Incidence and clinical presentation of portal vein thrombosis in cirrhotic patients

Guidelines for the management of coagulation disorders in patients with cirrhosis

Coagulation management in the patient with cirrhosis has undergone a significant transformation since the beginning of this century, with the concept of a rebalancing between procoagulant and anticoagulant factors. The paradigm that patients with cirrhosis have a greater bleeding tendency has changed, as a result of this rebalancing. In addition, it has brought to light the presence of complications related to thrombotic events in this group of patients. These guidelines detail aspects related to pathophysiologic mechanisms that intervene in the maintenance of hemostasis in the patient with cirrhosis, the relevance of portal hypertension, mechanical factors for the development of bleeding, modifications in the hepatic synthesis of coagulation factors, and the changes in the reticuloendothelial system in acute hepatic decompensation and acute-on-chronic liver failure. They address new aspects related to the hemorrhagic complications in patients with cirrhosis, considering the risk for bleeding during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, as well as the usefulness of different tools for diagnosing coagulation and recommendations on the pharmacologic treatment and blood-product transfusion in the context of hemorrhage. These guidelines also update the knowledge regarding hypercoagulability in the patient with cirrhosis, as well as the efficacy and safety of treatment with the different anticoagulation regimens. Lastly, they provide recommendations on coagulation management in the context of acute-on-chronic liver failure, acute liver decompensation, and specific aspects related to the patient undergoing liver transplantation.

Risk factors of portal vein system thrombosis after splenectomy: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The primary aim of the present study was to explore risk factors for portal vein system thrombosis following splenectomy.

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane libraries was conducted to identify original studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Raw data on potential risk factors for portal vein system thrombosis after splenectomy were extracted for meta-analysis. Subsequently, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to verify the stability of the results.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies with 626 thrombosis events from 1807 splenectomy met the inclusion criteria. Larger spleen volume (SMD 0.44, P = 0.000), broader splenic vein diameter (WMD 2.30, P = 0.000), broader portal vein diameter (WMD 2.08, P = 0.000), a lower velocity of portal blood flow (WMD -0.91, P = 0.001), decreased platelet count (WMD -5.14, P = 0.007), decreased white blood cell (WMD -0.40, P = 0.027), decreased haemoglobin (WMD -9.14, P = 0.002), ascites (OR 1.81, P = 0.003) and bleeding history before surgery (OR 1.88, P = 0.002) were identified to be factors that exacerbated the risk of portal vein system thrombosis after splenectomy. Sex, age, preoperative prothrombin time, postoperative platelet count, postoperative D-dimer, operation time and intraoperative blood loss, did not increase the risk of thrombosis.

CONCLUSION

Larger spleen volume, broader splenic vein diameter, broader portal vein diameter, a lower velocity of portal blood flow, ascites, bleeding history before surgery, decreased platelet count, white blood cell and haemoglobin may increase the risk of portal vein system thrombosis.

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Vascular Liver Diseases: Focus on Thrombosis

Vascular liver disorders (VLDs) comprise a wide spectrum of clinical-pathological entities that primarily affect the hepatic vascular system of both cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients. VLDs more frequently involve the portal and the hepatic veins, as well as liver sinusoids, resulting in an imbalance of liver homeostasis with serious consequences, such as the development of portal hypertension and liver fibrosis. Surprisingly, many VLDs are characterized by a prothrombotic phenotype. The molecular mechanisms that cause thrombosis in VLD are only partially explained by the alteration in the Virchow's triad (hypercoagulability, blood stasis, and endothelial damage) and nowadays their pathogenesis is incompletely described and understood. Studies about this topic have been hampered by the low incidence of VLDs in the general population and by the absence of suitable animal models. Recently, the role of coagulation imbalance in liver disease has been postulated as one of the main mechanisms linked to fibrogenesis, so a novel interest in vascular alterations of the liver has been renewed. This review provides a detailed analysis of the current knowledge of molecular mechanisms of VLD. We also focus on the promising role of anticoagulation as a strategy to prevent liver complications and to improve the outcome of these patients.

