1988 Volume 30 Issue 12 Pages 3121-3124_1
The most common etiology of esophageal varices is portal hypertension and obstruction of superior vena cava. Esophageal varices without identifiable etiology have been called idiopathic esophageal varices. We have recently experienced a case of idiopathic esophageal varices evaluated direct portal vein pressure. A 35-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of epigastralgia and upper GI endoscopy revealed esophageal varices. Laboratory studies including liver function tests were within normal limits. Laparoscopy showed large white liver and histopathological examination revealed mild fibrosis at the portal area. Portal venous phase of celiac and superior mesenteric arteriography showed normal finding. Percutaneous transhepatic portography revealed normal portal vein with a portal vein pressure of 8cm H2O. Chest CT scan revealed no abnormal finding, either. This is the first case of idiopathic esophageal varices evaluated direct portal vein pressure and denied the presence of portal hypertension definitely.
