Variceal hemorrhage associated with portal vein thrombosis: treatment with a unique portal venous stent.

A patient with an uncommon cause of portal venous hypertension, pancreatitis, is depicted. The patient had an equally uncommon pattern of symptoms and signs consisting of abdominal pain and lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage caused by colonic varices. A unique treatment, with angiographic placement of an expandable intraluminal stent within the portal vein, was employed to reopen the portal venous system and reduce portal pressure. Relief of bleeding was accomplished and sustained for more than 1 year.