title: Extrahepatic portal venous obstruction. A retrospective analysis.
abstract: Extrahepatic portal venous obstruction is a frequent cause of portal hypertension in children. In the majority it presents as gastro-intestinal haemorrhage or as incidental splenomegaly on routine medical examination. The diagnosis is suggested by the presence of oesophageal varices in a patient whose liver function is normal and can be confirmed by portal venography. A conservative approach with early intensive management of haemorrhage is advised. Surgical shunts do not reduce the frequency of haemorrhage in most patients. Splenectomy should be avoided in all instances.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011169:Portal Vein; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*