Embolization of Complex Intrahepatic Portosystemic Venous Shunt: A Case Report

An 89-year-old woman presented with altered mental status. Computed tomography revealed multiple shunts between the portal (segment 3) and hepatic veins (left and middle hepatic veins); detailed vascular anatomy of the shunts could not be determined owing to its complexity. Blood tests revealed an elevated ammonia level. The patient was diagnosed with hepatic encephalopathy secondary to an intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt. Transcatheter embolization was performed after unsuccessful conservative treatment. The peripheral left and middle hepatic veins downstream of the shunt vessels were embolized through an internal jugular vein approach using Amplatzer vascular plugs and coils. Computed tomography conducted 1 week later indicated occlusion of the shunts. The patient's ammonia levels were normalized. Thus, transcatheter embolization can be useful for treating complex intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunts causing hepatic encephalopathy.