Mesenteric ischemia: an unusual presentation of traumatic intrahepatic arterioportal fistula

Am Surg. 2001 Sep;67(9):865-7.

Abstract

Traumatic hepatic arterioportal fistulae (APF) are described infrequently as sequelae of hepatic trauma. These anomalies are usually associated with blunt hepatic trauma or iatrogenic injury. The majority of APF present within weeks to months of injury with gastrointestinal hemorrhage, hemobilia, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. When presenting remotely APFs are associated with portal hypertension, heart failure, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, ascites, and splenomegaly. We report an unusual case of mesenteric ischemia due to an APF that resulted from a penetrating liver injury 20 years before presentation. Successful treatment of the APF was achieved by intravascular catheter occlusion resulting in resolution of symptoms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / complications*
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / diagnostic imaging
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / etiology
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / therapy
  • Embolization, Therapeutic
  • Hepatic Artery* / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Ischemia / diagnostic imaging
  • Ischemia / etiology*
  • Liver / injuries*
  • Male
  • Mesentery / blood supply*
  • Mesentery / diagnostic imaging
  • Portal Vein* / diagnostic imaging
  • Radiography
  • Wounds, Stab / complications*