Hepatosplenic Schistosomiasis-Associated Chronic Portal Vein Thrombosis: Risk Factor for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Hepatosplenic schistosomiasis is an endemic disease prevalent in tropical countries and is associated with a high incidence of portal vein thrombosis (PVT). Inflammatory changes caused by both parasitic infection and portal thrombosis can lead to the development of chronic liver disease with potential carcinogenesis. This study aimed to assess the incidence of PVT and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with schistosomiasis during a long-term follow-up. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted involving patients with schistosomiasis followed up at our institution between 1990 and 2021. Results: A total of 126 patients with schistosomiasis were evaluated in the study. The mean follow-up time was 16 years (range 5–31). Of the total, 73 (57.9%) patients presented PVT during the follow-up. Six (8.1%) of them were diagnosed with HCC, all of them with portal vein thrombosis diagnosed more than 10 years before. Conclusion: The incidence of HCC in patients with schistosomiasis and chronic PVT highlights the importance of a systematic long-term follow-up in this group of patients.