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Updated: Jan 18, 2026

Invasive Hemodynamic Characterization of the Portal-hypertensive Syndrome in Cirrhotic Rats
Published on: August 1, 2018
Portal Hypertension: Pathogenesis and Diagnosis
Laura Turco1, Guadalupe Garcia-Tsao2
1Division of Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, Modena 41125, Italy; PhD Program in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo n 71, Modena 41125, Italy.
Abstract:
Portal hypertension (PH) is an increase in the pressure gradient between portal vein and inferior vena cava. Increased resistance occurs at different levels within the portal venous system, followed by increased portal venous inflow. PH is the main driver of cirrhosis decompensation. Varices on endoscopy or portosystemic collaterals on imaging indicate PH. Although its cause is determined mostly via noninvasive tests, the gold standard to measure portal pressure in cirrhosis and determine its severity is hepatic vein catheterization with determination of the hepatic venous pressure gradient. Measuring portal pressure is essential in proof-of-concept studies of portal pressure-lowering drugs.
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