Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is diagnosed by imaging methods. Once diagnosed by means of ultrasound, Doppler ultrasound can be performed to distinguish between a benign and malignant thrombus. If further information is required, magnetic resonance angiography or contrast-enhanced computed tomography is the next step, and if these tests are unsatisfactory, digital subtraction angiography should be performed. Many papers have been published dealing with alternative methods of treating PVT, but the material is fairly heterogeneous. In symptomatic non-cavernomatous PVT, recanalization using local methods is recommended by many authors. Implantation of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is helpful in cirrhotic patients with non-cavernomatous PVT in reducing portal pressure and in diminishing the risk of re-thrombosis. In noncirrhotic patients with recent PVT, some authors recommend anticoagulation alone. In chronic thrombotic occlusion of the portal vein, local measures may be implemented if refractory symptoms of portal hypertension are evident.

Myeloproliferative disorder, liver cirrhosis with portal hypertension, deficiency of natural anticoagulant proteins, gene mutation and hepatocellular carcinoma are the most frequent causes of portal vein thrombosis (PVT). Higher accuracy of the diagnostic methods is the reason why today the cause of PVT can be found more frequently. With imaging methods, PVT with or without cavernous transformation can be diagnosed. Fresh thrombus can be undetected in sonography due to the low echogenity but can be recognized in color Doppler sonography, especially with contrast-enhancing agent. Contrast-enhanced 3D MR angiography allows a comparable accuracy in the detection of PVT as digital subtraction angiography. Therapeutical options of PVT consist of mechanical recanalization of the portal vein, local fibrinolysis with or without placement of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt (TIPS), combination of mechanical recanalization and local fibrinolysis, systemic thrombolytic therapy, anticoagulation alone and surgical thrombectomy. Once PVT is found in sonography, Doppler sonography may be performed in order to distinguish benign from malignant thrombus. If further information is needed, MR angiography or contrast enhanced CT is the next step. If these tests are unsatisfactory, digital subtraction angiography should be performed. Until the early nineties, shunt surgery was recommended in patients with PVT who bled despite endoscopic treatment. Today, in symptomatic noncavernomatous PVT, recanalization with local methods is recommended. Additional implantation of TIPS should be performed when the patient is cirrhotic. In recent PVT in non-cirrhotic patients anticoagulation alone is recommended. It is expected that in old PVT anticoagulation can prevent further extension of the thrombus.

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In some liver transplant candidates, TIPS can be useful in minimizing the risk of complications of portal hypertension during the waiting time for a liver transplantation. TIPS can be monitored by Doppler US and revised if occlusion occurs.