Portal hypertension overview
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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Portal Hypertension Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Portal hypertension overview |
Overview
Portal hypertension is hypertension in the portal stem which causes an obstruction in the portal vein and its branches. It is often defined as a portal pressure gradient (the difference in pressure between the portal vein and the hepatic veins) of 12 mm Hg or greater. Many conditions can result in portal hypertension. In North America and Europe, it is usually the result of an intrahepatic block due to cirrhosis of the liver. However, in less industrialized parts of the world, climate permitting, the major cause is schistosomiasis.