Case Report: Gallbladder Varices in a Patient with Portal Vein Thrombosis Secondary to Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Authors

  • Jeffrey Gnerre
  • Yankai Sun
  • Andrzej Jedynak
  • Anthony Gilet

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3941/jrcr.v10i5.2416

Keywords:

Gallbladder varices, Portal hypertension, portal vein thrombosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver

Abstract

Gallbladder varices are a rare form of collateralization that develop in patients with portal hypertension. We present here a case of gallbladder varices accurately diagnosed by contrast enhanced CT imaging of the abdomen and confirmed by Color Doppler Sonography. A 76-year-old patient with hepatocellular carcinoma developed portal vein thrombosis due to tumor extension during the course of treatment and was incidentally discovered to have gallbladder varices.  While most commonly asymptomatic, gallbladder varices are associated with increased risk of massive bleeding, either spontaneously or during cholecystectomy.  As a result, the existence of such varices should be well documented if the patient is to undergo any abdominal surgical procedures.  In addition, because of a particular association with portal vein thrombosis, patients with portal hypertension that are found to possess gallbladder varices should be evaluated for portal vein thrombosis.

Author Biographies

Jeffrey Gnerre

PGY-2 Resident

Department of Radiology

Westchester Medical Center

Yankai Sun

PGY-2 Resident

Department of Radiology

Westchester Medical Center

Andrzej Jedynak

Attending Physician, Body Imaging

Westchester Medical Center

Anthony Gilet

Attending Physician, Director of MRI

Radiology Residency Program Director

Westchester Medical Center

Published

2016-05-28

Issue

Section

Gastrointestinal Radiology