Portal Vein Thrombosis: A Detailed Review of Etiology,
Diagnosis, and Treatment Volume 62- Issue 4
Ali Chand1, Muhammad Ahmad Imran2, Musa Khalil1, Muhammad Hassan1, Qurrat ul ain Iqbal3, PINKY BAI1,
Mudasir Rashid2*, Bisma Farooq3 and Angesom Kibreab4
1Department of Medicine, Howard University Hospital, USA
2Cancer Center, Howard University Hospital, USA
3Department of Medicine, Shaikh Zayed Post Graduate Medical Complex, Pakistan
4Department of Gastroenterology, Howard University Hospital, USA
Received: June 22, 2025; Published: July 14, 2025
*Corresponding author: Mudasir Rashid, Cancer Center, Howard University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a complicated vascular condition resulting from genetic, metabolic, and environmental
risk factors. This review underlines current evidence on PVT pathogenesis, clinical management,
and emerging therapeutic strategies. Multiple causes of PVT include liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma,
intra-abdominal infections, and systemic hypercoagulable states, including COVID-19-related thrombosis. Diagnostic
challenges persist due to asymptomatic presentations and overlapping imaging findings with other
conditions; however, advancements in imaging have improved detection and risk stratification. Anticoagulants
remain the cornerstone of treatment, and surgical interventions are reserved for non-responders. Prognosis is
influenced by underlying liver disease, thrombus extent, and timely intervention, with cirrhotic PVT linked to
higher mortality. Emerging therapies, including miRNA-modified stem cells and radiotherapy for tumor thrombi,
show promise but require further validation. Future research must address gaps in genetic predisposition,
optimized DOAC dosing in advanced cirrhosis, and the role of gut microbiota in thrombogenesis. This review
highlights the importance of personalized, multidisciplinary approaches to enhance outcomes in this clinically
diverse condition.
Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a noteworthy vascular disorder
marked by the development of a blood clot in the portal vein and its
branches, extending up to the splenic vein (SV) and superior mesenteric
vein (SMV) [1,2]. It is characterized by partial or complete obstruction
of the portal vein, which supplies 3/4th blood to the liver.
This obstruction results in compromised hepatic perfusion, potential
liver dysfunction and gastrointestinal bleeding [3-5]. This condition
is also associated with severe complications such as increased portal
venous pressure, variceal bleeding, intestinal ischemia, and liver
failure, significantly impacting survival and prognosis [6]. PVT also
presents significant challenges in liver transplantation, increasing
both perioperative risks and technical difficulties. It is most commonly
seen in patients with liver cirrhosis, where it often results from
portal hypertension, making individuals susceptible to complications
like acute esophageal variceal bleeding [7]. In non-cirrhotic cases,
PVT often stems from portal and splenic vein thrombosis, leading to
variceal bleeding and splenomegaly [8]. PVT is also associated with
malignancies, inflammatory conditions, and myeloproliferative neoplasms
(MPNs), broadening its clinical context [9,10]. In neonates,
PVT is typically asymptomatic and often remains undiagnosed during
this early stage of life [11]. Neonatal PVT is recognized as a key factor
in the development of portal hypertension [11]. PVT is frequently
asymptomatic and often discovered incidentally during routine imaging,
particularly during the surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma
(HCC) or during hospitalization due to complications related to portal
hypertension, such as esophageal variceal bleeding [12]. In cirrhosis, PVT serves as a marker of disease severity and is associated with
worsened liver function, portal hypertension, and complications such
as esophagogastric varices and ascites [13-15]. PVT is often asymptomatic
and typically detected incidentally during routine surveillance
imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or hospitalization
due to complications of portal hypertension [12]. Diagnostic tools
such as Doppler ultrasonography are crucial for confirming the diagnosis,
as they offer high sensitivity for detecting portal vein occlusion
[16]. A holistic overview of Portal Vein Thrombosis (PVT) for clinical
research reference and descried in (Figure 1), followed by details sections
below:
PVT is especially prevalent among patients with advanced liver
disease, especially cirrhosis and HCC, with rates ranging from 5% to
26% among those with cirrhosis and up to 40% in HCC cases. The
prevalence ranges between 0.6% and 16% among patients with compensated
cirrhosis. [17-23]. Meta- analyses suggest a pooled prevalence
of around 14%, although this figure varies depending on the
population and diagnostic techniques used [24-26]. The neonatal intensive
care units (NICU) patients are at higher risk for developing
PVT [27]. The incidence of neonatal PVT varies widely, ranging from
1.3% to 43% [27]. Studies also indicate that the incidence of PVT increases
in more advanced stages of cirrhosis, with annual rates ranging
from 3% to 25%. [28]. PVT is considered rare in the population
without chronic liver disease, with an incidence of 2-4 per 100,000
individuals [29]. Studies have shown that PVT is responsible for 5%
to 10% of all portal hypertension cases in developed countries, while
in developing nations, it accounts for up to 33% of cases [8,30,31].
