What Exactly is Portal Hypertension?
Portal hypertension is an increase in pressure within the portal vein. The portal vein is the main vein that extends from the digestive organ to the liver.
The increased pressure is caused by a blockage (clot) in the blood flow from the digestive organs to the liver.
The increased pressure in the portal vein causes large veins (varices) to develop across the esophagus and stomach to bypass the blockage. The varices become very fragile and can bleed easily.
If the varices are discovered through a gastroscopy they are usually graded on a scale of 1 to 3, with 3 being the most dangerous to bleed.
In the US, they are graded on a scale of 1 to 4. (Esophogeal varices will be discussed in greater detail on another article).
In my particular case, portal hypertension was caused by thrombosis or clotting of the portal vein due to an apparently unknown genetic defect, which was thought to be some kind of protein deficiency.
This cause often termed non-cirrhotic is not the most common cause of this condition, as is cirrhosis of the liver.
Cirrhosis results from the healing of a liver injury caused by hepatitis, alcohol abuse, or other causes of liver damage.
In cirrhosis, the scar tissue blocks the flow of blood through the liver and will slow it’s processing function.
Read more about my own personal Portal Hypertension Journey.
{ 1 trackback }
{ 39 comments… read them below or add one }
← Previous Comments
It may help people to know that there is not always a discrete division between the esophagus and the stomach. Many people who are liable to suffer from lower esophageal varices may have reflux conditions. This is where the stomach acid enters the base of the esophagus and causes erosion. Anatomical defects, such as hiatus hernia, are a frequent cause.
Tony
Kathy,
re. your post of 17 May.
Doctors often talk about “gastropathy” – all it means is some abnormal changes in the gastric tract. It does not always mean varices. The esophageal/stomach junction can be the source of the “gastropathy”, and this may involve varices if there is reflux associated with na hiatus hernia, for example. The stomach acid reacts with the esophageal lining in this case, and this can cause erosion and susceptibility to bleeding seen in the stomach. Antacids and/or proton pump inhibitors may be prescribed.
Tony
Hi there
Thought you might like to see this media clip. Unfortunately the reporter confused Evan’s heart defect with his portal hypertension, but we did not mind too much, as, on this occasion, we were trying to raise the profile of the hospital campaign (www.savelewishamhospital.com) not Evan’s condition/s.
http://www.itv.com/news/london/update/2013-01-26/20-000-march-against-lewisham-hospital-cuts/
Hi Eleanor,
Thank you for sharing this comment and the news clip featuring Evan and your local hospital. If you don’t mind I am going to re-share this clip in the form of a blog post, for the primary reason of outlining the dangers of portal hypertension and how it is imperative that we get to the hospital as fast as we can. Secondly, and not the least important of course is that we bring awareness to the detrimental consequences of hospital closures for the sake of peoples lives – especially our children. I’m not surprised that a reporter would make a mistake, but nevertheless it is an important topic and I think they got the point across very well.
Continued best for Evan … I will be praying.
Clint
Hello
It has been awhile since I posted on this site. Clint I am very glad you recovered from your problems last fall and I truly appreciate your positive attitude for the future.
It has almost been 5 years since I was diagnosed with Portal Vein Thrombosis and all the side affects that come with it. Once I had a small bowel re-section to deal with my damaged small intestine and got all the meds in place I have led a pretty productive life. I am blessed with wonderful family and friends. I also consider myself very lucky to be able to pursue many of the activities I participated in before PVT. I am happy to report they did not find any esophageal varices after my last scope but will continue to check in case any new ones develop.
I have recently been diagnosed with on going anemia. After taking supplements for 7 months my hemoglobin and ferritin levels remain below the normal range. I was referred to a haematologist and after many tests, he concluded I probably (not 100% sure) have a condition called vascular ectasia. He explained that they were little pinpoint bleeds from the small intestine. Apparently, endoscopy and colonoscopy does not reach a section of the small intestine so it is difficult to know for sure. The treatment prescribed was to continue taking iron supplements and to have my hemoglobin and ferritin levels monitored every 6 weeks. I was wondering if anyone else on this site has had similar problems with anemia. I would appreciate any input on the topic.
Warmest regards,
Audra
Hi Audra,
Thanks again for posting on this blog. I am sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you, but the busyness of life has caught up with me. On the health front things have been stable, and although nothing like it was last summer, there are the typical maintenance issues related to my health that take up much of my time.
I am sorry to hear of your latest diagnosis (vascular ectasia), and I must confess this is a total new one on me. You mentioned that your ferritin and hemoglobin levels are monitored closely, and you take supplements for that, so I was wondering which ones you actually take for that? Has your doctor mentioned iron infusions (such as iron dextran) as a way of keeping your iron levels at a higher level? Maybe your levels are maintained well with just the supplements you take? I know for myself iron supplements were not recommended as per the increased danger to bleed (esophageal varices), so that is the reason I get infusions every 4 months to keep the levels high.
You are right in saying you are blessed with wonderful family and friends who support you and in turn you are able to lead a productive life. Its so important to have a base like this to keep you moving forward. Another reason I am happy for you is that you have no evidence of esophageal varices, and to that end I hope you always are kept from having this complication of portal vein thrombosis. Take care my friend!
Best,
Clint
Hello
Thank you for responding to my latest post. You raised some interesting points. My doctor has mentioned iron infusions but feels I should try supplements first. I was taking 150mg of iron (feramax) a day and am now taking 150mg twice a day to see if that helps increase my hemoglobin and ferritin levels. I just had them checked last week and my hemoglobin was borderline at 100 and my ferritin was low at 6. So I will try the double dose of iron to see if it makes a difference and go from there.
Thanks for your wonderful forum and I willl try to update my anemia condition if any radical changes take place.
Take Care,
Audra
dear clint this is the first time i visit this website i have had this diisease for 30+ yr i am 62 thought it would be nice to talk with someone who is suffering the same thing as i
Shurl,
Thanks for sharing. You most likely have much information to share regarding this disease, and if you want to jump in on anything please post your comments accordingly!
All the best,
Clint
← Previous Comments