Balloon Dilatation of a Distal Splenorenal Shunt in a Child

Lorenz JM, Funaki B, Denison G ransjugular portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement has become a standard treatment for children with portal hypertension caused by chronic liver disease. However, in the setting of portal hypertension due to chronic occlusion of the portal vein, TIPS may not be technically feasible, and surgical placement of a distal splenorenal shunt may be necessary. To our knowledge, percutaneous balloon dilatation of a distal splenorenal shunt in a child has not been reported in the radiology literature. Limited reports describe shunt dilatation in adults [1–3]. We present a case of successful balloon dilatation of a distal splenorenal shunt in a child, requiring repeated dilatation procedures to maintain long-term patency.