Reduction of portal vein pressure with the enlargement of portal-systemic shunts: observation made in one patient

Whether portal vein pressure is reduced as spontaneous portal-systemic shunts are enlarged has long been disputed. We measured portal vein pressure directly by percutaneous transhepatic catheterization in one patient with cirrhosis at a 4-year interval, and demonstrated a significant reduction in portal vein pressure that had occurred along with enlargement of a collateral paraumbilical vein and splenorenal shunt during this period.