Portal vein aneurysm: What to know

Intrahepatic portal vein aneurysm: A case report

Portal vein aneurysm (PVA), a rare vascular anomaly characterized by localized dilation of the portal venous system, demonstrates distinct pathological features, including progressive wall thinning with marked attenuation of both intimal and medial layers. Current classification systems categorize PVAs based on anatomical location. Intrahepatic variants involve portal vein branches within the hepatic parenchyma, while extrahepatic types predominantly affect the main portal trunk extending from the splenomesenteric confluence to the hepatic hilum, with the extrahepatic type being the most common. The current study presents a case of PVA, demonstrating the synergistic diagnostic value of abdominal ultrasonography and multiphase contrast-enhanced CT in vascular malformation management. Multimodal imaging characterization not only precisely delineated the three-dimensional anatomical heterogeneity of the lesion but also dynamically demonstrated the spatiotemporal hemodynamic evolution of the portal venous system, providing crucial imaging-based evidence for clinical decision-making in individualized treatment planning for patients with PVA.

Endovascular treatment of a ruptured portal vein pseudoaneurysm secondary to a large stomach ulcer

This case describes the endovascular treatment of a 55-year old female with a ruptured portal vein pseudoaneurysm secondary to a large stomach ulcer resulting in massive active hemorrhage into the adjacent stomach. This patient presented with persistent hypotension secondary to chronic GI blood loss and simultaneous septic shock. After an abrupt drop in blood pressure, the patient arrived in the angiography suite where the ruptured pseudoaneurysm was apparent on portal venogram. Emergent stent assisted coil embolization was performed to stabilize the patient and treat the portal vein pseudoaneurysm. To our knowledge, this case presents the only portal vein pseudoaneurysm secondary to a gastric ulcer.Level of Evidence Level 4, Case-report.

The natural history of portal venous system aneurysms

BACKGROUND

Portal venous system aneurysms (PVAs) are increasingly diagnosed on cross-sectional computed tomography imaging. However, the natural history of these aneurysms is poorly understood, and reports are limited to small case series.

METHODS

Terms relevant to PVAs were searched in radiology reports (2010-2022), with PVA presence confirmed by manual review. PVA were defined as a diameter greater than 1.5 cm in patients without cirrhosis and 1.9 cm in those with cirrhosis. Aneurysm growth was defined as greater than 20% increase in size, whereas aneurysm regression was defined as greater than 20% decrease in size. Patient demographics, comorbid conditions, and PVA outcomes were abstracted. Univariate statistics were used to compare groups.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight aneurysms with radiographic follow up were identified in 35 patients, involving the portal vein (n = 18; 47.4%), splenic vein (n = 10; 26.3%), superior mesenteric vein (n = 3; 7.9%), and portal confluence (n = 7; 18.4%). Although 12 (31.6%) were idiopathic, the remaining 26 (68.4%) were associated with portal hypertension (n = 20; 52.6%) and prior liver transplant (n = 4; 10.5%). The median growth was 0.2 cm (range, -2.6 to 2.4 cm) over median follow up over 5.0 years (range, 0.3-16.6 years). Five PVAs (13.2%) regressed and were largely idiopathic (80.0%; P = .03). Thirteen PVAs (34.2%) grew and were associated with portal hypertension (n = 11; 84.6%; P = .003) and thrombosis (n = 6; 46.2%; P = .05). Nine PVAs (23.7%) thrombosed, predominantly in males (n =7; 77.8%). The median growth was 1.0 cm (range, -0.7 to 1.9 cm). Three patients (33.3%) were symptomatic from PVA thrombosis including abdominal pain (n = 2; 22.2%), intestinal ischemia (n = 1; 11.1%), and variceal bleeding (n = 2; 22.2%). Four patients (44.4%) were treated with anticoagulation. No aneurysms ruptured. Of the 58 PVAs initially identified with and without radiographic follow up, five (8.6%) underwent intervention with a median diameter of 4.0 cm (range, 3.4-5 cm). Intervention included vein ligation (n = 1; 20.0%), aneurysmorrhaphy (n = 1; 20.0%), and aneurysmectomy (n = 3; 60.0%). There was one case of aneurysm recurrence 20 years following resection and one postoperative mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Two-thirds of PVAs, including those with size greater than 3 cm, remain stable on surveillance. Although annual surveillance is initially recommended to confirm PVA stability, interval imaging can be subsequently extended given low growth rates. Over 20% of PVAs thrombosed, but none ruptured. Although we did not observe any cases of rupture, the devastating consequences of rupture necessitate consideration of surgical intervention for large symptomatic PVAs.

