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

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.