Abstract
An 83-year-old female was referred to Aso Iizuka Hospital because of massive ascites. She was negative for hepatitis viruses and had normal liver function. There were no abdominal masses. On admission, CT scan revealed portal vein thrombosis and massive ascites. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) revealed esophageal varices with red color sign. Low-molecular heparinoid and warfarin were administered for the portal vein thrombosis, but no treatment such as sclerotherapy was performed for the varices. The portal vein thrombosis was diminished on CT one month later. The esophageal varices also diminished upon observation by EGD one month after beginning treatment for portal vein thrombosis, and disappeared completely 1 year later.
This case may be helpful to elucidate the mechanism of the development of portal hypertension. Also, treatment for esophagogastric varices following portal vein thrombosis is very problematic as the thrombosis may recur and there is a risk of bleeding of the esophageal varices.
