Case:
• 23 month old girl, corrected age 19 months,24/52, has been brought
to ED:
• Hematemesis
• Melena
• Fever
What to ask?
Liver disease
Mallory Weiss tear
Acid peptic disease
Medications
Ingested blood
FB/Battery ingestion
Obstruction
Food Color
General Examination:
• Pale
• Lethargic but arousable
• No apparent dysmorphism
• Not jaundiced or icterus
• No clubbing
• No palmar erythema
• No stigmata of liver disease
• Capillary refill 3-5 sec
• Vitals:
• HR: 130 BP: 77/41 Temp: 36.6C
• RR: 44 Spo2: 100%
Features of Severe GI bleed
Prolonged capillary refill
Hypotension
Melena
Decrease in HGB >2g/dl
HR>20 BPM
Systemic Examination:
• Chest: Bilaterally clear, no adventitious sounds
• CVS: S1+S2 no murmur heard, pulses well felt and equal, mild
tachycardia
• GIT: Soft abdomen, non protuberant, normal shaped umbilicus,
spleen palpable 3cm BCM, liver not palpable, no abdominal veins,
• CNS: GCS: 15/15, lethargic, normal deficit, normal reflex and tone.
• Skin: No Rash, spider angiomata
• Eyes: Non-icteric
• ENT: Normal mucosa
Treatment in ER
• Received IV normal saline bolus twice
• IV Ranitidine
• IV ondansetron
• Investigations were collected
What Investigations to do?
CBC, U/E, creatinine, LFT, Coagulation profile, Blood type and cross,
Guaiac testing
Radio-imaging: Abdominal x-ray , USS abdomen
FBC Counts Range
WBC 16.3x 10^3/uL 6-18
HGB 8.2 g/dl 11-14
RBC 3.74 x 10^3/uL 3.9-5.1
MCV 70 fl 72-84
RDW 16.9 11.5-14
PLT 164 x 10^3/uL 20-550
LFT Value Range
T.Bil 0.5 6-18
ALT 305 11-14
AST 193 3.9-5.1
GGT 77 72-84
Albumin 3.0 11.5-14
PT 16.7 11-14
APTT 40.7 28-41
RFT Value Range
Urea 55 12-40
Na 136 131-145
K 3.7 3.2-5.4
Cl 101 96-111
CO2 19.9 22-28
Creatinine 0.2 0.2-0.4
Lab Value Range
CRP 9.0 <10
PCT 0.45 <0.05
Blood culture No Growth
Blood film:
Hypochromic Microcytic cells with poikilocytosis, Leukocytosis,
neutrophilia with slight shift to the left. Normal platelet count
USS Abdomen:
Findings:
Liver: The liver showing homogenous echotexture. No focal lesion could be seen.
Spleen: Spleen is enlarged measures about 10 cm in diameter showing homogenous echotexture
CYST: An irregular cystic structures seen at the porta hepatis showing a proximal diameter measures about 2.6 cm
No comment on ascites, collateral or portal vein size
Conclusion: an irregular cystic lesion seen at the porta hepatis : ? choledochal cyst ?
History:
• Birth History:
• Antenatal: IVF pregnancy, triplets, TCTA, received betamethsone
• Natal: mother had PROM 24 hours prior delivery, 24/52, LSCS, had weak cry electively intubated at
birth
• Postnatal: She was admitted in NICU for around three months and had a stormy course.
• She was managed for following problems:
• Respiratory distress syndrome
• Right sided pneumothorax
• Chronic lung disease (received steroids)
• ESBL Klebsiella Sepsis
• PDA (closed medically),
• Retinopathy of prematurity stage 3 plus disease
• neonatal seizures
• neonatal jaundice of prematurity
• neonatal cholestasis ( TPN associated)
• GERD
• Neonatal anemia.
History:
• Past medical history:
• Readmitted in hospital at 17 months of age due to Enteroviral pneumoniae and
Thrombocytopenia. Received platelets.
• Had an episode of spontaneously resolving epistaxis 1 month ago.
