Portal venous gas complication following coronary angiography: A case report

BACKGROUND Portal vein gas (PVG) is an abnormal accumulation of gas within the portal and intrahepatic portal veins. It is associated with various abdominal diseases, ranging from benign conditions to life-threatening ones that require immediate surgical intervention. Coronary angiography is the standard diagnostic procedure for coronary artery disease. There were no prior reports are available of PVG as a complication of coronary angiography. CASE SUMMARY In the specific case described here, the patient did not show signs of peritoneal irritation; however, computed tomography scans findings revealed pneumatosis in the wall of the small intestine, hepatic portal vein, and mesenteric vein, along with acute enteritis (etiology pending classification). A cesarean section was not performed, and the patient received treatment with fasting, rehydration, and anti-infection therapy. Subsequently, the patient's symptoms of abdominal distension and pain improved, and follow-up computed tomography scans indicated resolution of the portal system pneumatosis and intestinal wall edema, resulting in a favorable clinical outcome. CONCLUSION Portal venous gas complication following coronary angiography was a complication of coronary angiography.