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Budd-Chiarai Syndrome
At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen offers expert care for Budd-Chiari Syndrome, a condition from blocked liver veins. With advanced imaging, treatments, and a dedicated team, he delivers comprehensive management to relieve symptoms, protect liver function, and boost well-being.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Clotting disorders that increase the risk of blood clots
Liver cirrhosis or scarring
Hormone therapy or use of birth control pills
Cancers, especially of the liver or blood
Pregnancy and the postpartum period
Family history of clotting problems
Signs and Symptoms
Pain or a heavy feeling in the upper right abdomen
Abdominal swelling (ascites)
Swelling in the legs or ankles
Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Fatigue or unexplained weight loss
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Budd-Chiari Syndrome in Patients with Epigastric Pain
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
She reviews your personal and family history of clotting disorders, hormone use, cancer, and liver disease. A focused abdominal exam checks for epigastric tenderness, swelling (ascites), and leg edema.
Blood Tests
Comprehensive labs assess liver function (AST, ALT, bilirubin), clotting factors (INR, platelets), and screen for underlying clotting conditions.
Imaging Studies
Doppler Ultrasound - Evaluates blood flow in the hepatic veins and inferior vena cava, looking for obstructions.
CT or MRI Scan - Provides detailed cross-sectional images to pinpoint vein blockages and assess liver anatomy.
Advanced Testing (if needed)
In select cases, a liver biopsy helps evaluate the degree of damage or cirrhosis and rule out other causes of epigastric pain.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for Budd-Chiari Syndrome.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Eat less salt to reduce fluid buildup
Avoid alcohol to protect your liver
Choose meals with lean proteins and plenty of vegetables
Stay active—light walking to improve circulation
2. Medications
Blood thinners to help stop new clots from forming
Diuretics (water pills) to remove excess fluid
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Angioplasty and stent placement to open blocked hepatic veins
Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) to reroute blood flow
Liver transplant for severe or treatment-resistant cases
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes Budd-Chiari Syndrome?
Clotting disorders, liver scarring (cirrhosis), certain cancers, hormone therapy or birth control, and pregnancy-related changes can all increase clot risk in the liver veins.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Look for upper-right abdominal pain or heaviness, fluid buildup in the belly (ascites), leg or ankle swelling, jaundice (yellow skin or eyes), fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
How is Budd-Chiari Syndrome diagnosed?
Dr. Nguyen uses blood tests to check liver function and clotting, Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow, CT or MRI scans to spot blockages, and sometimes a liver biopsy to evaluate damage.
Can diet and lifestyle help manage it?
Yes. Limiting salt, avoiding alcohol, eating lean proteins with plenty of vegetables, and staying active with light exercise can help reduce fluid buildup and support liver health.
What medications are used to treat it?
Anticoagulants (blood thinners) prevent new clots, and diuretics (water pills) help remove excess fluid. Dr. Nguyen tailors your regimen based on your individual needs.
Are procedures like TIPS safe?
Yes. Minimally invasive techniques—such as angioplasty with stenting or the TIPS procedure—safely restore blood flow under expert care.
Will I need a liver transplant?
A transplant is reserved for cases unresponsive to other treatments or with severe damage. Dr. Nguyen will review all options and guide you through the process.
