Hepatic vein obstruction is a blockage of the hepatic vein, which carries blood away from the liver.
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 a tumor or growth pressing on the vessel, or by a clot in the vessel (hepatic vein thrombosis).
Most often, it is caused by conditions that make blood clots more likely to form, including:
Hepatic vein obstruction is the most common cause of Budd-Chiari syndrome.
One of the signs is swelling of the abdomen from fluid buildup (ascites). The liver is often swollen and tender.
Tests include:
Treatment varies, depending on the cause of the blockage.
Medical treatments:
Surgical treatments:
Hepatic vein obstruction can get worse and lead to liver failure, which can be life-threatening.
Call your health care provider if:
Budd-Chiari syndrome; Hepatic veno-occlusive disease
Hauser SC. Vascular diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 146.
Reviewed by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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