Portal hypertension and variceal hemorrhage.
Portal hypertension, a major hallmark of cirrhosis, is defined as a portal pressure gradient exceeding 5 mm Hg. In portal hypertension, porto-systemic collaterals decompress the portal circulation and give rise to varices. Successful management of portal hypertension and its complications requires knowledge of the underlying pathophysiology, the pertinent anatomy, and the natural history of the collateral circulation, particularly the gastroesophageal varices.
Toubia
Nagib
N
Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, MCV, Box 980341, Richmond, VA 23298-0341, USA.
Sanyal
Arun J
AJ
D003097:Collateral Circulation; D004108:Dilatation, Pathologic; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; D004932:Esophageal and Gastric Varices / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006490:Hemostatics; D006801:Humans; D006975:Hypertension, Portal / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology; D008026:Ligation; D019168:Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic; D011706:Pyloric Antrum / Q000473:pathology; D012307:Risk Factors; D015911:Sclerotherapy; D014667:Vasopressins
D006490:Hemostatics; D014667:Vasopressins