Budd Chiari Syndrome

Patient Education

What is Budd Chiari Syndrome?

Budd Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a clinical condition in which there is obstruction of the hepatic veins at any level from the small hepatic veins to the inferior vena cava (IVC) with the right atrium.

What are the symptoms?

• In acute onset they present with sudden onset abdominal distension and abdominal pain
• In chronic conditions they may present with symptoms of hepatic decompensation like bleeding tendencies, ascites, encephalopathy, etc

How do we diagnose Budd Chiari syndrome?

• Ultrasound (USG) doppler, computed tomography (CT) venogram, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) venogram are useful to know the patency of the hepatic veins, IVC, and portal veins.
• Blood investigations are helpful to determine underlying hypercoagulable states.

How do we treat Budd Chiari syndrome?

• Medical management includes anticoagulation drugs, restriction of sodium, diuretic therapy, and ascitic fluid tapping.
• Different interventions are available to relieve the obstruction in hepatic veins like Catheter-directed thrombolytic therapy, angioplasty, and stent placement.
• Liver transplantation may be required in cases of acute liver failure or cirrhosis and decompensated liver disease.