Increased hepatic portal resistance would lead to an increase in the hepatic portal blood pressure. This resulting increased portal blood pressure would lead to a greater flow of blood returning to the systemic venous circulation by way of the anastomosing vessels in the lower third of the esophagus as well as those around the anal sphincter. This change in the vascularity in liver is a permanent alteration associated with cirrhosis of the liver. Cirrhosis results from the liver's attempts to heal itself in the face of chronic injury. The result is one of scaring and "botched" nodular regeneration of the liver lobules. This deranged vascular flow in the liver is on of the most significant outcomes of cirrhosis.

Mark Braun, MD braunm@indiana.edu
Copyright 1998, the Trustees of Indiana University