Bleeding Esophageal Varices and Portal Hypertension Caused by Arteriovenous Fistula of Splenic Artery
Moshe Shleapnik,1Baruch Shpitz,1Annette Siegal,1,2and Alex Dinbar1,3
Received07 Feb 1990
Accepted07 Feb 1990
Abstract
Splenic arteriovenous fistula is a rare but curable cause of portal hypertension. This report describes a
patient with such a disorder, presenting with bleeding esophageal varices and ascites. It emphasises the
importance of performing selective catheterization of the celiac and superior mesenteric artery in all
patients with signs of portal hypertension without evidence of chronic liver disease. Etiopathology and
management are discussed.
