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Semin intervent Radiol 2007; 24(1): 053-057
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-971186
Copyright © 2007 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Splenic Artery Embolization and Balloon Occlusion Retrograde Alcohol Embolization in a Patient with Bleeding Gastric Varices

Laura M. Allen1 , George Behrens2 , Nilesh H. Patel2 , Hector Ferral2
  • 1The Chicago Medical School, North Chicago, Illinois
  • 2Department of Radiology, Section of Interventional Radiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
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Publication History

Publication Date:
27 March 2007 (online)

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ABSTRACT

We present a patient with a large spontaneous splenorenal shunt secondary to isolated splenic vein thrombosis who developed severe bleeding from fundal gastric varices. The patient was managed emergently with splenic artery embolization and balloon occlusion retrograde embolization of the varices with alcohol. We discuss the clinical presentation, embolization techniques, and a potential complication of the use of alcohol for this purpose.

KEYWORDS

Balloon occlusion retrograde embolization - splenic vein thrombosis - splenorenal shunt - portosystemic communications - gastric varices - splenic artery embolization - postembolization cardiovascular collapse

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Hector FerralM.D. 

Associate Professor of Radiology, Department of Radiology, Section of Interventional Radiology, Rush University Medical Center

1653 West Congress Parkway, Chicago, IL 60612-3833