Percutaneous treatment of liver failure and acute mesenteric ischaemia.

ABSTRACT

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.