Re: Non Cirrhotic Portal Hypertension

Posted By Nuno on August 21, 1998 at 07:53:44:

In Reply to: Re: Non Cirrhotic Portal Hypertension posted by HFHSM.D.-rf on August 20, 1998 at 22:29:08:






A friend of mine has been diagnosed with this disease.
When he had pneumonia, the doctors found that he had his pancreas 3 times bigger than its normal size.
We are all quite concerned because we found out an article dated 13 years ago in which was stated that a person with Non Cirrhotic Portal Hypertension would probably live only 5 years. Is that a fact?
We were told that it had no cure. He is currently taking "Anabet" (I dont know if that is correctly written) for reducing blood pressure. He was told that he cant practice any sport, cant make any efforts...
He is only 24 years old. What are his chances? How many years  can he still live?
______
Dear Nuno,
Noncirrhotic portal hypertension can result from a number of causes including thrombosis of the hepatic veins, industrial exposures, certain infections such as schistosomiasis and portal vein thrombosis.  Survival is determined by the underlying problem.  
I do not understand why the pancreas is enlarged and the relationship to the portal hypertension.  Pancreatitis can cause splenic vein thrombosis which can lead to noncirrhotic portal hypertension.  Isially, however, there is a history of pancreatitis and obvious risk factors e.g. family history of pancreatitis, alcohol use, passage of gall stones.
This information is povided for educational purposes only.  Always consult your personal physician for specific medical questions.
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: portal hypertension
0.3
I seem to have forgotten that the noncirrhotic portal hypertension that my friend has is not a result of anythig specific. It has unknown origin, that is, its not due to anykind of exposure, at least, that is what the physicians said. It is due to unknown causes.
Also, I completly misinformed you. The pancreas is not enlarged. The organ that is, in fact, 3 times bigger than its normal size is the SPLEEN.
In this case, I ask once again, what are his chances?