Semin intervent Radiol 2014; 31(03): 262-265
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1382795
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Portosystemic Shunt Syndrome and Endovascular Management of Hepatic Encephalopathy

Wael E. Saad
1   Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
20 August 2014 (online)

Abstract

The term “portosystemic shunt syndrome” was coined by Kumamoto et al referring to reduction of the hepatic reserve (reflected by progression of the Child–Pugh score) over 5 years compared with portal hypertensive cirrhotics without gastrorenal shunts or with prior history of obliterated gastrorenal shunts. Saad et al elaborated on this term further by describing a complete syndrome with clinical findings (including worsening liver failure and hepatic encephalopathy [HE]) and imaging findings (including hepatic atrophy, portal vein thrombosis, and paucity of intrahepatic portal vein radicles). This article discusses the syndrome in detail. In addition, the article describes the types of HE and the endovascular management of shunt-related HE.

 
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