[Budd-Chiari syndrome: updated treatment modalities]

Abstract

Budd-Chiari Syndrome (BCS) refers to hepatic venous outflow obstruction, resulting in simultaneous occurrence of hepatic congestion and portal hypertension, leading to a typical clinical triad consisting of right upper quadrant pain, hepatomegaly and ascites. Contrary to Asia and Africa, where BCS is caused primarily by an obstructing membranous web, BCS in the western world is considered a thrombotic complication of an underlying hypercoagulable state. Recognition of the contribution of hypercoagulability as a causative factor in BCS, has led to acknowledgement of the importance of anti-coagulant therapy in BCS. Indeed, a conservative approach consisting of diuretics and anti-coagulant therapy is considered an appropriate treatment strategy for the BCS patient, in the absence of significant hepatic insult. However, once disease progression is noted, based on clinical symptoms, hepatic laboratory disturbance or histological evidence of irreversible hepatic damage, a definite invasive treatment should be applied. The specific procedure to be used is dependent upon the extent of hepatic insult and the anatomical characteristics of the venous obstruction in any individual patient. In the absence of significant hepatic damage, one may employ surgical shunting or invasive roentgenic measures, such as TransJugular Intrahepatic Porto-Systemic Shunt procedure, for the decompression of the portal system. Alternatively, in cases of a single localized obstruction, one may use balloon angioplasty with stent insertion. In contrast, upon evidence of significant hepatic damage, liver transplantation becomes necessary. To date, numerous studies report excellent results regarding the success of liver transplantation for patients with advanced BCS disease accompanied by significant hepatic damage.