Natural History and Outcomes of Cavernous Transformation of the Portal Vein in Cirrhosis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Cavernous transformation of the portal vein can occur after portal vein thrombosis (PVT). In this study, we investigated clinical complications associated with cavernous transformation in the context of cirrhosis and PVT.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort analysis, 204 patients with cirrhosis and PVT with or without cavernous transformation were identified using MUSC's Clinical Data Warehouse between January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2019. Complete demographic data, clinical history, and laboratory tests were abstracted from the electronic medical record.

RESULTS

Of 204 patients, 41 (20%) had cavernous transformation. MELD, Child-Pugh, and Charlson Comorbidity Index scores were similar among groups. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of esophageal varices (with or without bleeding), splenomegaly, or hepatic encephalopathy in patients with and without cavernous transformation, although ascites tended to be lower in patients with cavernous transformation (31/41 (76%) vs 142/163 (87%), p = 0.06). Patients with cavernous transformation were significantly less likely to have hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (13/41 (32%) vs 81/163 (50%), p < 0.05) and had significantly lower APRI (1.4 vs 2.0, p < 0.05) and Fib-4 (4.7 vs 6.5, p < 0.05). Patients with cavernous transformation had lower 5-year mortality (12/41 (29%) vs 81/163 (49%) died, p = 0.06). The 10-year mortality of patients with cavernous transformation without HCC was significantly lower than in those without cavernous transformation (8/28 (29%) vs 46/82 (56%), respectively, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with cavernous transformation appeared to have better outcomes than those without cavernous transformation.

Epidemiology of portal vein thrombosis in liver cirrhosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) may be associated with negative outcomes in patients with liver cirrhosis. However, the prevalence and incidence of PVT in liver cirrhosis are heterogeneous among studies and have not been sufficiently determined yet.

METHODS

The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. Eligible studies would explore the prevalence and/or incidence of PVT in liver cirrhosis without hepatocellular carcinoma or abdominal surgery. Pooled proportion with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using a random-effect model. Factors associated with the presence/occurrence of PVT were also extracted.

RESULTS

Among the 8549 papers initially identified, 74 were included. Fifty-four studies explored the prevalence of PVT in liver cirrhosis with a pooled prevalence of 13.92% (95%CI=11.18-16.91%). Based on cross-sectional data, Child-Pugh class B/C, higher D-dimer, ascites, and use of non-selective beta-blockers (NSBBs) were associated with the presence of PVT in liver cirrhosis. Twenty-three studies explored the incidence of PVT in liver cirrhosis with a pooled incidence of 10.42% (95%CI=8.16-12.92%). Based on cohort data, Child-Pugh class B/C, higher model of end-stage liver disease score, higher D-dimer, lower platelets count, decreased portal flow velocity, ascites, use of NSBBs, and moderate or high-risk esophageal varices could predict the occurrence of PVT in liver cirrhosis.

CONCLUSION

Approximately one seventh of cirrhotic patients have PVT, and one tenth will develop PVT. Progression of liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension seems to be in parallel with the risk of PVT. Prospective studies with detailed information about classification and extension of PVT in liver cirrhosis are needed.

Impact of Asymptomatic Superior Mesenteric Vein Thrombosis on the Outcomes of Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

 The impact of asymptomatic superior mesenteric vein (SMV) thrombosis on the outcomes of cirrhotic patients remains uncertain.

METHODS

 Nonmalignant cirrhotic patients who were consecutively admitted between December 2014 and September 2021 and underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging scans were screened. Portal venous system thrombosis (PVST) was identified. Death and hepatic decompensation were the outcomes of interest. Nelson-Aalen cumulative risk curve analysis and competing risk regression analysis were performed to evaluate the impact of asymptomatic SMV thrombosis and portal vein thrombosis (PVT) on the outcomes.

