Normal portal vein pressure is

• Normal portal vein pressure: 5-10 mm Hg  • Variceal formation occurs when portal pressure is >10 mm Hg. • Variceal bleeding occurs when portal pressure is >12 mm Hg.  • Normal portal vein pressure: 10-15 cm saline • Definition: Portal pressure >10 mm Hg • MC cause of portal hypertension in United States: Cirrhosis. • Consequence of both increased portal vascular resistance and increased portal flow. • Portal hypertension results in splenomegaly with enlarged, tortuous, and even aneurysmal splenic vessels. • Cruveilhier-Baumgarten murmur: Audible venous hum in caput medusa • Hyperdynamic portal venous circulation seems to be related to the severity of the liver failure. • Upper G.I. bleeding is caused by the portal hypertension in about 90% of instances. • Most bleeding episodes occur during the first 1 to 2 years after identification of varices. • Colour Doppler is the investigation of choice for evaluation of PHT. • About one third of deaths in patients with known esophageal varices are due to upper GI bleed • A larger proportion dies as a result of liver failure. • MC causes of death in cirrhosis patients: Hepatic failure • 2nd MC causes of death in cirrhosis patients: variceal hemorrhage