Long-term follow-up of patients with portal vein thrombosis and myeloproliferative neoplasms.

BACKGROUND: Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are frequently identified as an underlying cause in patients with non-cirrhotic portal vein thrombosis (PVT). The aim of this study was to describe the long-term outcome of patients with PVT and MPN.

METHODS: A cohort study was performed including all adult patients referred to our hospital between 1980 and 2008 with non-cirrhotic, non-malignant PVT and confirmed MPN.

RESULTS: A total of 44 patients (70% female) were included, with a median age at PVT-diagnosis of 48 years (range 18-79). In 31 patients (70%) PVT was the first manifestation of an MPN. Additional risk factors for thrombosis were present in 20 patients (45%). Median follow-up was 5.8 years (range 0.4-21). Twenty-three patients (52%) were treated with oral anticoagulants after diagnosis of PVT, of whom 15 (34%) received long-term therapy. During follow-up, 17 patients (39%) experienced at least one episode of gastrointestinal bleeding. Additional thrombotic events occurred in 12 patients (27%). Twelve patients (27%) had progression of the underlying MPN. Seventeen patients (39%) died at a median age of 64 years (range 30-88). Death was directly related to end-stage MPN in eight patients (47%) and to a new thrombotic event in three patients (18%). No patients died from gastrointestinal bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS: PVT is often the presenting symptom of an underlying MPN, highlighting the need for thorough screening for this disease. Recurrent thrombosis is a common and severe complication in patients with PVT and MPN. Mortality is primarily related to the underlying MPN and not to complications of portal hypertension.