Oxaliplatin-related Portal Hypertension Complicated with Esophageal Varices and Refractory Massive Ascites

Abstract

Oxaliplatin, widely used as a chemotherapy drug for colorectal cancer, is known to cause various adverse reactions. In particular, special attention for the development of portal hypertension associated with portosinusoidal vascular disease is necessary, as it is a serious adverse life-threating reaction, although rare. We herein report a case of oxaliplatin-related portal hypertension that developed several years after oxaliplatin administration and led to esophageal varices and refractory massive ascites. Clinical physicians should be aware of the possibility of oxaliplatin-induced portal hypertension and its possible development over a long period after discontinuation of the drug.

Cataclysmic Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage: Dreaded Complication of Metastatic Breast Cancer

“…More recently, research has found that a lot of patients who received chemotherapy, and especially oxaliplatin, developed portal hypertension as part of the “porto-sinusoidal vascular disease” (PSVD). This term, proposed by the Vascular Liver Disease Interest Group, defines all the vascular liver diseases characterized by portal hypertension in absence of cirrhosis and other causes of liver disease [ 6 ].…”

The “appearing” and “disappearing” ascites in the treatment of colorectal cancer: a case report

“…Although its curative effect is significant, the accompanying adverse reactions cannot be ignored. Cases of ascites induced by oxaliplatin have been reported in the past, but have been mainly attributed to complications of oxaliplatin-induced cirrhosis ( 5 , 6 ). The occurrence of ascites may be misdiagnosed as tumor recurrence and metastasis.…”