Proximal splenic artery embolization for treatment of refractory ascites, a single-center experience.

AIM: Refractory ascites from portal hypertension can be managed with regular large-volume paracentesis (LVP) or transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). Large-volume paracentesis is clinically unsatisfactory and many patients are ineligible or relatively contraindicated for TIPS or Denver shunt. Proximal splenic artery embolization (PSAE) using coils or plugs reduces but does not completely stop splenic arterial inflow, differing from distal splenic artery embolization techniques. By reducing splenic arterial inflow, splenic vein outflow is also decreased, lowering portal pressure and thus treating refractory ascites. METHODS: In this institutional review board-approved single-center retrospective study, electronic medical records were reviewed to obtain demographics and baseline clinical and laboratory data, paracentesis data before and after PSAE, PSAE procedural details, and follow-up imaging up to 12 months post-PSAE. Mixed-effects models were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Ten patients with LVP-dependent ascites meeting inclusion criteria underwent PSAE for refractory ascites from 2017 to 2024. Prior to PSAE, four patients had TIPS, three had liver transplants, and the remaining three were neither TIPS nor transplant candidates. In the month before PSAE, patients averaged 3.8 ± 1.7 paracentesis sessions, draining a total of 20.84 ± 10.39 L of fluid monthly. Post-PSAE, the number of paracentesis sessions decreased to 2.1 ± 2.7, 1.0 ± 1.7, 0.4 ± 1.1, and 0.0 ± 0.0 at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively (p = 0.03). Corresponding ascitic volume drained decreased to 8.7 ± 10.3, 2.7 ± 6.4, 2.0 ± 5.4, and 0.0 ± 0.0 L (p = 0.01). Over the 12-month follow-up period, 6 of 10 patients became LVP-independent. CONCLUSION: Proximal splenic artery embolization can improve refractory ascites in certain patients with portal hypertension, thus providing safe and effective treatment as an alternative to TIPS.

EUS-Guided Vascular Interventions: Recent Advances.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided vascular interventions were first reported in 2000 in a study that evaluated the utility of EUS in sclerotherapy of esophageal varices. Currently, gastric variceal therapy and portosystemic pressure gradient (PPG) measurements are the most widely utilized applications. Ectopic variceal obliteration, splenic artery embolization, aneurysm/pseudoaneurysm treatment, portal venous sampling, and portosystemic shunt creation using EUS are some of the other emerging interventions. Since the release of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA)'s commentary in 2023, which primarily endorses EUS-guided gastric variceal therapy and EUS-PPG measurement, several new studies have been published supporting the use of EUS for various vascular conditions. In this review, we present the recent advances in this field, critically appraising new studies and trials.

Clinical implementation of partial splenic artery embolization for the prevention of recurrent bleeding from esophageal varices in portal hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of PSAE for secondary prevention of VB episodes in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and CSPH. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: One hundred twenty patients (from 2008 to 2020) were submitted of PSAE as secondary prevention treatment. The results of the treatment of 27 patients between 2008 and 2012 (first period) were compared with those of 93 patients treated with PSAE since 2013 (second period), as procedure and management protocol were modificated. VB recurrence rate and mortality (related and non-related to bleeding episodes) were defined as study end-points in both groups at 12-months follow-up. RESULTS: Results: At 12-months follow-up, 11 (40,7 %) and 54 (58,1 %) patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively, were free from VBs (p=0,129). Overall mortality rate was significantly higher in group 1, as compared to group 2: 10 (37,0 %) versus 6 (6,4 %) patients, respectively (p<0,001), - due to higher frequency of fatal VB events (7 (26,0 %) vs. 3 (3,2 %) patients, respectively; p=0,001). CONCLUSION: Conclusions: PSAE is an effective treatment for secondary prevention of VB in patients with CLD and CSPS. The management protocol modification resulted in the decrease in overall mortality rate and mortality related to recurrent VB episodes.

Standardizing quality utilization of interventional radiology treatments of blunt splenic injury: SQUIRTS study.

