Portal venous pressure

Portal venous pressure is the blood pressure in the portal vein, which transports blood from the digestive system to the liver. It is a crucial factor in several medical conditions, including cirrhosis and portal hypertension.

Physiology

The portal vein is formed by the union of the superior mesenteric vein and the splenic vein behind the neck of the pancreas. It transports nutrient-rich blood from the digestive system to the liver for processing. The pressure within the portal vein, known as the portal venous pressure, typically ranges from 5 to 10 mmHg in a healthy individual.

Clinical significance

An increase in portal venous pressure can lead to portal hypertension, a serious condition that can cause complications such as esophageal varices, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy. Portal hypertension is often caused by cirrhosis of the liver, but can also be caused by other conditions such as schistosomiasis and portal vein thrombosis.

Measurement of portal venous pressure is important in the diagnosis and management of these conditions. It can be measured directly through a procedure known as hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement, or indirectly through imaging techniques such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan.

See also

• Hepatic vein
• Hepatic artery
• Liver disease
• Portal system