Portal vein thrombosis in patients with liver cirrhosis: insights to risk factors, clinical presentation and outcome

Background and objectives: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is an increasingly recognized complication of liver cirrhosis. It is associated with worsening liver function, ascites and the occurrence of gastroesophageal variceal bleeding. The aim of this work was to clarify the risk factors, clinical presentation and complications of portal vein thrombosis in Egyptian patients with liver cirrhosis and to study the outcome with and without treatment after 6 months follow up period. Methods: Hospitalized cirrhotic patients (N = 80) were segregated into the PVT and non-PVT groups. PVT was detected by Doppler ultrasonography; each group was divided in two sub groups (A and B) according to presence or absence of HCC respectively. The 2 groups were compared as regards risk factors, clinical presentation and complications. The outcome of treatment with anticoagulation in 6 patients was evaluated. Result: PVT developed as result of combination of both local and systemic risk factors. HCC, abdominal infection especially spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and abdominal intervention were the most important local risk factors. Abnormalities of coagulation system were among systemic risk factors. Most of cases were asymptomatic and accidentally discovered, others presented with upper GIT bleeding or other complications of liver cell failure. Anticoagulant administration was associated with increased incidence of partial or complete recanalization and less mortality without increased risk of bleeding. Conclusion and Recommendations: Portal vein thrombosis occurs mostly in cirrhotic patients with advanced liver disease. HCC is the most common local risk factor in our country. Patients with less prolonged coagulation parameters might be at particular risk for developing PVT, so regular monitoring using Doppler-ultrasound should be carried out in these patients. Development of varices is a time dependent phenomenon; it is advisable to screen all PVT patients endoscopically. Owing to decrease complications, early administration of anticoagulation is advised in selected cases.