clinical features

Last reviewed 08/2021

Often asymptomatic with splenomegaly the only feature. The degree of splenomegaly poorly correlates with the degree of portal hypertension. It may be accompanied by pancytopenia - hypersplenism.

Presenting features may include:

  • haematemesis or melaena - due to rupture of gastro - oesophageal varices
  • ascites - with low plasma albumin
  • hepatic encephalopathy
  • porto-systemic shunts - e.g. caput Medusae
  • venous hum
  • haemorrhoids
  • peripheral oedema