ABSTRACT
Hepatic vein thrombosis is caused by one or several thrombogenic conditions, of which
myeloproliferative disorders are the most frequent. Thrombosis and its fibrous sequelae
can affect the veins diffusely or locally. Severity is determined by the extent and
velocity of the thrombotic process. Development of venous collateral vessels is an
important compensatory mechanism. Some patients can be totally free of symptoms. Major
complications are intractable ascites, liver insufficiency, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Diagnosis can be made via ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging in a majority
of cases. The main prognostic factors are age, Child-Pugh score, and response of ascites
to diuretics. Medical therapy includes control of causal factors, anticoagulation,
and nonspecific treatment of complications. Procedures aiming to restore outflow of
hepatic blood are indicated in patients with uncontrolled manifestations. Percutaneous
angioplasty, followed by portosystemic shunt (including a transjugular intrahepatic
portosystemic stent shunt) and eventually liver transplantation can be proposed in
a graded manner. The current 10-year survival rate is about 75%.
KEYWORD
Hepatic vein thrombosis - thrombogenic disorders - portosystemic shunt - angioplasty
- transplantation