Imaging diffuse liver disease : part III

Abstract

Vascular stasis, hypercoagulability states and endothelial disruption (Virchow's triad) are known to be main mechanisms that cause thrombosis. Portal venous stasis caused by cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma or pancreatic carcinoma may lead to portal venous thrombosis. Sepsis, direct trauma, inflammatory bowel disease and phlebitis all lead to endothelial damage that may result in portal venous thrombosis. Portal venous thrombosis is usually a transient condition, however if it involves the smaller intrahepatic branches revascularisation will not occur. When it persists, cavernous transformation of numerous collateral venous channels that replace the main portal vein. CT will show both thrombosis of the portal vein and the sponge-like conglomerate of veins replacing it in the porta hepatis. It may also demonstrate the cause of the portal vein thrombosis