Transportal embolization for pancreatic arteriovenous malformation via a recanalized paraumbilical vein: A case report

A 62-year-old man with liver cirrhosis presented with deterioration of liver function. Imaging studies revealed an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), with a dilated venous space, at the pancreatic head. Transarterial embolization of the AVM, using microcoils, was performed, although many feeding arteries remained. As the transarterial embolization was incomplete, further liver function deterioration was a possibility. In fact, 1 year after the procedure, the patient was referred back to our hospital for treatment of massive ascites and liver function deterioration. Transportal embolization of the dilated venous space was performed, using microcoils via the recanalized paraumbilical vein, with no enhancement of the AVM. No complications occurred. Based on our experience, we propose transportal embolization as an effective treatment option for pancreatic AVM.