Management of Portal Vein Thrombosis in a Postpartum Patient Using Combined Endovascular Therapy and Anticoagulation

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition in the postpartum period. We present the case of a 25-year-old female who developed extensive thrombosis involving the portal vein, superior mesenteric vein, and splenic vein 13 days after an at-home vaginal delivery complicated by manual placenta extraction performed at a hospital. She presented with progressive abdominal pain and was found to have postpartum endometritis, retained products of conception, and ascites. Laboratory evaluation revealed leukocytosis and mild hepatic enzyme elevation, with a largely negative thrombophilia workup. Given the extensive thrombosis involving the portal vein, superior mesenteric vein, inferior mesenteric vein, and splenic vein, accompanied by ascites and multiple risk factors, she underwent urgent catheter-directed thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy in addition to systemic anticoagulation. Post-procedural imaging confirmed significant restoration of portal venous flow. The patient was transitioned to oral anticoagulation and discharged in stable condition. This case highlights the importance of early recognition and multidisciplinary management of postpartum PVT. In patients with extensive clot burden or risk factors for failed recanalization, endovascular therapy combined with anticoagulation may offer a superior outcome to anticoagulation alone.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2026-01-08
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.101109
Primary Topic
Liver Disease and Transplantation
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Management of Portal Vein Thrombosis in a Postpartum Patient Using Combined Endovascular Therapy and Anticoagulation

Tomas Mujo, Shannon Chu, Fahad Farooq, Zohaib Khan
Cureus
Liver Disease and Transplantation
article

Management of Portal Vein Thrombosis in a Postpartum Patient Using Combined Endovascular Therapy and Anticoagulation

Tomas Mujo, Shannon Chu, Fahad Farooq, Zohaib Khan
article en

Abstract

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition in the postpartum period. We present the case of a 25-year-old female who developed extensive thrombosis involving the portal vein, superior mesenteric vein, and splenic vein 13 days after an at-home vaginal delivery complicated by manual placenta extraction performed at a hospital. She presented with progressive abdominal pain and was found to have postpartum endometritis, retained products of conception, and ascites. Laboratory evaluation revealed leukocytosis and mild hepatic enzyme elevation, with a largely negative thrombophilia workup. Given the extensive thrombosis involving the portal vein, superior mesenteric vein, inferior mesenteric vein, and splenic vein, accompanied by ascites and multiple risk factors, she underwent urgent catheter-directed thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy in addition to systemic anticoagulation. Post-procedural imaging confirmed significant restoration of portal venous flow. The patient was transitioned to oral anticoagulation and discharged in stable condition. This case highlights the importance of early recognition and multidisciplinary management of postpartum PVT. In patients with extensive clot burden or risk factors for failed recanalization, endovascular therapy combined with anticoagulation may offer a superior outcome to anticoagulation alone.

CureusVol. 18(1)
SUNY Upstate Medical University (US)
Gender equality, Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 94%
Liver Disease and Transplantation
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.