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Fiordaliso M, Marincola G, Pala B, Muraro R, Mazzone M, Di Marcantonio MC, Mincione G. A Narrative Review on Non-Cirrohotic Portal Hypertension: Not All Portal Hypertensions Mean Cirrhosis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3263. [PMID: 37892084 PMCID: PMC10606323 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13203263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH), also known as idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (INCPH) and porto-sinusoidal vascular disorder (PSVD), is a rare disease characterized by intrahepatic portal hypertension (IPH) in the absence of cirrhosis. The precise etiopathogenesis of IPH is an area of ongoing research. NCPH diagnosis is challenging, as there are no specific tests available to confirm the disease, and a high-quality liver biopsy, detailed clinical information, and an expert pathologist are necessary for diagnosis. Currently, the treatment of NCPH relies on the prevention of complications related to portal hypertension, following current guidelines of cirrhotic portal hypertension. No treatment has been studied that aimed to modify the natural history of the disease; however, transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunt (TIPS) placement, shunt and liver transplantation are considerable symptomatic options. In this review, we discuss the heterogeneity of NCPH as well as its etiopathogenesis, clinical presentation and management issues. Starting from the assumption that portal hypertension does not always mean cirrhosis, cooperative studies are probably needed to clarify the issues of etiology and the possible genetic background of this rare disease. This knowledge might lead to better treatment and perhaps better prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Fiordaliso
- Department of Medicine and Ageing Sciences, University “G. D’Annunzio” of Chieti–Pescara, Via dei Vestini 29, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Marincola
- Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Barbara Pala
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa, 1035/1039, 00189 Rome, Italy;
| | - Raffaella Muraro
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University “G. D’Annunzio” of Chieti–Pescara, Via dei Vestini 29, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (R.M.); (M.M.); (M.C.D.M.)
| | - Mariangela Mazzone
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University “G. D’Annunzio” of Chieti–Pescara, Via dei Vestini 29, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (R.M.); (M.M.); (M.C.D.M.)
| | - Maria Carmela Di Marcantonio
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University “G. D’Annunzio” of Chieti–Pescara, Via dei Vestini 29, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (R.M.); (M.M.); (M.C.D.M.)
| | - Gabriella Mincione
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University “G. D’Annunzio” of Chieti–Pescara, Via dei Vestini 29, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (R.M.); (M.M.); (M.C.D.M.)
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Goel A, Ramakrishna B, Zachariah U, Sajith KG, Burad DK, Kodiatte TA, Keshava SN, Balasubramanian KA, Elias E, Eapen CE. What makes non-cirrhotic portal hypertension a common disease in India? Analysis for environmental factors. Indian J Med Res 2020; 149:468-478. [PMID: 31411170 PMCID: PMC6676844 DOI: 10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_1405_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In India, an unexplained enteropathy is present in a majority of non-cirrhotic intrahepatic portal hypertension (NCIPH) patients. Small intestinal bacterial contamination and tropical enteropathy could trigger inflammatory stimuli and activate the endothelium in the portal venous system. Groundwater contaminated with arsenic is an environmental factor of epidemic proportions in large areas of India which has similar consequences. Von Willebrand factor (a sticky protein) expressed by activated endothelium may promote formation of platelet microthrombi and occlusion of intrahepatic portal vein branches leading to NCIPH. Environmental factors linked to suboptimal hygiene and sanitation, which enter through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, predispose to platelet plugging onto activated endothelium in portal microcirculation. Thus, NCIPH, an example of poverty linked thrombophilia, is a disease mainly affecting the lower socio-economic strata of Indian population. Public health measures to improve sanitation, provide clean drinking water and eliminate arsenic contamination of drinking water are urgently needed. Till such time as these environmental factors are addressed, NCIPH is likely to remain 'an Indian disease'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Goel
- Department of Hepatology, Division of GI Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Banumathi Ramakrishna
- Department of Pathology, Division of GI Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Uday Zachariah
- Department of Hepatology, Division of GI Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - K G Sajith
- Department of Hepatology, Division of GI Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Deepak K Burad
- Department of Pathology, Division of GI Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Thomas A Kodiatte
- Department of Pathology, Division of GI Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Shyamkumar N Keshava
- Department of Radio-diagnosis, Division of GI Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - K A Balasubramanian
- Department of Wellcome Research Laboratory, Division of GI Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Elwyn Elias
- Department of Hepatology, Division of GI Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India; Liver Unit, University Hospitals, Birmingham, UK
| | - C E Eapen
- Department of Hepatology, Division of GI Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
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Abstract
Even though pregnancy is rare with cirrhosis and advanced liver disease, but it may co-exist in the setting of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension as liver function is preserved but whenever encountered together is a complex clinical dilemma. Pregnancy in a patient with portal hypertension presents a special challenge to the obstetrician as so-called physiological hemodynamic changes associated with pregnancy, needed for meeting demands of the growing fetus, worsen the portal hypertension thereby putting mother at risk of potentially life-threatening complications like variceal hemorrhage. Risks of variceal bleed and hepatic decompensation increase many fold during pregnancy. Optimal management revolves round managing the portal hypertension and its complications. Thus management of such cases requires multi-speciality approach involving obstetricians experienced in dealing with high risk cases, hepatologists, anesthetists and neonatologists. With advancement in medical field, pregnancy is not contra-indicated in these women, as was previously believed. This article focuses on the different aspects of pregnancy with portal hypertension with special emphasis on specific cause wise treatment options to decrease the variceal bleed and hepatic decompensation. Based on extensive review of literature, management from pre-conceptional period to postpartum is outlined in order to have optimal maternal and perinatal outcomes.
