The Budd–Chiari Syndrome

Abstract

Hepatic venous outflow obstruction may develop at the level of the hepatic venules, the large hepatic veins, the inferior vena cava, or the right atrium. Outflow obstruction results in increased hepatic sinusoidal pressure and portal hypertension. This review summarizes the causes of the Budd–Chiari syndrome and current management, including the use of anticoagulant therapy, thrombolytic therapy, transjugular intrahepatic shunts, surgical portosystemic shunts, and liver transplantation.