Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Infection: A Case Study of Bacteraemia caused by Escherichia Coli

Abstract

It is widely believed that liver transplantation is the only way to cure hepatic cirrhosis. However, due to limited funds and liver donors, liver transplantation is seldom performed in Asia, especially in China. For patients who have experienced oesophageal and gastric varices bleeding and waiting for a liver transplant, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has proven to be an ideal treatment procedure. However, TIPS may lead to severe complications. At present, TIPS infections remain a rare complication, and the definition remains controversial. Specific pathogenesis has not been elucidated. In the literature, no pathogenic bacterium has been confirmed as a major pathogen of TIPS infection, and no infections have been attributed to the placement of TIPS. Whether or not such infections are all associated with stent implantation of TIPS remains a question that needs to be answered. We report a case involving successful treatment of this patient that potentially can be used as a reference in clinics