hepatic and biliary disorders
Portal Vein Thrombosis
Introduction
Portal vein thrombosis causes portal hypertension and consequent gastrointestinal bleeding from varices, usually in the lower esophagus or stomach. Diagnosis is based on ultrasonography. Treatment involves control of variceal bleeding (usually with endoscopic banding, IVoctreotide, or both), prevention of recurrence using beta-blockers, and sometimes surgical shunts and thrombolysis for acute thrombosis. (See also Overview of Vascular Disorders of the Liver .) 