Pregnancy in women with portal vein thrombosis: results of a multicentric European study on maternal and fetal management and outcome

Liver imaging and pregnancy: what to expect when your patient is expecting

Liver diseases in pregnancy can be specific to gestation or only coincidental. In the latter case, the diagnosis can be difficult. Rapid diagnosis of maternal-fetal emergencies and situations requiring specialized interventions are crucial to preserve the maternal liver and guarantee materno-fetal survival. While detailed questioning of the patient and a clinical examination are highly important, imaging is often essential to reach a diagnosis of these liver diseases and lesions. Three groups of liver diseases may be observed during pregnancy: (1) diseases related to pregnancy: intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome, and acute fatty liver of pregnancy; (2) liver diseases that are more frequent during or exacerbated by pregnancy: acute herpes simplex hepatitis, Budd-Chiari syndrome, hemorrhagic hereditary telangiectasia, hepatocellular adenoma, portal vein thrombosis, and cholelithiasis; (3) coincidental conditions, including acute hepatitis, incidental focal liver lesions, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver abscesses and parasitosis, and liver transplantation. Specific knowledge of the main imaging findings is required to reach an early diagnosis, for adequate follow-up, and to avoid adverse consequences in both the mother and the fetus.Critical relevance statement Pregnancy-related liver diseases are the most important cause of liver dysfunction in pregnant patients and, in pregnancy, even common liver conditions can have an unexpected turn. Fear of radiations should never delay necessary imaging studies in pregnancy.Key points• Pregnancy-related liver diseases are the most frequent cause of liver dysfunction during gestation.• Fear of radiation should never delay necessary imaging studies.• Liver imaging is important to assess liver emergencies and for the diagnosis and follow-up of any other liver diseases.• Common liver conditions and lesions may take an unexpected turn during pregnancy.• Pregnancy-specific diseases such as pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome must be rapidly identified. However, imaging should never delay delivery when it is considered to be urgent for maternal-fetal survival.

Navigating portal hypertension: Unlocking safe passage to healthy pregnancy in EHPVO

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Pregnancy is associated with hyperdynamic circulatory state and increased risk of portal hypertension related complications in patients with extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO). We aim to study the impact of EHPVO on pregnancy-related outcomes with focus on subset of patients with UGIB (upper GI bleed).

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of obstetric, maternal and neonatal outcomes of patients with EHPVO registered between January 2006 and December 2022. Forty-five patients were included. Forty-five healthy females with low-risk pregnancies formed the control group.

RESULTS

Adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes were comparable between EHPVO and control group (22% vs. 28.6%; p > .05; low birth weight/ small for gestational age 17.8% vs. 36%, p = .0918 and 14.2% vs. 10%, p = .5698 respectively). Adverse outcomes were similar in patients with and without history of UGIB (26.3% vs. 19.4%, p = .0814; 17.8% vs. 36%, p = .0918; 14.2% vs. 10%, p = .5698). There was no maternal mortality in both the groups. A total of 7% pregnancies in EHPVO patients were complicated by ascites.

CONCLUSIONS

EHPVO pregnancies have successful obstetric and neonatal outcomes with adequate management of portal hypertension.

Pregnancy outcomes in patients with portal cavernoma: A case series study

OBJECTIVE

Non-cirrhotic portal vein cavernoma (PVC) is a cause of portal hypertension (PH) frequently affecting women of childbearing age. Cavernous transformation of the portal vein is frequently associated with prothrombotic disorders and often entails multiple hemodynamic changes, porto-collateral shunt development and thrombopenia, all of which can affect the course of pregnancy. Our aim was to evaluate the risk of PH-related complications and pregnancy outcomes in patients with PVC.

METHODS

Retrospective case series study of patients with PVC undergoing pregnancy in a tertiary care hospital.

RESULTS

Eight pregnancies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. All patients had a predisposing factor for PVC. One episode of variceal bleeding was reported at week 28. Six cesarean sections were scheduled to avoid labor while two urgent surgeries were indicated due to fetal distress and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). In all but one case, anticoagulation was prescribed after delivery. No hemorrhagic or thrombotic complications were reported. There were four cases of IUGR with no case of miscarriage or stillbirth.

