Budd-Chiari-Stuart-Bras syndrome: clinical, sonographic, radiological reexaminations in occlusive diseases of hepatic veins.

Ten patients with clinically and histologically verified Budd-Chiari-Stuart-Bras Syndrome (i.e. occlusive disease of small or large efferent hepatic veins) were re-examined, the examination also including combined ultrasonography and computed tomography. These non-invasive methods help to establish a quick diagnosis by locating and defining the most severe changes, by helping to select the most appropriate invasive diagnostic procedure, and by defining their topographical target. They thus facilitate immediate, optimal therapy. The disease process often starts in the right dorsal lobe of the liver and may cause extreme hyperplasia of the left or middle lobes, causing gross changes in the shape of the liver and considerably displacing the gallbladder in some cases. Thrombosis of the portal vein and pulmonary embolism seem to be most frequent complications or accompanying diseases. We therefore suggest immediate long-term anticoagulation, provided portal hypertension is not too severe; patients with severe portal hypertension should undergo a shunt operation. Our patients were followed up for periods ranging from 3 to 8 years. The very variable prognosis includes complete cure and good compensation over a long period and appears to be much better than has been reported by some authors.