Management of Portal Hypertension in the Pediatric Population: A Primer for the Interventional Radiologist

Abstract

Interventional radiology's role in the management of portal hypertension in the pediatric population differs from the management of adult portal hypertension. In the pediatric population, portal hypertension is frequently secondary to thrombosis and cavernous transformation of the extrahepatic portion of the portal vein. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt can be utilized to manage portal hypertension in children with intrinsic liver disease that results in cirrhosis and portal hypertension, and is often used as a bridge to transplant. While technically feasible in extrahepatic portal vein occlusion, the sequelae of portosystemic shunting are less desirable in a child. The Meso-Rex bypass procedure, which represents the mainstay of management for pediatric portal hypertension, provides surgical relief of extrahepatic portal vein obstruction and restores mesenteric venous blood flow to the liver. This article aims to review management of portal hypertension in children as it pertains to the interventional radiologist, including preoperative assessment, postoperative evaluation, and the management of complications of the Meso-Rex bypass.