• Persistently low platelets
• Vaccination:
• Uptodate as per DHA schedule
• Feeding History:
• Pediasure and normal family diet , following clinical nutritionist
• Development:
• Mild motor delay for corrected age
Family History:
• Born to non consanguineous parent. Father has celiac disease. Three other siblings are
healthy. On of triplet died postnatally and one triplet had similar course in NICU is alive.
Summary:
• 23 months old girl
• Ex preterm 24/52
• Prolonged and turbulent postnatal NICU stay.
• Acute episode of Hematemesis and Melena
• Pallor and Splenomegaly
• Persistently low platelets
Labs Result
FBC HGB 8.2 g/dl
PLT 164 x
10^3/uL
LFT and
coagulation
ALT 305
AST 193
U/E: Urea 55
USS
abdomen
an irregular cystic lesion
seen at the porta hepatis
Progress in Ward: Day 1
• Was given PRBC transfusion once
• Started on Octreotide infusion
• IV Vitamin K
• IV Esomeprazole
• IV Cefuroxime
• Only one episode of melena after admission
USS Doppler Findings: Day 3rd
• Well defined cystic lesion measuring about 1.6x1.4 at the porta hepatis
• No color flow seen inside and not separable from the regional PV and hepatic
artery.
• Enlarged liver measuring about 9.1 cm in MCL. No hepatic focal lesions.
• Enlarged spleen , measuring about 10.4 cm. No focal lesions.
• Mild free fluid at the upper abdomen.
• Conclusion:
• Possibility include:
1. Cavernous transformation ? secondary to chronic PV thrombosis.
2. Choledochcal cyst.
UGI endoscopy
•Endoscopy is both diagnostic and therapeutic in
patients with UGI bleed.
•Varices:
•Site, grade
•Predictors of bleed
•Portal hypertensive gastropathy
Grade
1
Grade 2
Grade 3
UGI Endoscopic findings
• Esophagus: In Lower esophagus there were 4 columns of varices at
3,4,7 and 11 o clock. Grade 2 and 3.
• Stomach: Fundal varices
• Intervention:
• Banding device was applied to varix
• Prophylactic Propranolol was started
Summary:
• 23 months , ex-preterm 24/52
• Prolonged and turbulent postnatal NICU stay.
• Presented with acute episode of Hematemesis and Melena
• Pallor and Splenomegaly
• History of Persistently low platelets
• Low platelets, Mildly deranged liver transaminases
• USS doppler: Well defined cystic lesion measuring at the porta hepatis
• Endoscopy: esophageal and fundal varices
• Thrombophilia screen and autoimmune hepatitis profile was sent
Day 5
• No active complaints
• No Bleeding episodes
• Vitally and clinically well
• IV octreotide infusion weaned in 72
hours
• IV cefuroxime completed for 5 days
and stopped
• on prophylactic propranolol and
esomeprazole
• Labs Repeated
LFT New Old
T.Bil 0.4 0.5
ALT 106 305
AST 63 193
Albumin 3.1 3.0
FBC New Old
WBC 6.3x 10^3/uL 16.3x 10^3/uL
HGB 9.3 g/dl 8.2 g/dl
PLT 122x 10^3/uL 164 x 10^3/uL
Viral study Result
HIV Negative
HBV Negative
MRI abdomen + MRCP
• LIVER: The liver is enlarged however
showing normal signal intensity with no
detectable focal lesion.
• Biliary System: The left intrahepatic biliary
tree is dilated. Two cysts are noted
arising from the common bile duct
posteriorly measuring about 1.6 cm and anteriorly
measuring about 1.5 cm and containing a stone
measuring about 7 mm. The gallbladder appears
normal with dilated cystic duct. No gallstones
or acute cholecystitis.
• Portal Vein: The portal vein is of thin
caliber.
• Spleen: The spleen is enlarged measuring
about 13 cm.
• Ascites: Moderate to large pelvi-abdominal
ascites.
• Pancreas, both kidneys and bladder appear normal
in size, outline and signal intensity.
• No retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy, lung bases
are showing bilateral collapse-consolidations.
• The visualized bony skeleton appears
unremarkable
• Conclusion:
• The MRI findings are likely in favour of type 2
choledochal cyst.
