High pressure in the portal vein, caused by cirrhosis of the liver or a clot in the vein and causing internal bleeding.
Increased pressure in the portal vein resulting from an obstruction of blood flow through the liver.
increase in pressure within the veins of the portal system caused by obstruction in the (hepatic) blood system, often associated with alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver. It causes enlargement of the spleen and collateral veins, and, if severe and untreated, systemic hypertension.
System of veins that drains blood from abdominal organs (the digestive organs, pancreas, spleen, and gallbladder) and transports it to the liver. Also known as hepatic portal system.
Elevated blood pressure in the liver and nearby blood vessels due to liver disease such as cirrhosis or other conditions that impair circulation through the portal vein.
A state in which the pressure within the hepatic portal vein is increased, causing enlargement of the spleen, enlargement of veins in the esophagus (gullet), which may rupture to cause severe bleeding, and accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity (ascites). The commonest cause is cirrhosis, but other diseases of the liver or thrombosis of the portal vein will also produce it. Treatment of the ascites is by diuretic drugs, but hemorrhage may require surgery to join the portal vein to the inferior vena cava, bypassing the liver.
Raised blood pressure in the portal vein entering the liver. This results in increased pressure in the veins of the oesophagus and upper stomach; these grow in size to form varices dilated tortuous veins. Sometimes these varices rupture, causing bleeding into the oesophagus. The raised pressure also causes fluid to collect in the abdomen and form ascites. The commonest reason for portal hypertension is cirrhosis (fibrosis) of the liver. Thrombosis in the portal vein may also be a cause. ‘Treatment requires the cause to be addressed, but bleeding from ruptured vessels may be stopped by injecting a sclerosant or hardening solution into and around the veins. Sometimes a Surgical shunt may be done to divert blood from the portal vein to another blood vessel.
Increased pressure in the portal vein caused by an obstruction of the flow of blood through the liver. Portal hypertension is found in diseases such as cirrhosis, in which it is responsible for ascites, splenomegaly, and the formation of varices.
Elevated blood pressure occurs in the portal vein, the vessel transporting blood from the stomach, intestines, and spleen to the liver. This heightened pressure leads to the development of oesophageal varices, enlarged veins in the oesophagus that are at risk of rupturing and leading to internal bleeding. Furthermore, the excessive pressure in the portal vein pushes fluid out, causing ascites, which is the buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity.
Portal hypertension, most frequently instigated by liver cirrhosis, arises when sections of scar tissue within the liver impede the portal vein’s function. An additional potential factor is thrombosis, stemming from the abnormal clotting of blood due to constriction in the portal vein. This constriction might stem from congenital origins, manifest shortly after birth, or develop later in life—prompted by the vein’s compression due to swollen lymph nodes or inflammation resulting from an infection. In tropical regions, a prevalent cause is conditions that lead to spleen enlargement, resulting in heightened blood flow from the spleen through the portal vein.
An uncommon source of portal hypertension stems from an anomalous connection forming between the portal vein and an artery. This variant typically arises as a consequence of injury.
Symptoms might only become evident once complications have emerged. A ruptured esophageal varix can cause substantial, recurring episodes of blood vomiting and give rise to dark-colored stools (melaena). The presence of ascites leads to abdominal enlargement and discomfort, occasionally accompanied by breathing difficulties. Furthermore, the veins located just beneath the abdominal skin might become visibly distended.
Typically, diagnosis relies on the presentation of symptoms and observable indications. Doppler ultrasound scanning might be employed to evaluate the pressure within the portal vein.
An array of treatments can be employed to diminish blood pressure and halt bleeding, or to forestall subsequent bleeding. For instance, ruptured blood vessels can undergo sclerotherapy—a procedure involving the injection of a chemical to obstruct the veins. In certain cases, a shunt may be performed to avert further bleeding. Ascites is managed through salt restriction and the administration of diuretic medications.