Successful transjugular intrahepatic portal-systemic shunt in an ineligible liver transplant patient with primary biliary cirrhosis with refractory ascites and aplastic anemia

Abstract

A transjugular intrahepatic portal-systemic shunt (TIPS) is a standard way to decompress the portal system in cirrhotic patients as a bridge to orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Traditionally, TIPS has been indicated for certain portal hypertensive sequelae such as refractory ascites, varices treatment and even hepato-hydrothorax. Herein is a case report on the efficacy of TIPS in an OLT ineligible patient with primary biliary cirrhosis and aplastic anemia who had developed refractive ascites requiring serial paracentesis and esophageal varices. He survived 2.5 years post-TIPS placement and died from complications related to severe leucopenia and the development of sepsis.