Autopsy studies indicate a prevalence of PVT between 6% to 64%,
while studies based on ultrasound report percentages between 5%
and 24% [32]. Remove this reference [25,33].
The development of PVT is a complex, multifactorial process involving
Virchow’s Triad [17,34,35]. In cirrhotic patients, the primary
contributors are decreased portal blood flow, elevated intrahepatic
vascular resistance, along with increased factor VIII levels and diminished
protein C levels [18,36]. The reduction in portal blood flow is
particularly pronounced in patients with advanced cirrhosis (Child-
Pugh class C) compared to those with milder forms of the disease
(Child-Pugh A/B) [37,38]. Genetic factors and systemic conditions,
such as endotoxemia, further increase the thrombotic risk [18]. The
pathophysiology of cirrhosis involves complex hemostatic alterations
due to liver synthetic dysfunction, portal hypertension, and endothelial
activation [39]. The mechanism of PVT in cirrhosis is distinct from
other thrombotic conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
or pulmonary embolism (PE) [16,40]. Unlike the thrombi found in
DVT or PE, which primarily consist of fibrin, platelets, and red blood
cells, portal vein thrombi are mainly composed of intimal hyperplasia
[41,42]. This suggests that terms like “portal vein obstruction” or
“portal vein stenosis” may be more appropriate in describing PVT in
cirrhosis [16,43]. Further contributing factors to PVT include portal
hypertension, endothelial injury, the presence of esophageal varices,
and a history of variceal endoscopic treatments [32]. The prothrombotic
nature of PVT is also linked to the involvement of neutrophil
extracellular traps (NETs), which promote clot formation. NETs, composed
of DNA and histones, provide a scaffold for thrombus development
and possess strong procoagulant activity [44-46]. Additionally,
propranolol, a nonselective β-blocker (NSBB) commonly used in cirrhosis
management, has been shown to enhance NET formation by
increasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NADPH
oxidase activity [47,48]. This highlights the paradoxical role of
NSBBs in potentially contributing to PVT despite their effectiveness
in reducing variceal bleeding [38].
“PVT can be classified into cirrhotic PVT, malignant thrombosis,
and non-malignant-non-cirrhotic PVT.” [35]. This line provides a basic
classification framework for PVT, which is essential in understanding
its different types based on etiology (detail given in Table 1) [49-54].
PVT can arise from various etiological factors, encompassing
both inherited and acquired conditions. These factors disrupt normal
blood flow and lead to thrombogenesis in the portal venous system.
The primary causes of PVT include liver diseases (such as cirrhosis
and non- alcoholic steatohepatitis), infections, abdominal surgeries,
and systemic inflammatory states. Other etiological factors include:
Schistosomiasis-Induced PVT
The pathophysiology of PVT in schistosomiasis is associated
with chronic pelvic adhesions and inflammation, which contribute to
thrombogenesis [55]. Risk factors for schistosomiasis-induced PVT
include cirrhosis, systemic inflammation, reduced portal vein velocity
(PVV), wider portal vein diameter (PVD), and the presence of gastroesophageal
varices (GOV) [16,56,57].
Intra-abdominal Infections
Intra-abdominal infections are significant contributors to PVT,
with pylephlebitis (suppurative thrombophlebitis of the portal vein)
being a key complication. Conditions such as appendicitis, diverticulitis,
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), cholecystitis, and pancreatitis
have been implicated in the development of PVT. Among these, diverticulitis
is a notable risk factor, with an incidence of approximately 3%
in colonic diverticulitis [58-67].
