Budd-Chiari
syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by narrowing and
obstruction (occlusion) of the veins of the liver (hepatic
veins).
Signs and Symptoms:
Jaundice,
Epigastric pain, Vomiting, Intermittent mild abdominal pain in
the upper right part of the abdomen
Ascites, or
fluid accumulation in the abdomen
Hepatomegaly,
Splenomegaly, Ankle edema
In some cases,
affected individuals may have scarring (fibrosis) and impaired
functioning of the liver (cirrhosis) before or following the
development of Budd-Chiari syndrome.
Diagnosis:
Clinical
evaluation of the patients
Angiography:
Portal vein obstruction
MRI (magnetic
resonance imaging) & Ultrasound
Liver Biopsy
Treatment:
Treatment of
Budd-Chiari syndrome is most successful if the disorder is
diagnosed early
The use of high
doses of the corticosteroid drug, prednisone, may also be
administered. Drugs that hinder blood clotting
(anticoagulants) such as heparin may be beneficial for
treatment of individuals with Budd-Chiari syndrome
Surgical
widening (dilation) of affected veins (angioplasty) may ease
high pressure in the vessel walls.
It can be
treated surgically by diverting blood flow from one vein to
another (shunting).
In some cases
blocked vein may be cleared out and then a slender rod (stent)
may be inserted into the vein to maintain blood flow.
In serious cases
of Budd-Chiari syndrome, liver transplantation may be
necessary
