Portal Hypertension

Question 1

What is portal hypertension?

Answer 1

an increase in the pressure in the hepatic portal system, pressure above 12 mmHg

Question 2

What is normal pressure in the hepatic portal system?

Answer 2

5-10 mmHg

Question 3

The cause of portal hypertension is named according to the location of the problem What three terms are used?

Answer 3

pre-hepatic
post-hepatic
intra-hepatic

Question 4

What is the main cause of portal hypertension? Which classification of etiology is this?

Answer 4

cirrhosis, intrahepatic

Question 5

What is the major complication of portal hypertension?

Answer 5

ruptured varix (which will cause bleeding, which can lead to hypovolemia and death)

Question 6

What are some other complications of portal hypertension?

Answer 6

• ascites
• portosystemic shunts (collateralization to shunt blood from the hepatic portal system to the systemic system to alleviate pressure, but means some blood bypasses the liver and toxins can get into systemic system)
• splenomegaly