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Portal hypertensive colopathy: histologic appearance of the colonic mucosa
J F Ponce González1, E Dominguez Adame Lanuza, I Martin Zurita
1Department of Surgery, Virgen del Rocio University Hospital, Seville, Spain.
Background/Aims:
The aim of this study was to evaluate macroscopic and histologic disorders of the colon in rats with portal hypertension.
Methodology:
The animals were divided into two groups: 10 rats in the experimental group and 10 controls. Portal hypertension was induced by a partial ligation of the portal vein. We assessed the histologic appearance and macroscopic alterations of the colonic mucosa 12 weeks after the induction of portal hypertension.
Results:
The macroscopic results showed the presence of the typical signs of portal hypertension, with dilatation and tortuosity of the mesenteric veins and hyperemia of the rectum and colon. Histologic study revealed a marked dilatation in the microcirculation at the level of the ascending colon (20 +/- 2 micra in diameter) and rectum (30 +/- 4), with a tendency to group the lesions. Submucosal edema without inflammatory signs was observed.
Conclusion:
The existence of these lesions in the colon and rectum can be the cause of hemorrhage, as in the gastropathy of portal hypertension and should be considered in cases of undiagnosed hemorrhage in patients with portal hypertension.