Portal vein thrombosis associated with antiphospholipid syndrome

Portal vein thrombosis is a rare occurrence, and often an underlying hyperc oagulable state can be found. Recently, there has been growing interest and recognition of the antiphospholipid syndrome in association with acquired hypercoagulable state. This syndrome consists of the association of lupus a nticoagulant or antiphospholipid antibodies with arterial or venous thrombo sis, thrombocytopenia, and spontaneous abortion. We report a case of portal vein thrombosis associated with the antiphospholipid syndrome. In our pati ent, chronic liver disease, hepatobiliary infection, abdominal malignancies , myeloproliferative disorders, and inherited coagulation disorders were ex cluded. This case report suggests that serum antiphospholipid antibodies sh ould be investigated in patients with portal vein thrombosis of unexplained etiology.