Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction and portal vein thrombosis in special situations: Need for a new classification

Extrahepatic Portal Vein Obstruction in Children

OBJECTIVES

Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction is the most common cause of portal hypertension in children. This study aimed to evaluate the causes, clinical, laboratory and endoscopic findings, treatment approaches, long-term results, and prognosis of extrahepatic portal vein obstruction in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 82 patients who were followed up with the diagnosis of extrahepatic portal vein obstruction at Gazi University Pediatric Gastroenterology clinic between January 1, 2011, and October 31, 2021.

RESULTS

Among our patients, 58.5% were male, median age at presentation was 36 months (range, 1 month to 6 years), and the follow-up period was 2 years (range, 1-14 years). The most common reasons for admission were gastrointestinal bleeding and splenomegaly. All patients diagnosed with incidentally detected obstruction were children under 5 years of age. The most frequently detected risk factors were history of umbilical vein catheterization (50%) and presence of procoagulant status (31%). Esophageal varices (94.8%), variceal bleeding (73.2%), hypersplenism (64.6%), and growth failure (13.4%) were the most common complications. Weight and/or height z-scores were lower in children with esophageal varices, variceal bleeding, and hypersplenism. Endoscopic treatments were more frequently applied to those with splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, red color sign, and esophageal variceal bleeding. Rates of splenomegaly, hypersplenism, esophageal variceal bleeding, advanced varicose veins, and portal biliopathy were higher in patients who underwent portosystemic shunt surgery than in patients who did not undergo it.

CONCLUSIONS

Morbidity and mortality rates of variceal bleeding in extrahepatic portal vein obstruction were lower than bleeding seen in cirrhotic prehepatic portal hypertension. In our study, no patients died from extrahepatic portal vein obstruction-related complications. One patient died from tuberculous meningitis.

Pregnancy Complicated by Extrahepatic Portal Vein Occlusion and Portal Vein Thrombosis: A Case Report

We report the case of a 38-year-old woman with a history of extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) who became pregnant and developed portal vein thrombosis. She gave birth after intervention by gastroenterology and cardiology. She was referred to our department due to significant leg edema at eight weeks of gestation, and we noticed EHPVO, portal vein thrombosis, and left pulmonary arteriovenous fistula by contrast-enhanced CT. Therefore, subcutaneous heparin injections of 10,000 units/day were started as a preventive anticoagulant therapy. We performed an emergency cesarean section at 36 weeks of gestation. After surgery, the mother was administered a continuous heparin infusion. On the 11th day after surgery, the postoperative progress was good, so heparin was switched to oral warfarin, and the patient was discharged on the same day. During pregnancy, the risk of varicose vein rupture, hyperammonemia, and pulmonary hypertension increases due to an increase in circulating blood volume. This was a case in which careful perinatal management was performed in collaboration with other departments, resulting in a live birth.

A rare case of esophageal variceal bleeding as a result of portal hypertension due to extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction and its management in a 7-year-old

INTRODUCTION

Extrahepatic Portal Vein Obstruction is the most common cause of portal hypertension in children. However, it has a very low prevalence. Esophageal varices due to portal hypertension in children can lead to recurrent episodes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which can have a sinister outcome if timely diagnosis and treatment are not initiated.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 7-year-old male child presents with recurrent episodes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding for 3 years. Clinical examination reveals pallor and splenomegaly. Laboratory investigations revealed signs of hypersplenism with anemia, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia, and Doppler ultrasonography and CT abdomen and pelvis revealed splenic vein thrombosis with splenomegaly and cavernous transformation of the portal vein. The patient was managed operatively with splenectomy with splenorenal shunting and devascularization of esophagogastric varices.

DISCUSSION

Extrahepatic Portal Vein obstruction is the most common cause of noncirrhotic portal hypertension in children. Its occurrence in the pediatric population is very rare. Portal hypertension can lead to variceal bleeding and splenomegaly, which can have a significant impact on a child's long-term health. Because of its insidious nature, a meticulous workup is required for its diagnosis, and treatment in the pediatric population is difficult, and appropriate guidelines for its management specifically targeting the pediatric population are lacking.

CONCLUSION

Extrahepatic Portal Vein obstruction is rare in children with a difficult diagnosis and management. Despite these hindrances, timely intervention can lift a significant burden of its detrimental outcome off the young children and drastically uplift the quality of life of these patients.

