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Budd-Chiari Syndrome

By Howard J. Worman, M. D.

Budd-Chiari syndrome is clotting of the hepatic vein, the major vein that leaves the liver. Most patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome have an underlying condition that predisposes to blood clotting. About 10% have polycythemia vera, a condition in which abnormal amounts of red blood cells are. About 10% of patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome take birth control pills which also may predispose to blood clotting.

The most common symptom in Budd-Chiari syndrome is ascites, or fluid accumulation in the abdomen. Patients can also have abnormal bloods tests indicative of liver disease. Some individuals with Budd-Chiari syndrome may be jaundiced (yellow skin). The examining doctors often first suspect cirrhosis as a cause of the symptoms in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome.

Patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome who have deteriorating liver function and complications usually need to undergo liver transplantation. Other surgical procedures have been used with variable degrees of success. In some cases, the underlying condition that caused the syndrome excludes transplantation as a treatment option.

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Copyright, 1995, 1999, Howard J. Worman, M. D. All rights reserved. Printing or other reproduction is prohibited without the written authorization of Howard J. Worman.

Hemangioma/Howard J. Worman, M. D./hjw14@columbia.edu