What does portal vein embolism mean?

Portal vein embolism (PVE) is a type of thrombosis that occurs in the portal vein and one of its branches, which hinders normal blood flow and affects liver function, resulting in blood purification and metabolic disorders.

PVE can be caused by a variety of causes, such as acute pancreatitis, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, etc. Among them, liver cirrhosis is the more common cause, accounting for more than 70% of patients with PVE. Early symptoms of PVE are not obvious, and with the progression of the disease, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, ascites, abnormal liver function and other symptoms may occur. If the disease is not treated in time, the disease continues to develop, serious embolism can cause portal hypertension, gastrointestinal bleeding, spleen dysfunction and other complications.