Portal hypertension internetmedicin
The most common cause of portal hypertension is cirrhosis. Vascular resistance and blood flow are the 2 important factors in its development. The images below depict esophageal varices, which are responsible for the main complication of portal hypertension, upper gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage. Large esophageal varices with red wale signs. Portal hypertension is an increase in blood pressure inside the portal vein.
This vein carries nutrient-rich blood from various digestive organs to the liver. Portal hypertension results from liver damage. In this article, we discuss the symptoms and causes of portal hypertension. We also cover how doctors diagnose and treat this condition. Portal hypertension occurs when the blood pressure in the portal vein exceeds 10 millimeters of mercury mm Hg. The portal vein carries nutrient-rich blood from the stomach, spleen, pancreas, and other digestive organs to the liver.
The liver filters toxins from the blood and processes nutrients before sending them to the rest of the body. Problems that affect the liver, such as cirrhosis and inflammation , can also affect the portal vein. Changes in the blood pressure inside the portal vein can lead to severe complications, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, infections, and kidney failure. Most people experience no symptoms of portal hypertension until the disease progresses, or they develop complications.
Splenomegaly , which is an enlarged spleen, can also occur in some cases. Portal hypertension may decrease blood flow from the spleen, forcing this organ to grow larger to accommodate the excess blood. It may also cause hepatosplenomegaly , which is swelling of both the liver and spleen. Cirrhosis is the most common cause of portal hypertension.
Portal hypertension: Radiology Reference Article
Cirrhosis is a type of liver disease in which scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue. This scar tissue can block the blood flow and increase the blood pressure inside the portal vein. A person can develop cirrhosis as a result of:. Idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension INCPH refers to portal hypertension that develops in people who do not have cirrhosis. People with a high risk for liver disease and cirrhosis also have an increased risk for portal hypertension.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases , people over the age of 50 are more likely to develop cirrhosis, and it is more common in males than in females. However, a doctor may suspect that a person has portal hypertension if their medical history and current health status suggest that they have a high risk for cirrhosis. Doctors can use several different tests to screen for and diagnose portal hypertension.
Using ultrasound, a doctor can monitor the blood flow through the portal vein and evaluate the health of the stomach and spleen. They can also perform elastography using ultrasound imaging. Elastography measures the elasticity of liver tissue.
Everything you need to know about portal hypertension
Areas with low elasticity suggest the presence of scar tissue. A doctor can assess the portal venous system using other imaging techniques, such as CT scans and MRI scans. If these tests yield inconclusive results, a doctor will likely perform a liver biopsy, which involves removing a small piece of liver tissue. A pathologist will examine the tissue sample for scarring, inflammation, and other signs of disease.
Increased blood pressure in the portal vein can lead to varices in the esophagus or stomach. These enlarged veins may rupture, causing internal bleeding, bloody stools, or anemia. There are several treatment options for portal hypertension. People may require a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and surgical interventions. Portal hypertension often develops as a result of cirrhosis. However, blood clots, autoimmune diseases, and chronic infections can also contribute to portal hypertension.
Without treatment, portal hypertension can lead to severe complications, such as chronic bleeding, abdominal swelling, and liver failure. Doctors typically treat portal hypertension with a combination of blood pressure-lowering medication, lifestyle changes, and surgery. Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs. We cover the symptoms and possible causes of pulmonary hypertension….
Some groups of people are more at risk than others of developing high blood pressure.
Learn what levels of blood pressure doctors consider to be…. High blood pressure hypertension often has no symptoms but, it can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and other life threatening…. Certain commonly used arm positions may result in inaccurately high blood pressure readings and lead to a misdiagnosis of hypertension, a new study….