Budd-Chiari syndrome is caused by obstruction of the hepatic veins and/or the inferior vena cava above the outlet of the hepatic veins. This condition leads to liver congestion and hepatomegaly. In advanced stages, it can result in cirrhosis, splenomegaly, ascites, and portal hypertension.

bubble_chart Diagnosis

Medical history and symptoms

The cause of most diseases is unknown. In about 30% of cases, the disease cause can be identified. This disease generally has an insidious onset, with clinical manifestations such as hepatosplenomegaly and tenderness, progressive massive ascites, grade I jaundice, etc. If there is inferior vena cava obstruction, lower limb edema is prominent, along with varicose veins on the chest and abdominal wall. A small number of patients experience acute episodes, often accompanied by other diseases such as kidney cancer, primary liver cancer, or thrombophlebitis, presenting with abdominal pain, vomiting, hepatomegaly, ascites, and jaundice. Delirium, unconsciousness, and liver failure may rapidly occur, leading to death.

I. Physical examination findings

Hepatosplenomegaly, ascites, jaundice, and varicose veins on the lumbar, back, chest, and abdominal walls, with blood flow direction upward. Some patients may exhibit lower limb edema or pigmentation.

II. Auxiliary examinations

In patients with chronic sexually transmitted diseases, serum transaminase levels are normal or mildly elevated (grade I). Prothrombin activity is not reduced. Half of the patients may develop functional renal failure. In acute cases, serum transaminase levels are significantly elevated during the onset, and prothrombin activity decreases.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

Internal medicine management primarily focuses on improving clinical symptoms, which is symptomatic treatment.