Q: Which doctor should I approach for Budd-Chiari Syndrome?
A: You can visit a Hepatologist, Gastroenterologist or Cardiologist to treat Budd-Chiari Syndrome.
Q: What causes portal hypertension?
A: Abnormalities and changes in the blood flow, that cause pressure within the vessels, are causes of hypertension. Increased pressure in the portal venous system may be above the liver (suprahepatic), within the liver (hepatic) or below the liver (infrahepatic), and can cause cardiac disease, hepatic vein thrombosis (Budd-Chiari syndrome), cirrhosis and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) within the splenic vasculature.
Q: What are varices?
A: Varices are blood vessels similar to varicoseveins, dilated due to higher pressure. These dilated vessels are prone to bleeding as the vessel walls are weakened from increased pressure. Larger varices have thinner walls and are more prone to bleed.
Q: What is hepatic encephalopathy?
A: A reversible dysfunction of the brain that stems from liver disease is called hepatic encephalopathy. Symptoms can vary from personality changes to deep coma.
Q: Will I need an endoscopy?
A: Endoscopy is recommended in case of a gastrointestinal bleed. It is performed, within 12 hours or when the patient is stabilized.
