Diagnosis and management of ectopic varices

Interventional Radiology for Bleeding Ectopic Varices: Individualized Approach Based on Vascular Anatomy

Ectopic varices are rare but potentially life-threatening conditions usually resulting from a combination of global portal hypertension and local occlusive components. As imaging, innovative devices, and interventional radiologic techniques evolve and are more widely adopted, interventional radiology is becoming essential in the management of ectopic varices. The interventional radiologist starts by diagnosing the underlying causes of portal hypertension and evaluating the afferent and efferent veins of ectopic varices with CT. If decompensated portal hypertension is causing ectopic varices, placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is considered the first-line treatment, although this treatment alone may not be effective in managing ectopic variceal bleeding because it may not sufficiently resolve focal mesenteric venous obstruction causing ectopic varices. Therefore, additional variceal embolization should be considered after placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Retrograde transvenous obliteration can serve as a definitive treatment when the efferent vein connected to the systemic vein is accessible. Antegrade transvenous obliteration is a vital component of interventional radiologic management of ectopic varices because ectopic varices often exhibit complex anatomy and commonly lack catheterizable portosystemic shunts. Superficial veins of the portal venous system such as recanalized umbilical veins may provide safe access for antegrade transvenous obliteration. Given the absence of consensus and guidelines, a multidisciplinary team approach is essential for the individualized management of ectopic varices. Interventional radiologists must be knowledgeable about the anatomy and hemodynamic characteristics of ectopic varices based on CT images and be prepared to consider appropriate options for each specific situation. ©RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article.

Duodenal Varices Presenting as Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Duodenal varices pose a significant clinical challenge due to their association with severe gastrointestinal bleeding. This condition requires attention because of its acute severity, high morbidity, and mortality rates. The presented case underscores the importance of advancing both knowledge and treatment approaches for duodenal varices. This pursuit is aimed not only at improving immediate clinical outcomes but also at deepening our understanding of complications related to portal hypertension.

Outcomes of endoscopic sclerotherapy for jejunal varices at the site of choledochojejunostomy (with video): Three case reports

BACKGROUND

Hemorrhage associated with varices at the site of choledochojejunostomy is an unusual, difficult to treat, and often fatal manifestation of portal hypertension. So far, no treatment guidelines have been established.

CASE SUMMARY

We reported three patients with jejunal varices at the site of choledochojejunostomy managed by endoscopic sclerotherapy with lauromacrogol/α-butyl cyanoacrylate injection at our institution between June 2021 and August 2023. We reviewed all patient records, clinical presentation, endoscopic findings and treatment, outcomes and follow-up. Three patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy with a Whipple anastomosis were examined using conventional upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for suspected hemorrhage from the afferent jejunal loop. Varices with stigmata of recent hemorrhage or active hemorrhage were observed around the choledochojejunostomy site in all three patients. Endoscopic injection of lauromacrogol/α-butyl cyanoacrylate was carried out at jejunal varices for all three patients. The bleeding ceased and patency was observed for 26 and 2 months in two patients. In one patient with multiorgan failure and internal environment disturbance, rebleeding occurred 1 month after endoscopic sclerotherapy, and despite a second endoscopic sclerotherapy, repeated episodes of bleeding and multiorgan failure resulted in eventual death.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that endoscopic sclerotherapy with lauromacrogol/α-butyl cyanoacrylate injection can be an easy, effective, safe and low-cost treatment option for jejunal varicose bleeding at the site of choledochojejunostomy.

Surgical management of isolated caecal varices presenting with massive lower gastrointestinal haemorrhage: a case report and review of the literature