• Thin calibre portal vein
Repeated USS Doppler
• Portal vein appears narrow 3 mm with extrahepatic varicose net
of vessels Cavernoma
• Suggested Diagnosis :
1. Portal vein thrombosis
2. Congenital stenosis of portal vein ?
Thrombophilia screen
Protein C 89% ( Range: 70 to 140)
Protein S 73% ( Range: 60 to 160)
Anti thrombin 3 87 % ( Range: 80 to 130)
Activated protein C resistance Low <0.8 ( Range: 0.86 to 1.10)
ALKM Negative
ASMA Negative
ANA 1:100 weakly positive
Autoimmune hepatitis screen
Hematology consult was taken
Following tests were done:
• Factor V Leiden Assay (most common cause)
• Prothrombin gene mutation (2nd most common cause)
• Factor 8 Assay
• Homocysteine
Summary:
Acute hematemesis
Esophageal and fundal varices
Portal hypertension secondary to Portal vein thrombosis
Hypersplenism
Choledochal cyst (Todani type 2)
Failure to thrive
Low activated protein C resistance ratio- results awaited
Portal Hypertension:
• It is defined as Hepatic venous Pressure gradient between the IVC and
portal vein greater than 5 mm of Hg.
• PPG>10mmHg(varices)
• PPG>12 mmHg(ascites)
Management (EHPVO):
• of life threatening
hemorrhage
Emergency
treatment
• directed at prevention
of subsequent bleedingProphylaxis
• Rex bypass shunt
• Splenorenal shuntSurgery
Prognosis:
• Depending on underlying cause: extrahepatic vs intrahepatic PHT
• Intrahepatic: Liver transplantation
• Extrahepatic:
• frequency of bleeds decreases as they get older
• Neurocognitive defects naturally occurring portosystemic shunts
• Progressive liver disease can be treated or prevented by the Rex shunt.
Notas del editor
Hematemesis was today large in amount around 2 cups, fresh blood 2-3 times ( no bile)
Melena was today morning one time with loose stools, moderate to large amount
Fever is tactile since past 2 days associated with URTI symptoms
With good oral intake and activity until symptoms.
A quick history aimed at broadly identifying the Cause :
Upper GI bleed: (proximal to ligament of Treitz) Bright red vomitus indicates brisk bleeding with melena (Indicating Gastric acid effect on blood) (( had this been LGI it would have been dark maroon or bright red))
Cause:
Liver disease: jaundice, easy bruising, edema
Mallory weiss: episodes of frequent forceful of vomiting followed by hematemesis in a relatively well child
Acid peptic disease or GERD with esophagitis : Feeding difficulty/dysphagia, regurgitation, fussiness with eating, in older child retrosternal pain/epigastric pain, poor weight gain
Medications: NSAIDS, corticosteroids( with ibuprofen even short term usage can cause gastritis)
Ingested blood: recent epistaxis
Battery ingestion: No Foreign body ingestion history
Obstruction: Intussception, Volvulus : bilious emesis , episodic abdominal pain/irritability, drawing up of legs during episodes with quiet periods in between.
Food Color: well appearing coloring agents, tomato skin, ketchup, spinach, licorice, iron, bismuth salicylate
Previous HGB 10.4 8.2
UGI Bleed SEVERE GI BLEED
Class I. Loss of 15% or less of the total blood volume. clinical manifestations of hypovolemia are minimal or absent.
Class II. Loss of 15 to 30% of the blood volume. The clinical findings at this stage may include resting tachycardia and orthostatic changes in heart rate and blood pressure
Class III. Loss of 30 to 40% of the blood volume usually marks the onset of hypovolemic shock, with a decrease in blood pressure and urine output
Class IV. Loss of more than 40% of blood volume is a harbinger of circulatory collapse. Therefore, when hypovolemia is accompanied by marked hypotension, oliguria, or other evidence of organ failure, prompt volume resuscitation is mandatory.
CNS: lethargic due to hypotension
GIT: splenomegaly evidence of PHT
Nasopharynx: For evidence of disrupted mucosa or inflamed tonsils suggesting swallowed blood.
