Recurrent hypersplenism caused by alcoholic cardiomyopathy after distal splenorenal shunt.

The hypersplenism associated with portal hypertension usually resolves with a successful shunting procedure. Recurrent hypersplenism has been associated with shunt thrombosis. We describe a patient with pancytopenia, jaundice, and diffuse edema after a distal splenorenal shunt. His shunt was angiographically proved patent. Extensive evaluation revealed severe alcoholic cardiomyopathy with passive splenic congestion. He died of cardiac failure. Alcohol is a systemic toxin that affects other organs, as well as the liver.