Pancreaticoduodenectomy complicated by Budd-Chiari syndrome: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD)-induced morbidity, consisting mainly of the pancreatic fistula and its hemorrhagic and infectious consequences, is well described in the literature, in terms of its definition, risk factors, preventive measures, and standardized management of complications. However, some life-threatening complications remain atypical and undescribed. CASE SUMMARY: We report here the case of a 69-year-old patient with Budd-Chiari syndrome that occurred after arterial embolization of postpancreatectomy hemorrhage. Diagnosis was established with biological findings (i.e., acute liver failure) and radiological findings (i.e., compressive hematoma of the retrohepatic vena cava). Emergency surgical revision was performed to evacuate the hematoma. The postoperative course was uneventful, with rapid recovery of liver function. To our knowledge, post-PD Budd-Chiari syndrome has never been described in the literature. CONCLUSION: Acute liver failure in early post-PD should prompt investigation to rule out Budd-Chiari syndrome.