Logan Adams BS, Somedeb Ball MD
Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is an occlusion of the portal venous system and is a common complication of liver cirrhosis. It can present as either an acute or chronic complication. Acute PVT can present with abdominal pain, diarrhea, ileus, and bleeding. Chronic PVT is often asymptomatic; however, it can be discovered in cases of worsening portal hypertension. Portal vein thrombosis is diagnosed by imaging modalities, such as ultrasound and computed tomography. Contrast-enhanced imaging can be used in cases with difficult visualization. Despite the hemostatic imbalance in cirrhosis, anticoagulants can be safely used to recanalize the vein. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedures are also an effective method for recanalization.
Keywords: portal vein thrombosis, cirrhosis, anticoagulation, portal hypertension
Article citation: Adams L, Ball S. Diagnosis and management of portal vein thrombosis in patients with cirrhosis of liver. The Southwest Respiratory and Critical Care Chronicles 2018;6(26):1–7
From: The Department of Internal Medicine at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas
MD: Parupudi MD
Submitted: 2/3/2018
Accepted: 8/1/2018
Reviewer: Sreeram Parupudi
Conflicts of interest: none
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