Age-specific causes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in children

The etiology of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) varies by age, from newborns to adolescents, with some of the causes overlapping between age groups. While particular causes such as vitamin K deficiency and cow's milk protein allergy are limited to specific age groups, occurring only in neonates and infants, others such as erosive esophagitis and gastritis may be identified at all ages. Furthermore, the incidence of UGIB is variable throughout the world and in different hospital settings. In North America and Europe, most UGIBs are non-variceal, associated with erosive esophagitis, gastritis, and gastric and duodenal ulcers. In recent years, the most common causes in some Middle Eastern and Far Eastern countries are becoming similar to those in Western countries. However, variceal bleeding still predominates in certain parts of the world, especially in South Asia. The most severe hemorrhage arises from variceal bleeding, peptic ulceration, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Hematemesis is a credible indicator of a UGI source of bleeding in the majority of patients. Being familiar with the most likely UGIB causes in specific ages and geographic areas is especially important for adequate orientation in clinical settings, the use of proper diagnostic tests, and rapid initiation of the therapy. The fundamental approach to the management of UGIB includes an immediate assessment of severity, detecting possible causes, and providing hemodynamic stability, followed by early endoscopy. Unusual UGIB causes must always be considered when establishing a diagnosis in the pediatric population because some of them are unique to children. Endoscopic techniques are of significant diagnostic value, and combined with medicaments, may be used for the management of acute bleeding. Finally, surgical treatment is reserved for the most severe bleeding.

Bibliometric Analysis and Visualization of the Extrahepatic Portal Venous Obstruction Publication Landscape

Introduction

A scientometric analysis was conducted to characterize the global research publications in extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO), and state-of-the-art visualization graphics were generated to provide insight into specific bibliometric variables.

Materials and Methods

The Web of Science database was accessed for research productivity and bibliometric variables of countries, institutions, authors, journals, and content analysis of top-20 cited documents were performed. Collaborative networks and co-occurrence of keywords map were generated using VOSviewer software.

Results

Two hundred and sixteen records were retrieved with an annual growth rate of 2.53%. India is the leading country in productivity (n = 4339), followed by the USA and China. Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, was the top productive institute. Sarin SK was the most prolific author, having the highest citations received and h-index. The hotspot topics were "portal hypertension," "cirrhosis," "children," "biliopathy/cholangiopathy," "liver fibrosis," and "liver transplantation" as per keyword co-occurrence networking. J Gastroenterol Hepatol had the most publications of EHPVO research as well the h-index. Regarding collaborative network mapping, the USA and Primignani M were the significant nodes among country and author, respectively.

Conclusion

EHPVO research publication volume is low but is gradually progressing with dominant contributions from Indian institutes and authors. Most highly cited articles are of low level of evidence, and multi-institutional collaborative research can be the way forward.

Evaluation of splenic infarction ratio and platelet increase ratio after partial splenic artery embolization

OBJECTIVE

The spleen is part of the lymphatic system and is one of the least understood organs of the human body. It is involved in the production of blood cells and helps filter the blood, remove old blood cells, and fight infection. Partial splenic artery embolization (PSE) is widely used to treat pancytopenia and portal hypertension. The efficacy of PSE for improving thrombocytopenia has been well demonstrated. In this study, we evaluated the splenic infarction ratio and platelet increase ratio after PSE.

METHODS

Forty-five consecutive patients underwent PSE from January 2014 to August 2022. We retrospectively evaluated the splenic infarction volume and ratio after PSE and analyzed the relationship between the splenic infarction ratio and platelet increase ratio after PSE.

RESULTS

The platelet increase ratio was correlated with the splenic infarction ratio after PSE. The cutoff value for the splenic infarction ratio with a two-fold platelet increase was 63.0%.

CONCLUSION

We suggest performance of PSE in patients with a splenic infarction ratio of 63% to double the expected platelet count.

Chronic Extrahepatic Portal Vein Occlusion in a Young Patient

Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) is a rare condition characterized by the occlusion or narrowing of the portal vein outside the liver. We present a case report of a patient with EHPVO secondary to combined protein C and S deficiency and pancytopenia secondary to hypersplenism, highlighting the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and management strategies. Early recognition of this condition and prompt initiation of appropriate treatment can prevent life-threatening complications such as variceal bleeding and portal hypertension. This case underscores the need for a high index of suspicion for inherited thrombophilias in patients presenting with portal vein thrombosis, particularly in the absence of traditional risk factors.