CONCLUSION

Pregnancy in patients with PVC has an overall favorable outcome albeit a higher risk of PH-derived complications, and IUGR may be expected. Hence, PVC must not be considered a contraindication for pregnancy although larger prospective studies are necessary.

Maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant patients with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Concerned studies with respect to the outcome of pregnant patients with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension are limited. Thus, a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available literature was conducted.

Methods

A literature search was conducted from 1999 to December 2021 for studies evaluating pregnancy outcomes in patients with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension.

Results

Twelve studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled rate of variceal bleeding, ascites and severe anemia requiring blood transfusion were 9.6%, 2.3%, and 14.9%, respectively. The pooled rate of spontaneous miscarriage, gestational hypertension, delivery by cesarean section, and postpartum hemorrhage were 11.9%, 4.5%, 36.7%, and 4.7%, respectively. The pooled stillbirth rate was 2.5% and among the live births, the pooled rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, intensive care unit admission, and neonatal mortality were 21.6%, 18.7%, 15.5%, and 1.8%, respectively.

Conclusion

Pregnancy in patients with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension is associated with increased maternal & fetal morbidity but mortality remains low.

EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of liver diseases in pregnancy

Liver diseases in pregnancy comprise both gestational liver disorders and acute and chronic hepatic disorders occurring coincidentally in pregnancy. Whether related to pregnancy or pre-existing, liver diseases in pregnancy are associated with a significant risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Thus, the European Association for the Study of Liver Disease invited a panel of experts to develop clinical practice guidelines aimed at providing recommendations, based on the best available evidence, for the management of liver disease in pregnancy for hepatologists, gastroenterologists, obstetric physicians, general physicians, obstetricians, specialists in training and other healthcare professionals who provide care for this patient population.

Management of splanchnic vein thrombosis

The expression splanchnic vein thrombosis encompasses Budd-Chiari syndrome and portal vein thrombosis. These disorders have common characteristics: they are both rare diseases which can cause portal hypertension and its complications. Budd-Chiari syndrome and portal vein thrombosis in the absence of underlying liver disease share many risk factors, among which myeloproliferative neoplasms represent the most common; a rapid comprehensive work-up for risk factors of thrombosis is needed in these patients. Long-term anticoagulation is indicated in most patients. Portal vein thrombosis can also develop in patients with cirrhosis and in those with porto-sinusoidal vascular liver disease. The presence and nature of underlying liver disease impacts the management of portal vein thrombosis. Indications for anticoagulation in patients with cirrhosis are growing, while transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is now a second-line option. Due to the rarity of these diseases, studies yielding high-grade evidence are scarce. However, collaborative studies have provided new insight into the management of these patients. This article focuses on the causes, diagnosis, and management of patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome, portal vein thrombosis without underlying liver disease, or cirrhosis with non-malignant portal vein thrombosis.

Maternal and perinatal outcome in pregnancies complicated with portal hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Portal hypertension is secondary to either cirrhotic or non-cirrhotic causes, and complicating pregnancy poses a challenge to the treating team. A systematic review was performed to determine maternal and perinatal outcomes in women with portal hypertension. Outcomes were compared among those with cirrhotic (CPH) with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) as well as non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF) with extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO).

METHODS

Medline and EMBASE databases were searched for studies reporting outcomes among pregnant women with portal hypertension. Reference lists from relevant papers and reviews were hand-searched for appropriate citations. Data were extracted to describe maternal complications, obstetric and neonatal outcomes. A random-effects model was used to derive pooled estimates of various outcomes, and final estimates were reported as percentages with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Cumulative, sequential and sensitivity analysis was studied to assess the temporal trends of outcomes over the period.

