Signs and Symptoms
Consequences of portal hypertension are caused by blood being forced down alternate channels by the increased resistance to flow through the systemic venous system rather than the portal system. They include:
- Ascites (free fluid in the peritoneal cavity).
- Hepatic encephalopathy.
- Increased risk of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.
- Increased risk of hepatorenal syndrome.
- Splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen) with a consequent accumulation of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, together leading to mild pancytopenia.
- Portacaval anastomoses: Esophageal varices, gastric varices, anorectal varices (not to be confused with hemorrhoids), and caput medusae. Esophageal and gastric varices pose an ongoing risk of life-threatening hemorrhage, with hematemesis or melena.
Read more about this topic: Portal Hypertension
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