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World J Gastroenterol. Mar 21, 2011; 17(11): 1410-1415
Published online Mar 21, 2011. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i11.1410
Portal ductopathy: Clinical importance and nomenclature
Yusuf Bayraktar
Yusuf Bayraktar, Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Clinic, Hacettepe University Hospitals, Ankara 06100, Turkey
Author contributions: Bayraktar Y is the sole contributor to this manuscript, having been primarily responsible for the diagnosis and management of patients with portal vein cavernous transformation.
Correspondence to: Yusuf Bayraktar, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Clinic, Hacettepe University Hospitals, Sihhiye, Ankara 06100, Turkey. bayrak@hacettepe.edu.tr
Telephone: +90-312-4429428 Fax: +90-312-4429429
Received: August 5, 2010
Revised: December 9, 2010
Accepted: December 16, 2010
Published online: March 21, 2011
Abstract

Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (PHT) accounts for about 20% of all PHT cases, portal vein thrombosis (PVT) resulting in cavernous transformation being the most common cause. All known complications of PHT may be encountered in patients with chronic PVT. However, the effect of this entity on the biliary tree and pancreatic duct has not yet been fully established. Additionally, a dispute remains regarding the nomenclature of common bile duct abnormalities which occur as a result of chronic PVT. Although many clinical reports have focused on biliary abnormalities, only a few have evaluated both the biliary and pancreatic ductal systems. In this review the relevant literature evaluating the effect of PVT on both ductal systems is discussed, and findings are considered with reference to results of a prominent center in Turkey, from which the term “portal ductopathy” has been put forth to replace “portal biliopathy”.

Keywords: Portal hypertension, Portal vein thrombosis, Portal vein cavernous transformation, Congenital hepatic fibrosis, Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension, Portal ductopathy, Portal double ductopathy, Portal biliopathy