Study on Portal Vein Thrombosis in Cirrhotic Patients

Abstract

Background andObjectives: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is commonly found in liver cirrhosis. It is often detected incidentally by imaging studies. PVT is associated with life threatening complications. Prevalence of PVT varies from 1% to 28% in cirrhosis. Prevalence increases with severity of cirrhosis. Its clinical characteristics and sites of occurrence need to be made clear. The risk factors for PVT are also poorly understood. This study was done to identify the clinical characteristics, sites of involvement and risk factors associated with PVT in cirrhotic patients. Methods: Retrospective analysis of cirrhotic patients admitted in our center. Cirrhotic patients (N = 182) were grouped into the PVT and non-PVT groups. Parameters associated with PVT were measured. PVT was identified by both Doppler ultrasonography and computed tomography. The portal vein diameter, flow, velocity, presence of collaterals and cavernoma were measured by ultrasonography. Results:Most (90%) patients were Child-Pugh classes B and C, in both the groups. PVT was found in 33 patients (18.13%). In 24 PVT patients (72.7%), cirrhosis was due to hepatitis B virus infections. Ascites, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding and jaundice were common findings in PVT patients. Haemoglobin levels and platelet counts were significantly lower in PVT patients. 7 patients had thrombosis in portal and superior mesenteric vein. Conclusion: Prevalence of PVT was 18.1%. Site of involvement of PVT is mainly seen in portal vein trunk and superiormesenteric vein. PVT is commonly seen in patients with cirrhosis due to hepatitis B virus. Low haemoglobin and platelet count correlated well with PVT.