Portal Hypertension

Abstract

Effects and TreatmentPortal hypertension may not be associated with any clinical abnormalities but is usually accompanied by splenomegaly, esophageal varices, ascites or symptoms resulting from shunting of venous blood away from the liver. Treatment has consisted of procedures designed to reduce portal pressure and symptomatic measures to relieve presenting signs and symptoms.SplenomegalyAlthough portal pressure and the size of the spleen in liver disease correlate only roughly, marked degrees of portal hypertension are usually accompanied by splenomegaly at post-mortem examination.⁶⁵ Enlargement of the spleen in acute or chronic viral hepatitis may not be associated with an elevation of . . .