Caecal varices are extremely rare with poorly defined management due to paucity of data. A 52-year-old man was diagnosed with a 3-day history of melena with a background of chronic liver disease and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory use. Investigations revealed anaemia with haemoglobin of 62 g/L, liver function derangement (Gamma-glutamyl transferase 251 U/L, alanine transaminase 40 U/L, bilirubin 84 umol/L, alkaline phosphatase 85 U/L), coagulopathy (International Normalized Ratio 1.6) and acute kidney injury (Creatinine 285 umol/L). Gastroscopy demonstrated no signs of upper gastrointestinal bleeding or portal hypertension. A large volume haematochezia occurred necessitating resuscitation with massive transfusion protocol, and colonoscopy was abandoned in favour of computerized tomography (CT) angiography, which revealed a large varix feeding the caecum. Urgent laparotomy and a right hemicolectomy was performed with application of abdominal vacuum dressing. The hemicolectomy sample was opened on back table demonstrating large caecal varix causing intraluminal bleeding. The patient was stabilized in intensive care, and a further laparotomy was performed 2 days later where an end ileostomy was formed. Caecal varices have been reported in literature with management via trans-jugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, endoscopically or conservatively with beta-blockade. Here we present, to the best of the author's knowledge, the first reported case of successful surgical management of caecal varices.

Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding Associated With Variceal Hemorrhoidal Disease in a Patient With Pan-Colonic Varices

Colonic varices are a rare condition primarily caused by portal hypertension associated with conditions such as cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Idiopathic cases are even rarer, with less than 50 cases with a pan-colonic affection reported in the literature. Males are more commonly affected, with an average age of 41 years. Colonic varices can involve the entire colon in idiopathic cases and are often familial. Gastrointestinal bleeding is the main symptom, ranging from mild to life-threatening. Diagnosis is typically made through colonoscopy, which reveals dilated bluish vascular tracts. Treatment involves fluid IV resuscitation and controlling hemorrhage through various methods such as endoscopic procedures. Correction of the underlying cause is essential in cases of portal hypertension. Recurrent or unstable cases may require colon resection. On this occasion, we present the case of a female patient who experienced profuse lower gastrointestinal bleeding. The patient's colonoscopy revealed the presence of varices throughout the entire length of the colon, with the only recent bleeding site being in the hemorrhoidal tissue. Therefore, a hemorrhoidectomy was performed to carry out an effective and less invasive therapeutic procedure than a colectomy with an excellent postoperative evolution.

An obscure cause of gastrointestinal bleeding: Recurrent duodenal variceal hemorrhage treated with intramuscular octreotide in the absence of portal hypertension

Duodenal varices (DVs) are ectopic gastrointestinal varices (ECVs) associated with portal hypertension (PH). We present the case of an 82-year-old woman who presented with symptomatic anemia secondary to DV hemorrhage diagnosed on oesophagogastroduodenoscopy. This lesion was treated with endoscopic adrenaline injection and clip application. The patient re-presented on multiple occasions with bleeding recurrence localized to the duodenum, which was managed with intramuscular octreotide and oral beta-blockade resulting in sustained remission of bleeding. This case highlights a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage and highlights the value of somatostatin analogues for conservative treatment of DVs.

Role of octreotide in small bowel bleeding

Gastrointestinal bleeding accounts for a drastic negative impact on the quality of the patients’ lives as it requires multiple diagnostic and therapeutic interventions to identify the source of the bleeding. Small bowel bleeding is the least common cause of gastrointestinal bleeding. However, it is responsible for the majority of complaints from patients with persisting or recurring bleeding where the primary source of bleeding cannot be identified despite investigation. A somatostatin analog known as octreotide is among the medical treatment modalities currently used to manage small bowel bleeding. This medication helps control symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding by augmenting platelet aggregation, decreasing splanchnic blood flow, and antagonizing angiogenesis. In this review article, we will highlight the clinical efficacy of octreotide in small bowel bleeding and its subsequent effect on morbidity and mortality.

Embolization of parastomal and small bowel ectopic varices utilizing a transhepatic antegrade approach: A case series

Background

The ideal approach to managing parastomal and small bowel ectopic varices (EVs) is yet to be established.

Purpose

To evaluate outcomes following percutaneous antegrade transhepatic venous obliteration (PATVO) in patients presenting with bleeding from parastomal or small bowel EVs.

Material and Methods

A case series of 12 patients presenting with active or recurrent bleeding from parastomal or small bowel EVs who underwent 17 PATVO interventions at our tertiary care institution was performed. Data extraction from electronic medical records included baseline characteristics and procedural details. Endpoints included technical success, early clinical success, and re-bleeding.

