An obstruction (partially and/or completely) in the hepatic veins of the liver caused by a blood clot causing a blockage of the draining system of the liver, this then causes the heart not able to supply fresh oxygen-rich blood to the liver and hence affecting liver function.
This condition can damage the liver to the point of liver damage.
Some may have no symptoms at all till the point of liver failure while others may have symptoms.
This condition is referred as Hepatic vein thrombosis.
Complications
Because blood flow out of the liver is impeded, blood backs up in the liver, causing it to enlarge.
This backup of blood (congestion) causes blood pressure in the portal vein (which carries blood to the liver from the intestines) to increase.
This increased pressure, called portal hypertension, can result in dilated, twisted (varicose) veins in the oesophagus (oesophageal varices).
Portal hypertension, plus the engorged and damaged liver, leads to fluid accumulating in the abdomen (called ascites).
The kidneys contribute to ascites by causing salt and water to be retained.
The clot may extend to also block the inferior vena cava (the large vein that carries blood from the lower parts of the body, including the liver, to the heart).
Varicose veins in the abdomen near the skin’s surface may develop and become visible.
Eventually, severe scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) occurs.
Fever greater than 38°C or 100°F, hot sweaty and clammy?
General discomfort (muscle weakness), uneasiness or ill feeling (malaise) and/or fatigue (tiredness)?
Abdominal pain and/or are constant violently vomiting or vomiting longer than two days?
Weight loss?
Itchy skin (high levels of bile in the skin)?
A new rash that has appeared or existing rash getting worst (red palms or spider veins)?
Spider veins on hands and skin?
Red palms (long term liver disease)?
Bruising and bleeding (blood not clotting properly)?
Abdominal heaviness, swelling in abdomen and liver area (due to ascites where one has a fluid build up in the peritoneal cavity (a lining around the abdominal organs and intestines)?
Breathing difficulties (due to swelling affecting diaphragm movement)?
An increased or high level of fluid collection within the peritoneum (the sac that contains the intestines within the abdominal cavity- the outside lining of the organs- this space has peritoneal fluid which helps to reduce friction between the belly and the organs during digestion).
It is due to a combination of factors, including increased pressure in the portal system and decrease protein in the body which the liver produces, this causes fluid to leak out of the portal vein and into the abdominal cavity and lining – the peritoneum.
The blood volume is reduced and the kidney then responds and try to retain salt and water in the body, this causes further swelling.
Ascites can also be caused by cancer, heart failure, kidney failure, inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), and tuberculosis affecting the lining of the abdomen.
Symptoms include:
Increased abdominal swelling and belly size
Ankle swelling
Shortness of breath
Feeling full after eating small amounts of food
Appetite loss
Liver cancer (symptoms are similar to liver disease but one can also have):
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Budd Chiari-Syndrome in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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