Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in the management of Budd Chiari syndrome

Budd Chiari syndrome presents with a wide range of severity and duration of symptoms. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt has been used to treat selected Budd Chiari syndrome patients for several years. The technique of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt may be more challenging than in cirrhosis because of hepatic vein occlusion. Covered transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt stents have reduced the requirement for follow-up interventions. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt has been a successful bridge to liver transplant for Budd Chiari syndrome but is the definitive treatment in many cases. Patient selection is important to determine who will benefit from transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt or other treatments such as hepatic vein recanalization or liver transplant.