COVID-19 and Thrombosis
The hypercoagulable state induced by COVID-19 significantly
increases the risk of thrombosis, including PVT and mesenteric
vein thrombosis. COVID-19 induces a cytokine storm and endothelial
dysfunction, both of which promote thrombosis in unusual sites
[68]. Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT),
which has been associated with the COVID-19 vaccines, can sometimes
result in thrombosis within weeks of vaccination [69].
Systemic infections and Thrombosis
Systemic Infection associated inflammatory responses can lead
to a hypercoagulable state, thereby increasing the risk of venous
thromboembolism (VTE), including PVT. Infections such as acute
toxoplasmosis and bacterial infections with hypervirulent strains of
Klebsiella pneumoniae contribute to thrombosis formation through
inflammatory mediators and disseminated intravascular coagulation
(DIC) [70-75].
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Patients with IBD, particularly those with ulcerative colitis (UC)
and Crohn’s disease (CD), have a significantly higher risk of developing
PVT and other VTE-related conditions. A nationwide study has
shown a 20% increase in VTE-related hospitalizations among IBD patients,
with UC linked to an elevated risk of thrombosis [76,77]. This
underscores the need for preventive strategies in IBD patients to reduce
thrombosis risk.
Cirrhosis and Liver Dysfunction
Cirrhotic patients are in a hypercoagulable state due to elevated
von Willebrand factor (vWF) and reduced ADAMTS-13, leading to
platelet aggregation and thrombus formation [78]. Factor VIII and
deficiencies in Protein C and S also contribute to increased thrombin
generation and PVT risk [79-81]. The presence of cirrhosis complicates
the diagnosis of PVT, with debates surrounding its role in exacerbating
cirrhosis progression or merely reflecting disease severity
[82].
Liver Hypoplasia
Liver hypoplasia, a rare condition leading to elevated intrahepatic
portal venous pressure, can contribute to PVT. This is particularly
relevant for diagnosis in patients undergoing liver transplantation or
other surgical procedures [83-85].
Clomiphene Citrate Use
Clomiphene citrate (CC), a drug commonly used for ovulation
induction and male infertility treatment, has been associated with
an increased risk of thrombosis, including PVT and splanchnic vein
thrombosis (SMVT). The drug’s effect on hormonal levels and coagulation
pathways may increase the likelihood of venous thromboembolism.
Clinical case studies have demonstrated that patients using
clomiphene, with no other apparent risk factors, developed PVT and
SMVT, suggesting a potential causative role of the medication [86-88].
Metabolic Comorbidities
Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are at an
elevated risk for developing PVT due to associated metabolic comorbidities
such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia [89]. Additionally,
individuals with COVID-19, particularly those with severe
disease or elevated D-dimer and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels,
have been found to have an increased incidence of thromboembolic
events, including PVT [90,91].
Genetic Factors
Genetic predispositions significantly influence the risk of PVT.
Mutations such as Factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A have
been implicated in increasing thrombotic risk in affected individuals
[92,93]. Additionally, the MTHFR TT genotype is associated with an
earlier onset of PVT due to elevated homocysteine (HC) levels, which
contribute to oxidative damage and thrombosis [94,95].
Hypercoagulable States
Hypercoagulability during pregnancy significantly increases the
risk of PVT, especially when compounded by obesity (BMI >30 kg/
m²). Pregnancy-induced changes, such as increased coagulation activity
after 28 weeks of gestation, contribute to a heightened thromboembolic
risk [96-99].
Myeloproliferative Neoplasms and Thrombophilia
Clonal hematopoiesis in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs)
like polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia significantly
raises thrombotic risks, including splanchnic vein thrombosis.
The JAK2V617F mutation is particularly linked to PVT [9,100,101].
Thrombophilic disorders and low ADAMTS13 activity further exacerbate
thrombotic tendencies [16,102].
Post-Surgical and Environmental Risks
PVT has been documented following bariatric surgeries such as
sleeve gastrectomy, where the incidence reaches 0.5%, attributable to
hypercoagulability and inflammation [103]. Splenectomy, often performed
to manage portal hypertension, is another notable risk factor,
with PVT incidence rates post-surgery ranging between 18.9% and
57% [104,105].
Metabolic and Virological Factors
Metabolic conditions, including advanced cirrhosis and virological
diseases like hepatitis B, heighten PVT risk. Hepatic tuberculosis,
though rare, can directly affect the portal vein, leading to thrombosis
[106,107]. Sustained virological response via direct-acting antivirals
reduces hypercoagulability in cirrhotic patients but does not entirely
eliminate the risk in advanced cases [108].