Results

Technical success was 100% ( n = 17), and early clinical success was 82.3% ( n = 14). No patient experienced any intra- or post-operative complications. Rebleed rates after initial PATVO in patients who achieved early clinical success was as follows: 3-month, 0% ( n = 0); 6-month, 20% ( n = 2); 12-month, 20% ( n = 2). Rebleed rates after all PATVO procedures (including patients undergoing repeat procedures) that achieved early clinical success were as follows: 3-month, 0% ( n = 0); 6-month, 14% ( n = 2; 12-month, 14% ( n = 2). All patients with re-bleeding required reintervention with either PATVO, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) or both.

Conclusion

PATVO can be safely performed to treat bleeding from parastomal and small bowel EVs. In patients who present with recurrent bleeding despite PATVO, TIPS with/without embolization of bleeding varices remains a valid option as described by the literature.

Percutaneous Transhepatic Embolization of a Bleeding Colic Vein in a Cirrhotic Patient With Massive Hematochezia: A Case Report and Literature Review

Ectopic varices are an uncommon cause of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with portal hypertension. A 43-year-old female with alcoholic cirrhosis developed massive hematochezia and hemorrhagic shock, requiring emergent angiography and image-guided intervention. Angiography revealed active extravasation from a branch of the right colic vein. The patient underwent percutaneous transhepatic embolization of the bleeding colic vein with technical success demonstrated on post-embolization angiography. Treatment of bleeding ectopic varices may require endoscopic, image-guided, or surgical approaches.

Expanding Indications of TIPS in the Management of Portal Hypertension Complications

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a nonsurgical intervention to reduce portal pressure by creating a low-resistance channel between the portal and systemic circulations. It is a well-accepted treatment for gastroesophageal varices and refractory ascites. This review aims to discuss the evidence-based applications of TIPS in other complications of portal hypertension beyond gastroesophageal varices and refractory ascites.

Surgical treatment for bleeding ileal varices: A case report

Introduction and importance

Bleeding from ileal varices is a rare and a life-threatening situation. Its management is difficult and includes endoscopic, surgical and interventional radiology treatment.

Here we report a successful emergency surgery for bleeding ileal varices in a patient with cirrhosis due to autoimmune hepatitis.

Presentation of a case

A 60-year-old woman was admitted for rectal bleeding. She had a history of autoimmune hepatitis. She was treated by endoscopic ligation for oesophageal varices.

Eso-gastro-duodenal fibroscopy and colonoscopy failed to reveal the bleeding site.

CT scan was then performed showing ileal varices due to a portocaval shunt, there was a communication between the superior mesenteric vein and the right internal iliac vein.

As the embolization was not feasible and the bleeding did not stop, an exploratory laparotomy was performed showing two dilated veins on the surface of the ileal wall, communicating with the right internal iliac vein. We performed a ligation of the vessels. Postoperative course was uneventful.

Discussion

Ectopic varices are a rare case of gastrointestinal bleeding. Most of those patients have portal hypertension and liver cirrhosis.

Diagnosing bleeding ileal varices is difficult because endoscopic examination can't always reveal the bleeding site.

Interventional radiology is a good option for patients having bleeding ileal varices knowing that they often have advanced liver cirrhosis making them poor candidates for surgery.

Haemostasis by endoscopy is often temporary and bleeding frequently recurs.

Surgery should be considered if non-invasive treatments failed to ensure the haemostasis.

Conclusion

Bleeding ileal varices is a rare situation. Interventional radiology and endoscopy can be good options. If not feasible, surgical treatment should not be delayed.

•

Ectopic varices are a rare case of gastrointestinal bleeding.

•

Diagnosing bleeding ileal varices is difficult.

•

Surgical treatment is the best option to stop the bleeding.

Massive duodenal variceal hemorrhage in a patient with prior Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Duodenal variceal bleeding is a rare form of variceal bleeding which may be fatal if left untreated. There are no specific guidelines available for their treatment. Medical management, surgical, endoscopic, and interventional radiological procedures have been utilized with varied outcomes. In this case summary we report the successful management of duodenal variceal bleeding in a patient with prior Roux-en-Y gastric bypass . The patient with history of cirrhosis presented with acute gastrointestinal bleeding. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy could not locate the source of bleeding. Computed tomography of the abdomen demonstrated a large duodenal variceal complex. Interventional radiology (IR) treated the patient with a combination of percutaneous transhepatic embolization and subsequent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt . No recurrence of gastrointestinal bleeding was noted at follow up. This case demonstrates that percutaneous transhepatic embolization along with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt may be effective treatment of duodenal variceal bleeding.

