S4822 Iatrogenic Transperitoneal Jejunal-Abdominal Wall Ectopic Varix at Prior Jejunostomy-Tube Site in a Patient With Chronic Portal Vein Thrombosis and Recurrent Hemorrhage

Introduction: Ectopic varices are rare but potentially life-threatening portosystemic collaterals outside the gastroesophageal region, often arising in the lower GI tract. Causes include cirrhotic portal hypertension (PHTN) or pre-sinusoidal obstruction, such as portal vein thrombosis (PVT). While ectopic varices account for a minority of variceal bleeds, they are associated with high mortality and lack standardized treatment algorithms. Multidisciplinary approaches are often required. A transperitoneal jejunal-to-epigastric varix at a prior jejunostomy site has not been previously reported. Case Description/Methods: A 55-year-old man with alcohol-related cirrhosis and PHTN (MELD 15), complicated by prior jejunal variceal bleeding treated with endoscopic clipping and epinephrine injection, presented with recurrent hematochezia and hemoglobin of 5.8 g/dL. computed tomography imaging revealed chronic PVT with cavernous transformation, splenorenal shunting, and a jejunal varix tethered to the abdominal wall. The varix received inflow from a jejunal branch of the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) and drained transperitoneally into a dilated left inferior epigastric vein (IEV). This location correlated with a prior jejunostomy tube placed during 2018 esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma. Endoscopy identified a large jejunal varix with prior clips, treated with 1:1 histoacryl-lipiodol injection. Due to persistent PVT and recurrent bleeding, TIPS was pursued. The thrombosed right portal vein was accessed under ultrasound guidance, followed by recanalization, 8-mm TIPS placement, and portal vein stenting to the SMV-splenic vein confluence. SMV venography confirmed a patent jejunal varix with transperitoneal outflow to the IEV. Selective coil embolization via microcatheter achieved complete stasis. The patient remained stable with no further bleeding. Discussion: This case illustrates a unique, iatrogenic transperitoneal jejunal–IEV varix likely related to prior jejunostomy. It highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of ectopic varices in the setting of chronic PVT. Combined endoscopic, interventional radiologic, and TIPS-guided therapy successfully controlled bleeding, emphasizing the need for individualized, multidisciplinary care in complex variceal presentations.

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Publication Details

Journal
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
Published
2025-10-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.14309/01.ajg.0001146748.74976.60
Primary Topic
Liver Disease and Transplantation
Type
article
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article

S4822 Iatrogenic Transperitoneal Jejunal-Abdominal Wall Ectopic Varix at Prior Jejunostomy-Tube Site in a Patient With Chronic Portal Vein Thrombosis and Recurrent Hemorrhage

Kenneth S. Zurcher, Rawad Mounzer, Elvis J. Arteaga, Karn Wijarnpreecha et al.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
Liver Disease and Transplantation
article

S4822 Iatrogenic Transperitoneal Jejunal-Abdominal Wall Ectopic Varix at Prior Jejunostomy-Tube Site in a Patient With Chronic Portal Vein Thrombosis and Recurrent Hemorrhage

Kenneth S. Zurcher, Rawad Mounzer, Elvis J. Arteaga, Karn Wijarnpreecha, Joshua Valbuena
article en

Abstract

Introduction: Ectopic varices are rare but potentially life-threatening portosystemic collaterals outside the gastroesophageal region, often arising in the lower GI tract. Causes include cirrhotic portal hypertension (PHTN) or pre-sinusoidal obstruction, such as portal vein thrombosis (PVT). While ectopic varices account for a minority of variceal bleeds, they are associated with high mortality and lack standardized treatment algorithms. Multidisciplinary approaches are often required. A transperitoneal jejunal-to-epigastric varix at a prior jejunostomy site has not been previously reported. Case Description/Methods: A 55-year-old man with alcohol-related cirrhosis and PHTN (MELD 15), complicated by prior jejunal variceal bleeding treated with endoscopic clipping and epinephrine injection, presented with recurrent hematochezia and hemoglobin of 5.8 g/dL. computed tomography imaging revealed chronic PVT with cavernous transformation, splenorenal shunting, and a jejunal varix tethered to the abdominal wall. The varix received inflow from a jejunal branch of the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) and drained transperitoneally into a dilated left inferior epigastric vein (IEV). This location correlated with a prior jejunostomy tube placed during 2018 esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma. Endoscopy identified a large jejunal varix with prior clips, treated with 1:1 histoacryl-lipiodol injection. Due to persistent PVT and recurrent bleeding, TIPS was pursued. The thrombosed right portal vein was accessed under ultrasound guidance, followed by recanalization, 8-mm TIPS placement, and portal vein stenting to the SMV-splenic vein confluence. SMV venography confirmed a patent jejunal varix with transperitoneal outflow to the IEV. Selective coil embolization via microcatheter achieved complete stasis. The patient remained stable with no further bleeding. Discussion: This case illustrates a unique, iatrogenic transperitoneal jejunal–IEV varix likely related to prior jejunostomy. It highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of ectopic varices in the setting of chronic PVT. Combined endoscopic, interventional radiologic, and TIPS-guided therapy successfully controlled bleeding, emphasizing the need for individualized, multidisciplinary care in complex variceal presentations.

The American Journal of GastroenterologyVol. 120(10S2)
Openalex Percentile: Top 49%
Liver Disease and Transplantation
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