Risk Factors in Neonates
The placement of umbilical venous catheters (UVCs) in neonates
has been identified as a significant risk factor for PVT. This triggers
bacterial dissemination, which activates the coagulation cascade and
leads to thrombus formation [109,110]. Malpositioned UVCs contribute
to vessel wall irritation and clot formation. Studies have demonstrated
that a notable proportion of neonates with UVCs develop PVT,
and prolonged follow-up is essential for children with this risk factor
[111,112].
Cancer-Related Risk Factors
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cirrhosis contribute significantly
to the development of PVT due to a combination of tumor-induced
hypercoagulability, liver inflammation, and altered coagulation
dynamics. Tumor-induced cytokine release, platelet activation, and
extracellular matrix remodeling further promote thrombosis [113-
116]. Additionally, cancer stem cells, particularly those expressing
EpCAM and CD133, are linked to PVT and metastasis [117,118].
Other Risk Factors
Alterations in gut microbiota, such as reduced Bacteroides abundance,
have been linked to PVT progression in cirrhotic patients, with
interventions aimed at restoring the microbiota showing promise in
improving outcomes [119]. Additional risk factors for PVT include
older age, splenomegaly, ascites, elevated INR, low albumin levels,
and high MELD scores [120-122].
The identification of reliable biomarkers for predicting portal
vein thrombosis (PVT) is essential for early detection, risk stratification,
and monitoring disease progression. Several clinical and laboratory
biomarkers have shown promise in aiding the diagnosis and
prognosis of PVT in various patient populations (detail given in Table
2) [123-131].
Accurate and timely diagnosis of PVT is crucial for appropriate
clinical management. Several diagnostic techniques are employed to
detect PVT and assess its severity, with imaging modalities playing
a central role in confirming the diagnosis. These techniques include
ultrasound, contrast-enhanced imaging (CT and MRI), and advanced
diagnostic methods that help identify thrombus presence, associated
complications, and underlying conditions such as cirrhosis or malignancy
(detail given in Table 3) and diagnostic challenges in Portal
Vein Thrombosis have been described in Supplementary Table 1
[132-146].
Table 3: Diagnostic Methods in Portal Vein Thrombosis.
Supplementary Table 1: Diagnostic Challenges in Portal Vein Thrombosis.
Note: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) presents significant diagnostic challenges, primarily due to its often asymptomatic nature, the diversity of its clinical
presentations, and its overlap with other conditions. Below listed are the factors that complicate the identification of PVT.
The management of PVT involves a comprehensive approach
tailored to the underlying cause, severity, and patient-specific factors.
Initial treatment typically includes rapid anticoagulation with
Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) or unfractionated heparin,
followed by a prolonged course (≥6 months) to prevent thrombus
progression. Once stabilized, patient is transitioned to oral anticoagulants
like warfarin (target INR: 2–3) or direct oral anticoagulants
(DOACs) such as apixaban, rivaroxaban, or dabigatran [65,147-151].
DOACs often preferred due to their safety profile and ease of use. In
cases where anticoagulation fails or is contraindicated, interventions
like Trans-jugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) or surgical
thrombectomy may be necessary. Adjunct therapies such as endoscopic
variceal ligation and beta blockers are essential for preventing
variceal bleeding [152-158] (detail given in Table 4) [159-192].
Impact of Anticoagulation and Underlying Conditions
The prognosis of PVT is majorly influenced by the timely initiation
of anticoagulation therapy and management of underlying conditions.
In cirrhotic patients without anticoagulation therapy, approximately
22% experience progression of PVT, while 77.7% have stable
or improved conditions. Notably, 29.3% of cases experience regression
of PVT, but complete recanalization occurs in only 10.4%, and
recurrence is observed in 24% of patients [193].
Effect of Liver Disease and Coexisting Conditions
The underlying liver disease is a key factor in determining prognosis.
