hepatic and biliary disorders
Budd Chiari Syndrome
Key Points
The most common cause of Budd-Chiari syndrome (obstruction of hepatic venous outflow) is a clot blocking the hepatic veins and inferior vena cava. Consider the diagnosis if patients have typical findings (eg, hepatomegaly, ascites, liver failure, cirrhosis) that are unexplained or if they have abnormal liver test results and risk factors for thrombosis. Confirm the diagnosis using Doppler ultrasonography or, if results are inconclusive, magnetic resonance angiography or CT, or venography. Restore venous outflow (eg, with thrombolysis, angioplasty, stents), and treat complications. 