Jejunal varices with extra hepatic portal vein obstruction: A case report

Introduction and importance

Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) with portal hypertension is rare in children. Intestinal varices as new collaterals accompanying portal hypertension are very rare.

Presentation of case

We report an unusual case of a 12-year-old boy with EHPVO with gastrointestinal bleeding from ectopic jejunal varices, without any gastroesophageal varices.

Discussion

Portal hypertension is the most common cause of EHPVO. Among various ectopic varices, intestinal varices are found distal to the duodenum and present with complaints of hematochezia, melena, or intraperitoneal bleeding. The diagnosis of the EHPVO is aided by imaging investigations like Doppler ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. A multidisciplinary team including gastroenterologists, interventional radiologists, surgeons, and intensivists is crucial in the management of ectopic varices.

Conclusion

Jejunal varices must be considered in the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage in patients with a negative source of bleed on upper and lower GI endoscopy.

•

Intestinal varices are rarely developed as new collaterals accompanying portal hypertension with EHPVO (Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction).

•

Jejunal varices must be considered in patients with a negative source of bleed on upper and lower GI endoscopy.

Massive gastrointestinal bleeding due to ectopic varix in distal duodenum: a case report

Duodenal ectopic varices (DEV) are an uncommon etiology of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and are associated with high mortality. Both the diagnosis and management of DEV are challenging. Multiple treatment modalities exist including endoscopic guided management (ligation and sclerotherapy), surgical resection, transvenous obliteration and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), but management depends on the underlying vascular anatomy and underlying pathology. We present a case of a 41-year-old man with a history of an alcohol use disorder, prior splenic vein thrombosis as a complication of pancreatitis who presented with massive gastrointestinal bleeding, and was ultimately diagnosed with distal duodenal ectopic varix, which contained inflow from a medial branch of the superior mesenteric vein and outflow into the left renal vein. He was successfully treated with transjugular portosystemic shunt and coil embolization.

Use of Non-Selective Beta-Blocker for Refractory Stomal Variceal Hemorrhage

Bleeding stomal varices are often difficult to manage given the comorbidities that are associated with their presentation. Here, we report a case of a 62-year-old female with stomal variceal hemorrhage in the setting of chronic portal vein thrombosis who was ineligible for transhepatic intrajugular portosystemic shunt or surgery as a result of her challenging anatomy and peri-operative risks. Despite coil embolization, this patient experienced refractory bleeds which ceased following the initiation of a non-selective beta-blocker (NSBB). This case provides further evidence for the expanding role of NSBBs as an important therapeutic agent for complicated ectopic varices.

Fatal hemorrhage from a periumbilical wound: Stabbing or hemorrhage from a caput medusae?

Varices are the main clinical manifestation of portal hypertension, and their bleeding is the predominant cause of mortality from this condition. Periumbilical varices are known as "caput medusae." Reports of their bleeding are rare, with only three fatal cases described in the literature. The antemortem diagnosis is relatively simple, while the postmortem diagnosis is more complex. This paper is the first report of fatal hemorrhage from a caput medusae for which the diagnosis was made postmortem, thanks to a complete diagnostic process including scene and circumstances, medical history, and autopsy with detailed histology. The circumstantial analysis showed the presence of a large amount of blood at the scene, blood which originated from a small abdominal wound; an analysis of the subject's clinical data reported that he was affected by portal hypertension. The autopsy revealed some dilated and convoluted veins in the subcutaneous tissue of the umbilical region; a fistula between these veins and the abdominal wound was detected. The histological study confirmed the presence of periumbilical varices, one of them ruptured and connected with the overlying skin. The cause of death was attributed to a massive hemorrhage generated by a periumbilical varix in a patient affected by portal hypertension.

