Arterial pseudoaneurysm as a complication of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage: treatment by embolization.

We observed a serious arterial hemorrhage as a complication of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD). The hemorrhage appeared during catheter placement for implantation of an endobiliary stent as a two-step procedure. It was caused by an arterial pseudoaneurysm and could be successfully treated by superselective embolization. Although there was a preexisting cavernous transformation of the portal vein no signs of liver cell necrosis appeared after embolotherapy. Vascular complications of PTBD will be discussed with regard to their frequency, possible etiology, ways to avoid them and their interventional therapy.