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Future Directions

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Portal Vein Thrombosis

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Abstract

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a well-known complication of liver diseases; however, still much has to be done to improve the knowledge and treatment of this condition. Relevant methodological flaws have led to controversial results and many questions remain unanswered. Prospective, controlled quality studies are strongly required to advance in this field. PVT development prediction using scores, biomarkers or viscoelastic tests are promising emerging topics but a research planning on data collection and validation strategy should be defined. Direct oral anti-coagulants (DOACs) seem to be safe and effective in the treatment of PVT, but prospective randomized controlled data are lacking as well as indication about length of therapy and stopping rules. Future lines of research should focus not only on avoidance of thrombosis but also on exploring the extended role of anticoagulation as anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic intervention.

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Abbreviations

DOAC:

Direct oral anti-coagulants

HCC:

Hepatocellular carcinoma

LMWH:

Low molecular weight heparin

LT:

Liver transplantation

PVT:

Portal vein thrombosis

TIPS:

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

US:

UltraSonography

VTE:

Venous thrombo-embolism

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Gastroenterology, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, AOU di Modena, Modena, Italy

    Marcello Bianchini & Erica Villa

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  1. Marcello Bianchini
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  2. Erica Villa
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Correspondence to Erica Villa .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China

    Xingshun Qi

  2. Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China

    Weifen Xie

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Bianchini, M., Villa, E. (2021). Future Directions. In: Qi, X., Xie, W. (eds) Portal Vein Thrombosis. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-33-6538-4_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-33-6538-4_12

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