portal hypertension

portal hypertension An elevated pressure in the veins of the portal circulation. Normally, the veins from the stomach, intestine, spleen, and pancreas merge into the portal vein, which then branches into smaller vessels and travels through the liver. If the vessels in the liver are blocked, it is hard for the blood to flow, causing high pressure in the portal system. It can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, ascites, and symptoms related to decreasing function of the liver.