Budd-Chiari syndrome

a rare condition that follows obstruction of the hepatic vein by a blood clot or tumour. It is characterized by ascites and cirrhosis of the liver.

G. Budd (1808-82), British physician; H. Chiari (1851-1916), German pathologist

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symptomatic obstruction or occlusion of the hepatic veins, causing hepatomegaly, abdominal pain and tenderness, intractable ascites, mild jaundice, and, eventually, portal hypertension and liver failure. The obstruction is caused by thrombi or fibrous obliteration of the veins and has been associated with coagulation disorders; myeloproliferative disorders; invasion of hepatic veins by hepatic, renal, or adrenal carcinoma; and abdominal trauma. Onset may be acute with death in a few days in cases of complete occlusion, but more often there is a chronic course with survival for months or years. Called also Chiari s. and endophlebitis hepatica obliterans. Cf. veno-occlusive disease of liver.