RESULTS

Information on 895 pregnancies among 581 patients with portal hypertension was included from 26 studies. Portal hypertension was diagnosed during pregnancy in 10% (95% CI 4-24%). There were 22 maternal deaths (0%, 95% CI 0-1%), mostly following complications from variceal bleeding or hepatic decompensation. Variceal bleeding complicated in 14% (95% CI 9-20%), and endoscopic interventions were performed in 12% (95% CI 8-17%) during pregnancy. Decompensation of liver function occurred in 7% (95% CI 3-12%). Thrombocytopenia was the most common complication (41%, 95% CI 23-60%). Miscarriages occurred in 14% (95% CI 8-20%), preterm birth in 27% (95% CI 19-37%), and low birth weights in 22% (95% CI 15-30%). Risk of postpartum hemorrhage was higher (RR 5.09, 95% CI 1.84-14.12), and variceal bleeding was lower (RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.30-0.86) among those with CPH compared to NCPH. Risk of various outcomes was comparable between NCPF and EHPVO.

CONCLUSION

One in ten pregnancies complicated with portal hypertension is diagnosed during pregnancy, and thrombocytopenia is the most common complication. Hepatic decompensation and variceal bleeding remain the most common cause of maternal deaths, with reduced rates of bleeding and its complications reported following the introduction of endoscopic procedures during pregnancy. CPH increases the risk of postpartum hemorrhage, whereas variceal bleeding is higher among NCPH.

Vascular liver diseases: A sex-oriented analysis of the literature

Vascular liver diseases are an heterogenous group of diseases that collectively represent an important health issue in the field of liver diseases. This narrative review was elaborated by the Special Interest Group (SIG) "Gender in Hepatology" of the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver (AISF). We aimed to review the current knowledge regarding the potential role of biological sex in patients with vascular liver diseases such as splanchnic vein thrombosis, hepatic vein thrombosis, porto-sinusoidal vascular disorder, and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. As vascular liver diseases commonly affect young individuals, including women in childbearing age, we also included a specific section on the management of pregnancy in these challenging patients.

Pregnancy in Patients with Non-cirrhotic Portal Hypertension: A Literature Review

Pregnancy in non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) is an uncommon condition. Its management is challenging both to the obstetricians as well as to the gastroenterologists due to the lack of more extensive studies and standard clinical practice guidelines. These patients are at increased risk of portal hypertension (PTH) complications, especially variceal bleeding, and with an increased incidence of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Hence, a multidisciplinary approach is required for management of pregnancy in NCPH. This short review describes the different aspects of pregnancy with NCPH, emphasizing specific strategies for preventing and managing PTH from the preconceptional period to postpartum.

Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms in younger adults: A critical discussion of unmet medical needs, with a focus on pregnancy

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are traditionally regarded as a disease of older adults, though a not negligible fraction of cases occurs at a younger age, including women of childbearing potential. MPN in younger patients, indeed, offer several challenges for the clinical hematologist, that goes from difficulties in reaching a timely and accurate diagnosis to a peculiar thrombotic risk, with a relatively high incidence of thromboses in unusual sites (as the splanchnic veins or the cerebral ones). Moreover, the issue of pregnancy is recently gaining more attention as maternal age is rising and molecular screening are widely implemented, leading to a better recognition of these cases, both before and during pregnancy. In the present work we aim at discussing four clinical topic that we identified as areas of uncertainty or true unmet medical needs in the management of younger patients with MPN, with a particular focus on the topic of pregnancy. For each of these topics, we critically reviewed the available evidence that support treatment decisions, though acknowledging that recommendations in this field are mostly based on expert opinion or derived from guidelines of other clinical conditions that share with MPN a high vascular risk, as antiphospholipid syndrome. Taking into consideration both the lack of evidence-based data and the clinical heterogeneity of MPN, we support an individualized strategy of counseling and management for both young patients and for expectant mother with MPN.

Pregnancy outcomes in women with Budd-Chiari syndrome or portal vein thrombosis - a multicentre retrospective cohort study

Objective

To evaluate current practice and outcomes of pregnancy in women previously diagnosed with Budd–Chiari syndrome and/or portal vein thrombosis, with and without concomitant portal hypertension.

Design and setting

Multicentre retrospective cohort study between 2008 and 2021.

Population

Women who conceived in the predefined period after the diagnosis of Budd–Chiari syndrome and/or portal vein thrombosis.

Methods and main outcome measures

We collected data on diagnosis and clinical features. The primary outcomes were maternal mortality and live birth rate. Secondary outcomes included maternal, neonatal and obstetric complications.