Hemoperitoneum Due to Dissection and Rupture of the Superior Mesenteric Artery in a Patient With COL3A1 Mutation

Introduction: Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS) is an autosomal dominant disorder that results from mutations in the collagen type III gene. It is a risk factor for medium-sized artery aneurysms, dissections, and ruptures. We report a case of hemoperitoneum due to medial dissection and rupture of the superior mesenteric artery related to vEDS. Methods: A full body CT scan and full three cavity autopsy was performed in a 47-year-old man with a history of an intermittent abdominal cramping for one week rand complex past medical history that included a sigmoid bowel perforation at age 20, and previous popliteal artery pseudoaneurysm rupture. Histology and genetic testing were performed. Results: The postmortem computed tomography and autopsy showed a significant hemoperitoneum due to a ruptured dissection of the superior mesenteric artery and branches, and multiple splanchnic artery dissections with renal and small bowel infarctions. Genetic testing revealed a heterozygous COL3A1 gene variant associated with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Death was attributed to hemoperitoneum due to medial dissection and rupture of the superior mesenteric artery due to arteriopathy. Discussion: The relatively young age and medical history correlate with the autopsy findings and genetic testing towards the conclusion of an arteriopathy consistent with vEDS.

Asymptomatic Portal Vein Aneurysm Uncovered During the Evaluation of a Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage: A Rare Clinical Case

Portal vein aneurysms (PVAs) are rare vascular anomalies that are most often discovered incidentally during imaging for unrelated conditions. Their management remains controversial due to the limited data available. Here, we report the case of a 72-year-old male who presented with gastrointestinal bleeding and was found to have an incidental 4.9 cm PVA on abdominal computed tomography angiography (CTA), managed conservatively with regular follow-up imaging and monitoring. PVAs, while rare, present a significant clinical challenge due to the lack of consensus on their management. Treatment strategies range from conservative monitoring to surgical intervention, depending on the presence of symptoms, aneurysm size, and underlying etiology. This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing PVAs, particularly when they are discovered incidentally. Further research is needed to develop standardized guidelines that address the nuances of treating both congenital and acquired PVAs.

Resection of a retroperitoneal lumbar vein aneurysm: A case report

We present a rare case involving a 54-year-old man with a history of pancreatitis who developed a retroperitoneal lumbar vein aneurysm that was initially misidentified as a pancreatic pseudocyst. Subsequent imaging revealed an enlarged mass and retroperitoneal perforation. Despite initial hesitation, the patient eventually underwent radical surgery that enabled the successful removal of the mass, which was near the inferior vena cava. Pathological examination confirmed varicose veins, and the final diagnosis was lumbar vein aneurysm in the retroperitoneum. The patient's postoperative recovery was uneventful, with no symptoms or recurrence observed on 6-month follow-up imaging. We investigated a potential link between pancreatitis and recurrent bleeding due to weakened venous walls. The findings from this case underscore the rarity of venous aneurysms and the diagnostic and treatment challenges due to the limited number of cases; furthermore, they emphasize that surgery should be carefully considered based on the lesion location and associated risks.

Portal Vein Aneurysm in a Patient with Cirrhosis Type C Controlled by Direct-Acting Antiviral Treatment

Introduction

Portal vein aneurysm (PVA) is a rare saccular or fusiform portal vein dilatation. The management and optimal treatment of PVA remain unknown.

Case Presentation

A 53-year-old man with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was diagnosed with PVA measuring 28 mm in diameter. Under observation, his liver fibrosis progressed, and the PVA diameter gradually increased to 52 mm. The patient was treated with elbasvir-grazoprevir for 12 weeks, and HCV disappeared. After achieving sustained virological response, liver fibrosis improved and the PVA progression ceased.

Conclusion

HCV clearance by direct-acting antiviral treatment not only regressed liver fibrosis but may have also restrained the progression of PVA in a patient with cirrhosis type C and PVA.

Diagnostic Prediction of portal vein thrombosis in chronic cirrhosis patients using data-driven precision medicine model

BACKGROUND

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a significant issue in cirrhotic patients, necessitating early detection. This study aims to develop a data-driven predictive model for PVT diagnosis in chronic hepatitis liver cirrhosis patients.

METHODS

We employed data from a total of 816 chronic cirrhosis patients with PVT, divided into the Lanzhou cohort (n = 468) for training and the Jilin cohort (n = 348) for validation. This dataset encompassed a wide range of variables, including general characteristics, blood parameters, ultrasonography findings and cirrhosis grading. To build our predictive model, we employed a sophisticated stacking approach, which included Support Vector Machine (SVM), Naïve Bayes and Quadratic Discriminant Analysis (QDA).

RESULTS

In the Lanzhou cohort, SVM and Naïve Bayes classifiers effectively classified PVT cases from non-PVT cases, among the top features of which seven were shared: Portal Velocity (PV), Prothrombin Time (PT), Portal Vein Diameter (PVD), Prothrombin Time Activity (PTA), Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT), age and Child-Pugh score (CPS). The QDA model, trained based on the seven shared features on the Lanzhou cohort and validated on the Jilin cohort, demonstrated significant differentiation between PVT and non-PVT cases (AUROC = 0.73 and AUROC = 0.86, respectively). Subsequently, comparative analysis showed that our QDA model outperformed several other machine learning methods.