'Mistakes in managing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and how to avoid them'

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the commonest cause of chronic liver disease. NAFLD is estimated to affect 25% of the global population. Therefore, it is widely encountered in primary care. A proportion of patients with NAFLD need a specialist referral, evaluation and follow-up.There have been many updated guidelines on the management of NAFLD in the past few years. Given the burden of NAFLD in the community and its cardiovascular and liver-related adverse outcomes, knowledge of evidence-based standards of care for these patients is essential for any practitioner managing patients with NAFLD. As an asymptomatic disease in the early stages, NAFLD can lead to many mistakes in its management.We aim to highlight some common mistakes in managing NAFLD and attempt to provide evidence-based recommendations.

Surgical management of extrahepatic portal vein obstruction in children: advantages of MesoRex shunt compared with distal splenorenal shunt

PURPOSE

To review surgical management of extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital and compare MesoRex shunt (MRS) with distal splenorenal shunt (DSRS).

METHODS

This is a single-centre retrospective review documenting pre- and post-operative data in 21 children. Twenty-two shunts were performed, 15 MRS and 7 DSRS, over an 18-year period. Patients were followed up for a mean of 11 years (range 2-18). Data analysis included demographics, albumin, prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), International normalised ratio (INR), fibrinogen, total bilirubin, liver enzymes and platelets before the operation and 2 years after shunt surgery.

RESULTS

One MRS thrombosed immediately post-surgery and the child was salvaged with DSRS. Variceal bleeding was controlled in both groups. Significant improvements were seen amongst MRS cohort in serum albumin, PT, PTT, and platelets and there was a mild improvement in serum fibrinogen. The DSRS cohort showed only a significant improvement in the platelet count. Neonatal umbilic vein catheterization (UVC) was a major risk for Rex vein obliteration.

CONCLUSION

In EHPVO, MRS is superior to DSRS and improves liver synthetic function. DSRS does control variceal bleeding but should only be considered when MRS is not technically feasible or as a salvage procedure when MRS fails.

Angiographic patterns of portal venous system in children with extrahepatic portal hypertension and its etiological and clinical relevance

PURPOSE

To study the relationship between the angiographic pattern of extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) and its etiology and clinical manifestations.

METHODS

Clinical, etiological, and angiographic findings in 155 children with EHPVO were reviewed. Anatomy of extrahepatic portal venous system (EPVS) was categorized into five imaging patterns. Assessment of the severity of esophageal and gastric varices (EV and GV) was performed by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

RESULTS

Based on multislice CT angiography, most commonly observed pattern of EHPVO was type I (48.4%) and type II (29%). According to anamnesis, 68 (43.8%) children had pathological conditions in neonatal period. Of these, 35 (22.6%) had an umbilical vein catheterization, 11 (7.1%) had a history of omphalitis, and 9 (5.8%) had prolonged jaundice. Thirteen (8.4%) patients had various septic conditions in neonatal period and it was more common associated with widespread thrombosis throughout the EPVS (type 5)-28% of observations. Significantly lower risk of bleeding from EV (p = 0.01) was noted in children with type IV pattern, whereas children with type III and V patterns had higher grades of EV.

CONCLUSION

Angiographic pattern of portomesenteric occlusion may provide a clue to its etiology, and clinical manifestation, especially in children with widespread thrombosis throughout the EPVS.

Interventional Management of Portal Hypertension in Cancer Patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To provide an overview of the classifications and clinical hallmarks of common cancer-related conditions that contribute to the high incidence of portal hypertension in this population and provide an update on currently available interventional radiology therapeutic approaches.

RECENT FINDINGS

In the last few decades, there have been significant advancements in understanding the pathophysiology of portal hypertension. This knowledge has led to the development of safer and more effective minimally invasive approaches. The main objective is to provide alternatives to prevent life-threatening complications from clinically significant portal hypertension and to allow the continuation of cancer treatment interventions that would otherwise be stopped. Clinicians involved in cancer care should be aware of risk factors, associated complications, and management of portal hypertension in cancer patients. Interventional radiology offers minimally invasive alternatives that play a central role in improving clinical outcomes and survival of these patients, allowing the continuation of cancer treatments.

