Clinical Outcomes of Anticoagulant Therapy in Cirrhotic Patients with Benign Portal Vein Thrombosis

Dalia Elsayed Tawfik, Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura UniversityFollow
Muhammad Abdulaty Diasty, Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University
Aya Ahmed Elboghdady, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University
Hatem Abdel Wahab Elalfy, Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University

Subject Area

Tropical Medicine

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Background

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is among the recognized vascular complications encountered in cirrhotic patients and may significantly influence disease progression and survival. The clinical course of PVT differs according to its etiology, particularly when hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is absent. This study was designed to assess the outcomes of benign portal vein thrombosis in cirrhotic patients.

Methods

This prospective observational study enrolled 18 cirrhotic patients diagnosed with non-malignant portal vein thrombosis. All participants underwent comprehensive clinical evaluation, laboratory investigations, and radiological assessment. Severity of liver disease was determined using the Child–Pugh classification and MELD score. Radiological imaging was utilized to evaluate the site and extent of thrombosis. All patients received anticoagulation therapy and were monitored for portal vein recanalization, thrombus progression, bleeding events, and mortality.

Results

Recanalization was achieved in 8 patients (44.4%), whereas thrombus progression occurred in only one patient (5.6%). Bleeding complications developed in two patients (11.1%), and five patients (27.8%) died during follow-up. Early initiation of anticoagulation (months) was significantly associated with successful recanalization (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Benign portal vein thrombosis in cirrhotic patients was associated with favorable clinical outcomes, including satisfactory recanalization rates and limited thrombus progression. Anticoagulation was generally well tolerated in this cohort; however, larger controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Recommended Citation

Tawfik, Dalia Elsayed; Diasty, Muhammad Abdulaty; Elboghdady, Aya Ahmed; and Elalfy, Hatem Abdel Wahab (2026) "Clinical Outcomes of Anticoagulant Therapy in Cirrhotic Patients with Benign Portal Vein Thrombosis," Mansoura Medical Journal: Vol. 56 : Iss. 2 , Article 4.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.58775/2735-3990.1602