PH

[LHR007]

Does a Portal Hypertension diagnosis only lead to varices in throat, stomach and upper bowel or can a bleed occur elsewhere too? Thank you for any information, when you research PH it always seems to lead to exclusive answers concerning that area..

[AyrshireK]

The BLT page on Portal Hypertension has lots of information. I think bleeds from PH are generally in the digestive tract - varices in oesophagus, stomach and bowel though PH can cause other issues such as changes in the stomach lining plus is a contributory factor in ascites, oedema and Hepatic Encephalopathy.

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

My hubby ended up with aneurysms in his splenic artery due to portal hypertension and he had to have an embolization operation to sort that or he could have had a massive and fatal rupture and bleed.

Katie

[LHR007 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you, I've just read through the link. I had an endoscopy today which showed nothing in the upper tract, Im guessing there is no way of telling about bleeds in the Spleen area until they happen? What sort of stomach lining changes? They found mine was a bit 'irritated' but they said nothing major. Thanks again, I will ask for a colonoscopy as well ..

[AyrshireK in reply to LHR007]

Portal hypertensive gastropathy is the name given to stomach lining changes :- Portal hypertensive gastropathy refers to changes in the mucosa of the stomach in patients with portal hypertension; by far the most common cause of this is cirrhosis of the liver. These changes in the mucosa include friability of the mucosa and the presence of ectatic blood vessels at the surface.

Hubby's aneurysms were found on CT scan during his transplant assessment and doctors said "We have found something we never anticipated!" so I guess it is fairly rare.

He had some areas of 'friability' in his bowel during a colonoscopy but nothing ever said or done about that.

Katie

[LHR007 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you again, so much to try and understand unfortunately I'm getting little response from consultant following cirrhosis diagnosis confirmed on Friday, and the impression that hes written me off (heightened sensitivity I guess) after saying he thought I had 'several years'. I have Cirrhosis with PH but so far no varices, there must be some hope, not even sure if I should be on meds he hasn't mentioned it. I asked about diet he said I didnt need to change my diet other than dont drink. He also said it could of been AIH as smooth muscle antibody detected but its likely to of 'moved on now'.