How to treat patients with splanchnic vein thrombosis: recent advances

Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is an unusual-site venous thromboembolism that includes portal, mesenteric, and splenic vein thrombosis as well as the Budd-Chiari syndrome. SVT is a relatively rare disease (portal vein thrombosis and Budd-Chiari syndrome are, respectively, the most and the least common presentations); roughly one‑third of the cases are detected incidentally, and liver cirrhosis and solid cancer represent the main risk factors. Once SVT is diagnosed, careful patient evaluation should be performed to assess the stage, grade, and extension of the thrombosis, as well as the risks and benefits of the anticoagulation regimen. Anticoagulant therapy is effective in SVT treatment and is associated with high rates of vein recanalization, low rates of thrombosis progression or recurrence, and an acceptable rate of bleeding complications. Most available data come from observational studies in patients with liver cirrhosis-related SVT receiving low‑molecular‑weight heparin or vitamin K antagonists. Data on the use of direct oral anticoagulants are increasing and promising. In selected patients and in specialized centers, interventional procedures may be considered in adjunction to anticoagulation in the cases of mesenteric or extensive SVT, intestinal ischemia, or in the patients whose condition deteriorates despite adequate anticoagulant therapy. In this narrative review, we summarize the available data regarding anticoagulation in patients with SVT, identify specific subgroups of patients who may achieve the greatest benefits from anticoagulant therapy, and provide practical advice for clinicians caring for these patients.