Laparoscopic colectomy in idiopathic colonic varices: a safe endeavour

A 32-year-old man presented to the emergency department with recurrent episodes of haematochezia and haemodynamic instability. He had no complaints of alteration in bowel habits or mucus discharge in the stool. He was a non-smoker and does not consume alcohol. After stabilising the patient, clinical evaluation and investigations with gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed dilated and tortuous submucosal veins involving the entire colon excepting the distal sigmoid. CT angiography and Doppler ultrasonography revealed normal patency and flow in the mesenteric vessels as well as hepatic, portal vein and inferior vena cava. With the exclusion of the secondary causes, we made the diagnosis of the rare entity of idiopathic colonic varices. He underwent a laparoscopic colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis, without any additional technical challenges intra-op and had an uneventful postoperative recovery. Idiopathic colonic varices can be a differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding and one can safely proceed with laparoscopic colectomy.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for repeated bleeding of hemorrhoids caused by severe portal hypertension with ectopic varices: A case report

Background

Severe portal hypertension is life-threatening and can bring adverse complications such as ascites, gastroesophageal varices, and edema. It can, even cause variceal hemorrhage, which may lead to a high risk of death. There is a rare incidence in bleeding of hemorrhoids caused by severe ectopic varices.

Case presentation

We report the case of a female patient with a 20-year history of hepatitis B virus infection who presented with repeated bleeding of hemorrhoids caused by severe portal hypertension with ectopic varices that is connection between the superior mesenteric vein and rectal venous plexus. Laboratory results revealed a hemoglobin level of 74 g/L. Finally, the patient was successfully treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS) placement without variceal embolization after a multidisciplinary comprehensive opinion. In the two-month follow-up period, the patient had failed to develop hepatic encephalopathy or hematochezia, and computed tomography venography (CTV) indicated that the stent was unobstructed and ascites disappeared.

Conclusions

TIPSS placement is effective for the case, and we hope this case can help improve clinicians’ awareness of hemorrhoidal bleeding with severe portal hypertension. Portal hypertension should also be considered during the diagnosis and treatment, as opposed to hemorrhoidal bleeding alone. Moreover, abdominal CTV is recommended as an effective imaging examination method to determine the stent status after operation.

Duodenal variceal bleeding with large SPSS treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt and embolization: A case report

BACKGROUND

Duodenal variceal bleeding is a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding. The most common site is the duodenal bulb. It is usually detected endoscopically but it can be very challenging to diagnose if it is located distal to the second part of duodenum. The pre- transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) presence of SPSS was found to be associated with an increased risk of early morbidity and mortality after TIPS placement.

CASE SUMMARY

A 43-year-old cirrhotic male presented with melena for three days. Upper endoscopy was performed and showed active blood oozing from the distal duodenum concerning for ectopic duodenal varix. A computed tomography (CT) angiogram was performed and showed an enlarged cluster of venous collaterals around the distal duodenum. He underwent TIPS placement. He had another episode of melena three days later. Push enteroscopy with injection sclerotherapy into the duodenal varices was performed with no success. A repeat CT angiogram showed occluded TIPS shunt. Therefore, a TIPS revision was performed and there was an extensive portal venous thrombosis with a large shunt between the inferior mesenteric vein and left renal vein via the left gonadal vein. Thrombectomy and TIPS shunt balloon angioplasty was performed, followed by embolization of the portosystemic. The melena was resolved, and patient was discharged with arranged hepatology follow up.

CONCLUSION

It important to look and embolize the SPSS shunts in patients with early TIPS dysfunction and recurrent duodenal variceal bleeding.

Jejunal Varices Bleeding in a Patient with Extensive Portomesenteric Thrombosis Secondary to Factor V Leiden Mutation: A Management Dilemma

Ectopic varices are portosystemic collaterals that occur away from the gastroesophageal junction and account for 1-5% of all variceal bleeding. Its occurrence in the jejunum is rare. Most common cause of ectopic jejunal varices is portal hypertension especially in those patients who have undergone prior abdominal surgery. Portomesenteric thrombosis is a rare cause of ectopic jejunal varices. Ectopic varices are rare cause of obscure GI bleeding and hence should be always suspected in patients with history of portal hypertension who present with GI bleeding and have negative upper and lower GI endoscopies. Management of patients with ectopic varices is often very challenging and requires multidisciplinary approach. Therapeutic options include endoscopic therapy, interventional radiologic procedures, surgically creating shunting, or surgical resection. We present the case of a 52-year-old patient who was on anticoagulation for extensive portomesenteric thrombosis secondary to factor V Leiden heterozygous mutation and presented with melena and symptomatic anemia. Investigations showed bleeding jejunal varices as the cause of anemia. We discuss the therapeutic options and dilemma in the management of such cases.

