Endovascular Treatment for Acute Portal Vein Thrombosis

Abstract

Acute portal vein thrombosis is characterized by nonspecific abdominal pain, causing severe morbidity and mortality. Prompt diagnosis is crucial to avoid short-term complications such as intestinal infarction, sepsis, and death. The therapeutic goal is to prevent thrombus extension into the mesenteric veins and intestinal ischemia complications. Systemic anticoagulation is the standard treatment. However, endovascular treatments such as thrombolysis, thrombectomy, balloon angioplasty, stent placement, and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement have been performed in patients who are refractory to anticoagulation therapy or at a high risk of intestinal ischemia. This review discusses the clinical and diagnostic considerations in acute portal vein thrombosis, focusing on current endovascular treatments that are effective and safe. However, prospective data are required to compare endovascular treatment techniques and assess their outcomes.