CONCLUSION

Our study presents a comprehensive data-driven model for PVT diagnosis in cirrhotic patients, enhancing clinical decision-making. The SVM-Naïve Bayes-QDA model offers a precise approach to managing PVT in this population.

The Portal Vein: A Comprehensive Review

Radiologists are familiar with the appearances of a normal portal vein; variations in its anatomy are commonplace and require careful consideration due to the implications for surgery. These alterations in portal vein anatomy have characteristic appearances that are clearly depicted on CT, MR, and US images. Similarly, there are numerous congenital and acquired disorders of the portal vein that are deleterious to its function and can be diagnosed by using imaging alone. Some of these conditions have subtle imaging features, and some are conspicuous at imaging but poorly understood or underrecognized. The authors examine imaging appearances of the portal vein, first by outlining the classic and variant anatomy and then by describing each of the disorders that impact portal vein function. The imaging appearances of portal vein abnormalities discussed in this review include (a) occlusion from and differentiation between bland thrombus and tumor in vein and the changes associated with resultant hepatic artery buffer response changes, cavernous transformation of the portal vein, and portal biliopathy; (b) ascending thrombophlebitis of the portal vein (pylephlebitis); (c) portal hypertension and its causes and sequelae; (d) the newly described disease entity portosinusoidal vascular disorder; and (e) intra- and extrahepatic shunts of the portal system, both congenital and acquired (including Abernethy malformations), and the associated risks. Current understanding of the pathophysiologic processes of each of these disorders is considered to aid the approach to reporting. ©RSNA, 2023 Quiz questions for this article are available in the supplemental material.

Extrahepatic portal vein aneurysm in which the acute thrombogenic process triggered by trauma confirmed by abdominal ultrasonography: a case report

Extrahepatic portal vein aneurysm (PVA) is a rare condition in which the extrahepatic portal vein is partially dilated into a sac-like or spindle-like shape. Usually, patients are followed, but surgery is considered in cases of rupture, thrombus, or enlargement. We report a case of thrombus formation in an extrahepatic portal vein aneurysm following trauma that resulted in regression of the aneurysm and extrahepatic portal vein occlusion. Immediately after the trauma, ultrasonography showed moderately hyperechoic structures and comet signs along the vessel wall of the aneurysm and turbulent blood flow in the aneurysm, like in a whirlpool. There were floating point-like echogenic features, which were presumed to be microthrombi. In other words, the trauma might have triggered Virchow's triad: changes in the vessel wall, changes in blood properties, and blood stagnation. This is a valuable case in which ultrasonography imaging revealed interesting changes during the thrombus formation process inside an extrahepatic portal vein aneurysm. The aneurysm's size was reduced by thrombus-induced organization, but the main trunk of the portal vein became deficient in blood flow, resulting in extrahepatic portal vein occlusion. This case is suggestive of the mechanism of extrahepatic portal vein occlusion.

Venous anomalies and thromboembolism

Patients with venous anomalies are at increased risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE) and subsequent complications, but they are often under-recognised. While unprovoked VTE may trigger testing for inherited thrombophilias and malignancy screening, anatomic variants are considered less often. Venous anomalies increase the risk due to venous flow disturbance, resulting in hypertension, reduced flow velocity and turbulence. Recognition is important as endovascular or surgical intervention may be appropriate, these patients have a high rate of VTE recurrence if anticoagulation is ceased, and the anomalies can predispose to extensive VTE and severe post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). In this case series, we present representative cases and radiological images of May-Thurner syndrome (MTS), inferior vena cava (IVC) variants and venous aneurysms, and review the available literature regarding optimal diagnosis and management in each condition.

Multimodality ultrasound assessment of the spleen: Normal appearances and emergency abnormalities

This paper summarizes the main splenic emergencies and their ultrasonographic findings to orient appropriate patient management. US requires minimal preparation time and allows to examine the parenchyma and to detect intraperitoneal fluid collections, which may be indirect evidence of solid organ injuries. In this paper, we analyze the role of B-mode, Doppler and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in the diagnosis of splenic emergencies, with a particular focus on splenic infarction, infection, traumatic injuries and vascular splenic anomalies.

Portal Venous Aneurysm

Supplemental material is available for this article.

Portal vein aneurysm-etiology, multimodal imaging and current management

Portal vein aneurysm (PVA) is a rare vascular abnormality, representing 3% of all venous aneurysms in the human body, and is not well understood. It can be congenital or acquired, located mainly at the level of confluence, main trunk, branches and bifurcation. A PVA as an abnormality of the portal venous system was first reported in 1956 by Barzilai and Kleckner. A review from 2015 entitled "Portal vein aneurysm: What to know" considered fewer than 200 cases. In the last seven years, there has been an increase in the number of PVAs diagnosed thanks to routine abdominal imaging. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive update of PVA, including aetiology, epidemiology, and clinical assessment, along with an evaluation of advanced multimodal imaging features of aneurysm and management approaches.