OBJECTIVES: Nonoperative management (NOM) of blunt splenic injury (BSI) is well accepted in appropriate patients. Splenic artery embolization (SAE) in higher-grade injuries likely plays an important role in increasing the success of NOM. We previously implemented a protocol requiring referral of all BSI grades III-V undergoing NOM for SAE. It is unknown the risk of complications as well as longitudinal outcomes. We aimed to examine the splenic salvage rate and safety profile of the protocol. We hypothesized the splenic salvage rate would be high and complications would be low. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed at our Level 1 trauma center over a 9-year period. Injury characteristics and outcomes in patients sustaining BSI grades III-V were collected. Outcomes were compared for NOM on protocol (SAE) and off protocol (no angiography or angiography but no embolization). Complications for angiographies were examined. RESULTS: Between January 2010 and February 2019, 570 patients had grade III-V BSI. NOM was attempted in 359 (63 %) with overall salvage rate of 91 % (328). Of these, 305 were on protocol while 54 were off protocol (41 no angiography and 13 angiography but no SAE). During the study period, for every grade of injury a pattern was seen of a higher salvage rate in the on-protocol group when compared to the off-protocol group (Grade III, 97 %(181/187) vs. 89 %(32/36), Grade IV, 91 %(98/108) vs. 69 %(9/13) and Grade V, 80 %(8/10 vs. 0 %(0/5). The overall salvage rate was 94 %(287) on protocol vs. 76 %(41) off protocol (p < 0.001, Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test). Complications occurred in only 8 of the 318 who underwent angiography (2 %). These included 5 access complications and 3 abscesses. CONCLUSION: The use of a protocol requiring routine splenic artery embolization for all high-grade spleen injuries slated for non-operative management is safe with a very low complication rate. NOM with splenic angioembolization failure rate is improved as compared to non-SAE patients' at all higher grades of injury. Thus, SAE for all hemodynamically stable patients of all high-grade types should be considered as a primary form of therapy for such injuries.

Clinical Outcomes of Splenic Artery Embolization Versus Splenectomy in the Management of Hemodynamically Stable High-Grade Blunt Splenic Injuries: A National Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to compare the outcomes of splenic artery embolization (SAE) versus splenectomy in adult trauma patients with high-grade blunt splenic injuries. METHODS: This retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program database (2017-2021) compared SAE versus splenectomy in adults with blunt high-grade splenic injuries (grade ≥ IV). Patients were stratified first by hemodynamic status then splenic injury grade. Outcomes included in-hospital mortality, intensive care unit length of stay (ICU-LOS), and transfusion requirements at four and 24 h from arrival. RESULTS: Three thousand one hundred nine hemodynamically stable patients were analyzed, with 2975 (95.7%) undergoing splenectomy and 134 (4.3%) with SAE. One thousand eight hundred sixty five patients had grade IV splenic injuries, and 1244 had grade V. Patients managed with SAE had 72% lower odds of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR] 0.28; P = 0.002), significantly shorter ICU-LOS (7 versus 9 d, 95%, P = 0.028), and received a mean of 1606 mL less packed red blood cells at four h compared to those undergoing splenectomy. Patients with grade IV or V injuries both had significantly lower odds of mortality (IV: OR 0.153, P < 0.001; V: OR 0.365, P = 0.041) and were given less packed red blood cells within four h when treated with SAE (2056 mL versus 405 mL, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: SAE may be a safer and more effective management approach for hemodynamically stable adult trauma patients with high-grade blunt splenic injuries, as demonstrated by its association with significantly lower rates of in-hospital mortality, shorter ICU-LOS, and lower transfusion requirements compared to splenectomy.

Partial Splenic Artery Embolization for the Management of Symptomatic Hypersplenism in Portal Hypertension: Clinical Insights from a Case Series.

