Portal vein thrombosis associated to prothrombin G20210A mutation and protein C deficiency

CT features of non-malignant portal vein thrombosis: a pictorial review

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a rare clinical entity in general population, but a relatively frequent entity in liver cirrhosis. Severe PVT-related complications are potentially lethal, such as ischemic intestinal infarction and complications of portal hypertension. Additionally, occlusive PVT can not only increase the incidence of variceal rebleeding, but also significantly decrease the cirrhotic patients' survival. Based on the clinical significance of PVT, early diagnosis is very critical to allow for rapid establishment of appropriate treatment and improvement of prognosis. Dynamic CT scan is an important diagnostic modality of PVT. The objective of this pictorial review is to illustrate various CT features of non-malignant portal vein thrombosis and its associated abnormalities. Evolution of portal vein thrombosis, such as stage, degree, and extension of thrombus, can be evaluated according to CT demonstrations, which is helpful to timely adopt appropriate treatment modality. Other associated CT findings include the dilation of collateral veins around the obstructed portion of portal vein and the hepatic perfusion and morphology abnormalities.

Portal and mesenteric vein thromboses in a patient with prothrombin G20210 mutation, elevated lipoprotein (a), and high factor VIII

A 65-year-old man was examined for abdominal pain. Portal and mesenteric vein thromboses were described by ultrasound and computed tomography. No local cause was found. The patient had a positive history of venous thromboembolism. Thrombophilia workup revealed prothrombin G20210A mutation (heterozygous), C677T mutation of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (homozygous), elevated level of lipoprotein (a), and high level of coagulation factor VIII. Anticoagulation was started and planned for a long-term duration. The etiology of portal vein thrombosis is often multifactorial, with various combinations of systemic factors (inherited or acquired prothrombotic conditions) and local precipitating factors (inflammation, injury to the portal venous system, cancer of the abdominal organs, cirrhosis). The reported prevalence of hypercoagulable states in patients with portal vein thrombosis has been very heterogeneous so far. Some authors support a role of the prothrombin G20210A mutation. In the reported patient, this mutation was revealed in a combination with other hypercoagulable states.

Imaging and radiological interventions of portal vein thrombosis

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is diagnosed by imaging methods. Once diagnosed by means of ultrasound, Doppler ultrasound can be performed to distinguish between a benign and malignant thrombus. If further information is required, magnetic resonance angiography or contrast-enhanced computed tomography is the next step, and if these tests are unsatisfactory, digital subtraction angiography should be performed. Many papers have been published dealing with alternative methods of treating PVT, but the material is fairly heterogeneous. In symptomatic non-cavernomatous PVT, recanalization using local methods is recommended by many authors. Implantation of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is helpful in cirrhotic patients with non-cavernomatous PVT in reducing portal pressure and in diminishing the risk of re-thrombosis. In noncirrhotic patients with recent PVT, some authors recommend anticoagulation alone. In chronic thrombotic occlusion of the portal vein, local measures may be implemented if refractory symptoms of portal hypertension are evident.