A Case of Refractory Esophageal Varices Caused by an Inferior Mesenteric Arteriovenous Malformation with All Portal System Occlusion Successfully Treated via Transarterial Embolization.

Abstract

Inferior mesenteric arteriovenous fistulas/malformations are rare, reported in only 40 cases as of 2021. Their main manifestations include portal hypertension and ischemic bowel disease. We report the case of a 50-year-old man with refractory esophageal varices caused by this condition that was successfully treated with transarterial embolization. Computed tomography revealed an inferior mesenteric arteriovenous malformation and ascending blood flow into the esophageal varices through a remarkably dilated marginal vein. All portal systems were occluded, possibly because of the myointimal hyperplasia of the inferior mesenteric vein. The patient recovered without hemorrhagic events after transarterial embolization and endoscopic injection sclerotherapy. This is the first report of an inferior mesenteric arteriovenous malformation resulting in refractory esophageal varices with all-portal system occlusion successfully treated with transarterial embolization.