Cirrhotic patients with PVT experience a significant decrease
in two-year survival rates, primarily due to impaired liver function
and associated complications [194]. In contrast, patients with non-alcoholic
fatty liver disease (NAFLD) related PVT generally have a better
prognosis when treated with anticoagulation therapy. The NAFLD
patients showed complete recanalization within six months without
long-term complications with the use of edoxaban to prevent recurrence
[195]. Factors such as a higher MELD score and the presence of
ascites are linked to worse outcomes in cirrhotic patients with PVT
[193]. For non-cirrhotic, non- malignant PVT, the 1-year mortality
rate is lower (8%) compared to malignancy- or cirrhosis- associated
PVT, which has a higher 1-year mortality rate (~26%) [196].
Acute PVT with Intestinal Ischemia
Acute PVT complicated by intestinal ischemia has a particularly
poor prognosis, with mortality rates ranging from 20% to 50%
[30,197]. Early intervention and anticoagulation therapy can improve
survival rates in these cases, highlighting the importance of prompt
diagnosis and management.
PVT and Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)
PVT is strongly associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE),
including pulmonary embolism (PE), with an increased risk of VTE in
PVT patients, particularly in those with idiopathic PVT [198]. The risk
of PE is concerning due to its high mortality rates, especially when
associated with cardiac arrest, as 70% of fatal cardiac arrests occur
within the first hour of PE onset [199,200]. Therefore, early preventive
measures and monitoring for VTE and PE in PVT patients are critical
to improving prognosis.
Prophylaxis and Long-Term Monitoring
For cirrhotic patients, prophylactic anticoagulation therapy may
decrease the incidence of PVT and improve long-term outcomes
[201]. Long-term anticoagulation therapy has been shown to reduce
the frequency of variceal bleeding episodes, improve outcomes by
lowering microvascular thrombosis, and reduce portal vein pressure
[202]. However, patients with cirrhosis and low platelet counts (below
50,000/mL) may be at higher risk for bleeding, with major bleeding
rates reaching up to 9% [150,203].
Extrahepatic Portal Vein Obstruction (EHPVO)
In patients with Extrahepatic Portal Vein Obstruction (EHPVO),
long-term survival can be improved with individualized care, including
primary and secondary prophylaxis for variceal bleeding [140].
Proximal splenorenal shunts offer an 80% survival rate, while Rex
surgery boasts nearly 100% long-term survival [140]. Post-surgical
monitoring is critical to detect complications such as variceal recurrence
and portosystemic encephalopathy.
Vascular Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
Vascular invasion, particularly in HCC with PVT, significantly
impacts survival. Patients with vascular invasion (Vp1-Vp4) exhibit
progressively worse survival rates, with Child-Pugh A patients undergoing
hepatic resection showing median survival rates of 34 months
[204]. Survival decreases as the degree of vascular invasion increases
(Vp1: 42.7%, Vp2: 25.2%, Vp3: 22.3%, Vp4: 9.8%) [204].
Pylephlebitis and Long-Term Monitoring
Pylephlebitis, when left untreated, can lead to severe complications
such as hepatic abscess, mesenteric ischemia, portal hypertension,
and pulmonary embolism, which significantly worsen prognosis.
Regular follow-up imaging is essential to monitor thrombus resolution
and prevent complications [63,205]. Aggressive management,
including anticoagulation and long-term monitoring, is critical for
improving patient outcomes and reducing morbidity and mortality
associated with this condition [148].
Portal Hypertension (PHT)
Portal hypertension plays a crucial role in the prognosis of PVTT,
exacerbating complications such as refractory ascites and esophagogastric
varices, which can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. Managing
PHT through interventions like portal vein stenting and radiofrequency
ablation (RFA) can improve survival outcomes in PVTT patients by
reducing the risk of bleeding and worsening liver dysfunction [206].
Survival and Prognostic Indicators in PVT
Survival in PVT is significantly influenced by the extent of thrombosis
and the presence of vascular invasion, with survival times being
particularly short when the main portal vein is involved (MPVTT). Median
survival in such cases ranges from 2.7 to 4 months [185,207,208].
This highlights the importance of early detection, aggressive management,
and personalized treatment strategies to improve prognosis,
especially in high-risk patients.
Chronic PVT significantly heightens the risk of variceal re-hemorrhage
[209]. Patients with cirrhosis and cavernous transformation
of the portal vein generally have better outcomes, including lower
mortality rates, compared to those without cavernous transformation
[210]. A recent study revealed that TIPS is more effective than anticoagulation
alone in achieving portal vein recanalization and improving
survival, with reduced rates of variceal rebleeding and refractory ascites
in the TIPS group [211].
