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portal hypertension  abnormally increased pressure in the portal circulation due to narrowing of the capillary branches of the portal vessels. The result is impairment of the liver's ability to detoxify wastes and transport nutrients, resulting in hepatic encephalopathy, anorexia, and metabolic acidosis. The increased pressure can lead to escape of fluids through the liver capsule and into the abdominal cavity (ascites). Resistance to blood flow in the hepatic sinusoids can cause esophageal varices and dilatation of abdominal and rectal veins.




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