# A rare case of splenic arteriovenous fistula causing portal hypertension, treated by embolisation

**Authors:** Dane J. Rampini, John A. Cantrell

PMC · DOI: 10.4102/sajr.v30i1.3345 · SA Journal of Radiology · 2026-02-12

## TL;DR

A rare case of a splenic arteriovenous fistula leading to portal hypertension was successfully treated with embolisation instead of surgery.

## Contribution

The paper presents a rare case emphasizing the use of interventional radiology for managing splenic arteriovenous fistulas.

## Key findings

- Splenic arteriovenous fistula can cause non-cirrhotic portal hypertension.
- Percutaneous embolisation is an effective alternative to surgery for treating such cases.

## Abstract

This case report highlights the findings and treatment in a patient with a splenic arteriovenous fistula causing non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH). Splenic arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare, and their management using percutaneous embolisation is an emerging alternative modality as opposed to open surgical intervention.

Similar cases have been published; however, few highlight the management role of interventional radiology.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** portal hypertension (MONDO:0005080), non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (MONDO:0018835)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** arterioportal fistula (MESH:D005402), microcytic hypochromic anaemia (MESH:C536357), vascular anomaly (MESH:D020785), SAVFs (MESH:D001164), arterio (MESH:D001159), abdominal distension (MESH:D000007), AVMs (MESH:D001165), splenomegaly (MESH:D013163), splenic artery aneurysm (MESH:D013158), hepatic encephalopathy (MESH:D006501), aneurysm (MESH:D000783), malformation rupture (MESH:D012421), vascular abnormalities (MESH:D014652), cirrhotic liver disease (MESH:D008103), splenic artery aneurysm rupture (MESH:D013161), Portal hypertension (MESH:D006975), liver disease (MESH:D008107), ascites (MESH:D001201), variceal bleeding (MESH:D014648), portal vein thrombosis (MESH:D012170), thrombosis (MESH:D013927), cirrhosis (MESH:D005355), occlusion of the splenic artery (MESH:D001157), vascular occlusion (MESH:D008641), INCPH (MESH:D000094724)
- **Chemicals:** n-butyl cyanoacrylate (MESH:D004659)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

4 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12969602/full.md

## References

11 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12969602/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12969602