Diseases

Portal Hypertension

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Portal hypertension is an increase in the blood pressure within a system of veins called the portal venous system. Veins coming from the stomach, intestine, spleen, and pancreas merge into theportal vein, which then branches into smaller vessels and travels through the liver.

SYMPTOMS

Gastrointestinal bleeding marked by black, tarry stools or blood in the stools, or vomiting of blood due to the spontaneous rupture and hemorrhage from varices.
Ascites (an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen)

CAUSES

The most common cause of portal hypertension iscirrhosis of the liver. Cirrhosis is Scarring which accompanies the healing of liver injury caused byhepatitis, alcohol, or other less common causes ofliver damage. In cirrhosis, the scar tissue blocks the flow of blood through the liver.