Portal vein thrombosis - a primer for the general physician

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is thrombosis of the portal circulation, which may present with varied symptoms. However, increased use of abdominal imaging has noted a large number of incidental PVT. At the same time, PVT may be overlooked in the absence of the characteristic symptoms. More recently, a JAK2 mutation has been recognised as a cause of PVT. Anticoagulation is the mainstay of treatment, but can pose a dilemma because of the associated coagulopathy, the presence of varices and thrombocytopenia.