Portal Hypertension

Portal hypertension is elevated portal venous pressure (>5 mmHg), due to cirrhosis (intrahepatic) or pre/post-hepatic (portal vein thrombosis/Budd-Chiari), presenting with varices, ascites, splenomegaly, and encephalopathy. Treatment: treat underlying cause; manage complications (nonselective beta-blockers/band ligation for varices; diuretics/paracentesis/TIPS for ascites; lactulose/rifaximin for encephalopathy; antibiotics for SBP); screen for hepatocellular carcinoma; TIPS for refractory variceal bleeding/ascites; liver transplant evaluation for decompensated cirrhosis; anticoagulation for portal vein thrombosis; follow-up.

Common Symptoms

Varices; ascites; splenomegaly; encephalopathy; by cirrhosis/noncirrhotic

Causes and Pathogenesis

Increased intrahepatic resistance or pre/post-hepatic obstruction elevates portal pressure.

Treatment

Manage varices/ascites/encephalopathy; TIPS; transplant eval; screen HCC

Preventive Measures

Treat cirrhosis; avoid hepatotoxins; early screening.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Gastroenterology/Hepatology/Interventional-radiology/Transplant department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.