Free Online Flashcard Deck

4 Portal Hypertension Free Online FlashCards

Study 4 Portal Hypertension with 12 free online flashcards. Review key terms, definitions, and concepts with this interactive flashcard deck.

12 cards

Front

What is portal hypertension?

Back

Portal hypertension is abnormally increased pressure in the portal venous system.

Front

What HVPG defines clinically significant portal hypertension in cirrhosis?

Back

In cirrhosis, clinically significant portal hypertension is defined by an HVPG of at least $10\ \text{mm Hg}$ .

Front

What are varices, and where are they commonly found?

Back

Varices are enlarged collateral veins, commonly located in the lower esophagus or stomach.

Front

What can cause sudden, severe bleeding in a patient with cirrhosis?

Back

Ruptured esophageal varices can cause sudden, severe gastrointestinal bleeding and require immediate care.

Front

How can portal hypertension cause splenomegaly?

Back

Increased pressure in the splenic venous circulation can cause splenomegaly, or enlargement of the spleen.

Front

Why may portal hypertension with splenomegaly be associated with low platelets?

Back

Hypersplenism can sequester blood cells and contribute to a low platelet count; other blood cell counts may also fall.

Front

What medication approach can reduce first variceal-bleed risk in eligible patients?

Back

For cirrhosis with high-risk varices and no contraindication, nonselective beta-blocker therapy is a preventive option.

Front

What is portal hypertensive gastropathy?

Back

Portal hypertensive gastropathy is congestion of the stomach lining associated with portal hypertension.

Front

What happens to blood flow through portosystemic collaterals?

Back

Portosystemic collaterals can divert intestinal blood around the liver into the systemic circulation.

Front

How can portosystemic shunting contribute to hepatic encephalopathy?

Back

When intestinal blood bypasses the liver, substances normally processed there can reach the systemic circulation and contribute to encephalopathy.

Front

Which fluid-accumulation complication can portal hypertension contribute to?

Back

Portal hypertension can contribute to ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity.

Front

How does cirrhosis raise portal pressure?

Back

Cirrhotic scarring increases resistance to blood flow through the liver, raising portal pressure.

4 Portal Hypertension Free Online FlashCards

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