Incidence and Recurrence of Portal Vein Thrombosis in Cirrhotic Patients

The study has implications and limitations. The study shows that cirrhosis is complicated by a high rate of PVT and that previous PVT is an independent predictor not only of PVT recurrence but also of low survival. The study opens potentially novel therapeutic scenarios as the association between PVT and poor outcomes would provide a rationale to plan interventional trials with anti-thrombotic drugs. A recent meta-analysis on this topic[22] suggested a potential usefulness of anticoagulants in improving outcomes of PVT but randomized controlled trials are necessary to support this finding. The PRO-LIVER study has been performed in a single country, enrolling only Caucasians, limiting the generalizability of the findings to cirrhotic patients from other countries or ethnic groups. In conclusion, PVT is a frequent complication of cirrhosis and its early diagnosis would be helpful to identify patients at risk of poor clinical outcomes.