EC Clinical and Medical Case Reports

Intrahepatic porto-hepatic shunts are rare vascular abnormalities commonly found in cirrhotic patients. These shunts form an abnormal connection between the portal venous system and the hepatic veins within the liver parenchyma, often due to advanced liver disease, particularly cirrhosis. They are usually asymptomatic and discovered incidentally through imaging modalities such as doppler ultrasound, CT, or MRI. Though often benign, these shunts can lead to complications, including hepatic encephalopathy, worsening portal hypertension, or reduced hepatic perfusion. The main diagnostic imaging techniques include ultrasound, which offers anatomical and functional details, as well as CT and MRI, which provide a more detailed view of the shunt anatomy and its relationship with surrounding structures. Treatment options are based on the severity of symptoms and complications; asymptomatic shunts may only require monitoring, while symptomatic cases may need ammonia-lowering treatments or interventional radiology procedures, such as embolization, to restore normal portal circulation.

 Keyword: Intrahepatic Porto-Hepatic Shunts; Cirrhotic Patient

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