Portal vein gas after concurrent chemoradiotherapy for advanced oesophageal carcinoma.

Portal vein gas is a rare but potentially lethal condition commonly caused by mucosal damage, bowel distention and sepsis. However, the association between portal vein gas and concurrent chemoradiotherapy has not been documented. We present the case of a 56-year old woman with portal vein gas revealed on computed tomography (CT) after concurrent chemoradiotherapy for advanced oesophageal carcinoma. The portal vein gas totally disappeared 10 days later without any specific treatment. This case demonstrates that the option of close observation for portal vein gas after concurrent chemoradiotherapy is appropriate for consideration. If physical examination, CT findings and laboratory data are unremarkable, it is essential that the patient undergoes close observation and repeated follow-up CT.