What is the Name of the Syndrome Associated with Portal Vein Thrombosis?

Portal Vein Thrombosis Explained: Causes, Symptoms & Associated Syndromes

Many people have this idea that portal vein thrombosis is a syndrome. However, that is not factually true. It is a condition that often gets associated with various other chronic liver syndromes like Budd-Chiari Syndrome (BCS), abdominal sepsis, cirrhosis and pancreatitis.

According to research, 1 in 4 people who are suffering from cirrhosis have a chance of developing portal vein thrombosis. It occurs when scar tissue in the liver slows down blood flow and increases blood clot chances.

What is Portal Vein Thrombosis?

Portal Vein Thrombosis (PVT) or Hepatic Portal vein thrombosis refers to the narrowing or blockage of the portal vein caused by a blood clot in the blood vessel. It is a blood vessel that carries blood from the intestine and spleen to the liver.

Sometimes, blood clots or thrombosis can develop in the branches of the portal vein or blood vessels that drain the portal vein. With proper treatment, PVT can be cured. However, if complications develop, it can turn life-threatening.

What is the name of the syndrome associated with portal vein thrombosis?

Budd-Chiari Syndrome (BCS) is often linked with portal vein thrombosis. It is a hepatic vascular disorder that affects the inferior vena cava or hepatic veins. While carrying blood from the liver to the heart, a block or constriction takes place. Research states that 15% to 20% of people with BCS may develop PVT. For patients who have PVT with BCS, it becomes difficult for health professionals to intervene radiologically.

What are the symptoms of PVT?

Portal Vein Thrombosis (PVT) can sometimes be asymptomatic, especially in its early stages. However, it often presents with noteworthy symptoms. So, until a healthcare professional diagnoses the condition after conducting a series of tests, it is not possible to determine if a patient has portal vein thrombosis. Some common symptoms of PVT include:

1. Abdominal swelling
2. Upper abdominal pain
3. Fever

The following are some of the signs that indicate a patient’s PVT has developed complications:

1. Rectal Bleeding
2. Inflammation of pancreas
3. Vomiting with blood
4. Oedema or leg and arm swelling
5. Bloated stomach
6. Abdominal pain
7. Nausea
8. Enlarged Spleen
9. Liver Failure
10. Jaundice

How is Portal Vein Thrombosis (PVT) Diagnosed?

Through a comprehensive physical examination, doctors diagnose PVT. Besides asking about medical history, the healthcare experts will recommend patients do the following tests:

1. Liver Function Tests : These are types of blood tests that assist in identifying overall liver health and possibilities of complications. These tests measure liver proteins and enzymes along with bilirubin levels. So, doctors can easily recognise if there is any kind of inflammation or probability of liver damage due to PVT.
2. Computed Tomography or CT Scan : These types of scans help in visualising blood vessels and identifying if there are any abnormalities in the portal vein. These tests are also helpful in evaluating the level of obstructions caused by blood clots.
3. Doppler Ultrasound : These types of tests help visualise blood flow in the portal vein to detect abnormalities. Using Doppler ultrasound, health experts check if there is an absence of blood flow, which strongly indicates a possibility of a clot.
4. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) : An MRI enables a health expert to detect blood clots in the vein. It also helps to differentiate a bland (non-cancerous) thrombus from a malignant tumor thrombus.

What are the treatment options for portal vein thrombosis?

Treatment of PVT varies from one patient to another. Based on the symptoms, like, the patient's medical history, reasons behind the blood clot, its location, underlying medical conditions and complications, the patient’s doctor customises the treatment plan.

Some significant treatments include:

1. Thrombolytic Therapy : It is a catheter-based treatment plan that helps in dissolving blood clots when anticoagulants do not work.
2. Anticoagulants : These types of medications assist in stopping the growth of blood clots. However, doctors do not prescribe these medications for patients with cirrhosis.
3. Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) : Similar to thrombolytic therapy, it is also a catheter-based treatment procedure that helps in managing complications of PVT.

Scientists are still working on finding ways to prevent portal vein thrombosis. Therefore, before a proper prevention method is discovered, it is highly recommended to see a health professional as soon as the symptoms begin to surface. Visiting an expert and explaining all the symptoms sooner would help to treat this condition before any further complications develop.