Radiological evaluation of extrahepatic and intrahepatic portal vein aneurysms: A report of two cases

Portal vein aneurysm (PVA) is a rare vascular entity. Here, we describe cases of 2 separate patients who presented with congenital and acquired causes of PVA respectively. The first patient presented with vague abdominal pain and was incidentally diagnosed with PVA, whereas the cause in the second patient was iatrogenic. With a limited number of cases published to date, there is little data on the natural history of the disease. Herein, we will discuss the radiological findings aiding us in reaching our diagnosis and also the probable mimickers of the disease, with a brief overview of its possible causes, complications, and the currently available management options.

Portal vein aneurysm combined with intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt diagnosed by multimodal imaging techniques: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Portal vein aneurysms (PVA) and intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunts are rarely diagnosed clinically.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 75-year-old female was admitted to our hospital for evaluation of significant weight loss, diabetes, and an irregularly shaped cystic lesion in the left lateral lobe of the liver.

DIAGNOSIS

The patient was diagnosed with a portal vein aneurysm combined with an intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt using multiple imaging techniques.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient had no relevant clinical symptoms of PVA with concurrent intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt; hence, no interventions were performed. Ultrasonography was suggested to be performed every 3 months.

OUTCOMES

The patient did not visit the hospital after discharge; however, 4 telephonic follow-up evaluations showed that the patient was well.

LESSONS

Multimodal imaging techniques should be used to evaluate the source of blood flow, presence or absence of shunts, and the course, number, and location of the shunts to prevent misdiagnosis of this disease.

Thrombosis of the inferior vena cava secondary to incidental portal vein aneurysm

Aneurysm of the portal vein is a rare type of visceral aneurysm that is largely asymptomatic although some patients may develop symptoms or secondary complications. In this report, we present the first case in the literature of inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis arising as a consequence of portal vein aneurysm. A 95-year-old male with past medical history significant for hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, type II diabetes mellitus, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and gastroesophageal reflux presented to the emergency department with several days of altered mental status, disorganized behavior, visual hallucinations, and weight loss. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the patient's abdomen and pelvis was performed to assess for infection or malignancy. The study revealed a large saccular aneurysm of the proximal portal vein arising near the portal confluence. Compression of the adjacent IVC was also seen which contained a hypoattenuating filling defect, probably representing thrombus. Incidental large hepatic cysts were seen, and a 6 mm pancreatic cyst was also identified which likely represented an intra-ductal papillary mucinous neoplasm . He was determined not to be a surgical candidate due to age, comorbidities, and absence secondary symptoms. The patient was discharged on quetiapine and enoxaparin for management of agitation and IVC thrombosis, respectively. This case demonstrates the increasing rates of detection of portal vein aneurysm and the range of complications that may arise as a result.

Large thrombosed portomesenteric venous aneurysm treated with pharmacomechanical thrombolysis combined with TIPS placement

Background

Aneurysms are rare anomalies of the portomesenteric venous system. Thrombotic complications of these lesions can lead to mesenteric venous ischemia and bowel infarction, potentially requiring surgical intervention. Herein we describe a case of mesenteric ischemia due to a large thrombosed portomesenteric aneurysm treated with endovascular techniques.

Case presentation

A 37-year-old previously healthy male who presented with abdominal pain to his local emergency department was found to have a thrombosed 12.0 × 5.1 cm portomesenteric venous aneurysm with evidence of mesenteric ischemia on CT. When conservative management with anticoagulation failed, transhepatic pharmacomechanical thrombolysis was initially performed. This was followed by TIPS placement with additional trans-TIPS thrombectomy to improve sluggish portal outflow and prevent re-thrombosis. The patient’s symptoms and imaging findings of ischemia resolved after endovascular therapy. No surgical intervention was required, and the patient was discharged on enoxaparin before being transitioned to apixaban. The TIPS remained patent at 2-year follow-up, with no change in the size of the aneurysm or re-thrombosis noted. The patient’s synthetic liver function was preserved with no evidence of hepatic encephalopathy during the follow-up period.

Conclusions

Endovascular therapies may be used to manage thrombotic complications of portomesenteric venous aneurysms, obviating the need for surgical intervention in selected patients.

Asymptomatic saccular portal vein aneurysm: a case report and review of the literature

Portal vein aneurysms are rare abnormal dilations of the portal vein and represent less than 3% of all visceral aneurysms. They may be congenital or acquired, symptomatic or asymptomatic, complicated or uncomplicated. Portal vein aneurysms may be fusiform or saccular and this last one has a low prevalence. Due to the small number of cases reported in the medical literature and the lack of specific guidelines, the management and treatment of this condition is still undefined. In this review, we report a case of saccular portal vein aneurysm in a 73-year old man with liver cirrhosis and discuss all cases of portal vein aneurysms reported in literature.