Portal Hypertension and Its Effects
Portal hypertension in PVT can lead to the development of varices,
splenomegaly, and hypersplenism, all of which require careful
management [212,213].
Extrahepatic Portal Vein Obstruction (EHPVO)
In patients with Extrahepatic Portal Vein Obstruction (EHPVO),
variceal bleeding, particularly from ectopic varices, is a significant
clinical challenge [214,215].
Septicemia and Bacterial Translocation
A rare but serious complication in PVT patients is Clostridium
paraputrificum septicemia, typically observed in immunocompromised
individuals or those with gastrointestinal pathology [216,217].
In cases of ischemic bowel disease, the disruption of the mucosal
barrier facilitates bacterial translocation into the bloodstream [218].
The introduction of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry has enhanced the
detection of anaerobic infections, improving diagnostic accuracy in
these cases [219,220].
Complications in Neonates
In neonates, long-term complications of PVT include liver lobe atrophy,
splenomegaly, and portal hypertension, necessitating ongoing
monitoring [27].
Further investigation is needed to explore the role of coagulation
markers and portal vein velocity in identifying cirrhotic patients at
risk for PVT, especially in those who achieve sustained virological response
(SVR) [42,221,222]. Focused research into diagnostic advancements,
targeted therapies, and optimized anticoagulation protocols is
essential to improve outcomes in PVT management [42]. Additionally,
the potential role of NSBBs in promoting PVT via NETs and neutrophil
activity in cirrhosis warrants further exploration [42,221,222].
Similarly, future studies should also investigate the mechanisms behind
clomiphene-associated thrombosis and enhance management
strategies for cirrhotic PVT and drug-related thromboembolic events.
The limitations of current studies include small sample sizes, which
affect the generalizability of findings. The absence of comparison
across different disease stages restricts insights into how disease
progression influences treatment outcomes. The retrospective nature
of many studies and single-center settings introduce potential biases.
To address these issues, future prospective clinical trials with larger,
multicenter populations are needed to validate findings, biomarkers,
optimize thrombolytic regimens, and explore the role of gut-liver interactions
in PVT development along with the efficacy of combined
therapies for PVTT in HCC [102,131,159,206].
Research into miRNA-modified human umbilical cord-derived
mesenchymal stem cells (hucMSCs) holds promise for endothelial
repair and vascular health [173,174]. Future studies should explore
the molecular mechanisms behind miRNA-modified therapies and
their broader applications in vascular diseases [180,181]. Similarly,
genetic predisposition, especially MTHFR genotypes, highlights the
need for early screening and personalized therapies for PVT [94,95].
While radiotherapy, including stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) and
hypo-fractionated radiotherapy, shows potential for managing PVTT
in HCC, challenges remain in determining the optimal radiation dose
and fractionation schedule for external beam radiotherapy (EBRT)
and SRT. Further studies are necessary to establish the best anticoagulation
regimens and minimize side effects to improve therapeutic
outcomes for PVT.
PVT is a complex thrombotic condition influenced by a range
of genetic, metabolic, and environmental risk factors. Key contributors
include hormonal therapies like clomiphene citrate, underlying
comorbidities such as obesity and NAFLD, genetic predispositions,
and surgical procedures. Additionally, cancer, particularly HCC, liver
cirrhosis, infections, and mechanical factors such as bariatric surgery,
play significant roles in the pathogenesis of PVT. Advances in
the understanding of infections, gut microbiota, micro-vesicles, and
cancer stem cells offer opportunities to improve diagnostic tools and
therapeutic strategies, thereby reducing thrombotic risk and enhancing
patient outcomes [154,223,224]. The treatment of non-cirrhotic
PVT (NCPVT) primarily includes anticoagulation therapy, with direct
oral anticoagulants (DOACs) becoming the preferred choice due to
their safety and convenience [154]. Endovascular interventions are
increasingly utilized in refractory cases, while careful management
of portal hypertensive complications remains essential, especially
in chronic PVT [223,224]. The complex and multifactorial nature of
PVT demands a thorough and individualized approach to diagnosis
and treatment. Ongoing research is needed to better understand the
molecular basis of PVT, refine management strategies, and develop
predictive models to improve patient outcomes. The development of
more effective therapies, coupled with early detection and intervention,
will be key to addressing the challenges posed by PVT in both
cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients [59].
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