Percutaneous treatment of liver failure and acute mesenteric ischaemia.

INTRODUCTION

Synchronous embolism to the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and coeliac axis (CA) is a rare disease.

REPORT: A 67-year-old man with atrial fibrillation developed acute liver failure due to an embolic occlusion of the CA and SMA, with a severe coagulation disorder. He was successfully managed with percutaneous stent placement and an exploratory laparotomy was not needed. He remains symptom-free 1 year after the procedure, and duplex follow-up showed stent patency.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular techniques in patients with liver failure, no signs of peritonism, early diagnosis and high operative risk seem feasible and should be used if possible, as first-line option.