Results

Forty‐five women (12 Budd–Chiari syndrome, 33 portal vein thrombosis; 76 pregnancies) were included. Underlying prothrombotic disorders were present in 23 of the 45 women (51%). Thirty‐eight women (84%) received low‐molecular‐weight heparin during pregnancy. Of 45 first pregnancies, 11 (24%) ended in pregnancy loss and 34 (76%) resulted in live birth of which 27 were at term (79% of live births and 60% of pregnancies). No maternal deaths were observed; one woman developed pulmonary embolism during pregnancy and two women (4%) had variceal bleeding requiring intervention.

Conclusions

The high number of term live births (79%) and lower than expected risk of pregnancy‐related maternal and neonatal morbidity in our cohort suggest that Budd–Chiari syndrome and/or portal vein thrombosis should not be considered as an absolute contraindication for pregnancy. Individualised, nuanced counselling and a multidisciplinary pregnancy surveillance approach are essential in this patient population.

Tweetable abstract

Budd–Chiari syndrome and/or portal vein thrombosis should not be considered as an absolute contraindication for pregnancy.

Budd–Chiari syndrome and/or portal vein thrombosis should not be considered as an absolute contraindication for pregnancy.

Linked article This article is commented on by YY Chung & MA Heneghan pp. 618 in this issue. To view this minicommentary visit https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.17002.

Risk-benefit in food safety and nutrition - Outcome of the 2019 Parma Summer School

Risk-benefit assessment is the comparison of the risk of a situation to its related benefits, i.e. a comparison of scenarios estimating the overall health impact. The risk-benefit analysis paradigm mirrors the classical risk analysis one: risk-benefit assessment goes hand-in-hand with risk-benefit management and risk-benefit communication. The various health effects associated with food consumption, together with the increasing demand for advice on healthy and safe diets, have led to the development of different research disciplines in food safety and nutrition. In this sense, there is a clear need for a holistic approach, including and comparing all of the relevant health risks and benefits. The risk-benefit assessment of foods is a valuable approach to estimate the overall impact of food on health. It aims to assess together the negative and positive health effects associated with food intake by integrating chemical and microbiological risk assessment with risk and benefit assessment in food safety and nutrition. The 2019 Parma Summer School on risk-benefit in food safety and nutrition had the objective was to provide an opportunity to learn from experts in the field of risk-benefit approach in food safety and nutrition, including theory, case studies, and communication of risk-benefit assessments plus identify challenges for the future. It was evident that whereas tools and approaches have been developed, more and more case studies have been performed which can form an inherent validation of the risk-benefit approach. Executed risk-benefit assessment case studies apply the steps and characteristics developed: a problem formulation (with at least 2 scenarios), a tiered approach until a decision can be made, one common currency to describe both beneficial and adverse effects (DALYs in most instances). It was concluded that risk-benefit assessment in food safety and nutrition is gaining more and more momentum, while also many challenges remain for the future. Risk-benefit is on the verge of really enrolling into the risk assessment and risk analysis paradigm. The interaction between risk-benefit assessors and risk-benefit managers is pivotal in this, as is the interaction with risk-benefit communicators.

Noncirrhotic Portal Hypertension: Current and Emerging Perspectives

Idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) and extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) are prototype noncirrhotic causes of portal hypertension (PHT), characterized by normal hepatic venous pressure gradient, variceal bleeds, and moderate to massive splenomegaly with preserved liver synthetic functions. Infections, toxins, and immunologic, prothrombotic and genetic disorders are possible causes in IPH, whereas prothrombotic and local factors around the portal vein lead to EHPVO. Growth failure, portal biliopathy, and minimal hepatic encephalopathy are long-term concerns in EHPVO. Surgical shunts and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt resolve the complications secondary to PHT. Meso-Rex shunt is now the standard-of-care surgery in children with EHPVO.

Current knowledge in pathophysiology and management of Budd-Chiari syndrome and non-cirrhotic non-tumoral splanchnic vein thrombosis

Budd-Chiari syndrome and non-cirrhotic non-tumoral portal vein thrombosis are 2 rare disorders, with several similarities that are categorized under the term splanchnic vein thrombosis. Both disorders are frequently associated with an underlying prothrombotic disorder. They can cause severe portal hypertension and usually affect young patients, negatively influencing life expectancy when the diagnosis and treatment are not performed at an early stage. Yet, they have specific features that require individual consideration. The current review will focus on the available knowledge on pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of both entities.

