Liver infarction: To treat or not to treat?

Abstract

Liver infarctions are a very rare occurrence due to the multiple-source blood supply of the liver. The cause of hepatic infarction is unclear. When diagnosed, appropriate treatment of these infarctions is unknown. Herein we describe a case of acute liver infarctions, with no obvious cause, in a young woman. Work-up did not shed light on the underlying etiology. Treatment with anticoagulation was commenced in this case, with rapid improvement and a good clinical outcome. We suggest that anticoagulation can be administered to treat hepatic infarctions even in the absence of clear-cut thrombosis.