[Splenic arteriovenous fistula. Apropos of 2 cases and review of the literature]

J Radiol. 1994 Apr;75(4):245-52.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Two cases of splenic arteriovenous fistula (SAVF) are reported and the literature pertaining to this disease is discussed. SAVF is a rare but curable cause of portal hypertension. Until recently, diagnosis was based and angiographic findings. However, it can now be reached with duplex-Doppler sonography, CT or MRI. Duplex-Doppler sonography highlights an enlarged splenic vein with a turbulent flow. CT scan detects the arterial aneurysms and shows the early opacification of the enlarged splenic vein. MRI depicts all the morphological abnormalities and flow-void due to time-of-flight losses may indicate the location of the fistula. Intra-arterial obliteration of the fistula is a good alternative to surgical procedure for treating SAVF in avoiding the potentially serious threat of gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arteriovenous Fistula* / diagnosis
  • Arteriovenous Fistula* / etiology
  • Arteriovenous Fistula* / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Splenic Artery / abnormalities*
  • Splenic Vein / abnormalities*