Millikan W J, Henderson J M, Sewell C W, Guyton R A, Potts J R, Cranford C A, Cramer A R, Galambos J T, Warren W D
Am J Surg. 1985 Jan;149(1):167-76. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9610(85)80028-3.
Budd-Chiari syndrome (occlusion of the hepatic veins) represents a spectrum disorder. From 1974 to 1984, 20 patients with the syndrome were managed. Eleven required shunt surgery (Group 1) and 5 were managed with nonshunt therapy (Groups 2 and 3). Results have been good. Retrospective review of the liver biopsy specimens showed that Group 1 patients had a greater degree of zone 3 necrosis than Group 2 and 3 patients. We submit that presence of zone 3 necrosis on an initial liver biopsy specimen may define the failing liver of Budd-Chiari syndrome that requires conversion of the portal vein to an outflow tract by shunting.
