The Budd-Chiari syndrome: angiography and its complications

Area of Science:

• Vascular Medicine
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Budd-Chiari syndrome is a rare condition characterized by hepatic venous outflow obstruction.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and improved patient outcomes.

Observation:

• Four cases of Budd-Chiari syndrome are presented, detailing diagnostic procedures.
• Hepatic venography and inferior vena cavography were employed for diagnosis confirmation.
• Angiography was utilized to assess liver and portal venous system status.

Findings:

• Angiography confirmed Budd-Chiari syndrome in all four patients.
• A high incidence of contrast medium complications (nausea, renal failure, death) was observed in three patients.
• The study highlights an unusually high rate of adverse events associated with angiography in this cohort.

Implications:

• The findings necessitate a critical evaluation of the risks versus benefits of angiography in Budd-Chiari syndrome diagnosis.
• Further research may explore alternative diagnostic modalities or optimized angiographic techniques.
• This assessment informs clinical decision-making regarding the utility of angiography for Budd-Chiari syndrome.