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Multiple Choice

Portal hypertension is defined as elevated pressure in the portal venous system. Which two complications are most commonly associated?

Portal hypertension raises pressure in the portal venous system, which drives fluid into the peritoneal cavity and promotes formation of dilated collateral vessels. The two most common and clinically important consequences are ascites from fluid leakage into the abdomen and esophageal variceal bleeding from dilated portal-systemic collaterals. Ascites reflects increased hydrostatic pressure and often sodium and water retention, while variceal bleeding stems from fragile esophageal veins that form to bypass high portal pressure. Other options don’t fit as well: renal failure and pancreatitis aren’t typical direct complications of portal hypertension; pulmonary edema and DVT aren’t driven by portal hypertension; Guillain-Barré syndrome and autoimmune hepatitis are unrelated conditions in this context (autoimmune hepatitis can cause liver disease, but it’s not a direct consequence of portal hypertension).

Portal hypertension raises pressure in the portal venous system, which drives fluid into the peritoneal cavity and promotes formation of dilated collateral vessels. The two most common and clinically important consequences are ascites from fluid leakage into the abdomen and esophageal variceal bleeding from dilated portal-systemic collaterals. Ascites reflects increased hydrostatic pressure and often sodium and water retention, while variceal bleeding stems from fragile esophageal veins that form to bypass high portal pressure.

Other options don’t fit as well: renal failure and pancreatitis aren’t typical direct complications of portal hypertension; pulmonary edema and DVT aren’t driven by portal hypertension; Guillain-Barré syndrome and autoimmune hepatitis are unrelated conditions in this context (autoimmune hepatitis can cause liver disease, but it’s not a direct consequence of portal hypertension).