Ectopic gastrointestinal variceal bleeding with portal hypertension

Massive gastrointestinal bleeding from gastrointestinal varices is one of the most serious complications in patients with portal hypertension. However, if no bleeding point can be detected by endoscopy in the predilection sites of gastrointestinal varices, such as the esophagus and stomach, ectopic gastrointestinal variceal bleeding should be considered as a differential diagnosis. Herein, we report a case of ectopic ileal variceal bleeding in a 57-year-old woman, which was successfully diagnosed by multi-detector row CT (MDCT) and angiography and treated by segmental ileum resection. To date, there have been no consensus for the treatment of ectopic ileal variceal bleeding. This review was designed to clarify the clinical characteristics of patients with ectopic ileal variceal and discuss possible treatment strategies. From the PubMed database and our own database, we reviewed 21 consecutive cases of ileal variceal bleeding diagnosed from 1982 to 2017. MDCT and angiography is useful for the rapid examination and surgical resection of an affected lesion and is a safe and effective treatment strategy to avoid further bleeding.

Laparotomy-Assisted Endoscopic Injection of Jejunal Varices for Overt Small Bowel Bleeding

A 54-year old male liver transplant recipient with Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy was admitted for symptomatic anemia. Despite endoscopies and a bleeding scan, active bleeding was not visualized. Angiography and abdominal computed tomography demonstrated possible jejunal varices at the choledochojejunal anastomosis. Double-balloon enteroscopy demonstrated varices with overlying clots in the Roux limb at the anastomosis. Due to the extensive loop formation and unstable position of the endoscope, therapeutic intervention could not be performed. Operative enterotomy and intraoperative endoscopy were subsequently required. A varix in the jejunum with venous flow on Doppler was injected twice with cyanoacrylate and successfully obturated.

Massive Hemorrhage from Ectopic Duodenal Varices: Importance of a Multidisciplinary Approach

Duodenal variceal bleeding is an uncommon complication of portal hypertension that can easily go unrecognized and reach mortality rates as high as 40%. Cirrhosis is the most common cause of duodenal varices. In most cases, duodenal varices occur concomitantly with esophageal varices, further complicating identification with initial endoscopy. Although many modalities have been explored with respect to management and treatment approaches, guidelines have yet to be established owing to the infrequency in which bleeding occurs from ectopic duodenal varices. We present a case of massive duodenal variceal hemorrhage that highlights the complexity of initial diagnosis and ultimately required a transesophageal intrahepatic portosystemic shunt with coil embolization for control of bleeding.

[Surgical Removal of Migrated Coil after Embolization of Jejunal Variceal Bleeding: A Case Report]

Jejunal variceal bleeding is less common compared with esophagogastric varices in patients with portal hypertension. However, jejunal variceal bleeding can be fatal without treatment. Treatments include surgery, transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunt (TIPS), endoscopic sclerotherapy, percutaneous coil embolization, and balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO). Percutaneous coil embolization can be considered as an alternative treatment option for those where endoscopic sclerotherapy, surgery, TIPS or BRTO are not possible. Complications of percutaneous coil embolization have been reported, including coil migration. Herein, we report a case of migration of the coil into the jejunal lumen after percutaneous coil embolization for jejunal variceal bleeding. The migrated coil was successfully removed using surgery.

Enteroscopic Management of Ectopic Varices in a Patient with Liver Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension

Portal hypertension and liver cirrhosis may predispose patients to varices, which have a propensity to bleed and cause significant morbidity and mortality. These varices are most commonly located in the gastroesophageal area; however, rarely ectopic varices may develop in unusual locations outside of this region. Haemorrhage from these sites can be massive and difficult to control; thus early detection and management may be lifesaving. We present a case of occult gastrointestinal bleeding in a patient with underlying alcoholic liver disease where an ectopic varix was ultimately detected with push enteroscopy.