A rare pediatric case of portal vein aneurysm thrombosis

Portal vein aneurysm (PVA) is rarely encountered, and published papers describing this etiology in adults and children typically include only case reports or small case series. We present a clinical case of PVA in a child associated with severe complications, including diffuse thrombosis of the portal venous system. A 10-year-old boy presented with abdominal pain and vomiting, resulting in an initial diagnosis of pancreatic head tumor based on suspicious images on abdominal grayscale ultrasound. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography confirmed a diagnosis of occlusive PVA thrombosis (36 × 37 × 95 mm). Lacking drastic symptoms, the patient was treated with conservative anticoagulant therapy. On follow-up, the thrombosis appeared to shrink gradually and disappeared at 6 months based on Doppler ultrasound imaging. The PVA was reduced in size, and hepatopetal flow was restored. Surgeons and radiologists should be aware of this rare entity to ensure that a precise diagnosis can be established and to provide suitable treatment.

A new classification of congenital abnormalities of UPVS: sonographic appearances, screening strategy and clinical significance

The umbilical–portal venous system (UPVS) plays an important role in embryonic development, as well as a significant blood circulation system to ensure the normal blood supply of fetal heart and brain and other vital organs. Congenital anomalies of UPVS contain many subtypes with a broad spectrum of manifestations and prognoses. Furthermore, because of fetal small lumen of UPVS, the sonographic evaluation remains difficult in utero. Appreciation of normal embryology and anatomy of UPVS is essential to an understanding of sonographic characteristics of anomalies of UPVS and fetal sequential changes. Through reviewing previous references and our experience with congenital abnormalities of UPVS, a new comprehensive classification is proposed. The new classification identifies three types of congenital abnormalities of UPVS based on morphological abnormalities and shunts. The embryology and etiology, sonographic, clinical and prognostic characteristics of each subtype of the new classification are described in detail. Knowledge of congenital abnormalities of UPVS can give sonographers a clue and aid prenatal sonographic diagnosis. The purpose of this article is to help the sonographers to understand the new classification of congenital abnormalities of UPVS, master the sonographic characteristics of each subtype and prenatal ultrasonographic screening strategy, and guide subsequent appropriate counseling and management.

Portal Vein Aneurysm Treated With Trans-Jugular Intrahepatic Porto-Systemic Shunt

Portal vein aneurysm (PVA) is a rare entity that can lead to hemorrhage or thrombosis. Although there is no standard treatment, most cases can be managed conservatively; intervention is reserved for symptomatic or enlarging aneurysms. For patients who are not surgical candidates due to cirrhosis and portal hypertension, endovascular creation of a trans-jugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunt (TIPS) is an option to reduce portal venous pressure. This report describes a case of an enlarging PVA successfully treated with TIPS in a patient with cryptogenic cirrhosis.

Asymptomatic portal vein aneurysm: Three case reports

BACKGROUND

Portal vein aneurysm (PVA) is an uncommon vascular dilatation, showing no clear trend in sex or age predominance. Due to the low number of published cases and the lack of management guidelines, treatment of this condition remains a clinical challenge.

CASE SUMMARY

We present three cases of asymptomatic PVA; the first and second involve an extrahepatic manifestation, of 48 mm and 42.3 mm diameter respectively, and the third involves an intrahepatic PVA of 27 mm. All were diagnosed incidentally during routine check-up, upon ultrasonography scan. Since all patients were asymptomatic, a conservative treatment strategy was chosen. Follow-up imaging demonstrated no progression in the aneurysm dimension for any case.

CONCLUSION

As PVA remains asymptomatic in many cases, recognition of its imaging features is key to favourable outcomes.

Rupture of portal vein pseudoaneurysm caused by impinging infected walled off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN): a rare complication

We report a case of walled off pancreatic necrosis in a patient with alcoholic pancreatitis who underwent endoscopic ultrasound-guided multiple pigtail catheter drainage. 10 days later patient presented with massive haemorrhage likely due to erosion of portal vein pseudoaneurysm caused by decubitus of pigtails. Patient required emergent portal venorrhaphy to arrest haemorrhage.

A large asymptomatic portal vein aneurysm in an old man

Ultrasound (US) is a useful tool in diagnosis and follow-up of portal vein aneurysms (PVA). In the absence of international surgical guidelines on PVAs, US can be effectively used in follow-up of asymptomatic patients not suitable for surgery.

