Hepatic portal vein is a vessel that carries blood from the spleen and digestive system to the liver. Hepatic portal vein obstruction can occur due to various reasons. Here, we will explore the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment methods for hepatic portal vein obstruction.
Causes of Hepatic Portal Vein Obstruction
There are several risk factors for hepatic portal vein obstruction, including:
- Pancreatitis
- Appendicitis
- Oral contraceptives
- Liver cirrhosis
Other risk factors contributing to PVT (portal vein thrombosis) may include pregnancy and surgery. In both cases, blood becomes more prone to clotting, restricting blood flow and potentially causing blood clots and obstruction in the hepatic portal vein.
Symptoms of Hepatic Portal Vein Obstruction
Common symptoms of blood clot or hepatic portal vein obstruction are:
- Pain in the upper abdomen
- Abdominal swelling due to excess fluid
- Fever
In severe cases of portal vein thrombosis, elevated blood pressure within the portal vein may occur. This can lead to splenomegaly due to the interference with normal blood flow. With splenomegaly, the white blood cell count significantly decreases, increasing the risk of infection.
High portal blood pressure can also cause varices in the esophagus or stomach, which may become prone to bleeding.
Other severe symptoms of hepatic portal vein obstruction include:
- Escalating fever
- Chills
- Liver pain
- Vomiting blood
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Varices and gastric bleeding
- Bloody stools
Diagnosis of Hepatic Portal Vein Obstruction
Hepatic portal vein thrombosis can be detected if the patient experiences the following symptoms:
- Splenomegaly
- Variceal bleeding
- Vomiting blood
- Hepatic infections
Various tests can help discover the causes of portal vein obstruction and assess the size and risk of portal vein clotting:
- Doppler ultrasound imaging
- Computed tomography (CT) or X-ray imaging
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the abdomen
- Vascular imaging
Treatment of Hepatic Portal Vein Obstruction
For acute hepatic portal vein obstruction (PVT), medications are recommended by Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie to dissolve blood clots. These prescribed medications can dissolve blood clots. Anticoagulant medications, such as heparin, may be prescribed to prevent recurring clots.
In cases of severe PVT leading to esophageal variceal bleeding, specific medications may be advised to reduce pressure in the portal vein and minimize the risk of bleeding from esophageal varices.
If necessary, Dr. Al Boraie may consider surgeries based on the extent of damage. This may involve placing a shunt between the portal vein and the liver to prevent excessive bleeding and reduce pressure in the veins.
In severe cases of liver damage, a liver transplant may be required.
Best Liver Specialist for Hepatic Portal Vein Obstruction
Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie is considered the best doctor for treating hepatic portal vein obstruction. He is a liver, digestive system, and endoscopy consultant, a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in England, and a member of the American College of Gastroenterology. Currently, Dr. Al Boraie is a lecturer in internal medicine, liver, and digestive system at Al-Azhar University Faculty of Medicine in Cairo.
Schedule an appointment now if you would like to consult Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie regarding hepatic portal vein obstruction, including the latest diagnostic methods and treatments.