Background and aims: Partial splenic artery embolization (PSAE) is an alternative treatment modality for managing hypersplenism secondary to portal hypertension. We are presenting a case series of patients with portal hypertension who underwent PSAE for symptomatic hypersplenism. Methods: We included patients with portal hypertension who underwent PSAE from January 2022 to December 2022. Patients' characteristics and procedure related complications were noted. Data were analyzed for improvement in the hematological parameters. Results: A total of 11 (7 women, median age 34 [18-56] years) patients were included. Three patients were cirrhotic (hepatitis B-2, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease -1) and 8 were non-cirrhotic (extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction-5, Non cirrhotic portal fibrosis-3). Splenic artery aneurysm was concomitantly present in 5 cases. Technical success was achieved in all cases. Post embolization, hemoglobin, white blood cells and platelet counts improved at 4 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks along with symptomatic improvement. All patients had post-embolization syndrome. One patient developed transient ascites and secondary bacterial peritonitis which was managed conservatively. One patient died due to splenic abscess and septicemia. Conclusion: Although, hematological parameters and symptoms improve post procedure, PSAE is associated with major complications and should be performed judiciously in selected cases only. Graphical abstract is presented in Figure 1.

Breaking Patterns: A Case of Dieulafoy Lesion in a Young Patient Without Comorbid Conditions.

A Dieulafoy lesion is an abnormal artery located in the gastric submucosa that represents a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. These lesions typically present as massive hemorrhages in older patients, with multiple medical comorbidities. The lesions are diagnosed with endoscopy and treated with hemostasis by clip placement or coagulation. This case report is that of a rare presentation of this rare condition in a younger 18-year-old patient with no medical comorbidities. He presented with hematemesis, melena, and syncope in the setting of ibuprofen self-treatment for a recent upper viral illness. This medication use is a proposed inciting factor for the bleeding lesion, though he had a history of a splenic artery embolization following a remote motor vehicle accident, which could represent a mechanism for a rare acquired lesion. A gastroenterologist was consulted and assisted in the diagnosis and management of this patient. His lesion was identified and treated within 24 hours of his presentation.

Venous Stasis Ulceration due to Massive Splenomegaly Causing Iliac Vein Compression From Secondary Myelofibrosis.

Venous stasis ulcers are nonhealing lesions due to venous hypertension secondary to valvular dysfunction or deep venous outflow obstruction. We describe a case of a 71-year-old male with a history of polycythemia vera, secondary myelofibrosis, and massive splenomegaly up to 38 cm who presented with chronic, perimalleolar venous stasis ulcers and pain on the left lower extremity. CT showed significant compression of the left common iliac vein due to mass effect from the spleen. He was managed medically while being evaluated for partial splenic artery embolization but expired due to other chronic conditions before any intervention could be performed. Partial splenic artery embolization may be considered as a treatment option for patients with symptomatic iliac vein compression due to massive splenomegaly secondary to myelofibrosis, as long as extramedullary hematopoiesis is not compromised.

A systematic review of diagnostic and interventional techniques in non-occlusive hepatic artery hypoperfusion syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to elucidate the diagnostic capabilities of imaging techniques in identifying Non-Occlusive Hepatic Artery Hypoperfusion Syndrome (NOHAH) and to evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of splenic artery embolization (SAE), including the choice and placement of embolic agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus databases, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. Fifteen studies encompassing 240 patients treated with embolization (using coils or Amplatzer Vascular Plugs (AVP)) were analyzed. Key metrics assessed included patient demographics, embolization techniques, embolic agents, technical success, radiologic findings pre- and post-embolization, and complication rates. RESULTS: Among the 240 patients studied, 177 (73.8%) were reported by gender, with a majority being male (127/177, 71.7%). Doppler ultrasonography (DUS) emerged as the primary initial screening tool in 80% of studies. The hepatic arterial resistive index (RI) was a critical parameter, with mean values significantly decreasing from 0.84 pre-embolization to 0.70 post-embolization (p < 0.001). All cases confirmed technical success via digital subtraction angiography, revealing delayed hepatic arterial filling without stenosis or thrombosis. Coils were the predominant embolic agent, used in 80.8% of patients, followed by AVP in 16.3%. The overall mortality rate was 4.58%, with 29 major and 3 minor complications noted. Notably, proximal placement of coils in the splenic artery was associated with lower mortality rates compared to distal placement and showed comparable complication rates to AVPs. CONCLUSION: DUS is a reliable screening modality for NOHAH, with post-SAE assessments showing significant improvements. The choice and location of embolization significantly impact patient outcomes, with proximal placement of coils emerging as a preferable strategy due to lower mortality rates and comparable complication profiles to alternative methods.

