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Updated: Aug 27, 2025

Measurement of the Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient and Transjugular Liver Biopsy
Published on: June 18, 2020
Hematuria Leads to a New Diagnosis of Cirrhosis
Cristina Angelo1, Allison Tan2, Dina Halegoua-De Marzio3
1Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
A known consequence of portal hypertension is the development of varices, which are described as "ectopic" when located at unusual sites in the abdomen. Ectopic varices carry a mortality rate as high as 40% after initial hemorrhagic episode. We report a patient who presented with hematuria secondary to bladder varices as the presenting symptom for a new diagnosis of cirrhosis. Cross-sectional imaging, early recognition of this rare event, combined with multidisciplinary management was essential for this patient to have a successful outcome.
A known consequence of portal hypertension is the development of varices, which are described as "ectopic" when located at unusual sites in the abdomen. Ectopic varices carry a mortality rate as high as 40% after initial hemorrhagic episode. We report a patient who presented with hematuria secondary to bladder varices as the presenting symptom for a new diagnosis of cirrhosis. Cross-sectional imaging, early recognition of this rare event, combined with multidisciplinary management was essential for this patient to have a successful outcome.
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