[Diffuse gastric mucosal redness in liver cirrhosis--with special reference to portal hemodynamics]

The clinicopathological characteristics of the diffuse gastric mucosal redness were studied in 235 patients with liver cirrhosis. Moreover, in 96 patients in whom percutaneous transhepatic portal catheterization was carried out, the relationship was studied between gastric mucosal lesions and portal hemodynamic aspect with reference to portal vein pressure and extrahepatic collaterals. Extrahepatic collaterals were divided into three groups, which related either of cephalad, caudal and peri-abdominal as the most prevalent extrahepatic collateral on portographic findings. The frequency of the diffuse gastric mucosal redness was increased with the elevation of portal vein pressure, and it was seen more frequently in patients with cephalad collaterals than in caudal. However, the diffuse gastric mucosal redness was seen less frequently in patients with cephalad collateral accompanied with the development of renal shunts. Multiple logistic model analysis showed significant correlation between the diffuse gastric mucosal redness and the development of cephalad collaterals. These results suggest that the gastric mucosal circulation in liver cirrhosis is strongly affected by the development of portosystemic collaterals in portal hypertension.