MEDRADSC 3C03 Lecture Notes - Lecture 17: Portal Hypertension, Portal Vein, Hepatic Veins

• School: McMaster University
• Department: Medical Radiation Sciences
• Course: MEDRADSC 3C03
• Professor: Meaghan Jefferson

Document Summary

Defined as: an absolute portal venous pressure of greater than 10mm hg &/or pressure gradient b/n the portal & the systemic veins is. Elevated pressure can be in the entire portal system or just in segments of the system. Difference in pressure before & after the liver. Can have a backup of pressure into the rectum (hemorrhoids), spleen & esophagus (varices) All caused by a direct increase in pressure in the portal system. Circulatory system is a closed system - eventually the. Whole system will experience an increase in pressure (all the way to the ivc) leading to the enlargement. Patients with ph & cirrhosis as described using meld scoring system (model for end-stage liver disease) To use the model , require the total bilirubin, creatinine, & inr values. Tells the physician how severe the condition is. Based on the score, tips may/may not be applicable to the patient (can be to dangerous depending on the score)