Portal vein thrombosis occurs as a result of the presence of a blood clot in the portal vein, the blood vessel that supplies blood to your liver and connects the digestive organs. This obstruction may slow down or halt the circulation of blood causing abdominal pain, edema or liver complication. The symptoms are mild or nonexistent in most of the instances and the condition can only be diagnosed during imaging tests.
The symptoms can be non-emerging. When they do, you might notice:
Several factors and health conditions can lead to a clot in the portal vein:
Delay not response to portal vein thrombosis. Our team of board-certified specialists at GastroDoxs, Katy, provides love and personalized attention to their clients to achieve the optimal results. 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 can be defined as a disease in which a blood clot is created in the portal vein which conveys blood of your digestive system to your liver.
The main symptoms are pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, belly bulging, legs bloating, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills, and unexplainable weight loss. Mild or no symptoms could be exhibited by some of the patients.
Yes. Most of the time treatment starts with thinning blood drugs to ensure that the clot does not expand. The majority of patients are responsive to the provision of early anticoagulation and follow? up treatment.
The imaging modalities that doctors use to diagnose portal vein thrombosis include ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI imaging modalities to visualize the clot in 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.
Anticoagulant drugs are normally safe when prescribed and under the supervision of a physician. Frequent testing of the blood, and follow-up visits aid to regulate the dosage and reduce 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 of the cases are treated using drugs or image? guided surgery to deal with more complicated 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 has professional assessment and management of portal vein thrombosis. Our board? certified gastroenterologists combine the high-level imaging technologies and individual care plans throughout diagnosis and follow-ups.
