Reversal of Portosystemic Encephalopathy after Endoscopic Embolization of Recurrent Gastroesophageal Varices

Abstract

Abstract:Chronic portosystemic encephalopathy (CPSE) due to a shunt via gastroesophageal varices is uncommon. We were able to control a case of CPSE due to recurrent gastroesophageal varices using endoscopic embolization (EE). A 68‐year‐old man presented at our hospital in a confused, apathetic and tremulous state. He had undergone devascularization, proximal gastric transection and splenectomy for esopha‐geal varices due to liver cirrhosis 16 years previously. The patient had hyperammone‐mia (228 µg/dl), and endoscopic examination revealed nodular cardiac varices and large recurrent esophageal varices. Superior mesenteric arterial portography revealed that a large volume of superior mesenteric venous blood drained into the cardiac and esophageal varices through the remnant left gastric vein. The plasma ammonia level in the esophageal varices taken at the time of EE was 419 pg/dl, which was a much higher level than that of peripheral vessels, the superior vena cava and azygos vein, and suggested that the encephalopathy was due to the portosystemic shunt via the gastroesophageal varices. EE was performed using 5% ethanolamine oleate with iopamidol under fluoroscopy. The esophageal and cardiac varices were successfully embolized, the CPSE disappeared, and the plasma ammonia level decreased to 27 pg/dl. No complications were observed, and the patient was discharged on day 37 after EE. We conclude that EE is an effective and safe treatment for CPSE due to gastroesophageal varices.