Noncirrhotic portal hypertension

Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2018 May;34(3):140-145. doi: 10.1097/MOG.0000000000000433.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Noncirrhotic portal hypertension represents a heterogeneous group of liver disorders that is characterized by portal hypertension in the absence of cirrhosis. The purpose of this review is to serve as a guide on how to approach a patient with noncirrhotic portal hypertension with a focus on recent developments.

Recent findings: Recent studies pertaining to noncirrhotic portal hypertension have investigated aetiological causes, mechanisms of disease, noninvasive diagnostic modalities, clinical characteristics in the paediatric population and novel treatment targets.

Summary: Noncirrhotic portal hypertension is an underappreciated clinical entity that can be difficult to diagnosis without a healthy suspicion. Diagnosis then relies on a comprehensive understanding of the causes and clinical manifestations of this disease, as well as a careful interpretation of the liver biopsy. Noninvasive approaches to diagnosis may play a significant role moving forward in this disease. Treatment in NCPH remains largely targeted at the individual sequalae of portal hypertension.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Portal / diagnosis*
  • Hypertension, Portal / etiology*
  • Hypertension, Portal / physiopathology
  • Hypertension, Portal / therapy
  • Liver Cirrhosis / complications