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Published on: June 27, 2025
Ascites in patients with noncirrhotic nonmalignant extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis
M C W Spaander1, H R van Buuren, B E Hansen
1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Aims:
To assess the frequency, natural history and prognostic implication of ascites in patients with EPVT and to identify risk factors for this complication.
Methods:
A single-centre retrospective study of consecutive patients diagnosed with noncirrhotic nonmalignant EPVT between 1985 and 2009.
Results:
One hundred and three patients [35% males; median age 43 (range 16-83) years] were included and followed up for a median time of 5.2 (range 0.9-32.5) years. Twenty-nine (28%) had ascites at the time of diagnosis. Overall survival was 91% at 5 years vs. 80% at 10 years. Survival in patients presenting with and without ascites was 83% vs. 95% at 5 years and 42% vs. 87% at 10 years (P = or < 0.01). There was no correlation between the presence of ascites and extension of the thrombus into the large splanchnic veins, duration of thrombosis or presence of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Conclusions:
Ascites is present in a quarter of patients presenting with noncirrhotic nonmalignant extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis. Ascites is a significant and independent prognostic factor and it is associated with a decreased long-term survival.
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