The role of microRNAs on the pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of portal hypertension in patients with chronic liver disease

INTRODUCTION

Portal hypertension (PH) is the elevated pressure in the portal vein, which results in poor functioning of the liver and is influenced by various factors like liver cirrhosis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, schistosomiasis, thrombosis, and angiogenesis. Though the diagnosis and treatment have been advanced, early diagnosis of the disease remains a challenge, and the diagnosis methods are often invasive. Hence, the clear understanding of the molecular mechanisms of PH can give rise to the development of novel biomarkers which can pave way for early diagnosis in noninvasive methods, and also the identification of target genes can elucidate an efficient therapeutic target.

AREAS COVERED

PubMed and Embase database was used to search articles with search terms 'Portal Hypertension' or 'pathophysiology' and 'diagnosis' and 'treatment' or "role of miRNAs in portal hypertension.

EXPERT OPINION

Interestingly, biomarkers like microRNAs (miRNAs) have been studied for their potential role in various diseases including hypertension. In recent years, miRNAs have been proved to be an efficient biomarker and therapeutic target and few studies have assessed the roles of miRNAs in PH. The present paper highlights the potential roles of miRNAs in PH.

Maternal and neonatal outcomes in extra hepatic portal vein obstruction: Our experience

Background:

Women with Extra hepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) are mostly young and belong to Asian countries. In the Indian subcontinent, 20–30% variceal bleeds are caused by EHPVO. Hence pregnancy is a concern in such patients. The objective of this study is to observe the maternal and neonatal outcomes in women with EHPVO.

Materials and Method:

Extra hepatic portal vein obstruction was studied retrospectively in 28 pregnancies in 20 women from Jan 2011 to July 2018 at a tertiary hospital in South India and the pregnancy outcomes were observed during this period. Institutional Review Board approval obtained.

Results:

The mean age of the women was 24.3 years and the mean age of diagnosis was 18.5 years. Splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia and anaemia were seen in 22 (78.5%), 17 (60.7%) and 8 (28.5%) of pregnancies, respectively. Rate of abortions and preterm deliveries were 2 (7.1%, n =28) and 10 (35.7%, n =28). There was one stillbirth (3.6%) in the study group. EHPVO was diagnosed in 25 (89.3%) women prenatally in our series. During pregnancy only one woman had variceal bleed, which was managed conservatively. Blood and blood product transfusion was required in 7(25%) of women and there was no maternal mortality.

Conclusion:

Pregnancies in EHPVO have good maternal and neonatal outcomes, provided they are taken care of by a multidisciplinary approach in a tertiary care centre.

Extrahepatic Portal Venous Obstruction With Hepatic Enzyme Elevation Resembling Hepatitis in Patients With Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

Chemotherapy is often halted due to abnormal liver function resembling hepatitis. But the cause can be extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) with hepatic enzyme elevation rather than being an adverse effect of chemotherapy. We investigated EHPVO with hepatic enzyme elevation in patients with cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data of these hospitalized patients with solid tumors between January 2013 and September 2017 were collected. The criteria for study inclusion were: (i) Extrahepatic malignancy; (ii) computed tomographic scans showing a tumor with external compression of the extrahepatic portal vein; and (iii) serum aminotransferase (AST) or alanine transaminase (ALT) level three times above the normal value.

RESULTS

Thirteen out of 377 (3%) patients developed EHPVO with hepatic enzyme elevation, as demonstrated from computed tomographic scan. Four cases (31%) also had vascular thrombosis (three portal vein and one inferior vena cava). Serum AST increased from 34±11 to 169±94 U/l. ALT increased from 9±38 to 177±104 U/l. There was no relationship of EHPVO with viral markers and cirrhosis. Six cases received chemotherapy with liver function improvement.

CONCLUSION

EHPVO occurred in patients with metastatic cancer, leading to hepatic enzyme elevation resembling hepatitis without hepatitis risk factors and cirrhosis. Before withholding chemotherapy due to hepatic enzyme elevation, the possibility of EHPVO should firstly be excluded.

Sleeve Gastrectomy: You Might Lose your Liver!

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is currently the most popular bariatric procedure. Portomesenteric venous thrombosis (PVT) is a feared and increasingly reported complication. Herein, we describe the history of a patient who developed a post-operative PVT after SG, aggravated with refractory ascites, and finally required orthotopic liver transplantation (LT). Acquired thrombophilia-anti-cardiolipin syndrome was present. As SG expands worldwide, this first case of LT for PVT following SG may warrant a systematic screening for prothrombotic condition and information on the possible consequences of PVT prior to bariatric surgery.

