Portacaval anastomosis
Portacaval Anastomosis
Portacaval anastomosis (pronunciation: por-ta-ka-val an-as-to-mo-sis) is a specific type of anastomosis that occurs between the portal vein and the inferior vena cava. This connection allows for the diversion of blood flow from the liver, which can occur in certain pathological conditions such as portal hypertension.
Etymology
The term "portacaval" is derived from the Latin words "porta," meaning gate, and "cava," meaning hollow or cavity. This refers to the connection between the portal vein, which is the main vessel supplying blood to the liver, and the inferior vena cava, the large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower half of the body back to the heart.
Types of Portacaval Anastomosis
There are several types of portacaval anastomosis, including:
- Esophageal varices: This occurs when the veins in the esophagus become enlarged and swollen due to increased pressure in the portal vein. This is often a complication of cirrhosis.
- Caput medusae: This is a condition where the veins around the belly button become swollen due to increased blood flow. This is often seen in patients with severe liver disease.
- Hemorrhoids: This is a type of portacaval anastomosis where the veins in the rectum become swollen due to increased pressure in the portal vein.
Clinical Significance
Portacaval anastomosis is clinically significant as it can lead to various complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy. It is often seen in patients with liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatitis.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Portacaval anastomosis
- Wikipedia's article - Portacaval anastomosis
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