Portal vein thrombosis in adults.

Idiopathic thrombotic occlusion of the extrahepatic portal vein is one of the commonest causes of portal hypertension in adult Blacks. The condition occurs more frequently in men and may be accompanied by evidence of minor functional impairment of the liver. Associated pancytopenia is quantitatively related to the degree of splenomegaly.

Dysfibrinogenaemia and primary hepato-cellular carcinoma.

The mechanisms of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis have been evaluated in 28 black adult Africans with primary hepato-cellular carcinoma (HCC). A characteristic pattern of abnormalities has been defined. Dysfibrinogenaemia appears to be a useful biological marker for the disease.

Coagulation and fibrinolytic properties of peripheral venous blood in chronic ectopic pregnancy.

The coagulation and fibrinolytic properties of peripheral venous blood was studied in 10 Black patients with chronic ectopic pregnancy. There were significant elevations of plasma fibrinogen and serum fibrin-fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) and prolongation of the euglobulin lysis time. These features are believed to be compatible with chronic inflammation.