UGI Bleed SEVERE GI BLEED Portal Hypertension (indeed PHT is Manifested by two principal signs Hematemesis (dilatation of collateral venous channels)+ Splenomegaly , which may cause depression of one or two blood elements ) presinusoidal, sinusoidal or post sinusoidal
Principal management:
A brisk response may also be seen in hemorrhage.
Drop in HCT predicting loss of blood in ml:
Each unit of blood loss drops the hematocrit by 3 percent points (hemoglobin by 1 mg/dL). Conversely stated if the hematocrit drops by 6% the patient has lost 2 units of blood.
Bowel obstruction: We are looking for causes of GI bleed that can be seen on xray: that is true especially + clinical signs of obstruction : that is volvulus or intussusception . Signs of Perforation from ulcer.
Conclusion :
Bowel obstruction: LGI bleed/hematochezia such as volvulus or intussusception Normal gaseous bowel distention .
Perforation: No free air shadow seen .
FB: No radiopaque FB shadow seen
What we expect?
PHT: .
LIVER: Presinusoidal liver is normal and post sinusoidal it may be normal or coarse depending on duration and sinusoidal it is usually coarse.
Splenomegaly
Presence of ascites
Portal vein : A dilated portal vein (diameter of greater than 13 or 15 mm) is a sign of portal hypertension, dilated in sinusoidal and post sinusoidal whereas in presinusoidal its not visualized with cavernomas.
Collaterals: gastro, spleno renal
Findings:
Liver: The liver showing homogenous echotexture. No focal lesion could be seen.
Spleen: Spleen is enlarged measures about 10 cm in diameter showing homogenous echotexture
CYST: An irregular cystic structures seen at the porta hepatis showing a proximal diameter measures about 2.6 cm
No comment on ascites, collateral or portal vein size
Conclusion: an irregular cystic lesion seen at the porta hepatis : ? choledochal cyst ?
Repeated USS abdomen next day : INCONCLUSIVE
Liver size 6.6cm
Moderate ascites
Interpretation:
UGI Bleed SEVERE GI BLEED Portal Hypertension presinusoidal, sinusoidal or post sinusoidal Presinusoidal (as PV not dilated and spleen enlarged) ( for sinusoidal liver should be coarse/echogenic for post sinusoidal liver should be enlarged signs of thrombus in hepatic or IVC)
Interpretation:
UGI Bleed SEVERE GI BLEED Portal Hypertension presinusoidal, sinusoidal or post sinusoidal ? Presinusoidal history of neonatal sepsis and umbilical catheterization presinusioidal probably portal vein thrombosis ?
Esophageal varices: Hematemesis and melena with spleen ( INTRAHEPATIC: with hepatomegaly and/or stigamata of liver disease such as jaundice, palmar erythema, spider nevi, ascites), EXTRAHEPATIC: no stigmata of liver disease)
Gastritis and Peptic ulcer disease: history of fussiness, regurgitation or vomiting with eating
Mallory Weiss tear: relatively well looking with History of frequent forceful vomiting
Epistaxis : nasal mucosal clots or bleed
Bowel obstruction: Intussception and volvulus: Toxic looking with severe abdominal pain (episodic in intussception) and Abdominal distention and ( Bilious vomiting in volvulus)
Octreotide: :
Use: may help in reducing or temporizing GI bleeding in selected cases of variceal bleeding
MOA: It reduces portal venous inflow and intravariceal pressure, cause vasoconstriction in the blood vessels
Administration : it is usually given as bolus followed by maintenance infusion and if bleeding stops it is tapered over 24 hours. The optimal duration of therapy is unclear
Adverse-effects: it emanates from fact it inhibits various GI hormones, GI motility abdominal cramps, anorexia , vasoconstriction hypertension pancreatic hormones and secretion malabsorption, inhibit neurotransmitters abnormal gait, confusion
Anti-biotics:
According to one study: Bacterial infections are common in cirrhotic patients with acute variceal bleeding, occurring in 20% within 48 h. Outcomes including early rebleeding and failure to control bleeding are strongly associated with bacterial infection
According to another study: Intravenous antibiotic therapy should be considered for all patients with variceal bleeding in light of the high risk of potentially fatal infectious complications
It remains unsure whether infection or bleeding is the initiating event but prophylactic antibiotics have been proven useful. Short term fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins are the most studied antibiotics.
