Vascular liver disorders are often underdiagnosed due to their low incidence and prevalence, as well as limited awareness within the medical community. This recognition gap can result in misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and suboptimal patient outcomes.
To address these challenges, COST Action 23146 – EUROValdinet, presents the inaugural edition of the Interactive School titled “General Approach to Vascular Liver Disorders – From Diagnosis to Treatment.” The event will be held in Porto, Portugal, at the Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar (ICBAS), affiliated with the University of Porto, on 16 and 17 April 2026.
Objectives:
The primary aim of this school is to improve knowledge and recognition of vascular liver disorders among physicians and trainees in participating European countries. Participants will learn to identify, diagnose, and manage both common and rare vascular hepatic conditions, including portal vein thrombosis related to cirrhosis, Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia, and Budd-Chiari Syndrome (see attached program).
Curriculum:
The program offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to patient management, encompassing:
- Cellular and hemodynamic pathophysiology
- Advanced radiological diagnostics
- Clinical presentation and risk factors
- Diagnostic strategies
- Pharmacological and interventional treatments
- Management of potential complications
While grounded in theory, the course emphasizes practical training through small, problem-oriented discussion groups, fostering interaction, deeper understanding, and peer exchange.
Venue:
Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Portugal
Dates:
16–17 April 2026
Target Audience:
Hepatologists, Gastroenterologists, Internal Medicine physicians in training or with an interest in vascular liver disorders
Fees:
This is a COST Action-promoted educational event. There is no registration fee for selected candidates. Travel and accommodation expenses will be reimbursed, within specified limits, by COST Action 23146 EUROValdinet.
How to apply:
Candidates must complete the application form by December 31, 2025. Selected candidates will be notified by email by January 31, 2026.
Diversity and Inclusion:
Preference will be given to applicants from diverse geographical and institutional backgrounds to promote networking. A balanced gender representation will also be sought.
Faculty:
- Pierre Emmanuel Rautou (Hepatologist, France)
- Filipe Nery (Hepatologist, Portugal)
- Virginia Hernandez Gea (Hepatologist, Spain)
- Laure Elkrief (Hepatologist, France)
- Aurélie Plessier (Hepatologist, France)
- Sarwa Darwish Murad (Hepatologist, Netherlands)
- Filipe Andrade (Hepatologist, Portugal)
- Marco Senzolo (Hepatologist, Italy)
- Fátima Carneiro (Pathologist, Portugal)
- Christine Sempoux (Pathologist, Switzerland)
- Manuela França (Radiologist, Portugal)
General programme (participants will be organized in 3 small groups in problem-oriented interactive clinical cases):
Day 1 (16th April 2026)
- Histological and Radiological basic concepts
- Liver hemodynamics basic concepts
- Portal vein thrombosis (broad approach)
- PSVD (broad approach)
- Budd-Chiari syndrome (broad approach)
- Problem-oriented interactive clinical cases (liver hemodynamics, PVT without cirrhosis, PSVD, ischemic cholangitis post-LT)
Day 2 (17th April 2026)
- Antithrombotic therapy in vascular liver disorders
- Interventional approach
- Prophylaxis of post-TIPS encephalopathy
- Liver transplantation in vascular liver disorders
- Problem-oriented interactive clinical cases (hemorrhagic hereditary telangiectasia, Abernethy syndrome, sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, PVT in cirrhosis, acute BCS, VLD and portal hypertension in pregnancy)