Portal Biliopathy Causing Recurrent Biliary Obstruction and Hemobilia
Barry Schlansky1, John A Kaufman2, Gene Bakis1
1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR.
Abstract:
A 63-year-old man with extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis presented with biliary obstruction and hemobilia after a liver biopsy. Balloon sweep of the common bile duct removed clotted blood, and cholangiogram showed a common bile duct narrowing, treated with biliary stenting. A percutaneous biliary catheter was later required for recurrent biliary obstruction and hemobilia, and repeat cholangiogram confirmed portal biliopathy-a large peri-biliary varix was compressing the common bile duct, causing biliary obstruction and intermittent portal hypertensive hemobilia. A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt was inserted, followed by embolization of the peri-biliary varix. Delayed diagnosis of portal biliopathy may lead to significant patient morbidity.
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