Imaging Diagnosis of Budd-Chiari Syndrome in a Middle-Aged Female: A Case Report

Budd-Chiari Syndrome (BCS) is a rare disorder characterized by hepatic venous outflow obstruction, leading to liver congestion, ischemia, and cirrhosis. A 35 years old female presented with nausea, vomiting, reduced appetite and progressive abdominal distension. Clinical examination revealed mild icterus and pedal edema. Ultrasonography (USG) with Doppler showed caudate lobe hypertrophy, ascites, and absent hepatic veins, raising suspicion of BCS. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) confirmed the diagnosis, revealing hepatic vein thrombosis, caudate lobe hypertrophy, peripheral liver atrophy, and gastroesophageal varices. Imaging played a crucial role in establishing the diagnosis, while the patient was lost to follow-up before further management. This case highlights the role of USG and CECT in the early diagnosis of BCS and emphasizes the need for prompt treatment, including diuretics, anticoagulation, and advanced interventions like TIPS or liver transplantation in severe cases, to prevent complications such as cirrhosis and portal hypertension.