To investigate the cause and treatment for portal vein thrombosis (PVT).

Clinical data of 15 patients with PVT who were admitted to the Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen between January 2013 and January 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. The informed consents of all patients were obtained and the local ethical committee approval was received. There were 10 males and 5 females, aged 28-79 years old with a median age of 45 years old. Clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment, and clinical efficacy were observed.

Two patients with primary PVT and hypercoagulability were admitted due to acute abdomen, and became stable after anticoagulation and thrombolysis therapy. Thirteen patients with secondary PVT had a definite medical history of surgery. The surgical approaches included 10 cases of splenectomy + paraesophagogastric devascularization, 2 of Whipple operation and 1 of TACE. No evident peritonitis symptom and intestinal ischemia, necrosis was observed. The patients were relieved after anticoagulation and anti-platelet adhesion therapy. During the follow-up of 1.0-2.5 years, 2 cases died from pancreatic cancer and 1 from hepatocellular carcinoma, the remaining patients survived well.

Blood coagulation disorder, descending blood flow speed and vascular endothelial injury are considered as the main causes of PVT. Systemic anticoagulation therapy is an effective method for treating PVT. Preventive use of anticoagulants after surgery plays a role in preventing some kinds of PVT.