RESULTS

 Overall, 475 patients were included, of whom 67 (14.1%) had asymptomatic SMV thrombosis, 95 (20%) had PVT, and 344 (72.4%) did not have any PVST. Nelson-Aalen cumulative risk curve analyses showed that the cumulative incidences of death (p = 0.653) and hepatic decompensation (p = 0.630) were not significantly different between patients with asymptomatic SMV thrombosis and those without PVST, but the cumulative incidences of death (p = 0.021) and hepatic decompensation (p = 0.004) were significantly higher in patients with PVT than those without PVST. Competing risk regression analyses demonstrated that asymptomatic SMV thrombosis was not a significant risk factor for death (subdistribution hazard ratio [sHR] = 0.89, p = 0.65) or hepatic decompensation (sHR = 1.09, p = 0.63), but PVT was a significant risk factor for death (sHR = 1.56, p = 0.02) and hepatic decompensation (sHR = 1.50, p = 0.006). These statistical results remained in competing risk regression analyses after adjusting for age, sex, and Child-Pugh score.

CONCLUSIONS

 Asymptomatic SMV thrombosis may not influence the outcomes of cirrhotic patients. The timing of intervention for asymptomatic SMV thrombosis in liver cirrhosis should be further explored.

HCC or Something Else? Frequency of Various Benign and Malignant Etiologies in Cirrhotic Patients with Newly Detected Focal Liver Lesions in Relation to Different Clinical and Sonographic Parameters

Background and Aims: To investigate the frequency of different benign and malignant focal liver lesions (FLLs) in relation to clinical and sonographic features among patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) and newly detected FLLs. Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of 225 cirrhotic patients with newly detected FLLs who underwent hepatic ultrasound (US) examinations at our university hospital from 2011 to 2022. The diagnosis of FLLs was based on histology and/or consensus radiological criteria, in accordance with the current diagnostic guidelines. The FLLs were classified into benign (bFLLs) or malignant (mFLLs) lesions and the latter group was subclassified into HCC and non-HCC mFLLs. The frequency, clinical parameters, and sonographic features of the different groups were examined and compared. Results: Of the 225 FLLs, 154 (68.4%) were mFLLs and 71 (31.6%) bFLLs. HCC was the most frequent subcategory of FLLs (132; 58.7%). There were (22; 9.8%) non-HCC mFLLs with 11 (4.9%) metastases and 11 (4.9%) non-HCC primary liver tumors. Regenerative nodules (RNs) were the most frequent form of bFLLs (25; 11.1%), followed by simple cysts (22; 9.8%) and hemangiomas (14; 6.2%). The other bFLLs (10; 14.1%) were fat deposition/sparing (5), hematomas (2), abscesses (2), and echinococcal cysts (1). The distribution of bFLLs and HCC and non-HCC mFLLs varied significantly according to the clinical scenarios. HCC mFLLs were more frequent in males (p = 0.001), in those with no history of active non-hepatic primary malignant disease (NHPMD) (p < 0.001), in those with a hepatitis B or C etiology of LC (p = 0.002), when located in the right lobe (p = 0.008), and when portal vein thrombosis was present (p = 0.03). Conclusion: In cirrhotic patients with newly detected FLLs, the non-HCC etiology was more frequently diagnosed in lesions that were located in the left lobe, in females, and in patients with a history of active NHPMD. Thus, the lower frequency of HCC in the abovementioned groups demonstrated that a cautious implementation of the current consensus radiological criteria would be required for these groups, particularly in patients with an active NHPMD, given the fact that the consensus criteria were not validated in these populations. A more active diagnostic approach may ultimately be needed for these patients. Large prospective studies are needed to validate these findings.