Combination of modified Sugiura technique and proximal splenorenal shunt for the management of portal vein thrombosis in noncirrhotic portal hypertension

Background: Noncirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) is a condition when a high hepatic venous pressure gradient with preserved liver functions and the absence of parenchymal dysfunction. NCPH with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a rare condition. Surgery aims to reduce portal vein flow and alter portal vein circulation. Case: A male, 59 years old, complained of blackish stool in the last 2 weeks and enlarged abdomen. Physical examination revealed anemia and melena with splenomegaly and ascites. Laboratory findings were anemia, normal hepatobiliary function, and no liver infection. Abdominal Doppler ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography scan revealed ascites, splenomegaly, noncirrhotic liver, dilatation of portal vein, low portal vein peak velocity, and PVT. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed esophageal varices grade 3 with a positive red color sign and cardia stomach varices. We performed a modified Sugiura technique through the left subcostal incision and proximal splenorenal shunt. The procedures of the modified Sugiura technique are splenectomy, devascularization, transection, and end-to-end anastomosis of the lower esophagus above the gastroesophageal junction, devascularization of the upper 2/3 of the lesser and greater curvatures of the stomach, and pyloroplasty. Portal circulation alteration used the proximal splenorenal shunt with end-to-side anastomosis of the splenic vein to left renal vein. At the one-year follow-up after surgery, his physical condition was better and there was no sign of complications. Conclusion: Devascularization procedure using a modified Sugiura technique is useful to treat and avoid rupture of esophageal varices. Portal circulation alteration using the proximal splenorenal shunt is a good choice. The treatment in NCPH utilizing the combination of modified Sugiura technique and the proximal splenorenal shunt is proper without complication.

Safety and Efficacy of a Novel Shunt Surgery Combined with Foam Sclerotherapy of Varices for Prehepatic Portal Hypertension: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVES

This pilot study investigated the safety and efficacy of a novel shunt surgery combined with foam sclerotherapy of varices in patients with prehepatic portal hypertension.

METHODS

Twenty-seven patients who were diagnosed with prehepatic portal hypertension and underwent shunt surgeries were divided into three groups by surgery type: shunt surgery alone (Group A), shunt surgery and devascularization (Group B), and shunt surgery combined with foam sclerotherapy (Group C). Between-group differences in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, portal pressure decrease, postoperative complications, rebleeding rates, encephalopathy, mortality rates and remission of gastroesophageal varices were compared.

RESULTS

Groups A, B and C had similar operation times, intraoperative bleeding, and portal pressure decrease. The remission rates of varices differed significantly (p<0.001): one patient in Group A and 6 patients in Group B had partial response, and all 9 patients in Group C had remission (2 complete, 7 partial). Two Group A patients and one Group B patient developed recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding postoperatively within 12 months. No postoperative recurrence or bleeding was observed in Group C, and no sclerotherapy-related complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Shunt surgery combined with foam sclerotherapy obliterates varices more effectively than shunt surgery alone does, decreasing the risk of postoperative rebleeding from residual gastroesophageal varices. This novel surgery is safe and effective with good short-term outcomes.

Simultaneous Extrahepatic Portal and Iliac Veins Thrombosis After Abdominal Surgery - A Case Report and Review of Literature

Introduction: Extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis (EPVT) is the most frequent cause that leads to portal hypertension in non-cirrhotic patients. This condition is related to systemic and local risk factors (such as inflammatory lesions, injuries to portal venous system by surgery, vascular procedures).

Case presentation: A case of extended extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis and simultaneous thrombosis of left common iliac vein and inferior vena cava, appeared after abdominal surgery in a hypertensive, diabetic, 50 y.o. man is presented. An acute episode of abdominal pain was interpreted as an emergency and a surgical (initially laparoscopic and then open) procedure was planned in order to perform an appendectomy. Discharge diagnosis was hemoperitoneum secondary to iatrogenic rupture of sigmoid mesocolon provoked by trocar manipulation. Repeated imaging studies performed later revealed the thrombosis of portal vein with extension into right portal branch associated with superior mesenteric thrombosis and free-floating thrombus into left common iliac vein extended towards inferior vena cava. Surgical manoeuvres are considered as triggers of these thrombotic events. After 4 weeks of parenteral anticoagulation a partial recanalization of thrombi was identified, without bleedings.

