Portal vein thrombosis happens when a blood clot forms in the portal vein, the vessel that carries blood from your digestive organs to your liver. This blockage can slow or stop blood flow, leading to abdominal pain, swelling, or liver issues. In many cases, symptoms are mild or absent, and the condition is only discovered during imaging tests.
Symptoms may not appear at first. When they do, you might notice:
Several factors and health conditions can lead to a clot in the portal vein:
Don't wait to address portal vein thrombosis. At GastroDoxs in Katy, our board-certified specialists offer compassionate, personalized care and advanced diagnostics to ensure the best outcomes. Call us today at 832-632-4070 or request your visit online to start your journey toward better liver health.
We've successfully treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Portal vein thrombosis is a condition where a blood clot forms in the portal vein, which carries blood from your digestive organs to your liver.
Common symptoms include upper abdominal pain or discomfort, swelling of the belly or legs, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and unexplained weight loss. Some patients may have mild or no symptoms.
Yes. Treatment usually begins with blood?thinning medications to prevent the clot from growing. Most patients respond well to early anticoagulation and follow?up care.
Doctors diagnose portal vein thrombosis using imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI to visualize the clot within the portal vein.
Common causes include cirrhosis and other liver diseases, inherited or acquired clotting disorders, abdominal infections or trauma, recent abdominal surgery, and cancers of the liver or pancreas.
When prescribed and monitored by a physician, anticoagulant medications are generally safe. Regular blood tests and follow?up appointments help adjust dosage and minimize risks.
The typical plan starts with anticoagulants to stabilize the clot, followed by periodic imaging to monitor resolution. Additional treatments target any underlying liver disease or risk factors.
Surgery is uncommon. Most cases are managed with medications or minimally invasive, image?guided procedures to address more complex clots.
Treatment duration varies. Some patients require anticoagulation for a few months, while others may need long?term management if underlying conditions persist.
GastroDoxs in Katy offers expert evaluation and treatment for portal vein thrombosis. Our board?certified gastroenterologists use advanced imaging and personalized care plans from diagnosis through follow?up.
