.
abstract: Portal venous aneurysm (PVA) is a rare condition characterized by dilatation of the portal venous system. PVA manifestation of symptoms is varied and depends on the aneurysm size, location and related-complications, such as thrombosis. While the majority of reported cases of PVA are attributed to portal hypertension, very little is known about the condition's pathophysiology and clinical management remains a challenge. Here, we describe a 67-year-old woman who presented with complaint of dyspepsia and without a significant medical history, for whom PVA was incidentally diagnosed. The initial upper abdominal ultrasound revealed marked dilatation of the main portal vein, and subsequent contrast-enhanced computed tomography with angiography revealed a large aneurysm arising from the extrahepatic troncus portion of the portal vein, as well as gastroesophageal varices. A conservative approach using beta-blocker therapy was chosen. The patient was followed-up for 60 mo, during which time the asymptomatic status was unaltered and the PVA remained stable.
authors.affiliation: Wilma Debernardi-Venon, Davide Stradella, Greta Ferruzzi, Chiara Elia, Mario Rizzetto, Gastro-Hepatology Unit, San Giovanni Battista Hospital, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy.
authors.forename: Wilma
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Debernardi-Venon
authors.forename: Davide
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Stradella
authors.forename: Greta
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ferruzzi
authors.forename: Filippo
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Marchisio
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Elia
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rizzetto
keywords: Gastroesophageal varices; Hepatic venous pressure gradient; Portal hypertension; Portal vein aneurysm
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