Agitating thrombolysis technique for the treatment of inferior vena cava fresh thrombus in patients with budd-chiari syndrome

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of agitating thrombolysis technique for Budd-Chiari syndrome complicated with inferior vena cava (IVC) fresh thrombus. Methods: From August 2004 to March 2009, 5 patients of Budd-Chiari syndrome (four males and one female, aged 36-48 years) with IVC fresh thrombus were treated with agitating thrombolysis technique. After angiography of IVC the recanalization of IVC was performed, which was followed by agitating thrombolytic therapy. Finally, IVC was dilated with percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty. Clinical follow-up of IVC patency was conducted by color Doppler sonography. Results: After agitating thrombolysis, the thrombi were completely disappeared in all 5 patients without single occurrence of pulmonary embolism. In all patients, IVC remained patency on color Doppler ultrasonograph after following up for a mean period of 23.8 months. Conclusion: Agitating thrombolysis technique is a safe and effective treatment for Budd-Chiari syndrome complicated with IVC fresh thrombus. (authors)