Successful transjugular intrahepatic portal-systemic shunt in an ineligible liver transplant patient with primary biliary cirrhosis with refractory ascites and aplastic anemia

Christopher M. Moore, George Behrens, Hector Ferral, David H. Van Thiel

Section of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, USA.
Section of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, USA.

DOI: 10.4236/ojgas.2013.31001                

Abstract

A transjugular intrahepatic portal-systemic shunt (TIPS) is a standard way to decompress the portal system in cirrhotic patients as a bridge to orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Traditionally, TIPS has been indicated for certain portal hypertensive sequelae such as refractory ascites, varices treatment and even hepato-hydrothorax. Herein is a case report on the efficacy of TIPS in an OLT ineligible patient with primary biliary cirrhosis and aplastic anemia who had developed refractive ascites requiring serial paracentesis and esophageal varices. He survived 2.5 years post-TIPS placement and died from complications related to severe leucopenia and the development of sepsis.

Keywords

Aplastic Anemia; Ascites; Liver Transplantation; Paracentesis; TIPS

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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