Portal vein thrombosis: insight into physiopathology, diagnosis, and treatment.
Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a relatively common complication in patients with liver cirrhosis, but might also occur in absence of an overt liver disease. Several causes, either local or systemic, might play an important role in PVT pathogenesis. Frequently, more than one risk factor could be identified; however, occasionally no single factor is discernable. Clinical examination, laboratory investigations, and imaging are helpful to provide a quick diagnosis, as prompt treatment might greatly affect a patient's outcome. In this review, we analyze the physiopathological mechanisms of PVT development, together with the hemodynamic and functional alterations related to this condition. Moreover, we describe the principal factors most frequently involved in PVT development and the recent knowledge concerning diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Finally, we analyze the implications of PVT in the setting of liver transplantation and its possible influence on patients' future prognoses.
Ponziani
Francesca R
FR
Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy. francesca.ponziani@yahoo.it
Zocco
Maria A
MA
Campanale
Chiara
C
Rinninella
Emanuele
E
Tortora
Annalisa
A
Di Maurizio
Luca
L
Bombardieri
Giuseppe
G
De Cristofaro
Raimondo
R
De Gaetano
Anna M
AM
Landolfi
Raffaele
R
Gasbarrini
Antonio
A
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D011169:Portal Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011170:Portasystemic Shunt, Surgical; D011379:Prognosis; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography
D000925:Anticoagulants