Liver transplantation for acute Budd-Chiari syndrome in identical twin sisters with factor V Leiden mutation

Background. Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is uncommon in the children. The cause of BCS comprises several diseases leading to thrombophilia. Activated protein C resistance as a result of a single gene mutation in factor V, the so called factor V Leiden (FVL), is the most common cause of thrombophilia. Methods. We report a simultaneous occurrence of BCS in identical twin sisters of 13 years of age with heterozygous FVL mutation. Results. One sister presented with acute BCS leading to fulminant hepatic failure. She underwent liver transplantation with subsequent normalization of activated protein C resistance. The other twin sister, who was diagnosed with extensive thromboses of the inferior vena cava, portal vein, and hepatic veins, was successfully managed by aggressive chemical and mechanical thrombolysis followed by therapeutic anticoagulation. Genomic DNA studies confirmed heterozygosity of FVL mutation in the sisters' father and older brother. Conclusions. The exact cause of the BCS in children should be thoroughly and rapidly investigated, and, if necessary, immediate family members should also be tested for genetic defects in factor V or concomitant thrombophilia.