HEPATIC INFARCTION COMPLICATING A TRANSJUGULAR INTRAHEPATIC PORTOSYSTEMIC SHUNT

Transjugular intrahepatic portocaval shunt (TIPS) is being used with i ncreasing frequency to treat variceal bleeding and portal hypertension . Like any other invasive vascular procedure, it has the potential for serious complications. We report a case of a woman who underwent a TI PS procedure for variceal bleeding due to hepatitis C and sustained a hepatic infarction as a complication of the procedure. We caution abou t the potential for catastrophic complications with this procedure, an d recommend that it be performed only in centers with a liver transpla nt program nearby.