Role of spleen enlargement in cirrhosis with portal hypertension.
The possible relationships between splenomegaly and portal hypertension have been analysed in patients with cirrhosis. In this condition, splenomegaly is not only caused by portal congestion, but it is mainly due to tissue hyperplasia and fibrosis. The increase in spleen size is followed by an increase in splenic blood flow, which participates in portal hypertension actively congesting the portal system.
Bolognesi
M
M
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Padua, Italy. massimo.bolognesi@unipd.it
Merkel
C
C
Sacerdoti
D
D
Nava
V
V
Gatta
A
A
D016232:Endothelins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D006801:Humans; D006975:Hypertension, Portal / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008102:Liver Circulation; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D013154:Spleen / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000378:metabolism*; D013156:Splenectomy; D013163:Splenomegaly / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery
D016232:Endothelins