Blood homocysteine levels are increased in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with portal vein thrombosis. A single centre retrospective cohort study

Abstract Background Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is reported in 10–40% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The development of PVT is a multifactorial process, resulting from a reduction in portal blood flow and hypercoagulability. Methods We evaluated 44 HCC patients with PVT, 50 HCC patients without PVT and 50 healthy subjects. Homocysteine (Hcy), Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12 and folate were measured. Results Hcy in HCC patients with PVT is significant higher than the patients without PVT and controls subjects. Conclusion Total Hcy is a sensitive marker of PVT in patients with HCC