Asymptomatic thrombosis of extrahepatic portal vein aneurysm necessitating hybrid operative repair

BACKGROUND

Congenital portal vein aneurysm is a rare vascular anomaly with poorly understood natural history. Whereas asymptomatic aneurysms are often managed conservatively, surgery has been used in symptomatic cases complicated by thrombosis or rupture. Surgical experience in management of portal aneurysms is restricted to case studies with limited comparative data and inconsistent reporting of outcomes. A hybrid open and endovascular approach has rarely been described in the literature.

METHODS

We present a case of an extrahepatic portal aneurysm which demonstrated changes on surveillance imaging concerning for early asymptomatic thrombosis. Acute thrombus was identified at the time of open aneurysm repair. We review the limited literature regarding management of portal vein aneurysms in non-cirrhotic patients.

RESULTS

Our case was complicated by intrahepatic thrombo-embolism, which necessitated hybrid thrombectomy and anticoagulant therapy. The patient remains asymptomatic at three-year follow-up with no recurrent aneurysm or thrombosis on surveillance Doppler and CT imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

Altered hemodynamic appearances on Doppler ultrasound and contrast-enhanced CT may warn of impending thrombosis in portal vein aneurysms. Hybrid open and endovascular surgical repair ensures vessel patency and a durable surgical result.

Operative management of an incidental portal vein aneurysm in the setting of an incarcerated congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Portal vein aneurysms are rare pathologic entities. A 3.7-cm portal vein aneurysm was incidentally discovered in an 80-year-old male patient on imaging for acute abdominal pain secondary to an incarcerated diaphragmatic hernia. The aneurysm was resected, and primary repair of the portal vein was performed during a second-look operation after repair of the incarcerated hernia. Operative intervention was chosen for this patient because of the aneurysm's size and the additional indication for abdominal exploration.

Portal vein aneurysm with acute portal vein thrombosis masquerading as a pancreatic mass

Portal vein aneurysm (PVA) with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is an exceedingly rare vascular phenomenon with a limited number of reported cases in the medical literature. We describe a case of a 25-year-old man found to have a congenital PVA with PVT initially believed to be a pancreatic mass. While there remains some incongruity amongst clinicians with such a limited number of reported cases, herein, we describe the general consensus of the diagnostic approach and management of this vascular malformation.

Portal vein aneurysm with complete spontaneous regression after 10 years using conservative treatment

Portal vein aneurysms are rare vascular findings for which there are no optimal treatment guidelines. The scarce knowledge about their etiology, natural history, and management mean that there are limited treatment options. Here, we describe the case of a 69-year-old woman who presented with a 35-mm hypoechoic area in the hilar region of the liver that was accidentally detected by ultrasonography. Color Doppler ultrasonography demonstrated a mass with internal flow contiguous with portal vein, which was confirmed to be a portal vein aneurysm by computed tomography. Given that she experienced no symptoms of impending rupture or thrombosed aneurysms, we adopted a conservative treatment. Follow-up imaging demonstrated slow progression of the aneurysm diameter, from 35 to 43 mm at 3 years, and to 48 mm at 6 years; subsequent imaging after 6 years did not show any change in the diameter from 48 mm. However, the portal vein aneurysm completely regressed with no complications at a follow-up of over 10 years. This case suggests that long-term observation with periodic imaging may be an acceptable therapeutic option for asymptomatic portal vein aneurysms that show no short-term improvement. This case report contributes to a better understanding of how to treat this rare disease.

Primary venous aneurysms: A 20-year retrospective analysis

OBJECTIVE

Primary venous aneurysms are unusual vascular occurrences. Our aim is to document our institution's experience with this pathology; describing frequency, diagnosis, outcomes and medical histories of patients with primary venous aneurysms within a 20-year time frame.

METHODS

A retrospective study at our institution using its radiology database was conducted. Results were isolated to primary venous aneurysms diagnosed between 1997 and 2017. Basic demographics and medical history were collected.

RESULTS

We identified 32 patients with primary venous aneurysms. Eighteen were male and 14 were female. The average age of presentation was 54 years old, with a range of 17-86. None of these patients reported a family history of aneurysmal disease. The majority were incidental. Of these aneurysms, 3 were of the head and neck, 1 was contained in the thorax, 17 were intra-abdominal and 11 were peripheral. Diagnosis was made by computed tomography, duplex ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging. Conservative management was most frequently employed, but four patients underwent surgical repair. Three aneurysms required operation for symptom management (external jugular, subclavian, inferior vena cava), whereas one aneurysm of the popliteal vein was prophylactically managed, given the high risk for pulmonary embolism.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary venous aneurysms present infrequently. Despite their rarity, primary venous aneurysms have been reported to occur throughout the venous system. The majority of primary venous aneurysms in this series were found incidentally and can present both symptomatically or asymptomatically. The findings of our 20-year experience were consistent with the existing literature. Because the risk of rupture is negligible, the indications for surgical management remain for cosmesis, symptom management or high risk of thromboembolic events.

