Budd syndrome

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Definition

What is Budd-Chiari syndrome?

Budd-Chiari syndrome is a disease that occurs when a blood vessel in the liver becomes blocked by a blood clot. This syndrome is also known as Hepatic Vein Thrombosis (HVT).

This condition blocks the drainage system of the liver, which blocks blood flow back to the heart. Without proper blood flow, the liver cannot get the fresh oxygen it needs to carry out its normal functions. This condition can seriously damage the liver and can lead to kidney failure.

The signs and symptoms caused by this syndrome are different from person to person. Symptoms associated with Budd-Chiari syndrome include pain in the right upper abdomen, abnormally enlarged liver (hepatomegaly), and / or fluid buildup in the cavity between the 2 layers of membrane lining the stomach (peritoneal cavity).

Some people may not experience symptoms until the blockage causes liver damage.

How common is this condition?

This condition is a rare condition. However, this syndrome can affect both men and women. Most cases that occur tend to attack individuals between the ages of 20-40 years. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs and Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of Budd-Chiari syndrome?

In the early stages, not everyone with this syndrome will experience different signs and symptoms. The main signs and symptoms that occur can include fluid buildup in the stomach and an enlarged liver. This is caused by the buildup of pressure behind the blockage.

Common signs and symptoms of Budd-Chiari syndrome are:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Vomiting blood
• Unexplained weight loss
• Enlarged spleen
• Swelling of the lower body organs
• Stomach pain (especially in the upper right side of the stomach)
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent this condition from worsening and other medical emergencies. For that, talk to your doctor immediately to prevent this serious condition.

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes the Budd-Chiari syndrome?

Several medications, diseases, and congenital disorders can cause Budd-Chiari syndrome. Anything that causes blood to clot in the veins in the liver can cause this syndrome.

The main causes of Budd-Chiari syndrome are:

• Congenital blood disorders
• Heart cancer
• Trauma to the heart
• Infection
• Inflammation of blood vessels (phlebitis)
• Family planning pills
• Pregnancy
• Immunosuppressive drugs
• Autoimmune disease
• Inflammatory disease
• Connective tissue disease

Triggers

What puts me more at risk for HVT?

You may be at higher risk for this syndrome, aka HVT if you have the following conditions or are taking the following medicines:

• Dacarbazine
• Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency
• Trauma and liver injury
• Regular use of birth control pills, combined with genetic defects can also cause hypercoagulability and BCS.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is Budd-Chiari syndrome diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects you have HVT, a physical exam will be done and several tests will be recommended, including:

• A blood sample can show if the liver is working well. You may need imaging tests if the blood test results show liver damage.
• The doctor can do an ultrasound of the liver to check its size and signs of damage. A CT scan can also be used to see damaged tissue.
• You may need a liver biopsy if the doctor finds abnormalities in the liver. The doctor will take a small piece of liver tissue to see the damage.
• The doctor can also measure the pressure inside the blood vessels. The doctor will insert a small instrument through the catheter into the blood vessel of the liver. This procedure is called hepatic vascular catheterization.

How is Budd-Chiari syndrome treated?

Treatment

Anti-clotting drugs can often treat Budd-Chiari syndrome. Medicines to thin blood clots are called fibrinolytic drugs. Doctors can also give anticoagulants to prevent blood clots.

Operation

The doctor may decide to widen the blood vessels of the liver to increase blood flow. This procedure is called percutaneous transluminal angioplasty . During the procedure, the surgeon will place a catheter in the blocked blood vessel. The catheter has a balloon that is deflated at the end. Later, the surgeon will inflate it once it is inside the vein. This makes the blood vessels dilate. Once the blood vessels are wide enough, the surgeon will insert a wire through the vein to keep the blood vessels open.

The surgeon can use transjugular intrahepatic portal-systemic shunting to direct the blood vessels to flow away from the liver. This will reduce pressure on the portal vein.

Prevention

What can I do at home to treat or prevent Budd-Chiari syndrome?

Here are steps you can take at home to help you deal with Budd-Chiari syndrome:

• Eat a healthy diet
• Maintain ideal body weight
• Increase physical activity
• Limit alcohol intake
• Do not smoke
• Deal with stress
• Practice relaxation or breathe deeply and slowly

Always consult a doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.