Portal vein thrombosis

Portal vein thrombosis occurs in up to 25% of patients with cirrhosis. It is often detected on surveillance ultrasound in asymptomatic patients, although some patients present with clinical deterioration such as abdominal pain, worsening ascites or bleeding gastro-oesophageal varices. Acute portal vein thrombosis can also occur in noncirrhotic patients, and is often associated with abdominal pain.

Anticoagulation for patients with portal vein thrombosis should be considered on a case-by-case basis with expert advice. The aim of therapy is to achieve recanalisation of the portal vein and to prevent progression of thrombosis.