Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt for Portal Vein Thrombosis in Cirrhotic Patients

Spontaneous nontumoral portal vein thrombosis (PVT) reportedly occurs in as many as 25% of cirrhotic patients, likely because of slow portal vein flow and the prothrombotic state characteristic of cirrhosis. The optimal treatment for cirrhotic patients with PVT remains unclear, although small studies have demonstrated benefit from the placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS).

To further evaluate the efficacy of TIPS placement, researchers conducted a retrospective study of cirrhotic patients with associated nontumoral PVT undergoing TIPS placement at a single tertiary care center. Imaging was conducted at baseline, to fully characterize the PVT, and regularly during follow-up. Patients did not receive anticoagulati…