A Case of Budd-Chiari Syndrome Secondary to Tumor Thrombosis

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a rare constellation of conditions due to obstruction of venous flow from anatomical levels ranging from the hepatic veins to the confluence of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and right atrium. The resulting retrograde flow of blood leads to hepatomegaly, ascites, and liver failure among other features. Our case highlights the clinical features, diagnostic challenges, and management of a patient with a tumor thrombus from a metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma in a 67-year-old male leading to BCS. This patient, with a past history of prostate adenocarcinoma and aortic valve replacement on chronic warfarin anticoagulation, presented with acutely worsening abdominal pain and a distended abdomen, and imaging revealed an IVC filling defect. Subsequent imaging with a piflufolastat prostate-specific PET showing increased uptake in the IVC elucidated the diagnosis of tumor thrombosis. Management considerations include aggressive therapy and optimization of quality of life. The patient was offered both options, and options including surgical shunting, bypasses, and anticoagulation were discussed. After shared decision-making, the patient and family opted to choose the pathway of palliative radiation and anticoagulation.