liver and gallbladder disorders
Portal Vein Thrombosis
Causes of Portal Vein Thrombosis
About 25% of adults with Cirrhosis of the Liver have portal vein thrombosis, usually because blood flow through the severely scarred liver is slow. When blood flow is slow, blood is more likely to clot. Any condition that makes blood more likely to clot can cause portal vein thrombosis. Common causes differ by age group: Newborns: Infection of the umbilical cord stump (at the navel) Older children: Appendicitis (infection can spread to the portal vein and trigger the formation of blood clots) Adults: Excess red blood cells ( Polycythemia Vera ), certain cancers (liver, pancreas, kidney, or adrenal gland), cirrhosis, injury, disorders that make blood more likely to clot, surgery, and pregnancy Often, several conditions work together to cause the blockage. The cause is unknown in about one third of people. 