A Rare Postoperative Complication of Acute Appendicitis: Portal Vein Thrombosis Required Small Intestine Resection

This case report aims to present the diagnosis and treatment process of portal vein thrombosis, which occurred one week after laparoscopic appendectomy and required small bowel resection. A thirty-eight-year-old man was admitted with abdominal pain in the periumbilical and epigastric regions. He had a history of appendectomy and occlusive cerebrovascular disease. In the physical examination of the abdomen, tenderness was detected in the epigastric region on deep palpation. Leucocytosis, increased levels of alanine transaminase level, aspartate transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, c-reactive protein, and d-dimer were detected in laboratory analyses. CT scan revealed total thrombus in the portal vein, oedema in the segment of approximately 10 cm in the distal ileum, and free fluid in the pelvic region. Enoxaparin sodium was started. During follow-up, widespread defence and rebound in all quadrants of the abdomen occurred. 20 cm ileal resection with end ileostomy was performed. Enoxaparin sodium treatment was continued. On the 6th day of the service follow-up, the patient had left leg pain, and a subacute thrombus was detected in the main femoral, superficial femoral and deep femoral veins on doppler USG. Edoxaban tosylate 60 mg tablet every 24 hours started as an anti-coagulant treatment, and the patient was discharged without complications on the 18th day of hospitalisation.

Direct oral anticoagulant administration in cirrhotic patients with portal vein thrombosis: What is the evidence?

In recent years, the traditional concept that cirrhosis-related coagulopathy is an acquired bleeding disorder has evolved. Currently, it is known that in cirrhotic patients, the hemostatic system is rebalanced, which involves coagulation factors, fibrinolysis and platelets. These alterations disrupt homeostasis, skewing it toward a procoagulant state, which can lead to thromboembolic manifestations, especially when hemodynamic and endothelial factors co-occur, such as in the portal vein system in cirrhosis. Portal vein thrombosis is a common complication of advanced liver cirrhosis that negatively affects the course of liver disease, prognosis of cirrhotic patients and success of liver transplantation. It is still debated whether portal vein thrombosis is the cause or the consequence of worsening liver function. Anticoagulant therapy is the mainstay treatment for acute symptomatic portal vein thrombosis. In chronic portal vein thrombosis, the role of anticoagulant therapy is still unclear. Traditional anticoagulants, vitamin K antagonists and low-molecular-weight heparin are standard-of-care treatments for portal vein thrombosis. In the last ten years, direct oral anticoagulants have been approved for the prophylaxis and treatment of many thromboembolic-related diseases, but evidence on their use in cirrhotic patients is very limited. The aim of this review was to summarize the evidence about the safety and effectiveness of direct oral anticoagulants for treating portal vein thrombosis in cirrhotic patients.

TIPS for Adults Without Cirrhosis With Chronic Mesenteric Venous Thrombosis and EHPVO Refractory to Standard-of-Care Therapy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Extrahepatic portal vein occlusion (EHPVO) from portal vein thrombosis is a rare condition associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) for the treatment of chronic EHPVO, cavernomatosis, and mesenteric venous thrombosis in adults without cirrhosis who are refractory to standard-of-care therapy.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients with chronic EHPVO received TIPS. Laboratory parameters and follow-up were assessed at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, and every 6 months thereafter. Two hepatologists adjudicated symptom improvement attributable to mesenteric thrombosis and EHPVO before/after TIPS. Kaplan-Meier was used to assess primary and overall TIPS patency, assessing procedural success. Adverse events, radiation exposure, hospital length-of-stay and patency were recorded. Cavernoma was present in 100%, with TIPS being successful in all cases using splenic, mesenteric, and transhepatic approaches. Symptom improvement was noted in 26 of 30 (87%) at 6-month follow-up. Twelve patients (31%) experienced TIPS thrombosis. There were no significant long-term laboratory adverse events or deaths. At 36 months, freedom from primary TIPS thrombosis was 63%; following secondary interventions, overall patency was increased to 81%.