Conclusions: Acute EPVT needs a carefully management. Case is linked to abdominal surgery and requires prolonged anticoagulation related to simultaneous portal and iliac vein thrombosis. Associated conditions (hypertension and diabetes mellitus) must have an appropriate approach. After our knowledge this is the first case published in literature.

Portal Vein Thrombosis in Adult Omani Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

We sought to study the occurrence of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in adult Omani patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study in patients diagnosed with PVT, which was confirmed by radiological imaging, from two tertiary hospitals over a 10-year period. Results: Amongst the 39 patients enrolled in the study, 15 (38.4%) had cirrhosis of the liver, and 24 (61.5%) were non-cirrhotic. In the non-cirrhotic PVT patients, 15 (62.5%) had acute PVT, whereas nine (37.5%) had chronic PVT. PVT was more common in males than females, (25 (64.1%) vs. 14 (35.8%), respectively, p = 0.020). The three most common clinical symptoms were abdominal pain (n = 25, 64.1%) followed by nausea (n = 12, 30.7%) and fever (n = 8, 20.5%) patients. Causative risk factors included prothrombotic states (17.9-28.2%) and local factors (20.5%) such as cholecystitis, cholangitis, and liver abscess. Complications were found in 23.0% of patients with PVT, namely variceal bleeding in seven patients (17.9%) patients and bowel ischemia in two patients (5.1%). Management with sclerotherapy was performed in all patients with variceal bleeding. Thrombectomy was done for one patient complicated with intestinal ischemia, but as it failed, he was treated with warfarin anticoagulation.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study reflecting a real-life practice in PVT with possibly underlying inherited and acquired prothrombotic conditions as well as complications due to local and malignant conditions from Oman. We studied the prevalence, clinical presentation, underlying possible etiological factors, treatment, and outcomes. Since causative factors were found in 36 patients (92.3%), etiological screening seems worthwhile in every case with PVT, but thrombophilia screening may not be cost-effective.

Portal cavernoma cholangiopathy: diagnosis, imaging, and intervention

The term portal cavernoma cholangiopathy refers to the biliary tract abnormalities that accompany extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) and subsequent cavernous transformation of the portal vein. EHPVO is a primary vascular disorder of the portal vein in children and adults manifested by longstanding thrombosis of the main portal vein. Nearly all patients with EHPVO have manifestations of portal cavernoma cholangiopathy, such as extrinsic indentation on the bile duct and mild bile duct narrowing, but the majority are asymptomatic. However, progressive portal cavernoma cholangiopathy may lead to severe complications, including secondary biliary cirrhosis. A spectrum of changes is seen radiologically in the setting of portal cavernoma cholangiopathy, including extrinsic indentation of the bile ducts, bile duct stricturing, bile duct wall thickening, angulation and displacement of the extrahepatic bile duct, cholelithiasis, choledocholithiasis, and hepatolithiasis. Radiologists must be aware of this disorder in order to provide appropriate imaging evaluation and interpretation, to facilitate appropriate treatment and to distinguish this entity from its potential radiologic mimics.

Low frequency of V617F mutation in JAK2 gene in Indian patients with hepatic venous outflow obstruction and extrahepatic portal venous obstruction

BACKGROUND

Hepatic venous outflow tract obstruction (HVOTO) and extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) are important causes of portal hypertension and related complications in India. Both these conditions result from splanchnic venous thrombosis. In recent years, a V617F somatic mutation in Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) gene which is highly specific for myeloproliferative disorders has been detected in 40 % to 50 % and 30 % to 35 % of Western patients with HVOTO and EHPVO, respectively. However, data on this mutation in these conditions from Asian countries are limited.

METHODS

We looked for JAK2 V617F mutation in Indian patients with HVOTO (n = 40, median age 31 [range 17-51] years, 21 female) and EHPVO (n = 50, median age 23 [15-70] years, 25 female) by using two separate methods. Both the methods involved polymerase chain reaction using allele-specific primers. Positive results on one or both of these techniques were confirmed using DNA sequencing.

RESULTS

None of the 40 patients with HVOTO and only 1 of 50 patients with EHPVO was found to have JAK2 V617F mutation. In the one patient who was found to have this mutation, both the PCR methods and DNA sequencing showed positive results.

CONCLUSION

Hypercoagulability associated with JAK2 V617F mutation and associated chronic myeloproliferative disorders was not a major cause of HVOTO and EHPVO in this population.