Gastric variceal bleeding precipitated by a mycotic splenic arteriovenous fistula in a cirrhotic patient: radiological diagnosis and endovascular treatment

Tun TN, Punamiya SJ
Correspondence: Dr Than Naing Tun, drtntun@gmail.com

ABSTRACT
Splenic arteriovenous fistula (SAVF) is an unusual cause of portal hypertension, and is rarely associated with an infective aetiology. It is often difficult to identify SAVF clinically, and thus, radiological modalities are invariably required for diagnosis and treatment. We herein describe a case of SAVF occurring in a patient with compensated cirrhosis as a sequel to salmonella gastroenteritis, and presenting with acute gastric variceal bleeding. Selective transcatheter embolisation of the splenic artery was effective in controlling bleeding.

Keywords: embolisation, gastric varices, portal hypertension, salmonella infection, splenic arteriovenous fistula
Singapore Med J 2014; 55(11): e180-e183; http://dx.doi.org/10.11622/smedj.2014166

http://smj.org.sg/sites/default/files/5511/5511cr4.pdf

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