Intrahepatic Arterioportal Fistula With Subsequent Portal Hypertension After Percutaneous Liver Biopsy

Abstract

Percutaneous liver biopsy was performed, revealing noncirrhotic autoimmune hepatitis. Immunosuppression was initiated, and liver chemistries improved. Five years later, she developed new onset massive ascites and a recurrent hepatic hydrothorax. Abdominopelvic computed tomography revealed a left lobe intrahepatic arterioportal fistula (APF) with regional parenchymal atrophy. Angiography visualized the hepatic artery (orange arrow) with immediate left portal vein opacification (green arrow) and compromised blood flow to the left lobe, confirming an APF (Figure 1). Catheterization of the proper hepatic and left hepatic arteries was performed with successful APF coil embolization. Postoperative angiography showed successful fistula coil occlusion (red arrow) without compromised perfusion to the right or left lobes (Figure 2). Follow-up evaluation noted resolution of her portal hypertension, ascites, and hydrothorax. Intrahepatic APFs are rare complications of percutaneous and transjugular liver biopsies. 1 Although smaller fistulas may thrombose spontaneously, larger fistulas and those close to the porta hepatis can cause clinically significant portal hypertension. 2 Transarterial coil embolization is first-line treatment, with alternatives including n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate embolization, hepatic artery ligation, or partial hepatectomy. 1