A rare cause of abdominal pain: Portal vein thrombosis

Year 2018, Volume: 4 Issue: 2, 102 - 105, 01.06.2018

Cihan Bedel Göker Coşkun

Abstract

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is the blockage or narrowing of the portal vein by a thrombus, with or without extension to other segments of the splanchnic venous system. It is relatively rare and is linked to the presence of an underlying liver disease or prothrombotic disorders. Currently, PVT is being increasingly diagnosed due to advances in modern imaging techniques. The clinical presentation has a wide range, from an asymptomatic lesion to a potentially life-threatening situation. In this article, we present a young female patient who presented with abdominal symptoms. Imaging revealed the complete occlusion of the portal and splenic veins. The presence of PVT should be considered as a guideline for prothrombotic disorders, liver disease and other local and general factors that need to be investigated carefully. We hope that this case report will help increase awareness of the complexity associated with PVT among the medical community.

Keywords

Abdominal pain, anticoagulant treatment, portal vein thrombosis

References

• 1. Mínguez B, García-Pagán JC, Bosch J, Turnes J, Alonso J, Rovira A, et al. Noncirrhotic portal vein thrombosis exhibits neuropsychological and MR changes consistent with minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Hepatology 2006;43:707-14.
• 2. Handa P, Crowther M, Douketis JD. Portal vein thrombosis: a clinician-oriented and practical review. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost 2014;20:498-506.
• 3. Chawla Y, Duseja A, Dhiman RK. Review article: the modern management of portal vein thrombosis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2009;30:881-94.
• 4. Hall TC, Garcea G, Metcalfe M, Bilku D, Dennison AR. Management of acute non-cirrhotic and non-malignant portal vein thrombosis: a systematic review. World J Surg 2011;35:2510-20.
• 5. Tateishi A, Mitsui H, Oki T, Morishita J, Maekawa H, Yahagi N, et al. Extensive mesenteric vein and portal vein thrombosis successfully treated by thrombolysis and anticoagulation. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2001;16:1429-33.
• 6. Ponziani FR, Zocco MA, Campanale C, Rinninella E, Tortora A, Di Maurizio L, et al. Portal vein thrombosis: insight into physiopathology, diagnosis, and treatment. World J Gastroenterol 2010;16:143-55.
• 7. Tchuenbou J, Bacq Y, Fimbel B, Metman EH. Portal vein thrombosis associated with factor V Leiden mutation in a woman who underwent exchange transfusion at birth. Gastroenterol Clin Biol 2003;27:645-7. [Abstract]