Portal Vein Thrombosis Associated with Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Abstract

Antiphospholipid syndrome is a disorder characterized by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies, recurrent arterial and/or venous thromboembolism, and spontaneous abortion. Deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary thromboembolism, and cerebral infarction are major thrombotic event, but portal vein thrombosis, especially in young age male, is rarely reported. A 27-yearold man, without prior thrombotic event, presented with severe abdominal pain for 4 days. Extensive portal vein thrombosis was noted on abdominal CT scan and MR angiography. Lupus anticoagulant was suspected and was confirmed according to the guidelines of the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis and the patient was diagnosed as having primary antiphospholipid syndrome associated with portal vein thrombosis. Intravenous heparin infusion was initiated and switched to warfarin upon discharge. Now the patients is being followed in outpatient clinic and treated with warfarin without any evidence suggesting the recurrence of thrombotic event.