Blood in the intestinal lumen can promote bacterial translocation, leading to peritonitis
Bleeding/ Coagulopathy:
Platelets: should be administered for levels less than 50 × 109/L,
coagulopathy : corrected with vitamin K and fresh frozen plasma.
Acid suppression:
According to studies : Use of agents such as PPI significantly reduces the risk of rebleeding patients with UGI bleed
PRBC transfusion:
Patients with hemorrhagic shock should receive blood and require definitive treatment for the cause of hemorrhage especially after no improvement on 60ml/kg fluid boluses. Packed red blood cells should be infused in 10 mL/kg boluses
Need for blood transfusion (given if hemoglobin <8 g/dL)
Decrease in hemoglobin of more than 2 g/dL
What we looking for ?
a portal flow mean velocity of less than 12 cm/s,
dilatation in the MPV are diagnostic of portal hypertension.[14] upperlimit 13-16
Reversal of direction of flow in portal vein (normal direction towards liver)
Recanalization of paraumbilical vein: pathognomonic
Collaterals vessels or cavernoma
Cystic lesion ? cavernoma PHT
Hepatosplenomegaly :
1-<2y
Liver M Mean: 8.6 cm (0.85) 3rd 7.1 97th 10.2 3rd Spleen: Mean: 6.4 (1.01) 3rd 4.7 97th 9.8
Liver F Mean: 8.5 cm (1.51) 3rd 6.3 97th 11.1 Spleen: Mean: 6.1 (0.74) 3rd 4.5 97th 7.6
Interpretation:
UGI Bleed SEVERE GI BLEED Portal Hypertension presinusoidal, sinusoidal or post sinusoidal ? Presinusoidal history of neonatal sepsis and umbilical catheterization presinusioidal probably portal vein thrombosis ? What is the cyst? Incidental findings?
Technical difficulty they couldn’t identify there was limitation in commenting on portal vein and its flow and cystic lesion
Guidelines recommend to perform it for cases of UGI bleed especially if it is severe ,acute in 24 to 48 hours . Both for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Earlier may be needed if bleeding is uncontrolled. Hemodynamically unstable patient should be stabilized prior to it.
Grades of varices:
When esophageal varices are discovered, they are graded according to their size, as follows:
Grade 1 – Small, straight esophageal varices
Grade 2 – Enlarged, tortuous esophageal varices occupying less than one third of the lumen
Grade 3 – Large, coil-shaped esophageal varices occupying more than one third of the lumen
Predictors of bleed:
Larger and more superior varices had a higher bleeding
Another endoscopic finding of value in variceal bleeding is the appearance of the vessel wall. finding of "red signs" is related to the variceal bleeding predicting. The red color signs are the result of microteleangioectasia of the varix. chery red spots(dilated subepithelial veins), hemocystic spots (crimson projections)((represent blood exiting from the deeper esophageal veins))
PHT Gastropathy: Fundal varices can also be found on stomach
Site, grade
Predictors of bleed
Portal hypertensive gastropathy
Interpretation:
UGI Bleed SEVERE GI BLEED Portal Hypertension presinusoidal, sinusoidal or post sinusoidal ? Presinusoidal history of neonatal sepsis and umbilical catheterization presinusioidal probably portal vein thrombosis ((Confirmed varices, treated it)) screen fr underlying coagulopathy ? What is the cyst? Incidental findings?
Findings:
dilated portal vein +/- mesenteric veins
contrast enhancement of paraumbilical vein: pathognomonic
collateral vessels/varices: these are many and can include 4
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography — MRCP does not expose patients to ionizing radiation and does not have the risks of cholangitis and pancreatitis associated with ERCP. In many cases, it is the test of choice for diagnosing and evaluating biliary cysts. Its sensitivity for biliary cysts is between 73 and 100 percent
To study portal vein
APC resistance Positive
ANA ? Significant
Factor 5 leidin mutation: MC: replacement of arginine with glutamine at amino acid 506 of factor 5 gene causes Removes the site of action for APC in Factor 5 Increased level of activated factor 5aHypercoagulable state
Prothrombin gene mutation:
Sometimes referred to as the factor II mutation or simply the prothrombin mutation.
