Which term describes high blood pressure in the hepatic portal veins?

Which term describes high blood pressure in the hepatic portal veins?

• A. Hepatitis
• B. Portal hypertension
• C. Enteritis
• D. Pancreatitis

Answer: (B)

Portal hypertension describes increased pressure in the portal venous system, which includes the portal vein and its branches bringing blood from the GI tract to the liver. Normally, this system operates at low pressure to allow smooth blood flow through the liver. When resistance to flow rises in the liver—most commonly from cirrhosis or other outflow obstructions—the pressure backs up into the portal system, producing portal hypertension. This elevated pressure can lead to complications like ascites, spleen enlargement, and the formation of collateral vessels that bleed. The other terms refer to inflammation of specific organs (liver, intestine, pancreas) and do not describe elevated pressure in the portal veins.

Portal hypertension describes increased pressure in the portal venous system, which includes the portal vein and its branches bringing blood from the GI tract to the liver. Normally, this system operates at low pressure to allow smooth blood flow through the liver. When resistance to flow rises in the liver—most commonly from cirrhosis or other outflow obstructions—the pressure backs up into the portal system, producing portal hypertension. This elevated pressure can lead to complications like ascites, spleen enlargement, and the formation of collateral vessels that bleed. The other terms refer to inflammation of specific organs (liver, intestine, pancreas) and do not describe elevated pressure in the portal veins.