Rescue splenic artery embolization in an adult patient of sickle cell disease presented with acute splenic sequestration crisis.

BACKGROUND: Splenic sequestration crisis is a potentially fatal complication of sickle cell disease, mainly seen in young children. Only a few case series describe the acute splenic sequestration crisis in adults and its management, which primarily consists of supportive care and, in some cases, splenectomy. Splenic artery embolization has seldom been described in sickle cell disease. This is probably the first case in which an adult with sickle cell disease presented with an acute splenic sequestration crisis was managed successfully through splenic artery embolization. RESULTS: This 22-year-old female, a known case of sickle cell disease, presented with severe pain in the abdomen and low-grade intermittent fever for two days, secondary to an acute splenic sequestration crisis. The diagnosis of acute splenic sequestration was made based on clinical and blood parameters, ultrasonography, and computed tomography. Even with adequate supportive care and blood transfusions, the patient's condition worsened with a rapid fall in the hemoglobin and total platelet count. Considering splenectomy to be a high-risk procedure for this patient, a decision of rescue splenic artery embolization was taken, which was successful. CONCLUSION: Splenic artery embolization may be considered a lifesaving procedure in patients with acute splenic sequestration, where the risk of splenectomy can be high. Adequate post-procedure supportive care is vital for preventing complications.

Successful splenic artery embolization in a patient with Behçet's syndrome-associated splenic rupture: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Splenic rupture associated with Behçet's syndrome (BS) is extremely rare, and there is no consensus on its management. In this case report, a patient with BS-associated splenic rupture was successfully treated with splenic artery embolization (SAE) and had a good prognosis after the intervention. CASE SUMMARY: The patient was admitted for pain in the left upper abdominal quadrant. He was diagnosed with splenic rupture. Multiple oral and genital aphthous ulcers were observed, and acne scars were found on his back. He had a 2-year history of BS diagnosis, with symptoms of oral and genital ulcers. At that time, he was treated with oral corticosteroids for 1 month, but the symptoms did not alleviate. He underwent SAE to treat the rupture. On the first day after SAE, the patient reported a complete resolution of abdominal pain and was discharged 5 d later. Three months after the intervention, a computed tomography examination showed that the splenic hematoma had formed a stable cystic effusion, suggesting a good prognosis. CONCLUSION: SAE might be a good choice for BS-associated splenic rupture based on good surgical practice and material selection.

Splenectomy versus non-splenectomy for gastrointestinal bleeding from left-sided portal hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: Left-sided portal hypertension (LSPH) leads to life-threatening gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. There are no recommendations or consensus about the management of GI bleeding caused by LSPH. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the incidence of GI bleeding and the mortality of patients with LSPH receiving different therapeutic strategies. Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to determine the efficacy of different therapeutic strategies for GI bleeding caused by LSPH. Data sources and methods: All relevant studies were searched from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, ScienceDirect, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, CNKI, and Wanfang Data without language restriction through 15 November 2023. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated through RevMan5.3 software. (The Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, Denmark). Results: Seventeen retrospective studies and one prospective study involving 624 patients were included. This systematic review and meta-analysis found that: (1) splenectomy was more effective than non-splenectomy therapeutic strategies in reducing the incidence of GI bleeding caused by LSPH (OR: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.06-0.27); (2) splenectomy was superior to partial splenic artery embolism (PSAE) (OR: 0.06; 95% CI: 0.01-0.62) or endoscopic interventions (OR: 0.04; 95% CI: 0.01-0.19) in the prevention of GI bleeding, respectively; (3) no significant difference in the mortality was observed between splenectomy and non-splenectomy therapeutic strategies (OR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.20-1.08); and (4) patients receiving preoperative PSAE followed by splenectomy had less intraoperative bleeding and shorter operative time than those receiving splenectomy. Conclusion: This meta-analysis demonstrated that splenectomy is superior to non-splenectomy therapeutic strategies in reducing the incidence of GI bleeding from LSPH, which revealed that splenectomy should be recommended in the management of these patients. Trial registration: This study has been registered on the PROSPERO database with the registration number CRD42023483764.

Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Blunt Splenic Injury With Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta: The Significance of Early Involvement of Radiologists.

Splenectomy is a common procedure for managing splenic injury in patients with unstable vital signs. Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) has emerged as a limited alternative to splenectomy, although the role of TAE can be expanded upon the stabilization of vital signs. The current case report discusses a man in his 50s, in shock after a motor vehicle accident, who was successfully stabilized using resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA), followed by splenic artery embolization (SAE) instead of splenectomy, with early involvement of diagnostic and interventional radiologists from the initial stage of care. We also discuss the difficulties of SAE under REBOA and the significance of the early involvement of radiologists in trauma care.

Portal venous blood flow velocity is a factor associated with portal venous thrombosis after partial splenic artery embolization in hepatic cirrhosis patients.

Objective: To investigate risk factors for portal venous thrombosis (PVT) after partial splenic artery embolization (PSE) in hepatic cirrhosis patients. Methods: The authors retrospectively analyzed 151 hepatic cirrhosis patients with hypersplenism who underwent partial splenic artery embolization between January 2020 and December 2021. The patients were divided into a PVT group and a non-PVT group according to whether they had PVT after PSE. Univariate analyses were performed to select risk factors for PVT after PSE, and multivariate analysis was used to analyze variates with a value of P less than 0.1 in univariate analysis. Results: There were 151 patients enroled in the study, with 22 patients in the PVT group and 129 patients in the non-PVT group. There was no significant difference in terms of age, sex, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, Child-Pugh between two groups. White blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts after PSE were significantly higher than those before PSE in both the PVT group and non-PVT group. Univariate analysis showed that portal venous blood flow velocity, ligation of oesophageal varices and WBC after PSE were found to have a P value less than 0.1. Multivariate analysis showed that portal venous blood flow velocity was a factor associated with PVT after PSE. Conclusion: Portal venous blood flow velocity was a factor associated with PVT after PSE. Portal venous blood flow velocity should be considered before patients undergo PSE.

Sinistral Portal Hypertension Due to a Pancreatic Pseudocyst: A Rare Cause of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding.

Sinistral portal hypertension (SPH), also known as segmental portal hypertension, is a complication of pancreatic disorders and an extremely rare cause of upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. SPH is observed in patients without cirrhosis and arises from splenic vein thrombosis. Unmitigated backflow of blood may cause gastric venous congestion and ultimately GI hemorrhage. Herein, we report a rare case of massive hematemesis due to SPH in a male patient with a history of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic pseudocyst. Our patient was successfully treated with endoscopic necrosectomy followed by open splenectomy, distal pancreatectomy, and partial gastric resection.

Management of Sinistral Portal Hypertension after Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Sinistral, or left-sided, portal hypertension (SPH) is a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage resulting from obstruction of the splenic vein. Venous drainage from the spleen via collaterals can result in venous hemorrhage into both the retroperitoneal and intra-abdominal spaces due to increased venous blood pressure in peripancreatic and gastroduodenal vasculature. SPH can occur secondary to pancreatitis with thrombosis of the splenic vein. Another possible cause is the surgical ligation of the splenic vein as part of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Although splenectomy has been traditionally considered as the treatment of choice to relieve venous hypertension, individual concepts for each patient have to be developed. Considering the venous collateral drainage pathways, a comprehensive approach involving surgical, endoscopic, and interventional radiology interventions may be necessary to address the underlying cause of variceal bleeding. Among these approaches, splenic artery embolization (SAE) has demonstrated efficacy in mitigating the adverse effects associated with elevated venous outflow pressure. SUMMARY: This review summarizes key imaging findings in SPH patients after PD and highlights the potential of minimally invasive embolization for curative treatment of variceal hemorrhage. KEY MESSAGES: (i) SPH is a potential consequence after major pancreas surgery. (ii) Collateral flow can lead to life-threatening abdominal bleeding. (iii) Depending on the origin and localization of the bleeding, a dedicated management is required, frequently involving interventional radiology techniques.

