Hepatic artery embolization cures the acute pancreatitis associated with a tiny arteriobiliary fistula after TIPS

RATIONALE Esophageal variceal bleeding caused by portal hypertension is massive and life-threatening to those patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) can effectively stop bleeding. But the process of puncture may lead to bile duct injury and even form fistulas between the hepatic artery and bile duct. PATIENT CONCERNS The case report illustrated a 52-year-old Chinese female patient who underwent TIPS. DIAGNOSES She suffered from acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage and acute pancreatitis because of the bile duct injury after TIPS. INTERVENTIONS The fistulas between the hepatic artery and bile duct was embolized. OUTCOMES The acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage and acute pancreatitis of the patient were cured. LESSONS The arteriobiliary fistula should be paid more attention after TIPS while early-stage prevention should be carried out.