Portal hypertension

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Portal hypertension
Synonyms
Pronounce
Specialty	Gastroenterology
Symptoms	Ascites, esophageal varices, splenomegaly, hepatic encephalopathy
Complications	Variceal bleeding, hepatorenal syndrome
Onset
Duration
Types
Causes	Cirrhosis, portal vein thrombosis, Budd-Chiari syndrome
Risks
Diagnosis	Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, endoscopy
Differential diagnosis
Prevention
Treatment	Beta blockers, endoscopic band ligation, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)
Medication
Prognosis
Frequency
Deaths

Portal hypertension is a medical condition characterized by an increase in blood pressure within a system of veins called the portal venous system. Veins coming from the stomach, intestine, spleen, and pancreas merge into the portal vein, which then branches into smaller vessels and travels through the liver.

Causes

Portal hypertension is often caused by cirrhosis, but it can also be due to a clot or parasitic infection that blocks the portal vein. Other causes include schistosomiasis, congenital disorders, and certain medications.

Hipertension-portal

Symptoms

Symptoms of portal hypertension may include abdominal pain, enlarged liver, enlarged spleen, ascites, and varices. In severe cases, it can lead to liver failure and death.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of portal hypertension is typically based on medical history, physical examination, and medical imaging. Blood tests may also be used to assess liver function and to look for signs of infection or clotting disorders.

Treatment

Treatment for portal hypertension aims to reduce the pressure in the portal vein and prevent complications. This may involve medication, endoscopic procedures, surgery, or liver transplantation in severe cases.

See also

• Cirrhosis
• Liver disease
• Hepatic venous pressure gradient