Portal Vein Steal Syndrome After Stent Implantation For Portal Vein Stenosis After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation: A Case Report

This paper reports a case that the patient underwent stent implantation for portal vein stenosis after twice orthotopic liver transplantations, presents right branch of portal vein steal syndrome. A 46-year-old woman underwent orthotopic liver transplantation twice 4 years ago, suffered from portal vein hypertension and repeated haematemesis caused by portal vein anastomotic stenosis. Portal vein stent implantation did not improve symptoms like ascites, esophageal varices, and splenomegaly. Ultrasound examination revealed the stent was in portal vein trunk, tortuously move from right branch to left branch. Stent opening stenosis induced by blockage of portal vein left branch wall. Blood flow of portal vein left branch showed vortex. Blood flow of portal vein right anterior branch and the right posterior branch were from portal vein. Ultrasound diagnosis was portal vein steal syndrome after stent implantation for portal vein stenosis after orthotopic liver transplantation. With the advantages like real time, cheapness, convenience, and possibility of detect the blood flow direction, Color Doppler Sonography has an irreplaceable position in the diagnosis of vascular complications after liver transplantation.