Pregnancy in a Woman with Latent Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Induced Chronic Portal Vein Thrombosis, Portal Cavernoma, and Gastric Varices

Extra-hepatic portal vein thrombosis (EHPVO) represents the obstruction of the portal vein outside the liver and is not related to chronic liver disease or neoplasia. In chronic EHPVO, collateral veins and portal hypertension develop, resulting in splenomegaly and variceal formation. Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are the most frequent acquired etiology of EHPVO. These conditions put pregnant women at increased risk of vascular complications, including venous thrombosis, occlusion of the placental circulation, and variceal bleeding. In this report, we present a 36-year-old pregnant woman with chronic, anticoagulated EHPVO secondary to latent MPN who developed severe intrauterine growth restriction and had cesarean section at 32+1 weeks for increased umbilical doppler resistance and breech presentation. The article will emphasize outcome and management of pregnancies complicated by chronic EHPVO, portal hypertension, and MPN.

Pregnancy in idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension: A multicentric study on maternal and fetal management and outcome

BACKGROUND & AIMS

A total of 15% of patients with idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (INCPH) are women of childbearing age. We aimed to determine maternal and fetal outcome of pregnancies occurring in women with INCPH.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the charts of women with INCPH followed in the centers of the VALDIG network, having had ≥1 pregnancy during the follow-up of their liver disease. Data are represented as median (interquartile range).

RESULTS

A total of 24 pregnancies occurred in 16 women within 24 (5-66) months after INCPH diagnosis. Four women had associated partial portal vein thrombosis before pregnancy. At conception, 2 out of the 16 women had detectable ascites and others were asymptomatic. Out of these 24 pregnancies, there were four miscarriages, one ectopic pregnancy, and one medical termination of pregnancy at 20 weeks of gestation. Out of the 18 other pregnancies reaching 20 weeks of gestation (in 14 patients), there were nine preterm and nine term deliveries. All infants were healthy at delivery, but one died at day 1 of unknown cause and one at day 22 of infectious meningitis; both were preterm. Concerning mothers, two had worsening of ascites, two had variceal bleeding despite non-selective betablockers during pregnancy and one developed a main portal vein thrombosis in early postpartum. Genital bleeding occurred in three patients, including two receiving anticoagulation. All 16 women were alive and asymptomatic after a median follow-up of 27 (9-93) months after last delivery.

CONCLUSION

The overall outcome of women with INCPH who become pregnant is favorable despite a significant incidence of complications related to portal hypertension. Fetal outcome is favorable in most pregnancies reaching 20 weeks of gestation.

LAY SUMMARY

About 15% of patients with idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension are women of childbearing age, who can become pregnant. As available reports on pregnancy in these women are scarce and heterogeneous, it is unclear whether or not pregnancy should be contraindicated in this setting. We provide detailed data showing that, regardless of the associated conditions, the overall outcome of women with idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension becoming pregnant is good despite a significant incidence of complications related to portal hypertension, and that fetal outcome is favorable in most pregnancies reaching 20 weeks of gestation.

Portal vein thrombosis after cesarean section in a patient on prolonged bed rest due to threatened preterm labor

Portal vein thrombosis is a rare but life-threatening complication during pregnancy and postpartum period. Color Doppler ultrasound is useful for prompt diagnosis. Although the risk of complications should be considered, successful pregnancy with comorbid portal vein thrombosis is possible with appropriate anticoagulation therapy and close monitoring.

AISF position paper on liver disease and pregnancy

The relationship between liver disease and pregnancy is of great clinical impact. Severe liver disease in pregnancy is rare; however, pregnancy-related liver disease is the most frequent cause of liver dysfunction during pregnancy and represents a severe threat to foetal and maternal survival. A rapid differential diagnosis between liver disease related or unrelated to pregnancy is required in women who present with liver dysfunction during pregnancy. This report summarizes the recommendation of an expert panel established by the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver (AISF) on the management of liver disease during pregnancy. The article provides an overview of liver disease occurring in pregnancy, an update on the key mechanisms involved in its pathogenesis, and an assessment of the available treatment options. The report contains in three sections: (1) specific liver diseases of pregnancy; (2) liver disease occurring during pregnancy; and (3) pregnancy in patients with pre-existing chronic liver disease. Each topic is discussed considering the most relevant data available in literature; the final statements are formulated according to both scientific evidence and clinical expertise of the involved physicians, and the AISF expert panel recommendations are reported.

