Vascular liver diseases on the clinical side: definitions and diagnosis, new concepts

Abstract

The components of the hepatic vascular system (hepatic arteries, portal and hepatic veins, sinusoids, and lymphatics) can be damaged by various types of injury. Each of the resulting conditions is rare, which has limited knowledge and awareness. In the last two decades, international collaborations have allowed to reach critical masses of data, which has driven significant progresses in understanding and management of vascular disorders of the liver. The present paper discusses definitions, denominations, and diagnosis of such vascular disorders with the exception of those affecting hepatic arteries. Evolving pathogenic or pathophysiologic views relevant to the clinical aspects are also overviewed.

Keywords: Abernethy malformation; Budd-Chiari syndrome; Congenital portosystemic shunt; Hepatic vein thrombosis; Hepatoportal sclerosis; Idiopathic noncirrhotic intrahepatic portal hypertension; Idiopathic portal hypertension; Incomplete septal cirrhosis; Nodular regenerative hyperplasia; Nonobstructive sinusoidal dilatation; Obliterative portal venopathy; Peliosis; Portal cavernoma; Portal vein thrombosis; Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome; Venoocclusive disease.