Mechanism:increased prothrombin biosynthesis without affecting the rate of transcription; increased glycosylation that promotes protein stability increased prothrombin levels rendering it unable to be controlled by degradation of factor 5 which is usually destroyed by APC
associated with G20210A prothrombin gene mutation could affect the results of activated protein C (APC) resistance phenotype and increase the risk of venous thrombosis
Factor 8 assays: aPC resistance has been described in patients with elevated levels of coagulation factor VIII (figure 1). Circulating levels of factor VIII can be increased in inflammatory disorders
Homocytine: in vitro homocysteine treatment of factor V can protect α-thrombin-derived factor Va from inactivation by APC. The most probable mechanism by which homocysteine inhibits APC inactivation of factor Va is by forming heterologous disulfide bond
The normal portal venous pressure is approximately 7 mm Hg
Hepatic Venous pressure gradient is measured by inserting a catheter equipped with a balloon into the hepatic venous system via IVC and indirectly measuring portal venous pressures.
The clinical features of the various forms of portal hypertension may be similar, but the associated complications, management, and prognosis can vary significantly
Portal hypertension can result from obstruction to portal blood flow anywhere along the course of the portal venous system.
Cirrhosis which increases intrahepatic resistance to blood flow or portal vein thrombosis.
Once PHT develops it creates collateral vessel formation (esophagus, stomach, SI and rectum)( promoted VEGF42-44 and placental growth factor (PlGF)) and arterial vasodilation including splanchnic and systemic vasodilation ( NO is the most important vasodilator molecule that contributes to excessive vasodilation )
This helps to increase the blood flow into the portal vein, which exacerbates portal hypertension
A hyperdynamic circulation is achieved by tachycardia, an increase in cardiac output, and decreased systemic vascular resistance.
Consequently varices develps particularly in the esophagus or anorectal region along with ascites
Pre-sinusoidal: Extrahepatic: Splenic or portal vein thrombosis (hypercoagulable states: protein c and s deficiency, antithrombin c, tumor invasion such as RCC , neonatal sepsis, umbilical vein catheterization, NEC,peritonitis ), Congenital stenosis of portal vein, Intrahepatic: NCPF
Sinusoidal: Cirrhosis: replacement of liver parenchyma by fibrotic tissue due to plethora of causes : infecive: Hepatits B, C, genetic: Cystic fibrosis, Wilson, Metabolic: GSD type 4 , autoimmune
Post-Sinusoidal: extrahepatic: Budd-chiari Syndrome , IVC obstruction (Hypercoagulabel states, Malignancy(RCC))
Intrahepatic: VOD
Presinusoidal:
Its classical presentation is with UGI bleed with splenomegaly with out a preceding history of liver disease and in the absence of stigmata of liver diseases such jaundice, SN, Abdominal veins, pedal edema or ascites (if present it is transient) or encephalopathy. USS will support findings of Portal vein obstruction such as narrowing, cavernoma or presence of clot.
Hemorrhage, particularly in children with portal vein obstruction, can be precipitated by minor febrile, intercurrent illness
Sinusoidal:
UGI bleed is often not the presentation and in case of PHT leading to UGI bleed these patients with underlying hepatic disease the physical examination might show jaundice and stigmata of cirrhosis such as palmar erythema and vascular telangiectasia.
3. Post sinusoidal:
Acute: patient develops symptoms rapidly severe right upper quadrant pain and hepatomegaly [4]. Jaundice and ascites may not be apparent initially but often develop rapidly.
Subacute and chronic Budd-Chiari syndrome : Patients who are asymptomatic often have large hepatic vein collaterals. However, ascites and lower extremity edema may occur because chronic occlusion of the hepatic veins.
Splenomegaly: Single most important diagnostic sign of PHT. Corelates well with the type of portal hypertension rather than severity. Hence, Hypersplenism is predominant in Presinusoidal
Dilated abdominal veins: Presence supports the diagnosis of PHT (Sinusoidal and postsinusoidal)
Primarily indicates intrahepatic portal hypertension and absence doesn’t exclude PHT. Back vein especially indicates post sinusoidal.