Pregnancy and vascular liver disease

Vascular disorders of the liver frequently affect women of childbearing age. Pregnancy and the postpartum are prothrombotic states. Pregnancy seems to be a trigger for Budd-Chiari syndrome in patients with an underlying prothrombotic disorder. Whether pregnancy is a risk factor for other vascular liver disorders is unknown. In women with a known vascular liver disorder and a desire for pregnancy, stabilisation of the liver disease, including the use of a portal decompressive procedure when indicated, should be reached prior to conception. The presence of esophageal varices should be screened and adequate prophylaxis of bleeding applied in a manner similar to what is recommended for patients with cirrhosis. Most women likely benefit from anticoagulation during pregnancy and the postpartum. Labor and delivery are best managed by a multidisciplinary team with experience in this situation. Assisted vaginal delivery is the preferred mode of delivery. Although the risk of miscarriage and premature birth is heightened, current management of these diseases makes it very likely to see the birth of a live baby when pregnancy reaches 20 weeks of gestation.

Portal vein thrombosis

Portal vein thrombosis is an important cause of portal hypertension. PVT occurs in association with cirrhosis or as a result of malignant invasion by hepatocellular carcinoma or even in the absence of associated liver disease. With the current research into its genesis, majority now have an underlying prothrombotic state detectable. Endothelial activation and stagnant portal blood flow also contribute to formation of the thrombus. Acute non-cirrhotic PVT, chronic PVT (EHPVO), and portal vein thrombosis in cirrhosis are the three main variants of portal vein thrombosis with varying etiological factors and variability in presentation and management. Procoagulant state should be actively investigated. Anticoagulation is the mainstay of therapy for acute non-cirrhotic PVT, with supporting evidence for its use in cirrhotic population as well. Chronic PVT (EHPVO) on the other hand requires the management of portal hypertension as such and with role for anticoagulation in the setting of underlying prothrombotic state, however data is awaited in those with no underlying prothrombotic states. TIPS and liver transplant may be feasible even in the setting of PVT however proper selection of candidates and type of surgery is warranted. Thrombolysis and thrombectomy have some role. TARE is a new modality for management of HCC with portal vein invasion.

Portal vein thrombosis

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a rare event in the general medical setting that commonly complicates cirrhosis with portal hypertension, and can also occur with liver tumors. The diagnosis is often incidental when a thrombus is found in the portal vein on imaging tests. However, PVT may also present with clinical symptoms and can progress to life-threatening complications of ischemic hepatitis, liver failure, and/or small intestinal infarction. This article reviews the pathophysiology of this disorder, with a major focus on PVT in patients with cirrhosis, and presents detailed guidelines on optimal diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

[Liver diseases and pregnancy]

Liver disease can be observed in pregnant women whether or not related to pregnancy. Liver disorders can be revealed by pruritus, vomiting, jaundice or abnormal liver blood tests during pregnancy. These liver manifestations can lead to the diagnosis of liver disease specifically associated to pregnancy as intrahepatic pregnancy, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, Hyperemesis gravidarum, acute fatty liver of pregnancy and preeclampsia-induced liver injury. Pregnancy may also be a risk factor for other liver diseases coincident with pregnancy as viral hepatitis, thrombosis, drug toxicity or gallstone. Finally, pre-existing liver disease must be taken into account given the risk of fœto-maternal transmission risk as well as the risk of decompensation of underlying cirrhosis secondary to the hemodynamic changes caused by pregnancy. The aim of this revue is to perform an update on the various situations that can be observed, the principles of management of these liver diseases, in order to reduce the risk of complications and to ensure the best maternal and fetal prognosis.

