Intrahepatic Arteriovenous Fistulas as Rare Cause of Portal Hypertension and Liver Cirrhosis

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-2023

Publication Title

American Journal of Gastroenterology

Abstract

Introduction: Intrahepatic arterioportal fistulas are pathological communications between arterial and venous systems, which may result in the development of portal hypertension and liver cirrhosis. Case Description/Methods: We report a case of a 33-year-old man without any significant past medical history who presented with fever up to 102.2 °F, mouth ulcers, abdominal distension, and fatigue. The patient had multiple painful ulcers in his mouth and enlarged submandibular and axillary lymph nodes up to 2 cm. The abdomen was enlarged due to ascites. The liver had uneven contour and was easily palpated. The spleen was also enlarged. The patient had pitting edema of his lower extremities. Laboratory tests results were significant for a hemoglobin of 7.4 g/dL, white blood cells count of 0.9 bil/L, ESR of 62 mm/h, alkaline phosphatase of 743 U/L, ALT of 33 U/L, AST of 22 U/L, GGT of 218 U/L, LDH of 264 IU/L, total bilirubin of 27 mg/dL, direct bilirubin of 14 mg/dL. All serum electrolytes were normal. Tests for HIV, viral hepatitides, HSV-1, HSV-2, and EBV were negative. Autoimmune hepatitis and Wilson’s disease were also excluded. The patient denied alcohol abuse or hereditary liver diseases. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy did not reveal any esophageal varices. Abdominal ultrasound showed increased size and echo signal of the liver, dilation of the portal vein up to 13 mm, dilation of splenic vein up to 13 mm, enlarged spleen, and ascites. Abdominal CT scan was remarkable for portal vein dilation in arterial phase. Abdominal CT angiography revealed two arterio-venous fistulas. Vascular surgery was consulted and surgical closure of the fistulas was performed. Postoperative period was complicated by chills and low-grade fever which resolved with acetaminophen. The patient was discharged home, however, he was readmitted in a month because of abdominal distention. Laboratory tests results revealed improving anemia and elevated alkaline phosphatase. Abdominal ultrasound showed ascites. CT angiography was repeated and residual arteriovenous fistulas were subsequently closed. The patient had significant clinical improvement and was discharged. Discussion: This clinical case demonstrates a rare cause of portal hypertension – intrahepatic arteriovenous malformation which results in inadequate blood supply of the liver. In our case, the patient developed severe portal hypertension complicated by ascites, hepatorenal syndrome, bicytopenia, and splenomegaly (Figure 1).

Volume

118

Issue

10S

First Page

S2464

Comments

American College of Gastroenterology Annual Scientific Meeting, October 20-25, 2023, Vancouver, Canada

Last Page

S2465

DOI

10.14309/01.ajg.0000965040.35067.79

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