Korean J Gastrointest Endosc.  1999 Dec;19(6):999-1004.

A Case of Obstructive Jaundice Caused by Cavernous Transformation of the Portal Vein

• Song SH
• Seo KH
• Kim JH
• Oh MJ
• Hwang HG
• Kim WS
• Kim YM
• Moon JH
• Cho YD
• Hur KY
• Moon C
• Koo DE
• Lee HK
• Shim CS

Abstract

Cavernous transformation of the portal vein is a rare condition probably arising secondary to extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis or obstruction with recannalization and/or collateral veins formation to bypass the obstruction. It is believed that cavernous transformation of the portal vein is caused by a variety of diseases associated with periportal collateral development and hepatopedal flow. It is known that portal vein occlusion, which is the actual cause of cavernous transformation, has a wide variety of etiologies, such as congenital abnormalities, omphalitis, pancreatitis, various carcinoma, and liver cirrhosis. In most cases, the revealing symptom is upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Rarely, however, diagnosis is made from obstructive jaundice. Extensive collateral veins due to portal vein occlusion may compress and narrow the biliary tract. A 39-year-old man was admitted due to jaundice and abdominal discomfort for 1 month. He was confirmed to have obstructive jaundice due to collateral vessels of cavernous transformation of the portal vein. We report a case of obstructive jaundice caused by cavernous transformation of the portal vein.

Keyword

Obstructive jaundice; Cavernous transformation; Portal vein; Collateral vessels

MeSH Terms

Adult
Biliary Tract
Congenital Abnormalities
Diagnosis
Hemorrhage
Humans
Jaundice
Jaundice, Obstructive*
Liver Cirrhosis
Pancreatitis
Portal Vein*
Veins
Venous Thrombosis