Budd - Chiari syndrome

Budd-Chiari syndrome is characterized by an ' occlusion of the hepatic veins', which prevents the outflow of blood from the liver (into the  v. Cava inferior ). This is a rare condition (1: 1,000,000).

Etiology
Hepatic venous occlusion occurs, for example, in "thrombosis" (may be related to the use of hormonal contraception), in "suppression by a tumor" (usually liver cancer), and in congenital malformations of the liver. In some cases, the cause is undetectable.¨

Symptoms
Accumulation of blood in the liver. The resulting overpressure is transmitted to the portal vein. Subsequently, "portal hypertension" arises with all its consequences (ascites, esophageal varices, etc.). Liver damage occurs, which can result in non-alcoholic cirrhosis.

Diagnosis

 * Physical examination - see above, eg ascites,
 * blood test - increased  'liver tests expressing liver tissue damage (AST, ALT),
 *  'Ultrasound'  or  CT  'examination of the abdomen.

Treatment
During treatment, it depends most on the cause that caused the syndrome.
 * In portal hypertension -  diuretics  and other drugs that reduce it,
 * in thrombosis -  'anticoagulants'  (eg warfarin),
 * to ensure blood flow from the liver - transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt ( 'TIPS' ),
 * liver transplantation.

Related articles

 * Portal hypertension
 * Consequences of portal hypertension