Stomach in portal hypertension

365 consecutive patient of portal hypertension [Cirrhosis 285, Non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF) 50, Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO)-30] were evaluated prospectively over a period of 2 years. Of these, 33 patients underwent successful sclerotherapy with evaluation before and after the same. Portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) was found in 56.4% (mild 28.2%, Severe 28.2%) of total patients; while its incidence was 60.6% in cirrhosis, 54% in NCPF and 20% in EHPVO. Incidence of PHG was significantly higher in cirrhotics when compared with non-cirrhotics (60.7% vs 41.25%: p < 0.05). PHG is more common in patients with large esophageal varices as compared to those with small varices (64.1% vs 50.8%: p < 0.05). Overall incidence of gastric varices was 29.3% while its incidence in cirrhosis, NCPF and EHPVO was 22.1%, 44% and 73.3% respectively. Incidence of gastric varices was significantly higher in non-cirrhotics (NCPF + EHPVO) when compared with cirrhotic (p < 0.05) and in patients with large esophageal varices when compared with patients having small esophageal varices (p < 0.05). Peptic ulcer was found in 10.9% patients with portal hypertension. (More than 90% were cirrhotics, mainly alcoholics). 33 patients underwent successful sclerotherapy of which 11 had PHG (mild--6, severe--5) at the beginning of sclerotherapy. After successful sclerotherapy 26 patients had PHG (mild--14, severe--12) p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in incidence of gastric varices before and after sclerotherapy. Incidence of PHG was significantly higher in cirrhotics while gastric varices were seen more commonly in patients with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)