Portal Hypertension Diagnosed and Treated by Expert Doctors at Mercy

At The Center for Liver and Hepatobiliary Diseases at Mercy in Baltimore, our liver doctors diagnose and treat patients suffering from portal hypertension. Patients from across the Mid-Atlantic region seek out our physicians for their knowledge and innovation in treating liver disease.

About Portal Hypertension
Portal hypertension is an increase in the blood pressure within a system of veins called the portal venous system. Veins, coming from the stomach, intestine, spleen, and pancreas, merge into the portal vein, branch into smaller vessels, and travel through the liver. When there is a blockage of the vessels in the liver, it is difficult for blood to flow, thus causing high pressure in the portal system. When the pressure is too high, the blood flow alternates routes to get around the blockage in the liver. The most common cause of portal hypertension is cirrhosis.
Symptoms & Diagnosis

Portal hypertension symptoms include:

  • Black stools
  • Vomiting blood
  • Fluid in the abdomen
  • Confusion or forgetfulness
  • Low level of white blood cells

Portal hypertension generally is diagnosed by physical exam of the abdomen and can be confirmed by endoscopy evaluations or imaging, including ultrasound, CT, or MRI.

Treatment Options for Portal Hypertension

Treatment options for portal hypertension consist of a variety of advanced techniques, including:

The Melissa L. Posner Institute for Digestive Health & Liver Disease at Mercy provides diagnosis and treatment for a range of gastroenterology issues including heartburn, liver disease, bowel conditions, motility disorders and pancreatic disease.