Intrahepatic arterioportal fistulae: role of transcatheter embolization

Management of 26 arterioportal fistulae (APFs) is reported. Among 13 hepatoma-induced fistulae (group A), conservative treatment was ineffective in 8 patients, and arterial embolization alleviated portal hypertension in the other 5. Of 10 iatrogenic APFs (group B), the 3 largest were successfully embolized, the remaining lesions resolved spontaneously. Three spontaneous nonmalignant APFs (group C) were embolized. Excellent results were obtained in 2 patients, and the other died of severe postembolization hepatic failure. Because long-standing APFs may cause severe portal hypertension with consequent variceal bleeding they should be treated. Arterial embolization is indicated in most patients.