ACG Clinical Guideline: Disorders of the Hepatic and Mesenteric Circulation

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Vascular liver disorders, including those affecting mesenteric, portal, and hepatic veins and arteries, have significant clinical implications.
• These conditions can lead to severe outcomes such as acute liver failure, chronic liver disease, noncirrhotic portal hypertension, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
• Despite their prevalence, literature on vascular liver disorders is relatively scarce.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide expert guidance and practice recommendations for the management of vascular liver disorders.
• To assist general practitioners, gastroenterologists, and hepatologists in clinical decision-making for these conditions.

Main Methods:

• Development of key concept statements based on author expert opinion and literature review.
• Formulation of specific recommendations using PICO/GRADE analysis.
• Creation of official practice guidelines by the American College of Gastroenterology.

Main Results:

• Established practice recommendations for managing vascular liver disorders.
• Provided evidence-based guidance derived from expert consensus and systematic review.
• Highlighted the need for individualized patient management.

Conclusions:

• These guidelines offer crucial support for clinicians managing patients with vascular liver disorders.
• Recommendations are intended to be adapted to individual patient needs and clinical scenarios.
• Improved management of vascular liver disorders can mitigate severe clinical consequences and improve patient outcomes.