Giant renal vein aneurysm

A 37-year-old asymptomatic man presented with incidentally identified intra-abdominal venous aneurysms. Workup, which included venography, demonstrated an absent segment of the inferior vena cava between the inferior right and superior left renal vein, resulting in a 4.4-cm right renal vein aneurysm, dilated common iliac veins, and left external iliac vein aneurysm. Collateralization was robust. Given the limited natural history data and complexities of open reconstruction, we opted to observe this asymptomatic patient with serial imaging, which demonstrated no interval change. We present our case and a review of the literature pertaining to intra-abdominal venous aneurysms.

Thrombosis of a portal vein aneurysm: a case report with literature review

OBJECTIVES

Portal vein aneurysm is an unusual vascular dilatation of the portal vein. The etiology, diagnosis and management are ill-defined.

METHODS

A case of a portal vein aneurysm complicated with complete thrombosis is presented with a literature review providing an overview of the etiology, clinical presentation and management.

RESULTS

Portal venous aneurysms represent approximately 3% of all venous aneurysms with a reported prevalence of 0.06%. The reported incidence is on the rise with increasing use of modern imaging techniques in clinical practice. Usually, portal vein aneurysms are incidental findings and patients are asymptomatic. They can be congenital or acquired and portal hypertension represents the most frequent cause of the acquired version. Various complications such as biliary tract compression, portal vein thrombosis, and rupture can occur. Treatment options are conservative management or surgery. Surgical treatment is currently reserved for symptomatic patients with severe abdominal pain, symptoms of pressure effect or with expanding aneurysms, and/or complications such as thrombosis or rupture.

CONCLUSION

Conservative management seems the best option in the majority of patients. A multidisciplinary approach discussing the best option on a case-by-case base in light of their individual underlying risk and symptoms is advised.

Computed tomography evaluation of patent paraumbilical vein and its aneurysm in relation to other portosystemic collateral channels in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension

Purpose

The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between the diameter and aneurysmal dilatation of the paraumbilical vein (PUV) and the presence of portosystemic collateral shunts and their relationship with age and portal vein diameter.

Material and methods

The retrospective analysis, performed in the II Department of Radiology, Medical University Hospital in Warsaw, included 126 patients (77 males and 49 females) with patent umbilical vein and signs of portal hypertension due to liver cirrhosis. All patients underwent contrast enhanced abdominal CT. The average age was 54.7 ±12.98. We analysed the number and type of portosystemic collateral channels in respect of age, sex, presence of oesophageal varices, and the diameter of the paraumbilical vein and the portal vein.

Results

Our results disclosed statistically significant negative correlation between patient age and diameter of paraumbilical vein, number of portosystemic collateral channels and diameter of portal vein and positive correlation between diameter of paraumbilical vein and diameter of portal vein. A statistically significant difference in diameter of portal vein and number of collateral channels was found in groups with and without oesophageal varices. No significant difference in age and portal vein diameter was found in these groups.

Conclusions

Our study showed that younger patients with liver cirrhosis are characterised by wider paraumbilical veins and higher number of portosystemic collateral channels. The presence of oesophageal varices does not correlate with age, sex, diameter of paraumbilical vein, and number of collateral portosystemic channels.

A systematic review of venous aneurysms by anatomic location

OBJECTIVE

Venous aneurysms are uncommon vascular abnormalities that may be identified anywhere in the body. Historically, they were often misdiagnosed as soft tissue lesions, but with the advent of readily available noninvasive imaging (such as duplex ultrasound), they can now be easily identified. Our aim was to review the presentation of venous aneurysms, available imaging modalities for defining them, and management.

METHODS

The English-language literature before March 2017 was reviewed, and only reports of primary venous aneurysms of the deep veins were included. Reports were subdivided on the basis of the location of the venous aneurysm, and reports containing sample imaging studies were referenced from Elsevier publications.

RESULTS

In total, our review identified reports of 35 head and neck venous aneurysms, 42 thoracic venous aneurysms, 152 intra-abdominal venous aneurysms, and 279 venous aneurysms of the extremities. Venous aneurysms of the lower extremity deep veins were most likely to be manifested by venous thromboembolic events, with approximately 25% to 50% of popliteal vein aneurysms presenting with pulmonary embolism. Diagnosis can be made by duplex ultrasound, computed tomography venography, magnetic resonance venography, or invasive venography. Management varies by location; most thoracic and head and neck aneurysms are observed, whereas venous aneurysms of the extremities are treated with surgical intervention, given the potential for venous thromboembolism. Few reports describe endovascular management of these lesions, so open surgical intervention remains the standard of care.

