Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Invasive Hemodynamic Characterization of the Portal-hypertensive Syndrome in Cirrhotic Rats
09:37

Invasive Hemodynamic Characterization of the Portal-hypertensive Syndrome in Cirrhotic Rats

Published on: August 1, 2018

Hypertensive portal colopathy in schistosomiasis mansoni--proposal for a classification

Maria Angelina C Miranda1, Ana Lúcia C Domingues, Heloisa S Dias

  • 1Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Moraes Rego s/no, Cidade Univeresitária, 50640-900 Recife, PE, Brazil. angelinami@terra.com.br

Memorias Do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz
|October 16, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Portal hypertension causes vascular changes in the colon, known as portal colopathy. This study classifies these changes in patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis mansoni, linking them to lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Hepatology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Portal hypertension is a common complication of chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis and schistosomiasis.
  • Vascular changes in the colonic mucosa, termed portal colopathy, are associated with portal hypertension and can cause gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • Hepatosplenic schistosomiasis mansoni is a significant cause of portal hypertension in endemic regions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe and classify vascular alterations of portal colopathy in patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis mansoni.
  • To establish a classification system for portal colopathy based on observed vascular changes.
  • To investigate the relationship between the severity of portal hypertension and the characteristics of portal colopathy.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study involving patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis mansoni.
  • Endoscopic examination of the colonic mucosa to identify and characterize vascular alterations.
  • Classification of portal colopathy based on intensity and type of vascular changes.

Main Results:

  • All patients exhibited one or more alterations of portal colopathy.
  • A classification system for portal colopathy was proposed and applied.
  • The study observed a correlation between the severity of portal hypertension and the presence and intensity of portal colopathy.

Conclusions:

  • Portal colopathy is a consistent finding in hepatosplenic schistosomiasis mansoni.
  • The proposed classification aids in describing and understanding these vascular alterations.
  • Portal colopathy is a likely cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with severe portal hypertension due to schistosomiasis.

More Related Videos

New Thrombectomy Technique for Total Portal Vein Thrombosis in Liver Transplantation08:45

New Thrombectomy Technique for Total Portal Vein Thrombosis in Liver Transplantation

Published on: June 27, 2025

Laparoscopic Splenectomy with Pericardial Devascularization for Hypersplenism and Esophageal Variceal Hemorrhage Due to Portal Hypertension04:00

Laparoscopic Splenectomy with Pericardial Devascularization for Hypersplenism and Esophageal Variceal Hemorrhage Due to Portal Hypertension

Published on: November 15, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Portal Hypertension01:22

Portal Hypertension

Portal hypertension is an increase in blood pressure within the portal venous system. Normally, this pressure is less than 5 mmHg. It is considered clinically significant when it rises above 10 mmHg. At this threshold, complications from altered blood flow and venous congestion emerge.EtiologyPortal hypertension arises from conditions that impede blood flow through the liver. The most common cause is cirrhosis, in which chronic liver injury leads to fibrotic scarring. This fibrosis narrows or...
Hepatic Portal System01:21

Hepatic Portal System

The hepatic portal system, a critical part of our circulatory framework, transports nutrient-laden, deoxygenated blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver. This ingenious system plays an indispensable role in maintaining our body's metabolic equilibrium.
At its core, the hepatic portal vein is the result of a confluence of the superior and inferior mesenteric veins along with the splenic vein. Each of these veins has a unique role. The superior mesenteric vein is responsible...
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management01:28

Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management

Esophageal varices often manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding episodes, presenting symptoms like hematemesis (vomiting of blood), hematochezia (passing fresh blood via the rectum), and melena (black, tarry stools). Other signs can include weight loss, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, pruritus, altered mental status, and muscle cramps.
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction01:24

Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction

Esophageal varices are dilated, tortuous veins which are found mainly in the submucosa of the lower esophagus but which may also appear higher up or extend into the stomach. They develop due to increased pressure in the portal venous system, often as a result of liver cirrhosis. This condition scars and damages the liver, impeding normal blood flow through the portal vein. To compensate, blood seeks alternative pathways, forming fragile new vessels (varices) in the esophagus and stomach. These...
Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology01:24

Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology

Cirrhosis is a progressive chronic liver injury caused by prolonged inflammation, excessive fibrotic remodeling, and impaired regeneration. Over time, repeated hepatic insults disrupt the liver’s architecture and function, leading to reduced blood flow, impaired bile drainage, and diminished metabolic capacity.Pathophysiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis arises from three main responses to chronic liver damage: inflammation, immune activation, and hepatocyte death. These processes lead to structural...