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Digestive system
Digestive system
Digestive system organs
Digestive system organs

Hepatic vein obstruction (Budd-Chiari)
Definition:

Hepatic vein obstruction refers to a blockage of the hepatic vein, which carries blood away from the liver.
Alternative Names:
Budd-Chiari syndrome

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Hepatic vein obstruction prevents blood from flowing out of the liver and back to the heart. This blockage can cause liver damage. Obstruction of this vein can be caused by masses pressing on the vessel (tumor) or by thrombus (clot) formation within the vessel.

Most often, it is caused by conditions which increase the body's propensity to form blood clots. These include:

  • Myeloproliferative disorders -- abnormal proliferation of cells from the bone marrow
  • Cancers
  • Oral contraceptives and pregnancy
  • Infections
Symptoms:
  • Right-sided abdominal pain and a large liver
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
  • Ascites (swelling of the abdomen due to the development of fluid in the abdomen)
  • Vomiting blood
Signs and tests:
Treatment:

Treatment varies, depending on the cause of the obstruction, and may include the following:

  • Medical therapy for symptoms
  • Anticoagulation medications
  • Surgical interventions
  • Radiological procedures
Complications:
Hepatic vein obstruction can progress to liver failure, which can be fatal.
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of hepatic vein obstruction or if you are undergoing treatment and any new symptoms develop.
Review Date: 10/27/2002
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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