Matthew Trudell

When Matthew was just two, Nicole Trudell took her son for a routine check-up. Unexpectedly, the pediatrician informed Nicole that Matthew’s spleen was enlarged, indicating a possible infection. Matthew was immediately sent for an ultrasound and blood work, where it was found that his platelet count was dropping dramatically, a common symptom of leukemia. Terrified, Matthew and his family rushed to the Emergency Department at BC Children’s Hospital.

After many hours of testing, the reason for Matthew’s enlarged spleen was still unclear. Mathew appeared otherwise healthy and, with leukemia now ruled out, the Trudell family spent countless days visiting the Hospital for tests and check-ups. For the next six years Mathew’s spleen remained enlarged for unknown reasons and he was closely monitored by doctors at Children’s.

At the age of eight, Matthew received a CT scan that revealed a blood clot in a portal vein leading into the liver. Finally an explanation for the enlarged spleen and low platelets was uncovered. Matthew was diagnosed with Portal Vein Thrombosis, a condition where a clot in the portal vein blocks blood flow which, in turn, causes varices to form around the liver and abdomen to create new paths for blood to flow. He is one of only a handful of patients with this condition in British Columbia and has had two surgeries to insert shunts to relieve the blood flow through the clotted vein.

Although he will continue to receive ongoing care, 13-year-old Matthew is like any other active teenager and spends much of his playtime out mountain biking, skateboarding and playing street hockey with his friends.

Researchers at BC Children’s Hospital are working hard to find cures and treatments for rare conditions just like Matthew’s. You can help.

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