Ascites in patients with non- cirrhotic non- malignant extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis

Manon Spaander (1) , Henk van Buuren (2) , Bettina Hansen (3, 4) , Harry L Janssen (5)

1 Gastroenterology and Hepatology
2 Gastroenterology and Hepatology
3 Epidemiology & Biostatistics
4 Gastroenterology and Hepatology
5 Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Background and Aims. The clinical significance of ascites in patients with extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis (EPVT) has been poorly defined. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency, natural history and prognostic implication of ascites in patients with EPVT, and to identify risk factors for this complication. Methods. Single-center retrospective study of consecutive patients diagnosed with non-cirrhotic non-malignant EPVT between 1985 and 2009. Results. One hundred and three patients (35% males; median age 43 (range 16– 83) years) were included and followed for a median time of 5.2 (range 0.9 – 32.5) years. Twenty-nine (28%) had ascites at the time of diagnosis. Overall survival was 91% at five years versus 80 % at ten years. Survival in patients presenting with and without ascites was 83% versus 95% at five years and 42% versus 87% at ten years (p= < 0.01). There was no correlation between the presence of ascites and extension of the thrombus into the large splanchnic veins, duration of thrombosis or presence of gastrointestinal bleeding. Conclusion. Ascites is present in a quarter of patients presenting with non-cirrhotic non- malignant EPVT. Ascites is a significant and independent prognostic factor and associated with a decreased long-term survival.

Mots clés: Medicine

Manon Spaander, Henk van Buuren, Bettina Hansen, Harry L Janssen. Ascites in patients with non- cirrhotic non- malignant extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis. Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2010, 32 (4), pp.529. ⟨10.1111/j.1365-2036.2010.04375.x⟩. ⟨hal-00552581⟩