Treatments for Budd-Chiari syndrome are designed to dissolve blood clots and to help improve blood flow in the liver. Treatments are usually drug therapy, minimally invasive procedures, and surgery.
Budd-Chiari syndrome is a condition in which the hepatic veins (veins that drain the liver) are blocked or narrowed by a clot (mass of blood cells). This blockage causes blood to back up into the liver, and as a result, the liver grows larger. The spleen (an organ located on the upper left side of the abdomen that helps fight infection by filtering the blood) may also grow larger.
Budd-Chiari Syndrome may also cause other conditions, including:
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Budd-Chiari syndrome can be caused by conditions and situations that cause your blood to clot (form a blockage). These include:
The symptoms of Budd-Chiari syndrome include:
Budd-Chiari syndrome is diagnosed through a physical examination and with certain tests. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and will look for signs of Budd-Chiari, such as ascites (swelling in the abdomen). Your doctor will also arrange for blood tests to check how well your liver is functioning and to learn if you are at greater risk for blood clots.
Imaging tests will determine if your veins are blocked by clots. These tests include:
To see if you've had cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), your doctor may order a liver biopsy (removal of cells or tissue for examination under a microscope).
Treatments for Budd-Chiari syndrome are designed to dissolve blood clots and to help improve blood flow in the liver. Treatments are usually drug therapy, non-surgical procedures, and surgery:
Without treatment, people who have a completely blocked hepatic vein can die of liver failure within three years. Survival in this case is improved with liver transplantation. People who have partially blocked veins can live longer, but the life expectancy is different for each person.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/23/2019.
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