Asymptomatic Intrahepatic Portosystemic Venous Shunt: To Treat or Not to Treat?

Abstract

Intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunts (IPSVSs) are rare vascular malformations. They can be asymptomatic or present with various symptoms including encephalopathy. We present two cases of IPSVS, one involving a patient presenting with altered mental status and the other discovered incidentally. While there is no question that patients presenting with symptomatic IPSVS should undergo definitive treatment, there is no consensus regarding elective therapy for asymptomatic lesions.