Portal Gastropathy

[ToughToes]

Hi Folks,

I just joined this forum today and this is my first time posting. I had a gastroscopy and colonoscopy performed on Friday. The main reason was that I have been having some difficulty swallowing for a few months, and since I had been diagnosed with Barrett's Esophagus a number of tears ago, my gastroenterology wanted to see if it had worsened or possibly turned into esophageal cancer. Barrett's is a condition caused by acid reflux (GERD) that changes the tissue that lines the Esophagus. It's considered a pre-cancerous condition, although only 1-2% of people with it actually develop esophageal cancer.

Anyways, the good news is that the scope didn't detect any tumors, or signs of malignancy. But, the bad news is that, among other less serious findings like diverticulosis and a few polyps, was a finding of portal hypertension gastropathy (PHG). I had never heard of the term before, but when I googled it, I discovered that PHG is most commonly caused by cirrhosis. Needless to say, this scared the hell out of me. As recently as December, I had an abdominal ultrasound which just said that I had a mild infiltration of fatty liver. My doctor wasn't overly alarmed, as my last few abdominal ultrasounds over a period of several years all said the same thing, and there were no abnormalities noted.

As soon as I found out about what PHG indicates, I wanted to seek clarification from the gastroenterology. Unfortunately, he was still performing more procedures in the operating theater. The strangest part of it all is that, although I was partially sedated from the procedure, I do recall the Dr telling me as I was being wheeled out kf the operating room that things "looked good, top (Esophagus and stomach) and bottom (colon). At that point, I felt relieved; however, I hadn't yet read his report where he mentioned PHG. To conclude, this uncertainty has been driving me crazy all weekend and ruined my birthday yesterday. Of course I'm going to call the doctor's office first thing Monday morning and seek clarification on the apparent contradiction between him saying "things looked good, top and bottom" and a finding of PHG. Hopefully, I can also get some reassurance that I don't necessarily have cirrhosis. But, inthe meantime, I thought it might be wise to ask if any of you have ever experienced anything similar regarding PHG? Also, to ask if you guys think it's likely for a mildly fatty liver to transform into cirrhosis in only 6-7 months? I've read online that it would be highly unusual for it to progress that rapidly, but I thought I'd consult people with liver disease and knowledge of it. Thanks to everyone for your patience with my lomg-winded story.

[ToughToes]

Anybody?

[Jaxxy8 in reply to ToughToes]

I’m rushing about this morning for work but didn’t want to leave unanswered - I’ll try to pop back later and reply fully.

However - I had an endoscopy for something unrelated and they found portal gastropathy.

They didn’t explain it - just dumped it on my form and let me fall apart for 6 months until I saw someone!

Anyway, I’m now under a consultant but they aren’t too worried. It’s only mild so that’s a possibility.

I have had all the tests and I’ve got mild/moderate fibrosis - so it’s not perfect but my liver is functioning well (I would have no idea if it wasn’t for the endoscopy so I feel well!) and it’s not cirrhosis.

I have lost weight and changed my diet and my bloods are all good. They are just keeping an eye but I’m not as panicked as I was a year ago x

[ToughToes in reply to Jaxxy8]

That sounds similar to my situation. Just dump a term I've never heard on me with no explanation or clarification. So, it doesn't have to be full-blown cirrhosis to have portal gastropathy? That's food to know. I guess if you have mild/moderate fibrosis, you have fatty liver?

Thanks,

Terry

[Jaxxy8 in reply to ToughToes]

Yeah I have a very fatty liver!

But the fibrosis is mild to moderate and my consultant is not that concerned.

Although I have portal gastropathy, it has showed that it’s mild and I don’t have varices or anything anywhere else.

My liver is obviously struggling a bit but I no longer panic it’s on its way out - the weight loss and diet overhaul seems to have brought my liver function tests back to normal (I haven’t had that for years!)

Good luck x

[ToughToes in reply to Jaxxy8]

Great news for you! As far as I know, i don't have any varicea anywhere else either, as none were noted in the esophagus, the usual place. Has your consultant ever said what he thinks is the cause of your portal gastropathy, since it's obviously not cirrhosis?

Thanks,

Terry

[Roy1955 in reply to ToughToes]

Don't forget time zones.Your awake but UK are in bed.