CONCLUSIONS

TIPS in chronic, noncirrhotic EHPVO with cavernomas and mesenteric venous thrombosis is technically feasible and does not adversely affect liver function. Most patients demonstrate subjective and objective benefit from TIPS. Improvement in patency rates are needed with proper timing of adjuvant anticoagulation.

Nomogram Model for Prediction of Portal Vein Thrombosis in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis After Splenectomy: A Retrospective Analysis of 2 Independent Cohorts

Background

The aim of this study was to establish and validate an easy-to-use nomogram to predict portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in patients with cirrhosis after splenectomy and to test its predictive ability.

Material/Methods

This retrospective study included 315 patients with cirrhosis who underwent splenectomy at 2 high-volume medical centers. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression method was used to select the predictors in the training cohort, and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to establish the predictive nomogram model. We determined the prediction value of the nomogram by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), the calibration curve, and decision curve analysis. Finally, the applicability of the nomogram was internally and independently validated.

Results

The predictors of PVT included portal vein diameter, splenic vein diameter, body mass index, and platelet count. Based on the clinical and radiomic models, the nomogram had good predictive efficiency for predicting PVT in patients with cirrhosis after splenectomy, with an AUROC of 0.887 (0.856 in internal validation and 0.796 in independent validation). The decision curve analysis revealed that the nomogram had good clinical application value.

Conclusions

We successfully developed an easy-to-use nomogram to predict the probability of PVT in patients with cirrhosis after splenectomy. The nomogram can help clinicians make timely, individualized clinical decisions for PVT in patients with cirrhosis after splenectomy.

Role of Lymphotoxin-α Gene Polymorphism in Hepatitis C Virus-Related Chronic Liver Disorders

Background

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family includes lymphotoxin-alpha (LTA) which is a pro-inflammatory cytokine which plays a role in hepatic fibrogenesis. LTA gene polymorphism plays a role in different inflammatory and immunomodulatory diseases. This polymorphism is also suggested to affect chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection course.

Aim

To study the contribution of LTA gene polymorphism in different chronic hepatitis C stages and hepatocellular carcinoma risk.

Patients and Methods

Our study included 108 chronic HCV patients grouped according to the disease stage. Group (A): CHC, group (B): liver cirrhosis (LC), group (C): LC with HCC, and group (D): healthy controls. Routine laboratory investigations, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for quantification of HCV, abdominal ultrasonography, and Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) were done. Child–Turcotte–Pugh, Model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), and Fibrosis index based on 4 (FIB-4) scores were calculated. We used the PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique for lymphotoxin-α genotyping.

Results

The A/G genotype was predominant in all groups. In HCC patients, G/G genotype was more frequent (31.8%) than in the LC group (19.4%), CHC group (17.8%), and controls (4.17%). A significant association was found between LTA genotypes and the child classes in HCC (P<0.01) but not in LC patients (P>0.05). HCC patients carrying A/G genotype had higher MELD scores than other genotypes. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis confirmed that LTA G/G genotype and low platelet count were independent predictors for HCC development in patients with HCV-related LC.

Conclusion

Detection of LTA G/G genotype in chronic HCV patients could help to recognize high-risk patients for disease progression and HCC development.

Portal vein thrombosis: A concise review (Review)

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a frequent complication in cirrhotic patients, but it may also exist as a basic vascular condition even without any liver damage. Local and systemic factors play a significant role in the pathogenesis of PVT; yet, in practice, more than one factor may be identified. PVT can be considered a result of liver fibrosis and hepatic insufficiency. The JAK2 mutation has been accepted as a factor producing PVT. In general, the anticoagulants are recommended but this therapy should be used carefully in treating patients that associate coagulopathy or thrombocytopenia and esophageal varices. Acute PVT without bowel infarction has a good prognosis. In liver cirrhosis, the mortality due to hemorrhage is higher than in chronic PVT. Therefore, for the patients with PVT, the survival rate is decreased by 55% in two years, due to hepatic insufficiency. Regarding the treatment, LMWH (low molecular weight heparine) is the most utilized in patients with cirrhosis, non-malignancies, infections, or those who are awaiting a liver transplant. DOACs (direct-acting oral anticoagulants) may be used in the rest of the medical conditions, being safe and equal to LMWH.

