What condition is described as obstruction of the hepatic veins caused by thrombosis or compression from a liver mass?

The condition characterized by obstruction of the hepatic veins due to thrombosis or external compression from a mass in the liver is known as Budd-Chiari Syndrome. This syndrome specifically refers to the blockage of the hepatic veins, which can occur due to a thrombus (blood clot) forming within the veins themselves or as a result of pressure from adjacent structures, such as a tumor. As a consequence of this obstruction, there can be a significant increase in venous pressure within the liver, leading to complications such as liver dysfunction, ascites, and even portal hypertension.

This understanding is critical in distinguishing Budd-Chiari Syndrome from other conditions. For example, portal hypertension is a result of increased pressure in the portal venous system and can occur due to a multitude of reasons, including cirrhosis or liver disease, but it does not specifically entail the obstruction of the hepatic veins. Hepatic encephalopathy, on the other hand, is a neuropsychiatric disorder stemming from liver dysfunction and the consequent accumulation of toxins in the bloodstream, rather than a vascular obstruction. Acute hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, often due to infection or toxins, and also does not involve the obstruction of hepatic veins.

Thus, Budd-Chiari