What Is Ascites?
2. What Is Portal Hypertension?
Portal hypertension occurs when there is high blood pressure in the portal vein and its branches. These vessels drain from the intestine into the liver. Portal hypertension most commonly occurs due to liver cirrhosis. Individuals with portal hypertension may experience ascites, abdominal tenderness or pain, increased spleen size, presence of veins on the abdomen (caput medusae), and more.
Besides liver cirrhosis, portal hypertension can also occur due to viral hepatitis, schistosomiasis, chronic pancreatitis, fatty liver disease, and right-sided heart failure. An ultrasound can be used to view the portal vein. Diagnosis is achieved when a dilated portal vein is seen. The gold standard for assessing the severity of portal hypertension is through the hepatic venous pressure gradient measurement.
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