Portal vein thrombosis in hepatitis C virus-related cirrhotic patients: Prevalence and clinical characteristics in an Egyptian cohort

Portal vein thrombosis is a catastrophe not uncommonly complicating hepatitis C virus-related liver cirrhosis. To estimate its prevalence and clinical characteristics, we investigated 1000 cirrhotic patients by abdominal ultrasound or Doppler study at least. Portal vein thrombosis was found in 21.6%, of whom 157 (72.7%) had malignancy. Complete portal vein thrombosis was found in 70.4%. Half of all these patients had at least one episode of portal hypertensive bleeding, a third had abdominal pain and a quarter presented with jaundice. Portal bilopathy was diagnosed in two cases (0.9%). There was significant association between severity of liver disease, ascites, male gender and site of segmental focal lesion and portal vein thrombosis.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound for the characterization of portal vein thrombosis vs tumor-in-vein in HCC patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common complication of liver cirrhosis. However, differentiation of thrombosis and tumor-in-vein (TIV) may be challenging. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is an excellent method for detection of vascularization and could help in the distinction. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis for evaluating the diagnostic value of CEUS in differentiating between PVT and TIV in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched up to the 5th of May 2019. The study quality was assessed by QUADAS-2 tool. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were calculated by the bivariate random effect model and hierarchical summary receiver-operating characteristic (SROC) curve was plotted.

RESULTS

Seven studies including 425 participants were analyzed after screening 986 articles searched from databases. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of CEUS in diagnosing TIV were 0.94 (95%CI, 0.89-0.97) and 0.99 (95%CI, 0.80-1.00), respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) of SROC curve was 0.97 (95%CI, 0.95-0.98). The pooled sensitivity and AUC were consistent across all the subgroups of different subject numbers, country, study design, CEUS contrast agents, and diagnostic criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

CEUS is highly efficient in differentiating TIV from PVT and is an alternative or a substitute for CT and/or MRI.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019138847 KEY POINTS: • Characterization of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) vs tumor-in-vein (TIV) is critical for HCC staging. • CEUS has an excellent safety profile, provides a real-time analysis without any loss in accuracy compared with CT and MRI. • This meta-analysis demonstrates that contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a suitable method for the detection of PVT and distinction with TIV.

Safety of variceal band ligation in patients with cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis treated with anticoagulant therapy: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Anticoagulant therapy has been recommended in patients with cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis especially in candidates for liver transplantation. These patients are also likely to need variceal band ligation. This study aimed to assess the incidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding after elective variceal band ligation in patients with cirrhosis receiving anticoagulant therapy for portal vein thrombosis.

METHODS

Patients with cirrhosis and nontumoral portal vein thrombosis treated with anticoagulant therapy undergoing elective variceal band ligation were retrospectively included. We recorded upper gastrointestinal bleeding events occurring within two weeks after variceal band ligation. Postvariceal band ligation bleeding was defined as active bleeding on at least one site of previous ligation at endoscopy.

RESULTS

Between 2014 and 2017, 32 patients with cirrhosis had scheduled variceal band ligations while on anticoagulant therapy [men 75%; median age 59 years; aetiology of cirrhosis: alcohol (50%), viral (34%), alcohol and viral (16%); and Child-Pugh score: A (31%), B (44%), and C (25%)]. Three (9%) patients presented postvariceal band ligation bleeding during the follow-up. None of these events led to haemorrhagic shock or death. Factors associated with postvariceal band ligation bleeding included variceal band ligation performed as secondary prophylaxis (P = 0.05) and previous decompensation of cirrhosis (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

In this small group of patients under anticoagulation therapy undergoing variceal band ligation, only a minority presented postendoscopic bleeding of minor importance. Nevertheless, particular attention should be paid to patients with previous decompensation of cirrhosis.

