Is Portal Vein Thrombosis a DVT?

Thrombosis is a broad term used to describe the blood clot formation in the veins and arteries. In general, the terms has two broad classifications i.e. venous thrombosis and arterial thrombosis which is again sub-grouped based on the location of the thrombus. Deep vein thrombosis, portal vein thrombosis, renal vein thrombosis, jugular vein thrombosis, budd-chiari syndrome, paget-schroetter disease, thrombotic stroke, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, and myocardial infarction are various subgroup of thrombosis.

No, portal vein thrombosis is different from deep vein thrombosis. Portal vein thrombosis happens in the hepatic portal vein which causes portal hypertension. It is a condition which affects the blood supply to the liver. In most cases, it results from other abnormalities in the body, such as pancreatitis, cirrhosis, diverticulitis or cholangio carcinoma whereas deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs in one or more deep veins of the body, particularly in the leg region. It is usually characterized by leg swelling and severe pain in the leg. Sometimes the affected person exhibit no symptoms, but this condition is totally uncommon. It also happens if the person not involved in the movement for a long time such as after a surgery bed rest. It can be serious and life threatening because of obstruction of blood or blood clot in the artery of lungs. This condition is called pulmonary embolism, usually occurs because of DVT.

Deep vein thrombosis can occur without any obvious symptoms. The usual signs and symptoms of this condition comprise:

• Swelling and pain in the affected leg. Rarely occurs in both legs and sometimes without pain. If pain occurs, it begins in the calf and the affected individuals feel like tenderness.
• Reddish coloration on the affected legs.
• A warm feeling in the affected legs.

Cellulitis, Baker’s cyst, musculoskeletal injury, or lymphedema are more often symptoms. If the above signs or symptoms of deep vein thrombosis develop, immediate medical care is required. Pulmonary embolism is responsible for the cause of 30% overall mortality in the world. Anticoagulants and thrombolytic therapy have reduced the overall mortality rate to < 10%. So the early diagnosis of pulmonary embolism is highly recommended and computed tomographic pulmonary angiography is the gold standard in the diagnosis of this condition.

• Sudden shortness of breath
• Chest pain or discomfort (becomes worse when a cough or deep breathe)
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy, or fainting
• Rapid pulse
• Coughing up blood

Obesity, Smoking, cancer, alcohol abuse, inheriting a blood-clotting disorder, prolonged bed rest, such as during a long hospital stay, or paralysis, certain drugs like oral contraceptives, heart disease, and the old age can induce DVT. It occurs in the upper extremities in about 4–10% of cases, generally in people with severe underlying diseases, particularly cancer. Genetic factors are another reason for the upsurge risk of DVT because of lacks of three important proteins that typically involved in the prevention of blood of clot. Deficiency of protein C, protein S, and anti-thrombin increase the risk of venous thrombosis by about 10 times.

The most frequent and serious complication associated with proximal deep vein thrombosis is a post-phlebitic syndrome. A common complication that can occur after deep vein thrombosis is also called post-thrombotic syndrome. The blood clot reduces the blood flow in the affected areas, which can cause persistent swelling in legs (edema), pain, skin discoloration, and skin sores.

Also Read:

• How Does a Deep Vein Thrombosis Form?
• How Do You Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis?
• What are the Most Severe Complication of Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT?
• Can You Get Deep Vein Thrombosis in Your Foot?
• What Does Deep Vein Thrombosis Pain Feel Like?
• Is Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT Pain Constant?
• How Do You Get Deep Vein Thrombosis & What are its Complications?