Idiopathic suppurative pylephlebitis: interventional radiological diagnosis and management.

We report the imaging findings and management of a case of suppurative pylephlebitis of unknown cause in a 10-year-old girl. Percutaneous aspiration of frank pus from the portal vein confirmed the diagnosis and contributed to therapy. Percutaneous transhepatic thrombolysis was attempted but was unsuccessful. Because of the nonspecific presentation of this condition and the lack of familiarity of physicians with this entity, the diagnosis is often delayed. Our aim is to increase the awareness of this entity and stress the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate therapy.