Influence of patent paraumbilical vein on the development of esophageal varices and esophageal variceal bleeding in liver cirrhosis: A protective factor or a risk factor? / 临床肝胆病杂志

ABSTRACT

Previous studies believe that patent paraumbilical vein in cirrhotic portal hypertension can reduce portal venous flow, portal venous pressure, and the development of esophageal varices and esophageal variceal bleeding, but there are still controversies over this issue in clinical practice. This article reviews the formation of portal systemic collateral circulation, the characteristics of the paraumbilical vein, the definition and diagnosis of patent paraumbilical vein, and the influence of patent paraumbilical vein on the development of esophageal varices and esophageal variceal bleeding, and it is believed that patent paraumbilical vein may not reduce the development of esophageal varices and esophageal variceal bleeding. Contrary to the previous points of view, patent paraumbilical vein should be regarded as a manifestation of the progression of cirrhotic portal hypertension, which can lead to the complications such as hepatic encephalopathy, and therefore, targeted prevention measures should be adopted in clinical practice.