Which condition is characterized by thrombosis of the portal vein leading to esophageal varices?

The condition characterized by thrombosis of the portal vein leading to esophageal varices is accurately identified as Budd-Chiari syndrome. This syndrome involves the obstruction of hepatic venous outflow due to thrombosis of the hepatic veins or the inferior vena cava, which can subsequently impact the portal circulation. When blood flow through the portal vein is compromised, it can lead to increased pressure in the portal system, known as portal hypertension. As a result of this elevated pressure, collateral circulation develops, often causing the formation of esophageal varices due to the engorgement of the blood vessels in the esophagus.

In contrast, cirrhosis refers to the scarring of the liver tissue and can lead to portal hypertension, but it is not directly a thrombosis condition in isolation. Portal hypertension itself is the end result of various liver conditions that increase pressure within the portal venous system, including cirrhosis and Budd-Chiari syndrome, rather than a specific condition caused solely by thrombosis. Hepatic encephalopathy, on the other hand, is a neurological condition resulting from liver failure or severe liver disease, not directly linked to portal vein thrombosis.

Thus, Budd-Chiari syndrome specifically explains the mechanism of thrombosis