Review and Management of Portal Venous System Aneurysms

• Recognition of portal venous system aneurysms, risk factors and associated complications.


• Discuss the management of portal venous system aneurysms (PVSA)


• Highlight the individual approach required for each PVSA case

   Portal venous system aneurysms while rare, are increasing in incidence with greater volumes and improved techniques in non-invasive imaging. Majority are incidental, single and not gender or age specific. While the etiology is poorly understood, symptomatic cases are often due to associated complications such as portal vein thrombosis, portal hypertension, locoregional mass effect, or aneurysmal rupture. Recognizing these risk factors and associated conditions is vital in offering the proper management of these cases, the bulk of which will be by conservative measures.  

Clinical Findings/Procedure Details:

This exhibit will:

• Detail the diagnostic criteria and distribution of portal venous system aneurysms.


• Outline the management of incidentally found portal venous system aneurysms.


• Describe the medical workup for patients with symptomatic cases.


• Review the indications for endovascular treatment approaches.


• Example case 

The management of portal venous systemic aneurysms depend on symptoms, size, and associated conditions (i.e. portal hypertension and/or portal venous thrombosis). While most are followed with surveillance imaging, symptomatic cases with associated complications may require more than just conservative measures. Endovascular approaches may entail thrombolysis, thrombectomy as well as creation of a portosystemic shunt. Others may require a surgical consult for portosystemic bypass surgery or aneurysmorrhaphy. The management and treatment of each case requires an individualized approach for each case.