CONCLUSIONS

Venous aneurysms are rare vascular malformations that occur throughout the body. Many are identified on routine imaging ordered for other indications, whereas venous aneurysms of the deep veins of the extremities are often manifested with venous thromboembolism. Management of these lesions is determined largely by location and the potential morbidity and mortality of the untreated aneurysms vs surgery; aneurysms of the head and neck and thorax are managed with observation and serial imaging over time, whereas those of the abdomen and extremities are treated with surgical intervention. Endovascular techniques continue to lack a defined role in their management, and the standard of care remains open repair, when indicated.

Repeated Plastic Stentings of Common Hepatic Duct for Portal Vein Aneurysm Compression in a Patient Unsuitable for Surgery

Portal vein aneurysms are rare vascular malformations with unclear etiologies and optimal treatment guidelines. Although Doppler ultrasonography is the most commonly used diagnostic tool, there is no gold standard imaging modality. Despite recommendations of surgical treatment for symptomatic aneurysms, there are limited options in the management of portal vein aneurysm-related complications in patients unfit for surgical intervention. We describe an 85-year-old man who presented with abdominal pain and low-grade fever with clinical signs consistent with cholangitis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography revealed a common hepatic duct stricture and concomitant intraductal ultrasonography identified adjacent aneurysmal portal vein dilatation. The final diagnosis of portal vein aneurysm was made using contrast computerized tomography scan. The patient was considered unsuitable for surgery due to his advanced age and multiple comorbidities. Instead, an endoscopic biliary plastic stent was inserted as a therapeutic alternative, which successfully achieved complete resolution of symptoms 3 days after the procedure. The patient was regularly followed at the outpatient clinic with repeated stent replacements every 3 to 4 months. After a follow-up of over 3.5 years, the patient remained symptom-free without signs of portal vein aneurysm compression. The result suggests that repeated stent replacements may be a therapeutic option for biliary compression by portal vein aneurysm in patients contraindicated for surgical intervention.

[Aneurysm of the portal venous system: A rare and unknown pathology]

INTRODUCTION

Portal vein aneurysms are rare, representing 3% of venous aneurysms, with about 200 cases described in the literature, probably underestimated.

CASE REPORT

A 66-year-old man, suspect of splenomegaly, underwent an abdominal ultrasound and a thoraco-abdomino-pelvic CT scan showing a 40mm portal vein aneurysm. Final diagnosis was T-cell hemopathy. Five and six months later, abdominal imaging was stable, suggesting congenital origin due to lack of obliteration of the vitelline vein.

CONCLUSION

Portal vein aneurysms are often asymptomatic and an incidental finding. Monitoring is recommended because of their potential complications (thrombosis, rupture of aneurysm, portal hypertension, adjacent organs compression), annually if asymptomatic or more frequently with sometimes a surgical management in case of clinical manifestations.

Management of an enormous inferior mesenteric vein aneurysm

Venous aneurysms are rare entities, with mesenteric venous aneurysms among the rarest reported. We present a case of a 66-year-old man with abdominal pain secondary to an enormous 7.8-cm inferior mesenteric vein aneurysm. In addition, he had evidence of other venous abnormalities, including bilateral leg chronic venous insufficiency and a right varicocele. This appears to be the only reported case of an isolated inferior mesenteric vein aneurysm. Adding to its significance, this aneurysm is among the largest of any mesenteric vein aneurysm reported. Given the rupture risk, laparoscopic ligation above the aneurysm was performed.

Traumatic Injury to the Portal Vein With Shock Bowel

A portal vein aneurysm is the dilatation of the portal vein due to a defect in the vein wall. This rare disease manifestation is difficult to predict and has the potential for severe complications. We describe the case of a 68-year-old man involved in a motor vehicle collision who presented with abdominal hemorrhage found on ultrasound, hypotension, and vague abdominal pain. The patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy to control bleeding. Surgery and a subsequent abdominal computed tomography revealed the presence of a portal vein pseudoaneurysm and shock bowel. This case highlights the importance of radiologists to consider the prospect of portal vein aneurysm in the differential diagnosis of hypotension following abdominal trauma.

Asymptomatic portal vein aneurysms: To treat, or not to treat?

Background Portal vein aneurysms are rare dilations in the portal venous system, for which the etiology and pathophysiological consequences are poorly understood. Method We reviewed the existing literature as well as present a unique anecdotal case of a patient presenting with a very large portal vein aneurysm that was successfully managed conservatively and non-operatively without anticoagulation, with close follow-up and routine surveillance. Result The rising prevalence of abdominal imaging in clinical practice has increased rates of portal vein aneurysm detection. While asymptomatic aneurysms less than 3 cm can be clinically observed, surgical intervention may be necessary in large asymptomatic aneurysms (>3 cm) with or without thrombus, or small aneurysms with evidence of evolving mural thrombus formation on imaging. Conclusion Portal vein aneurysms present a diagnostic challenge for any surgeon, and the goal for surgical therapy is based on repairing the portal vein aneurysm, and if portal hypertension is present decompressing via surgically constructed shunts.