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Portal Hypertension Updated 4/2011

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BASICS

  • Description
  • Epidemiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Etiology

DIAGNOSIS

  • Signs and Symptoms
  • Tests
  • Differential Diagnosis

TREATMENT

  • Medication (Drugs)
  • Additional Treatment
  • Surgery
  • In-patient Considerations

Ongoing Care

  • Diet
  • Patient Education
  • Prognosis
The following is an excerpt....
BASICS
Description
  • Increased portal venous pressure >5–10 mm Hg that occurs in association with splanchnic vasodilatation, portosystemic collateral formation, and a hyperdynamic circulation
  • Most commonly secondary to elevated hepatic venous pressure gradient (the gradient between the portal and central venous pressures)
  • Course is generally progressive, with risk of complications including acute variceal bleeding, ascites, encephalopathy, and hepatorenal syndrome.
Epidemiology
Incidence
  • Incidence/prevalence in the US is unknown.
  • Predominant age: Adult
  • Predominant sex: Male > Female
Risk Factors

See Etiology.

Genetics

No known genetic patterns except those associated with specific hepatic diseases that cause portal hypertension (HTN)

Etiology
  • Causes generally classified as:
    • Prehepatic (portal vein thrombosis or obstruction)
    • Intrahepatic (most commonly cirrhosis)
    • Posthepatic (hepatic vein thrombosis, Budd Chiari syndrome, right-sided ...

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