Portal Hypertension
Portal hypertension is elevated pressure within the portal vein (the vein
that carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver). This can be
caused by fundamental liver disease, obstruction, or structural changes.
The increase in pressure is caused by a blockage in the blood flow through
the liver.
Increased pressure in the portal vein causes large veins (varices) to develop
across the esophagus and stomach to get around the blockage. The varices
become fragile and can bleed easily.
The most common cause of portal hypertension is cirrhosis, or scarring
of the liver. Cirrhosis is a result of a liver injury after healing. This
injury can be caused by hepatitis, alcohol abuse, or other causes of liver
damage. Other causes of portal hypertension are thrombosis, or a blood
clot that develops in the portal vein.