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Key Words
- ACOG, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- EHPVO, extrahepatic portal vein obstruction
- EST, endoscopic sclerotherapy
- EVL, endoscopic variceal ligation
- FDA, Food & Drug Association of America
- HVPG, hepatic vein pressure gradient
- NCPF, non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis
- NCPH, non-cirrhotic portal hypertension
- PPH, postpartum hemorrhage
- PVT, portal vein thrombosis
- Portal vein thrombosis
- cirrhosis
- non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis
- portal hypertension
- pregnancy
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Affiliation(s)
- Neelam Aggarwal
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India,Address for correspondence: Neelam Aggarwal, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India.
| | - Neha Negi
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Aakash Aggarwal
- Department Of Internal Medicine, State University of New York (Suny) Upstate Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Vijay Bodh
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Radha K. Dhiman
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
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Abstract
NCPH is a heterogeneous group of liver disorders of vascular origin, leading to PHT with near normal HVPG. NCPF/IPH is a disorder of young adults or middle aged women, whereas EHPVO is a disorder of childhood. Early age acute or recurrent infections in an individual with thrombotic predisposition constitute the likely pathogenesis. Both disorders present with clinically significant PHT with preserved liver functions. Diagnosis is easy and can often be made clinically with support from imaging modalities. Management centers on control and prophylaxis of variceal bleeding. In EHPVO, there are additional concerns of growth faltering, portal biliopathy, MHE and parenchymal dysfunction. Surgical shunts are indicated in patients with failure of endotherapy, bleeding from sites not amenable to endotherapy, symptomatic hypersplenism or symptomatic biliopathy. Persistent growth failure, symptomatic and recurrent hepatic encephalopathy, impaired quality of life or massive splenomegaly that interferes with daily activities are other surgical indications. Rex-shunt or MLPVB is the recommended shunt for EHPVO, but needs proper pre-operative radiological assessment and surgical expertise. Both disorders have otherwise a fairly good prognosis, but need regular and careful surveillance. Hepatic schistosomiasis, CHF and NRH have similar presentation and comparable prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev Khanna
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Shiv K Sarin
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India.
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Tanaka T, Sugawara Y, Kokudo N. The current clinical aspects of idiopathic portal hypertension. Intractable Rare Dis Res 2013; 2:94-7. [PMID: 25343110 PMCID: PMC4204548 DOI: 10.5582/irdr.2013.v2.3.94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2013] [Revised: 07/24/2013] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
IDIOPATHIC PORTAL HYPERTENSION (IPH) COMPRISES DISORDERS DEVELOPING INCREASED PORTAL PRESSURE IN THE ABSENCE OF CIRRHOSIS: the clear mechanisms to explain this disease are still not well recognized. IPH usually suggests a benign prognosis, but sometimes is complicated with severe hemorrhage due to ruptured esophageal varices, or massive splenomegaly. Conventional treatments for those complications for patients with cirrhosis usually works when diverted to patients with IPH, although some of those patients might require liver transplantation if the treatment fails. However, there are few consistent treatment strategies for IPH itself, its complications or the indications for liver transplantation. In this mini review, we summarize the clinical manifestations and several potential theories to explain the etiology, as well as the current treatment options for IPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Tanaka
- Organ Transplantation Service, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Sugawara
- Artificial Organ and Transplantation Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Address correspondence to: Dr. Yasuhiko Sugawara, Artificial Organ and Transplantation Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan. E-mail:
| | - Norihiro Kokudo
- Artificial Organ and Transplantation Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Chattopadhyay S, Govindasamy M, Singla P, Varma V, Mehta N, Kumaran V, Nundy S. Portal biliopathy in patients with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension: does the type of surgery affect outcome? HPB (Oxford) 2012; 14:441-7. [PMID: 22672545 PMCID: PMC3384873 DOI: 10.1111/j.1477-2574.2012.00473.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES After portosystemic anastomoses for biliopathy, some patients continue to suffer biliary obstruction. The effects of splenectomy and devascularization of the abdominal oesophagus and upper stomach are unclear. The aim of the current study was to determine the features of portal biliopathy (PB) in patients with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension, and to investigate outcomes in these patients after surgical procedures. METHODS A retrospective study of 56 patients who underwent surgery for PB during 1996-2010 was conducted. Data on presenting features, treatment received and outcomes were analysed. RESULTS In total, 41 of these patients had extrahepatic portal venous obstruction and 15 had non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis. Forty patients underwent shunt surgery and 16 underwent splenectomy and devascularization. Median bilirubin levels fell from 1.8 mg/dl (range: 0.4-5.9 mg/dl) to 1.0 mg/dl (range: 0.3-5.4 mg/dl) after shunt surgery and from 1.9 mg/dl (range: 0.6-4.0 mg/dl) to 1.2 mg/dl (range: 0.6-5.2 mg/dl) after splenectomy-devascularization. On follow-up, five of 33 patients had persistent jaundice after successful shunt surgery. These patients had a history of multiple endoscopic stentings and three patients had demonstrated a dominant common bile duct stricture preoperatively. CONCLUSIONS Portal biliopathy was reversed in 38 of 43 patients by either portosystemic shunting or splenectomy-devascularization. In five patients, direct biliary decompressive procedures were required because of shunt blockage or a non-reversible biliary stricture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somnath Chattopadhyay
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology and Liver Transplantation, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India.
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