Portal vein thrombosis in pregnancy: case report and review of the literature

[Diagnosis of postpartum abdominal pain: about a rare case of portal vein thrombosis]

We report the management of patient with acute abdominal pain in the immediate post-partum caesarean section performed in the context of preeclampsia. Acute portal vein thrombosis is diagnosed, in a patient with no personal or family history of venous thrombosis. Blood tests showed a protein C and S deficiencies. Portal vein thrombosis is an extremely rare occurrence in pregnancy and postpartum.

Portal vein thrombosis during pregnancy

A 22-year-old primigravida was diagnosed to have portal vein thrombosis during 20th week of gestation by ultrasound examination which was carried out to rule out congenital fetal anomalies. She had splenomegaly and thrombocytopenia. Investigations did not reveal any prothrombotic disorder. She was managed with anticoagulants which were started at 31 weeks of pregnancy. Labour was induced at 40 weeks of gestation and she delivered a healthy neonate without any complications. Anticoagulants were restarted after delivery and continued through the postpartum period and up to 6 months thereafter.