Sociedad Americana de Hirudoterapia

Cancer-Associated Splanchnic Vein Thrombosis.

Review published in Seminars in thrombosis and hemostasis (2021)

Última actualización: June 18, 2026Revisado por: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Narrative reviewEnsayos clínicosDesarrollo de fármacosCohen et al. · Seminars in thrombosis and hemostasis, 2021

Abstract

Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT), which includes portal, mesenteric, and splenic vein thrombosis and the Budd-Chiari syndrome, is an infrequent manifestation of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Like typical site VTE, SVT is also frequently associated with cancer, particularly intra-abdominal solid malignancies and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). The clinical presentation of SVT is nonspecific. Symptoms may be related to the underlying malignancy, and thrombosis is incidentally diagnosed by imaging studies for cancer staging or follow-up in a substantial proportion of cases. The occurrence of SVT predicts worse prognosis in patients with liver or pancreatic cancer and, not uncommonly, SVT may precede the diagnosis of cancer. Therefore, the occurrence of an apparently unprovoked SVT should prompt careful patient evaluation for the presence of an underlying malignancy or MPN. Cancer patients carry a high risk of VTE extension and recurrence and long-term anticoagulant treatment is suggested in the absence of high risk of bleeding. Either LMWH or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are suggested for the treatment of patients with cancer-related SVT, although limited experience is available on the use of DOACs in these settings. Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) are suggested for the short and long-term treatment of SVT associated with MPN. This review outlines the epidemiological aspects, pathogenesis, risk factors, and diagnosis of cancer-associated SVT, and addresses questions regarding the management of this challenging condition.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal ArticleReview
Indexed MeSH termsAnticoagulantsHeparin, Low-Molecular-WeightHumansNeoplasmsVenous ThromboembolismVenous Thrombosis

Resumen

Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT), which includes portal, mesenteric, and splenic vein thrombosis and the Budd-Chiari syndrome, is an infrequent manifestation of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Like typical site VTE, SVT is also frequently associated with cancer, particularly intra-abdominal solid...

Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia

This review outlines the epidemiology, pathogenesis, risk factors, diagnosis, and management of cancer-associated splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT), discussing anticoagulation options including LMWH, direct oral anticoagulants, and vitamin K antagonists for this challenging condition. The relevance to ASH's domain is minimal and indirect: while hirudin is an anticoagulant and leech therapy provides anticoagulation, this article addresses modern pharmacological anticoagulants for cancer-associated thrombosis. No leeches, hirudin products, or hirudotherapy are mentioned. The study's focus on selecting among LMWH, DOACs, and VKAs for SVT in cancer patients has no demonstrated connection to therapeutic leeching or the leech secretome.

Citación

Cancer-Associated Splanchnic Vein Thrombosis.

Cohen et al. · Seminars in thrombosis and hemostasis, 2021

Contexto clínico relacionado

Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 28, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026

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