Portal vein thrombosis and liver disease.

Portal vein thrombosis can occur secondary to infection, surgical intervention, or as a result of liver dysfunction. Its development can precipitate the need for emergency interventions including endoscopy, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stents (TIPS), portacaval shunts, or even liver transplantation. Portal vein thrombosis occurs slowly and silently. Portal vein thrombosis is not discovered until gastrointestinal hemorrhage develops in the patient unless the thrombosis is diagnosed on routine surveillance diagnostic testing. Portal vein thrombosis can be diagnosed by Doppler ultrasonography, computed tomography scan, or magnetic resonance imaging. Late identification of portal vein thrombosis can lead to increased morbidity and mortality of the patient population. Patients with portal vein thrombosis can be successfully managed with early identification and collaboration between the patient and the health care team for ongoing monitoring and treatment. Patient education involves assisting the patient in the understanding of esophageal varices, the various treatment modalities, their physical limitations, and the need for monitoring and management of the portal hypertension.