Partial splenic embolization improved stomal varices in patient with decompensated liver cirrhosis: a case report.

A 63-year-old man with decompensated liver cirrhosis was admitted for treatment of stomal hemorrhage. Eighteen months earlier, he was diagnosed with rectal and sigmoid colon cancer with multiple lymph node metastases, and he underwent colostomy surgery and postoperative chemotherapy. Sixteen months after the surgery, his stoma began to bleed repeatedly, and he required frequent blood transfusions. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed ectopic varices around the stoma. We considered surgical or endoscopic treatment; however, these approaches would have been technically difficult in this patient. The patient was treated with partial splenic embolization to improve thrombocytopenia and portal hypertension. After two-stage partial splenic embolization, the platelet counts increased, and the concentration of the liver fibrosis marker, Mac-2 binding protein, decreased. In addition, blood flow in the stomal varices decreased, with no recurrence of bleeding. This is a case of recurrent hemorrhage from stomal varices that was successfully treated with partial splenic embolization in a patient with liver cirrhosis. There are no guidelines for hemorrhage from ectopic varices. PSE may present potential utility as a treatment for ectopic variceal bleeding, such as stomal varices.

Splenic artery embolisation for splenic injury during colonoscopy: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Splenic injury due to colonoscopy is rare, but has high mortality. While historically treated conservatively for low-grade injuries or with splenectomy for high-grade injuries, splenic artery embolisation is increasingly utilised, reflecting modern treatment guidelines for external blunt trauma. This systematic review evaluates outcomes of published cases of splenic injury due to colonoscopy treated with splenic artery embolisation. METHODS: A systematic review was performed of published articles concerning splenic injury during colonoscopy treated primarily with splenic artery embolisation, splenectomy, or splenorrhaphy from 1977 to 2022. Datapoints included demographics, past surgical history, indication for colonoscopy, delay to diagnosis, treatment, grade of injury, splenic artery embolisation location, splenic preservation (salvage), and mortality. RESULTS: The 30 patients treated with splenic artery embolisation were of mean age 65 (SD 9) years and 67% female, with 83% avoiding splenectomy and 6.7% mortality. Splenic artery embolisation was proximal to the splenic hilum in 81%. The 163 patients treated with splenectomy were of mean age 65 (SD 11) years and 66% female, with 5.5% mortality. Three patients treated with splenorrhaphy of median age 60 (range 59-70) years all avoided splenectomy with no mortality. There was no difference in mortality between splenic artery embolisation and splenectomy cohorts (p = 0.81). CONCLUSIONS: Splenic artery embolisation is an effective treatment option in splenic injury due to colonoscopy. Given the known benefits of splenic salvage compared to splenectomy, including preserved immune function against encapsulated organisms, low cost, and shorter hospital length of stay, embolisation should be incorporated into treatment pathways for splenic injury due to colonoscopy in suitable patients.

Refractory Ascites After Liver Transplantation Treated With Splenic Artery Embolization: A Case Report and Literature Review.

After orthotopic liver transplantation, several complications can arise, such as arterial or venous thrombosis, stenosis, biliary leakage, ischemia, or ascites. Although refractory ascites are not a common complication, they can have a significant impact on patients' prognosis and quality of life. This condition can be caused by multiple mechanisms, both intrahepatic and extrahepatic, and one of them is the splenic artery steal syndrome. In this article, we present the case of a patient with advanced cirrhosis who developed refractory ascites following liver transplantation. Despite management with diuretics and paracentesis, the ascites did not respond to conventional treatment. The diagnosis of splenic artery steal syndrome was confirmed through angiography, and subsequent embolization of the splenic artery resulted in symptom resolution.