Ascites: Presence supports the diagnosis of PHT. Its not frequent presentation in presinusoidal causes. Though Its presence gives clue to sinusoidal and post sinusoidal causes especially sudden accumulation of ascites points to HVOO
Liver: Consistency is more significant than size. Normal soft liver in Presinusoidal PHT. Firm nodular and even enlarged in sinusoidal causes. Liver can be very enlarged and tender in Post sinusoidal causes. Its non cirrhotic in post sinusoidal in acute and subacute stages whereas in sinusoidal disease the liver is frequently have feature of cirrhosis which corelated with its clinical stigmata.
. GI bleed: Usually the first presentation in Presinusoidal causes and is well tolerated as liver function is intact. Unlike in sinusoidal causes where there is significant mortality associated with it.
Encephlopathy: it is predominantly seen in sinusoidal causes but can be seen in other two especially after GI bleed when it may be transient.
USS:
Variation of splenic and SMV diameter: normally increases but not in PHT
Collaterals: gastro, spleno renal
Thickness of omentum: ratio of omental thickness to diameter of aorta>1.7 =PHT
Presinusoidal liver is normal and post sinusoidal it may be normal or coarse depending on duration and sinusoidal it is usually coarse.
Portal vein : dilated in sinusoidal and post sinusoidal whereas in presinusoidal its not visualized with cavernomas.
Clinical: UGI bleed+splenomegaly
Endoscopy: is the most reliable method for detecting esophageal varices and for identifying the source of gastrointestinal bleeding
USS /Doppler“: experienced ultrasonographer should be able to demonstrate the patency of the portal vein, and Doppler flow ultrasonography can demonstrate the direction of flow within the portal system. Reversal of flow.
EMERGENCY:
Correction of coagulopathy by administration of vitamin K and/or infusion of platelets or fresh-frozen plasma may be required
An H 2 -receptor blocker or proton pump inhibitor should be given intravenously
Care should be taken in fluid resuscitation of children after bleeding to avoid producing an excessively high venous pressure
Pharmacologic therapy to decrease portal pressure: The somatostatin analog octreotide is more commonly used, and it decreases splanchnic blood flow with fewer side effects.
Endoscopy:
Without bleeding: Endoscopic can still be done to look for predictors of bleed
With Bleeding: After an episode of variceal hemorrhage or in patients in whom bleeding cannot be controlled, endoscopic sclerosis or elastic band ligation of esophageal varices are important options
Prophylaxis:
Although bleeding can be controlled acutely in most cases, further sessions of sclerotherapy/banding are required to achieve temporary obliteration of the varices
Beta blockers
Surgery:
With no bleeding: no surgical option is required in most patient with EHPVO (as they improve with time)
If recurrent bleeding , thrombocytopenia: ( not always advocated if natural history of disease is self improving, vein too thin)
Meso-rex bypass shunt :is ideal surgery: which connects the junction of the superior mesenteric and splenic veins to the left portal vein using an internal jugular jump graft.1,5 This procedure bypasses the obstruction and restores nutritive blood flow to the liver
Splenorenal shunt: it decreases the portal flow by diverting the splenic vein flow to the vena cava
Portal hypertensive biliopathy ; Patients with portal vein obstruction as a result of external compression of bile ducts by cavernous transformation of the portal vein can develop Cholestasis and Progressive liver disease
hepatopulmonary syndrome, which develops in ≥10% of patients with portal hypertension. It is defined as an arterial oxygenation defect induced by intrapulmonary microvascular dilation, resulting from release of a number of endogenous vasoactive molecules, including endothelin-1 and nitric oxide into the venous circulation. Liver transplantation is the only effective therapy
Hepatorenal disease: Renal insufficiency in patient with liver failure in the absence of any other cause.
In patients with intrahepatic disease, the combination of portal hypertension and poor liver synthetic ability (coagulopathy) can make bleeding much more difficult to control = poorer prognosis, ultimately require liver transplantation
In patients with portal vein obstruction and normal hepatic function, the bleeding episodes becomes less frequent but may have intermittent bouts of life-threatening hemorrhage.