Portal vein thrombosis

Portal vein thrombosis
File:Pfortaderthrombose001.png Portal vein thrombosis seen with computed tomography.
Classification and external resources
Specialty
ICD-10	I81
ICD-9-CM	452
eMedicine	radio/571
Patient UK	Portal vein thrombosis

Portal vein thrombosis, previously known as Cauchois–Eppinger–Frugoni syndrome, is a form of venous thrombosis affecting the hepatic portal vein, which can lead to portal hypertension and reduction in the blood supply to the liver.

Signs and symptoms

See also: Portal hypertension § Signs and symptoms

Portal vein thrombosis can cause fever, symptoms of indigestion, and gradually worsening abdominal pain. However, it can also develop without causing symptoms, leading to portal hypertension before it is diagnosed. Other symptoms can develop based on the cause. For example, if portal vein thrombosis develops due to liver cirrhosis, bleeding or other signs of liver disease may be present. If portal vein thrombosis develops due to pylephlebitis, signs of infection such as fever, chills, night sweats may be present.

Causes

Causes can include pancreatitis, cirrhosis, diverticulitis, and cholangiocarcinoma. It is also a known complication of splenectomy.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of portal vein thrombosis is usually made by ultrasound, computed tomography with contrast or magnetic resonance imaging. D-dimer levels in the blood may be elevated as a result of fibrin degradation.

Treatment

File:Kavernoese Transformation nach Pfortaderthrombose 001.png

Portal vein thrombosis on computed tomography (left) and cavernous transformation of the portal vein after 1 year (right)

Treatments include anticoagulants, shunts, bypass surgery, and transplants.

See also

• Pylephlebitis
• Budd–Chiari syndrome

External links

• Merck