Left-sided portal hypertension with a patent splenic vein: An impossible or a not-so-uncommon scenario?

Abstract

Introduction: Left-sided portal hypertension is usually thought to result from a mechanical obstruction of the splenic vein. However, a functional obstruction of a patent splenic vein due to high venous flow can also cause left-sided portal hypertension. Case Report: We report a case of left-sided portal hypertension with a patent splenic vein. Conclusion: The case illustrates that left-sided portal hypertension is a syndrome that results from the variable interactions of different mechanisms and highlights that the selection of suitable treatment is based on understanding the portal pathophysiology and portal venous anatomy in the patient.