Natural history of portal vein thrombosis in cirrhosis: A systematic review with meta-analysis

Background and aim: Progression of liver disease in cirrhosis is associated with an increased incidence of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in cirrhosis. However, evidence suggests that spontaneous recanalization of PVT may occur even without anti-thrombotic therapy. Thus, the present meta-analysis was conducted to study the natural history of PVT in cirrhosis, facilitating decisions regarding anticoagulation.
Methods: Three electronic databases were searched from 2000 to August 2022 for studies reporting the outcome of PVT in cirrhotics without anticoagulation. The pooled proportions with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effect model.
Results: A total of 26 studies (n = 1441) were included in the final analysis. Progression of PVT on follow-up was seen in 22.2% (95% CI: 16.1–28.4), while 77.7% (95% CI: 71.6–83.9) remained non-progressive (improved or stable). The most common outcome was a stable PVT with a pooled event rate of 44.6% (95% CI: 34.4–54.7). The pooled rates of regression and complete recanalization of PVT in cirrhotics were 29.3% (95% CI: 20.9–37.7) and 10.4% (95% CI: 5.0–15.8), respectively. On follow-up after improvement, pooled recurrence rate of PVT was 24.0% (95% CI: 14.7–33.4). Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, and presence of ascites had a negative association, while a longer follow-up duration had positive association with PVT regression.

Conclusion: Approximately 25% of the cases of portal vein thrombosis in cirrhosis are progressive, 30% cases improve, and 45% remain stable. Future studies are needed to analyze the predictors of spontaneous regression.

Dr. A. Shukla, Department of Gastroenterology, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India, E-Mail: akash@kem.edu

DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16263

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