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Semin Liver Dis 2006; 26(4): 348-362
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-951603
Copyright © 2006 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Measurement of Portal Pressure and Its Role in the Management of Chronic Liver Disease

Jaime Bosch1 , Juan Carlos Garcia-Pagán1 , Annalisa Berzigotti2 , Juan G. Abraldes1
  • 1Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Institut de Malalties Digestives, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Spain
  • 2Department of Internal Medicine, Hepatology and Cardioangiology, Policlinico St Orsola, University of Bologna, Italy
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Publication History

Publication Date:
18 October 2006 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Portal hypertension is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in liver cirrhosis. This article provides a background on the most important aspects of the evaluation of portal hypertension in patients with chronic liver diseases, with special attention to the measurement of portal pressure by hepatic vein catheterization. The rationale, technique, applications, costs, and limitations of measurements of the hepatic venous pressure gradient are thoroughly reviewed. Emerging, noninvasive methodologies for the evaluation of the patient with portal hypertension are also discussed.

KEYWORDS

Portal hypertension - liver cirrhosis - esophageal varices - portal pressure - hepatic venous pressure gradient

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 Prof
Jaime BoschM.D. 

Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, C. Villarroel 170

08036 Barcelona, Spain

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