Herbal Treatments to Gain Weight as the Potential Cause of Portal Vein Thrombosis and Hepatic Damage: A Case Report

Abstract

This research aimed to assess the effect of a specific herbal agent to gain weight as the

potential cause of Portal Vein Thrombosis (PVT) and hepatic damage. In this study, we

reported a 24-year-old man who referred to the Tehran University of Medical Sciences

(TUMS) hospital complaining of 4-day progressive abdominal pain. The patient’s abdominal

pain was generalized with a mild tenderness over the epigastric region. He complained of

nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. However, he reported no hematemesis, melena, or

dyspnea, with unremarkable past and family medical history. An abdominopelvic ultrasound

and Computed Tomography (CT) scan were conducted for further investigation of the patient,

which revealed extended filling defect in portal vein and its branches. In addition, the evidence

of liver hypoperfusion was found because of geographic hypodense lesion seen in the major

parts of the right lobe and the IV segment of the left lobe. The patient was further assessed

for any acquired or inherited potential prothrombotic state associated with abdominal vein

thrombosis, which were all rolled out. However, his round moon face, purplish striae, and

the back acne increased the suspicion of drug side effects. Finally, a herbal agent (Fereshteh

tablet) was found as the cause of the patient’ disease. He consumed the tablet to gain weight

from 3 months ago. His thrombosis was treated with subcutaneous enoxaparin, as well as

oral intake of warfarin. He was recommended to check liver function regularly at outpatient

hepatobiliary clinic after discharge.