Portal Vein Thrombosis with Cavernous Transformation in Myeloproliferative Disorders: Review Update

Cavernous transformation of portal vein consists in the development of a network of tortuous collateral vessels bypassing the obstructive area due to chronic PVT. First described in 1869 by Balfour and Stewart, it was Kobrich in 1928 that used for the first time the term of “cavernoma” to define the newly developed network of small vessels as a result of recanalization of the thrombotic portal vein. Once the liver blood supply decreases significantly, the compensatory mechanism is activated and collaterals begin to form within a few days after the obstruction and organize into a cavernous transformation in 3-5 weeks. (Cai, 2009)