Portal hypertension - anatomy, pathophysiology, causes, investigation скачать в хорошем качестве

Portal hypertension - anatomy, pathophysiology, causes, investigation

Portal hypertension is a condition characterized by increased pressure within the portal vein, which is the major vein that carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver. This increased pressure can lead to various complications due to impaired blood flow through the liver. Some common causes of portal hypertension include liver cirrhosis (often due to chronic alcoholism or hepatitis), blood clots in the portal vein (portal vein thrombosis), and certain liver diseases like Budd-Chiari syndrome. Complications of portal hypertension can include: 1. Varices: Increased pressure in the portal vein can cause veins in the esophagus (esophageal varices) or stomach (gastric varices) to enlarge and become swollen. These varices are prone to bleeding, which can be life-threatening. 2. Ascites: Portal hypertension can lead to fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites) due to increased pressure in the portal vein. This fluid accumulation can cause abdominal swelling and discomfort. 3. Splenomegaly: The spleen may enlarge due to increased blood flow into it from the portal vein, leading to an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly). 4. Hepatic encephalopathy: In severe cases, portal hypertension can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, which is a decline in brain function due to liver failure. This can result in confusion, personality changes, and in severe cases, coma. Treatment of portal hypertension aims to reduce pressure in the portal vein and prevent complications. This may involve medications to reduce pressure, procedures to stop bleeding from varices (such as banding or sclerotherapy), or surgical interventions like a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) to redirect blood flow and reduce pressure in the portal vein. In cases where liver damage is severe, liver transplantation may be necessary.