Underlying mechanism of portal hypertensive gastropathy in cirrhosis: A hemodynamic and morphological approach

• Published in: Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology Vol. 24; no. 9; pp. 1541 - 1546
• Main Authors: Curvêlo, Lílian Amorim, Brabosa, Walnei, Rhor, Rachel, Lanzoni, Valéria, Parise, Edison Roberto, Ferrari, Angelo Paulo, Kondo, Mario
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Melbourne, Australia Blackwell Publishing Asia 01.09.2009; Wiley-Blackwell
• Subjects: Adult; Arterial hypertension. Arterial hypotension; Biological and medical sciences; Biomarkers - blood; Blood and lymphatic vessels; Cardiology. Vascular system; cirrhosis; Cross-Sectional Studies; Esophageal and Gastric Varices - etiology; Esophageal and Gastric Varices - pathology; Esophageal and Gastric Varices - physiopathology; Esophagoscopy; Female; Gastric Mucosa - blood supply; Gastric Mucosa - metabolism; Gastric Mucosa - pathology; Gastroenterology. Liver. Pancreas. Abdomen; Gastroscopy; Glucagon - blood; Hemodynamics; hepatocellular function; Humans; Hypertension, Portal - etiology; Hypertension, Portal - pathology; Hypertension, Portal - physiopathology; Liver Cirrhosis - complications; Liver Cirrhosis - pathology; Liver Cirrhosis - physiopathology; Liver Function Tests; Liver. Biliary tract. Portal circulation. Exocrine pancreas; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Other diseases. Semiology; portal hemodynamics; portal hypertension; portal hypertensive gastropathy; Predictive Value of Tests; Risk Factors; Severity of Illness Index; Splanchnic Circulation; Stomach Diseases - etiology; Stomach Diseases - pathology; Stomach Diseases - physiopathology; Vascular Resistance; Vasodilation; Venous Pressure; Hypertension; Portal circulation disease; Cardiovascular disease; Hepatic disease; hepatocellular function; Mechanism; Vascular disease; Cirrhosis; Gastroenterology; Portal hypertension; Digestive diseases; Surgical approach; Hemodynamics; Portal vein; portal hypertensive gastropathy; portal hemodynamics
• ISSN: 0815-9319; 1440-1746
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2009.05871.x

Background and Aim:  Portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) is an important cause of bleeding in patients with cirrhosis associated with portal hypertension. Histologically, the condition is characterized by dilation of the mucosal and submucosal vessels of the stomach; however, its mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of the present cross‐sectional study was to evaluate the role of portal and systemic hemodynamic features, humoral factors and hepatocellular function in the development and severity of PHG in patients with cirrhosis. Methods:  Forty‐six patients with cirrhosis of different etiologies underwent endoscopy. Portal hypertension was evaluated by hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). The gastric mucosa was analyzed using two diagnostic methods: endoscopy according to the McCormack criteria and histological by histomorphometric analysis. Results:  The prevalence of PHG according to the endoscopic and histomorphometric methods was 93.4% and 76.1%, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in HVPG measurements between the patients with mild (16.0 ± 5.9 mmHg) and severe PHG (16.9 ± 6.5 mmHg; P = 0.80) or between patients who did not have (15.2 ± 8.0 mmHg) and those who had PHG (16.3 ± 5.7 mmHg). No correlation was found between the presence or severity of PHG and systemic vascular resistance index (P = 0.53 and 0.34, respectively), Child–Pugh classification (P = 0.73 and 0.78, respectively) or glucagon levels (P = 0.59 and 0.62, respectively). Conclusions:  The present data show no correlation between the presence or the severity of PHG and portal pressure, Child–Pugh classification or systemic hemodynamics, suggesting that other factors may be involved in the physiopathology of PHG, such as local gastric mucosal factors or other underlying factors.