Hepatic vein obstruction (Budd-Chiari)

Hepatic vein obstruction refers to a blockage of the hepatic vein, which carries blood away from the liver.

Alternative Names

Budd-Chiari syndrome

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Hepatic vein obstruction prevents blood from flowing out of the liver and back to the heart. This blockage can cause liver damage. Obstruction of this vein can be caused by masses pressing on the vessel ( tumor ) or by thrombus (clot) formation within the vessel. Most often, it is caused by conditions which increase the body's propensity to form blood clots. These include:

  • Myeloproliferative disorders -- abnormal proliferation of cells from the bone marrow
  • Cancers
  • Oral contraceptives and pregnancy
  • Infections

    • Signs and tests

  • Elevated results of
    • liver function tests
  • Ultrasound
  • of the liver
  • CT scan
  • or
    • MRI of the abdomen
  • Liver biopsy

    • Treatment

  • Treatment varies, depending on the cause of the obstruction, and may include the following:
  • Medical therapy for symptoms
  • Anticoagulation medications
  • Surgical interventions
  • Radiological procedures

    • Complications

    Hepatic vein obstruction can progress to liver failure, which can be fatal.

    Calling your health care provider

    Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of hepatic vein obstruction or if you are undergoing treatment and any new symptoms develop.

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