Portal Hypertension

Abstract

Portal hypertension (PHT) in children may be caused by a wide range of etiologies, including extrahepatic portal vein obstruction, biliary atresia, alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, and autoimmune hepatitis. PHT presents with acute gastrointestinal bleeding and/or splenomegaly or with symptoms and signs of chronic liver disease. Gastroesophageal varices and ascites are two main complications of PHT responsible for morbidity and mortality. This chapter describes the pathogenesis and management of PHT in children.