Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 26, 2025

New Thrombectomy Technique for Total Portal Vein Thrombosis in Liver Transplantation
Published on: June 27, 2025
The ABCD of portal vein thrombosis: a systematic approach
Alexandre Makoto Minoda1, Raissa Brito Fernandes Cadete1, Sara Reis Teixeira2
1Instituto de Medicina Integral Professor Fernando Figueira (IMIP), Recife, PE, Brazil.
Abstract:
Portal vein thrombosis refers to complete or partial obstruction of the portal venous system, in the intrahepatic or extrahepatic venous tract or even in the splenic or superior mesenteric veins. This common and potentially fatal condition can develop in various clinical contexts, especially those of liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and other solid tumors. Certain characteristics, such as the time since the onset of the thrombus (acute or chronic), its biology (hematic or tumoral), the presence of collateral vessels, and the magnetic resonance imaging aspects, are important components of a thorough, careful analysis, as well as informing decisions regarding the appropriate therapeutic strategy. Here, we present a brief review of the anatomy of the portal venous system and a systematic approach to analyzing the condition, using a mnemonic (ABCD, for age, biology, collaterals, and diffusion). We discuss the various imaging methods and illustrate our discussion with images selected from the case files archived at our facility.
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