Challenges of banding jejunal varices in an 8-year-old child

Endoscoic variceal ligation (EVL) by the application of bands on small bowel varices is a relatively rare procedure in gastroenterology and hepatology. There are no previously reported paediatric cases of EVL for jejunal varices. We report a case of an eight-year-old male patient with a complex surgical background leading to jejunal varices and short bowel syndrome, presenting with obscure but profound acute gastrointestinal bleeding. Wireless capsule endoscopy and double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) confirmed jejunal varices as the source of bleeding. The commercially available variceal banding devices are not long enough to be used either with DBE or with push enteroscopes. With the use of an operating gastroscope, four bands were placed successfully on the afferent and efferent ends of the leads of the 2 of the varices. Initial hemostasis was achieved with obliteration of the varices after three separate applications. This case illustrates the feasibility of achieving initial hemostasis in the pediatric population.

Small bowel varices secondary to chronic superior mesenteric vein thrombosis in a patient with heterozygous Factor V Leiden mutation: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Bleeding ectopic small bowel varices pose a clinical dilemma for the physician, given their diagnostic obscurity and the lack of evidence-based medicine to guide therapy. They often occur in the context of portal hypertension, secondary to either liver disease or extrahepatic causes. Rarely is their presence associated with chronic superior mesenteric vein thrombosis and hereditary coagulopathies.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 74-year-old white woman, with a heterozygous Factor V Leiden mutation and no underlying liver disease or portal hypertension, presented over the course of 13 months for recurrent episodes of melena and per rectal bleeding. An initial endoscopy showed a clean-based chronic gastric ulcer, while colonoscopies showed multiple, non-bleeding angioectasias which were treated with argon plasma coagulation. Subsequent video capsule endoscopy and double balloon enteroscopy revealed red wale marks overlying engorged submucosal veins in her distal ileum, consistent with ectopic varices. A chronic superior mesenteric vein thrombus, found via computed tomography venogram, was the cause of the ileal varices. She underwent curative surgical resection of the affected bowel, with no re-bleeding episodes 17 months post-surgery, despite needing lifelong anticoagulation for recurrent venous thromboembolisms.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians should consider ectopic varices in patients who present with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, even in the absence of portal hypertension or liver disease. In those with a known thrombophilia, patients should be screened for splanchnic thrombosis, which may precipitate ectopic varices.

Intrahepatic portal vein blood volume estimated by non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging for the assessment of portal hypertension

PURPOSE

To investigate the feasibility of estimating the portal vein blood volume that flows into the intrahepatic volume (IHPVBV) in each cardiac cycle using non-contrast MR venography technique as a surrogate marker of portal hypertension (PH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten patients with chronic liver disease and clinical symptoms of PH (40% males, median age: 54.0, range: 44-73 years old) and ten healthy volunteers (80% males, median age: 54.0, range: 44-66 years old) were included in this study. A non-contrast Triple-Inversion-Recovery Arterial-Spin-Labeling (TIR-ASL) technique was used to quantify the IHPVBV in one and two cardiac cycles. Liver (LV) and spleen volumes (SV) were measured by manual segmentation from anatomical MR images as morphological markers of PH. All images were acquired in a 1.5T Philips Achieva MR scanner.

RESULTS

PH patients had larger SV (P=0.02) and lower liver-to-spleen ratio (P=0.02) compared with healthy volunteers. The median IHPVBV in healthy volunteers was 13.5cm(3) and 26.5cm(3) for one and two cardiac cycles respectively, whereas in PH patients a median volume of 3.1cm(3) and 9.0cm(3) was observed. When correcting by LV, the IHPVBV was significantly higher in healthy volunteers than PH patients for one and two cardiac cycles. The combination of morphological information (liver-to-spleen ratio) and functional information (IHPVBV/LV) can accurately identify the PH patients with a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 100%.

CONCLUSION

Results show that the portal vein blood volume that flows into the intrahepatic volume in one and two cardiac cycles is significantly lower in PH patients than in healthy volunteers and can be quantified with non-contrast MRI techniques.

Bleeding ectopic varices as the first manifestation of portal hypertension

Ectopic varices are defined as dilated portosystemic collateral veins in locations other than the gastroesophageal region. We present a case of recurrent upper gastrointestinal bleeding as the first manifestation of portal hypertension. We diagnosed ectopic duodenal varices without gastroesophageal varices on upper GI endoscopy and extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) on CT angiography and managed this case.