Portal vein thrombosis in the absence of cirrhosis: Diagnostic and therapeutic approach in clinical practice

Abstract

Non-cirrhotic non tumoral portal vein thrombosis is an entity of low prevalence but with a potential risk of developing complications of portal hypertension, which has a significant prognostic impact on patients. In the absence of liver cirrhosis, it is essential to rule out other chronic liver disease as well as local factors and prothrombotic conditions. Therefore, a thorough workup should be initiated immediately. In acute thrombosis, anticoagulation is the main treatment to prevent progression of thrombosis and development of intestinal ischemia. In chronic forms, however, close follow-up is essential to prevent and treat complications of portal hypertension. For refractory complications of portal hypertension, endovascular recanalization techniques have promising results and are becoming increasingly important.

Keywords: Anticoagulación; Anticoagulation; Endovascular treatment; Hipertensión portal; Portal hypertension; Portal vein thrombosis; Recanalización; Recanalization; Tratamiento endovascular; Trombosis portal.