Extrahepatic portovenous shunts in asymptomatic primary biliary cirrhosis

Abstract

Extrahepatic portovenous shunts were demonstrated in 4 of the 5 patients with asymptomatic primary biliary eirrhosis (a-PBC) (3 gastro-renal shunts, and one each of spleno-renal and retroperitoneal shunts). We found no statistical differences in the results through comparative studies between a-PBC patients and control subjects in regard to portal venous blood flow (PVf). Portal venous pressure was within normal limits in 4 of the 5 studied patients. A presinusoidal block was histopathologically recognized in 2 of the three without portal hypertension, while a sinusoidal change was extensively noted in the remainder with portal hypertension. In conclusion, the extrahepatic portovenous shunt is formed in the very early stage of PBC along with other histopathological changes.