Case Report

Volume: 3 | Issue: 1 | Published: Dec 13, 2018 | Pages: 5 - 7 | DOI: 10.24911/ejmcr/173-1532231040

Portal vein thrombosis in an HIV-positive man: a case report


Authors: Fedor van Houwelingen , Kenrick Berend , Diederik van de Wetering


Article Info

Authors

Fedor van Houwelingen

St. Elisabeth Hospital, Willemstad, Curacao, The Netherlands Antilles

Kenrick Berend

St. Elisabeth Hospital, Willemstad, Curacao, The Netherlands Antilles

Diederik van de Wetering

St. Elisabeth Hospital, Willemstad, Curacao, The Netherlands Antilles

Publication History

Received: July 22, 2018

Revised: September 04, 2018

Accepted: October 27, 2018

Published: December 13, 2018


Abstract


Background HIV is known as a risk factor for venous thromboembolic events. However, portal vein thrombosis is rare among HIV infected patients. Few cases have been described in the literature. Case presentation We report a case of abdominal pain in a 25-year old HIV-positive man with a low CD4 count and co-infection with hepatitis B. The pain existed since four days. Computed tomography showed portal vein thrombosis and anticoagulation therapy was initiated. Conclusion This case provokes questions about the etiology of portal vein thrombosis in HIV-positive patients and might determine risk factors. It emphasizes the importance of considering portal vein thrombosis as a cause of abdominal pain in HIV infected patients, in particular when they have low CD4 counts or co-infection with hepatitis B. In addition, HIV and viral hepatitis should be considered in patients who present with thrombotic events.

Keywords: Venous thromboembolism, Portal vein thrombosis, HIV, viral hepatitis, thrombosis, hepatitis B, case report, green