Distal splenorenal shunt in an 8-year-old girl with rupture esophageal varices due to non-cirrhotic portal hypertension: A case report.

INTRODUCTION

Esophageal varices are dilated distal submucosal esophageal veins that connect the portal and systemic circulations. They are formed due to portal hypertension, which commonly resulted from cirrhosis. We presented an 8-year-old girl with esophageal varices without signs of cirrhosis. This case report aims to describe non-cirrhotic portal hypertension causing esophageal varices in a school-age girl.

PRESENTATION OF CASE: An 8-year-old girl presented with one month of progressive hematemesis. The patient had been diagnosed with esophageal varices since she was 6 years old. Liver function test was within normal limits, complete blood count revealed bicytopenia.

DISCUSSION: Due to well-preserved liver function, the patient underwent distal splenorenal shunt (DSRS). After the surgical procedure, the patient's clinical condition generally improved.

CONCLUSION

NCPH (non-cirrhotic portal hypertension) is treated similarly with cirrhotic portal hypertension. DSRS could be the treatment of choice for refractory esophageal varices.