Portal hypertensive gastropathy and colopathy

Clin Liver Dis. 2014 May;18(2):389-406. doi: 10.1016/j.cld.2014.01.008.

Abstract

Portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) and colopathy (PHC) are considered complications of portal hypertension. Both entities are clinically relevant because they may cause insidious blood loss or even acute massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Endoscopic evaluation is necessary for the diagnosis of PHG and PHC. The existence of different endoscopic criteria for PHG and PHC makes consensus difficult and results in a broad range of reported prevalence. Therapy targeted at reduction of portal pressure and mucosal blood flow has been used to treat acute bleeding; nonselective β-blockers are the most frequently used agents. Further studies are needed to clarify the natural history, pathogenesis, and treatment of PHG and PHC.

Keywords: Bleeding; Cirrhosis; Hemorrhage; Portal hypertension; Pressure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Chronic Disease
  • Colonic Diseases / diagnosis
  • Colonic Diseases / etiology*
  • Colonic Diseases / therapy
  • Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / therapy
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Portal / complications*
  • Hypertension, Portal / pathology
  • Hypertension, Portal / therapy
  • Primary Prevention
  • Secondary Prevention
  • Stomach Diseases / diagnosis
  • Stomach Diseases / etiology*
  • Stomach Diseases / therapy