Characteristics of portal vein thrombosis patients in the Anatolian city of Isparta: a retrospective single-center study

Aims: This study investigated the clinical profiles of patients diagnosed with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in Isparta, Turkiye. Methods: This study enrolled 68 PVT patients who presented to Süleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine between January 4, 2021, and December 31, 2024 (inclusive of both dates). Eligible participants were adults over 18 years of age with a confirmed diagnosis of PVT identified via ultrasonography, documented within patient records during the specified period, with the initial diagnosis occurring within the specified study period. Results: Among the 68 patients diagnosed with portal vein thrombosis, tumor thrombus was identified in 4 patients (5.9%). Portal region primary malignancies were identified in 11 of 68 PVT cases (16.2%), including stomach cancer (n=3), hepatocellular carcinoma (n=4), cholangiocarcinoma (n=2), and pancreatic cancer (n=2). Of the 64 patients without tumor thrombus, 31 (48.4%) had comorbid liver cirrhosis, while 33 (51.6%) did not. Additionally, our study found that approximately 12.5% of patients without tumor thrombus had atrial fibrillation. The study also identified essential thrombocytosis or polycythemia vera in approximately 7.8% (5 patients) of PVT cases without tumor thrombus. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the need for vigilance regarding the potential development of PVT during the follow-up of patients with liver cirrhosis. Malignancies arising in the portal venous drainage territory or adjacent organs represent notable risk factors for PVT development. In addition, in cases of unexplained portal vein thrombosis, particularly when accompanied by findings such as thrombocytosis or polycythemia, myeloproliferative neoplasms should also be included in the differential diagnosis.