Pregnancy with portal hypertension

Even though pregnancy is rare with cirrhosis and advanced liver disease, but it may co-exist in the setting of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension as liver function is preserved but whenever encountered together is a complex clinical dilemma. Pregnancy in a patient with portal hypertension presents a special challenge to the obstetrician as so-called physiological hemodynamic changes associated with pregnancy, needed for meeting demands of the growing fetus, worsen the portal hypertension thereby putting mother at risk of potentially life-threatening complications like variceal hemorrhage. Risks of variceal bleed and hepatic decompensation increase many fold during pregnancy. Optimal management revolves round managing the portal hypertension and its complications. Thus management of such cases requires multi-speciality approach involving obstetricians experienced in dealing with high risk cases, hepatologists, anesthetists and neonatologists. With advancement in medical field, pregnancy is not contra-indicated in these women, as was previously believed. This article focuses on the different aspects of pregnancy with portal hypertension with special emphasis on specific cause wise treatment options to decrease the variceal bleed and hepatic decompensation. Based on extensive review of literature, management from pre-conceptional period to postpartum is outlined in order to have optimal maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Portal Cavernoma during Pregnancy

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is characterized by the obstruction of the portal venous system. The venous obstruction can be partial or complete and it is caused by thrombogenic conditions (acquired or hereditary) or nonthrombotic factors. The acquired conditions include abdominal inflammation, infections, surgery, myeloproliferative disorders, obesity, oral contraceptive intake, pregnancy, and postpartum period. Occasionally, it is not possible to recognize any overt cause of PVT. During pregnancy there is an increased venous thromboembolism risk mainly in the systemic venous system and the PVT can occur, but there are no data about its exact prevalence, etiology, and outcome. The portal cavernoma is the cavernomatous transformation of the portal vein. It is a consequence of chronic PVT and occurs when myriads of collateral channels develop to bypass the occlusion. The clinical presentation includes hematemesis due to variceal bleeding, ascites or anaemia, and splenomegaly. The cavernous transformation of the portal vein is easily diagnosed by sonography. We report our case of a 32-year-old, gravida 3 para 2, pregnant woman admitted to our hospital at 13 weeks and 1 day of gestation, clinically asymptomatic. Laboratory test, ultrasound, and endoscopic evaluation were negative. After a detailed counseling, the patient decided on termination of pregnancy at 15 weeks and 1 day of gestation.

Thrombotic complications of myeloproliferative neoplasms: risk assessment and risk-guided management

Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms are considered to be acquired thrombophilic states. Thromboses, both arterial and venous (not rarely in unusual sites), are often the initial events leading to the diagnosis. After diagnosis, the yearly incidence of thrombotic events is highly variable, and ranges from approximately 1% to 10%. The identification of patients at risk who may benefit from antithrombotic therapy remains a challenge, and it is currently based on age and history of thrombotic events. However, the predictive value of these clinical characteristics is rather limited. Few prospective studies and even fewer interventional randomized studies are available, and there are no studies designed to formally validate the use of risk stratification. The implementation of laboratory parameters such as leukocytosis and/or the JAK2 V617F mutation into a scoring system may be of interest. The mechanisms at work leading to thrombosis remain largely speculative, but are likely to be complex and multifactorial, with a prominent role of cell-cell interactions, mostly owing to qualitative changes. The long-term treatment options to prevent thrombosis are, schematically, aspirin alone as primary prevention for the low-risk patients, and cytoreduction combined with aspirin for the other patients. In very low-risk young essential thrombocythemia patients, abstention can even be considered. The optimal duration of anticoagulation after a thrombotic event is not established. All antithrombotic therapies should be balanced with the hemorrhagic risk, which can also be increased in these patients.

Pregnancy in the Setting of Asymptomatic Non-Cirrhotic Chronic Portal Vein Thrombosis Complicated by Pre-Eclampsia

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) can be chronic or acute in nature; it is characterized by a thrombus formation in the main portal vein and/or its right or left branches. Herein, we present a 36-year-old woman with asymptomatic noncirrhotic chronic PVT who developed preeclampsia in the later stage of pregnancy. This report will emphasize the clinical differential diagnosis, outcome, and management of pregnancies complicated by noncirrhotic PVT.