[Vascular causes of clinically unclear acute abdomen]

CLINICAL ISSUE

Vascular abnormalities are a rare cause of an acute abdomen. They include arterial bleeding and ischemia, the latter being either in the arterial or venous system. The most common cause of an acute ischemic abdomen is acute mesenteric ischemia caused by a thromboembolic occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery, followed by thrombotic occlusion of the portal vein, the mesenteric vein as well as the hepatic veins and the suprahepatic part of the inferior vena cava. In the case of an acute abdomen due to internal bleeding, all abdominal arteries can be the source but most common are ruptures of aortic aneurysms and inflammatory-driven bleeding from the superior mesenteric artery.

PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Due to the high mortality, vascular causes should be diagnosed as soon as possible. For this purpose, computed tomography (CT) has evolved into the preferred tool due to its high availability and speed. To differentiate various vascular causes of an acute abdomen, it is important to incorporate a CT protocol without contrast media as well as contrast-enhanced series in arterial and venous phases. Conventional angiography has been replaced by CT for the diagnosis of vascular pathologies causing an acute abdomen; however, it plays an increasing role in the treatment of these pathologies.

Update on Management of Portal Vein Thrombosis and the Role of Novel Anticoagulants

The clinical management of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) remains ambiguous due to its heterogeneous presentations and its associations with liver disease, malignancy, and hypercoagulable states. The natural history and clinical outcome of PVT are highly variable, dependent upon size, extent and degree of the thrombotic occlusion, as well as the physiological impact of patient comorbidities. While existing clinical guidelines consistently recommend low molecular weight heparin or vitamin K antagonist anticoagulation in cirrhotic patients with symptomatic acute PVT, management of asymptomatic and chronic PVT may need to be determined on a case-by-case basis, factoring in the state of underlying liver disease. In general, patients with PVT and underlying malignancy should be anticoagulated to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrences that could disrupt the cancer management. However, existing clinical data does not support routine anticoagulation of cirrhotic patients with asymptomatic PVT in the absence of underlying cancer. While low molecular weight heparin and vitamin K antagonist remain the most commonly used agents in PVT, an emerging body of clinical evidence now suggests that direct-acting oral anticoagulants may be used safely and effectively in PVT. As such, direct-acting oral anticoagulants may offer a more convenient anticoagulation alternative for PVT management in future practice.

Elevated International Normalized Ratio: A Risk Factor for Portal Vein Thrombosis in Cirrhotic Patients

Background

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a complication that is commonly seen in patients with cirrhosis and an entity that leads to increased mortality in patients who undergo liver transplantation. This study aims to establish a link between an elevated international normalized ratio (INR) and the presence of PVT in a cohort of cirrhotic patients.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of all patients diagnosed with cirrhosis in SBH Health System from 2013 to 2018. Among these patients we extracted baseline demographic data, laboratory results, co-morbidities and the presence of PVT.

Results

In total there were 268 patients who met our inclusion criteria. Twenty-two patients had PVT, while 246 patients did not. Of the 22 patients with PVT there was a statistically significant increase in INR when compared to patients without PVT. There was also a statistically significant increase in total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and platelet count.

Conclusions

Elevated INR levels are associated with the presence of PVT in patients with cirrhosis. These findings suggest a hypercoagulable state and could assist clinicians in risk-stratifying patients when making the decision to initiate anti-coagulation therapy.

Acute mesenteric vein thrombosis after endoscopic injection sclerotherapy for esophageal varices in a patient with liver cirrhosis

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common complication of liver cirrhosis. The association between endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) and PVT is unclear. In this paper, we reported that a male cirrhotic patient developed acute mesenteric vein thrombosis after EIS for secondary prophylaxis of esophageal variceal bleeding. Immediate anticoagulation therapy was effective and safe in this patient.