Portal HTN Flashcards
what is portal HTN
increased pressure in the hepatic portal system
what range is this
when it exceeds 12mmHg
Portal Vein
carries nutrient rich blood to the liver
Hepatic artery
brings arterial blood to the liver
Hepatic veins
carries 100% of the blood away and to the inferior vena cava
Three types of Etiology
Pre hepatic
Intra hepatic
Post hepatic
Pre Hepatic
causes of portal HTN by vein thrombosis and external compressor (CA or enlarged lymph nodes) that obstruct portal vein
Intra Hepatic
obstruction of blood flow within the liver
*cirrhosis
Post Hepatic
any obstruction through the hepatic vein beyond the liver lobules (distal to the liver)
Portal HTN is mostly due to…
intra heptic: cirrhosis
Manifestations
ruptured varix
ascites
portosystemic shunts
splenomegaly
Ruptured varix =
dilation of associated vein (esophageal vein)
ENTIRE vein
will rupture eventually
ascites
accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity/peritoneal
Porotsystemic shunts
blood is shunted from the hepatoportal system to the systemic veins (bypassing the liver)
collateral connections/channels are developed
toxic contents are now being shunted into circulation and to the brain
splenomegaly
increase hydrostatic pressure, causing fluid shift = enlarged spleen
