Portal Hypertension Reversibility with Treatment of Underlying Liver Disease
Cirrhosis is the end-stage manifestation of chronic hepatitis with the most common causes of chronic hepatitis in developed countries being related to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and alcoholic liver disease. With more advanced cirrhosis, the development of portal hypertension occurs that leads to clinical decompensation. With improvement in therapies for hepatitis B and C, we have seen regression of fibrosis and even cirrhosis. However, there are limited data on reversal of portal hypertension. This review examines the direct and indirect evidence that we will be able to see regression of portal hypertension in those with cirrhosis.